But，therewasrecompenseinthejoywithwhichHerbertwouldcomehomeofanightandtellmeofthesechanges，littleimaginingthathetoldmenonews，andwouldsketchairypicturesofhimselfconductingClaraBarleytothelandoftheArabianNights，andofmegoingouttojointhemwithacaravanofcamels，Ibelieve，andofourallgoinguptheNileandseeingwonders。Withoutbeingsanguineastomyownpartinthesebrightplans，IfeltthatHerbert'swaywasclearingfast，andthatoldBillBarleyhadbuttosticktohispepperandrum，andhisdaughterwouldsoonbehappilyprovidedfor。
　　WehadnowgotintothemonthofMarch。Myleftarm，thoughitpresentednobadsymptoms，tookinthenaturalcoursesolongtohealthatIwasstillunabletogetacoaton。Myrightarmwastolerablyrestored；-disfigured，butfairlyserviceable。
　　OnaMondaymorning，whenHerbertandIwereatbreakfast，IreceivedthefollowingletterfromWemmickbythepost。
　　`Walworth。Burnthisassoonasread。Earlyintheweek，orsayWednesday，youmightdowhatyouknowof，ifyoufeltdisposedtotryit。Nowburn。'
　　WhenIhadshownthistoHerbertandhadputitinthefire-butnotbeforewehadbothgotitbyheart-weconsideredwhattodo。For，ofcoursemybeingdisabledcouldnowbenolongerkeptoutofview。
　　`Ihavethoughtitover，againandagain，'saidHerbert，`andIthinkIknowabettercoursethantakingaThameswaterman。TakeStartop。Agoodfellow，askilledhand，fondofus，andenthusiasticandhonourable。'
　　Ihadthoughtofhim，morethanonce。
　　`Buthowmuchwouldyoutellhim，Herbert？'
　　`Itisnecessarytotellhimverylittle。Lethimsupposeitamerefreak，butasecretone，untilthemorningcomes:thenlethimknowthatthereisurgentreasonforyourgettingProvisabroadandaway。Yougowithhim？'
　　`Nodoubt。'
　　`Where？'
　　Ithadseemedtome，inthemanyanxiousconsiderationsIhadgiventhepoint，almostindifferentwhatportwemadefor-Hamburg，Rotterdam，Antwerp-theplacesignifiedlittle，sothathewasgotoutofEngland。
　　Anyforeignsteamerthatfellinourwayandwouldtakeusup，woulddo。
　　Ihadalwaysproposedtomyselftogethimwelldowntheriverintheboat；
　　certainlywellbeyondGravesend，whichwasacriticalplaceforsearchorinquiryifsuspicionwereafoot。AsforeignsteamerswouldleaveLondonataboutthetimeofhigh-water，ourplanwouldbetogetdowntheriverbyapreviousebb-tide，andliebyinsomequietspotuntilwecouldpullofftoone。Thetimewhenonewouldbeduewherewelay，whereverthatmightbe，couldbecalculatedprettynearly，ifwemadeinquiriesbeforehand。
　　Herbertassentedtoallthis，andwewentoutimmediatelyafterbreakfasttopursueourinvestigations。WefoundthatasteamerforHamburgwaslikelytosuitourpurposebest，andwedirectedourthoughtschieflytothatvessel。ButwenoteddownwhatotherforeignsteamerswouldleaveLondonwiththesametide，andwesatisfiedourselvesthatweknewthebuildandcolourofeach。Wethenseparatedforafewhours；I，togetatoncesuchpassportsaswerenecessary；Herbert，toseeStartopathislodgings。Webothdidwhatwehadtodowithoutanyhindrance，andwhenwemetagainatoneo'clockreporteddone。I，formypart，waspreparedwithpassports；
　　HerberthadseenStartop，andhewasmorethanreadytojoin。
　　Thosetwoshouldpullapairofoars，wesettled，andIwouldsteer；
　　ourchargewouldbesitter，andkeepquiet；asspeedwasnotourobject，weshouldmakewayenough。WearrangedthatHerbertshouldnotcomehometodinnerbeforegoingtoMillPondBankthatevening；thatheshouldnotgothereatall，to-morrowevening，Tuesday；thatheshouldprepareProvistocomedowntosomeStairshardbythehouse，onWednesday，whenhesawusapproach，andnotsooner；thatallthearrangementswithhimshouldbeconcludedthatMondaynight；andthatheshouldbecommunicatedwithnomoreinanyway，untilwetookhimonboard。
　　Theseprecautionswellunderstoodbybothofus，Iwenthome。
　　Onopeningtheouterdoorofourchamberswithmykey，Ifoundaletterinthebox，directedtome；averydirtyletter，thoughnotill-written。
　　IthadbeendeliveredbyhandofcoursesinceIlefthome，anditscontentswerethese:
　　`Ifyouarenotafraidtocometotheoldmarshesto-nightortomorrownightatNine，andtocometothelittlesluice-housebythelimekiln，youhadbettercome。IfyouwantinformationregardingyouruncleProvis，youhadmuchbettercomeandtellnooneandlosenotime。Youmustcomealone。Bringthiswithyou。'
　　Ihadhadloadenoughuponmymindbeforethereceiptofthisstrangeletter。Whattodonow，Icouldnottell。Andtheworstwas，thatImustdecidequickly，orIshouldmisstheafternooncoach，whichwouldtakemedownintimeforto-night。To-morrownightIcouldnotthinkofgoing，foritwouldbetoocloseuponthetimeoftheflight。Andagain，foranythingIknew，theprofferedinformationmighthavesomeimportantbearingontheflightitself。
　　IfIhadhadampletimeforconsideration，IbelieveIshouldstillhavegone。Havinghardlyanytimeforconsideration-mywatchshowingmethatthecoachstartedwithinhalfandhour-Iresolvedtogo。Ishouldcertainlynothavegone，butforthereferencetomyUncleProvis；that，comingonWemmick'sletterandthemorning'sbusypreparation，turnedthescale。
　　Itissodifficulttobecomeclearlypossessedofcontentsofalmostanyletter，inaviolenthurry，thatIhadtoreadthismysteriousepistleagain，twice，beforeitsinjunctiontometobesecretgotmechanicallyintomymind。Yieldingtoitinthesamemechanicalkindofway，IleftanoteinpencilforHerbert，tellinghimthatasIshouldbesosoongoingaway，Iknewnotforhowlong，Ihaddecidedtohurrydownandback，toascertainformyselfhowMissHavishamwasfaring。Ihadthenbarelytimetogetmygreat-coat，lockupthechambers，andmakeforthecoach-officebytheshortby-ways。IfIhadtakenahackney-chariotandgonebythestreets，Ishouldhavemissedmyaim；goingasIdid，Icaughtthecoachjustasitcameoutoftheyard。Iwastheonlyinsidepassenger，joltingawayknee-deepinstraw，whenIcametomyself。
　　For，Ireallyhadnotbeenmyselfsincethereceiptoftheletter；ithadsobewilderedmeensuingonthehurryofthemorning。Themorninghurryandflutterhadbeengreat，for，longandanxiouslyasIhadwaitedforWemmick，hishinthadcomelikeasurpriseatlast。Andnow，Ibegantowonderatmyselfforbeinginthecoach，andtodoubtwhetherIhadsufficientreasonforbeingthere，andtoconsiderwhetherIshouldgetoutpresentlyandgoback，andtoargueagainsteverheedingananonymouscommunication，and，inshort，topassthroughallthosephasesofcontradictionandindecisiontowhichIsupposeveryfewhurriedpeoplearestrangers。Still，thereferencetoProvisbyname，masteredeverything。IreasonedasIhadreasonedalreadywithoutknowingit-ifthatbereasoning-incaseanyharmshouldbefallhimthroughmynotgoing，howcouldIeverforgivemyself！
　　Itwasdarkbeforewegotdown，andthejourneyseemedlonganddrearytomewhocouldseelittleofitinside，andwhocouldnotgooutsideinmydisabledstate。AvoidingtheBlueBoar，Iputupataninnofminorreputationdownthetown，andorderedsomedinner。Whileitwaspreparing，IwenttoSatisHouseandinquiredforMissHavisham；shewasstillveryill，thoughconsideredsomethingbetter。
　　Myinnhadoncebeenapartofanancientecclesiasticalhouse，andIdinedinalittleoctagonalcommon-room，likeafont。AsIwasnotabletocutmydinner，theoldlandlordwithashiningbaldheaddiditforme。Thisbringingusintoconversation，hewassogoodastoentertainmewithmyownstory-ofcoursewiththepopularfeaturethatPumblechookwasmyearliestbenefactorandthefounderofmyfortunes。
　　`Doyouknowtheyoungman？'saidI。
　　`Knowhim！'repeatedthelandlord。`Eversincehewas-noheightatall。'
　　`Doesheevercomebacktothisneighbourhood？'
　　`Ay，hecomesback，'saidthelandlord，`tohisgreatfriends，nowandagain，andgivesthecoldshouldertothemanthatmadehim。'
　　`Whatmanisthat？'
　　`HimthatIspeakof，'saidthelandlord。`MrPumblechook。'
