Standbackhere，foryourlives！’
　　Andinaninstanthewasfelledlikeanoxinthebutcher’sshambles——struckdownasthoughablockofmarblehadfallenfromtheroofandcrushedhim——andcheerfullight，andbeamingfacescamepouringin——andEmmawasclaspedinheruncle’sembrace，andDolly，withashriekthatpiercedtheair，fellintothearmsofherfatherandmother。
　　Whatfaintingtherewas，whatlaughing，whatcrying，whatsobbing，whatsmiling，howmuchquestioning，noanswering，alltalkingtogether，allbesidethemselveswithjoy;whatkissing，congratulating，embracing，shakingofhands，andfallingintoalltheseraptures，overandoverandoveragain;nolanguagecandescribe。
　　Atlength，andafteralongtime，theoldlocksmithwentupandfairlyhuggedtwostrangers，whohadstoodapartandleftthemtothemselves;andthentheysaw——whom？Yes，EdwardChesterandJosephWillet。
　　’Seehere！’criedthelocksmith。’Seehere！wherewouldanyofushavebeenwithoutthesetwo？Oh，MrEdward，MrEdward——oh，Joe，Joe，howlight，andyethowfull，youhavemademyoldheartto-
　　night！’
　　’ItwasMrEdwardthatknockedhimdown，sir，’saidJoe:’Ilongedtodoit，butIgaveituptohim。Come，youbraveandhonestgentleman！Getyoursensestogether，foryouhaven’tlongtoliehere。’
　　Hehadhisfootuponthebreastoftheirshamdeliverer，intheabsenceofasparearm;andgavehimagentlerollashespoke。
　　Gashford，foritwasnoother，crouchingyetmalignant，raisedhisscowlingface，likesinsubdued，andpleadedtobegentlyused。
　　’Ihaveaccesstoallmylord’spapers，MrHaredale，’hesaid，inasubmissivevoice:MrHaredalekeepinghisbacktowardshim，andnotoncelookinground:’thereareveryimportantdocumentsamongthem。
　　Thereareagreatmanyinsecretdrawers，anddistributedinvariousplaces，knownonlytomylordandme。Icangivesomeveryvaluableinformation，andrenderimportantassistancetoanyinquiry。Youwillhavetoanswerit，ifIreceiveillusage。
　　’Pah！’criedJoe，indeepdisgust。’Getup，man;you’rewaitedfor，outside。Getup，doyouhear？’
　　Gashfordslowlyrose;andpickinguphishat，andlookingwithabaffledmalevolence，yetwithanairofdespicablehumility，allroundtheroom，crawledout。
　　’Andnow，gentlemen，’saidJoe，whoseemedtobethespokesmanoftheparty，foralltherestweresilent;’thesoonerwegetbacktotheBlackLion，thebetter，perhaps。’
　　MrHaredalenoddedassent，anddrawinghisniece’sarmthroughhis，andtakingoneofherhandsbetweenhisown，passedoutstraightway;followedbythelocksmith，MrsVarden，andDolly——whowouldscarcelyhavepresentedasufficientsurfaceforallthehugsandcaressestheybestoweduponherthoughshehadbeenadozenDollys。EdwardChesterandJoefollowed。
　　AnddidDollyneveroncelookbehind——notonce？Wastherenotonelittlefleetingglimpseofthedarkeyelash，almostrestingonherflushedcheek，andofthedowncastsparklingeyeitshaded？Joethoughttherewas——andheisnotlikelytohavebeenmistaken;fortherewerenotmanyeyeslikeDolly’s，that’sthetruth。
　　Theouterroomthroughwhichtheyhadtopass，wasfullofmen;
　　amongthem，MrDennisinsafekeeping;andthere，hadbeensinceyesterday，lyinginhidingbehindawoodenscreenwhichwasnowthrowndown，SimonTappertit，therecreant’prentice，burntandbruised，andwithagun-shotwoundinhisbody;andhislegs——hisperfectlegs，theprideandgloryofhislife，thecomfortofhisexistence——crushedintoshapelessugliness。Wonderingnolongeratthemoanstheyhadheard，Dollykeptclosertoherfather，andshudderedatthesight;butneitherbruises，burns，norgun-shotwound，norallthetortureofhisshatteredlimbs，senthalfsokeenapangtoSimon’sbreast，asDollypassingout，withJoeforherpreserver。
　　Acoachwasreadyatthedoor，andDollyfoundherselfsafeandwholeinside，betweenherfatherandmother，withEmmaHaredaleandheruncle，quitereal，sittingopposite。ButtherewasnoJoe，noEdward;andtheyhadsaidnothing。Theyhadonlybowedonce，andkeptatadistance。Dearheart！whatalongwayitwastotheBlackLion！
　　Chapter72
　　TheBlackLionwassofaroff，andoccupiedsuchalengthoftimeinthegettingat，thatnotwithstandingthestrongpresumptiveevidenceshehadaboutherofthelateeventsbeingrealandofactualoccurrence，Dollycouldnotdivestherselfofthebeliefthatshemustbeinadreamwhichwaslastingallnight。Norwasshequitecertainthatshesawandheardwithherownpropersenses，evenwhenthecoach，inthefulnessoftime，stoppedattheBlackLion，andthehostofthattavernapproachedinagushofcheerfullighttohelpthemtodismount，andgivethemheartywelcome。
　　Theretoo，atthecoachdoor，oneononeside，oneupontheother，werealreadyEdwardChesterandJoeWillet，whomusthavefollowedinanothercoach:andthiswassuchastrangeandunaccountableproceeding，thatDollywasthemoreinclinedtofavourtheideaofherbeingfastasleep。ButwhenMrWilletappeared——oldJohnhimself——soheavy-headedandobstinate，andwithsuchadoublechinastheliveliestimaginationcouldneverinitsboldestflightshaveconjuredupinallitsvastproportions——thenshestoodcorrected，andunwillinglyadmittedtoherselfthatshewasbroadawake。
　　AndJoehadlostanarm——he——thatwell-made，handsome，gallantfellow！AsDollyglancedtowardshim，andthoughtofthepainhemusthavesuffered，andthefar-offplacesinwhichhehadbeenwandering，andwonderedwhohadbeenhisnurse，andhopedthatwhoeveritwas，shehadbeenaskindandgentleandconsiderateasshewouldhavebeen，thetearscamerisingtoherbrighteyes，onebyone，littlebylittle，untilshecouldkeepthembacknolonger，andsobeforethemall，weptbitterly。
　　’Weareallsafenow，Dolly，’saidherfather，kindly。’Weshallnotbeseparatedanymore。Cheerup，mylove，cheerup！’
　　Thelocksmith’swifeknewbetterperhaps，thanhe，whatailedherdaughter。ButMrsVardenbeingquiteanalteredwoman——fortheriotshaddonethatgood——addedherwordtohis，andcomfortedherwithsimilarrepresentations。
　　’Mayhap，’saidMrWillet，senior，lookingrounduponthecompany，’she’shungry。That’swhatitis，dependuponit——Iam，myself。’
　　TheBlackLion，who，likeoldJohn，hadbeenwaitingsupperpastallreasonableandconscionablehours，hailedthisasaphilosophicaldiscoveryoftheprofoundestandmostpenetratingkind;andthetablebeingalreadyspread，theysatdowntosupperstraightway。
　　Theconversationwasnotoftheliveliestnature，norweretheappetitesofsomeamongthemverykeen。But，inboththeserespects，oldJohnmorethanatonedforanydeficiencyonthepartoftherest，andverymuchdistinguishedhimself。
　　ItwasnotinpointofactualconversationthatMrWilletshonesobrilliantly，forhehadnoneofhisoldcroniesto’tackle，’andwasrathertimorousofventuringonJoe;havingcertainvaguemisgivingswithinhim，thathewasreadyontheshortestnotice，andonreceiptoftheslightestoffence，tofelltheBlackLiontothefloorofhisownparlour，andimmediatelytowithdrawtoChinaorsomeotherremoteandunknownregion，theretodwellforevermore，oratleastuntilhehadgotridofhisremainingarmandbothlegs，andperhapsaneyeorso，intothebargain。ItwaswithapeculiarkindofpantomimethatMrWilletfilledupeverypause;
