Chapter61
　　Onthatsamenight——eventssocrowduponeachotherinconvulsedanddistractedtimes，thatmorethanthestirringincidentsofawholelifeoftenbecomecompressedintothecompassoffour-and-
　　twentyhours——onthatsamenight，MrHaredale，havingstronglyboundhisprisoner，withtheassistanceofthesexton，andforcedhimtomounthishorse，conductedhimtoChigwell;bentuponprocuringaconveyancetoLondonfromthatplace，andcarryinghimatoncebeforeajustice。Thedisturbedstateofthetownwouldbe，heknew，asufficientreasonfordemandingthemurderer’scommittaltoprisonbeforedaybreak，asnomancouldanswerforthesecurityofanyofthewatch-housesorordinaryplacesofdetention;andtoconveyaprisonerthroughthestreetswhenthemobwereagainabroad，wouldnotonlybeataskofgreatdangerandhazard，butwouldbetochallengeanattemptatrescue。Directingthesextontoleadthehorse，hewalkedclosebythemurderer’sside，andinthisordertheyreachedthevillageaboutthemiddleofthenight。
　　Thepeoplewereallawakeandup，fortheywerefearfulofbeingburntintheirbeds，andsoughttocomfortandassureeachotherbywatchingincompany。Afewofthestoutest-heartedwerearmedandgatheredinabodyonthegreen。Tothese，whoknewhimwell，MrHaredaleaddressedhimself，brieflynarratingwhathadhappened，andbeseechingthemtoaidinconveyingthecriminaltoLondonbeforethedawnofday。
　　Butnotamanamongthemdaredtohelphimbysomuchasthemotionofafinger。Therioters，intheirpassagethroughthevillage，hadmenacedwiththeirfiercestvengeance，anypersonwhoshouldaidinextinguishingthefire，orrendertheleastassistancetohim，oranyCatholicwhomsoever。Theirthreatsextendedtotheirlivesandalltheypossessed。Theywereassembledfortheirownprotection，andcouldnotendangerthemselvesbylendinganyaidtohim。Thistheytoldhim，notwithouthesitationandregret，astheykeptaloofinthemoonlightandglancedfearfullyattheghostlyrider，who，withhisheaddroopingonhisbreastandhishatsloucheddownuponhisbrow，neithermovednorspoke。
　　Findingitimpossibletopersuadethem，andindeedhardlyknowinghowtodosoafterwhattheyhadseenofthefuryofthecrowd，MrHaredalebesoughtthemthatatleasttheywouldleavehimfreetoactforhimself，andwouldsufferhimtotaketheonlychaiseandpairofhorsesthattheplaceafforded。Thiswasnotaccededtowithoutsomedifficulty，butintheendtheytoldhimtodowhathewould，andgoawayfromtheminheaven’sname。
　　Leavingthesextonatthehorse’sbridle，hedrewoutthechaisewithhisownhands，andwouldhaveharnessedthehorses，butthatthepost-boyofthevillage——asoft-hearted，good-for-nothing，vagabondkindoffellow——wasmovedbyhisearnestnessandpassion，and，throwingdownapitchforkwithwhichhewasarmed，sworethattheriotersmightcuthimintomincemeatiftheyliked，buthewouldnotstandbyandseeanhonestgentlemanwhohaddonenowrong，reducedtosuchextremity，withoutdoingwhathecouldtohelphim。MrHaredaleshookhimwarmlybythehand，andthankedhimfromhisheart。Infiveminutes’timethechaisewasready，andthisgoodscapegraceinhissaddle。Themurdererwasputinside，theblindsweredrawnup，thesextontookhisseatuponthebar，MrHaredalemountedhishorseandrodeclosebesidethedoor;
　　andsotheystartedinthedeadofnight，andinprofoundsilence，forLondon。
　　TheconsternationwassoextremethateventhehorseswhichhadescapedtheflamesattheWarren，couldfindnofriendstoshelterthem。Theypassedthemontheroad，browsingonthestuntedgrass;
　　andthedrivertoldthem，thatthepoorbeastshadwanderedtothevillagefirst，buthadbeendrivenaway，lesttheyshouldbringthevengeanceofthecrowdonanyoftheinhabitants。
　　Norwasthisfeelingconfinedtosuchsmallplaces，wherethepeopleweretimid，ignorant，andunprotected。WhentheycamenearLondontheymet，inthegreylightofmorning，morethanonepoorCatholicfamilywho，terrifiedbythethreatsandwarningsoftheirneighbours，werequittingthecityonfoot，andwhotoldthemtheycouldhirenocartorhorsefortheremovaloftheirgoods，andhadbeencompelledtoleavethembehind，atthemercyofthecrowd。NearMileEndtheypassedahouse，themasterofwhich，aCatholicgentlemanofsmallmeans，havinghiredawaggontoremovehisfurniturebymidnight，hadhaditallbroughtdownintothestreet，towaitthevehicle’sarrival，andsavetimeinthepacking。Butthemanwithwhomhemadethebargain，alarmedbythefiresthatnight，andbythesightoftherioterspassinghisdoor，hadrefusedtokeepit:andthepoorgentleman，withhiswifeandservantandtheirlittlechildren，weresittingtremblingamongtheirgoodsintheopenstreet，dreadingthearrivalofdayandnotknowingwheretoturnorwhattodo。
　　Itwasthesame，theyheard，withthepublicconveyances。Thepanicwassogreatthatthemailsandstage-coacheswereafraidtocarrypassengerswhoprofessedtheobnoxiousreligion。Ifthedriversknewthem，ortheyadmittedthattheyheldthatcreed，theywouldnottakethem，no，thoughtheyofferedlargesums;andyesterday，peoplehadbeenafraidtorecogniseCatholicacquaintanceinthestreets，lesttheyshouldbemarkedbyspies，andburntout，asitwascalled，inconsequence。Onemildoldman——
　　apriest，whosechapelwasdestroyed;averyfeeble，patient，inoffensivecreature——whowastrudgingaway，alone，designingtowalksomedistancefromtown，andthentryhisfortunewiththecoaches，toldMrHaredalethathefearedhemightnotfindamagistratewhowouldhavethehardihoodtocommitaprisonertojail，onhiscomplaint。Butnotwithstandingthesediscouragingaccountstheywenton，andreachedtheMansionHousesoonaftersunrise。
　　MrHaredalethrewhimselffromhishorse，buthehadnoneedtoknockatthedoor，foritwasalreadyopen，andtherestooduponthestepaportlyoldman，withaveryred，orratherpurpleface，whowithananxiousexpressionofcountenance，wasremonstratingwithsomeunseenpersonageupstairs，whiletheporteressayedtoclosethedoorbydegreesandgetridofhim。Withtheintenseimpatienceandexcitementnaturaltooneinhiscondition，MrHaredalethrusthimselfforwardandwasabouttospeak，whenthefatoldgentlemaninterposed:
　　’Mygoodsir，’saidhe，’prayletmegetananswer。ThisisthesixthtimeIhavebeenhere。Iwasherefivetimesyesterday。Myhouseisthreatenedwithdestruction。Itistobeburneddownto-
　　night，andwastohavebeenlastnight，buttheyhadotherbusinessontheirhands。Prayletmegetananswer。’
　　’Mygoodsir，’returnedMrHaredale，shakinghishead，’myhouseisburnedtotheground。Butheavenforbidthatyoursshouldbe。
　　Getyouranswer。Bebrief，inmercytome。’
　　’Now，youhearthis，mylord？’——saidtheoldgentleman，callingupthestairs，towheretheskirtofadressing-gownflutteredonthelanding-place。’Hereisagentlemanhere，whosehousewasactuallyburntdownlastnight。’
　　’Dearme，dearme，’repliedatestyvoice，’Iamverysorryforit，butwhatamItodo？Ican’tbuilditupagain。Thechiefmagistrateofthecitycan’tgoandbearebuildingofpeople’shouses，mygoodsir。Stuffandnonsense！’
　　’Butthechiefmagistrateofthecitycanpreventpeople’shousesfromhavinganyneedtoberebuilt，ifthechiefmagistrate’saman，andnotadummy——can’the，mylord？’criedtheoldgentlemaninacholericmanner。
　　’Youaredisrespectable，sir，’saidtheLordMayor——’leastways，disrespectfulImean。’
　　’Disrespectful，mylord！’returnedtheoldgentleman。’Iwasrespectfulfivetimesyesterday。Ican’tberespectfulforever。
