'Nothing，sir，'rejoinedthegirl，weeping。'Youcandonothingtohelpme。Iampastallhope，indeed。'
　　'Youputyourselfbeyonditspale，'saidthegentleman。'Thepasthasbeenadrearywastewithyou，ofyouthfulenergiesmis-spent，andsuchpricelesstreasureslavished，astheCreatorbestowsbutonceandnevergrantsagain，but，forthefuture，youmayhope。
　　Idonotsaythatitisinourpowertoofferyoupeaceofheartandmind，forthatmustcomeasyouseekit；butaquietasylum，eitherinEngland，or，ifyoufeartoremainhere，insomeforeigncountry，itisnotonlywithinthecompassofourabilitybutourmostanxiouswishtosecureyou。Beforethedawnofmorning，beforethisriverwakestothefirstglimpseofday-light，youshallbeplacedasentirelybeyondthereachofyourformerassociates，andleaveasutteranabsenceofalltracebehindyou，asifyouweretodisappearfromtheearththismoment。Come！Iwouldnothaveyougobacktoexchangeonewordwithanyoldcompanion，ortakeonelookatanyoldhaunt，orbreathetheveryairwhichispestilenceanddeathtoyou。Quitthemall，whilethereistimeandopportunity！'
　　'Shewillbepersuadednow，'criedtheyounglady。'Shehesitates，Iamsure。'
　　'Ifearnot，mydear，'saidthegentleman。
　　'Nosir，Idonot，'repliedthegirl，afterashortstruggle。'I
　　amchainedtomyoldlife。Iloatheandhateitnow，butI
　　cannotleaveit。Imusthavegonetoofartoturnback，——andyetIdon'tknow，forifyouhadspokentomeso，sometimeago，I
　　shouldhavelaugheditoff。But，'shesaid，lookinghastilyround，'thisfearcomesovermeagain。Imustgohome。'
　　'Home！'repeatedtheyounglady，withgreatstressupontheword。
　　'Home，lady，'rejoinedthegirl。'TosuchahomeasIhaveraisedformyselfwiththeworkofmywholelife。Letuspart。
　　Ishallbewatchedorseen。Go！Go！IfIhavedoneyouanyserviceallIaskis，thatyouleaveme，andletmegomywayalone。'
　　'Itisuseless，'saidthegentleman，withasigh。'Wecompromisehersafety，perhaps，bystayinghere。Wemayhavedetainedherlongerthansheexpectedalready。'
　　'Yes，yes，'urgedthegirl。'Youhave。'
　　'What，'criedtheyounglady。'canbetheendofthispoorcreature'slife！'
　　'What！'repeatedthegirl。'Lookbeforeyou，lady。Lookatthatdarkwater。HowmanytimesdoyoureadofsuchasIwhospringintothetide，andleavenolivingthing，tocarefor，orbewailthem。Itmaybeyearshence，oritmaybeonlymonths，butI
　　shallcometothatatlast。'
　　'Donotspeakthus，pray，'returnedtheyounglady，sobbing。
　　'Itwillneverreachyourears，dearlady，andGodforbidsuchhorrorsshould！'repliedthegirl。'Good-night，good-night！'
　　Thegentlemanturnedaway。
　　'Thispurse，'criedtheyounglady。'Takeitformysake，thatyoumayhavesomeresourceinanhourofneedandtrouble。'
　　'No！'repliedthegirl。'Ihavenotdonethisformoney。Letmehavethattothinkof。Andyet——givemesomethingthatyouhaveworn:Ishouldliketohavesomething——no，no，notaring——yourglovesorhandkerchief——anythingthatIcankeep，ashavingbelongedtoyou，sweetlady。There。Blessyou！Godblessyou。
　　Good-night，good-night！'
　　Theviolentagitationofthegirl，andtheapprehensionofsomediscoverywhichwouldsubjecthertoill-usageandviolence，seemedtodeterminethegentlemantoleaveher，assherequested。
　　Thesoundofretreatingfootstepswereaudibleandthevoicesceased。
　　Thetwofiguresoftheyoungladyandhercompanionsoonafterwardsappeareduponthebridge。Theystoppedatthesummitofthestairs。
　　'Hark！'criedtheyounglady，listening。'Didshecall！I
　　thoughtIheardhervoice。'
　　'No，mylove，'repliedMr。Brownlow，lookingsadlyback。'Shehasnotmoved，andwillnottillwearegone。'
　　RoseMaylielingered，buttheoldgentlemandrewherarmthroughhis，andledher，withgentleforce，away。Astheydisappeared，thegirlsunkdownnearlyatherfulllengthupononeofthestonestairs，andventedtheanguishofherheartinbittertears。
　　Afteratimeshearose，andwithfeebleandtotteringstepsascendedthestreet。Theastonishedlistenerremainedmotionlessonhispostforsomeminutesafterwards，andhavingascertained，withmanycautiousglancesroundhim，thathewasagainalone，creptslowlyfromhishiding-place，andreturned，stealthilyandintheshadeofthewall，inthesamemannerashehaddescended。
　　Peepingout，morethanonce，whenhereachedthetop，tomakesurethathewasunobserved，NoahClaypoledartedawayathisutmostspeed，andmadefortheJew'shouseasfastashislegswouldcarryhim。
　　CHAPTERXLVII
　　FATALCONSEQUENCES
　　Itwasnearlytwohoursbeforeday-break；thattimewhichintheautumnoftheyear，maybetrulycalledthedeadofnight；whenthestreetsaresilentanddeserted；whenevensoundsappeartoslumber，andprofligacyandriothavestaggeredhometodream；itwasatthisstillandsilenthour，thatFaginsatwatchinginhisoldlair，withfacesodistortedandpale，andeyessoredandblood-shot，thathelookedlesslikeaman，thanlikesomehideousphantom，moistfromthegrave，andworriedbyanevilspirit。
　　Hesatcrouchingoveracoldhearth，wrappedinanoldtorncoverlet，withhisfaceturnedtowardsawastingcandlethatstooduponatablebyhisside。Hisrighthandwasraisedtohislips，andas，absorbedinthought，hehithislongblacknails，hedisclosedamonghistoothlessgumsafewsuchfangsasshouldhavebeenadog'sorrat's。
　　Stretcheduponamattressonthefloor，layNoahClaypole，fastasleep。Towardshimtheoldmansometimesdirectedhiseyesforaninstant，andthenbroughtthembackagaintothecandle；whichwithalong-burntwickdroopingalmostdouble，andhotgreasefallingdowninclotsuponthetable，plainlyshowedthathisthoughtswerebusyelsewhere。
　　Indeedtheywere。Mortificationattheoverthrowofhisnotablescheme；hatredofthegirlwhohaddaredtopalterwithstrangers；andutterdistrustofthesincerityofherrefusaltoyieldhimup；bitterdisappointmentatthelossofhisrevengeonSikes；thefearofdetection，andruin，anddeath；andafierceanddeadlyragekindledbyall；thesewerethepassionateconsiderationswhich，followingcloseuponeachotherwithrapidandceaselesswhirl，shotthroughthebrainofFagin，aseveryevilthoughtandblackestpurposelayworkingathisheart。
　　Hesatwithoutchanginghisattitudeintheleast，orappearingtotkaethesmallestheedoftime，untilhisquickearseemedtobeattractedbyafootstepinthestreet。
　　'Atlast，'hemuttered，wipinghisdryandfeveredmouth。'Atlast！'
　　Thebellranggentlyashespoke。Hecreptupstairstothedoor，andpresentlyreturnedaccompaniedbyamanmuffledtothechin，whocarriedabundleunderonearm。Sittingdownandthrowingbackhisoutercoat，themandisplayedtheburlyframeofSikes。
　　'There！'hesaid，layingthebundleonthetable。'Takecareofthat，anddothemostyoucanwithit。It'sbeentroubleenoughtoget；IthoughtIshouldhavebeenhere，threehoursago。'
　　Faginlaidhishanduponthebundle，andlockingitinthecupboard，satdownagainwithoutspeaking。Buthedidnottakehiseyesofftherobber，foraninstant，duringthisaction；andnowthattheysatoveragainsteachother，facetoface，helookedfixedlyathim，withhislipsquiveringsoviolently，andhisfacesoalteredbytheemotionswhichhadmasteredhim，thatthehousebreakerinvoluntarilydrewbackhischair，andsurveyedhimwithalookofrealaffright。
　　'Wotnow?'criedSikes。'Wotdoyoulookatamansofor?'