　　andinthishewasconsideredbytheBlackLion，whohadbeenhisfamiliarforsomeyears，quitetosurpassandgobeyondhimself，andoutruntheexpectationsofhismostadmiringfriends。
　　ThesubjectthatworkedinMrWillet’smind，andoccasionedthesedemonstrations，wasnootherthanhisson’sbodilydisfigurement，whichhehadneveryetgothimselfthoroughlytobelieve，orcomprehend。Shortlyaftertheirfirstmeeting，hehadbeenobservedtowander，inastateofgreatperplexity，tothekitchen，andtodirecthisgazetowardsthefire，asifinsearchofhisusualadviserinallmattersofdoubtanddifficulty。ButtherebeingnoboilerattheBlackLion，andtheriotershavingsobeatenandbatteredhisownthatitwasquiteunfitforfurtherservice，hewanderedoutagain，inaperfectbogofuncertaintyandmentalconfusion，andinthatstatetookthestrangestmeansofresolvinghisdoubts:suchasfeelingthesleeveofhisson’sgreatcoatasdeemingitpossiblethathisarmmightbethere;lookingathisownarmsandthoseofeverybodyelse，asiftoassurehimselfthattwoandnotonewastheusualallowance;sittingbythehourtogetherinabrownstudy，asifhewereendeavouringtorecallJoe’simageinhisyoungerdays，andtorememberwhetherhereallyhadinthosetimesonearmorapair;andemployinghimselfinmanyotherspeculationsofthesamekind。
　　Findinghimselfatthissupper，surroundedbyfaceswithwhichhehadbeensowellacquaintedinoldtimes，MrWilletrecurredtothesubjectwithuncommonvigour;apparentlyresolvedtounderstanditnowornever。Sometimes，aftereverytwoorthreemouthfuls，helaiddownhisknifeandfork，andstaredathissonwithallhismight——particularlyathismaimedside;then，helookedslowlyroundthetableuntilhecaughtsomeperson’seye，whenheshookhisheadwithgreatsolemnity，pattedhisshoulder，winked，orasonemaysay——forwinkingwasaveryslowprocesswithhim——wenttosleepwithoneeyeforaminuteortwo;andso，withanothersolemnshakingofhishead，tookuphisknifeandforkagain，andwentoneating。Sometimes，heputhisfoodintohismouthabstractedly，and，withallhisfacultiesconcentratedonJoe，gazedathiminafitofstupefactionashecuthismeatwithonehand，untilhewasrecalledtohimselfbysymptomsofchokingonhisownpart，andwasbythatmeansrestoredtoconsciousness。Atothertimesheresortedtosuchsmalldevicesasaskinghimforthesalt，thepepper，thevinegar，themustard——anythingthatwasonhismaimedside——andwatchinghimashehandedit。Bydintoftheseexperiments，hedidatlastsosatisfyandconvincehimself，that，afteralongersilencethanhehadyetmaintained，helaiddownhisknifeandforkoneithersidehisplate，drankalongdraughtfromatankardbesidehimstillkeepinghiseyesonJoe，andleaningbackwardinhischairandfetchingalongbreath，said，ashelookedallroundtheboard:
　　’It’sbeentookoff！’
　　’ByGeorge！’saidtheBlackLion，strikingthetablewithhishand，’he’sgotit！’
　　’Yes，sir，’saidMrWillet，withthelookofamanwhofeltthathehadearnedacompliment，anddeservedit。’That’swhereitis。
　　It’sbeentookoff。’
　　’Tellhimwhereitwasdone，’saidtheBlackLiontoJoe。
　　’AtthedefenceoftheSavannah，father。’
　　’AtthedefenceoftheSalwanners，’repeatedMrWillet，softly;
　　againlookingroundthetable。
　　’InAmerica，wherethewaris，’saidJoe。
　　’InAmerica，wherethewaris，’repeatedMrWillet。’ItwastookoffinthedefenceoftheSalwannersinAmericawherethewaris。’
　　Continuingtorepeatthesewordstohimselfinalowtoneofvoicethesameinformationhadbeenconveyedtohiminthesameterms，atleastfiftytimesbefore，MrWilletarosefromtable，walkedroundtoJoe，felthisemptysleeveallthewayup，fromthecuff，towherethestumpofhisarmremained;shookhishand;lightedhispipeatthefire，tookalongwhiff，walkedtothedoor，turnedroundoncewhenhehadreachedit，wipedhislefteyewiththebackofhisforefinger，andsaid，inafalteringvoice:’Myson’sarm——
　　wastookoff——atthedefenceofthe——Salwanners——inAmerica——wherethewaris’——withwhichwordshewithdrew，andreturnednomorethatnight。
　　Indeed，onvariouspretences，theyallwithdrewoneafteranother，saveDolly，whowasleftsittingtherealone。Itwasagreatrelieftobealone，andshewascryingtoherheart’scontent，whensheheardJoe’svoiceattheendofthepassage，biddingsomebodygoodnight。
　　Goodnight！Thenhewasgoingelsewhere——tosomedistance，perhaps。TowhatkindofhomeCOULDhebegoing，nowthatitwassolate！
　　Sheheardhimwalkalongthepassage，andpassthedoor。Buttherewasahesitationinhisfootsteps。Heturnedback——Dolly’sheartbeathigh——helookedin。
　　’Goodnight！’——hedidn’tsayDolly，buttherewascomfortinhisnotsayingMissVarden。
　　’Goodnight！’sobbedDolly。
　　’Iamsorryyoutakeonsomuch，forwhatispastandgone，’saidJoekindly。’Don’t。Ican’tbeartoseeyoudoit。Thinkofitnolonger。Youaresafeandhappynow。’
　　Dollycriedthemore。
　　’Youmusthavesufferedverymuchwithinthesefewdays——andyetyou’renotchanged，unlessit’sforthebetter。Theysaidyouwere，butIdon’tseeit。Youwere——youwerealwaysverybeautiful，’saidJoe，’butyouaremorebeautifulthanever，now。
　　Youareindeed。Therecanbenoharminmysayingso，foryoumustknowit。Youaretoldsoveryoften，Iamsure。’
　　Asageneralprinciple，DollyDIDknowit，andWAStoldso，veryoften。Butthecoachmakerhadturnedout，yearsago，tobeaspecialdonkey;andwhethershehadbeenafraidofmakingsimilardiscoveriesinothers，orhadgrownbydintoflongcustomtobecarelessofcomplimentsgenerally，certainitisthatalthoughshecriedsomuch，shewasbetterpleasedtobetoldsonow，thanevershehadbeeninallherlife。
　　’Ishallblessyourname，’sobbedthelocksmith’slittledaughter，’aslongasIlive。Ishallneverhearitspokenwithoutfeelingasifmyheartwouldburst。Ishallrememberitinmyprayers，everynightandmorningtillIdie！’
　　’Willyou？’saidJoe，eagerly。’Willyouindeed？Itmakesme——
　　well，itmakesmeverygladandproudtohearyousayso。’
　　Dollystillsobbed，andheldherhandkerchieftohereyes。Joestillstood，lookingather。
　　’Yourvoice，’saidJoe，’bringsupoldtimessopleasantly，that，forthemoment，Ifeelasifthatnight——therecanbenoharmintalkingofthatnightnow——hadcomeback，andnothinghadhappenedinthemeantime。IfeelasifIhadn’tsufferedanyhardships，buthadknockeddownpoorTomCobbonlyyesterday，andhadcometoseeyouwithmybundleonmyshoulderbeforerunningaway——Youremember？’
　　Remember！Butshesaidnothing。Sheraisedhereyesforaninstant。Itwasbutaglance;alittle，tearful，timidglance。ItkeptJoesilentthough，foralongtime。
　　’Well！’hesaidstoutly，’itwastobeotherwise，andwas。Ihavebeenabroad，fightingallthesummerandfrozenupallthewinter，eversince。IhavecomebackaspoorinpurseasIwent，andcrippledforlifebesides。But，Dolly，Iwouldratherhavelostthisotherarm——ay，Iwouldratherhavelostmyhead——thanhavecomebacktofindyoudead，oranythingbutwhatIalwayspicturedyoutomyself，andwhatIalwayshopedandwishedtofindyou。
　　ThankGodforall！’
　　Ohhowmuch，andhowkeenly，thelittlecoquetteoffiveyearsago，feltnow！Shehadfoundherheartatlast。Neverhavingknownitsworthtillnow，shehadneverknowntheworthofhis。Howpricelessitappeared！