　　Mencan’tstandonbeingrespectfulwhentheirhousesaregoingtobeburntovertheirheads，withthemin’em。WhatamItodo，mylord？AMItohaveanyprotection！’
　　’Itoldyouyesterday，sir，’saidtheLordMayor，’thatyoumighthaveanaldermaninyourhouse，ifyoucouldgetonetocome。’
　　’Whatthedevil’sthegoodofanalderman？’returnedthecholericoldgentleman。
　　’——Toawethecrowd，sir，’saidtheLordMayor。
　　’OhLordha’mercy！’whimperedtheoldgentleman，ashewipedhisforeheadinastateofludicrousdistress，’tothinkofsendinganaldermantoaweacrowd！Why，mylord，iftheywereevensomanybabies，fedonmother’smilk，whatdoyouthinkthey’dcareforanalderman！WillYOUcome？’
　　’I！’saidtheLordMayor，mostemphatically:’Certainlynot。’
　　’Thenwhat，’returnedtheoldgentleman，’whatamItodo？AmIacitizenofEngland？AmItohavethebenefitofthelaws？AmItohaveanyreturnfortheKing’staxes？’
　　’Idon’tknow，Iamsure，’saidtheLordMayor;’whatapityitisyou’reaCatholic！Whycouldn’tyoubeaProtestant，andthenyouwouldn’thavegotyourselfintosuchamess？I’msureIdon’tknowwhat’stobedone——Therearegreatpeopleatthebottomoftheseriots——Ohdearme，whatathingitistobeapubliccharacter！——
　　Youmustlookinagaininthecourseoftheday——Wouldajavelin-
　　mando？——Orthere’sPhilipstheconstable，——HE’Sdisengaged，——he’snotveryoldforamanathistimeoflife，exceptinhislegs，andifyouputhimupatawindowhe’dlookquiteyoungbycandle-
　　light，andmightfrighten’emverymuch——Ohdear！——well！——we’llseeaboutit。’
　　’Stop！’criedMrHaredale，pressingthedooropenastheporterstrovetoshutit，andspeakingrapidly，’MyLordMayor，Ibegyounottogoaway。Ihaveamanhere，whocommittedamurdereight-
　　and-twentyyearsago。Half-a-dozenwordsfromme，onoath，willjustifyyouincommittinghimtoprisonforre-examination。Ionlyseek，justnow，tohavehimconsignedtoaplaceofsafety。Theleastdelaymayinvolvehisbeingrescuedbytherioters。’
　　’Ohdearme！’criedtheLordMayor。’Godblessmysoul——andbody——
　　ohLor！——wellI！——therearegreatpeopleatthebottomoftheseriots，youknow——Youreallymustn’t。’
　　’Mylord，’saidMrHaredale，’themurderedgentlemanwasmybrother;Isucceededtohisinheritance;therewerenotwantingslanderoustonguesatthattime，towhisperthattheguiltofthismostfoulandcrueldeedwasmine——mine，wholovedhim，asheknows，inHeaven，dearly。Thetimehascome，afteralltheseyearsofgloomandmisery，foravenginghim，andbringingtolightacrimesoartfulandsodevilishthatithasnoparallel。Everysecond’sdelayonyourpartloosensthisman’sbloodyhandsagain，andleadstohisescape。Mylord，Ichargeyouhearme，anddespatchthismatterontheinstant。’
　　’Ohdearme！’criedthechiefmagistrate;’thesean’tbusinesshours，youknow——Iwonderatyou——howungentlemanlyitisofyou——
　　youmustn’t——youreallymustn’t——AndIsupposeyouareaCatholictoo？’
　　’Iam，’saidMrHaredale。
　　’Godblessmysoul，IbelievepeopleturnCatholicsa’purposetovexandworritme，’criedtheLordMayor。’Iwishyouwouldn’tcomehere;they’llbesettingtheMansionHouseafirenext，andweshallhaveyoutothankforit。Youmustlockyourprisonerup，sir——givehimtoawatchman——and——callagainatapropertime。
　　Thenwe’llseeaboutit！’
　　BeforeMrHaredalecouldanswer，thesharpclosingofadooranddrawingofitsbolts，gavenoticethattheLordMayorhadretreatedtohisbedroom，andthatfurtherremonstrancewouldbeunavailing。
　　Thetwoclientsretreatedlikewise，andtheportershutthemoutintothestreet。
　　’That’sthewayheputsmeoff，’saidtheoldgentleman，’Icangetnoredressandnohelp。Whatareyougoingtodo，sir？’
　　’Totryelsewhere，’answeredMrHaredale，whowasbythistimeonhorseback。
　　’Ifeelforyou，Iassureyou——andwellImay，forweareinacommoncause，’saidtheoldgentleman。’Imaynothaveahousetoofferyouto-night;letmetenderitwhileIcan。Onsecondthoughtsthough，’headded，puttingupapocket-bookhehadproducedwhilespeaking，’I’llnotgiveyouacard，forifitwasfounduponyou，itmightgetyouintotrouble。Langdale——that’smyname——vintneranddistiller——HolbornHill——you’reheartilywelcome，ifyou’llcome。’
　　MrHaredalebowed，androdeoff，closebesidethechaiseasbefore;
　　determiningtorepairtothehouseofSirJohnFielding，whohadthereputationofbeingaboldandactivemagistrate，andfullyresolved，incasetheriotersshouldcomeuponthem，todoexecutiononthemurdererwithhisownhands，ratherthansufferhimtobereleased。
　　Theyarrivedatthemagistrate’sdwelling，however，withoutmolestationforthemob，aswehaveseen，werethenintentondeeperschemes，andknockedatthedoor。AsithadbeenprettygenerallyrumouredthatSirJohnwasproscribedbytherioters，abodyofthief-takershadbeenkeepingwatchinthehouseallnight。
　　TooneofthemMrHaredalestatedhisbusiness，whichappearingtothemanofsufficientmomenttowarranthisarousingthejustice，procuredhimanimmediateaudience。
　　NotimewaslostincommittingthemurderertoNewgate;thenanewbuilding，recentlycompletedatavastexpense，andconsideredtobeofenormousstrength。Thewarrantbeingmadeout，threeofthethief-takersboundhimafreshhehadbeenstruggling，itseemed，inthechaise，andhadloosenedhismanacles;gaggedhimlesttheyshouldmeetwithanyofthemob，andheshouldcalltothemforhelp;andseatedthemselves，alongwithhim，inthecarriage。
　　Thesemenbeingallwellarmed，madeaformidableescort;buttheydrewuptheblindsagain，asthoughthecarriagewereempty，anddirectedMrHaredaletorideforward，thathemightnotattractattentionbyseemingtobelongtoit。
　　Thewisdomofthisproceedingwassufficientlyobvious，forastheyhurriedthroughthecitytheypassedamongseveralgroupsofmen，who，iftheyhadnotsupposedthechaisetobequiteempty，wouldcertainlyhavestoppedit。Butthosewithinkeepingquiteclose，andthedrivertarryingtobeaskednoquestions，theyreachedtheprisonwithoutinterruption，and，oncethere，hadhimout，andsafewithinitsgloomywalls，inatwinkling。
　　Witheagereyesandstrainedattention，MrHaredalesawhimchained，andlockedandbarredupinhiscell。Nay，whenhehadleftthejail，andstoodinthefreestreet，without，hefelttheironplatesuponthedoors，withhishands，anddrewthemoverthestonewall，toassurehimselfthatitwasreal;andtoexultinitsbeingsostrong，andrough，andcold。Itwasnotuntilheturnedhisbackuponthejail，andglancedalongtheemptystreets，solifelessandquietinthebrightmorning，thathefelttheweightuponhisheart;thatheknewhewastorturedbyanxietyforthosehehadleftathome;andthathomeitselfwasbutanotherbeadinthelongrosaryofhisregrets。
　　Chapter62
　　Theprisoner，lefttohimself，satdownuponhisbedstead:andrestinghiselbowsonhisknees，andhischinuponhishands，remainedinthatattitudeforhours。Itwouldbehardtosay，ofwhatnaturehisreflectionswere。Theyhadnodistinctness，and，savingforsomeflashesnowandthen，noreferencetohisconditionorthetrainofcircumstancesbywhichithadbeenbroughtabout。
