WhenIhadgotridofhim，whichIthoughtitwelltodowithoutprolongingexplanations，mymindwasmuchtroubledbythesetwocircumstancestakentogether。Whereastheywereeasyofinnocentsolutionapart-as，forinstance，somediner-outordiner-at-home，whohadnotgonenearthiswatchman'sgate，mighthavestrayedtomystaircaseanddroppedasleepthere-andmynamelessvisitormighthavebroughtsomeonewithhimtoshowhimtheway-still，joined，theyhadanuglylooktooneaspronetodistrustandfearasthechangesofafewhourshadmademe。
　　Ilightedmyfire，whichburntwitharawpaleflareatthattimeofthemorning，andfellintoadozebeforeit。Iseemedtohavebeendozingawholenightwhentheclocksstrucksix。Astherewasfullanhourandahalfbetweenmeanddaylight，Idozedagain；now，wakingupuneasily，withprolixconversationsaboutnothing，inmyears；now，makingthunderofthewindinthechimney；atlength，fallingoffintoaprofoundsleepfromwhichthedaylightwokemewithastart。
　　AllthistimeIhadneverbeenabletoconsidermyownsituation，norcouldIdosoyet。Ihadnotthepowertoattendtoit。Iwasgreatlydejectedanddistressed，butinanincoherentwholesalesortofway。Astoforminganyplanforthefuture，Icouldassoonhaveformedanelephant。WhenIopenedtheshuttersandlookedoutatthewetwildmorning，allofaleadenhue；whenIwalkedfromroomtoroom；whenIsatdownagainshivering，beforethefire，waitingformylaundresstoappear；IthoughthowmiserableIwas，buthardlyknewwhy，orhowlongIhadbeenso，oronwhatdayoftheweekImadethereflection，orevenwhoIwasthatmadeit。
　　Atlast，theoldwomanandtheniececamein-thelatterwithaheadnoteasilydistinguishablefromherdustybroom-andtestifiedsurpriseatsightofmeandthefire。TowhomIimpartedhowmyunclehadcomeinthenightandwasthenasleep，andhowthebreakfastpreparationsweretobemodifiedaccordingly。Then，Iwashedanddressedwhiletheyknockedthefurnitureaboutandmadeadust；andso，inasortofdreamorsleep-waking，Ifoundmyselfsittingbythefireagain，waitingfor-Him-tocometobreakfast。
　　By-and-by，hisdooropenedandhecameout。Icouldnotbringmyselftobearthesightofhim，andIthoughthehadaworselookbydaylight。
　　`Idonotevenknow，'saidI，speakinglowashetookhisseatatthetable，`bywhatnametocallyou。Ihavegivenoutthatyouaremyuncle。'
　　`That'sit，dearboy！Callmeuncle。'
　　`Youassumedsomename，Isuppose，onboardship？'
　　`Yes，dearboy。ItookthenameofProvis。'
　　`Doyoumeantokeepthatname？'
　　`Why，yes，dearboy，it'sasgoodasanother-unlessyou'dlikeanother。'
　　`Whatisyourrealname？'Iaskedhiminawhisper。
　　`Magwitch，'heanswered，inthesametone；`chrisen'dAbel。'
　　`Whatwereyoubroughtuptobe？'
　　`Awarmint，dearboy。'
　　Heansweredquiteseriously，andusedthewordasifitdenotedsomeprofession。
　　`WhenyoucameintotheTemplelastnight——'saidI，pausingtowonderwhetherthatcouldreallyhavebeenlastnight，whichseemedsolongago。
　　`Yes，dearboy？'
　　`Whenyoucameinatthegateandaskedthewatchmanthewayhere，hadyouanyonewithyou？'
　　`Withme？No，dearboy。'
　　`Buttherewassomeonethere？'
　　`Ididn'ttakeparticularnotice，'hesaid，dubiously，`notknowingthewaysoftheplace。ButIthinktherewasaperson，too，comeinalongerme。'
　　`AreyouknowninLondon？'
　　`Ihopenot！'saidhe，givinghisneckajerkwithhisforefingerthatmademeturnhotandsick。
　　`WereyouknowninLondon，once？'
　　`Notoverandabove，dearboy。Iwasintheprovincesmostly。'
　　`Wereyou-tried-inLondon？'
　　`Whichtime？'saidhe，withasharplook。
　　`Thelasttime。'
　　Henodded。`FirstknowedMrJaggersthatway。Jaggerswasforme。'
　　Itwasonmylipstoaskhimwhathewastriedfor，buthetookupaknife，gaveitaflourish，andwiththewords，`AndwhatIdoneisworkedoutandpaidfor！'felltoathisbreakfast。
　　Heateinaravenouswaythatwasverydisagreeable，andallhisactionswereuncouth，noisy，andgreedy。SomeofhisteethhadfailedhimsinceIsawhimeatonthemarshes，andasheturnedhisfoodinhismouth，andturnedhisheadsidewaystobringhisstrongestfangstobearupon，helookedterriblylikeahungryolddog。IfIhadbegunwithanyappetite，hewouldhavetakenitaway，andIshouldhavesatmuchasIdid-repelledfromhimbyaninsurmountableaversion，andgloomilylookingatthecloth。
　　`I'maheavygrubber，dearboy，'hesaid，asapolitekindofapologywhenhemadeanendofhismeal，`butIalwayswas。Ifithadbeeninmyconstitutiontobealightergrubber，Imightha'gotintolightertrouble。
　　Similarly，Imusthavemysmoke。WhenIwasfirsthiredoutasshepherdt'othersidetheworld，it'smybeliefIshouldha'turnedintoamolloncolly-madsheepmyself，ifIhadn'tahadmysmoke。'
　　Ashesaidso，hegotupfromtable，andputtinghishandintothebreastofthepea-coathewore，broughtoutashortblackpipe，andahandfulofloosetobaccoofthekindthatiscalledNegro-head。Havingfilledhispipe，heputthesurplustobaccobackagain，asifhispocketwereadrawer。
　　Then，hetookalivecoalfromthefirewiththetongs，andlightedhispipeatit，andthenturnedroundonthehearth-rugwithhisbacktothefire，andwentthroughhisfavouriteactionofholdingoutbothhishandsformine。
　　`Andthis，'saidhe，dandlingmyhandsupanddowninhis，ashepuffedathispipe；`andthisisthegentlemanwhatImade！TherealgenuineOne！
　　Itdoesmegoodfurtolookatyou，Pip。AllIstip'late，is，tostandbyandlookatyou，dearboy！'
　　IreleasedmyhandsassoonasIcould，andfoundthatIwasbeginningslowlytosettledowntothecontemplationofmycondition。WhatIwaschainedto，andhowheavily，becameintelligibletome，asIheardhishoarsevoice，andsatlookingupathisfurrowedbaldheadwithitsirongreyhairatthesides。
　　`Imustn'tseemygentlemanafootingitinthemireofthestreets；
　　theremustn'tbenomudonhisboots。Mygentlemanmusthavehorses，Pip！Horsestoride，andhorsestodrive，andhorsesforhisservanttorideanddriveaswell。Shallcolonistshavetheirhorsesandblood'uns，ifyouplease，goodLord！andnotmyLondongentleman？No，no。We'llshow'emanotherpairofshoesthanthat，Pip；won'tus？'
　　Hetookoutofhispocketagreatthickpocket-book，burstingwithpapers，andtosseditonthetable。
　　`There'ssomethingworthspendinginthattherebook，dearboy。It'syourn。AllI'vegotain'tmine；it'syourn。Don'tyoubeafeerdonit。
　　There'smorewherethatcomefrom。I'vecometotheoldcountryfurtoseemygentlemanspendhismoneylikeagentleman。That'llbemypleasure。Mypleasure'ullbefurtoseehimdoit。Andblastyouall！'hewoundup，lookingroundtheroomandsnappinghisfingersoncewithaloudsnap，`blastyoueveryone，fromthejudgeinhiswig，tothecolonistastirringupthedust，I'llshowabettergentlemanthanthewholekitonyouputtogether！'
　　`Stop！'saidI，almostinafrenzyoffearanddislike，`Iwanttospeaktoyou。Iwanttoknowwhatistobedone。Iwanttoknowhowyouaretobekeptoutofdanger，howlongyouaregoingtostay，whatprojectsyouhave。'