　　’Ididhopeonce，’saidJoe，inhishomelyway，’thatImightcomebackarichman，andmarryyou。ButIwasaboythen，andhavelongknownbetterthanthat。Iamapoor，maimed，dischargedsoldier，andmustbecontenttorubthroughlifeasIcan。Ican’tsay，evennow，thatIshallbegladtoseeyoumarried，Dolly;butIAMglad——yes，Iam，andgladtothinkIcansayso——toknowthatyouareadmiredandcourted，andcanpickandchooseforahappylife。It’sacomforttometoknowthatyou’lltalktoyourhusbandaboutme;andIhopethetimewillcomewhenImaybeabletolikehim，andtoshakehandswithhim，andtocomeandseeyouasapoorfriendwhoknewyouwhenyouwereagirl。Godblessyou！’
　　HishandDIDtremble;butforallthat，hetookitawayagain，andlefther。
　　Chapter73
　　BythisFridaynight——foritwasonFridayintheriotweek，thatEmmaandDollywererescued，bythetimelyaidofJoeandEdwardChester——thedisturbanceswereentirelyquelled，andpeaceandorderwererestoredtotheaffrightedcity。True，afterwhathadhappened，itwasimpossibleforanymantosayhowlongthisbetterstateofthingsmightlast，orhowsuddenlynewoutrages，exceedingeventhosesolatelywitnessed，mightburstforthandfillitsstreetswithruinandbloodshed;forthisreason，thosewhohadfledfromtherecenttumultsstillkeptatadistance，andmanyfamilies，hithertounabletoprocurethemeansofflight，nowavailedthemselvesofthecalm，andwithdrewintothecountry。Theshops，too，fromTyburntoWhitechapel，werestillshut;andverylittlebusinesswastransactedinanyoftheplacesofgreatcommercialresort。But，notwithstanding，andinspiteofthemelancholyforebodingsofthatnumerousclassofsocietywhoseewiththegreatestclearnessintothedarkestperspectives，thetownremainedprofoundlyquiet。Thestrongmilitaryforcedisposedineveryadvantageousquarter，andstationedateverycommandingpoint，heldthescatteredfragmentsofthemobincheck;thesearchafterrioterswasprosecutedwithunrelentingvigour;andiftherewereanyamongthemsodesperateandrecklessastobeinclined，aftertheterriblescenestheyhadbeheld，toventureforthagain，theyweresodauntedbytheseresolutemeasures，thattheyquicklyshrunkintotheirhiding-places，andhadnothoughtbutfortheirsafety。
　　Inaword，thecrowdwasutterlyrouted。Upwardsoftwohundredhadbeenshotdeadinthestreets。Twohundredandfiftymorewerelying，badlywounded，inthehospitals;ofwhomseventyoreightydiedwithinashorttimeafterwards。Ahundredwerealreadyincustody，andmoreweretakeneveryhour。Howmanyperishedintheconflagrations，orbytheirownexcesses，isunknown;butthatnumbersfoundaterriblegraveinthehotashesoftheflamestheyhadkindled，orcreptintovaultsandcellarstodrinkinsecretortonursetheirsores，andneversawthelightagain，iscertain。
　　Whentheembersofthefireshadbeenblackandcoldformanyweeks，thelabourers’spadesprovedthis，beyondadoubt。
　　Seventy-twoprivatehousesandfourstrongjailsweredestroyedinthefourgreatdaysoftheseriots。Thetotallossofproperty，asestimatedbythesufferers，wasonehundredandfifty-fivethousandpounds;atthelowestandleastpartialestimateofdisinterestedpersons，itexceededonehundredandtwenty-fivethousandpounds。
　　Forthisimmenseloss，compensationwassoonafterwardsmadeoutofthepublicpurse，inpursuanceofavoteoftheHouseofCommons;
　　thesumbeingleviedonthevariouswardsinthecity，onthecounty，andtheboroughofSouthwark。BothLordMansfieldandLordSaville，however，whohadbeengreatsufferers，refusedtoacceptofanycompensationwhatever。
　　TheHouseofCommons，sittingonTuesdaywithlockedandguardeddoors，hadpassedaresolutiontotheeffectthat，assoonasthetumultssubsided，itwouldimmediatelyproceedtoconsiderthepetitionspresentedfrommanyofhisMajesty’sProtestantsubjects，andwouldtakethesameintoitsseriousconsideration。Whilethisquestionwasunderdebate，MrHerbert，oneofthememberspresent，indignantlyroseandcalledupontheHousetoobservethatLordGeorgeGordonwasthensittingunderthegallerywiththebluecockade，thesignalofrebellion，inhishat。Hewasnotonlyobliged，bythosewhosatnear，totakeitout;butofferingtogointothestreettopacifythemobwiththesomewhatindefiniteassurancethattheHousewaspreparedtogivethem’thesatisfactiontheysought，’wasactuallyhelddowninhisseatbythecombinedforceofseveralmembers。Inshort，thedisorderandviolencewhichreignedtriumphantoutofdoors，penetratedintothesenate，andthere，aselsewhere，terrorandalarmprevailed，andordinaryformswereforthetimeforgotten。
　　OntheThursday，bothHouseshadadjourneduntilthefollowingMondayse’nnight，declaringitimpossibletopursuetheirdeliberationswiththenecessarygravityandfreedom，whiletheyweresurroundedbyarmedtroops。Andnowthattheriotersweredispersed，thecitizenswerebesetwithanewfear;for，findingthepublicthoroughfaresandalltheirusualplacesofresortfilledwithsoldiersentrustedwiththefreeuseoffireandsword，theybegantolendagreedyeartotherumourswhichwereafloatofmartiallawbeingdeclared，andtodismalstoriesofprisonershavingbeenseenhangingonlamp-postsinCheapsideandFleetStreet。TheseterrorsbeingpromptlydispelledbyaProclamationdeclaringthatalltheriotersincustodywouldbetriedbyaspecialcommissioninduecourseoflaw，afreshalarmwasengenderedbyitsbeingwhisperedabroadthatFrenchmoneyhadbeenfoundonsomeoftherioters，andthatthedisturbanceshadbeenfomentedbyforeignpowerswhosoughttocompasstheoverthrowandruinofEngland。Thisreport，whichwasstrengthenedbythediffusionofanonymoushandbills，butwhich，ifithadanyfoundationatall，probablyoweditsorigintothecircumstanceofsomefewcoinswhichwerenotEnglishmoneyhavingbeensweptintothepocketsoftheinsurgentswithothermiscellaneousbooty，andafterwardsdiscoveredontheprisonersorthedeadbodies，——causedagreatsensation;andmen’smindsbeinginthatexcitedstatewhentheyaremostapttocatchatanyshadowofapprehension，wasbruitedaboutwithmuchindustry。
　　Allremainingquiet，however，duringthewholeofthisFriday，andonthisFridaynight，andnonewdiscoveriesbeingmade，confidencebegantoberestored，andthemosttimidanddespondingbreathedagain。InSouthwark，nofewerthanthreethousandoftheinhabitantsformedthemselvesintoawatch，andpatrolledthestreetseveryhour。Norwerethecitizensslowtofollowsogoodanexample:anditbeingthemannerofpeacefulmentobeveryboldwhenthedangerisover，theywereabundantlyfierceanddaring;
　　notscruplingtoquestionthestoutestpassengerwithgreatseverity，andcarryingitwithaveryhighhandoverallerrand-
　　boys，servant-girls，and’prentices。
　　Asdaydeepenedintoevening，anddarknesscreptintothenooksandcornersofthetownasifitweremusteringinsecretandgatheringstrengthtoventureintotheopenways，Barnabysatinhisdungeon，wonderingatthesilence，andlisteninginvainforthenoiseandoutcrywhichhadusheredinthenightoflate。Besidehim，withhishandinhers，satoneinwhosecompanionshiphefeltatpeace。
　　Shewasworn，andaltered，fullofgrief，andheavy-hearted;butthesametohim。