　　Thecracksinthepavementofhiscell，thechinksinthewallwherestonewasjoinedtostone，thebarsinthewindow，theironringuponthefloor，——suchthingsasthese，subsidingstrangelyintooneanother，andawakeninganindescribablekindofinterestandamusement，engrossedhiswholemind;andalthoughatthebottomofhiseverythoughttherewasanuneasysenseofguilt，anddreadofdeath，hefeltnomorethanthatvagueconsciousnessofit，whichasleeperhasofpain。Itpursueshimthroughhisdreams，gnawsattheheartofallhisfanciedpleasures，robsthebanquetofitstaste，musicofitssweetness，makeshappinessitselfunhappy，andyetisnobodilysensation，butaphantomwithoutshape，orform，orvisiblepresence;pervadingeverything，buthavingnoexistence;recognisableeverywhere，butnowhereseen，ortouched，ormetwithfacetoface，untilthesleepispast，andwakingagonyreturns。
　　Afteralongtimethedoorofhiscellopened。Helookedup;sawtheblindmanenter;andrelapsedintohisformerposition。
　　Guidedbyhisbreathing，thevisitoradvancedtowherehesat;andstoppingbesidehim，andstretchingouthishandtoassurehimselfthathewasright，remained，foragoodspace，silent。
　　’Thisisbad，Rudge。Thisisbad，’hesaidatlength。
　　Theprisonershuffledwithhisfeetuponthegroundinturninghisbodyfromhim，butmadenootheranswer。
　　’Howwereyoutaken？’heasked。’Andwhere？Younevertoldmemorethanhalfyoursecret。Nomatter;Iknowitnow。Howwasit，andwhere，eh？’heaskedagain，comingstillnearertohim。
　　’AtChigwell，’saidtheother。
　　’AtChigwell！Howcameyouthere？’
　　’BecauseIwenttheretoavoidthemanIstumbledon，’heanswered。
　　’BecauseIwaschasedanddriventhere，byhimandFate。BecauseI
　　wasurgedtogothere，bysomethingstrongerthanmyownwill。
　　WhenIfoundhimwatchinginthehousesheusedtolivein，nightafternight，IknewInevercouldescapehim——never！andwhenI
　　heardtheBell——’
　　Heshivered;mutteredthatitwasverycold;pacedquicklyupanddownthenarrowcell;andsittingdownagain，fellintohisoldposture。
　　’Youweresaying，’saidtheblindman，afteranotherpause，’thatwhenyouheardtheBell——’
　　’Letitbe，willyou？’heretortedinahurriedvoice。’Ithangsthereyet。’
　　Theblindmanturnedawistfulandinquisitivefacetowardshim，buthecontinuedtospeak，withoutnoticinghim。
　　’IwenttoChigwell，insearchofthemob。Ihavebeensohuntedandbesetbythisman，thatIknewmyonlyhopeofsafetylayinjoiningthem。Theyhadgoneonbefore;Ifollowedthemwhenitleftoff。’
　　’Whenwhatleftoff？’
　　’TheBell。Theyhadquittedtheplace。Ihopedthatsomeofthemmightbestilllingeringamongtheruins，andwassearchingforthemwhenIheard——’hedrewalongbreath，andwipedhisforeheadwithhissleeve——’hisvoice。’
　　’Sayingwhat？’
　　’Nomatterwhat。Idon’tknow。Iwasthenatthefootoftheturret，whereIdidthe——’
　　’Ay，’saidtheblindman，noddinghisheadwithperfectcomposure，’Iunderstand。’
　　’Iclimbedthestair，orsomuchofitaswasleft;meaningtohidetillhehadgone。Butheheardme;andfollowedalmostassoonasIsetfootupontheashes。’
　　’Youmighthavehiddeninthewall，andthrownhimdown，orstabbedhim，’saidtheblindman。
　　’MightI？Betweenthatmanandme，wasonewholedhimon——Isawit，thoughhedidnot——andraisedabovehisheadabloodyhand。ItwasintheroomabovethatHEandIstoodglaringateachotheronthenightofthemurder，andbeforehefellheraisedhishandlikethat，andfixedhiseyesonme。Iknewthechasewouldendthere。’
　　’Youhaveastrongfancy，’saidtheblindman，withasmile。
　　’Strengthenyourswithblood，andseewhatitwillcometo。’
　　Hegroaned，androckedhimself，andlookingupforthefirsttime，said，inalow，hollowvoice:
　　’Eight-and-twentyyears！Eight-and-twentyyears！Hehasneverchangedinallthattime，nevergrownolder，noralteredintheleastdegree。Hehasbeenbeforemeinthedarknight，andthebroadsunnyday;inthetwilight，themoonlight，thesunlight，thelightoffire，andlamp，andcandle;andinthedeepestgloom。
　　Alwaysthesame！Incompany，insolitude，onland，onshipboard;
　　sometimesleavingmealoneformonths，andsometimesalwayswithme。Ihaveseenhim，atsea，comeglidinginthedeadofnightalongthebrightreflectionofthemooninthecalmwater;andI
　　haveseenhim，onquaysandmarket-places，withhishanduplifted，towering，thecentreofabusycrowd，unconsciousoftheterribleformthathaditssilentstandamongthem。Fancy！Areyoureal？
　　AmI？Aretheseironfetters，rivetedonmebythesmith’shammer，oraretheyfanciesIcanshatteratablow？’
　　Theblindmanlistenedinsilence。
　　’Fancy！DoIfancythatIkilledhim？DoIfancythatasIleftthechamberwherehelay，Isawthefaceofamanpeepingfromadarkdoor，whoplainlyshowedmebyhisfearfullooksthathesuspectedwhatIhaddone？DoIrememberthatIspokefairlytohim——thatIdrewnearer——neareryet——withthehotknifeinmysleeve？DoIfancyhowHEdied？DidhestaggerbackintotheangleofthewallintowhichIhadhemmedhim，and，bleedinginwardly，stand，notfail，acorpsebeforeme？DidIseehim，foraninstant，asIseeyounow，erectandonhisfeet——butdead！’
　　Theblindman，whoknewthathehadrisen，motionedhimtositdownagainuponhisbedstead;buthetooknonoticeofthegesture。
　　’ItwasthenIthought，forthefirsttime，offasteningthemurderuponhim。ItwasthenIdressedhiminmyclothes，anddraggedhimdowntheback-stairstothepieceofwater。DoIrememberlisteningtothebubblesthatcamerisingupwhenIhadrolledhimin？DoIrememberwipingthewaterfrommyface，andbecausethebodysplasheditthere，initsdescent，feelingasifitMUSTbeblood？
　　’DidIgohomewhenIhaddone？Andoh，myGod！howlongittooktodo！DidIstandbeforemywife，andtellher？DidIseeherfallupontheground;and，whenIstoopedtoraiseher，didshethrustmebackwithaforcethatcastmeoffasifIhadbeenachild，stainingthehandwithwhichsheclaspedmywrist？IsTHAT
　　fancy？
　　’Didshegodownuponherknees，andcallonHeaventowitnessthatsheandherunbornchildrenouncedmefromthathour;anddidshe，inwordssosolemnthattheyturnedmecold——me，freshfromthehorrorsmyownhandshadmade——warnmetoflywhiletherewastime;
　　forthoughshewouldbesilent，beingmywretchedwife，shewouldnotshelterme？DidIgoforththatnight，abjuredofGodandman，andanchoreddeepinhell，towanderatmycable’slengthabouttheearth，andsurelybedrawndownatlast？’
　　’Whydidyoureturn？saidtheblindman。
　　’Whyisbloodred？Icouldnomorehelpit，thanIcouldlivewithoutbreath。Istruggledagainsttheimpulse，butIwasdrawnback，througheverydifficultandadversecircumstance，asbyamightyengine。Nothingcouldstopme。Thedayandhourwerenoneofmychoice。Sleepingandwaking，Ihadbeenamongtheoldhauntsforyears——hadvisitedmyowngrave。WhydidIcomeback？Becausethisjailwasgapingforme，andhestoodbeckoningatthedoor。’
　　’Youwerenotknown？’saidtheblindman。
　　’Iwasamanwhohadbeentwenty-twoyearsdead。No。Iwasnotknown。’
　　’Youshouldhavekeptyoursecretbetter。’
　　’MYsecret？MINE？Itwasasecret，anybreathofaircouldwhisperatitswill。Thestarshaditintheirtwinkling，thewaterinitsflowing，theleavesintheirrustling，theseasonsintheirreturn。Itlurkedinstrangers’faces，andtheirvoices。
　　Everythinghadlipsonwhichitalwaystrembled——MYsecret！’
　　’Itwasrevealedbyyourownactatanyrate，’saidtheblindman。
　　’Theactwasnotmine。Ididit，butitwasnotmine。Iwasforcedattimestowanderround，andround，androundthatspot。
　　Ifyouhadchainedmeupwhenthefitwasonme，Ishouldhavebrokenaway，andgonethere。Astrulyastheloadstonedrawsirontowardsit，sohe，lyingatthebottomofhisgrave，coulddrawmenearhimwhenhewould。Wasthatfancy？DidIliketogothere，ordidIstriveandwrestlewiththepowerthatforcedme？’
　　Theblindmanshruggedhisshoulders，andsmiledincredulously。
　　Theprisoneragainresumedhisoldattitude，andforalongtimebothweremute。