　　`Look'eehere，Pip，'saidhe，layinghishandonmyarminasuddenlyalteredandsubduedmanner；`firstofall，look'eehere。Iforgotmyselfhalfaminuteago。WhatIsaidwaslow；that'swhatitwas；low。Look'eehere，Pip。Lookoverit。Iain'tagoingtobelow。'
　　`First，'Iresumed，half-groaning，`whatprecautionscanbetakenagainstyourbeingrecognizedandseized？'
　　`No，dearboy，'hesaid，inthesametoneasbefore，`thatdon'tgofirst。Lownessgoesfirst。Iain'ttooksomanyyeartomakeagentleman，notwithoutknowingwhat'sduetohim。Look'eehere，Pip。Iwaslow；that'swhatIwas；low。Lookoverit，dearboy。'
　　Somesenseofthegrimly-ludicrousmovedmetoafretfullaugh，asI
　　replied，`Ihavelookedoverit。InHeaven'sname，don'tharpuponit！'
　　`Yes，butlook'eehere，'hepersisted。`Dearboy，Iain'tcomesofur，notfurtobelow。Now，goon，dearboy。Youwasasaying——'
　　`Howareyoutobeguardedfromthedangeryouhaveincurred？'
　　`Well，dearboy，thedangerain'tsogreat。WithoutIwasinformedagen，thedangerain'tsomuchtosignify。There'sJaggers，andthere'sWemmick，andthere'syou。Whoelseistheretoinform？'
　　`Istherenochancepersonwhomightidentifyyouinthestreet？'saidI。
　　`Well，'hereturned，`thereain'tmany。NoryetIdon'tintendtoadvertisemyselfinthenewspapersbythenameofA。M。comebackfromBotanyBay；
　　andyearshaverolledaway，andwho'stogainbyit？Still，look'eehere，Pip。Ifthedangerhadbeenfiftytimesasgreat，Ishouldha'cometoseeyou，mindyou，justthesame。'
　　`Andhowlongdoyouremain？'
　　`Howlong？'saidhe，takinghisblackpipefromhismouth，anddroppinghisjawashestaredatme。`I'mnotagoingback。I'vecomeforgood。'
　　`Whereareyoutolive？'saidI。`Whatistobedonewithyou？Wherewillyoubesafe？'
　　`Dearboy，'hereturned，`there'sdisguisingwigscanbeboughtformoney，andthere'shairpowder，andspectacles，andblackclothes-shortsandwhatnot。Othershasdoneitsafeafore，andwhatothershasdoneafore，otherscandoagen。Astothewhereandhowofliving，dearboy，givemeyourownopinionsonit。'
　　`Youtakeitsmoothlynow，'saidI，`butyouwereveryseriouslastnight，whenyousworeitwasDeath。'
　　`AndsoIswearitisDeath，'saidhe，puttinghispipebackinhismouth，`andDeathbytherope，intheopenstreetnotfurfromthis，andit'sseriousthatyoushouldfullyunderstandittobeso。Whatthen，whenthat'soncedone？HereIam。Togobacknow，'udbeasbadastostandground-worse。Besides，Pip，I'mhere，becauseI'vemeantitbyyou，yearsandyears。AstowhatIdare，I'maoldbirdnow，ashasdaredallmanneroftrapssincefirsthewasfledged，andI'mnotafeerdtoperchuponascarecrow。Ifthere'sDeathhidinsideofit，thereis，andlethimcomeout，andI'llfacehim，andthenI'llbelieveinhimandnotafore。Andnowletmehavealookatmygentlemanagen。'
　　Oncemore，hetookmebybothhandsandsurveyedmewithanairofadmiringproprietorship:smokingwithgreatcomplacencyallthewhile。
　　ItappearedtomethatIcoulddonobetterthansecurehimsomequietlodginghardby，ofwhichhemighttakepossessionwhenHerbertreturned:
　　whomIexpectedintwoorthreedays。ThatthesecretmustbeconfidedtoHerbertasamatterofunavoidablenecessity，evenifIcouldhaveputtheimmensereliefIshouldderivefromsharingitwithhimoutofthequestion，wasplaintome。ButitwasbynomeanssoplaintoMrProvisIresolvedtocallhimbythatname，whoreservedhisconsenttoHerbert'sparticipationuntilheshouldhaveseenhimandformedafavourablejudgmentofhisphysiognomy。`Andeventhen，dearboy，'saidhe，pullingagreasylittleclaspedblackTestamentoutofhispocket，`we'llhavehimonhisoath。'
　　Tostatethatmyterriblepatroncarriedthislittleblackbookabouttheworldsolelytoswearpeopleonincasesofemergency，wouldbetostatewhatIneverquiteestablished-butthisIcansay，thatIneverknewhimputittoanyotheruse。Thebookitselfhadtheappearanceofhavingbeenstolenfromsomecourtofjustice，andperhapshisknowledgeofitsantecedents，combinedwithhisownexperienceinthatwise，gavehimarelianceonitspowersasasortoflegalspellorcharm。Onthisfirstoccasionofhisproducingit，Irecalledhowhehadmademeswearfidelityinthechurchyardlongago，andhowhehaddescribedhimselflastnightasalwaysswearingtohisresolutionsinhissolitude。
　　Ashewasatpresentdressedinaseafaringslopsuit，inwhichhelookedasifhehadsomeparrotsandcigarstodisposeof，Inextdiscussedwithhimwhatdressheshouldwear。Hecherishedanextraordinarybeliefinthevirtuesof`shorts'asadisguise，andhadinhisownmindsketchedadressforhimselfthatwouldhavemadehimsomethingbetweenadeanandadentist。ItwaswithconsiderabledifficultythatIwonhimovertotheassumptionofadressmorelikeaprosperousfarmer's；andwearrangedthatheshouldcuthishairclose，andwearalittlepowder。Lastly，ashehadnotyetbeenseenbythelaundressorherniece，hewastokeephimselfoutoftheirviewuntilhischangeofdresswasmade。
　　Itwouldseemasimplemattertodecideontheseprecautions；butinmydazed，nottosaydistracted，state，ittooksolong，thatIdidnotgetouttofurtherthem，untiltwoorthreeintheafternoon。HewastoremainshutupinthechamberswhileIwasgone，andwasonnoaccounttoopenthedoor。
　　Therebeingtomyknowledgearespectablelodging-houseinEssex-street，thebackofwhichlookedintotheTemple，andwasalmostwithinhailofmywindows，Ifirstofallrepairedtothathouse，andwassofortunateastosecurethesecondfloorformyuncle，MrProvis。Ithenwentfromshoptoshop，makingsuchpurchasesaswerenecessarytothechangeinhisappearance。Thisbusinesstransacted，Iturnedmyface，onmyownaccount，toLittleBritain。MrJaggerswasathisdesk，but，seeingmeenter，gotupimmediatelyandstoodbeforehisfire。
　　`Now，Pip，'saidhe，`becareful。'
　　`Iwill，sir，'Ireturned。For，comingalongIhadthoughtwellofwhatIwasgoingtosay。
　　`Don'tcommityourself，'saidMrJaggers，`anddon'tcommitanyone。
　　Youunderstand-anyone。Don'ttellmeanything:Idon'twanttoknowanything；Iamnotcurious。'
　　OfcourseIsawthatheknewthemanwascome。
　　`Imerelywant，MrJaggers，'saidI，`toassuremyselfthatwhatIhavebeentold，istrue。Ihavenohopeofitsbeinguntrue，butatleastI
　　mayverifyit。'
　　MrJaggersnodded。`Butdidyousay"told"or"informed"？'heaskedme，withhisheadononeside，andnotlookingatme，butlookinginalisteningwayatthefloor。`Toldwouldseemtoimplyverbalcommunication。
　　Youcan'thaveverbalcommunicationwithamaninNewSouthWales，youknow。'
　　`Iwillsay，informed，MrJaggers。'
　　`Good。'
　　`IhavebeeninformedbyapersonnamedAbelMagwitch，thatheisthebenefactorsolongunknowntome。'
　　`Thatistheman，'saidMrJaggers，`-inNewSouthWales。'
　　`Andonlyhe？'saidI。
　　`Andonlyhe，'saidMrJaggers。
　　`Iamnotsounreasonable，sir，astothinkyouatallresponsibleformymistakesandwrongconclusions；butIalwayssupposeditwasMissHavisham。'
　　`Asyousay，Pip，'returnedMrJaggers，turninghiseyesuponmecoolly，andtakingabiteathisforefinger，`Iamnotatallresponsibleforthat。'