　　`Isheungratefultonooneelse？'
　　`Nodoubthewouldbe，ifhecould，'returnedthelandlord，`buthecan't。Andwhy？BecausePumblechookdoneeverythingforhim。'
　　`DoesPumblechooksayso？'
　　`Sayso！'repliedthelandlord。`Hehan'tnocalltosayso。'
　　`Butdoeshesayso？'
　　`Itwouldturnaman'sbloodtowhitewinewinegartohearhimtellofit，sir，'saidthelandlord。
　　Ithought，`YetJoe，dearJoe，younevertellofit。Long-sufferingandlovingJoe，younevercomplain。Noryou，sweet-temperedBiddy！'
　　`Yourappetite'sbeentouchedlike，byyouraccident，'saidthelandlord，glancingatthebandagedarmundermycoat。`Tryatendererbit。'
　　`Nothankyou，'Ireplied，turningfromthetabletobroodoverthefire。`Icaneatnomore。Pleasetakeitaway。'
　　Ihadneverbeenstruckatsokneely，formythanklessnesstoJoe，asthroughthebrazenimpostorPumblechook。Thefalserhe，thetruerJoe；
　　themeanerhe，thenoblerJoe。
　　MyheartwasdeeplyandmostdeservedlyhumbledasImusedoverthefireforanhourormore。Thestrikingoftheclockarousedme，butnotfrommydejectionorremorse，andIgotupandhadmycoatfastenedroundmyneck，andwentout。Ihadpreviouslysoughtinmypocketsfortheletter，thatImightrefertoitagain，butIcouldnotfindit，andwasuneasytothinkthatitmusthavebeendroppedinthestrawofthecoach。Iknewverywell，however，thattheappointedplacewasthelittlesluice-housebythelimekilnonthemarshes，andthehournine。TowardsthemarshesInowwentstraight，havingnotimetospare。
　　Chapter53
　　ITwasadarknight，thoughthefullmoonroseasIlefttheenclosedlands，andpassedoutuponthemarshes。Beyondtheirdarklinetherewasaribbonofclearsky，hardlybroadenoughtoholdtheredlargemoon。
　　Inafewminutesshehadascendedoutofthatclearfield，inamongthepiledmountainsofcloud。
　　Therewasamelancholywind，andthemarsheswereverydismal。Astrangerwouldhavefoundtheminsupportable，andeventometheyweresooppressivethatIhesitated，halfinclinedtogoback。But，Iknewthemwell，andcouldhavefoundmywayonafardarkernight，andhadnoexcuseforreturning，beingthere。So，havingcomethereagainstmyinclination，Iwentonagainstit。
　　ThedirectionthatItook，wasnotthatinwhichmyoldhomelay，northatinwhichwehadpursuedtheconvicts。MybackwasturnedtowardsthedistantHulksasIwalkedon，and，thoughIcouldseetheoldlightsawayonthespitsofsand，Isawthemovermyshoulder。IknewthelimekilnaswellasIknewtheoldBattery，buttheyweremilesapart；sothatifalighthadbeenburningateachpointthatnight，therewouldhavebeenalongstripoftheblankhorizonbetweenthetwobrightspecks。
　　Atfirst，Ihadtoshutsomegatesafterme，andnowandthentostandstillwhilethecattlethatwerelyinginthebanked-uppathway，aroseandblundereddownamongthegrassandreeds。Butafteralittlewhile，Iseemedtohavethewholeflatstomyself。
　　Itwasanotherhalf-hourbeforeIdrewneartothekiln。Thelimewasburningwithasluggishstiflingsmell，butthefiresweremadeupandleft，andnoworkmenwerevisible。Hardby，wasasmallstone-quarry。Itlaydirectlyinmyway，andhadbeenworkedthatday，asIsawbythetoolsandbarrowsthatwerelyingabout。
　　Comingupagaintothemarshleveloutofthisexcavation-fortherudepathlaythroughit-Isawalightintheoldsluice-house。Iquickenedmypace，andknockedatthedoorwithmyhand。Waitingforsomereply，Ilookedaboutme，noticinghowthesluicewasabandonedandbroken，andhowthehouse-ofwoodwithatiledroof-wouldnotbeproofagainsttheweathermuchlonger，ifitweresoevennow，andhowthemudandoozewerecoatedwithlime，andhowthechokingvapourofthekilncreptinaghostlywaytowardsme。Stilltherewasnoanswer，andIknockedagain。
　　Noanswerstill，andItriedthelatch。
　　Itroseundermyhand，andthedooryielded。Lookingin，Isawalightedcandleonatable，abench，andamattressonatrucklebedstead。Astherewasaloftabove，Icalled，`Isthereanyonehere？'butnovoiceanswered。
　　Then，Ilookedatmywatch，and，findingthatitwaspastnine，calledagain，`Isthereanyonehere？'Therebeingstillnoanswer，Iwentoutatthedoor，irresolutewhattodo。
　　Itwasbeginningtorainfast。SeeingnothingsavewhatIhadseenalready，Iturnedbackintothehouse，andstoodjustwithintheshelterofthedoorway，lookingoutintothenight。WhileIwasconsideringthatsomeonemusthavebeentherelatelyandmustsoonbecomingback，orthecandlewouldnotbeburning，itcameintomyheadtolookifthewickwerelong。
　　Iturnedroundtodoso，andhadtakenupthecandleinmyhand，whenitwasextinguishedbysomeviolentshock，andthenextthingIcomprehended，was，thatIhadbeencaughtinastrongrunningnoose，thrownovermyheadfrombehind。
　　`Now，'saidasuppressedvoicewithanoath，`I'vegotyou！'
　　`Whatisthis？'Icried，struggling。`Whoisit？Help，help，help！'
　　Notonlyweremyarmspulledclosetomysides，butthepressureonmybadarmcausedmeexquisitepain。Sometimes，astrongman'shand，sometimesastrongman'sbreast，wassetagainstmymouthtodeadenmycries，andwithahotbreathalwaysclosetome，Istruggledineffectuallyinthedark，whileIwasfastenedtighttothewall。`Andnow，'saidthesuppressedvoicewithanotheroath，`calloutagain，andI'llmakeshortworkofyou！'
　　Faintandsickwiththepainofmyinjuredarm，bewilderedbythesurprise，andyetconscioushoweasilythisthreatcouldbeputinexecution，Idesisted，andtriedtoeasemyarmwereiteversolittle。But，itwasboundtootightforthat。Ifeltasif，havingbeenburntbefore，itwerenowbeingboiled。
　　Thesuddenexclusionofthenightandthesubstitutionofblackdarknessinitsplace，warnedmethatthemanhadclosedashutter。Aftergropingaboutforalittle，hefoundtheflintandsteelhewanted，andbegantostrikealight。Istrainedmysightuponthesparksthatfellamongthetinder，anduponwhichhebreathedandbreathed，matchinhand，butIcouldonlyseehislips，andthebluepointofthematch；eventhose，butfitfully。
　　Thetinderwasdamp-nowonderthere-andoneafteranotherthesparksdiedout。
　　Themanwasinnohurry，andstruckagainwiththeflintandsteel。
　　Asthesparksfellthickandbrightabouthim，Icouldseehishands，andtouchesofhisface，andcouldmakeoutthathewasseatedandbendingoverthetable；butnothingmore。PresentlyIsawhisbluelipsagain，breathingonthetinder，andthenaflareoflightflashedup，andshowedmeOrlick。
　　WhomIhadlookedfor，Idon'tknow。Ihadnotlookedforhim。Seeinghim，IfeltthatIwasinadangerousstraitindeed，andIkeptmyeyesuponhim。
　　Helightedthecandlefromtheflaringmatchwithgreatdeliberation，anddroppedthematch，andtroditout。Then，heputthecandleawayfromhimonthetable，sothathecouldseeme，andsatwithhisarmsfoldedonthetableandlookedatme。ImadeoutthatIwasfastenedtoastoutperpendicularladderafewinchesfromthewall-afixturethere-themeansofascenttotheloftabove。
　　`Now，'saidhe，whenwehadsurveyedoneanotherforsometime，`I'vegotyou。'
　　`Unbindme。Letmego！'
　　`Ah！'hereturned，`I'llletyougo。I'llletyougotothemoon，I'llletyougotothestars。Allingoodtime。'
　　`Whyhaveyouluredmehere？'
　　`Don'tyouknow？'saidhe，withadeadlylook`Whyhaveyousetuponmeinthedark？'
　　`BecauseImeantodoitallmyself。Onekeepsasecretbetterthantwo。Ohyouenemy，youenemy！'
　　HisenjoymentofthespectacleIfurnished，ashesatwithhisarmsfoldedonthetable，shakinghisheadatmeandhugginghimself，hadamalignityinitthatmademetremble。AsIwatchedhiminsilence，heputhishandintothecornerathisside，andtookupagunwithabrass-boundstock。
　　`Doyouknowthis？'saidhe，makingasifhewouldtakeaimatme。`Doyouknowwhereyousawitafore？Speak，wolf！'
　　`Yes，'Ianswered。
　　`Youcostmethatplace。Youdid。Speak！'
　　`WhatelsecouldIdo？'
　　`Youdidthat，andthatwouldbeenough，withoutmore。HowdaredyoutocomebetwixtmeandayoungwomanIliked？'
　　`WhendidI？'