　　’Isupposethen，’saidhisvisitor，atlengthbreakingsilence，’thatyouarepenitentandresigned;thatyoudesiretomakepeacewitheverybodyinparticular，withyourwifewhohasbroughtyoutothis;andthatyouasknogreaterfavourthantobecarriedtoTyburnassoonaspossible？Thatbeingthecase，Ihadbettertakemyleave。Iamnotgoodenoughtobecompanyforyou。’
　　’HaveInottoldyou，’saidtheotherfiercely，’thatIhavestrivenandwrestledwiththepowerthatbroughtmehere？Hasmywholelife，foreight-and-twentyyears，beenoneperpetualstruggleandresistance，anddoyouthinkIwanttoliedownanddie？Doallmenshrinkfromdeath——Imostofall！’
　　’That’sbettersaid。That’sbetterspoken，Rudge——butI’llnotcallyouthatagain——thananythingyouhavesaidyet，’returnedtheblindman，speakingmorefamiliarly，andlayinghishandsuponhisarm。’Lookye，——Ineverkilledamanmyself，forIhaveneverbeenplacedinapositionthatmadeitworthmywhile。Farther，Iamnotanadvocateforkillingmen，andIdon’tthinkIshouldrecommenditorlikeit——forit’sveryhazardous——underanycircumstances。ButasyouhadthemisfortunetogetintothistroublebeforeImadeyouracquaintance，andasyouhavebeenmycompanion，andhavebeenofusetomeforalongtimenow，I
　　overlookthatpartofthematter，andamonlyanxiousthatyoushouldn’tdieunnecessarily。Now，Idonotconsiderthat，atpresent，itisatallnecessary。’
　　’Whatelseisleftme？’returnedtheprisoner。’Toeatmywaythroughthesewallswithmyteeth？’
　　’Somethingeasierthanthat，’returnedhisfriend。’Promisemethatyouwilltalknomoreofthesefanciesofyours——idle，foolishthings，quitebeneathaman——andI’lltellyouwhatImean。’
　　’Tellme，’saidtheother。
　　’Yourworthyladywiththetenderconscience;yourscrupulous，virtuous，punctilious，butnotblindlyaffectionatewife——’
　　’Whatofher？’
　　’IsnowinLondon。’
　　’Acurseuponher，beshewhereshemay！’
　　’That’snaturalenough。Ifshehadtakenherannuityasusual，youwouldnothavebeenhere，andweshouldhavebeenbetteroff。Butthat’sapartfromthebusiness。She’sinLondon。Scared，asI
　　suppose，andhavenodoubt，bymyrepresentationwhenIwaiteduponher，thatyouwerecloseathandwhichI，ofcourse，urgedonlyasaninducementtocompliance，knowingthatshewasnotpiningtoseeyou，sheleftthatplace，andtravelleduptoLondon。’
　　’Howdoyouknow？’
　　’Frommyfriendthenoblecaptain——theillustriousgeneral——thebladder，MrTappertit。IlearntfromhimthelasttimeIsawhim，whichwasyesterday，thatyoursonwhoiscalledBarnaby——notafterhisfather，Isuppose——’
　　’Death！doesthatmatternow！’
　　’——Youareimpatient，’saidtheblindman，calmly;’it’sagoodsign，andlookslikelife——thatyoursonBarnabyhadbeenluredawayfromherbyoneofhiscompanionswhoknewhimofold，atChigwell;andthatheisnowamongtherioters。’
　　’Andwhatisthattome？Iffatherandsonbehangedtogether，whatcomfortshallIfindinthat？’
　　’Stay——stay，myfriend，’returnedtheblindman，withacunninglook，’youtravelfasttojourneys’ends。SupposeItrackmyladyout，andsaythusmuch:“Youwantyourson，ma’am——good。I，knowingthosewhotempthimtoremainamongthem，canrestorehimtoyou，ma’am——good。Youmustpayaprice，ma’am，forhisrestoration——goodagain。Thepriceissmall，andeasytobepaid——
　　dearma’am，that’sbestofall。”’
　　’Whatmockeryisthis？’
　　’Verylikely，shemayreplyinthosewords。“Nomockeryatall。”I
　　answer:“Madam，apersonsaidtobeyourhusbandidentityisdifficultofproofafterthelapseofmanyyearsisinprison，hislifeinperil——thechargeagainsthim，murder。Now，ma’am，yourhusbandhasbeendeadalong，longtime。Thegentlemannevercanbeconfoundedwithhim，ifyouwillhavethegoodnesstosayafewwords，onoath，astowhenhedied，andhow;andthatthispersonwhoIamtoldresembleshiminsomedegreeisnomorehethanI
　　am。Suchtestimonywillsetthequestionquiteatrest。Pledgeyourselftometogiveit，ma’am，andIwillundertaketokeepyoursonafineladoutofharm’swayuntilyouhavedonethistriflingservice，whenheshallhedelivereduptoyou，safeandsound。Ontheotherhand，ifyoudeclinetodoso，Ifearhewillbebetrayed，andhandedovertothelaw，whichwillassuredlysentencehimtosufferdeath。Itis，infact，achoicebetweenhislifeanddeath。Ifyourefuse，heswings。Ifyoucomply，thetimberisnotgrown，northehempsown，thatshalldohimanyharm。”’
　　’Thereisagleamofhopeinthis！’criedtheprisoner。
　　’Agleam！’returnedhisfriend，’anoon-blaze;afullandgloriousdaylight。Hush！Ihearthetreadofdistantfeet。Relyonme。’
　　’WhenshallIhearmore？’
　　’AssoonasIdo。Ishouldhope，to-morrow。Theyarecomingtosaythatourtimefortalkisover。Ihearthejinglingofthekeys。Notanotherwordofthisjustnow，ortheymayoverhearus。’
　　Ashesaidthesewords，thelockwasturned，andoneoftheprisonturnkeysappearingatthedoor，announcedthatitwastimeforvisitorstoleavethejail。
　　’Sosoon！’saidStagg，meekly。’Butitcan’tbehelped。Cheerup，friend。Thismistakewillsoonbesetatrest，andthenyouareamanagain！Ifthischaritablegentlemanwillleadablindmanwhohasnothinginreturnbutprayerstotheprison-porch，andsethimwithhisfacetowardsthewest，hewilldoaworthydeed。Thankyou，goodsir。Ithankyouverykindly。’
　　Sosaying，andpausingforaninstantatthedoortoturnhisgrinningfacetowardshisfriend，hedeparted。
　　Whentheofficerhadseenhimtotheporch，hereturned，andagainunlockingandunbarringthedoorofthecell，setitwideopen，informingitsinmatethathewasatlibertytowalkintheadjacentyard，ifhethoughtproper，foranhour。
　　Theprisoneransweredwithasullennod;andbeingleftaloneagain，satbroodingoverwhathehadheard，andponderinguponthehopestherecentconversationhadawakened;gazingabstractedly，thewhilehedidso，onthelightwithout，andwatchingtheshadowsthrownbyonewallonanother，andonthestone-pavedground。
　　Itwasadull，squareyard，madecoldandgloomybyhighwalls，andseemingtochilltheverysunlight。Thestone，sobare，andrough，andobdurate，filledevenhimwithlongingthoughtsofmeadow-landandtrees;andwithaburningwishtobeatliberty。
　　Ashelooked，herose，andleaningagainstthedoor-post，gazedupatthebrightbluesky，smilingevenonthatdrearyhomeofcrime。
　　Heseemed，foramoment，torememberlyingonhisbackinsomesweet-scentedplace，andgazingatitthroughmovingbranches，longago。
　　Hisattentionwassuddenlyattractedbyaclankingsound——heknewwhatitwas，forhehadstartledhimselfbymakingthesamenoiseinwalkingtothedoor。Presentlyavoicebegantosing，andhesawtheshadowofafigureonthepavement。Itstopped——wassilentallatonce，asthoughthepersonforamomenthadforgottenwherehewas，butsoonremembered——andso，withthesameclankingnoise，theshadowdisappeared。
　　Hewalkedoutintothecourtandpacedittoandfro;startlingtheechoes，ashewent，withtheharshjanglingofhisfetters。Therewasadoornearhis，which，likehis，stoodajar。
　　Hehadnottakenhalf-a-dozenturnsupanddowntheyard，when，standingstilltoobservethisdoor，heheardtheclankingsoundagain。Afacelookedoutofthegratedwindow——hesawitverydimly，forthecellwasdarkandthebarswereheavy——anddirectlyafterwards，amanappeared，andcametowardshim。
　　Forthesenseoflonelinesshehad，hemighthavebeeninjailayear。Madeeagerbythehopeofcompanionship，hequickenedhispace，andhastenedtomeetthemanhalfway——