　　`Andyetitlookedsolikeit，sir，'Ipleadedwithadowncastheart。
　　`Notaparticleofevidence，Pip，'saidMrJaggers，shakinghisheadandgatheringuphisskirts。`Takenothingonitslooks；takeeverythingonevidence。There'snobetterrule。'
　　`Ihavenomoretosay，'saidI，withasigh，afterstandingsilentforalittlewhile。`Ihaveverifiedmyinformation，andthere'sanend。'
　　`AndMagwitch-inNewSouthWales-havingatlastdisclosedhimself，'
　　saidMrJaggers，`youwillcomprehend，Pip，howrigidlythroughoutmycommunicationwithyou，Ihavealwaysadheredtothestrictlineoffact。Therehasneverbeentheleastdeparturefromthestrictlineoffact。Youarequiteawareofthat？'
　　`Quite，sir。'
　　`IcommunicatedtoMagwitch-inNewSouthWales-whenhefirstwrotetome-fromNewSouthWales-thecautionthathemustnotexpectmeevertodeviatefromthestrictlineoffact。Ialsocommunicatedtohimanothercaution。HeappearedtometohaveobscurelyhintedinhisletteratsomedistantideahehadofseeingyouinEnglandhere。IcautionedhimthatImusthearnomoreofthat；thathewasnotatalllikelytoobtainapardon；thathewasexpatriatedforthetermofhisnaturallife；andthathispresentinghimselfinthiscountrywouldbeanactoffelony，renderinghimliabletotheextremepenaltyofthelaw。IgaveMagwitchthatcaution，'
　　saidMrJaggers，lookinghardatme；`IwroteittoNewSouthWales。Heguidedhimselfbyit，nodoubt。'
　　`Nodoubt，'saidI。
　　`IhavebeeninformedbyWemmick，'pursuedMrJaggers，stilllookinghardatme，`thathehasreceivedaletter，underdatePortsmouth，fromacolonistofthenameofPurvis，or——'
　　`OrProvis，'Isuggested。
　　`OrProvis-thankyou，Pip。PerhapsitisProvis？Perhapsyouknowit'sProvis？'
　　`Yes，'saidI。
　　`Youknowit'sProvis。Aletter，underdatePortsmouth，fromacolonistofthenameofProvis，askingfortheparticularsofyouraddress，onbehalfofMagwitch。Wemmicksenthimtheparticulars，Iunderstand，byreturnofpost。ProbablyitisthroughProvisthatyouhavereceivedtheexplanationofMagwitch-inNewSouthWales？'
　　`ItcamethroughProvis，'Ireplied。
　　`Goodday，Pip，'saidMrJaggers，offeringhishand；`gladtohaveseenyou。InwritingbyposttoMagwitch-inNewSouthWales-orincommunicatingwithhimthroughProvis，havethegoodnesstomentionthattheparticularsandvouchersofourlongaccountshallbesenttoyou，togetherwiththebalance；forthereisstillabalanceremaining。Goodday，Pip！'
　　Weshookhands，andhelookedhardatmeaslongashecouldseeme。
　　Iturnedatthedoor，andhewasstilllookinghardatme，whilethetwovilecastsontheshelfseemedtobetryingtogettheireyelidsopen，andtoforceoutoftheirswollenthroats，`O，whatamanheis！'
　　Wemmickwasout，andthoughhehadbeenathisdeskhecouldhavedonenothingforme。IwentstraightbacktotheTemple，whereIfoundtheterribleProvisdrinkingrum-and-waterandsmokingnegro-head，insafety。
　　NextdaytheclothesIhadordered，allcamehome，andheputthemon。
　　Whateverheputon，becamehimlessitdismallyseemedtomethanwhathehadwornbefore。Tomythinking，therewassomethinginhimthatmadeithopelesstoattempttodisguisehim。ThemoreIdressedhimandthebetterIdressedhim，themorehelookedliketheslouchingfugitiveonthemarshes。Thiseffectonmyanxiousfancywaspartlyreferable，nodoubt，tohisoldfaceandmannergrowingmorefamiliartome；butIbelievetoothathedraggedoneofhislegsasiftherewerestillaweightofirononit，andthatfromheadtofoottherewasConvictintheverygrainoftheman。
　　Theinfluencesofhissolitaryhut-lifewereuponhimbesides，andgavehimasavageairthatnodresscouldtame；addedtothese，weretheinfluencesofhissubsequentbrandedlifeamongmen，and，crowingall，hisconsciousnessthathewasdodgingandhidingnow。Inallhiswaysofsittingandstanding，andeatinganddrinking-ofbroodingabout，inahigh-shoulderedreluctantstyle-oftakingouthisgreathorn-handledjack-knifeandwipingitonhislegsandcuttinghisfood-ofliftinglightglassesandcupstohislips，asiftheywereclumsypannikins-ofchoppingawedgeoffhisbread，andsoakingupwithitthelastfragmentsofgravyroundandroundhisplate，asiftomakethemostofanallowance，andthendryinghisfinger-endsonit，andthenswallowingit-inthesewaysandathousandothersmallnamelessinstancesarisingeveryminuteintheday，therewasPrisoner，Felon，Bondsman，plainasplaincouldbe。
　　Ithadbeenhisownideatowearthattouchofpowder，andIhadconcededthepowderafterovercomingtheshorts。ButIcancomparetheeffectofit，whenon，tonothingbuttheprobableeffectofrougeuponthedead；
　　soawfulwasthemannerinwhicheverythinginhimthatitwasmostdesirabletorepress，startedthroughthatthinlayerofpretence，andseemedtocomeblazingoutatthecrownofhishead。Itwasabandonedassoonastried，andheworehisgrizzledhaircutshort。
　　WordscannottellwhatasenseIhad，atthesametime，ofthedreadfulmysterythathewastome。Whenhefellasleepofanevening，withhisknottedhandsclenchingthesidesoftheeasy-chair，andhisbaldheadtattooedwithdeepwrinklesfallingforwardonhisbreast，Iwouldsitandlookathim，wonderingwhathehaddone，andloadinghimwithallthecrimesintheCalendar，untiltheimpulsewaspowerfulonmetostartupandflyfromhim。Everyhoursoincreasedmyabhorrenceofhim，thatI
　　eventhinkImighthaveyieldedtothisimpulseinthefirstagoniesofbeingsohaunted，notwithstandingallhehaddoneforme，andtheriskheran，butfortheknowledgethatHerbertmustsooncomeback。Once，I
　　actuallydidstartoutofbedinthenight，andbegintodressmyselfinmyworstclothes，hurriedlyintendingtoleavehimtherewitheverythingelseIpossessed，andenlistforIndiaasaprivatesoldier。
　　Idoubtifaghostcouldhavebeenmoreterribletome，upinthoselonelyroomsinthelongeveningsandlongnights，withthewindandtherainalwaysrushingby。Aghostcouldnothavebeentakenandhangedonmyaccount，andtheconsiderationthathecouldbe，andthedreadthathewouldbe，werenosmalladditiontomyhorrors。Whenhewasnotasleep，orplayingacomplicatedkindofpatiencewitharaggedpackofcardsofhisown-agamethatIneversawbeforeorsince，andinwhichherecordedhiswinningsbystickinghisjack-knifeintothetable-whenhewasnotengagedineitherofthesepursuits，hewouldaskmetoreadtohim-`Foreignlanguage，dearboy！'WhileIcomplied，he，notcomprehendingasingleword，wouldstandbeforethefiresurveyingmewiththeairofanExhibitor，andIwouldseehim，betweenthefingersofthehandwithwhichIshadedmyface，appealingindumbshowtothefurnituretotakenoticeofmyproficiency。
　　Theimaginarystudentpursuedbythemisshapencreaturehehadimpiouslymade，wasnotmorewretchedthanI，pursuedbythecreaturewhohadmademe，andrecoilingfromhimwithastrongerrepulsion，themoreheadmiredmeandthefonderhewasofme。