　　`Whendidn'tyou？ItwasyouasalwaysgiveOldOrlickabadnametoher。'
　　`Yougaveittoyourself；yougaineditforyourself。Icouldhavedoneyounoharm，ifyouhaddoneyourselfnone。'
　　`You'realiar。Andyou'lltakeanypains，andspendanymoney，todrivemeoutofthiscountry，willyou？'saidhe，repeatingmywordstoBiddyinthelastinterviewIhadwithher。`Now，I'lltellyouapieceofinformation。
　　Itwasneversowellworthyourwhiletogetmeoutofthiscountryasitisto-night。Ah！Ifitwasallyourmoneytwentytimestold，tothelastbrassfarden！'Asheshookhisheavyhandatme，withhismouthsnarlinglikeatiger's，Ifeltthatitwastrue。
　　`Whatareyougoingtodotome？'
　　`I'mgoing，'saidhe，bringinghisfirstdownuponthetablewithaheavyblow，andrisingastheblowfell，togiveitgreaterforce，`I'magoingtohaveyourlife！'
　　Heleanedforwardstaringatme，slowlyunclenchedhishandanddrewitacrosshismouthasifhismouthwateredforme，andsatdownagain。
　　`YouwasalwaysinOldOrlick'swaysinceeveryouwasachild。Yougoesoutofhisway，thispresentnight。He'llhavenomoreonyou。You'redead。'
　　IfeltthatIhadcometothebrinkofmygrave。ForamomentIlookedwildlyroundmytrapforanychanceofescape；buttherewasnone。
　　`Morethanthat，'saidhe，foldinghisarmsonthetableagain，`Iwon'thavearagofyou，Iwon'thaveaboneofyou，leftonearth。I'llputyourbodyinthekiln-I'dcarrytwosuchtoit，onmyshoulders-and，letpeoplesupposewhattheymayofyou，theyshallneverknownothing。'
　　Mymind，withinconceivablerapidity，followedoutalltheconsequencesofsuchadeath。Estella'sfatherwouldbelieveIhaddesertedhim，wouldbetaken，woulddieaccusingme；evenHerbertwoulddoubtme，whenhecomparedtheletterIhadleftforhim，withthefactthatIhadcalledatMissHavisham'sgateforonlyamoment；JoeandBiddywouldneverknowhowsorryIhadbeenthatnight；nonewouldeverknowwhatIhadsuffered，howtrueIhadmeanttobe，whatanagonyIhadpassedthrough。Thedeathclosebeforemewasterrible，butfarmoreterriblethandeathwasthedreadofbeingmisrememberedafterdeath。Andsoquickweremythoughts，thatIsawmyselfdespisedbyunborngenerations-Estella'schildren，andtheirchildren-whilethewretch'swordswereyetonhislips。
　　`Now，wolf，'saidhe，`aforeIkillyoulikeanyotherbeast-whichiswotImeantodoandwotIhavetiedyouupfor-I'llhaveagoodlookatyouandagoodgoadatyou。Oh，youenemy！'
　　Ithadpassedthroughmythoughtstocryoutforhelpagain；thoughfewcouldknowbetterthanI，thesolitarynatureofthespot，andthehopelessnessofaid。Butashesatgloatingoverme，Iwassupportedbyascornfuldetestationofhimthatsealedmylips。Aboveallthings，I
　　resolvedthatIwouldnotentreathim，andthatIwoulddiemakingsomelastpoorresistancetohim。Softenedasmythoughtsofalltherestofmenwereinthatdireextremity；humblybeseechingpardon，asIdid，ofHeaven；meltedatheart，asIwas，bythethoughtthatIhadtakennofarewell，andnevernevernowcouldtakefarewell，ofthosewhoweredeartome，orcouldexplainmyselftothem，oraskfortheircompassiononmymiserableerrors；still，ifIcouldhavekilledhim，evenindying，Iwouldhavedoneit。
　　Hehadbeendrinking，andhiseyeswereredandbloodshot。Aroundhisneckwasslungatinbottle，asIhadoftenseenhismeatanddrinkslungabouthiminotherdays。Hebroughtthebottletohislips，andtookafierydrinkfromit；andIsmeltthestrongspiritsthatIsawflashintohisface。
　　`Wolf！'saidhe，foldinghisarmsagain，`OldOrlick'sagoingtotellyousomethink。Itwasyouasdidforyourshrewsister。'
　　Againmymind，withitsformerinconceivablerapidity，hadexhaustedthewholesubjectoftheattackuponmysister，herillness，andherdeath，beforehisslowandhesitatingspeechhadformedthesewords。
　　`Itwasyou，villain，'saidI。
　　`Itellyouitwasyourdoing-Itellyouitwasdonethroughyou，'
　　heretorted，catchingupthegun，andmakingablowwiththestockatthevacantairbetweenus。`Icomeuponherfrombehind，asIcomeuponyouto-night。Igiv'ither！Ileftherfordead，andiftherehadbeenalimekilnasnighherasthereisnownighyou，sheshouldn'thavecometolifeagain。Butitwarn'tOldOrlickasdidit；itwasyou。Youwasfavoured，andhewasbulliedandbeat。OldOrlickbulliedandbeat，eh？
　　Nowyoupaysforit。Youdoneit；nowyoupaysforit。'
　　Hedrankagain，andbecamemoreferocious。Isawbyhistiltingofthebottlethattherewasnogreatquantityleftinit。Idistinctlyunderstoodthathewasworkinghimselfupwithitscontents，tomakeanendofme。
　　Iknewthateverydropitheld，wasadropofmylife。IknewthatwhenIwaschangedintoapartofthevapourthathadcrepttowardsmebutalittlewhilebefore，likemyownwarningghost，hewoulddoashehaddoneinmysister'scase-makeallhastetothetown，andbeseenslouchingaboutthere，drinkingattheale-houses。Myrapidmindpursuedhimtothetown，madeapictureofthestreetwithhiminit，andcontrasteditslightsandlifewiththelonelymarshandthewhitevapourcreepingoverit，intowhichIshouldhavedissolved。
　　ItwasnotonlythatIcouldhavesummedupyearsandyearsandyearswhilehesaidadozenwords，butthatwhathedidsaypresentedpicturestome，andnotmerewords。Intheexcitedandexaltedstateofmybrain，Icouldnotthinkofaplacewithoutseeingit，orofpersonswithoutseeingthem。Itisimpossibletoover-statethevividnessoftheseimages，andyetIwassointent，allthetime，uponhimhimself-whowouldnotbeintentonthetigercrouchingtospring！-thatIknewoftheslightestactionofhisfingers。
　　Whenhehaddrunkthissecondtime，herosefromthebenchonwhichhesat，andpushedthetableaside。Then，hetookupthecandle，andshadingitwithhismurderoushandsoastothrowitslightonme，stoodbeforeme，lookingatmeandenjoyingthesight。
　　`Wolf，I'lltellyousomethingmore。ItwasOldOrlickasyoutumbledoveronyourstairsthatnight。'
　　Isawthestaircasewithitsextinguishedlamps。Isawtheshadowsoftheheavystair-rails，thrownbythewatchman'slanternonthewall。I
　　sawtheroomsthatIwasnevertoseeagain；here，adoorhalfopen；there，adoorclosed；allthearticlesoffurniturearound。
　　`AndwhywasOldOrlickthere？I'lltellyousomethingmore，wolf。Youandherhaveprettywellhuntedmeoutofthiscountry，sofarasgettingaeasylivinginitgoes，andI'vetookupwithnewcompanions，andnewmasters。Someof'emwritesmyletterswhenIwants'emwrote-
　　doyoumind？-writesmyletters，wolf！Theywritesfiftyhands；they'renotlikesneakingyou，aswritesbutone。I'vehadafirmmindandafirmwilltohaveyourlife，sinceyouwasdownhereatyoursister'sburying。
　　Ihan'tseenawaytogetyousafe，andI'velookedarteryoutoknowyourinsandouts。For，saysOldOrlicktohimself，""SomehoworanotherI'llhavehim！""What！WhenIlooksforyou，IfindsyouruncleProvis，eh？'
　　MillPondBank，andChinks'sBasin，andtheOldGreenCopperRope-Walk，allsoclearandplain！Provisinhisrooms，thesignalwhoseusewasover，prettyClara，thegoodmotherlywoman，oldBillBarleyonhisback，alldriftingby，asontheswiftstreamofmylifefastrunningouttosea！
　　`Youwithauncletoo！Why，Iknow'dyouatGargery'swhenyouwassosmallawolfthatIcouldhavetookyourweazenbetwixtthisfingerandthumbandchuckedyouawaydeadasI'dthoughtso'doing，oddtimes，whenIseeyouloiteringamongstthepollardsonaSunday，andyouhadn'tfoundnounclesthen。No，notyou！ButwhenOldOrlickcomefortohearthatyouruncleProvishadmostlikeworetheleg-ironwotOldOrlickhadpickedup，filedasunder，onthesemesheseversomanyyearago，andwothekepbyhimtillhedroppedyoursisterwithit，likeabullock，ashemeanstodropyou-hey？-whenhecomefortohearthat-hey？——'
　　Inhissavagetaunting，heflaredthecandlesocloseatme，thatI
　　turnedmyfaceaside，tosaveitfromtheflame。