　　Whatwasthis！Hisson！
　　Theystoodfacetoface，staringateachother。Heshrinkingandcowed，despitehimself;Barnahystrugglingwithhisimperfectmemory，andwonderingwherehehadseenthatfacebefore。Hewasnotuncertainlong，forsuddenlyhelaidhandsuponhim，andstrivingtobearhimtotheground，cried:
　　’Ah！Iknow！Youaretherobber！’
　　Hesaidnothinginreplyatfirst，buthelddownhishead，andstruggledwithhimsilently。Findingtheyoungermantoostrongforhim，heraisedhisface，lookedcloseintohiseyes，andsaid，’Iamyourfather。’
　　Godknowswhatmagicthenamehadforhisears;butBarnabyreleasedhishold，fellback，andlookedathimaghast。Suddenlyhesprungtowardshim，puthisarmsabouthisneck，andpressedhisheadagainsthischeek。
　　Yes，yes，hewas;hewassurehewas。Butwherehadhebeensolong，andwhyhadhelefthismotherbyherself，orworsethanbyherself，withherpoorfoolishboy？Andhadshereallybeenashappyastheysaid？Andwherewasshe？Wasshenearthere？Shewasnothappynow，andheinjail？Ah，no。
　　Notawordwassaidinanswer;butGripcroakedloudly，andhoppedaboutthem，roundandround，asifenclosingtheminamagiccircle，andinvokingallthepowersofmischief。
　　Chapter63
　　Duringthewholeofthisday，everyregimentinornearthemetropoliswasondutyinoneorotherpartofthetown;andtheregularsandmilitia，inobediencetotheorderswhichweresenttoeverybarrackandstationwithintwenty-fourhours’journey，begantopourinbyalltheroads。Butthedisturbancehadattainedtosuchaformidableheight，andtheriotershadgrown，withimpunity，tobesoaudacious，thatthesightofthisgreatforce，continuallyaugmentedbynewarrivals，insteadofoperatingasacheck，stimulatedthemtooutragesofgreaterhardihoodthananytheyhadyetcommitted;andhelpedtokindleaflameinLondon，thelikeofwhichhadneverbeenbeheld，eveninitsancientandrebellioustimes。
　　Allyesterday，andonthisdaylikewise，thecommander-in-chiefendeavouredtoarousethemagistratestoasenseoftheirduty，andinparticulartheLordMayor，whowasthefaintest-heartedandmosttimidofthemall。Withthisobject，largebodiesofthesoldierywereseveraltimesdespatchedtotheMansionHousetoawaithisorders:butashecould，bynothreatsorpersuasions，beinducedtogiveany，andasthemenremainedintheopenstreet，fruitlesslyforanygoodpurpose，andthrivinglyforaverybadone;theselaudableattemptsdidharmratherthangood。Forthecrowd，becomingspeedilyacquaintedwiththeLordMayor’stemper，didnotfailtotakeadvantageofitbyboastingthateventhecivilauthoritieswereopposedtothePapists，andcouldnotfinditintheirheartstomolestthosewhowereguiltyofnootheroffence。Thesevauntstheytookcaretomakewithinthehearingofthesoldiers;andthey，beingnaturallylothtoquarrelwiththepeople，receivedtheiradvanceskindlyenough:answering，whentheywereaskediftheydesiredtofireupontheircountrymen，’No，theywouldbedamnediftheydid;’andshowingmuchhonestsimplicityandgoodnature。ThefeelingthatthemilitarywereNo-
　　Poperymen，andwereripefordisobeyingordersandjoiningthemob，soonbecameveryprevalentinconsequence。Rumoursoftheirdisaffection，andoftheirleaningtowardsthepopularcause，spreadfrommouthtomouthwithastonishingrapidity;andwhenevertheyweredrawnupidlyinthestreetsorsquares，therewassuretobeacrowdaboutthem，cheeringandshakinghands，andtreatingthemwithagreatshowofconfidenceandaffection。
　　Bythistime，thecrowdwaseverywhere;allconcealmentanddisguisewerelaidaside，andtheypervadedthewholetown。Ifanymanamongthemwantedmoney，hehadbuttoknockatthedoorofadwelling-house，orwalkintoashop，anddemanditintheriotersname;andhisdemandwasinstantlycompliedwith。Thepeaceablecitizensbeingafraidtolayhandsuponthem，singlyandalone，itmaybeeasilysupposedthatwhengatheredtogetherinbodies，theywereperfectlysecurefrominterruption。Theyassembledinthestreets，traversedthemattheirwillandpleasure，andpubliclyconcertedtheirplans。Businesswasquitesuspended;thegreaterpartoftheshopswereclosed;mostofthehousesdisplayedablueflagintokenoftheiradherencetothepopularside;andeventheJewsinHoundsditch，Whitechapel，andthosequarters，wroteupontheirdoorsorwindow-shutters，’ThisHouseisaTrueProtestant。’
　　Thecrowdwasthelaw，andneverwasthelawheldingreaterdread，ormoreimplicitlyobeyed。
　　Itwasaboutsixo’clockintheevening，whenavastmobpouredintoLincoln’sInnFieldsbyeveryavenue，anddivided——evidentlyinpursuanceofapreviousdesign——intoseveralparties。Itmustnotbeunderstoodthatthisarrangementwasknowntothewholecrowd，butthatitwastheworkofafewleaders;who，minglingwiththemenastheycameupontheground，andcallingtothemtofallintothisorthatparry，effecteditasrapidlyasifithadbeendeterminedonbyacouncilofthewholenumber，andeverymanhadknownhisplace。
　　Itwasperfectlynotorioustotheassemblagethatthelargestbody，whichcomprehendedabouttwo-thirdsofthewhole，wasdesignedfortheattackonNewgate。Itcomprehendedalltherioterswhohadbeenconspicuousinanyoftheirformerproceedings;allthosewhomtheyrecommendedasdaringhandsandfitforthework;allthosewhosecompanionshadbeentakenintheriots;andagreatnumberofpeoplewhowererelativesorfriendsoffelonsinthejail。Thislastclassincluded，notonlythemostdesperateandutterlyabandonedvillainsinLondon，butsomewhowerecomparativelyinnocent。Therewasmorethanonewomanthere，disguisedinman’sattire，andbentupontherescueofachildorbrother。Therewerethetwosonsofamanwholayundersentenceofdeath，andwhowastobeexecutedalongwiththreeothers，onthenextdaybutone。Therewasagreatparryofboyswhosefellow-pickpocketswereintheprison;andattheskirtsofall，ascoreofmiserablewomen，outcastsfromtheworld，seekingtoreleasesomeotherfallencreatureasmiserableasthemselves，ormovedbyageneralsympathyperhaps——Godknows——withallwhowerewithouthope，andwretched。
　　Oldswords，andpistolswithoutballorpowder;sledge-hammers，knives，axes，saws，andweaponspillagedfromthebutchers’shops;
　　aforestofironbarsandwoodenclubs;longladdersforscalingthewalls，eachcarriedontheshouldersofadozenmen;lightedtorches;towsmearedwithpitch，andtar，andbrimstone;stavesroughlypluckedfromfenceandpaling;andevencrutchestakenfromcrippledbeggarsinthestreets;composedtheirarms。Whenallwasready，HughandDennis，withSimonTappertitbetweenthem，ledtheway。Roaringandchafinglikeanangrysea，thecrowdpressedafterthem。
　　InsteadofgoingstraightdownHolborntothejail，asallexpected，theirleaderstookthewaytoClerkenwell，andpouringdownaquietstreet，haltedbeforealocksmith’shouse——theGoldenKey。
　　’Beatatthedoor，’criedHughtothemenabouthim。’Wewantoneofhiscraftto-night。Beatitin，ifnooneanswers。’
　　Theshopwasshut。Bothdoorandshutterswereofastrongandsturdykind，andtheyknockedwithouteffect。Buttheimpatientcrowdraisingacryof’Setfiretothehouse！’andtorchesbeingpassedtothefront，anupperwindowwasthrownopen，andthestoutoldlocksmithstoodbeforethem。
　　’Whatnow，youvillains！’hedemanded。’Whereismydaughter？’
　　’Asknoquestionsofus，oldman，’retortedHugh，wavinghiscomradestobesilent，’butcomedown，andbringthetoolsofyourtrade。Wewantyou。’