　　Thisiswrittenof，Iamsensible，asifithadlastedayear。Itlastedaboutfivedays。ExpectingHerbertallthetime，Idarednotgoout，exceptwhenItookProvisforanairingafterdark。Atlength，oneeveningwhendinnerwasoverandIhaddroppedintoaslumberquitewornout-formynightshadbeenagitatedandmyrestbrokenbyfearfuldreams-Iwasrousedbythewelcomefootsteponthestaircase。Provis，whohadbeenasleeptoo，staggeredupatthenoiseImade，andinaninstantIsawhisjack-knifeshininginhishand。
　　`Quiet！It'sHerbert！'Isaid；andHerbertcameburstingin，withtheairyfreshnessofsixhundredmilesofFranceuponhim。
　　`Handel，mydearfellow，howareyou，andagainhowareyou，andagainhowareyou？Iseemtohavebeengoneatwelvemonth！Why，soImusthavebeen，foryouhavegrownquitethinandpale！Handel，my-Halloa！Ibegyourpardon。'
　　Hewasstoppedinhisrunningonandinhisshakinghandswithme，byseeingProvis。Provis，regardinghimwithafixedattention，wasslowlyputtinguphisjack-knife，andgropinginanotherpocketforsomethingelse。
　　`Herbert，mydearfriend，'saidI，shuttingthedoubledoors，whileHerbertstoodstaringandwondering，`somethingverystrangehashappened。
　　Thisis-avisitorofmine。'
　　`It'sallright，dearboy！'saidProviscomingforward，withhislittleclaspedblackbook，andthenaddressinghimselftoHerbert。`Takeitinyourrighthand。Lordstrikeyoudeadonthespot，ifeveryousplitinanywaysumever！Kissit！'
　　`Doso，ashewishesit，'IsaidtoHerbert。So，Herbert，lookingatmewithafriendlyuneasinessandamazement，complied，andProvisimmediatelyshakinghandswithhim，said，`Nowyou'reonyouroath，youknow。Andneverbelievemeonmine，ifPipshan'tmakeagentlemanonyou！'
　　Chapter41
　　INvainshouldIattempttodescribetheastonishmentanddisquietofHerbert，whenheandIandProvissatdownbeforethefire，andIrecountedthewholeofthesecret。Enough，thatIsawmyownfeelingsreflectedinHerbert'sface，and，notleastamongthem，myrepugnancetowardsthemanwhohaddonesomuchforme。
　　Whatwouldalonehavesetadivisionbetweenthatmanandus，iftherehadbeennootherdividingcircumstance，washistriumphinmystory。Savinghistroublesomesenseofhavingbeen`low'ononeoccasionsincehisreturn-onwhichpointhebegantoholdforthtoHerbert，themomentmyrevelationwasfinished-hehadnoperceptionofthepossibilityofmyfindinganyfaultwithmygoodfortune。Hisboastthathehadmademeagentleman，andthathehadcometoseemesupportthecharacteronhisampleresources，wasmadeformequiteasmuchasforhimself；andthatitwasahighlyagreeableboasttobothofus，andthatwemustbothbeveryproudofit，wasaconclusionquiteestablishedinhisownmind。
　　`Though，look'eehere，Pip'scomrade，'hesaidtoHerbert，afterhavingdiscoursedforsometime，`IknowverywellthatoncesinceIcomeback-forhalfaminute-I'vebeenlow。IsaidtoPip，IknowedasIhadbeenlow。Butdon'tyoufretyourselfonthatscore。Iain'tmadePipagentleman，andPipain'tagoingtomakeyouagentleman，notfurmenottoknowwhat'sduetoyeboth。Dearboy，andPip'scomrade，youtwomaycountuponmealwayshavingagen-teelmuzzleon。MuzzledIhavebeensincethathalfaminutewhenIwasbetrayedintolowness，muzzledIamatthepresenttime，muzzledIeverwillbe。'
　　Herbertsaid，`Certainly，'butlookedasiftherewerenospecificconsolationinthis，andremainedperplexedanddismayed。Wewereanxiousforthetimewhenhewouldgotohislodging，andleaveustogether，buthewasevidentlyjealousofleavingustogether，andsatlate。ItwasmidnightbeforeI
　　tookhimroundtoEssex-street，andsawhimsafelyinathisowndarkdoor。
　　Whenitcloseduponhim，IexperiencedthefirstmomentofreliefIhadknownsincethenightofhisarrival。
　　Neverquitefreefromanuneasyremembranceofthemanonthestairs，Ihadalwayslookedaboutmeintakingmyguestoutafterdark，andinbringinghimback；andIlookedaboutmenow。Difficultasitisinalargecitytoavoidthesuspicionofbeingwatched，whenthemindisconsciousofdangerinthatregard，Icouldnotpersuademyselfthatanyofthepeoplewithinsightcaredaboutmymovements。Thefewwhowerepassing，passedontheirseveralways，andthestreetwasemptywhenIturnedbackintotheTemple。Nobodyhadcomeoutatthegatewithus，nobodywentinatthegatewithme。AsIcrossedbythefountain，Isawhislightedbackwindowslookingbrightandquiet，and，whenIstoodforafewmomentsinthedoorwayofthebuildingwhereIlived，beforegoingupthestairs，Garden-courtwasasstillandlifelessasthestaircasewaswhenIascendedit。
　　Herbertreceivedmewithopenarms，andIhadneverfeltbefore，soblessedly，whatitistohaveafriend。Whenhehadspokensomesoundwordsofsympathyandencouragement，wesatdowntoconsiderthequestion，Whatwastobedone？
　　ThechairthatProvishadoccupiedstillremainingwhereithadstood-forhehadabarrackwaywithhimofhangingaboutonespot，inoneunsettledmanner，andgoingthroughoneroundofobservanceswithhispipeandhisnegro-headandhisjack-knifeandhispackofcards，andwhatnot，asifitwereallputdownforhimonaslate-Isay，hischairremainingwhereithadstood，Herbertunconsciouslytookit，butnextmomentstartedoutofit，pusheditaway，andtookanother。Hehadnooccasiontosay，afterthat，thathehadconceivedanaversionformypatron，neitherhadIoccasiontoconfessmyown。Weinterchangedthatconfidencewithoutshapingasyllable。
　　`What，'saidItoHerbert，whenhewassafeinanotherchair，`whatistobedone？'
　　`MypoordearHandel，'hereplied，holdinghishead，`Iamtoostunnedtothink。'
　　`SowasI，Herbert，whentheblowfirstfell。Still，somethingmustbedone。Heisintentuponvariousnewexpenses-horses，andcarriages，andlavishappearanceofallkinds。Hemustbestoppedsomehow。'
　　`Youmeanthatyoucan'taccept——'
　　`HowcanI？'Iinterposed，asHerbertpaused。`Thinkofhim！Lookathim！'
　　Aninvoluntaryshudderpassedoverbothofus。
　　`YetIamafraidthedreadfultruthis，Herbert，thatheisattachedtome，stronglyattachedtome。Wasthereeversuchafate！'
　　`MypoordearHandel，'Herbertrepeated。
　　`Then，'saidI，`afterall，stoppingshorthere，nevertakinganotherpennyfromhim，thinkwhatIowehimalready！Thenagain:Iamheavilyindebt-veryheavilyforme，whohavenownoexpectations-andIhavebeenbredtonocalling，andIamfitfornothing。'
　　`Well，well，well！'Herbertremonstrated。`Don'tsayfitfornothing。'
　　`WhatamIfitfor？IknowonlyonethingthatIamfitfor，andthatis，togoforasoldier。AndImighthavegone，mydearHerbert，butfortheprospectoftakingcounselwithyourfriendshipandaffection。'
　　OfcourseIbrokedownthere:andofcourseHerbert，beyondseizingawarmgripofmyhand，pretendednottoknowit。
　　`Anyhow，mydearHandel，'saidhepresently，`soldieringwon'tdo。Ifyouweretorenouncethispatronageandthesefavours，Isupposeyouwoulddosowithsomefainthopeofonedayrepayingwhatyouhavealreadyhad。
　　Notverystrong，thathope，ifyouwentsoldiering！Besides，it'sabsurd。