　　`Ah！'hecried，laughing，afterdoingitagain，`theburntchilddreadsthefire！OldOrlickknowedyouwasburnt，OldOrlickknowedyouwassmugglingyouruncleProvisaway，OldOrlick'samatchforyouandknow'dyou'dcometo-night！NowI'lltellyousomethingmore，wolf，andthisendsit。There'sthemthat'sasgoodamatchforyouruncleProvisasOldOrlickhasbeenforyou。Lethim'warethem，whenhe'slosthisnevvy！Lethim'warethem，whennomancan'tfindaragofhisdearrelation'sclothes，noryetaboneofhisbody。There'sthemthatcan'tandthatwon'thaveMagwitch-yes，Iknowthename！-aliveinthesamelandwiththem，andthat'shadsuchsureinformationofhimwhenhewasaliveinanotherland，asthathecouldn'tandshouldn'tleaveitunbeknownandputthemindanger。
　　P'rapsit'sthemthatwritesfiftyhands，andthat'snotlikesneakingyouaswritesbutone。'WareCompeyson，Magwitch，andthegallows！'
　　Heflaredthecandleatmeagain，smokingmyfaceandhair，andforaninstantblindingme，andturnedhispowerfulbackashereplacedthelightonthetable。Ihadthoughtaprayer，andhadbeenwithJoeandBiddyandHerbert，beforeheturnedtowardsmeagain。
　　Therewasaclearspaceofafewfeetbetweenthetableandtheoppositewall。Withinthisspace，henowslouchedbackwardsandforwards。Hisgreatstrengthseemedtositstrongeruponhimthaneverbefore，ashedidthiswithhishandshanginglooseandheavyathissides，andwithhiseyesscowlingatme。Ihadnograinofhopeleft。Wildasmyinwardhurrywas，andwonderfultheforceofthepicturesthatrushedbymeinsteadofthoughts，IcouldyetclearlyunderstandthatunlesshehadresolvedthatIwaswithinafewmomentsofsurelyperishingoutofallhumanknowledge，hewouldneverhavetoldmewhathehadtold。
　　Ofasudden，hestopped，tookthecorkoutofhisbottle，andtosseditaway。Lightasitwas，Ihearditfalllikeaplummet。Heswallowedslowly，tiltingupthebottlebylittleandlittle，andnowhelookedatmenomore。Thelastfewdropsofliquorhepouredintothepalmofhishand，andlickedup。Then，withasuddenhurryofviolenceandswearinghorribly，hethrewthebottlefromhim，andstooped；andIsawinhishandastone-hammerwithalongheavyhandle。
　　TheresolutionIhadmadedidnotdesertme，for，withoututteringonevainwordofappealtohim，Ishoutedoutwithallmymight，andstruggledwithallmymight。ItwasonlymyheadandmylegsthatIcouldmove，buttothatextentIstruggledwithalltheforce，untilthenunknown，thatwaswithinme。InthesameinstantIheardresponsiveshouts，sawfiguresandagleamoflightdashinatthedoor，heardvoicesandtumult，andsawOrlickemergefromastruggleofmen，asifitweretumblingwater，clearthetableataleap，andflyoutintothenight。
　　Afterablank，IfoundthatIwaslyingunbound，onthefloor，inthesameplace，withmyheadonsomeone'sknee。Myeyeswerefixedontheladderagainstthewall，whenIcametomyself-hadopenedonitbeforemymindsawit-andthusasIrecoveredconsciousness，IknewthatIwasintheplacewhereIhadlostit。
　　Tooindifferentatfirst，eventolookroundandascertainwhosupportedme，Iwaslyinglookingattheladder，whentherecamebetweenmeandit，aface。ThefaceofTrabb'sboy！
　　`Ithinkhe'sallright！'saidTrabb'sboy，inasobervoice；`butain'thejustpalethough！'
　　Atthesewords，thefaceofhimwhosupportedmelookedoverintomine，andIsawmysupportertobe——
　　`Herbert！GreatHeaven！'
　　`Softly，'saidHerbert。`Gently，Handel。Don'tbetooeager。'
　　`Andouroldcomrade，Startop！'Icried，ashetoobentoverme。
　　`Rememberwhatheisgoingtoassistusin，'saidHerbert，`andbecalm。'
　　Theallusionmademespringup；thoughIdroppedagainfromthepaininmyarm。`Thetimehasnotgoneby，Herbert，hasit？Whatnightisto-night？
　　HowlonghaveIbeenhere？'For，IhadastrangeandstrongmisgivingthatIhadbeenlyingtherealongtime-adayandanight-twodaysandnights-more。
　　`Thetimehasnotgoneby。ItisstillMondaynight。'
　　`ThankGod！'
　　`Andyouhaveallto-morrow，Tuesday，torestin，'saidHerbert。`Butyoucan'thelpgroaning，mydearHandel。Whathurthaveyougot？Canyoustand？'
　　`Yes，yes，'saidI，`Icanwalk。Ihavenohurtbutinthisthrobbingarm。'
　　Theylaiditbare，anddidwhattheycould。Itwasviolentlyswollenandinflamed，andIcouldscarcelyenduretohaveittouched。But，theytoreuptheirhandkerchiefstomakefreshbandages，andcarefullyreplaceditinthesling，untilwecouldgettothetownandobtainsomecoolinglotiontoputuponit。Inalittlewhilewehadshutthedoorofthedarkandemptysluice-house，andwerepassingthroughthequarryonourwayback。Trabb'sboy-Trabb'sovergrownyoungmannow-wentbeforeuswithalantern，whichwasthelightIhadseencomeinatthedoor。But，themoonwasagoodtwohourshigherthanwhenIhadlastseenthesky，andthenightthoughrainywasmuchlighter。Thewhitevapourofthekilnwaspassingfromusaswewentby，and，asIhadthoughtaprayerbefore，I
　　thoughtathanksgivingnow。
　　EntreatingHerberttotellmehowhehadcometomyrescue-whichatfirsthehadflatlyrefusedtodo，buthadinsistedonmyremainingquiet-IlearntthatIhadinmyhurrydroppedtheletter，open，inourchambers，wherehe，cominghometobringwithhimStartopwhomhehadmetinthestreetonhiswaytome，foundit，verysoonafterIwasgone。Itstonemadehimuneasy，andthemoresobecauseoftheinconsistencybetweenitandthehastyletterIhadleftforhim。Hisuneasinessincreasinginsteadofsubsidingafteraquarterofanhour'sconsideration，hesetoffforthecoach-office，withStartop，whovolunteeredhiscompany，tomakeinquirywhenthenextcoachwentdown。Findingthattheafternooncoachwasgone，andfindingthathisuneasinessgrewintopositivealarm，asobstaclescameinhisway，heresolvedtofollowinapost-chaise。So，heandStartoparrivedattheBlueBoar，fullyexpectingtheretofindme，ortidingsofme；but，findingneither，wentontoMissHavisham's，wheretheylostme。HereupontheywentbacktothehoteldoubtlessataboutthetimewhenIwashearingthepopularlocalversionofmyownstory，torefreshthemselvesandtogetsomeonetoguidethemoutuponthemarshes。AmongtheloungersundertheBoar'sarchway，happenedtobeTrabb'sboy-truetohisancienthabitofhappeningtobeeverywherewherehehadnobusiness-andTrabb'sboyhadseenmepassingfromMissHavisham'sinthedirectionofmydining-place。
　　Thus，Trabb'sboybecametheirguide，andwithhimtheywentouttothesluice-house:thoughbythetownwaytothemarshes，whichIhadavoided。
　　Now，astheywentalong，Herbertreflected，thatImight，afterall，havebeenbroughtthereonsomegenuineandserviceableerrandtendingtoProvis'ssafety，and，bethinkinghimselfthatinthatcaseinterruptionmustbemischievous，lefthisguideandStartopontheedgeofthequarry，andwentonbyhimself，andstoleroundthehousetwoorthreetimes，endeavouringtoascertainwhetherallwasrightwithin。Ashecouldhearnothingbutindistinctsoundsofonedeeproughvoicethiswaswhilemymindwassobusy，heevenatlastbegantodoubtwhetherIwasthere，whensuddenlyIcriedoutloudly，andheansweredthecries，andrushedin，closelyfollowedbytheothertwo。
　　WhenItoldHerbertwhathadpassedwithinthehouse，hewasforourimmediatelygoingbeforeamagistrateinthetown，lateatnightasitwas，andgettingoutawarrant。But，Ihadalreadyconsideredthatsuchacourse，bydetainingusthere，orbindingustocomeback，mightbefataltoProvis。Therewasnogainsayingthisdifficulty，andwerelinquishedallthoughtsofpursuingOrlickatthattime。Forthepresent，underthecircumstances，wedeemeditprudenttomakeratherlightofthemattertoTrabb'sboy；whoIamconvincedwouldhavebeenmuchaffectedbydisappointment，ifhehadknownthathisinterventionsavedmefromthelimekiln。NotthatTrabb'sboywasofamalignantnature，butthathehadtoomuchsparevivacity，andthatitwasinhisconstitutiontowantvarietyandexcitementatanybody'sexpense。Whenweparted，Ipresentedhimwithtwoguineaswhichseemedtomeethisviews，andtoldhimthatIwassorryevertohavehadanillopinionofhimwhichmadenoimpressiononhimatall。