　　’Wantme！’criedthelocksmith，glancingattheregimentaldresshewore:’Ay，andifsomethatIcouldnamepossessedtheheartsofmice，yeshouldhavehadmelongago。Markme，mylad——andyouabouthimdothesame。ThereareascoreamongyewhomIseenowandknow，whoaredeadmenfromthishour。Begone！androbanundertaker’swhileyoucan！You’llwantsomecoffinsbeforelong。’
　　’Willyoucomedown？’criedHugh。
　　’Willyougivememydaughter，ruffian？’criedthelocksmith。
　　’Iknownothingofher，’Hughrejoined。’Burnthedoor！’
　　’Stop！’criedthelocksmith，inavoicethatmadethemfalter——
　　presenting，ashespoke，agun。’Letanoldmandothat。Youcansparehimbetter。’
　　Theyoungfellowwhoheldthelight，andwhowasstoopingdownbeforethedoor，rosehastilyatthesewords，andfellback。Thelocksmithranhiseyealongtheupturnedfaces，andkepttheweaponlevelledatthethresholdofhishouse。Ithadnootherrestthanhisshoulder，butwasassteadyasthehouseitself。
　　’Letthemanwhodoesit，takeheedtohisprayers，’hesaidfirmly;’Iwarnhim。’
　　Snatchingatorchfromonewhostoodnearhim，Hughwassteppingforwardwithanoath，whenhewasarrestedbyashrillandpiercingshriek，and，lookingupward，sawaflutteringgarmentonthehouse-
　　top。
　　Therewasanothershriek，andanother，andthenashrillvoicecried，’IsSimmunbelow！’Atthesamemomentaleanneckwasstretchedovertheparapet，andMissMiggs，indistinctlyseeninthegatheringgloomofevening，screechedinafrenziedmanner，’Oh！deargentlemen，letmehearSimmuns’sanswerfromhisownlips。Speaktome，Simmun。Speaktome！’
　　MrTappertit，whowasnotatallflatteredbythiscompliment，lookedup，andbiddingherholdherpeace，orderedhertocomedownandopenthedoor，fortheywantedhermaster，andwouldtakenodenial。
　　’Ohgoodgentlemen！’criedMissMiggs。’Ohmyownprecious，preciousSimmun——’
　　’Holdyournonsense，willyou！’retortedMrTappertit;’andcomedownandopenthedoor——G。Varden，dropthatgun，oritwillbeworseforyou。’
　　’Don’tmindhisgun，’screamedMiggs。’Simmunandgentlemen，I
　　pouredamugoftable-beerrightdownthebarrel。’
　　Thecrowdgavealoudshout，whichwasfollowedbyaroaroflaughter。
　　’Itwouldn’tgooff，notifyouwastoloadituptothemuzzle，’
　　screamedMiggs。’Simmunandgentlemen，I’mlockedupinthefrontattic，throughthelittledoorontherighthandwhenyouthinkyou’vegottotheverytopofthestairs——anduptheflightofcornersteps，beingcarefulnottoknockyourheadsagainsttherafters，andnottotreadononesideincaseyoushouldfallintothetwo-pairbedroomthroughthelathandplasture，whichdonotbear，butthecontrairy。Simmunandgentlemen，I’vebeenlockeduphereforsafety，butmyendeavourshasalwaysbeen，andalwayswillbe，tobeontherightside——theblessedsideandtoprenouncethePopeofBabylon，andallherinwardandheroutwardworkings，whichisPagin。Mysentimentsisoflittleconsequences，Iknow，’criedMiggs，withadditionalshrillness，’formypositionsisbutaservant，andassich，ofhumilities，stillIgivesexpressionstomyfeelings，andplacesmyreliancesonthemwhichentertainsmyownopinions！’
　　WithouttakingmuchnoticeoftheseoutpouringsofMissMiggsaftershehadmadeherfirstannouncementinrelationtothegun，thecrowdraisedaladderagainstthewindowwherethelocksmithstood，andnotwithstandingthatheclosed，andfastened，anddefendeditmanfully，soonforcedanentrancebyshiveringtheglassandbreakingintheframes。Afterdealingafewstoutblowsabouthim，hefoundhimselfdefenceless，inthemidstofafuriouscrowd，whichoverflowedtheroomandsoftenedoffinaconfusedheapoffacesatthedoorandwindow。
　　Theywereverywrathfulwithhimforhehadwoundedtwomen，andevencalledouttothoseinfront，tobringhimforthandhanghimonalamp-post。ButGabrielwasquiteundaunted，andlookedfromHughandDennis，whoheldhimbyeitherarm，toSimonTappertit，whoconfrontedhim。
　　’Youhaverobbedmeofmydaughter，’saidthelocksmith，’whoisfardearertomethanmylife;andyoumaytakemylife，ifyouwill。IblessGodthatIhavebeenenabledtokeepmywifefreeofthisscene;andthatHehasmademeamanwhowillnotaskmercyatsuchhandsasyours。’
　　’Andawerygameoldgentlemanyouare，’saidMrDennis，approvingly;’andyouexpressyourselflikeaman。What’stheodds，brother，whetherit’salamp-postto-night，orafeather-
　　bedtenyeartocome，eh？’
　　Thelocksmithglancedathimdisdainfully，butreturnednootheranswer。
　　’Formypart，’saidthehangman，whoparticularlyfavouredthelamp-postsuggestion，’Ihonouryourprinciples。They’remineexactly。Insuchsentimentsasthem，’andhereheemphasisedhisdiscoursewithanoath，’I’mreadytomeetyouoranymanhalfway——
　　Haveyougotabitofcordanywhereshandy？Don’tputyourselfoutoftheway，ifyouhaven’t。Ahandkecherwilldo。’
　　’Don’tbeafool，master，’whisperedHugh，seizingVardenroughlybytheshoulder;’butdoasyou’rebid。You’llsoonhearwhatyou’rewantedfor。Doit！’
　　’I’lldonothingatyourrequest，orthatofanyscoundrelhere，’
　　returnedthelocksmith。’Ifyouwantanyservicefromme，youmayspareyourselvesthepainsoftellingmewhatitis。Itellyou，beforehand，I’lldonothingforyou。’
　　MrDenniswassoaffectedbythisconstancyonthepartofthestauncholdman，thatheprotested——almostwithtearsinhiseyes——
　　thattobaulkhisinclinationswouldbeanactofcrueltyandharddealingtowhichhe，forone，nevercouldreconcilehisconscience。
　　Thegentleman，hesaid，hadavowedinsomanywordsthathewasreadyforworkingoff;suchbeingthecase，heconsideredittheirduty，asacivilisedandenlightenedcrowd，toworkhimoff。Itwasnotoften，heobserved，thattheyhaditintheirpowertoaccommodatethemselvestothewishesofthosefromwhomtheyhadthemisfortunetodiffer。Havingnowfoundanindividualwhoexpressedadesirewhichtheycouldreasonablyindulgeandforhimselfhewasfreetoconfessthatinhisopinionthatdesiredidhonourtohisfeelings，hehopedtheywoulddecidetoaccedetohispropositionbeforegoinganyfurther。Itwasanexperimentwhich，skilfullyanddexterouslyperformed，wouldbeoverinfiveminutes，withgreatcomfortandsatisfactiontoallparties;andthoughitdidnotbecomehimMrDennistospeakwellofhimselfhetrustedhemightbeallowedtosaythathehadpracticalknowledgeofthesubject，and，beingnaturallyofanobligingandfriendlydisposition，wouldworkthegentlemanoffwithadealofpleasure。
　　Theseremarks，whichwereaddressedinthemidstofafrightfuldinandturmoiltothoseimmediatelyabouthim，werereceivedwithgreatfavour;notsomuch，perhaps，becauseofthehangman’seloquence，asonaccountofthelocksmith’sobstinacy。Gabrielwasinimminentperil，andheknewit;buthepreservedasteadysilence;andwouldhavedoneso，iftheyhadbeendebatingwhethertheyshouldroasthimataslowfire。
　　Asthehangmanspoke，therewassomestirandconfusionontheladder;anddirectlyhewassilent——soimmediatelyuponhisholdinghispeace，thatthecrowdbelowhadnotimetolearnwhathehadbeensaying，ortoshoutinresponse——someoneatthewindowcried:
　　’Hehasagreyhead。Heisanoldman:Don’thurthim！’
　　Thelocksmithturned，withastart，towardstheplacefromwhichthewordshadcome，andlookedhurriedlyatthepeoplewhowerehangingontheladderandclingingtoeachother。
　　’Paynorespecttomygreyhair，youngman，’hesaid，answeringthevoiceandnotanyonehesaw。’Idon’taskit。Myheartisgreenenoughtoscornanddespiseeverymanamongyou，bandofrobbersthatyouare！’