　　Faginraisedhisrighthand，andshookhistremblingforefingerintheair；buthispassionwassogreat，thatthepowerofspeechwasforthemomentgone。
　　'Damme！'saidSikes，feelinginhisbreastwithalookofalarm。
　　'He'sgonemad。Imustlooktomyselfhere。'
　　'No，no，'rejoinedFagin，findinghisvoice。'It'snot——you'renottheperson，Bill。I'veno——nofaulttofindwithyou。'
　　'Oh，youhaven't，haven'tyou?'saidSikes，lookingsternlyathim，andostentatiouslypassingapistolintoamoreconvenientpocket。'That'slucky——foroneofus。Whichonethatis，don'tmatter。'
　　'I'vegotthattotellyou，Bill，'saidFagin，drawinghischairnearer，'willmakeyouworsethanme。'
　　'Aye?'returnedtherobberwithanincredulousair。'Tellaway！
　　Looksharp，orNancewillthinkI'mlost。'
　　'Lost！'criedFagin。'Shehasprettywellsettledthat，inherownmind，already。'
　　SikeslookedwithanaspectofgreatperplexityintotheJew'sface，andreadingnosatisfactoryexplanationoftheriddlethere，clenchedhiscoatcollarinhishugehandandshookhimsoundly。
　　'Speak，willyou！'hesaid；'orifyoudon't，itshallbeforwantofbreath。Openyourmouthandsaywotyou'vegottosayinplainwords。Outwithit，youthunderingoldcur，outwithit！'
　　'Supposethatladthat'slayingthere——'Faginbegan。
　　SikesturnedroundtowhereNoahwassleeping，asifhehadnotpreviouslyobservedhim。'Well！'hesaid，resuminghisformerposition。
　　'Supposethatlad，'pursuedFagin，'wastopeach——toblowuponusall——firstseekingouttherightfolksforthepurpose，andthenhavingameetingwith'eminthestreettopaintourlikenesses，describeeverymarkthattheymightknowusby，andthecribwherewemightbemosteasilytaken。Supposehewastodoallthis，andbesidestoblowuponaplantwe'veallbeenin，moreorless——ofhisownfancy；notgrabbed，trapped，tried，earwiggedbytheparsonandbroughttoitonbreadandwater，——butofhisownfancy；topleasehisowntaste；stealingoutatnightstofindthosemostinterestedagainstus，andpeachingtothem。Doyouhearme?'criedtheJew，hiseyesflashingwithrage。'Supposehedidallthis，whatthen?'
　　'Whatthen！'repliedSikes；withatremendousoath。'IfhewasleftalivetillIcame，I'dgrindhisskullundertheironheelofmybootintoasmanygrainsastherearehairsuponhishead。'
　　'WhatifIdidit！'criedFaginalmostinayell。'I，thatknowssomuch，andcouldhangsomanybesidesmyself！'
　　'Idon'tknow，'repliedSikes，clenchinghisteethandturningwhiteatthemeresuggestion。'I'ddosomethinginthejailthat'udgetmeputinirons；andifIwastriedalongwithyou，I'dfalluponyouwiththemintheopencourt，andbeatyourbrainsoutaforethepeople。Ishouldhavesuchstrength，'mutteredtherobber，poisinghisbrawnyarm，'thatIcouldsmashyourheadasifaloadedwaggonhadgoneoverit。'
　　'Youwould?'
　　'WouldI！'saidthehousebreaker。'Tryme。'
　　'IfitwasCharley，ortheDodger，orBet，or——'
　　'Idon'tcarewho，'repliedSikesimpatiently。'Whoeveritwas，I'dservethemthesame。'
　　Faginlookedhardattherobber；and，motioninghimtobesilent，stoopedoverthebeduponthefloor，andshookthesleepertorousehim。Sikesleantforwardinhischair:lookingonwithhishandsuponhisknees，asifwonderingmuchwhatallthisquestioningandpreparationwastoendin。
　　'Bolter，Bolter！Poorlad！'saidFagin，lookingupwithanexpressionofdevilishanticipation，andspeakingslowlyandwithmarkedemphasis。'He'stired——tiredwithwatchingforhersolong，——watchingforher，Bill。'
　　'Wotd'yemean?'askedSikes，drawingback。
　　Faginmadenoanswer，butbendingoverthesleeperagain，hauledhimintoasittingposture。Whenhisassumednamehadbeenrepeatedseveraltimes，Noahrubbedhiseyes，and，givingaheavyyawn，lookedsleepilyabouthim。
　　'Tellmethatagain——onceagain，justforhimtohear，'saidtheJew，pointingtoSikesashespoke。
　　'Tellyerwhat?'askedthesleepyNoah，shakinghimselfpettishy。
　　'Thatabout——NANCY，'saidFagin，clutchingSikesbythewrist，asiftopreventhisleavingthehousebeforehehadheardenough。
　　'Youfollowedher?'
　　'Yes。'
　　'ToLondonBridge?'
　　'Yes。'
　　'Whereshemettwopeople。'
　　'Soshedid。'
　　'Agentlemanandaladythatshehadgonetoofherownaccordbefore，whoaskedhertogiveupallherpals，andMonksfirst，whichshedid——andtodescribehim，whichshedid——andtotellherwhathouseitwasthatwemeetat，andgoto，whichshedid——andwhereitcouldbebestwatchedfrom，whichshedid——andwhattimethepeoplewentthere，whichshedid。Shedidallthis。Shetolditalleverywordwithoutathreat，withoutamurmur——shedid——didshenot?'criedFagin，halfmadwithfury。
　　'Allright，'repliedNoah，scratchinghishead。'That'sjustwhatitwas！'
　　'Whatdidtheysay，aboutlastSunday?'
　　'AboutlastSunday！'repliedNoah，considering。'WhyItoldyerthatbefore。'
　　'Again。Tellitagain！'criedFagin，tighteninghisgrasponSikes，andbrandishinghisotherhandaloft，asthefoamflewfromhislips。
　　'Theyaskedher，'saidNoah，who，ashegrewmorewakeful，seemedtohaveadawningperceptionwhoSikeswas，'theyaskedherwhyshedidn'tcome，lastSunday，asshepromised。Shesaidshecouldn't。'
　　'Why——why?Tellhimthat。'
　　'BecauseshewasforciblykeptathomebyBill，themanshehadtoldthemofbefore，'repliedNoah。
　　'Whatmoreofhim?'criedFagin。'Whatmoreofthemanshehadtoldthemofbefore?Tellhimthat，tellhimthat。'
　　'Why，thatshecouldn'tveryeasilygetoutofdoorsunlessheknewwhereshewasgoingto，'saidNoah；'andsothefirsttimeshewenttoseethelady，she——ha！ha！ha！itmademelaughwhenshesaidit，thatitdid——shegavehimadrinkoflaudanum。'
　　'Hell'sfire！'criedSikes，breakingfiercelyfromtheJew。'Letmego！'
　　Flingingtheoldmanfromhim，herushedfromtheroom，anddarted，wildlyandfuriously，upthestairs。
　　'Bill，Bill！'criedFagin，followinghimhastily。'Aword。Onlyaword。'
　　Thewordwouldnothavebeenexchanged，butthatthehousebreakerwasunabletoopenthedoor:onwhichhewasexpendingfruitlessoathsandviolence，whentheJewcamepantingup。
　　'Letmeout，'saidSikes。'Don'tspeaktome；it'snotsafe。
　　Letmeout，Isay！'
　　'Hearmespeakaword，'rejoinedFagin，layinghishanduponthelock。'Youwon'tbe——'
　　'Well，'repliedtheother。
　　'Youwon'tbe——too——violent，Bill?'