　　Wednesdaybeingsocloseuponus，wedeterminedtogobacktoLondonthatnight，threeinthepost-chaise；therather，asweshouldthenbeclearaway，beforethenight'sadventurebegantobetalkedof。Herbertgotalargebottleofstuffformyarm，andbydintofhavingthisstuffdroppedoveritallthenightthrough，Iwasjustabletobearitspainonthejourney。ItwasdaylightwhenwereachedtheTemple，andIwentatoncetobed，andlayinbedallday。
　　Myterror，asIlaythere，offallingillandbeingunfittedfortomorrow，wassobesetting，thatIwonderitdidnotdisablemeofitself。Itwouldhavedoneso，prettysurely，inconjunctionwiththementalwearandtearIhadsuffered，butfortheunnaturalstrainuponmethatto-morrowwas。
　　Soanxiouslylookedforwardto，chargedwithsuchconsequences，itsresultssoimpenetrablyhiddenthoughsonear。
　　Noprecautioncouldhavebeenmoreobviousthanourrefrainingfromcommunicationwithhimthatday；yetthisagainincreasedmyrestlessness。
　　Istartedateveryfootstepandeverysound，believingthathewasdiscoveredandtaken，andthiswasthemessengertotellmeso。IpersuadedmyselfthatIknewhewastaken；thattherewassomethingmoreuponmymindthanafearorapresentiment；thatthefacthadoccurred，andIhadamysteriousknowledgeofit。Asthedayworeonandnoillnewscame，asthedayclosedinanddarknessfell，myovershadowingdreadofbeingdisabledbyillnessbeforeto-morrowmorning，altogethermasteredme。Myburningarmthrobbed，andmyburningheadthrobbed，andIfanciedIwasbeginningtowander。
　　Icounteduptohighnumbers，tomakesureofmyself，andrepeatedpassagesthatIknewinproseandverse。Ithappenedsometimesthatinthemereescapeofafatiguedmind，Idozedforsomemomentsorforgot；thenIwouldsaytomyselfwithastart，`Nowithascome，andIamturningdelirious！'
　　Theykeptmeveryquietallday，andkeptmyarmconstantlydressed，andgavemecoolingdrinks。WheneverIfellasleep，IawokewiththenotionIhadhadinthesluice-house，thatalongtimehadelapsedandtheopportunitytosavehimwasgone。AboutmidnightIgotoutofbedandwenttoHerbert，withtheconvictionthatIhadbeenasleepforfour-and-twentyhours，andthatWednesdaywaspast。Itwasthelastself-exhaustingeffortofmyfretfulness，for，afterthat，Isleptsoundly。
　　WednesdaymorningwasdawningwhenIlookedoutofwindow。Thewinkinglightsuponthebridgeswerealreadypale，thecomingsunwaslikeamarshoffireonthehorizon。Theriver，stilldarkandmysterious，wasspannedbybridgesthatwereturningcoldlygrey，withhereandthereattopawarmtouchfromtheburninginthesky。AsIlookedalongtheclusteredroofs，withChurchtowersandspiresshootingintotheunusuallyclearair，thesunroseup，andaveilseemedtobedrawnfromtheriver，andmillionsofsparklesburstoutuponitswaters。Frommetoo，aveilseemedtobedrawn，andIfeltstrongandwell。
　　Herbertlayasleepinhisbed，andouroldfellow-studentlayasleeponthesofa。Icouldnotdressmyselfwithouthelp，butImadeupthefire，whichwasstillburning，andgotsomecoffeereadyforthem。Ingoodtimetheytoostartedupstrongandwell，andweadmittedthesharpmorningairatthewindows，andlookedatthetidethatwasstillflowingtowardsus。
　　`Whenitturnsatnineo'clock，'saidHerbert，cheerfully，`lookoutforus，andstandready，youoverthereatMillPondBank！'
　　Chapter54
　　ITwasoneofthoseMarchdayswhenthesunshineshotandthewindblowscold:whenitissummerinthelight，andwinterintheshade。Wehadoutpea-coatswithus，andItookabag。OfallmyworldlypossessionsItooknomorethanthefewnecessariesthatfilledthebag。WhereImightgo，whatImightdo，orwhenImightreturn，werequestionsutterlyunknowntome；nordidIvexmymindwiththem，foritwaswhollysetonProvis'ssafety。Ionlywonderedforthepassingmoment，asIstoppedatthedoorandlookedback，underwhatalteredcircumstancesIshouldnextseethoserooms，ifever。
　　WeloitereddowntotheTemplestairs，andstoodloiteringthere，asifwewerenotquitedecidedtogouponthewateratall。OfcourseIhadtakencarethattheboatshouldbereadyandeverythinginorder。Afteralittleshowofindecision，whichtherewerenonetoseebutthetwoorthreeamphibiouscreaturesbelongingtoourTemplestairs，wewentonboardandcastoff；Herbertinthebow，Isteering。Itwasthenabouthigh-water-half-pasteight。
　　Ourplanwasthis。Thetide，beginningtorundownatnine，andbeingwithusuntilthree，weintendedstilltocreeponafterithadturned，androwagainstituntildark。WeshouldthenbewellinthoselongreachesbelowGravesend，betweenKentandEssex，wheretheriverisbroadandsolitary，wherethewatersideinhabitantsareveryfew，andwherelonepublic-housesarescatteredhereandthere，ofwhichwecouldchooseoneforaresting-place。
　　There，wemeanttolieby，allnight。ThesteamerforHamburg，andthesteamerforRotterdam，wouldstartfromLondonataboutnineonThursdaymorning。Weshouldknowatwhattimetoexpectthem，accordingtowherewewere，andwouldhailthefirst；sothatifbyanyaccidentwewerenottakenabroad，weshouldhaveanotherchance。Weknewthedistinguishingmarksofeachvessel。
　　Thereliefofbeingatlastengagedintheexecutionofthepurpose，wassogreattomethatIfeltitdifficulttorealizetheconditioninwhichIhadbeenafewhoursbefore。Thecrispair，thesunlight，themovementontheriver，andthemovingriveritself-theroadthatranwithus，seemingtosympathizewithus，animateus，andencourageuson-freshenedmewithnewhope。Ifeltmortifiedtobeofsolittleuseintheboat；
　　but，therewerefewbetteroarsmenthanmytwofriends，andtheyrowedwithasteadystrokethatwastolastallday。
　　Atthattime，thesteam-trafficontheThameswasfarbelowitspresentextent，andwatermen'sboatswerefarmorenumerous。Ofbarges，sailingcolliers，andcoastingtraders，therewereperhapsasmanyasnow；but，ofsteam-ships，greatandsmall，notatitheoratwentiethpartsomany。
　　Earlyasitwas，therewereplentyofscullersgoinghereandtherethatmorning，andplentyofbargesdroppingdownwiththetide；thenavigationoftheriverbetweenbridges，inanopenboat，wasamucheasierandcommonermatterinthosedaysthanitisinthese；andwewentaheadamongmanyskiffsandwherries，briskly。
　　OldLondonBridgewassoonpassed，andoldBillingsgatemarketwithitsoyster-boatsandDutchmen，andtheWhiteTowerandTraitor'sGate，andwewereinamongthetiersofshipping。Here，weretheLeith，Aberdeen，andGlasgowsteamers，loadingandunloadinggoods，andlookingimmenselyhighoutofthewateraswepassedalongside；here，werecolliersbythescoreandscore，withthecoal-whippersplungingoffstagesondeck，ascounterweightstomeasuresofcoalswingingup，whichwerethenrattledoverthesideintobarges；here，athermooringswasto-morrow'ssteamerforRotterdam，ofwhichwetookgoodnotice；andhereto-morrow'sforHamburg，underwhosebowspritwecrossed。AndnowI，sittinginthestern，couldseewithafasterbeatingheart，MillPondBankandMillPondstairs。
　　`Ishethere？'saidHerbert。
　　`Notyet。'
　　`Right！Hewasnottocomedowntillhesawus。Canyouseehissignal？'
　　`Notwellfromhere；butIthinkIseeit-Now，Iseehim！Pullboth。
　　Easy，Herbert。Oars！'
　　Wetouchedthestairslightlyforasinglemoment，andhewasonboardandwewereoffagain。Hehadaboat-cloakwithhim，andablackcanvasbag，andhelookedaslikeariver-pilotasmyheartcouldhavewished。
　　`Dearboy！'hesaid，puttinghisarmonmyshoulderashetookhisseat。
　　`Faithfuldearboy，welldone。Thankye，thankye！'