　　Thisincautiousspeechbynomeanstendedtoappeasetheferocityofthecrowd。Theycriedagaintohavehimbroughtout;anditwouldhavegonehardwiththehonestlocksmith，butthatHughremindedthem，inanswer，thattheywantedhisservices，andmusthavethem。
　　’So，tellhimwhatwewant，’hesaidtoSimonTappertit，’andquickly。Andopenyourears，master，ifyouwouldeverusethemafterto-night。’
　　Gabrielfoldedhisarms，whichwerenowatliberty，andeyedhisold’prenticeinsilence。
　　’Lookye，Varden，’saidSim，’we’reboundforNewgate。’
　　’Iknowyouare，’returnedthelocksmith。’Youneversaidatruerwordthanthat。’
　　’Toburnitdown，Imean，’saidSimon，’andforcethegates，andsettheprisonersatliberty。Youhelpedtomakethelockofthegreatdoor。’
　　’Idid，’saidthelocksmith。’Youowemenothanksforthat——asyou’llfindbeforelong。’
　　’Maybe，’returnedhisjourneyman，’butyoumustshowushowtoforceit。’
　　’MustI！’
　　’Yes;foryouknow，andIdon’t。Youmustcomealongwithus，andpickitwithyourownhands。’
　　’WhenIdo，’saidthelocksmithquietly，’myhandsshalldropoffatthewrists，andyoushallwearthem，SimonTappertit，onyourshouldersforepaulettes。’
　　’We’llseethat，’criedHugh，interposing，astheindignationofthecrowdagainburstforth。’Youfillabasketwiththetoolshe’llwant，whileIbringhimdownstairs。Openthedoorsbelow，someofyou。Andlightthegreatcaptain，others！Istherenobusinessafoot，mylads，thatyoucandonothingbutstandandgrumble？’
　　Theylookedatoneanother，andquicklydispersing，swarmedoverthehouse，plunderingandbreaking，accordingtotheircustom，andcarryingoffsucharticlesofvalueashappenedtopleasetheirfancy。Theyhadnogreatlengthoftimefortheseproceedings，forthebasketoftoolswassoonpreparedandslungoveraman’sshoulders。Thepreparationsbeingnowcompleted，andeverythingreadyfortheattack，thosewhowerepillaginganddestroyingintheotherroomswerecalleddowntotheworkshop。Theywereabouttoissueforth，whenthemanwhohadbeenlastupstairs，steppedforward，andaskediftheyoungwomaninthegarretwhowasmakingaterriblenoise，hesaid，andkeptonscreamingwithouttheleastcessationwastobereleased？
　　Forhisownpart，SimonTappertitwouldcertainlyhaverepliedinthenegative，butthemassofhiscompanions，mindfulofthegoodserviceshehaddoneinthematterofthegun，beingofadifferentopinion，hehadnothingforitbuttoanswer，Yes。Theman，accordingly，wentbackagaintotherescue，andpresentlyreturnedwithMissMiggs，limpanddoubledup，andverydampfrommuchweeping。
　　Astheyoungladyhadgivennotokensofconsciousnessontheirwaydownstairs，thebearerreportedhereitherdeadordying;andbeingatsomelosswhattodowithher，waslookingroundforaconvenientbenchorheapofashesonwhichtoplacehersenselessform，whenshesuddenlycameuponherfeetbysomemysteriousmeans，thrustbackherhair，staredwildlyatMrTappertit，cried，’MySimmuns’slifeisnotawictim！’anddroppedintohisarmswithsuchpromptitudethathestaggeredandreeledsomepacesback，beneathhislovelyburden。
　　’Ohbother！’saidMrTappertit。’Here。Catchholdofher，somebody。Lockherupagain;sheneveroughttohavebeenletout。’
　　’MySimmun！’criedMissMiggs，intears，andfaintly。’Myforever，everblessedSimmun！’
　　’Holdup，willyou，’saidMrTappertit，inaveryunresponsivetone，’I’llletyoufallifyoudon’t。Whatareyouslidingyourfeetoffthegroundfor？’
　　’MyangelSimmuns！’murmuredMiggs——’hepromised——’
　　’Promised！Well，andI’llkeepmypromise，’answeredSimon，testily。’Imeantoprovideforyou，don’tI？Standup！’
　　’WhereamItogo？Whatistobecomeofmeaftermyactionsofthisnight！’criedMiggs。’Whatresting-placesnowremainsbutinthesilenttombses！’
　　’Iwishyouwasinthesilenttombses，Ido，’criedMrTappertit，’andboxeduptight，inagoodstrongone。Here，’hecriedtooneofthebystanders，inwhoseearhewhisperedforamoment:’Takeheroff，willyou。Youunderstandwhere？’
　　Thefellownodded;andtakingherinhisarms，notwithstandingherbrokenprotestations，andherstruggleswhichlatterspeciesofopposition，involvingscratches，wasmuchmoredifficultofresistance，carriedheraway。Theywhowereinthehousepouredoutintothestreet;thelocksmithwastakentotheheadofthecrowd，andrequiredtowalkbetweenhistwoconductors;thewholebodywasputinrapidmotion;andwithoutanyshoutsornoisetheyboredownstraightonNewgate，andhaltedinadensemassbeforetheprison-gate。
　　Chapter64
　　Breakingthesilencetheyhadhithertopreserved，theyraisedagreatcryassoonastheywererangedbeforethejail，anddemandedtospeaktothegovernor。Thisvisitwasnotwhollyunexpected，forhishouse，whichfrontedthestreet，wasstronglybarricaded，thewicket-gateoftheprisonwasclosedup，andatnoloopholeorgratingwasanypersontobeseen。Beforetheyhadrepeatedtheirsummonsmanytimes，amanappearedupontheroofofthegovernor’shouse，andaskedwhatitwastheywanted。
　　Somesaidonething，someanother，andsomeonlygroanedandhissed。Itbeingnownearlydark，andthehousehigh，manypersonsinthethrongwerenotawarethatanyonehadcometoanswerthem，andcontinuedtheirclamouruntiltheintelligencewasgraduallydiffusedthroughthewholeconcourse。Tenminutesormoreelapsedbeforeanyonevoicecouldbeheardwithtolerabledistinctness;
　　duringwhichintervalthefigureremainedperchedalone，againstthesummer-eveningsky，lookingdownintothetroubledstreet。
　　’Areyou，’saidHughatlength，’MrAkerman，theheadjailerhere？’
　　’Ofcourseheis，brother，’whisperedDennis。ButHugh，withoutmindinghim，tookhisanswerfromthemanhimself。
　　’Yes，’hesaid。’Iam。’
　　’Youhavegotsomefriendsofoursinyourcustody，master。’
　　’Ihaveagoodmanypeopleinmycustody。’Heglanceddownward，ashespoke，intothejail:andthefeelingthathecouldseeintothedifferentyards，andthatheoverlookedeverythingwhichwashiddenfromtheirviewbytheruggedwalls，solashedandgoadedthemob，thattheyhowledlikewolves。
　　’Deliverupourfriends，’saidHugh，’andyoumaykeeptherest。’
　　’It’smydutytokeepthemall。Ishalldomyduty。’
　　’Ifyoudon’tthrowthedoorsopen，weshallbreak’emdown，’saidHugh;’forwewillhavetheriotersout。’
　　’AllIcando，goodpeople，’Akermanreplied，’istoexhortyoutodisperse;andtoremindyouthattheconsequencesofanydisturbanceinthisplace，willbeverysevere，andbitterlyrepentedbymostofyou，whenitistoolate。’
　　Hemadeasthoughhewouldretirewhenhesaidthesewords，buthewascheckedbythevoiceofthelocksmith。
　　’MrAkerman，’criedGabriel，’MrAkerman。’
　　’Iwillhearnomorefromanyofyou，’repliedthegovernor，turningtowardsthespeaker，andwavinghishand。
　　’ButIamnotoneofthem，’saidGabriel。’Iamanhonestman，MrAkerman;arespectabletradesman——GabrielVarden，thelocksmith。
　　Youknowme？’
　　’Youamongthecrowd！’criedthegovernorinanalteredvoice。
　　’Broughtherebyforce——broughtheretopickthelockofthegreatdoorforthem，’rejoinedthelocksmith。’Bearwitnessforme，MrAkerman，thatIrefusetodoit;andthatIwillnotdoit，comewhatmayofmyrefusal。Ifanyviolenceisdonetome，pleasetorememberthis。’
　　’Istherenowayifhelpingyou？’saidthegovernor。
　　’None，MrAkerman。You’lldoyourduty，andI’lldomine。Onceagain，yourobbersandcut-throats，’saidthelocksmith，turningrounduponthem，’Irefuse。Ah！Howltillyou’rehoarse。I
　　refuse。’