　　Thedaywasbreaking，andtherewaslightenoughforthementoseeeachother'sfaces。Theyexchangedonebriefglance；therewasafireintheeyesofboth，whichcouldnotbemistaken。
　　'Imean，'saidFagin，showingthathefeltalldisguisewasnowuseless，'nottooviolentforsafety。Becrafty，Bill，andnottoobold。'
　　Sikesmadenoreply；but，pullingopenthedoor，ofwhichFaginhadturnedthelock，dashedintothesilentstreets。
　　Withoutonepause，ormoment'sconsideration；withoutonceturninghisheadtotherightorleft，orraisinghiseyestothesky，orloweringthemtotheground，butlookingstraightbeforehimwithsavageresolution:histeethsotightlycompressedthatthestrainedjawseemedstartingthroughhisskin；therobberheldonhisheadlongcourse，normutteredaword，norrelaxedamuscle，untilhereachedhisowndoor。Heopenedit，softly，withakey；strodelightlyupthestairs；andenteringhisownroom，double-lockedthedoor，andliftingaheavytableagainstit，drewbackthecurtainofthebed。
　　Thegirlwaslying，half-dressed，uponit。Hehadrousedherfromhersleep，forsheraisedherselfwithahurriedandstartledlook。
　　'Getup！'saidtheman。
　　'Itisyou，Bill！'saidthegirl，withanexpressionofpleasureathisreturn。
　　'Itis，'wasthereply。'Getup。'
　　Therewasacandleburning，butthemanhastilydrewitfromthecandlestick，andhurleditunderthegrate。Seeingthefaintlightofearlydaywithout，thegirlrosetoundrawthecurtain。
　　'Letitbe，'saidSikes，thrustinghishandbeforeher。'There'senoughlightforwotI'vegottodo。'
　　'Bill，'saidthegirl，inthelowvoiceofalarm，'whydoyoulooklikethatatme！'
　　Therobbersatregardingher，forafewseconds，withdilatednostrilsandheavingbreast；andthen，graspingherbytheheadandthroat，draggedherintothemiddleoftheroom，andlookingoncetowardsthedoor，placedhisheavyhanduponhermouth。
　　'Bill，Bill！'gaspedthegirl，wrestlingwiththestrengthofmortalfear，——'I——Iwon'tscreamorcry——notonce——hearme——speaktome——tellmewhatIhavedone！'
　　'Youknow，youshedevil！'returnedtherobber，suppressinghisbreath。'Youwerewatchedto-night；everywordyousaidwasheard。'
　　'ThensparemylifefortheloveofHeaven，asIsparedyours，'
　　rejoinedthegirl，clingingtohim。'Bill，dearBill，youcannothavethehearttokillme。Oh！thinkofallIhavegivenup，onlythisonenight，foryou。YouSHALLhavetimetothink，andsaveyourselfthiscrime；Iwillnotloosemyhold，youcannotthrowmeoff。Bill，Bill，fordearGod'ssake，foryourown，formine，stopbeforeyouspillmyblood！Ihavebeentruetoyou，uponmyguiltysoulIhave！'
　　Themanstruggledviolently，toreleasehisarms；butthoseofthegirlwereclaspedroundhis，andtearherashewould，hecouldnottearthemaway。
　　'Bill，'criedthegirl，strivingtolayherheaduponhisbreast，'thegentlemanandthatdearlady，toldmeto-nightofahomeinsomeforeigncountrywhereIcouldendmydaysinsolitudeandpeace。Letmeseethemagain，andbegthem，onmyknees，toshowthesamemercyandgoodnesstoyou；andletusbothleavethisdreadfulplace，andfarapartleadbetterlives，andforgethowwehavelived，exceptinprayers，andneverseeeachothermore。
　　Itisnevertoolatetorepent。Theytoldmeso——Ifeelitnow——butwemusthavetime——alittle，littletime！'
　　Thehousebreakerfreedonearm，andgraspedhispistol。Thecertaintyofimmediatedetectionifhefired，flashedacrosshismindeveninthemidstofhisfury；andhebeatittwicewithalltheforcehecouldsummon，upontheupturnedfacethatalmosttouchedhisown。
　　Shestaggeredandfell:nearlyblindedwiththebloodthatraineddownfromadeepgashinherforehead；butraisingherself，withdifficulty，onherknees，drewfromherbosomawhitehandkerchief——RoseMaylie'sown——andholdingitup，inherfoldedhands，ashightowardsHeavenasherfeeblestrengthwouldallow，breathedoneprayerformercytoherMaker。
　　Itwasaghastlyfiguretolookupon。Themurdererstaggeringbackwardtothewall，andshuttingoutthesightwithhishand，seizedaheavyclubandstruckherdown。
　　CHAPTERXLVIII
　　THEFLIGHTOFSIKES
　　Ofallbaddeedsthat，undercoverofthedarkness，hadbeencommittedwithwideLondon'sboundssincenighthungoverit，thatwastheworst。Ofallthehorrorsthatrosewithanillscentuponthemorningair，thatwasthefoulestandmostcruel。
　　Thesun——thebrightsun，thatbringsback，notlightalone，butnewlife，andhope，andfreshnesstoman——burstuponthecrowdedcityinclearandradiantglory。Throughcostly-colouredglassandpaper-mendedwindow，throughcathedraldomeandrottencrevice，itsheditsequalray。Itlighteduptheroomwherethemurderedwomanlay。Itdid。Hetriedtoshutitout，butitwouldstreamin。Ifthesighthadbeenaghastlyoneinthedullmorning，whatwasit，now，inallthatbrilliantlight！
　　Hehadnotmoved；hehadbeenafraidtostir。Therehadbeenamoanandmotionofthehand；and，withterroraddedtorage，hehadstruckandstruckagain。Oncehethrewarugoverit；butitwasworsetofancytheeyes，andimaginethemmovingtowardshim，thantoseethemglaringupward，asifwatchingthereflectionofthepoolofgorethatquiveredanddancedinthesunlightontheceiling。Hehadpluckeditoffagain。Andtherewasthebody——merefleshandblood，normore——butsuchflesh，andsomuchblood！
　　Hestruckalight，kindledafire，andthrusttheclubintoit。
　　Therewashairupontheend，whichblazedandshrunkintoalightcinder，and，caughtbytheair，whirledupthechimney。Eventhatfrightenedhim，sturdyashewas；butheheldtheweapontillitbroke，andthenpileditonthecoalstoburnaway，andsmoulderintoashes。Hewashedhimself，andrubbedhisclothes；
　　therewerespotsthatwouldnotberemoved，buthecutthepiecesout，andburntthem。Howthosestainsweredispersedabouttheroom！Theveryfeetofthedogwerebloody。
　　Allthistimehehad，neveronce，turnedhisbackuponthecorpse；no，notforamoment。Suchpreparationscompleted，hemoved，backward，towardsthedoor:draggingthedogwithhim，lestheshouldsoilhisfeetanewandcarryoutnewevidenceofthecrimeintothestreets。Heshutthedoorsoftly，lockedit，tookthekey，andleftthehouse。
　　Hecrossedover，andglancedupatthewindow，tobesurethatnothingwasvisiblefromtheoutside。Therewasthecurtainstilldrawn，whichshewouldhaveopenedtoadmitthelightsheneversawagain。Itlaynearlyunderthere。HEknewthat。God，howthesunpoureddownupontheveryspot！
　　Theglancewasinstantaneous。Itwasarelieftohavegotfreeoftheroom。Hewhistledonthedog，andwalkedrapidlyaway。
　　HewentthroughIslington；strodeupthehillatHighgateonwhichstandsthestoneinhonourofWhittington；turneddowntoHighgateHill，unsteadyofpurpose，anduncertainwheretogo；
　　struckofftotherightagain，almostassoonashebegantodescendit；andtakingthefoot-pathacrossthefields，skirtedCaenWood，andsocameonHampsteadHeath。TraversingthehollowbytheValeofHeath，hemountedtheoppositebank，andcrossingtheroadwhichjoinsthevillagesofHampsteadandHighgate，madealongtheremainingportionoftheheathtothefieldsatNorthEnd，inoneofwhichhelaidhimselfdownunderahedge，andslept。