　　Againamongthetiersofshipping，inandout，avoidingrustychain-cablesfrayedhempenhawsersandbobbingbuoys，sinkingforthemomentfloatingbrokenbaskets，scatteringfloatingchipsofwoodandshaving，cleavingfloatingscumofcoal，inandout，underthefigure-headoftheJohnofSunderlandmakingaspeechtothewindsasisdonebymanyJohns，andtheBetsyofYarmouthwithafirmformalityofbosomandhernobbyeyesstartingtwoinchesoutofherhead，inandout，hammersgoinginshipbuilders'yards，sawsgoingattimber，clashingenginesgoingatthingsunknown，pumpsgoinginleakyships，capstansgoing，shipsgoingouttosea，andunintelligiblesea-creaturesroaringcursesoverthebulwarksatrespondentlightermen，inandout-outatlastupontheclearerriver，wheretheships'boysmighttaketheirfendersin，nolongerfishingintroubledwaterswiththemovertheside，andwherethefestoonedsailsmightflyouttothewind。
　　AttheStairswherewehadtakenhimabroad，andeversince，Ihadlookedwarilyforanytokenofourbeingsuspected。Ihadseennone。Wecertainlyhadnotbeen，andatthattimeascertainlywewerenot，eitherattendedorfollowedbyanyboat。Ifwehadbeenwaitedonbyanyboat，Ishouldhaverunintoshore，andhaveobligedhertogoon，ortomakeherpurposeevident。But，weheldourown，withoutanyappearanceofmolestation。
　　Hehadhisboat-cloakonhim，andlooked，asIhavesaid，anaturalpartofthescene。Itwasremarkablebutperhapsthewretchedlifehehadled，accountedforit，thathewastheleastanxiousofanyofus。
　　Hewasnoindifferent，forhetoldmethathehopedtolivetoseehisgentlemanoneofthebestofgentlemeninaforeigncountry；hewasnotdisposedtobepassiveorresigned，asIunderstoodit；buthehadnonotionofmeetingdangerhalfway。Whenitcameuponhim，heconfrontedit，butitmustcomebeforehetroubledhimself。
　　`Ifyouknowed，dearboy，'hesaidtome，`whatitistositherealongermydearboyandhavemysmoke，arterhavingbeendaybydaybetwixtfourwalls，you'denvyme。Butyoudon'tknowwhatitis。'
　　`IthinkIknowthedelightsoffreedom，'Ianswered。
　　`Ah，'saidhe，shakinghisheadgravely。`Butyoudon'tknowitequaltome。Youmusthavebeenunderlockandkey，dearboy，toknowitequaltome-butIain'tagoingtobelow。'
　　Itoccurredtomeasinconsistent，thatforanymasteringidea，heshouldhaveendangeredhisfreedomandevenhislife。ButIreflectedthatperhapsfreedomwithoutdangerwastoomuchapartfromallthehabitofhisexistencetobetohimwhatitwouldbetoanotherman。Iwasnotfarout，sincehesaid，aftersmokingalittle:
　　`Yousee，dearboy，whenIwasoveryonder，t'othersidetheworld，Iwasalwaysalookingtothisside；anditcomeflattobethere，forallIwasagrowingrich。EverybodyknowedMagwitch，andMagwitchcouldcome，andMagwitchcouldgo，andnobody'sheadwouldbetroubledabouthim。Theyain'tsoeasyconcerningmehere，dearboy-wouldn'tbe，leastwise，iftheyknowedwhereIwas。'
　　`Ifallgoeswell，'saidI，`youwillbeperfectlyfreeandsafeagain，withinafewhours。'
　　`Well，'hereturned，drawingalongbreath，`Ihopeso。'
　　`Andthinkso？'
　　Hedippedhishandinthewaterovertheboat'sgunwale，andsaid，smilingwiththatsoftenedairuponhimwhichwasnotnewtome:
　　`Ay，Is'poseIthinkso，dearboy。We'dbepuzzledtobemorequietandeasy-goingthanweareatpresent。But-it'saflowingsosoftandpleasantthroughthewater，p'raps，asmakesmethinkit-Iwasathinkingthroughmysmokejustthen，thatwecannomoreseetothebottomofthenextfewhours，thanwecanseetothebottomofthisriverwhatIcatchesholdof。Noryetwecan'tnomoreholdtheirtidethanIcanholdthis。
　　Andit'srunthroughmyfingersandgone，yousee！'holdinguphisdrippinghand。
　　`Butforyourface，Ishouldthinkyouwerealittledespondent，'saidI。
　　`Notabitonit，dearboy！Itcomesofflowingonsoquiet，andofthatthereripplingattheboat'sheadmakingasortofaSundaytune。
　　MaybeI'magrowingatrifleoldbesides。'
　　Heputhispipebackinhismouthwithanundisturbedexpressionofface，andsatascomposedandcontentedasifwewerealreadyoutofEngland。
　　Yethewasassubmissivetoawordofadviceasifhehadbeeninconstantterror，for，whenweranashoretogetsomebottlesofbeerintotheboat，andhewassteppingout，IhintedthatIthoughthewouldbesafestwherehewas，andhesaid。`Doyou，dearboy？'andquietlysatdownagain。
　　Theairfeltcoldupontheriver，butitwasabrightday，andthesunshinewasverycheering。Thetideranstrong，Itookcaretolosenoneofit，andoursteadystrokecarriedusonthoroughlywell。Byimperceptibledegrees，asthetideranout，welostmoreandmoreofthenearerwoodsandhills，anddroppedlowerandlowerbetweenthemuddybanks，butthetidewasyetwithuswhenwewereoffGravesend。Asourchargewaswrappedinhiscloak，Ipurposelypassedwithinaboatortwo'slengthofthefloatingCustomHouse，andsoouttocatchthestream，alongsideoftwoemigrantships，andunderthebowsofalargetransportwithtroopsontheforecastlelookingdownatus。Andsoonthetidebegantoslacken，andthecraftlyingatanchortoswing，andpresentlytheyhadallswunground，andtheshipsthatweretakingadvantageofthenewtidetogetuptothePool，begantocrowduponusinafleet，andwekeptundertheshore，asmuchoutofthestrengthofthetidenowaswecould，standingcarefullyofffromlowshallowsandmudbanks。
　　Ouroarsmenweresofresh，bydintofhavingoccasionallyletherdrivewiththetideforaminuteortwo，thataquarterofanhour'srestprovedfullasmuchastheywanted。Wegotashoreamongsomeslipperystoneswhileweateanddrankwhatwehadwithus，andlookedabout。Itwaslikemyownmarshcountry，flatandmonotonous，andwithadimhorizon；whilethewindingriverturnedandturned，andthegreatfloatingbuoysuponitturnedandturned，andeverythingelseseemedstrandedandstill。For，now，thelastofthefleetofshipswasroundthelastlowpointwehadheaded；
　　andthelastgreenbarge，straw-laden，withabrownsail，hadfollowed；
　　andsomeballast-lighters，shapedlikeachild'sfirstrudeimitationofaboat，laylowinthemud；andalittlesquatshoal-lighthouseonopenpiles，stoodcrippledinthemudonstiltsandcrutches；andslimystakesstuckoutofthemud，andslimystonesstuckoutofthemud，andredlandmarksandtidemarksstuckoutofthemud，andanoldlanding-stageanoldrooflessbuildingslippedintothemud，andallaboutuswasstagnationandmud。
　　Wepushedoffagain，andmadewhatwaywecould。Itwasmuchharderworknow，butHerbertandStartoppersevered，androwed，androwed，androwed，untilthesunwentdown。Bythattimetheriverhasliftedusalittle，sothatwecouldseeabovethebank。Therewastheredsun，onthelowleveloftheshore，inapurplehaze，fastdeepeningintoblack；
　　andtherewasthesolitaryflatmarsh；andfarawaythereweretherisinggrounds，betweenwhichandusthereseemedtobenolife，savehereandthereintheforegroundamelancholygull。
　　Asthenightwasfastfalling，andasthemoon，beingpastthefull，wouldnotriseearly，weheldalittlecouncil:ashortone，forclearlyourcoursewastoliebyatthefirstlonelytavernwecouldfind。So，theypliedtheiroarsoncemore，andIlookedoutforanythinglikeahouse。
　　Thusweheldon，speakinglittle，forfourorfivedullmiles。Itwasverycold，and，acolliercomingbyus，withhergalley-firesmokingandflaring，lookedlikeacomfortablehome。Thenightwasasdarkbythistimeasitwouldbeuntilmorning；andwhatlightwehad，seemedtocomemorefromtheriverthanthesky，astheoarsintheirdippingstruckasafewreflectedstars。Atthisdismaltimewewereevidentlyallpossessedbytheideathatwewerefollowed。Asthetidemade，itflappedheavilyatirregularintervalsagainsttheshore；andwheneversuchasoundcame，oneorotherofuswassuretostartandlookinthatdirection。Hereandthere，thesetofthecurrenthadworndownthebankintoalittlecreek，andwewereallsuspiciousofsuchplaces，andeyedthemnervously。Sometimes，`Whatwasthatripple？'oneofuswouldsayinalowvoice。Oranother，`Isthataboatyonder？'Andafterwards，wewouldfallintoadeadsilence，andIwouldsitimpatientlythinkingwithwhatanunusualamountofnoisetheoarsworkedinthethowels。
　　Atlengthwedescriedalightandaroof，andpresentlyafterwardsranalongsidealittlecausewaymadeofstonesthathadbeenpickeduphardby。Leavingtherestintheboat，Isteppedashore，andfoundthelighttobeinawindowofapublic-house。Itwasadirtyplaceenough，andI