　　’Mother，’hesaid，afteralongsilence:’howlong，——howmanydaysandnights，——shallIbekepthere？’
　　’Notmany，dear。Ihopenotmany。’
　　’Youhope！Ay，butyourhopingwillnotundothesechains。I
　　hope，buttheydon’tmindthat。Griphopes，butwhocaresforGrip？’
　　Theravengaveashort，dull，melancholycroak。Itsaid’Nobody，’
　　asplainlyasacroakcouldspeak。
　　’WhocaresforGrip，exceptyouandme？’saidBarnaby，smoothingthebird’srumpledfeatherswithhishand。’Heneverspeaksinthisplace;heneversaysawordinjail;hesitsandmopesalldayinhisdarkcorner，dozingsometimes，andsometimeslookingatthelightthatcreepsinthroughthebars，andshinesinhisbrighteyeasifasparkfromthosegreatfireshadfallenintotheroomandwasburningyet。ButwhocaresforGrip？’
　　Theravencroakedagain——Nobody。
　　’Andbytheway，’saidBarnaby，withdrawinghishandfromthebird，andlayingituponhismother’sarm，ashelookedeagerlyinherface;’iftheykillme——theymay:Ihearditsaidtheywould——whatwillbecomeofGripwhenIamdead？’
　　Thesoundoftheword，orthecurrentofhisownthoughts，suggestedtoGriphisoldphrase’Neversaydie！’Buthestoppedshortinthemiddleofit，drewadismalcork，andsubsidedintoafaintcroak，asifhelackedthehearttogetthroughtheshortestsentence。
　　’WilltheytakeHISlifeaswellasmine？’saidBarnaby。’Iwishtheywould。IfyouandIandhecoulddietogether，therewouldbenonetofeelsorry，ortogrieveforus。Butdowhattheywill，I
　　don’tfearthem，mother！’
　　’Theywillnotharmyou，’shesaid，hertearschokingherutterance。’Theyneverwillharmyou，whentheyknowall。Iamsuretheyneverwill。’
　　’Oh！Don’tbetoosureofthat，’criedBarnaby，withastrangepleasureinthebeliefthatshewasself-deceived，andinhisownsagacity。’Theyhavemarkedmefromthefirst。Iheardthemsaysotoeachotherwhentheybroughtmetothisplacelastnight;andIbelievethem。Don’tyoucryforme。TheysaidthatIwasbold，andsoIam，andsoIwillbe。YoumaythinkthatIamsilly，butIcandieaswellasanother——Ihavedonenoharm，haveI？’headdedquickly。
　　’NonebeforeHeaven，’sheanswered。
　　’Whythen，’saidBarnaby，’letthemdotheirworst。Youtoldmeonce——you——whenIaskedyouwhatdeathmeant，thatitwasnothingtobefeared，ifwedidnoharm——Aha！mother，youthoughtIhadforgottenthat！’
　　Hismerrylaughandplayfulmannersmotehertotheheart。Shedrewhimclosertoher，andbesoughthimtotalktoherinwhispersandtobeveryquiet，foritwasgettingdark，andtheirtimewasshort，andshewouldsoonhavetoleavehimforthenight。
　　’Youwillcometo-morrow？’saidBarnaby。
　　Yes。Andeveryday。Andtheywouldneverpartagain。
　　Hejoyfullyrepliedthatthiswaswell，andwhathewished，andwhathehadfeltquitecertainshewouldtellhim;andthenheaskedherwhereshehadbeensolong，andwhyshehadnotcometoseehimwhenhehadbeenagreatsoldier，andranthroughthewildschemeshehadhadfortheirbeingrichandlivingprosperously，andwithsomefaintnotioninhismindthatshewassadandhehadmadeherso，triedtoconsoleandcomforther，andtalkedoftheirformerlifeandhisoldsportsandfreedom:littledreamingthateverywordheutteredonlyincreasedhersorrow，andthathertearsfellfasteratthefreshenedrecollectionoftheirlosttranquillity。
　　’Mother，’saidBarnaby，astheyheardthemanapproachingtoclosethecellsforthenight，’whenIspoketoyoujustnowaboutmyfatheryoucried“Hush！“andturnedawayyourhead。Whydidyoudoso？Tellmewhy，inaword。YouthoughtHEwasdead。Youarenotsorrythatheisaliveandhascomebacktous。Whereishe？
　　Here？’
　　’Donotaskanyonewhereheis，orspeakabouthim，’shemadeanswer。
　　’Whynot？’saidBarnaby。’Becauseheisasternman，andtalksroughly？Well！Idon’tlikehim，orwanttobewithhimbymyself;butwhynotspeakabouthim？’
　　’BecauseIamsorrythatheisalive;sorrythathehascomeback;
　　andsorrythatheandyouhaveevermet。Because，dearBarnaby，theendeavourofmylifehasbeentokeepyoutwoasunder。’
　　’Fatherandsonasunder！Why？’
　　’Hehas，’shewhisperedinhisear，’hehasshedblood。Thetimehascomewhenyoumustknowit。Hehasshedthebloodofonewholovedhimwell，andtrustedhim，andneverdidhimwronginwordordeed。’
　　Barnabyrecoiledinhorror，andglancingathisstainedwristforaninstant，wrappedit，shuddering，inhisdress。
　　’But，’sheaddedhastilyasthekeyturnedinthelock，’althoughweshunhim，heisyourfather，dearest，andIamhiswretchedwife。Theyseekhislife，andhewillloseit。Itmustnotbebyourmeans;nay，ifwecouldwinhimbacktopenitence，weshouldbeboundtolovehimyet。Donotseemtoknowhim，exceptasonewhofledwithyoufromthejail，andiftheyquestionyouabouthim，donotanswerthem。Godbewithyouthroughthenight，dearboy！Godbewithyou！’
　　Shetoreherselfaway，andinafewsecondsBarnabywasalone。Hestoodforalongtimerootedtothespot，withhisfacehiddeninhishands;thenflunghimself，sobbing，onhismiserablebed。
　　Butthemooncameslowlyupinallhergentleglory，andthestarslookedout，andthroughthesmallcompassofthegratedwindow，asthroughthenarrowcreviceofonegooddeedinamurkylifeofguilt，thefaceofHeavenshonebrightandmerciful。Heraisedhishead;gazedupwardatthequietsky，whichseemedtosmileupontheearthinsadness，asifthenight，morethoughtfulthantheday，lookeddowninsorrowonthesufferingsandevildeedsofmen;andfeltitspeacesinkdeepintohisheart。He，apooridiot，cagedinhisnarrowcell，wasasmuchlifteduptoGod，whilegazingonthemildlight，asthefreestandmostfavouredmaninallthespaciouscity;andinhisill-rememberedprayer，andinthefragmentofthechildishhymn，withwhichhesungandcroonedhimselfasleep，therebreathedastrueaspiritaseverstudiedhomilyexpressed，oroldcathedralarchesechoed。
　　Ashismothercrossedayardonherwayout，shesaw，throughagrateddoorwhichseparateditfromanothercourt，herhusband，walkingroundandround，withhishandsfoldedonhisbreast，andhisheadhungdown。Sheaskedthemanwhoconductedher，ifshemightspeakawordwiththisprisoner。Yes，butshemustbequickforhewaslockingupforthenight，andtherewasbutaminuteorsotospare。Sayingthis，heunlockedthedoor，andbadehergoin。
　　Itgratedharshlyasitturneduponitshinges，buthewasdeaftothenoise，andstillwalkedroundandroundthelittlecourt，withoutraisinghisheadorchanginghisattitudeintheleast。
　　Shespoketohim，buthervoicewasweak，andfailedher。Atlengthsheputherselfinhistrack，andwhenhecamenear，stretchedoutherhandandtouchedhim。
　　Hestartedbackward，tremblingfromheadtofoot;butseeingwhoitwas，demandedwhyshecamethere。Beforeshecouldreply，hespokeagain。
　　’AmItoliveordie？Doyoumurdertoo，orspare？’
　　’Myson——ourson，’sheanswered，’isinthisprison。’
　　’Whatisthattome？’hecried，stampingimpatientlyonthestonepavement。’Iknowit。HecannomoreaidmethanIcanaidhim。
　　Ifyouarecometotalkofhim，begone！’
　　Ashespokeheresumedhiswalk，andhurriedroundthecourtasbefore。Whenhecameagaintowhereshestood，hestopped，andsaid，’AmItoliveordie？Doyourepent？’
　　’Oh！——doYOU？’sheanswered。’Willyou，whiletimeremains？DonotbelievethatIcouldsaveyou，ifIdared。’