　　Soonhewasupagain，andaway，——notfarintothecountry，butbacktowardsLondonbythehigh-road——thenbackagain——thenoveranotherpartofthesamegroundashealreadytraversed——thenwanderingupanddowninfields，andlyingonditches'brinkstorest，andstartinguptomakeforsomeotherspot，anddothesame，andrambleonagain。
　　Wherecouldhego，thatwasnearandnottoopublic，togetsomemeatanddrink?Hendon。Thatwasagoodplace，notfaroff，andoutofmostpeople'sway。Thitherhedirectedhissteps，——runningsometimes，andsometimes，withastrangeperversity，loiteringatasnail'space，orstoppingaltogetherandidlybreakingthehedgeswithastick。Butwhenhegotthere，allthepeoplehemet——theverychildrenatthedoors——seemedtoviewhimwithsuspicion。Backheturnedagain，withoutthecouragetopurchasebitordrop，thoughhehadtastednofoodformanyhours；andoncemorehelingeredontheHeath，uncertainwheretogo。
　　Hewanderedovermilesandmilesofground，andstillcamebacktotheoldplace。Morningandnoonhadpassed，andthedaywasonthewane，andstillherambledtoandfro，andupanddown，androundandround，andstilllingeredaboutthesamespot。Atlasthegotaway，andshapedhiscourseforHatfield。
　　Itwasnineo'clockatnight，whentheman，quitetiredout，andthedog，limpingandlamefromtheunaccustomedexercise，turneddownthehillbythechurchofthequietvillage，andploddingalongthelittlestreet，creptintoasmallpublic-house，whosescantylighthadguidedthemtothespot。Therewasafireinthetap-room，andsomecountry-labourersweredrinkingbeforeit。
　　Theymaderoomforthestranger，buthesatdowninthefurthestcorner，andateanddrankalone，orratherwithhisdog:towhomhecastamorseloffoodfromtimetotime。
　　Theconversationofthemenassembledhere，turnedupontheneighboringland，andfarmers；andwhenthosetopicswereexhausted，upontheageofsomeoldmanwhohadbeenburiedonthepreviousSunday；theyoungmenpresentconsideringhimveryold，andtheoldmenpresentdeclaringhimtohavebeenquiteyoung——notolder，onewhite-hairedgrandfathersaid，thanhewas——withtenorfifteenyearoflifeinhimatleast——ifhehadtakencare；ifhehadtakencare。
　　Therewasnothingtoattractattention，orexcitealarminthis。
　　Therobber，afterpayinghisreckoning，satsilentandunnoticedinhiscorner，andhadalmostdroppedasleep，whenhewashalfwakenedbythenoisyentranceofanewcomer。
　　Thiswasananticfellow，halfpedlarandhalfmountebank，whotravelledaboutthecountryonfoottovendhones，stops，razors，washballs，harness-paste，medicinefordogsandhorses，cheapperfumery，cosmetics，andsuch-likewares，whichhecarriedinacaseslungtohisback。Hisentrancewasthesignalforvarioushomelyjokeswiththecountrymen，whichslackenednotuntilhehadmadehissupper，andopenedhisboxoftreasures，whenheingeniouslycontrivedtounitebusinesswithamusement。
　　'Andwhatbethatstoof?Goodtoeat，Harry?'askedagrinningcountryman，pointingtosomecomposition-cakesinonecorner。
　　'This，'saidthefellow，producingone，'thisistheinfallibleandinvaluablecompositionforremovingallsortsofstain，rust，dirt，mildew，spick，speck，spot，orspatter，fromsilk，satin，linen，cambrick，cloth，crape，stuff，carpet，merino，muslin，bombazeen，orwoollenstuff。Wine-stains，fruit-stains，beer-stains，water-stains，paint-stains，pitch-stains，anystains，allcomeoutatonerubwiththeinfallibleandinvaluablecomposition。Ifaladystainsherhonour，shehasonlyneedtoswallowonecakeandshe'scuredatonce——forit'spoison。Ifagentlemanwantstoprovethis，hehasonlyneedtoboltonelittlesquare，andhehasputitbeyondquestion——forit'squiteassatisfactoryasapistol-bullet，andagreatdealnastierintheflavour，consequentlythemorecreditintakingit。Onepennyasquare。Withallthesevirtues，onepennyasquare！'
　　Thereweretwobuyersdirectly，andmoreofthelistenersplainlyhesitated。Thevendorobservingthis，increasedinloquacity。
　　'It'sallboughtupasfastasitcanbemade，'saidthefellow。
　　'Therearefourteenwater-mills，sixsteam-engines，andagalvanicbattery，alwaysa-workinguponit，andtheycan'tmakeitfastenough，thoughthemenworksohardthattheydieoff，andthewidowsispensioneddirectly，withtwentypounda-yearforeachofthechildren，andapremiumoffiftyfortwins。Onepennyasquare！Twohalf-penceisallthesame，andfourfarthingsisreceivedwithjoy。Onepennyasquare！
　　Wine-stains，fruit-stains，beer-stains，water-stains，paint-stains，pitch-stains，mud-stains，blood-stains！Hereisastainuponthehatofagentlemanincompany，thatI'lltakecleanout，beforehecanordermeapintofale。'
　　'Hah！'criedSikesstartingup。'Givethatback。'
　　'I'lltakeitcleanout，sir，'repliedtheman，winkingtothecompany，'beforeyoucancomeacrosstheroomtogetit。
　　Gentlemenall，observethedarkstainuponthisgentleman'shat，nowiderthanashilling，butthickerthanahalf-crown。Whetheritisawine-stain，fruit-stain，beer-stain，water-stain，paint-stain，pitch-stain，mud-stain，orblood-stain——'
　　Themangotnofurther，forSikeswithahideousimprecationoverthrewthetable，andtearingthehatfromhim，burstoutofthehouse。
　　Withthesameperversityoffeelingandirresolutionthathadfasteneduponhim，despitehimself，allday，themurderer，findingthathewasnotfollowed，andthattheymostprobablyconsideredhimsomedrunkensullenfellow，turnedbackupthetown，andgettingoutoftheglareofthelampsofastage-coachthatwasstandinginthestreet，waswalkingpast，whenherecognisedthemailfromLondon，andsawthatitwasstandingatthelittlepost-office。Healmostknewwhatwastocome；buthecrossedover，andlistened。
　　Theguardwasstandingatthedoor，waitingfortheletter-bag。
　　Aman，dressedlikeagame-keeper，cameupatthemoment，andhehandedhimabasketwhichlayreadyonthepavement。
　　'That'sforyourpeople，'saidtheguard。'Now，lookaliveinthere，willyou。Damnthat'erebag，itwarn'treadynightaforelast；thiswon'tdo，youknow！'
　　'Anythingnewupintown，Ben?'askedthegame-keeper，drawingbacktothewindow-shutters，thebettertoadmirethehorses。
　　'No，nothingthatIknowson，'repliedtheman，pullingonhisgloves。'Corn'supalittle。Iheerdtalkofamurder，too，downSpitalfieldsway，butIdon'treckonmuchuponit。'
　　'Oh，that'squitetrue，'saidagentlemaninside，whowaslookingoutofthewindow。'Andadreadfulmurderitwas。'
　　'Wasit，sir?'rejoinedtheguard，touchinghishat。'Manorwoman，pray，sir?'
　　'Awoman，'repliedthegentleman。'Itissupposed——'
　　'Now，Ben，'repliedthecoachmanimpatiently。
　　'Damnthat'erebag，'saidtheguard；'areyougonetosleepinthere?'