　　YouwouldbeinfinitelybetterinClarriker'shouse，smallasitis。I
　　amworkinguptowardsapartnership，youknow。'
　　Poorfellow！Helittlesuspectedwithwhosemoney。
　　`Butthereisanotherquestion，'saidHerbert。`Thisisanignorantdeterminedman，whohaslonghadonefixedidea。Morethanthat，heseemstomeImaymisjudgehimtobeamanofadesperateandfiercecharacter。'
　　`Iknowheis，'Ireturned。`LetmetellyouwhatevidenceIhaveseenofit。'AndItoldhimwhatIhadnotmentionedinmynarrative；ofthatencounterwiththeotherconvict。
　　`See，then，'saidHerbert；`thinkofthis！Hecomeshereattheperilofhislife，fortherealizationofhisfixedidea。Inthemomentofrealization，afterallhistoilandwaiting，youcutthegroundfromunderhisfeet，destroyhisidea，andmakehisgainsworthlesstohim。Doyouseenothingthathemightdo，underthedisappointment？'
　　`Ihaveseenit，Herbert，anddreamedofit，eversincethefatalnightofhisarrival。Nothinghasbeeninmythoughtssodistinctly，ashisputtinghimselfinthewayofbeingtaken。'
　　`Thenyoumayrelyuponit，'saidHerbert，`thattherewouldbegreatdangerofhisdoingit。ThatishispoweroveryouaslongasheremainsinEngland，andthatwouldbehisrecklesscourseifyouforsookhim。'
　　Iwassostruckbythehorrorofthisidea，whichhadweigheduponmefromthefirst，andtheworkingoutofwhichwouldmakemeregardmyself，insomesort，ashismurderer，thatIcouldnotrestinmychairbutbeganpacingtoandfro。IsaidtoHerbert，meanwhile，thatevenifProviswererecognizedandtaken，inspiteofhimself，Ishouldbewretchedasthecause，howeverinnocently。Yes；eventhoughIwassowretchedinhavinghimatlargeandnearme，andeventhoughIwouldfarfarratherhaveworkedattheforgeallthedaysofmylifethanIwouldeverhavecometothis！
　　Buttherewasnoravingoffthequestion，Whatwastobedone？
　　`Thefirstandthemainthingtobedone，'saidHerbert，`istogethimoutofEngland。Youwillhavetogowithhim，andthenhemaybeinducedtogo。'
　　`ButgethimwhereIwill，couldIpreventhiscomingback？'
　　`MygoodHandel，isitnotobviousthatwithNewgateinthenextstreet，theremustbefargreaterhazardinyourbreakingyourmindtohimandmakinghimreckless，here，thanelsewhere。Ifapretexttogethimawaycouldbemadeoutofthatotherconvict，oroutofanythingelseinhislife，now。'
　　`There，again！'saidI，stoppingbeforeHerbert，withmyopenhandsheldout，asiftheycontainedthedesperationofthecase。`Iknownothingofhislife。Ithasalmostmadememadtosithereofanightandseehimbeforeme，soboundupwithmyfortunesandmisfortunes，andyetsounknowntome，exceptasthemiserablewretchwhoterrifiedmetwodaysinmychildhood！'
　　Herbertgotup，andlinkedhisarminmine，andweslowlywalkedtoandfrotogether，studyingthecarpet。
　　`Handel，'saidHerbert，stopping，`youfeelconvincedthatyoucantakenofurtherbenefitsfromhim；doyou？'
　　`Fully。Surelyyouwould，too，ifyouwereinmyplace？'
　　`Andyoufeelconvincedthatyoumustbreakwithhim？'
　　`Herbert，canyouaskme？'
　　`Andyouhave，andareboundtohave，thattendernessforthelifehehasriskedonyouraccount，thatyoumustsavehim，ifpossible，fromthrowingitaway。ThenyoumustgethimoutofEnglandbeforeyoustirafingertoextricateyourself。Thatdone，extricateyourself，inHeaven'sname，andwe'llseeitouttogether，dearoldboy。'
　　Itwasacomforttoshakehandsuponit，andwalkupanddownagain，withonlythatdone。
　　`Now，Herbert，'saidI，`withreferencetogainingsomeknowledgeofhishistory。ThereisbutonewaythatIknowof。Imustaskhimpoint-blank。'
　　`Yes。Askhim，'saidHerbert，`whenwesitatbreakfastinthemorning。'
　　For，hehadsaid，ontakingleaveofHerbert，thathewouldcometobreakfastwithus。
　　Withthisprojectformed，wewenttobed。Ihadthewildestdreamsconcerninghim，andwokeunrefreshed；Iwoke，too，torecoverthefearwhichIhadlostinthenight，ofhisbeingfoundoutasareturnedtransport。Waking，Ineverlostthatfear。
　　Hecameroundattheappointedtime，tookouthisjack-knife，andsatdowntohismeal。Hewasfullofplans`forhisgentleman'scomingoutstrong，andlikeagentleman，'andurgedmetobeginspeedilyuponthepocket-book，whichhehadleftinmypossession。Heconsideredthechambersandhisownlodgingastemporaryresidences，andadvisedmetolookoutatoncefora`fashionablecrib'nearHydePark，inwhichhecouldhave`ashake-down'。Whenhehadmadeanendofhisbreakfast，andwaswipinghisknifeonhisleg，Isaidtohim，withoutawordofpreface:
　　`Afteryouweregonelastnight，Itoldmyfriendofthestrugglethatthesoldiersfoundyouengagedinonthemarshes，whenwecameup。Youremember？'
　　`Remember！'saidhe。`Ithinkso！'
　　`Wewanttoknowsomethingaboutthatman-andaboutyou。Itisstrangetoknownomoreabouteither，andparticularlyyou，thanIwasabletotelllastnight。Isnotthisasgoodatimeasanotherforourknowingmore？'
　　`Well！'hesaid，afterconsideration。`You'reonyouroath，youknow，Pip'scomrade？'
　　`Assuredly，'repliedHerbert。
　　`AstoanythingIsay，youknow，'heinsisted。`Theoathappliestoall。'
　　`Iunderstandittodoso。'
　　`Andlook'eehere！WoteverIdone，isworkedoutandpaidfor，'heinsistedagain。
　　`Sobeit。'
　　Hetookouthisblackpipeandwasgoingtofillitwithnegrohead，when，lookingatthetangleoftobaccoinhishand，heseemedtothinkitmightperplexthethreadofhisnarrative。Heputitbackagain，stuckhispipeinabutton-holeofhiscoat，spreadahandoneachknee，and，afterturninganangryeyeonthefireforafewsilentmoments，lookedroundatusandsaidwhatfollows。
　　Chapter42
　　`DEARboyandPip'scomrade。Iamnotagoingfurtotellyoumylife，likeasongorastory-book。Buttogiveityoushortandhandy，I'llputitatonceintoamouthfulofEnglish。Injailandoutofjail，injailandoutofjail，injailandoutofjail。There，yougotit。That'smylifeprettymuch，downtosuchtimesasIgotshippedoff，arterPipstoodmyfriend。
　　`I'vebeendoneeverythingto，prettywell-excepthanged。I'vebeenlockedup，asmuchasasilvertea-kettle。I'vebeencartedhereandcartedthere，andputoutofthistownandputoutofthattown，andstuckinthestocks，andwhippedandworriedanddrove。I'venomorenotionwhereIwasborn，thanyouhave-ifsomuch。Ifirstbecomeawareofmyself，downinEssex，athievingturnipsformyliving。Summunhadrunawayfromme-aman-atinker-andhe'dtookthefirewithhim，andleftmewerycold。
　　`Iknow'dmynametobeMagwitch，chrisen'dAbel。HowdidIknowit？
　　MuchasIknow'dthebirds'namesinthehedgestobechaffinch，sparrer，thrush。Imighthavethoughtitwasallliestogether，onlyasthebirds'
　　namescomeouttrue，Isupposedminedid。
　　`SofurasIcouldfind，therewarn'tasoulthatseeyoungAbelMagwitch，withuslittleonhimasinhim，butwotcaughtfrightathim，andeitherdrovehimoff，ortookhimup。Iwastookup，tookup，tookup，tothatextentthatIreg'larlygrow'duptookup。