　　’Sayifyouwould，’heansweredwithanoath，ashetriedtodisengagehimselfandpasson。’Sayifyouwould。’
　　’Listentomeforonemoment，’shereturned;’forbutamoment。I
　　ambutnewlyrisenfromasick-bed，fromwhichIneverhopedtoriseagain。Thebestamongusthink，atsuchatime，ofgoodintentionshalf-performedanddutiesleftundone。IfIhaveever，sincethatfatalnight，omittedtoprayforyourrepentancebeforedeath——ifIomitted，eventhen，anythingwhichmighttendtourgeitonyouwhenthehorrorofyourcrimewasfresh——if，inourlatermeeting，Iyieldedtothedreadthatwasuponme，andforgottofalluponmykneesandsolemnlyadjureyou，inthenameofhimyousenttohisaccountwithHeaven，topreparefortheretributionwhichmustcome，andwhichisstealingonyounow——Ihumblybeforeyou，andintheagonyofsupplicationinwhichyouseeme，beseechthatyouwillletmemakeatonement。’
　　’Whatisthemeaningofyourcantingwords？’heansweredroughly。
　　’SpeaksothatImayunderstandyou。’
　　’Iwill，’sheanswered，’Idesireto。Bearwithmeforamomentmore。ThehandofHimwhosetHiscurseonmurder，isheavyonusnow。Youcannotdoubtit。Ourson，ourinnocentboy，onwhomHisangerfellbeforehisbirth，isinthisplaceinperilofhislife——
　　broughtherebyyourguilt;yes，bythatalone，asHeavenseesandknows，forhehasbeenledastrayinthedarknessofhisintellect，andthatistheterribleconsequenceofyourcrime。’
　　’Ifyoucome，woman-like，toloadmewithreproaches——’hemuttered，againendeavouringtobreakaway。
　　’Idonot。Ihaveadifferentpurpose。Youmusthearit。Ifnotto-night，to-morrow;ifnotto-morrow，atanothertime。YouMUST
　　hearit。Husband，escapeishopeless——impossible。’
　　’Youtellmeso，doyou？’hesaid，raisinghismanacledhand，andshakingit。’You！’
　　’Yes，’shesaid，withindescribableearnestness。’Butwhy？’
　　’Tomakemeeasyinthisjail。Tomakethetime’twixtthisanddeath，passpleasantly。Formygood——yes，formygood，ofcourse，’hesaid，grindinghisteeth，andsmilingatherwithalividface。
　　’Nottoloadyouwithreproaches，’shereplied;’nottoaggravatethetorturesandmiseriesofyourcondition，nottogiveyouonehardword，buttorestoreyoutopeaceandhope。Husband，dearhusband，ifyouwillbutconfessthisdreadfulcrime;ifyouwillbutimploreforgivenessofHeavenandofthosewhomyouhavewrongedonearth;ifyouwilldismissthesevainuneasythoughts，whichnevercanberealised，andwillrelyonPenitenceandontheTruth，Ipromiseyou，inthegreatnameoftheCreator，whoseimageyouhavedefaced，thatHewillcomfortandconsoleyou。Andformyself，’shecried，claspingherhands，andlookingupward，’I
　　swearbeforeHim，asHeknowsmyheartandreadsitnow，thatfromthathourIwillloveandcherishyouasIdidofold，andwatchyounightanddayintheshortintervalthatwillremaintous，andsootheyouwithmytruestloveandduty，andpraywithyou，thatonethreateningjudgmentmaybearrested，andthatourboymaybesparedtoblessGod，inhispoorway，inthefreeairandlight！’
　　Hefellbackandgazedatherwhileshepouredoutthesewords，asthoughhewereforamomentawedbyhermanner，andknewnotwhattodo。Butangerandfearsoongotthemasteryofhim，andhespurnedherfromhim。
　　’Begone！’hecried。’Leaveme！Youplot，doyou！Youplottogetspeechwithme，andletthemknowIamthemantheysayIam。
　　Acurseonyouandonyourboy。’
　　’Onhimthecursehasalreadyfallen，’shereplied，wringingherhands。
　　’Letitfallheavier。Letitfallononeandall。Ihateyouboth。Theworsthascometome。TheonlycomfortthatIseekorI
　　canhave，willbetheknowledgethatitcomestoyou。Nowgo！’
　　Shewouldhaveurgedhimgently，eventhen，buthemenacedherwithhischain。
　　’Isaygo——Isayitforthelasttime。Thegallowshasmeinitsgrasp，anditisablackphantomthatmayurgemeontosomethingmore。Begone！IcursethehourthatIwasborn，themanIslew，andallthelivingworld！’
　　Inaparoxysmofwrath，andterror，andthefearofdeath，hebrokefromher，andrushedintothedarknessofhiscell，wherehecasthimselfjanglingdownuponthestonefloor，andsmoteitwithhisironedhands。Themanreturnedtolockthedungeondoor，andhavingdoneso，carriedheraway。
　　Onthatwarm，balmynightinJune，thereweregladfacesandlightheartsinallquartersofthetown，andsleep，banishedbythelatehorrors，wasdoublywelcomed。Onthatnight，familiesmademerryintheirhouses，andgreetedeachotheronthecommondangertheyhadescaped;andthosewhohadbeendenounced，venturedintothestreets;andtheywhohadbeenplundered，gotgoodshelter。EventhetimorousLordMayor，whowassummonedthatnightbeforethePrivyCounciltoanswerforhisconduct，camebackcontented;
　　observingtoallhisfriendsthathehadgotoffverywellwithareprimand，andrepeatingwithhugesatisfactionhismemorabledefencebeforetheCouncil，’thatsuchwashistemerity，hethoughtdeathwouldhavebeenhisportion。’
　　Onthatnight，too，moreofthescatteredremnantsofthemobweretracedtotheirlurking-places，andtaken;andinthehospitals，anddeepamongtheruinstheyhadmade，andintheditches，andfields，manyunshroudedwretcheslaydead:enviedbythosewhohadbeenactiveinthedisturbances，andwhopillowedtheirdoomedheadsinthetemporaryjails。
　　AndintheTower，inadrearyroomwhosethickstonewallsshutoutthehumoflife，andmadeastillnesswhichtherecordsleftbyformerprisonerswiththosesilentwitnessesseemedtodeepenandintensify;remorsefulforeveryactthathadbeendonebyeverymanamongthecruelcrowd;feelingforthetimetheirguilthisown，andtheirlivesputinperilbyhimself;andfinding，amidstsuchreflections，littlecomfortinfanaticism，orinhisfanciedcall;
　　sattheunhappyauthorofall——LordGeorgeGordon。
　　Hehadbeenmadeprisonerthatevening。’Ifyouaresureit’smeyouwant，’hesaidtotheofficers，whowaitedoutsidewiththewarrantforhisarrestonachargeofHighTreason，’Iamreadytoaccompanyyou——’whichhedidwithoutresistance。HewasconductedfirstbeforethePrivyCouncil，andafterwardstotheHorseGuards，andthenwastakenbywayofWestminsterBridge，andbackoverLondonBridgeforthepurposeofavoidingthemainstreets，totheTower，underthestrongestguardeverknowntoenteritsgateswithasingleprisoner。
　　Ofallhisfortythousandmen，notoneremainedtobearhimcompany。Friends，dependents，followers，——nonewerethere。Hisfawningsecretaryhadplayedthetraitor;andhewhoseweaknesshadbeengoadedandurgedonbysomanyfortheirownpurposes，wasdesolateandalone。
　　Chapter74
　　MeDennis，havingbeenmadeprisonerlateintheevening，wasremovedtoaneighbouringround-houseforthatnight，andcarriedbeforeajusticeforexaminationonthenextday，Saturday。Thechargesagainsthimbeingnumerousandweighty，anditbeinginparticularproved，bythetestimonyofGabrielVarden，thathehadshownaspecialdesiretotakehislife，hewascommittedfortrial。Moreoverhewashonouredwiththedistinctionofbeingconsideredachiefamongtheinsurgents，andreceivedfromthemagistrate’slipsthecomplimentaryassurancethathewasinapositionofimminentdanger，andwoulddowelltopreparehimselffortheworst。