　　daresaynotunknowntosmugglingadventurers；buttherewasagoodfireinthekitchen，andtherewereeggsandbacontoeat，andvariousliquorstodrink。Also，thereweretwodouble-beddedrooms-`suchastheywere，'
　　thelandlordsaid。Noothercompanywasinthehousethanthelandlord，hiswife，andagrizzledmalecreature，the`Jack'ofthelittlecauseway，whowasasslimyandsmearyasifhehadbeenlow-watermarktoo。
　　Withthisassistant，Iwentdowntotheboatagain，andweallcameashore，andbroughtouttheoars，andrudder，andboat-hook，andallelse，andhauledherupforthenight。Wemadeaverygoodmealbythekitchenfire，andthenapportionedthebedrooms:HerbertandStartopweretooccupyone；Iandourchargetheother。Wefoundtheairascarefullyexcludedfromboth，asifairwerefataltolife；andthereweremoredirtyclothesandbandboxesunderthebedsthanIshouldhavethoughtthefamilypossessed。
　　But，weconsideredourselveswelloff，notwithstanding，foramoresolitaryplacewecouldnothavefound。
　　Whilewewerecomfortingourselvesbythefireafterourmeal，theJack-whowassittinginacorner，andwhohadabloatedpairofshoeson，whichhehadexhibitedwhilewewereeatingoureggsandbacon，asinterestingrelicsthathehadtakenafewdaysagofromthefeetofadrownedseamanwashedashore-askedmeifwehadseenafour-oaredgalleygoingupwiththetide？WhenItoldhimNo，hesaidshemusthavegonedownthen，andyetshe`tookuptoo，'whensheleftthere。
　　`Theymustha'thoughtbetteron'tforsomereasonoranother，'saidtheJack，`andgonedown。'
　　`Afour-oaredgalley，didyousay？'saidI。
　　`Afour，'saidtheJack，`andtwositters。'
　　`Didtheycomeashorehere？'
　　`Theyputinwithastonetwo-gallonjar，forsomebeer。I'dha'beengladtopisonthebeermyself，'saidtheJack，`orputsomerattlingphysicinit。'
　　`Why？'
　　`Iknowwhy，'saidtheJack。Hespokeinaslushyvoice，asifmuchmudhadwashedintohisthroat。
　　`Hethinks，'saidthelandlord:aweaklymeditativemanwithapaleeye，whoseemedtorelygreatlyonhisJack:`hethinkstheywas，whattheywasn't。'
　　`IknowswhatIthinks，'observedtheJack。
　　`YouthinksCustum'Us，Jack？'saidthelandlord。
　　`Ido，'saidtheJack。
　　`Thenyou'rewrong，Jack。'
　　`AMI！'
　　Intheinfinitemeaningofhisreplyandhisboundlessconfidenceinhisviews，theJacktookoneofhisbloatedshoesoff，lookedintoit，knockedafewstonesoutofitonthekitchenfloor，andputitonagain。
　　HedidthiswiththeairofaJackwhowassorightthathecouldaffordtodoanything。
　　`Why，whatdoyoumakeoutthattheydonewiththeirbuttonsthen，Jack？'
　　askedthelandlord，vacillatingweakly。
　　`Donewiththeirbuttons？'returnedtheJack。`Chucked'emoverboard。
　　Swallered'em。Sowed'em，tocomeupsmallsalad。Donewiththeirbuttons！'
　　`Don'tbecheeky，Jack，'remonstratedthelandlord，inamelancholyandpatheticway。
　　`ACustum'UsofficerknowswhattodowithhisButtons，'saidtheJack，repeatingtheobnoxiouswordwiththegreatestcontempt，`whentheycomesbetwixthimandhisownlight。AFourandtwosittersdon'tgohangingandhovering，upwithonetideanddownwithanother，andbothwithandagainstanother，withouttherebeingCustum'Usatthebottomofit。'Sayingwhichhewentoutindisdain；andthelandlord，havingnoonetoreplyupon，founditimpracticabletopursuethesubject。
　　Thisdialoguemadeusalluneasy，andmeveryuneasy。Thedismalwindwasmutteringroundthehouse，thetidewasflappingattheshore，andIhadafeelingthatwewerecagedandthreatened。Afour-oaredgalleyhoveringaboutinsounusualawayastoattractthisnotice，wasanuglycircumstancethatIcouldnotgetridof。WhenIhadinducedProvistogouptobed，IwentoutsidewithmytwocompanionsStarlopbythistimeknewthestateofthecase，andheldanothercouncil。Whetherweshouldremainatthehouseuntilnearthesteamer'stime，whichwouldbeaboutoneintheafternoon；orwhetherweshouldputoffearlyinthemorning；
　　wasthequestionwediscussed。Onthewholewedeemeditthebettercoursetoliewherewewere，untilwithinanhourorsoofthesteamer'stime，andthentogetoutinhertrack，anddrifteasilywiththetide。Havingsettledtodothis，wereturnedintothehouseandwenttobed。
　　Ilaydownwiththegreaterpartofmyclotheson，andsleptwellforafewhours。WhenIawoke，thewindhadrisen，andthesignofthehousetheShipwascreakingandbangingabout，withnoisesthatstartledme。
　　Risingsoftly，formychargelayfastasleep，Ilookedoutofthewindow。
　　Itcommandedthecausewaywherewehadhauledupourboat，and，asmyeyesadaptedthemselvestothelightofthecloudedmoon，Isawtwomenlookingintoher。Theypassedbyunderthewindow，lookingatnothingelse，andtheydidnotgodowntothelanding-placewhichIcoulddiscerntobeempty，butstruckacrossthemarshinthedirectionoftheNore。
　　MyfirstimpulsewastocallupHerbert，andshowhimthetwomengoingaway。But，reflectingbeforeIgotintohisroom，whichwasatthebackofthehouseandadjoinedmine，thatheandStartophadhadaharderdaythanI，andwerefatigued，Iforbore。Goingbacktomywindow，Icouldseethetwomenmovingoverthemarsh。Inthatlight，however，Isoonlostthem，andfeelingverycold，laydowntothinkofthematter，andfellasleepagain。
　　Wewereupearly。Aswewalkedtoandfro，allfourtogether，beforebreakfast，IdeemeditrighttorecountwhatIhadseen。Againourchargewastheleastanxiousoftheparty。ItwasverylikelythatthemenbelongedtotheCustomHouse，hesaidquietly，andthattheyhadnothoughtofus。
　　Itriedtopersuademyselfthatitwasso-as，indeed，itmighteasilybe。However，IproposedthatheandIshouldwalkawaytogethertoadistantpointwecouldsee，andthattheboatshouldtakeusaboradthere，orasnearthereasmightprovefeasible，ataboutnoon。Thisbeingconsideredagoodprecaution，soonafterbreakfastheandIsetforth，withoutsayinganythingatthetavern。
　　Hesmokedhispipeaswewentalong，andsometimesstoppedtoclapmeontheshoulder。OnewouldhavesupposedthatitwasIwhowasindanger，nothe，andthathewasreassuringme。Wespokeverylittle。Asweapproachedthepoint，Ibeggedhimtoremaininashelteredplace，whileIwentontoreconnoitre；for，itwastowardsitthatthemenhadpassedinthenight。
　　Hecomplied，andIwentonalone。Therewasnoboatoffthepoint，noranyboatdrawnupanywherenearit，norwerethereanysignsofthemenhavingembarkedthere。But，tobesurethetidewashigh，andtheremighthavebeensomefootpintsunderwater。
　　Whenhelookedoutfromhisshelterinthedistance，andsawthatI
　　wavedmyhattohimtocomeup，herejoinedme，andtherewewaited；sometimeslyingonthebankwrappedinourcoats，andsometimesmovingabouttowarmourselves:untilwesawourboatcominground。Wegotaboradeasily，androwedoutintothetrackofthesteamer。Bythattimeitwantedbuttenminutesofoneo'clock，andwebegantolookoutforhersmoke。
　　But，itwashalf-pastonebeforewesawhersmoke，andsoonafterwardswesawbehinditthesmokeofanothersteamer。Astheywerecomingonatfullspeed，wegotthetwobagsready，andtookthatopportunityofsayinggood-byetoHerbertandStartop。Wehadallshakenhandscordially，andneitherHerbert'seyesnorminewerequitedry，whenIsawafour-oaredgalleyshootoutfromunderthebankbutalittlewayaheadofus，androwoutintothesametrack。
　　Astretchofshorehadbeenasyetbetweenusandthesteamer'ssmoke，byreasonofthebendandwindoftheriver；butnowshewasvisible，comingheadon。IcalledtoHerbertandStartoptokeepbeforethetide，thatshemightseeuslyingbyforher，andIadjuredProvistositquitestill，wrappedinhiscloak。Heansweredcheerily，`Trusttome，dearboy，'andsatlikeastatue。Meantimethegalley，whichwasveryskilfullyhandled，hadcrossedus，letuscomeupwithher，andfallenalongside。Leavingjustroomenoughfortheplayoftheoars，shekeptalongside，driftingwhenwedrifted，andpullingastrokeortwowhenwepulled。Ofthetwosittersoneheldtherudderlines，andlookedatusattentively-asdidalltherowers；theothersitterwaswrappedup，muchasProviswas，andseemedtoshrink，andwhispersomeinstructiontothesteererashelookedatus。Notawordwasspokenineitherboat。