　　`Thisisthewayitwas，thatwhenIwasaraggedlittlecreeturasmuchtobepitiedaseverIseenotthatIlookedintheglass，fortherewarn'tmanyinsidesoffurnishedhousesknowntome，Igotthenameofbeinghardened。"Thisisaterriblehardenedone，"theysaystoprisonwisitors，pickingoutme。"Maybesaidtoliveinjails，thisboy。"Thentheylookedatme，andIlookedatthem，andtheymeasuredmyhead，someon'em-theyhadbetterameasuredmystomach-andotherson'emgivmetractswhatIcouldn'tread，andmademespeecheswhatIcouldn'tunderstand。
　　TheyalwayswentonagenmeabouttheDevil。ButwhattheDevilwasItodo？Imustputsomethingintomystomach，mustn'tI？-Howsomever，I'magettinglow，andIknowwhat'sdue。DearboyandPip'scomrade，don'tyoubeafeerdofmebeinglow。
　　`Tramping，begging，thieving，workingsometimeswhenIcould-thoughthatwarn'tasoftenasyoumaythink，tillyouputthequestionwhetheryouwouldha'beenover-readytogivemeworkyourselves-abitofapoacher，abitofalabourer，abitofawaggoner，abitofahaymaker，abitofahawker，abitofmostthingsthatdon'tpayandleadtotrouble，Igottobeaman。AdesertingsoldierinaTraveller'sRest，whatlayhiduptothechinunderalotoftaturs，learntmetoread；andatravellingGiantwhatsignedhisnameatapennyatimelearntmetowrite。Iwarn'tlockedupasoftennowasformerly，butIworeoutmygoodshareofkeymetalstill。
　　`AtEpsomraces，amatterofovertwentyyearsago，Igotacquaintedwi'amanwhoseskullI'dcrackwi'thispoker，liketheclawofalobster，ifI'dgotitonthishob。HisrightnamewasCompeyson；andthat'stheman，dearboy，whatyouseemeapoundingintheditch，accordingtowhatyoutrulytoldyourcomradearterIwasgonelastnight。
　　`Hesetupfuragentleman，thisCompeyson，andhe'dbeentoapublicboarding-schoolandhadlearning。Hewasasmoothonetotalk，andwasadabatthewaysofgentlefolks。Hewasagood-lookingtoo。Itwasthenightaforethegreatrace，whenIfoundhimontheheath，inabooththatIknow'don。HimandsomemorewasasittingamongthetableswhenIwentin，andthelandlordwhichhadaknowledgeofme，andwasasportingone
　　calledhimout，andsaid，"Ithinkthisisamanthatmightsuityou"-
　　meaningIwas。
　　`Compeyson，helooksatmeverynoticing，andIlookathim。Hehasawatchandachainandaringandabreast-pinandahandsomesuitofclothes。
　　`"Tojudgefromappearances，you'reoutofluck，"saysCompeysontome。
　　`"Yes，master，andI'veneverbeeninitmuch。"IhadcomeoutofKingstonJaillastonavagrancycommittal。Notbutwhatitmighthavebeenforsomethingelse；butitwarn't。
　　`"Luckchanges，"saysCompeyson；"perhapsyoursisgoingtochange。"
　　`Isays，"Ihopeitmaybeso。There'sroom。"
　　`"Whatcanyoudo？"saysCompeyson。
　　`"Eatanddrink，"Isays；"ifyou'llfindthematerials。"
　　`Compeysonlaughed，lookedatmeagainverynoticing，givmefiveshillings，andappointedmefornextnight。Sameplace。
　　`IwenttoCompeysonnextnight，sameplace，andCompeysontookmeontobehismanandpardner。AndwhatwasCompeyson'sbusinessinwhichwewastogopardners？Compeyson'sbusinesswastheswindling，handwritingforging，stolenbank-notepassing，andsuch-like。AllsortsoftrapsasCompeysoncouldsetwithhishead，andkeephisownlegsoutofandgettheprofitsfromandletanothermaninfor，wasCompeyson'sbusiness。
　　He'dnomoreheartthanaironfile，hewasascoldasdeath，andhehadtheheadoftheDevilaforementioned。
　　`TherewasanotherinwithCompeyson，aswascalledArthur-notasbeingsochrisen'd，butasasurname。HewasinaDecline，andwasashadowtolookat。HimandCompeysonhadbeeninabadthingwitharichladysomeyearsafore，andthey'dmadeapotofmoneybyit；butCompeysonbettedandgamed，andhe'dhaverunthroughtheking'staxes。So，Arthurwasadying，andadyingpoorandwiththehorrorsonhim，andCompeyson'swifewhichCompeysonkickedmostlywasahavingpityonhimwhenshecould，andCompeysonwasahavingpityonnothingandnobody。
　　`ImightatookwarningbyArthur，butIdidn't；andIwon'tpretendIwaspartick'ler-forwhere'udbethegoodonit，dearboyandcomrade？
　　SoIbegunwi'Compeyson，andapoortoolIwasinhishands。ArthurlivedatthetopofCompeyson'shouseovernighBrentforditwas，andCompeysonkeptacarefulaccountagenhimforboardandlodging，incaseheshouldevergetbettertoworkitout。ButArthursoonsettledtheaccount。ThesecondorthirdtimeaseverIseehim，hecomeatearingdownintoCompeyson'sparlourlateatnight，inonlyaflannelgown，withhishairallinasweat，andhesaystoCompeyson'swife，"Sally，shereallyisupstairsalongerme，now，andIcan'tgetridofher。She'sallinwhite，"hesays，"wi'
　　whiteflowersinherhair，andshe'sawfulmad，andshe'sgotashroudhangingoverherarm，andshesaysshe'llputitonmeatfiveinthemorning。"
　　`SaysCompeyson:"Why，youfool，don'tyouknowshe'sgotalivingbody？
　　Andhowshouldshebeupthere，withoutcomingthroughthedoor，orinatthewindow，andupthestairs？"
　　`"Idon'tknowhowshe'sthere，"saysArthur，shiveringdreadfulwiththehorrors，"butshe'sstandinginthecorneratthefootofthebed，awfulmad。Andoverwhereherheart'sbrook-youbrokeit！-there'sdropsofblood。"
　　`Compeysonspokehardy，buthewasalwaysacoward。"Goupalongerthisdrivellingsickman，"hesaystohiswife，"andMagwitch，lendherahand，willyou？"Buthenevercomenighhimself。
　　`Compeyson'swifeandmetookhimuptobedagen，andheravedmostdreadful。"Whylookather！"hecriesout。"She'sashakingtheshroudatme！Don'tyouseeher？Lookathereyes！Ain'titawfultoseehersomad？"Next，hecries，"She'llputitonme，andthenI'mdonefor！Takeitawayfromher，takeitaway！"Andthenhecatchedholdofus，andkeponatalkingtoher，andansweringofher，tillIhalfbelievedIseehermyself。
　　`Compeyson'swife，beingusedtohim，givhimsomeliquortogetthehorrorsoff，andby-and-byhequieted。"Oh，she'sgone！Hasherkeeperbeenforher？"hesays。"Yes，"saysCompeyson'swife。"Didyoutellhimtolockherandbarherin？""Yes。""Andtotakethatuglythingawayfromher？"
　　"Yes，yes，allright。""You'reagoodcreetur，"hesays，"don'tleaveme，whateveryoudo，andthankyou！"
　　`Herestedprettyquiettillitmightwantafewminutesoffive，andthenhestartsupwithascream，andscreamsout，"Heresheis！She'sgottheshroudagain。She'sunfoldingit。She'scomingoutofthecorner。She'scomingtothebed。Holdme，bothonyou-oneofeachside-don'tlethertouchmewithit。Hah！shemissedmethattime。Don'tletherthrowitovermyshoulders。Don'tletherliftmeuptogetitroundme。She'sliftingmeup。Keepmedown！"Thenheliftedhimselfuphard，andwasdead。
　　`Compeysontookiteasyasagoodriddanceforbothsides。Himandmewassoonbusy，andfirsthesworemebeingeverartfulonmyownbook-thisherelittleblackbook，dearboy，whatIsworeyourcomradeon。
　　`NottogointothethingsthatCompeysonplanned，andIdone-which'udtakeaweek-I'llsimplysaytoyou，dearboy，andPip'scomrade，thatthatmangotmeintosuchnetsasmademehisblackslave。Iwasalwaysindebttohim，alwaysunderhisthumb，alwaysaworking，alwaysagettingintodanger。Hewasyoungerthanme，buthe'dgotcraft，andhe'dgotlearning，andheovermatchedmefivehundredtimestoldandnomercy。MyMissisasIhadthehardtimewi'-Stopthough！Iain'tbroughtherin——'