　　TosaythatMrDennis’smodestywasnotsomewhatstartledbythesehonours，orthathewasaltogetherpreparedforsoflatteringareception，wouldbetoclaimforhimagreateramountofstoicalphilosophythanevenhepossessed。Indeedthisgentleman’sstoicismwasofthatnotuncommonkind，whichenablesamantobearwithexemplaryfortitudetheafflictionsofhisfriends，butrendershim，bywayofcounterpoise，ratherselfishandsensitiveinrespectofanythathappentobefallhimself。Itisthereforenodisparagementtothegreatofficerinquestiontostate，withoutdisguiseorconcealment，thathewasatfirstverymuchalarmed，andthathebetrayeddiversemotionsoffear，untilhisreasoningpowerscametohisrelief，andsetbeforehimamorehopefulprospect。
　　InproportionasMrDennisexercisedtheseintellectualqualitieswithwhichhewasgifted，inreviewinghisbestchancesofcomingoffhandsomelyandwithsmallpersonalinconvenience，hisspiritsrose，andhisconfidenceincreased。Whenherememberedthegreatestimationinwhichhisofficewasheld，andtheconstantdemandforhisservices;whenhebethoughthimself，howtheStatuteBookregardedhimasakindofUniversalMedicineapplicabletomen，women，andchildren，ofeveryageandvarietyofcriminalconstitution;andhowhighhestood，inhisofficialcapacity，inthefavouroftheCrown，andbothHousesofParliament，theMint，theBankofEngland，andtheJudgesoftheland;whenherecollectedthatwhateverMinistrywasinorout，heremainedtheirpeculiarpetandpanacea，andthatforhissakeEnglandstoodsingleandconspicuousamongthecivilisednationsoftheearth:
　　whenhecalledthesethingstomindanddweltuponthem，hefeltcertainthatthenationalgratitudeMUSTrelievehimfromtheconsequencesofhislateproceedings，andwouldcertainlyrestorehimtohisoldplaceinthehappysocialsystem。
　　Withthesecrumbs，orasonemaysay，withthesewholeloavesofcomforttoregaleupon，MrDennistookhisplaceamongtheescortthatawaitedhim，andrepairedtojailwithamanlyindifference。
　　ArrivingatNewgate，wheresomeoftheruinedcellshadbeenhastilyfittedupforthesafekeepingofrioters，hewaswarmlyreceivedbytheturnkeys，asanunusualandinterestingcase，whichagreeablyrelievedtheirmonotonousduties。Inthisspirit，hewasfetteredwithgreatcare，andconveyedintotheinterioroftheprison。
　　’Brother，’criedthehangman，as，followinganofficer，hetraversedunderthesenovelcircumstancestheremainsofpassageswithwhichhewaswellacquainted，’amIgoingtobealongwithanybody？’
　　’Ifyou’dhaveleftmorewallsstanding，you’dhavebeenalone，’
　　wasthereply。’Asitis，we’recrampedforroom，andyou’llhavecompany。’
　　’Well，’returnedDennis，’Idon’tobjecttocompany，brother。I
　　ratherlikecompany。Iwasformedforsociety，Iwas。’
　　’That’sratherapity，an’tit？’saidtheman。
　　’No，’answeredDennis，’I’mnotawarethatitis。Whyshoulditbeapity，brother？’
　　’Oh！Idon’tknow，’saidthemancarelessly。’Ithoughtthatwaswhatyoumeant。Beingformedforsociety，andbeingcutoffinyourflower，youknow——’
　　’Isay，’interposedtheotherquickly，’whatareyoutalkingof？
　　Don’t。Who’sa-goingtobecutoffintheirflowers？’
　　’Oh，nobodyparticular。Ithoughtyouwas，perhaps，’saidtheman。
　　MrDenniswipedhisface，whichhadsuddenlygrownveryhot，andremarkinginatremulousvoicetohisconductorthathehadalwaysbeenfondofhisjoke，followedhiminsilenceuntilhestoppedatadoor。
　　’Thisismyquarters，isit？’heaskedfacetiously。
　　’Thisistheshop，sir，’repliedhisfriend。
　　Hewaswalkingin，butnotwiththebestpossiblegrace，whenhesuddenlystopped，andstartedback。
　　’Halloa！’saidtheofficer。’You’renervous。’
　　’Nervous！’whisperedDennisingreatalarm。’WellImaybe。Shutthedoor。’
　　’Iwill，whenyou’rein，’returnedtheman。
　　’ButIcan’tgointhere，’whisperedDennis。’Ican’tbeshutupwiththatman。Doyouwantmetobethrottled，brother？’
　　Theofficerseemedtoentertainnoparticulardesireonthesubjectonewayorother，butbrieflyremarkingthathehadhisorders，andintendedtoobeythem，pushedhimin，turnedthekey，andretired。
　　Dennisstoodtremblingwithhisbackagainstthedoor，andinvoluntarilyraisinghisarmtodefendhimself，staredataman，theonlyothertenantofthecell，wholay，stretchedathisfalllength，uponastonebench，andwhopausedinhisdeepbreathingasifhewereabouttowake。Butherolledoverononeside，lethisarmfallnegligentlydown，drewalongsigh，andmurmuringindistinctly，fellfastasleepagain。
　　Relievedinsomedegreebythis，thehangmantookhiseyesforaninstantfromtheslumberingfigure，andglancedroundthecellinsearchofsome’vantage-groundorweaponofdefence。Therewasnothingmoveablewithinit，butaclumsytablewhichcouldnotbedisplacedwithoutnoise，andaheavychair。Stealingontiptoetowardsthislatterpieceoffurniture，heretiredwithitintotheremotestcorner，andintrenchinghimselfbehindit，watchedtheenemywiththeutmostvigilanceandcaution。
　　ThesleepingmanwasHugh;andperhapsitwasnotunnaturalforDennistofeelinastateofveryuncomfortablesuspense，andtowishwithhiswholesoulthathemightneverwakeagain。Tiredofstanding，hecroucheddowninhiscorneraftersometime，andrestedonthecoldpavement;butalthoughHugh’sbreathingstillproclaimedthathewassleepingsoundly，hecouldnottrusthimoutofhissightforaninstant。Hewassoafraidofhim，andofsomesuddenonslaught，thathewasnotcontenttoseehisclosedeyesthroughthechair-back，buteverynowandthen，rosestealthilytohisfeet，andpeeredathimwithoutstretchedneck，toassurehimselfthathereallywasstillasleep，andwasnotabouttospringuponhimwhenhewasoffhisguard。
　　Hesleptsolongandsosoundly，thatMrDennisbegantothinkhemightsleeponuntiltheturnkeyvisitedthem。Hewascongratulatinghimselfuponthesepromisingappearances，andblessinghisstarswithmuchfervour，whenoneortwounpleasantsymptomsmanifestedthemselves:suchasanothermotionofthearm，anothersigh，arestlesstossingofthehead。Then，justasitseemedthathewasabouttofallheavilytothegroundfromhisnarrowbed，Hugh’seyesopened。
　　Ithappenedthathisfacewasturneddirectlytowardshisunexpectedvisitor。Helookedlazilyathimforsomehalf-dozensecondswithoutanyaspectofsurpriseorrecognition;thensuddenlyjumpedup，andwithagreatoathpronouncedhisname。
　　’Keepoff，brother，keepoff！’criedDennis，dodgingbehindthechair。’Don’tdomeamischief。I’maprisonerlikeyou。I
　　haven’tthefreeuseofmylimbs。I’mquiteanoldman。Don’thurtme！’
　　Hewhinedoutthelastthreewordsinsuchpiteousaccents，thatHugh，whohaddraggedawaythechair，andaimedablowathimwithit，checkedhimself，andbadehimgetup。
　　’I’llgetupcertainly，brother，’criedDennis，anxioustopropitiatehimbyanymeansinhispower。’I’llcomplywithanyrequestofyours，I’msure。There——I’mupnow。WhatcanIdoforyou？Onlysaytheword，andI’lldoit。’
　　’Whatcanyoudoforme！’criedHugh，clutchinghimbythecollarwithbothhands，andshakinghimasthoughhewerebentonstoppinghisbreathbythatmeans。’Whathaveyoudoneforme？’
　　’Thebest。Thebestthatcouldbedone，’returnedthehangman。
　　Hughmadehimnoanswer，butshakinghiminhisstronggripuntilhisteethchatteredinhishead，casthimdownuponthefloor，andflunghimselfonthebenchagain。