　　’Stay——stay！’saidthejailer，hastily。’MrVarden，Iknowyouforaworthyman，andonewhowoulddonounlawfulactexceptuponcompulsion——’
　　’Uponcompulsion，sir，’interposedthelocksmith，whofeltthatthetoneinwhichthiswassaid，conveyedthespeaker’simpressionthathehadampleexcuseforyieldingtothefuriousmultitudewhobesetandhemmedhimin，oneveryside，andamongwhomhestood，anoldman，quitealone;’uponcompulsion，sir，I’lldonothing。’
　　’Whereisthatman，’saidthekeeper，anxiously，’whospoketomejustnow？’
　　’Here！’Hughreplied。
　　’Doyouknowwhattheguiltofmurderis，andthatbykeepingthathonesttradesmanatyoursideyouendangerhislife！’
　　’Weknowitverywell，’heanswered，’forwhatelsedidwebringhimhere？Let’shaveourfriends，master，andyoushallhaveyourfriend。Isthatfair，lads？’
　　ThemobrepliedtohimwithaloudHurrah！
　　’Youseehowitis，sir？’criedVarden。’Keep’emout，inKingGeorge’sname。RememberwhatIhavesaid。Goodnight！’
　　Therewasnomoreparley。Ashowerofstonesandothermissilescompelledthekeeperofthejailtoretire;andthemob，pressingon，andswarmingroundthewalls，forcedGabrielVardencloseuptothedoor。
　　Invainthebasketoftoolswaslaiduponthegroundbeforehim，andhewasurgedinturnbypromises，byblows，byoffersofreward，andthreatsofinstantdeath，todotheofficeforwhichtheyhadbroughthimthere。’No，’criedthesturdylocksmith，’I
　　willnot！’
　　Hehadneverlovedhislifesowellasthen，butnothingcouldmovehim。Thesavagefacesthatglareduponhim，lookwherehewould;
　　thecriesofthosewhothirsted，likewildanimals，forhisblood;
　　thesightofmenpressingforward，andtramplingdowntheirfellows，astheystrovetoreachhim，andstruckathimabovetheheadsofothermen，withaxesandwithironbars;allfailedtodaunthim。Helookedfrommantoman，andfacetoface，andstill，withquickenedbreathandlesseningcolour，criedfirmly，’Iwillnot！’
　　Dennisdealthimablowuponthefacewhichfelledhimtotheground。Hesprungupagainlikeamanintheprimeoflife，andwithblooduponhisforehead，caughthimbythethroat。
　　’Youcowardlydog！’hesaid:’Givememydaughter。Givememydaughter。’
　　Theystruggledtogether。Somecried’Killhim，’andsomebuttheywerenotnearenoughstrovetotramplehimtodeath。Tugashewouldattheoldman’swrists，thehangmancouldnotforcehimtounclenchhishands。
　　’Isthisallthereturnyoumakeme，youungratefulmonster？’hearticulatedwithgreatdifficulty，andwithmanyoaths。
　　’Givememydaughter！’criedthelocksmith，whowasnowasfierceasthosewhogatheredroundhim:’Givememydaughter！’
　　Hewasdownagain，andup，anddownoncemore，andbuffetingwithascoreofthem，whobandiedhimfromhandtohand，whenonetallfellow，freshfromaslaughter-house，whosedressandgreatthigh-
　　bootssmokedhotwithgreaseandblood，raisedapole-axe，andswearingahorribleoath，aimeditattheoldman’suncoveredhead。
　　Atthatinstant，andintheveryact，hefellhimself，asifstruckbylightning，andoverhisbodyaone-armedmancamedartingtothelocksmith’sside。Anothermanwaswithhim，andbothcaughtthelocksmithroughlyintheirgrasp。
　　’Leavehimtous！’theycriedtoHugh——struggling，astheyspoke，toforceapassagebackwardthroughthecrowd。’Leavehimtous。
　　Whydoyouwasteyourwholestrengthonsuchashe，whenacoupleofmencanfinishhiminasmanyminutes！Youlosetime。Remembertheprisoners！rememberBarnaby！’
　　Thecryranthroughthemob。Hammersbegantorattleonthewalls;
　　andeverymanstrovetoreachtheprison，andbeamongtheforemostrank。Fightingtheirwaythroughthepressandstruggle，asdesperatelyasiftheywereinthemidstofenemiesratherthantheirownfriends，thetwomenretreatedwiththelocksmithbetweenthem，anddraggedhimthroughtheveryheartoftheconcourse。
　　Andnowthestrokesbegantofalllikehailuponthegate，andonthestrongbuilding;forthosewhocouldnotreachthedoor，spenttheirfiercerageonanything——evenonthegreatblocksofstone，whichshiveredtheirweaponsintofragments，andmadetheirhandsandarmstotingleasifthewallswereactiveintheirstoutresistance，anddealtthembacktheirblows。Theclashofironringinguponiron，mingledwiththedeafeningtumultandsoundedhighaboveit，asthegreatsledge-hammersrattledonthenailedandplateddoor:thesparksflewoffinshowers;menworkedingangs，andatshortintervalsrelievedeachother，thatalltheirstrengthmightbedevotedtothework;buttherestoodtheportalstill，asgrimanddarkandstrongasever，and，savingforthedintsuponitsbatteredsurface，quiteunchanged。
　　Whilesomebroughtalltheirenergiestobearuponthistoilsometask;andsome，rearingladdersagainsttheprison，triedtoclambertothesummitofthewallstheyweretooshorttoscale;
　　andsomeagainengagedabodyofpoliceahundredstrong，andbeatthembackandtrodthemunderfootbyforceofnumbers;othersbesiegedthehouseonwhichthejailerhadappeared，anddrivinginthedoor，broughtouthisfurniture，andpileditupagainsttheprison-gate，tomakeabonfirewhichshouldburnitdown。Assoonasthisdevicewasunderstood，allthosewhohadlabouredhitherto，castdowntheirtoolsandhelpedtoswelltheheap;whichreachedhalf-wayacrossthestreet，andwassohigh，thatthosewhothrewmorefuelonthetop，gotupbyladders。Whenallthekeeper’sgoodswereflunguponthiscostlypile，tothelastfragment，theysmeareditwiththepitch，andtar，androsintheyhadbrought，andsprinkleditwithturpentine。Toallthewoodworkroundtheprison-doorstheydidthelike，leavingnotajoistorbeamuntouched。Thisinfernalchristeningperformed，theyfiredthepilewithlightedmatchesandwithblazingtow，andthenstoodby，awaitingtheresult。
　　Thefurniturebeingverydry，andrenderedmorecombustiblebywaxandoil，besidestheartstheyhadused，tookfireatonce。Theflamesroaredhighandfiercely，blackeningtheprison-wall，andtwiningupitsloftlyfrontlikeburningserpents。Atfirsttheycrowdedroundtheblaze，andventedtheirexultationonlyintheirlooks:butwhenitgrewhotterandfiercer——whenitcrackled，leaped，androared，likeagreatfurnace——whenitshoneupontheoppositehouses，andlightedupnotonlythepaleandwonderingfacesatthewindows，buttheinmostcornersofeachhabitation——
　　whenthroughthedeepredheatandglow，thefirewasseensportingandtoyingwiththedoor，nowclingingtoitsobduratesurface，nowglidingoffwithfierceinconstancyandsoaringhighintothesky，anonreturningtofolditinitsburninggraspandlureittoitsruin——whenitshoneandgleamedsobrightlythatthechurchclockofStSepulchre’ssooftenpointingtothehourofdeath，waslegibleasinbroadday，andthevaneuponitssteeple-topglitteredintheunwontedlightlikesomethingrichlyjewelled——
　　whenblackenedstoneandsombrebrickgrewruddyinthedeepreflection，andwindowsshonelikeburnishedgold，dottingthelongestdistanceinthefieryvistawiththeirspecksofbrightness——whenwallandtower，androofandchimney-stack，seemeddrunk，andintheflickeringglareappearedtoreelandstagger——
　　whenscoresofobjects，neverseenbefore，burstoutupontheview，andthingsthemostfamiliarputonsomenewaspect——thenthemobbegantojointhewhirl，andwithloudyells，andshouts，andclamour，suchashappilyisseldomheard，bestirredthemselvestofeedthefire，andkeepitatitsheight。
　　Althoughtheheatwassointensethatthepaintonthehousesoveragainsttheprison，parchedandcrackledup，andswellingintoboils，asitwerefromexcessoftorture，brokeandcrumbledaway;