　　Helookedabouthiminaconfusedway，asifhehadlosthisplaceinthebookofhisremembrance；andheturnedhisfacetothefire，andspreadhishandsbroaderonhisknees，andliftedthemoffandputthemonagain。
　　`Thereain'tnoneedtogointoit，'hesaid，lookingroundoncemore。
　　`Thetimewi'Compeysonwasa'mostashardatimeaseverIhad；thatsaid，all'ssaid。DidItellyouasIwastried，alone，formisdemeanour，whilewithCompeyson？'
　　Ianswered，No。
　　`Well！'hesaid，`Iwas，andgotconvicted。Astotookuponsuspicion，thatwastwiceorthreetimesinthefourorfiveyearthatitlasted；butevidencewaswanting。Atlast，meandCompeysonwasbothcommittedforfelony-onachargeofputtingstolennotesincirculation-andtherewasotherchargesbehind。Compeysonsaystome，"Separatedefences，nocommunication，"andthatwasall。AndIwassomiserablepoor，thatIsoldalltheclothesIhad，exceptwhathungonmyback，aforeIcouldgetJaggers。
　　`Whenwewasputinthedock，InoticedfirstofallwhatagentlemanCompeysonlooked，wi'hiscurlyhairandhisblackclothesandhiswhitepocket-handkercher，andwhatacommonsortofawretchIlooked。Whentheprosecutionopenedandtheevidencewasputshort，aforehand，Inoticedhowheavyitallboreonme，andhowlightonhim。Whentheevidencewasgivinthebox，Inoticedhowitwasalwaysmethathadcomefor'ard，andcouldbesworeto，howitwasalwaysmethatthemoneyhadbeenpaidto，howitwasalwaysmethathadseemedtoworkthethingandgettheprofit。
　　But，whenthedefencecomeon，thenIseetheplanplainer；for，saysthecounsellorforCompeyson，"Mylordandgentlemen，hereyouhasaforeyou，sidebyside，twopersonsasyoureyescanseparatewide；one，theyounger，wellbroughtup，whowillbespoketoassuch；one，theelder，illbroughtup，whowillbespoketoassuch；one，theyounger，seldomifeverseenintheseheretransactions，andonlysuspected；t'other，theelder，alwaysseenin'emandalwayswi'hisguiltbroughthome。Canyoudoubt，ifthereisbutoneinit，whichistheone，and，ifthereistwoinit，whichismuchtheworstone？"Andsuch-like。Andwhenitcometocharacter，warn'titCompeysonashadbeentotheschool，andwarn'tithisschoolfellowsaswasinthispositionandinthat，andwarn'tithimashadbeenknow'dbywitnessesinsuchclubsandsocieties，andnowttohisdisadvantage？
　　Andwarn'titmeashadbeentriedafore，andashadbeenknow'duphillanddowndaleinBridewellsandLock-Ups？Andwhenitcometospeech-making，warn'titCompeysonascouldspeakto'emwi'hisfacedroppingeverynowandthenintohiswhitepocket-handkercher-ah！andwi'versesinhisspeech，too-andwarn'titmeascouldonlysay，"Gentlemen，thismanatmysideisamostpreciousrascal"？Andwhentheverdictcome，warn'titCompeysonaswasrecommendedtomercyonaccountofgoodcharacterandbadcompany，andgivingupalltheinformationhecouldagenme，andwarn'titmeasgotneverawordbutGuilty？AndwhenIsaystoCompeyson，"Onceoutofthiscourt，I'llsmashthatfaceofyourn！"ain'titCompeysonaspraystheJudgetobeprotected，andgetstwoturnkeysstoodbetwixtus？
　　Andwhenwe'resentenced，ain'tithimasgetssevenyear，andmefourteen，andain'tithimastheJudgeissorryfor，becausehemightadonesowell，andain'titmeastheJudgeperceivestobeaoldoffenderofwiolentpassion，likelytocometoworse？'
　　Hehadworkedhimselfintoastateofgreatexcitement，buthecheckedit，tooktwoorthreeshortbreaths，swallowedasoften，andstretchingouthishandtowardsmesaid，inareassuringmanner，`Iain'tagoingtobelow，dearboy！'
　　Hehadsoheatedhimselfthathetookouthishandkerchiefandwipedhisfaceandheadandneckandhands，beforehecouldgoon。
　　`IhadsaidtoCompeysonthatI'dsmashthatfaceofhis，andIsworeLordsmashmine！todoit。Wewasinthesameprison-ship，butIcouldn'tgetathimforlong，thoughItried。AtlastIcomebehindhimandhithimonthecheektoturnhimroundandgetasmashingoneathim，whenIwasseenandseized。Theblack-holeofthatshipwarn'tastrongone，toajudgeofblack-holesthatcouldswimanddive。Iescapedtotheshore，andIwasahidingamongthegravesthere，envyingthemaswasin'emandallover，whenIfirstseemyboy！'
　　Heregardedmewithalookofaffectionthatmadehimalmostabhorrenttomeagain，thoughIhadfeltgreatpityforhim。
　　`Bymyboy，IwasgivtounderstandasCompeysonwasoutonthemmarshestoo。Uponmysoul，Ihalfbelieveheescapedinhisterror，togetquitofme，notknowingitwasmeashadgotashore。Ihuntedhimdown。Ismashedhisface。"Andnow，"saysI"astheworstthingIcando，caringnothingformyself，I'lldragyouback。"AndI'dhaveswumoff，towinghimbythehair，ifithadcometothat，andI'dagothimabroadwithoutthesoldiers。
　　`Ofcoursehe'dmuchthebestofittothelast-hischaracterwassogood。Hehadescapedwhenhewasmadehalf-wildbymeandmymurderousintentions；andhispunishmentwaslight。Iwasputinirons，broughttotrialagain，andsentforlife。Ididn'tstopforlife，dearboyandPip'scomrade，beinghere。'
　　`Hewipedhimselfagain，ashehaddonebefore，andthenslowlytookhistangleoftobaccofromhispocket，andpluckedhispipefromhisbutton-hole，andslowlyfilledit，andbegantosmoke。
　　`Ishedead？'Iasked，afterasilence。
　　`Iswhodead，dearboy？'
　　`Compeyson。'
　　`HehopesIam，ifhe'salive，youmaybesure，'withafiercelook。`Ineverheerdnomoreofhim。'
　　Herberthadbeenwritingwithhispencilinthecoverofabook。Hesoftlypushedthebookovertome，asProvisstoodsmokingwithhiseyesonthefire，andIreadinit:
　　`YoungHavisham'snamewasArthur。CompeysonisthemanwhoprofessedtobeMissHavisham'slover。'
　　IshutthebookandnoddedslightlytoHerbert，andputthebookby；
　　butweneitherofussaidanything，andbothlookedatProvisashestoodsmokingbythefire。
　　Chapter43
　　WHYshouldIpausetoaskhowmuchofmyshrinkingfromProvismightbetracedtoEstella？WhyshouldIloiteronmyroad，tocomparethestateofmindinwhichIhadtriedtoridmyselfofthestainoftheprisonbeforemeetingheratthecoach-office，withthestateofmindinwhichInowreflectedontheabyssbetweenEstellainherprideandbeauty，andthereturnedtransportwhomIharboured？Theroadwouldbenonethesmootherforit，theendwouldbenonethebetterforit，hewouldnotbehelped，norIextenuated。
　　Anewfearhadbeenengenderedinmymindbyhisnarrative；orrather，hisnarrativehadgivenformandpurposetothefearthatwasalreadythere。
　　IfCompeysonwerealiveandshoulddiscoverhisreturn，Icouldhardlydoubttheconsequence。That，Compeysonstoodinmortalfearofhim，neitherofthetwocouldknowmuchbetterthanI；andthat，anysuchmanasthatmanhadbeendescribedtobe，wouldhesitatetoreleasehimselfforgoodfromadreadedenemybythesafemeansofbecominganinformer，wasscarcelytobeimagined。
　　NeverhadIbreathed，andneverwouldIbreathe-orsoIresolved-