　　Startopcouldmakeout，afterafewminutes，whichsteamerwasfirst，andgavemetheword`Hamburg，'inalowvoiceaswesatfacetoface。
　　Shewasnearingusveryfast，andthebeatingofherpeddlesgrewlouderandlouder。Ifeltasifhershadowwereabsolutelyuponus，whenthegalleyhailedus。Ianswered。
　　`YouhaveareturnedTransportthere，'saidthemanwhoheldthelines。
　　`That'stheman，wrappedinthecloak。HisnameisAbelMagwitch，otherwiseProvis。Iapprehendthatman，andcalluponhimtosurrender，andyoutoassist。'
　　Atthesamemoment，withoutgivinganyaudibledirectiontohiscrew，heranthegalleyabroadofus。Theyhadpulledonesuddenstrokeahead，hadgottheiroarsin，hadrunathwartus，andwereholdingontoourgunwale，beforeweknewwhattheyweredoing。Thiscausedgreatconfusiononboardthesteamer，andIheardthemcallingtous，andheardtheordergiventostopthepaddles，andheardthemstop，butfeltherdrivingdownuponusirresistibly。Inthesamemoment，Isawthesteersmanofthegalleylayhishandonhisprisoner'sshoulder，andsawthatbothboatswereswingingroundwiththeforceofthetide，andsawthatallhandsonboardthesteamerwererunningforwardquitefrantically。Stillinthesamemoment，Isawtheprisonerstartup，leanacrosshiscaptor，andpullthecloakfromtheneckoftheshrinkingsitterinthegalley。Stillinthesamemoment，Isawthatthefacedisclosed，wasthefaceoftheotherconvictoflongago。Stillinthesamemoment，IsawthefacetiltbackwardwithawhiteterroronitthatIshallneverforget，andheardagreatcryonboardthesteamerandaloudsplashinthewater，andfelttheboatsinkfromunderme。
　　ItwasbutforaninstantthatIseemedtostrugglewithathousandmill-weirsandathousandflashesoflight；thatinstantpast，Iwastakenonboardthegalley。Herbertwasthere，andStartopwasthere；butourboatwasgone，andthetwoconvictsweregone。
　　Whatwiththecriesabroadthesteamer，andthefuriousblowingoffofhersteam，andherdrivingon，andourdrivingon，Icouldnotatfirstdistinguishskyfromwaterorshorefromshore；but，thecrewofthegalleyrightedherwithgreatspeed，and，pullingcertainswiftstrongstrokesahead，layupontheiroars，everymanlookingsilentlyandeagerlyatthewaterastern。Presentlyadarkobjectwasseeninit，bearingtowardsusonthetide。Nomanspoke，butthesteersmanhelduphishand，andallsoftlybackedwater，andkepttheboatstraightandtruebeforeit。Asitcamenearer，IsawittobeMagwitch，swimming，butnotswimmingfreely。
　　Hewastakenonboard，andinstantlymanacledatthewristsandankles。
　　Thegalleywaskeptsteady，andthesilenteagerlook-outatthewaterwasresumed。But，theRotterdamsteamernowcameup，andapparentlynotunderstandingwhathadhappened，cameonatspeed。Bythetimeshehadbeenhailedandstopped，bothsteamersweredriftingawayfromus，andwewererisingandfallinginatroubledwakeofwater。Thelook-outwaskept，longafterallwasstillagainandthetwosteamersweregone；but，everybodyknewthatitwashopelessnow。
　　Atlengthwegaveitup，andpulledundertheshoretowardsthetavernwehadlatelyleft，wherewewerereceivedwithnolittlesurprise。Here，IwasabletogetsomecomfortsforMagwitch-Provisnolonger-whohadreceivedsomeverysevereinjuryinthechestandadeepcutinthehead。
　　Hetoldmethathebelievedhimselftohavegoneunderthekeelofthesteamer，andtohavebeenstruckontheheadinrising。Theinjurytohischestwhichrenderedhisbreathingextremelypainfulhethoughthehadreceivedagainstthesideofthegalley。HeaddedthathedidnotpretendtosaywhathemightormightnothavedonetoCompeyson，but，thatinthemomentofhislayinghishandonhiscloaktoidentifyhim，thatvillainhadstaggeredupandstaggeredback，andtheyhadbothgoneoverboardtogether；
　　whenthesuddenwrenchingofhimMagwitchoutofourboat，andtheendeavourofhiscaptortokeephiminit，hadcapsizedus。Hetoldmeinawhisperthattheyhadgonedown，fiercelylockedineachother'sarms，andthattherehadbeenastruggleunderwater，andthathehaddisengagedhimself，struckout，andswumaway。
　　Ineverhadanyreasontodoubttheexacttruthofwhathethustoldme。Theofficerwhosteeredthegalleygavethesameaccountoftheirgoingoverboard。
　　WhenIaskedthisofficer'spermissiontochangetheprisoner'swetclothesbypurchasinganysparegarmentsIcouldgetatthepublic-house，hegaveitreadily:merelyobservingthathemusttakechargeofeverythinghisprisonerhadabouthim。Sothepocketbookwhichhadoncebeeninmyhands，passedintotheofficer's。HefurthergavemeleavetoaccompanytheprisonertoLondon；but，declinedtoaccordthatgracetomytwofriends。
　　TheJackattheShipwasinstructedwherethedrownedmanhadgonedown，andundertooktosearchforthebodyintheplaceswhereitwaslikeliesttocomeashore。Hisinterestinitsrecoveryseemedtometobemuchheightenedwhenheheardthatithadstockingson。Probably，ittookaboutadozendrownedmentofithimoutcompletely；andthatmayhavebeenthereasonwhythedifferentarticlesofhisdresswereinvariousstagesofdecay。
　　Weremainedatthepublic-houseuntilthetideturned，andthenMagwitchwascarrieddowntothegalleyandputonboard。HerbertandStartopweretogettoLondonbyland，assoonastheycould。Wehadadolefulparting，andwhenItookmyplacebyMagwitch'sside，Ifeltthatthatwasmyplacehenceforthwhilehelived。
　　Fornow，myrepugnancetohimhadallmeltedaway，andinthehuntedwoundedshackledcreaturewhoheldmyhandinhis，Ionlysawamanwhohadmeanttobemybenefactor，andwhohadfeltaffectionately，gratefully，andgenerously，towardsmewithgreatconstancythroughaseriesofyears。
　　IonlysawinhimamuchbettermanthanIhadbeentoJoe。
　　Hisbreathingbecamemoredifficultandpainfulasthenightdrewon，andoftenhecouldnotrepressagroan。ItriedtoresthimonthearmIcoulduse，inanyeasyposition；but，itwasdreadfultothinkthatI
　　couldnotbesorryatheartforhisbeingbadlyhurt，sinceitwasunquestionablybestthatheshoulddie。Thattherewere，stillliving，peopleenoughwhowereableandwillingtoidentifyhim，Icouldnotdoubt。Thathewouldbelenientlytreated，Icouldnothope。Hewhohadbeenpresentedintheworstlightathistrial，whohadsincebrokenprisonandhadbeentriedagain，whohadreturnedfromtransportationunderalifesentence，andwhohadoccasionedthedeathofthemanwhowasthecauseofhisarrest。
　　Aswereturnedtowardsthesettingsunwehadyesterdayleftbehindus，andasthestreamofourhopesseemedallrunningback，ItoldhimhowgrievedIwastothinkthathehadcomehomeformysake。
　　`Dearboy，'heanswered，`I'mquitecontenttotakemychance。I'veseenmyboy，andhecanbeagentlemanwithoutme。'
　　No。Ihadthoughtaboutthat，whilewehadbeentheresidebyside。
　　No。Apartfromanyinclinationsofmyown，IunderstoodWemmick'shintnow。Iforesawthat，beingconvicted，hispossessionswouldbeforfeitedtotheCrown。
　　`Lookeehere，dearboy，'saidhe`It'sbestasagentlemanshouldnotbeknowedtobelongtomenow。OnlycometoseemeasifyoucomebychancealongerWemmick。SitwhereIcanseeyouwhenIamsworeto，forthelasto'manytimes，andIdon'tasknomore。'
　　`Iwillneverstirfromyourside，'saidI，`whenIamsufferedtobenearyou。PleaseGod，Iwillbeastruetoyou，asyouhavebeentome！'
　　Ifelthishandtrembleasitheldmine，andheturnedhisfaceawayashelayinthebottomoftheboat，andIheardthatoldsoundinhisthroat-softenednow，likealltherestofhim。Itwasagoodthingthathehadtouchedthispoint，foritputintomymindwhatImightnototherwisehavethoughtofuntiltoolate:Thatheneedneverknowhowhishopesofenrichingmehadperished。