　　’Ifitwasn’tforthecomfortitistome，toseeyouhere，’hemuttered，’I’dhavecrushedyourheadagainstit;Iwould。’
　　ItwassometimebeforeDennishadbreathenoughtospeak，butassoonashecouldresumehispropitiatorystrain，hedidso。
　　’Ididthebestthatcouldbedone，brother，’hewhined;’Ididindeed。IwasforcedwithtwobayonetsandIdon’tknowhowmanybulletsoneachsideofme，topointyouout。Ifyouhadn’tbeentaken，you’dhavebeenshot;andwhatasightthatwouldhavebeen——
　　afineyoungmanlikeyou！’
　　’Willitbeabettersightnow？’askedHugh，raisinghishead，withsuchafierceexpression，thattheotherdurstnotanswerhimjustthen。
　　’Adealbetter，’saidDennismeekly，afterapause。’First，there’sallthechancesofthelaw，andthey’refivehundredstrong。Wemaygetoffscot-free。Unlikelierthingsthanthathavecometopass。Evenifweshouldn’t，andthechancesfail，wecanbutbeworkedoffonce:andwhenit’swelldone，it’ssoneat，soskilful，socaptiwating，ifthatdon’tseemtoostrongaword，thatyou’dhardlybelieveitcouldbebroughttosichperfection。
　　Killone’sfellow-creetursoff，withmuskets！——Pah！’andhisnaturesorevoltedatthebareidea，thathespatuponthedungeonpavement。
　　Hiswarmingonthistopic，whichtooneunacquaintedwithhispursuitsandtastesappearedlikecourage;togetherwithhisartfulsuppressionofhisownsecrethopes，andmentionofhimselfasbeinginthesameconditionwithHugh;didmoretosoothethatruffianthanthemostelaborateargumentscouldhavedone，orthemostabjectsubmission。Herestedhisarmsuponhisknees，andstoopingforward，lookedfrombeneathhisshaggyhairatDennis，withsomethingofasmileuponhisface。
　　’Thefactis，brother，’saidthehangman，inatoneofgreaterconfidence，’thatyougotintobadcompany。Themanthatwaswithyouwaslookedaftermorethanyou，anditwashimIwanted。Astome，whathaveIgotbyit？Hereweare，inoneandthesameplight。’
　　’Lookee，rascal，’saidHugh，contractinghisbrows，’I’mnotaltogethersuchashallowbladebutIknowyouexpectedtogetsomethingbyit，oryouwouldn’thavedoneit。Butit’sdone，andyou’rehere，anditwillsoonbealloverwithyouandme;andI’dassoondieaslive，orliveasdie。WhyshouldItroublemyselftohaverevengeonyou？Toeat，anddrink，andgotosleep，aslongasIstayhere，isallIcarefor。Iftherewasbutalittlemoresuntobaskin，thancanfinditswayintothiscursedplace，I’dlieinitallday，andnottroublemyselftositorstanduponce。That’sallthecareIhaveformyself。WhyshouldIcareforYOU？’
　　Finishingthisspeechwithagrowlliketheyawnofawildbeast，hestretchedhimselfuponthebenchagain，andclosedhiseyesoncemore。
　　Afterlookingathiminsilenceforsomemoments，Dennis，whowasgreatlyrelievedtofindhiminthismood，drewthechairtowardshisroughcouchandsatdownnearhim——takingtheprecaution，however，tokeepoutoftherangeofhisbrawnyarm。
　　’Wellsaid，brother;nothingcouldbebettersaid，’heventuredtoobserve。’We’lleatanddrinkofthebest，andsleepourbest，andmakethebestofiteveryway。Anythingcanbegotformoney。
　　Let’sspenditmerrily。’
　　’Ay，’saidHugh，coilinghimselfintoanewposition——’Whereisit？’
　　’Why，theytookminefrommeatthelodge，’saidMrDennis;’butmine’sapeculiarcase。’
　　’Isit？Theytookminetoo。’
　　’Whythen，Itellyouwhat，brother，’Dennisbegan。’Youmustlookupyourfriends——’
　　’Myfriends！’criedHugh，startingupandrestingonhishands。
　　’Wherearemyfriends？’
　　’Yourrelationsthen，’saidDennis。
　　’Hahaha！’laughedHugh，wavingonearmabovehishead。’Hetalksoffriendstome——talksofrelationstoamanwhosemotherdiedthedeathinstoreforherson，andlefthim，ahungrybrat，withoutafaceheknewinalltheworld！Hetalksofthistome！’
　　’Brother，’criedthehangman，whosefeaturesunderwentasuddenchange，’youdon’tmeantosay——’
　　’Imeantosay，’Hughinterposed，’thattheyhungherupatTyburn。
　　Whatwasgoodenoughforher，isgoodenoughforme。Letthemdothelikebymeassoonastheyplease——thesoonerthebetter。Saynomoretome。I’mgoingtosleep。’
　　’ButIwanttospeaktoyou;Iwanttohearmoreaboutthat，’saidDennis，changingcolour。
　　’Ifyou’reawiseman，’growledHugh，raisinghisheadtolookathimwithafrown，’you’llholdyourtongue。ItellyouI’mgoingtosleep。’
　　Dennisventuringtosaysomethingmoreinspiteofthiscaution，thedesperatefellowstruckathimwithallhisforce，andmissinghim，laydownagainwithmanymutteredoathsandimprecations，andturnedhisfacetowardsthewall。Aftertwoorthreeineffectualtwitchesathisdress，whichhewashardyenoughtoventureupon，notwithstandinghisdangeroushumour，MrDennis，whoburnt，forreasonsofhisown，topursuetheconversation，hadnoalternativebuttositaspatientlyashecould:waitinghisfurtherpleasure。
　　Chapter75
　　Amonthhaselapsed，——andwestandinthebedchamberofSirJohnChester。Throughthehalf-openedwindow，theTempleGardenlooksgreenandpleasant;theplacidriver，gaywithboatandbarge，anddimpledwiththeplashofmanyanoar，sparklesinthedistance;
　　theskyisblueandclear;andthesummerairstealsgentlyin，fillingtheroomwithperfume。Theverytown，thesmokytown，isradiant。Highroofsandsteeple-tops，wonttolookblackandsullen，smileacheerfulgrey;everyoldgildedvane，andball，andcross，glittersanewinthebrightmorningsun;and，highamongthemall，StPaul’stowersup，showingitsloftycrestinburnishedgold。
　　SirJohnwasbreakfastinginbed。Hischocolateandtoaststooduponalittletableathiselbow;booksandnewspaperslayreadytohishand，uponthecoverlet;and，sometimespausingtoglancewithanairoftranquilsatisfactionroundthewell-orderedroom，andsometimestogazeindolentlyatthesummersky，heate，anddrank，andreadthenewsluxuriously。
　　Thecheerfulinfluenceofthemorningseemedtohavesomeeffect，evenuponhisequabletemper。Hismannerwasunusuallygay;hissmilemoreplacidandagreeablethanusual;hisvoicemoreclearandpleasant。Helaiddownthenewspaperhehadbeenreading;
　　leanedbackuponhispillowwiththeairofonewhoresignedhimselftoatrainofcharmingrecollections;andafterapause，soliloquisedasfollows:
　　’Andmyfriendthecentaur，goesthewayofhismamma！Iamnotsurprised。AndhismysteriousfriendMrDennis，likewise！Iamnotsurprised。Andmyoldpostman，theexceedinglyfree-and-easyyoungmadmanofChigwell！Iamquiterejoiced。It’stheverybestthingthatcouldpossiblyhappentohim。’
　　Afterdeliveringhimselfoftheseremarks，hefellagainintohissmilingtrainofreflection;fromwhichherousedhimselfatlengthtofinishhischocolate，whichwasgettingcold，andringthebellformore。
　　Thenewsupplyarriving，hetookthecupfromhisservant’shand;
　　andsaying，withacharmingaffability，’Iamobligedtoyou，Peak，’dismissedhim。