　　awordofEstellatoProvis。But，IsaidtoHerbertthatbeforeIcouldgoabroad，ImustseebothEstellaandMissHavisham。ThiswaswhenwewereleftaloneonthenightofthedaywhenProvistoldushisstory。
　　IresolvedtogoouttoRichmondnextday，andIwent。
　　OnmypresentingmyselfatMrsBrandley's，Estella'smaidwascalledtotellthatEstellahadgoneintothecountry。Where？ToSatisHouse，asusual。Notasusual，Isaid，forshehadneveryetgonetherewithoutme；whenwasshecomingback？Therewasanairofreservationintheanswerwhichincreasedmyperplexity，andtheanswerwas，thathermaidbelievedshewasonlycomingbackatallforalittlewhile。Icouldmakenothingofthis，exceptthatitwasmeantthatIshouldmakenothingofit，andIwenthomeagainincompletediscomfiture。
　　Anothernight-consultationwithHerbertafterProviswasgonehomeI
　　alwaystookhimhome，andalwayslookedwellaboutme，ledustotheconclusionthatnothingshouldbesaidaboutgoingabroaduntilIcamebackfromMissHavisham's。Inthemeantime，HerbertandIweretoconsiderseparatelywhatitwouldbebesttosay；whetherweshoulddeviseanypretenceofbeingafraidthathewasundersuspiciousobservation；orwhetherI，whohadneveryetbeenabroad，shouldproposeanexpedition。WebothknewthatIhadbuttoproposeanything，andhewouldconsent。Weagreedthathisremainingmanydaysinhispresenthazardwasnottobethoughtof。
　　Nextday，IhadthemeannesstofeignthatIwasunderabindingpromisetogodowntoJoe；butIwascapableofalmostanymeannesstowardsJoeorhisname。ProviswastobestrictlycarefulwhileIwasgone，andHerbertwastotakethechargeofhimthatIhadtaken。Iwastobeabsentonlyonenight，and，onmyreturn，thegratificationofhisimpatienceformystartingasagentlemanonagreaterscale，wastobebegun。Itoccurredtomethen，andasIafterwardsfoundtoHerbertalso，thathemightbebestgotawayacrossthewater，onthatpretence-as，tomakepurchases，orthelike。
　　HavingthusclearedthewayformyexpeditiontoMissHavisham's，I
　　setoffbytheearlymorningcoachbeforeitwasyetlight，andwasoutontheopencountry-roadwhenthedaycamecreepingon，haltingandwhimperingandshivering，andwrappedinpatchesofcloudsandragsofmist，likeabeggar。WhenwedroveuptotheBlueBoarafteradrizzlyride，whomshouldIseecomeoutunderthegateway，toothpickinhand，tolookatthecoach，butBentleyDrummle！
　　Ashepretendednottoseeme，Ipretendednottoseehim。Itwasaverylamepretenceonbothsides；thelamer，becausewebothwentintothecoffee-room，wherehehadjustfinishedhisbreakfast，andwhereI
　　orderedmine。Itwaspoisonoustometoseehiminthetown，forIverywellknewwhyhehadcomethere。
　　Pretendingtoreadasmearynewspaperlongoutofdate，whichhadnothinghalfsolegibleinitslocalnews，astheforeignmatterofcoffee，pickles，fish-sauces，gravy，meltedbutter，andwine，withwhichitwassprinkledallover，asifithadtakenthemeaslesinahighlyirregularform，I
　　satatmytablewhilehestoodbeforethefire。Bydegreesitbecameanenormousinjurytomethathestoodbeforethefire，andIgotup，determinedtohavemyshareofit。IhadtoputmyhandsbehindhislegsforthepokerwhenIwentuptothefire-placetostirthefire，butstillpretendednottoknowhim。
　　`Isthisacut？'saidMrDrummle。
　　`Oh！'saidI，pokerinhand；`it'syou，isit？Howdoyoudo？Iwaswonderingwhoitwas，whokeptthefireoff。'
　　Withthat，Ipokedtremendously，andhavingdoneso，plantedmyselfsidebysidewithMrDummle，myshoulderssquaredandmybacktothefire。
　　`Youhavejustcomedown？'saidMrDrummle，edgingmealittleawaywithhisshoulder。
　　`Yes，'saidI，edginghimalittleawaywithmyshoulder。
　　`Beastlyplace，'saidDrummle-`Yourpartofthecountry，Ithink？'
　　`Yes，'Iassented。`Iamtoldit'sverylikeyourShropshire。'
　　`Notintheleastlikeit，'saidDrummle。
　　HereMrDrummlelookedathisboots，andIlookedatmine，andthenMrDrummlelookedatmyboots，andIlookedathis。
　　`Haveyoubeenherelong？'Iasked，determinednottoyieldaninchofthefire。
　　`Longenoughtobetiredofit，'returnedDrummle，pretendingtoyawn，butequallydetermined。
　　`Doyoustayherelong？'
　　`Can'tsay，'answeredMrDrummle。`Doyou？'
　　`Can'tsay，'saidI。
　　Ifelthere，throughatinglinginmyblood，thatifMrDrummle'sshoulderhadclaimedanotherhair'sbreadthofroom，Ishouldhavejerkedhimintothewindow；equally，thatifmyownshoulderhadurgedasimilarclaim，MrDrummlewouldhavejerkedmeintothenearestbox。Hewhistledalittle。
　　SodidI。
　　`Largetractofmarshesabouthere，Ibelieve？'saidDrummle。
　　`Yes。Whatofthat？'saidI。
　　MrDrummlelookedatme，andthenatmyboots，andthensaid，`Oh！'
　　andlaughed。
　　`Areyouamused，MrDrummle？'
　　`No，'saidhe，`notparticularly。Iamgoingoutforarideinthesaddle。
　　Imeantoexplorethosemarshesforamusement。Out-of-the-wayvillagesthere，theytellme。Curiouslittlepublic-houses-andsmithies-andthat。Waiter！'
　　`Yes，sir。'
　　`Isthathorseofmineready？'
　　`Broughtroundtothedoor，sir。'
　　`Isay。Lookhere，yousir。Theladywon'trideto-day；theweatherwon'tdo。'
　　`Verygood，sir。'
　　`AndIdon'tdine，becauseI'mgoingtodineatthelady's。'
　　`Verygood，sir。'
　　Then，Drummleglancedatme，withaninsolenttriumphonhisgreat-jowledfacethatcutmetotheheart，dullashewas，andsoexasperatedme，thatIfeltinclinedtotakehiminmyarmsastherobberinthestory-bookissaidtohavetakentheoldlady，andseathimonthefire。
　　Onethingwasmanifesttobothofus，andthatwas，thatuntilreliefcame，neitherofuscouldrelinquishthefire。Therewasstood，wellsquaredupbeforeit，shouldertoshoulderandfoottofoot，withourhandsbehindus，notbudginganinch。Thehorsewasvisibleoutsideinthedrizzleatthedoor，mybreakfastwasputontable，Drummle'swasclearedaway，thewaiterinvitedmetobegin，Inodded，webothstoodourground。
　　`HaveyoubeentotheGrovesince？'saidDrummle。
　　`No，'saidI，`IhadquiteenoughoftheFinchesthelasttimeIwasthere。'
　　`Wasthatwhenwehadadifferenceofopinion？'
　　`Yes，'Ireplied，veryshortly。
　　`Come，come！Theyletyouoffeasilyenough，'sneeredDrummle。`Youshouldn'thavelostyourtemper。'
　　`MrDrummle，'saidI，`youarenotcompetenttogiveadviceonthatsubject。WhenIlosemytempernotthatIadmithavingdonesoonthatoccasion，Idon'tthrowglasses。'
　　`Ido，'saidDrummle。
　　Againglancingathimonceortwice，inanincreasedstateofsmoulderingferocity，Isaid:
　　`MrDrummle，Ididnotseekthisconversation，andIdon'tthinkitanagreeableone。'
　　`Iamsureit'snot，'saidhe，superciliouslyoverhisshoulder；`I
　　don'tthinkanythingaboutit。'
　　`Andtherefore，'Iwenton，`withyourleave，Iwillsuggestthatweholdnokindofcommunicationinfuture。'
　　`Quitemyopinion，'saidDrummle，`andwhatIshouldhavesuggestedmyself，ordone-morelikely-withoutsuggesting。Butdon'tloseyourtemper。Haven'tyoulostenoughwithoutthat？'
　　`Whatdoyoumean，sir？'
　　`Wai-ter！，'saidDrummle，bywayofansweringme。