　　'Coming！'criedtheofficekeeper，runningout。
　　'Coming，'growledtheguard。'Ah，andso'stheyoung'oomanofpropertythat'sgoingtotakeafancytome，butIdon'tknowwhen。Here，givehold。Allri——ight！'
　　Thehornsoundedafewcheerfulnotes，andthecoachwasgone。
　　Sikesremainedstandinginthestreet，apparentlyunmovedbywhathehadjustheard，andagitatedbynostrongerfeelingthanadoubtwheretogo。Atlengthhewentbackagain，andtooktheroadwhichleadsfromHatfieldtoSt。Albans。
　　Hewentondoggedly；butasheleftthetownbehindhim，andplungedintothesolitudeanddarknessoftheroad，hefeltadreadandawecreepinguponhimwhichshookhimtothecore。
　　Everyobjectbeforehim，substanceorshadow，stillormoving，tookthesemblanceofsomefearfulthing；butthesefearswerenothingcomparedtothesensethathauntedhimofthatmorning'sghastlyfigurefollowingathisheels。Hecouldtraceitsshadowinthegloom，supplythesmallestitemoftheoutline，andnotehowstiffandsolemnitseemedtostalkalong。Hecouldhearitsgarmentsrustlingintheleaves，andeverybreathofwindcameladenwiththatlastlowcry。Ifhestoppeditdidthesame。Ifheran，itfollowed——notrunningtoo:thatwouldhavebeenarelief:butlikeacorpseendowedwiththemeremachineryoflife，andborneononeslowmelancholywindthatneverroseorfell。
　　Attimes，heturned，withdesperatedetermination，resolvedtobeatthisphantomoff，thoughitshouldlookhimdead；butthehairroseonhishead，andhisbloodstoodstill，forithadturnedwithhimandwasbehindhimthen。Hehadkeptitbeforehimthatmorning，butitwasbehindnow——always。Heleanedhisbackagainstabank，andfeltthatitstoodabovehim，visiblyoutagainstthecoldnight-sky。Hethrewhimselfupontheroad——onhisbackupontheroad。Athisheaditstood，silent，erect，andstill——alivinggrave-stone，withitsepitaphinblood。
　　Letnomantalkofmurderersescapingjustice，andhintthatProvidencemustsleep。Thereweretwentyscoreofviolentdeathsinonelongminuteofthatagonyoffear。
　　Therewasashedinafieldhepassed，thatofferedshelterforthenight。Beforethedoor，werethreetallpoplartrees，whichmadeitverydarkwithin；andthewindmoanedthroughthemwithadismalwail。HeCOULDNOTwalkon，tilldaylightcameagain；andherehestretchedhimselfclosetothewall——toundergonewtorture。
　　Fornow，avisioncamebeforehim，asconstantandmoreterriblethanthatfromwhichhehadescaped。Thosewidelystaringeyes，solustrelessandsoglassy，thathehadbetterbornetoseethemthanthinkuponthem，appearedinthemidstofthedarkness:
　　lightinthemselves，butgivinglighttonothing。Therewerebuttwo，buttheywereeverywhere。Ifheshutoutthesight，therecametheroomwitheverywell-knownobject——some，indeed，thathewouldhaveforgotten，ifhehadgoneoveritscontentsfrommemory——eachinitsaccustomedplace。ThebodywasinITSplace，anditseyeswereashesawthemwhenhestoleaway。Hegotup，andrushedintothefieldwithout。Thefigurewasbehindhim。
　　Here-enteredtheshed，andshrunkdownoncemore。Theeyeswerethere，beforehehadlaidhimselfalong。
　　Andhereheremainedinsuchterrorasnonebuthecanknow，tremblingineverylimb，andthecoldsweatstartingfromeverypore，whensuddenlytherearoseuponthenight-windthenoiseofdistantshouting，andtheroarofvoicesmingledinalarmandwonder。Anysoundofmeninthatlonelyplace，eventhoughitconveyedarealcauseofalarm，wassomethingtohim。Heregainedhisstrengthandenergyattheprospectofpersonaldanger；andspringingtohisfeet，rushedintotheopenair。
　　Thebroadskyseemedonfire。Risingintotheairwithshowersofsparks，androllingoneabovetheother，weresheetsofflame，lightingtheatmosphereformilesround，anddrivingcloudsofsmokeinthedirectionwherehestood。Theshoutsgrewlouderasnewvoicesswelledtheroar，andhecouldhearthecryofFire！
　　mingledwiththeringingofanalarm-bell，thefallofheavybodies，andthecracklingofflamesastheytwinedroundsomenewobstacle，andshotaloftasthoughrefreshedbyfood。Thenoiseincreasedashelooked。Therewerepeoplethere——menandwomen——light，bustle。Itwaslikenewlifetohim。Hedartedonward——straight，headlong——dashingthroughbrierandbrake，andleapinggateandfenceasmadlyashisdog，whocareeredwithloudandsoundingbarkbeforehim。
　　Hecameuponthespot。Therewerehalf-dressedfigurestearingtoandfro，someendeavouringtodragthefrightenedhorsesfromthestables，othersdrivingthecattlefromtheyardandout-houses，andotherscomingladenfromtheburningpile，amidstashoweroffallingsparks，andthetumblingdownofred-hotbeams。Theapertures，wheredoorsandwindowsstoodanhourago，disclosedamassofragingfire；wallsrockedandcrumbledintotheburningwell；themoltenleadandironpoureddown，whitehot，upontheground。Womenandchildrenshrieked，andmenencouragedeachotherwithnoisyshoutsandcheers。Theclankingoftheengine-pumps，andthespirtingandhissingofthewaterasitfellupontheblazingwood，addedtothetremendousroar。Heshouted，too，tillhewashoarse；andflyingfrommemoryandhimself，plungedintothethickestofthethrong。Hitherandthitherhedivedthatnight:nowworkingatthepumps，andnowhurryingthroughthesmokeandflame，butneverceasingtoengagehimselfwherevernoiseandmenwerethickest。Upanddowntheladders，upontheroofsofbuildings，overfloorsthatquakedandtrembledwithhisweight，undertheleeoffallingbricksandstones，ineverypartofthatgreatfirewashe；butheboreacharmedlife，andhadneitherscratchnorbruise，norwearinessnorthought，tillmorningdawnedagain，andonlysmokeandblackenedruinsremained。
　　Thismadexcitementover，therereturned，withten-foldforce，thedreadfulconsciousnessofhiscrime。Helookedsuspiciouslyabouthim，forthemenwereconversingingroups，andhefearedtobethesubjectoftheirtalk。Thedogobeyedthesignificantbeckofhisfinger，andtheydrewoff，stealthily，together。Hepassednearanenginewheresomemenwereseated，andtheycalledtohimtoshareintheirrefreshment。Hetooksomebreadandmeat；andashedrankadraughtofbeer，heardthefiremen，whowerefromLondon，talkingaboutthemurder。'HehasgonetoBirmingham，theysay，'saidone:'butthey'llhavehimyet，forthescoutsareout，andbyto-morrownightthere'llbeacryallthroughthecountry。'
　　Hehurriedoff，andwalkedtillhealmostdroppedupontheground；thenlaydowninalane，andhadalong，butbrokenanduneasysleep。Hewanderedonagain，irresoluteandundecided，andoppressedwiththefearofanothersolitarynight。
　　Suddenly，hetookthedesperateresolutiontogoingbacktoLondon。
　　'There'ssomebodytospeaktothere，atallevent，'hethought。
　　'Agoodhiding-place，too。They'llneverexpecttonabmethere，afterthiscountryscent。Whycan'tIliebyforaweekorso，and，forcingbluntfromFagin，getabroadtoFrance?Damme，I'llriskit。'
　　Heacteduponthisimplusewithoutdelay，andchoosingtheleastfrequentedroadsbeganhisjourneyback，resolvedtolieconcealedwithinashortdistanceofthemetropolis，and，enteringitatduskbyacircuitousroute，toproceedstraighttothatpartofitwhichhehadfixedonforhisdestination。
　　Thedog，though。Ifanydescriptionofhimwereout，itwouldnotbeforgottenthatthedogwasmissing，andhadprobablygonewithhim。Thismightleadtohisapprehensionashepassedalongthestreets。Heresolvedtodrownhim，andwalkedon，lookingaboutforapond:pickingupaheavystoneandtyingittohishanderkerchiefashewent。
　　Theanimallookedupintohismaster'sfacewhilethesepreparationsweremaking；whetherhisinstinctapprehendedsomethingoftheirpurpose，ortherobber'ssidelonglookathimwassternerthanordinary，heskulkedalittlefartherintherearthanusual，andcoweredashecamemoreslowlyalong。Whenhismasterhaltedatthebrinkofapool，andlookedroundtocallhim，hestoppedoutright。