　　’Itisaremarkablecircumstance，’hemused，dallyinglazilywiththeteaspoon，’thatmyfriendthemadmanshouldhavebeenwithinanaceofescaping，onhistrial;anditwasagoodstrokeofchanceor，astheworldwouldsay，aprovidentialoccurrencethatthebrotherofmyLordMayorshouldhavebeenincourt，withothercountryjustices，intowhoseverydenseheadscuriosityhadpenetrated。ForthoughthebrotherofmyLordMayorwasdecidedlywrong;andestablishedhisnearrelationshiptothatamusingpersonbeyondalldoubt，instatingthatmyfriendwassane，andhad，tohisknowledge，wanderedaboutthecountrywithavagabondparent，avowingrevolutionaryandrebellioussentiments;Iamnotthelessobligedtohimforvolunteeringthatevidence。Theseinsanecreaturesmakesuchveryoddandembarrassingremarks，thattheyreallyoughttobehangedforthecomfortofsociety。’
　　ThecountryjusticehadindeedturnedthewaveringscaleagainstpoorBarnaby，andsolvedthedoubtthattrembledinhisfavour。
　　Griplittlethoughthowmuchhehadtoanswerfor。
　　’Theywillbeasingularparty，’saidSirJohn，leaninghisheaduponhishand，andsippinghischocolate;’averycuriousparty。
　　Thehangmanhimself;thecentaur;andthemadman。ThecentaurwouldmakeaveryhandsomepreparationinSurgeons’Hall，andwouldbenefitscienceextremely。Ihopetheyhavetakencaretobespeakhim——Peak，Iamnotathome，ofcourse，toanybodybutthehairdresser。’
　　Thisremindertohisservantwascalledforthbyaknockatthedoor，whichthemanhastenedtoopen。Afteraprolongedmurmurofquestionandanswer，hereturned;andashecautiouslyclosedtheroom-doorbehindhim，amanwasheardtocoughinthepassage。
　　’Now，itisofnouse，Peak，’saidSirJohn，raisinghishandindeprecationofhisdeliveringanymessage;’Iamnotathome。I
　　cannotpossiblyhearyou。ItoldyouIwasnotathome，andmywordissacred。Willyouneverdoasyouaredesired？’
　　Havingnothingtoopposetothisreproof，themanwasabouttowithdraw，whenthevisitorwhohadgivenoccasiontoit，probablyrenderedimpatientbydelay，knockedwithhisknucklesatthechamber-door，andcalledoutthathehadurgentbusinesswithSirJohnChester，whichadmittedofnodelay。
　　’Lethimin，’saidSirJohn。’Mygoodfellow，’headded，whenthedoorwasopened，’howcomeyoutointrudeyourselfinthisextraordinarymannerupontheprivacyofagentleman？Howcanyoubesowhollydestituteofself-respectastobeguiltyofsuchremarkableill-breeding？’
　　’Mybusiness，SirJohn，isnotofacommonkind，Idoassureyou，’
　　returnedthepersonheaddressed。’IfIhavetakenanyuncommoncoursetogetadmissiontoyou，IhopeIshallbepardonedonthataccount。’
　　’Well！weshallsee;weshallsee，’returnedSirJohn，whosefaceclearedupwhenhesawwhoitwas，andwhoseprepossessingsmilewasnowrestored。’Iamsurewehavemetbefore，’headdedinhiswinningtone，’butreallyIforgetyourname？’
　　’MynameisGabrielVarden，sir。’
　　’Varden，ofcourse，Varden，’returnedSirJohn，tappinghisforehead。’Dearme，howverydefectivemymemorybecomes！Vardentobesure——MrVardenthelocksmith。Youhaveacharmingwife，MrVarden，andamostbeautifuldaughter。Theyarewell？’
　　Gabrielthankedhim，andsaidtheywere。
　　’Irejoicetohearit，’saidSirJohn。’Commendmetothemwhenyoureturn，andsaythatIwishedIwerefortunateenoughtoconvey，myself，thesalutewhichIentrustyoutodeliver。Andwhat，’heaskedverysweetly，afteramoment’spause，’canIdoforyou？Youmaycommandmefreely。’
　　’Ithankyou，SirJohn，’saidGabriel，withsomeprideinhismanner，’butIhavecometoasknofavourofyou，thoughIcomeonbusiness——Private，’headded，withaglanceatthemanwhostoodlookingon，’andverypressingbusiness。’
　　’Icannotsayyouarethemorewelcomeforbeingindependent，andhavingnothingtoaskofme，’returnedSirJohn，graciously，’forI
　　shouldhavebeenhappytorenderyouaservice;still，youarewelcomeonanyterms。Obligemewithsomemorechocolate，Peak，anddon’twait。’
　　Themanretired，andleftthemalone。
　　’SirJohn，’saidGabriel，’Iamaworking-man，andhavebeenso，allmylife。IfIdon’tprepareyouenoughforwhatIhavetotell;ifIcometothepointtooabruptly;andgiveyouashock，whichagentlemancouldhavesparedyou，oratalleventslessenedverymuch;Ihopeyouwillgivemecreditformeaningwell。Iwishtobecarefulandconsiderate，andItrustthatinastraightforwardpersonlikeme，you’lltakethewillforthedeed。’
　　’MrVarden，’returnedtheother，perfectlycomposedunderthisexordium;’Ibegyou’lltakeachair。Chocolate，perhaps，youdon’trelish？Well！itISanacquiredtaste，nodoubt。’
　　’SirJohn，’saidGabriel，whohadacknowledgedwithabowtheinvitationtobeseated，buthadnotavailedhimselfofit。’SirJohn’——hedroppedhisvoiceanddrewnearertothebed——’IamjustnowcomefromNewgate——’
　　’GoodGad！’criedSirJohn，hastilysittingupinbed;’fromNewgate，MrVarden！HowcouldyoubesoveryimprudentastocomefromNewgate！Newgate，wheretherearejail-fevers，andraggedpeople，andbare-footedmenandwomen，andathousandhorrors！
　　Peak，bringthecamphor，quick！Heavenandearth，MrVarden，mydear，goodsoul，howCOULDyoucomefromNewgate？’
　　Gabrielreturnednoanswer，butlookedoninsilencewhilePeakwhohadenteredwiththehotchocolaterantoadrawer，andreturningwithabottle，sprinkledhismaster’sdressing-gownandthebedding;andbesidesmoisteningthelocksmithhimself，plentifully，describedacircleroundabouthimonthecarpet。
　　Whenhehaddonethis，heagainretired;andSirJohn，reclininginaneasyattitudeuponhispillow，oncemoreturnedasmilingfacetowardshisvisitor。
　　’Youwillforgiveme，MrVarden，Iamsure，forbeingatfirstalittlesensitivebothonyouraccountandmyown。IconfessIwasstartled，notwithstandingyourdelicateexordium。MightIaskyoutodomethefavournottoapproachanynearer？——YouhavereallycomefromNewgate！’
　　Thelocksmithinclinedhishead。
　　’In-deed！Andnow，MrVarden，allexaggerationandembellishmentapart，’saidSirJohnChester，confidentially，ashesippedhischocolate，’whatkindofplaceISNewgate？’
　　’Astrangeplace，SirJohn，’returnedthelocksmith，’ofasadanddolefulkind。Astrangeplace，wheremanystrangethingsareheardandseen;butfewmorestrangethanthatIcometotellyouof。
　　Thecaseisurgent。Iamsenthere。’
　　’Not——no，no——notfromthejail？’
　　’Yes，SirJohn;fromthejail。’
　　’Andmygood，credulous，open-heartedfriend，’saidSirJohn，settingdownhiscup，andlaughing，——’bywhom？’
　　’ByamancalledDennis——formanyyearsthehangman，andto-morrowmorningthehanged，’returnedthelocksmith。
　　SirJohnhadexpected——hadbeenquitecertainfromthefirst——thathewouldsayhehadcomefromHugh，andwaspreparedtomeethimonthatpoint。Butthisansweroccasionedhimadegreeofastonishment，which，forthemoment，hecouldnot，withallhiscommandoffeature，preventhisfacefromexpressing。Hequicklysubduedit，however，andsaidinthesamelighttone:
　　’Andwhatdoesthegentlemanrequireofme？Mymemorymaybeatfaultagain，butIdon’trecollectthatIeverhadthepleasureofanintroductiontohim，orthatIevernumberedhimamongmypersonalfriends，Idoassureyou，MrVarden。’
　　’SirJohn，’returnedthelocksmith，gravely，’Iwilltellyou，asnearlyasIcan，inthewordsheusedtome，whathedesiresthatyoushouldknow，andwhatyououghttoknowwithoutamoment’slossoftime。’
　　SirJohnChestersettledhimselfinapositionofgreaterrepose，andlookedathisvisitorwithanexpressionoffacewhichseemedtosay，’Thisisanamusingfellow！I’llhearhimout。’