　　'Doyouhearmecall?Comehere！'criedSikes。
　　Theanimalcameupfromtheveryforceofhabit；butasSikesstoopedtoattachthehandkerchieftohisthroat，heutteredalowgrowlandstartedback。
　　'Comeback！'saidtherobber。
　　Thedogwaggedhistail，butmovednot。Sikesmadearunningnooseandcalledhimagain。
　　Thedogadvanced，retreated，pausedaninstant，andscouredawayathishardestspeed。
　　Themanwhistledagainandagain，andsatdownandwaitedintheexpectationthathewouldreturn。Butnodogappeared，andatlengthheresumedhisjourney。
　　CHAPTERXLIX
　　MONKSANDMR。BROWNLOWATLENGTHMEET。THEIRCONVERSATION，AND
　　THEINTELLIGENCETHATINTERRUPTSIT
　　Thetwilightwasbeginningtoclosein，whenMr。Brownlowalightedfromahackney-coachathisowndoor，andknockedsoftly。Thedoorbeingopened，asturdymangotoutofthecoachandstationedhimselfononesideofthesteps，whileanotherman，whohadbeenseatedonthebox，dismountedtoo，andstoodupontheotherside。AtasignfromMr。Brownlow，theyhelpedoutathirdman，andtakinghimbetweenthem，hurriedhimintothehouse。ThismanwasMonks。
　　Theywalkedinthesamemannerupthestairswithoutspeaking，andMr。Brownlow，precedingthem，ledthewayintoaback-room。
　　Atthedoorofthisapartment，Monks，whohadascendedwithevidentreluctance，stopped。Thetwomenlookedattheoldgentlemanasifforinstructions。
　　'Heknowsthealternative，'saidMr。Browlow。'Ifhehesitatesormovesafingerbutasyoubidhim，draghimintothestreet，callfortheaidofthepolice，andimpeachhimasafeloninmyname。'
　　'Howdareyousaythisofme?'askedMonks。
　　'Howdareyouurgemetoit，youngman?'repliedMr。Brownlow，confrontinghimwithasteadylook。'Areyoumadenoughtoleavethishouse?Unhandhim。There，sir。Youarefreetogo，andwetofollow。ButIwarnyou，byallIholdmostsolemnandmostsacred，thatinstantwillhaveyouapprehendedonachargeoffraudandrobbery。Iamresoluteandimmoveable。Ifyouaredeterminedtobethesame，yourbloodbeuponyourownhead！'
　　'BywhatauthorityamIkidnappedinthestreet，andbroughtherebythesedogs?'askedMonks，lookingfromonetotheotherofthemenwhostoodbesidehim。
　　'Bymine，'repliedMr。Brownlow。'Thosepersonsareindemnifiedbyme。Ifyoucomplainofbeingdeprivedofyourliberty——youhadpowerandopportunitytoretrieveitasyoucamealong，butyoudeemeditadvisabletoremainquiet——Isayagain，throwyourselfforprotectiononthelaw。Iwillappealtothelawtoo；butwhenyouhavegonetoofartorecede，donotsuetomeforleniency，whenthepowerwillhavepassedintootherhands；
　　anddonotsayIplungedyoudownthegulfintowhichyourushed，yourself。'
　　Monkswasplainlydisconcerted，andalarmedbesides。Hehesitated。
　　'Youwilldecidequickly，'saidMr。Brownlow，withperfectfirmnessandcomposure。'Ifyouwishmetoprefermychargespublicly，andconsignyoutoapunishmenttheextentofwhich，althoughIcan，withashudder，foresee，Icannotcontrol，oncemore，Isay，foryouknowtheway。Ifnot，andyouappealtomyforbearance，andthemercyofthoseyouhavedeeplyinjured，seatyourself，withoutaword，inthatchair。Ithaswaitedforyoutwowholedays。'
　　Monksmutteredsomeunintelligiblewords，butwaveredstill。
　　'Youwillbeprompt，'saidMr。Brownlow。'Awordfromme，andthealternativehasgoneforever。'
　　Stillthemanhesitated。
　　'Ihavenottheinclinationtoparley，'saidMr。Brownlow，'and，asIadvocatethedearestinterestsofothers，Ihavenottheright。'
　　'Isthere——'demandedMonkswithafalteringtongue，——'isthere——nomiddlecourse?'
　　'None。'
　　Monkslookedattheoldgentleman，withananxiouseye；but，readinginhiscountenancenothingbutseverityanddetermination，walkedintotheroom，and，shrugginghisshoulders，satdown。
　　'Lockthedoorontheoutside，'saidMr。Brownlowtotheattendants，'andcomewhenIring。'
　　Themenobeyed，andthetwowereleftalonetogether。
　　'Thisisprettytreatment，sir，'saidMonks，throwingdownhishatandcloak，'frommyfather'soldestfriend。'
　　'ItisbecauseIwasyourfather'soldestfriend，youngman，'
　　returnedMr。Brownlow；'itisbecausethehopesandwishesofyoungandhappyyearswereboundupwithhim，andthatfaircreatureofhisbloodandkindredwhorejoinedherGodinyouth，andleftmehereasolitary，lonelyman:itisbecausehekneltwithmebesidehisonlysisters'death-bedwhenhewasyetaboy，onthemorningthatwould——butHeavenwilledotherwise——havemadehermyyoungwife；itisbecausemysearedheartclungtohim，fromthattimeforth，throughallhistrialsanderrors，tillhedied；itisbecauseoldrecollectionsandassociationsfilledmyheart，andeventhesightofyoubringswithitoldthoughtsofhim；itisbecauseofallthesethingsthatIammovedtotreatyougentlynow——yes，EdwardLeeford，evennow——andblushforyourunworthinesswhobearthename。'
　　'Whathasthenametodowithit?'askedtheother，aftercontemplating，halfinsilence，andhalfindoggedwonder，theagitationofhiscompanion。'Whatisthenametome?'
　　'Nothing，'repliedMr。Brownlow，'nothingtoyou。ButitwasHERS，andevenatthisdistanceoftimebringsbacktome，anoldman，theglowandthrillwhichIoncefelt，onlytohearitrepeatedbyastranger。Iamverygladyouhavechangedit——very——very。'
　　'Thisisallmightyfine，'saidMonkstoretainhisassumeddesignationafteralongsilence，duringwhichhehadjerkedhimselfinsullendefiancetoandfro，andMr。Brownlowhadsat，shadinghisfacewithhishand。'Butwhatdoyouwantwithme?'
　　'Youhaveabrother，'saidMr。Brownlow，rousinghimself:'abrother，thewhisperofwhosenameinyourearwhenIcamebehindyouinthestreet，was，initself，almostenoughtomakeyouaccompanymehither，inwonderandalarm。'
　　'Ihavenobrother，'repliedMonks。'YouknowIwasanonlychild。Whydoyoutalktomeofbrothers?Youknowthat，aswellasI。'
　　'AttendtowhatIdoknow，andyoumaynot，'saidMr。Brownlow。
　　'Ishallinterestyoubyandby。Iknowthatofthewretchedmarriage，intowhichfamilypride，andthemostsordidandnarrowestofallambition，forcedyourunhappyfatherwhenamereboy，youwerethesoleandmostunnaturalissue。'
　　'Idon'tcareforhardnames，'interruptedMonkswithajeeringlaugh。'Youknowthefact，andthat'senoughforme。'
　　'ButIalsoknow，'pursuedtheoldgentleman，'themisery，theslowtorture，theprotractedanguishofthatill-assortedunion。
　　Iknowhowlistlesslyandwearilyeachofthatwretchedpairdraggedontheirheavychainthroughaworldthatwaspoisonedtothemboth。Iknowhowcoldformalitiesweresucceededbyopentaunts；howindifferencegaveplacetodislike，disliketohate，andhatetoloathing，untilatlasttheywrenchedtheclankingbondasunder，andretiringawidespaceapart，carriedeachagallingfragment，ofwhichnothingbutdeathcouldbreaktherivets，tohideitinnewsocietybeneaththegayestlookstheycouldassume。Yourmothersucceeded；sheforgotitsoon。Butitrustedandcankeredatyourfather'sheartforyears。'
　　'Well，theywereseparated，'saidMonks，'andwhatofthat?'
　　'Whentheyhadbeenseparatedforsometime，'returnedMr。
　　Brownlow，'andyourmother，whollygivenuptocontinentalfrivolities，hadutterlyforgottentheyounghusbandtengoodyearsherjunior，who，withprospectsblighted，lingeredonathome，hefellamongnewfriends。Thiscircumstance，atleast，youknowalready。'
　　'NotI，'saidMonks，turningawayhiseyesandbeatinghisfootupontheground，asamanwhoisdeterminedtodenyeverything。
　　'NotI。'
　　'Yourmanner，nolessthanyouractions，assuresmethatyouhaveneverforgottenit，orceasedtothinkofitwithbitterness，'
　　returnedMr。Brownlow。'Ispeakoffifteenyearsago，whenyouwerenotmorethanelevenyearsold，andyourfatherbutone-and-thirty——forhewas，Irepeat，aboy，whenHISfatherorderedhimtomarry。MustIgobacktoeventswhichcastashadeuponthememoryofyourparent，orwillyouspareit，anddisclosetomethetruth?'
　　'Ihavenothingtodisclose，'rejoinedMonks。'Youmusttalkonifyouwill。'
　　'Thesenewfriends，then，'saidMr。Brownlow，'wereanavalofficerretiredfromactiveservice，whosewifehaddiedsomehalf-a-yearbefore，andlefthimwithtwochildren——therehadbeenmore，but，ofalltheirfamily，happilybuttwosurvived。
　　Theywerebothdaughters；oneabeautifulcreatureofnineteen，andtheotheramerechildoftwoorthreeyearsold。'
　　'What'sthistome?'askedMonks。
　　'Theyresided，'saidMr。Brownlow，withoutseemingtoheartheinterruption，'inapartofthecountrytowhichyourfatherinhiswanderinghadrepaired，andwherehehadtakenuphisabode。
　　Acquaintance，intimacy，friendship，fastfollowedoneachother。
　　Yourfatherwasgiftedasfewmenare。Hehadhissister'ssoulandperson。Astheoldofficerknewhimmoreandmore，hegrewtolovehim。Iwouldthatithadendedthere。Hisdaughterdidthesame。
　　Theoldgentlemanpaused；Monkswasbitinghislips，withhiseyesfixeduponthefloor；seeingthis，heimmediatelyresumed:
　　'Theendofayearfoundhimcontracted，solemnlycontracted，tothatdaughter；theobjectofthefirst，true，ardent，onlypassionofaguilelessgirl。'
　　'Yourtaleisofthelongest，'observedMonks，movingrestlesslyinhischair。
　　'Itisatruetaleofgriefandtrial，andsorrow，youngman，'
　　returnedMr。Brownlow，'andsuchtalesusuallyare；ifitwereoneofunmixedjoyandhappiness，itwouldbeverybrief。Atlengthoneofthoserichrelationstostrengthenwhoseinterestandimportanceyourfatherhadbeensacrificed，asothersareoften——itisnouncommoncase——died，andtorepairthemiseryhehadbeeninstrumentalinoccasioning，lefthimhispanaceaforallgriefs——Money。ItwasnecessarythatheshouldimmediatelyrepairtoRome，whitherthismanhadspedforhealth，andwherehehaddied，leavinghisaffairsingreatconfusion。Hewent；
　　wasseizedwithmortalillnessthere；wasfollowed，themomenttheintelligencereachedParis，byyourmotherwhocarriedyouwithher；hediedthedayafterherarrival，leavingnowill——NO
　　WILL——sothatthewholepropertyfelltoherandyou。'
　　AtthispartoftherecitalMonksheldhisbreath，andlistenedwithafaceofintenseeagerness，thoughhiseyeswerenotdirectedtowardsthespeaker。AsMr。Brownlowpaused，hechangedhispositionwiththeairofonewhohasexperiencedasuddenrelief，andwipedhishotfaceandhands。
　　'Beforehewentabroad，andashepassedthroughLondononhisway，'saidMr。Brownlow，slowly，andfixinghiseyesupontheother'sface，'hecametome。'
　　'Ineverheardofthat，'interruptedMOnksinatoneintendedtoappearincredulous，butsavouringmoreofdisagreeablesurprise。
　　'Hecametome，andleftwithme，amongsomeotherthings，apicture——aportraitpaintedbyhimself——alikenessofthispoorgirl——whichhedidnotwishtoleavebehind，andcouldnotcarryforwardonhishastyjourney。Hewaswornbyanxietyandremorsealmosttoashadow；talkedinawild，distractedway，ofruinanddishonourworkedbyhimself；confidedtomehisintentiontoconverthiswholeproperty，atanyloss，intomoney，and，havingsettledonhiswifeandyouaportionofhisrecentacquisition，toflythecountry——Iguessedtoowellhewouldnotflyalone——andneverseeitmore。Evenfromme，hisoldandearlyfriend，whosestrongattachmenthadtakenrootintheearththatcoveredonemostdeartoboth——evenfrommehewithheldanymoreparticularconfession，promisingtowriteandtellmeall，andafterthattoseemeonceagain，forthelasttimeonearth。
　　Alas！THATwasthelasttime。Ihadnoletter，andIneversawhimmore。'
　　'Iwent，'saidMr。Brownlow，afterashortpause，'Iwent，whenallwasover，tothesceneofhis——Iwillusethetermtheworldwouldfreelyuse，forworldlyharshnessorfavourarenowaliketohim——ofhisguiltylove，resolvedthatifmyfearswererealisedthaterringchildshouldfindoneheartandhometoshelterandcompassionateher。Thefamilyhadleftthatpartaweekbefore；theyhadcalledinsuchtriflingdebtsaswereoutstanding，dischargedthem，andlefttheplacebynight。Why，orwhithter，nonecantell。'
　　Monksdrewhisbreathyetmorefreely，andlookedroundwithasmileoftriumph。
　　'Whenyourbrother，'saidMr。Brownlow，drawingnearertotheother'schair，'Whenyourbrother:afeeble，ragged，neglectedchild:wascastinmywaybyastrongerhandthanchance，andrescuedbymefromalifeofviceandinfamy——'
　　'What?'criedMonks。
　　'Byme，'saidMr。Brownlow。'ItoldyouIshouldinterestyoubeforelong。Isaybyme——Iseethatyourcunningassociatesuppressedmyname，althoughforoughtheknew，itwouldbequitestrangetoyourears。Whenhewasrescuedbyme，then，andlayrecoveringfromsicknessinmyhouse，hisstrongresemblancetothispictureIhavespokenof，struckmewithastonishment。EvenwhenIfirstsawhiminallhisdirtandmisery，therewasalingeringexpressioninhisfacethatcameuponmelikeaglimpseofsomeoldfriendflashingononeinavividdream。IneednottellyouhewassnaredawaybeforeIknewhishistory——'
　　'Whynot?'askedMonkshastily。
　　'Becauseyouknowitwell。'
　　'I！'
　　'Denialtomeisvain，'repliedMr。Brownlow。'IshallshowyouthatIknowmorethanthat。'
　　'You——you——can'tproveanythingagainstme，'stammeredMonks。'I
　　defyyoutodoit！'
　　'Weshallsee，'returnedtheoldgentlemanwithasearchingglance。'Ilosttheboy，andnoeffortsofminecouldrecoverhim。Yourmotherbeingdead，Iknewthatyoualonecouldsolvethemysteryifanybodycould，andaswhenIhadlastheardofyouyouwereonyourownestateintheWestIndies——whither，asyouwellknow，youretireduponyourmother'sdeathtoescapetheconsequencesofviciouscourseshere——Imadethevoyage。Youhadleftit，monthsbefore，andweresupposedtobeinLondon，butnoonecouldtellwhere。Ireturned。Youragentshadnocluetoyourresidence。Youcameandwent，theysaid，asstrangelyasyouhadeverdone:sometimesfordaystogetherandsometimesnotformonths:keepingtoallappearancethesamelowhauntsandminglingwiththesameinfamousherdwhohadbeenyourassociateswhenafierceungovernableboy。Iweariedthemwithnewapplications。Ipacedthestreetsbynightandday，butuntiltwohoursago，allmyeffortswerefruitless，andIneversawyouforaninstant。'
　　'Andnowyoudoseeme，'saidMonks，risingboldly，'whatthen?
　　Fraudandrobberyarehigh-soundingwords——justified，youthink，byafanciedresemblanceinsomeyoungimptoanidledaubofadeadman'sBrother！Youdon'tevenknowthatachildwasbornofthismaudlinpair；youdon'tevenknowthat。'
　　'IDIDNOT，'repliedMr。Brownlow，risingtoo；'butwithinthelastfortnightIhavelearntitall。Youhaveabrother；youknowit，andhim。Therewasawill，whichyourmotherdestroyed，leavingthesecretandthegaintoyouatherowndeath。Itcontainedareferencetosomechildlikelytobetheresultofthissadconnection，whichchildwasborn，andaccidentallyencounteredbyyou，whenyoursuspicionswerefirstawakenedbyhisresemblancetoyourfather。Yourepairedtotheplaceofhisbirth。Thereexistedproofs——proofslongsuppressed——ofhisbirthandparentage。Thoseproofsweredestroyedbyyou，andnow，inyourownwordstoyouraccomplicetheJew，“THEONLYPROOFSOF
　　THEBOY'SIDENTITYLIEATTHEBOTTOMOFTHERIVER，ANDTHEOLD
　　HAGTHATRECEIVEDTHEMFORMTHEMOTHERISROTTINGINHERCOFFIN。”
　　Unworthyson，coward，liar，——you，whoholdyourcouncilswiththievesandmurderersindarkroomsatnight，——you，whoseplotsandwileshavebroughtaviolentdeathupontheheadofoneworthmillionssuchasyou，——you，whofromyourcradleweregallandbitternesstoyourownfather'sheart，andinwhomallevilpassions，vice，andprofligacy，festered，tilltheyfoundaventinahideousdiseasewhichhadmadeyourfaceanindexeventoyourmind——you，EdwardLeeford，doyoustillbraveme！'
　　'No，no，no！'returnedthecoward，overwhelmedbytheseaccumulatedcharges。
　　'Everyword！'criedthegentleman，'everywordthathaspassedbetweenyouandthisdetestedvillain，isknowntome。Shadowsonthewallhavecaughtyourwhispers，andbroughtthemtomyear；thesightofthepersecutedchildhasturnedviceitself，andgivenitthecourageandalmosttheattributesofvirtue。
　　Murderhasbeendone，towhichyouweremorallyifnotreallyaparty。'
　　'No，no，'interposedMonks。'I——Iknewnothingofthat；Iwasgoingtoinquirethetruthofthestorywhenyouovertookme。I
　　didn'tknowthecause。Ithoughtitwasacommonquarrel。'
　　'Itwasthepartialdisclosureofyoursecrets，'repliedMr。
　　Brownlow。'Willyoudisclosethewhole?'
　　'Yes，Iwill。'
　　'Setyourhandtoastatementoftruthandfacts，andrepeatitbeforewitnesses?'
　　'ThatIpromisetoo。'
　　'Remainquietlyhere，untilsuchadocumentisdrawnup，andproceedwithmetosuchaplaceasImaydeemmostadvisable，forthepurposeofattestingit?'
　　'Ifyouinsistuponthat，I'lldothatalso，'repliedMonks。
　　'Youmustdomorethanthat，'saidMr。Brownlow。'Makerestitutiontoaninnocentandunoffendingchild，forsuchheis，althoughtheoffspringofaguiltyandmostmiserablelove。Youhavenotforgottentheprovisionsofthewill。Carrythemintoexecutionsofarasyourbrotherisconcerned，andthengowhereyouplease。Inthisworldyouneedmeetnomore。'
　　WhileMonkswaspacingupanddown，meditatingwithdarkandevillooksonthisproposalandthepossibilitiesofevadingit:tornbyhisfearsontheonehandandhishatredontheother:thedoorwashurriedlyunlocked，andagentlemanMr。Losberne
　　enteredtheroominviolentagitation。
　　'Themanwillbetaken，'hecried。'Hewillbetakento-night！'
　　'Themurderer?'askedMr。Brownlow。
　　'Yes，yes，'repliedtheother。'Hisdoghasbeenseenlurkingaboutsomeoldhaunt，andthereseemslittledoubthathismastereitheris，orwillbe，there，undercoverofthedarkness。Spiesarehoveringaboutineverydirection。Ihavespokentothemenwhoarechargedwithhiscapture，andtheytellmehecannotescape。ArewardofahundredpoundsisproclaimedbyGovernmentto-night。'
　　'Iwillgivefiftymore，'saidMr。Brownlow，'andproclaimitwithmyownlipsuponthespot，ifIcanreachit。WhereisMr。
　　Maylie?'
　　'Harry?Assoonashehadseenyourfriendhere，safeinacoachwithyou，hehurriedofftowhereheheardthis，'repliedthedoctor，'andmountinghishorsesalliedforthtojointhefirstpartyatsomeplaceintheoutskirtsagreeduponbetweenthem。'
　　'Fagin，'saidMr。Brownlow；'whatofhim?'
　　'WhenIlastheard，hehadnotbeentaken，buthewillbe，oris，bythistime。They'resureofhim。'
　　'Haveyoumadeupyourmind?'askedMr。Brownlow，inalowvoice，ofMonks。
　　'Yes，'hereplied。'You——you——willbesecretwithme?'
　　'Iwill。RemainheretillIreturn。Itisyouronlyhopeofsafety。
　　Theylefttheroom，andthedoorwasagainlocked。
　　'Whathaveyoudone?'askedthedoctorinawhisper。
　　'AllthatIcouldhopetodo，andevenmore。Couplingthepoorgirl'sintelligencewithmypreviousknowledge，andtheresultofourgoodfriend'sinquiriesonthespot，Ilefthimnoloopholeofescape，andlaidbarethewholevillainywhichbytheselightsbecameplainasday。Writeandappointtheeveningafterto-morrow，atseven，forthemeeting。Weshallbedownthere，afewhoursbefore，butshallrequirerest:especiallytheyounglady，whoMAYhavegreaterneedoffirmnessthaneitheryouorI
　　canquiteforeseejustnow。Butmybloodboilstoavengethispoormurderedcreature。Whichwayhavetheytaken?'
　　'Drivestraighttotheofficeandyouwillbeintime，'repliedMr。Losberne。'Iwillremainhere。'
　　Thetwogentlemenhastilyseparated；eachinafeverofexcitementwhollyuncontrollable。
　　CHAPTERL
　　THEPURSUITANDESCAPE
　　NeartothatpartoftheThamesonwhichthechurchatRotherhitheabuts，wherethebuildingsonthebanksaredirtiestandthevesselsontheriverblackestwiththedustofcolliersandthesmokeofclose-builtlow-roofedhouses，thereexiststhefilthiest，thestrangest，themostextraordinaryofthemanylocalitiesthatarehiddeninLondon，whollyunknown，evenbyname，tothegreatmassofitsinhabitants。
　　Toreachthisplace，thevisitorhastopenetratethroughamazeofclose，narrow，andmuddystreets，throngedbytherougestandpoorestofwatersidepeople，anddevotedtothetraffictheymaybesupposedtooccasion。Thecheapestandleastdelicateprovisionsareheapedintheshops；thecoarsestandcommonestarticlesofwearingappareldangleatthesalesman'sdoor，andstreamfromthehouse-parapetandwindows。Jostlingwithunemployedlabourersofthelowestclass，ballast-heavers，coal-whippers，brazenwomen，raggedchildren，andtheraffandrefuseoftheriver，hemakeshiswaywithdifficultyalong，assailedbyoffensivesightsandsmellsfromthenarrowalleyswhichbranchoffontherightandleft，anddeafenedbytheclashofponderouswaggonsthatbeargreatpilesofmerchandisefromthestacksofwarehousesthatrisefromeverycorner。Arriving，atlength，instreetsremoterandless-frequentedthanthosethroughwhichhehaspassed，hewalksbeneathtotteringhouse-frontsprojectingoverthepavement，dismantledwallsthatseemtototterashepasses，chimneyshalfcrushedhalfhesitatingtofall，windowsguardedbyrustyironbarsthattimeanddirthavealmosteatenaway，everyimaginablesignofdesolationandneglect。
　　Insuchaneighborhood，beyondDockheadintheBoroughofSouthwark，standsJacob'sIsland，surroundedbyamuddyditch，sixoreightfeetdeepandfifteenortwentywidewhenthetideisin，oncecalledMillPond，butknowninthedaysofthisstoryasFollyDitch。ItisacreekorinletfromtheThames，andcanalwaysbefilledathighwaterbyopeningthesluicesattheLeadMillsfromwhichittookitsoldname。Atsuchtimes，astranger，lookingfromoneofthewoodenbridgesthrownacrossitatMillLane，willseetheinhabitantsofthehousesoneithersideloweringfromtheirbackdoorsandwindows，buckets，pails，domesticutensilsofallkinds，inwhichtohaulthewaterup；
　　andwhenhiseyeisturnedfromtheseoperationstothehousesthemselves，hisutmostastonishmentwillbeexcitedbythescenebeforehim。Crazywoodengalleriescommontothebacksofhalfadozenhouses，withholesfromwhichtolookupontheslimebeneath；windows，brokenandpatched，withpolesthrustout，onwhichtodrythelinenthatisneverthere；roomssosmall，sofilthy，soconfined，thattheairwouldseemtootaintedevenforthedirtandsqualorwhichtheyshelter；woodenchambersthrustingthemselvesoutabovethemud，andthreateningtofallintoit——assomehavedone；dirt-besmearedwallsanddecayingfoundations；everyrepulsivelineamentofpoverty，everyloathsomeindicationoffilth，rot，andgarbage；alltheseornamentthebanksofFollyDitch。