Hughwouldhavepreventedhisutteringtheword，butitwasoutalready。Hearingthename，Barnabyturnedswiftlyround。
’Duty，duty，boldBarnaby！’criedHugh，assuminghiswildestandmostrapidmanner，andthrustingintohishandhisstaffandflagwhichleantagainstthewall。’Mountguardwithoutlossoftime，forweareoffuponourexpedition。Up，Dennis，andgetready！
Takecarethatnooneturnsthestrawuponmybed，braveBarnaby;
weknowwhat’sunderneathit——eh？Now，master，quick！Whatyouhavetosay，sayspeedily，forthelittlecaptainandaclusterof’emareinthefields，andonlywaitingforus。Sharp’stheword，andstrike’stheaction。Quick！’
Barnabywasnotproofagainstthisbustleanddespatch。Thelookofmingledastonishtnentandangerwhichhadappearedinhisfacewhenheturnedtowardsthem，fadedfromitasthewordspassedfromhismemory，likebreathfromapolishedmirror;andgraspingtheweaponwhichHughforceduponhim，heproudlytookhisstationatthedoor，beyondtheirhearing。
’Youmighthavespoiledourplans，master，’saidHugh。’YOU，too，ofallmen！’
’WhowouldhavesupposedthatHEwouldbesoquick？’urgedGashford。
’He’sasquicksometimes——Idon’tmeanwithhishands，forthatyouknow，butwithhishead——asyouoranyman，’saidHugh。’Dennis，it’stimeweweregoing;they’rewaitingforus;Icametotellyou。Reachmemystickandbelt。Here！Lendahand，master。
Flingthisovermyshoulder，andbuckleitbehind，willyou？’
’Briskasever！’saidthesecretary，adjustingitforhimashedesired。
’Amanneedbebriskto-day;there’sbriskworka-foot。’
’Thereis，isthere？’saidGashford。Hesaiditwithsuchaprovokingassumptionofignorance，thatHugh，lookingoverhisshoulderandangrilydownuponhim，replied:
’Isthere！Youknowthereis！Whoknowsbetterthanyou，master，thatthefirstgreatsteptobetakenistomakeexamplesofthesewitnesses，andfrightenallmenfromappearingagainstusoranyofourbody，anymore？’
’There’soneweknowof，’returnedGashford，withanexpressivesmile，’whoisatleastaswellinformeduponthatsubjectasyouorI。’
’Ifwemeanthesamegentleman，asIsupposewedo，’Hughrejoinedsoftly，’Itellyouthis——he’sasgoodandquickinformationabouteverythingas——’herehepausedandlookedround，asiftomakesurethatthepersoninquestionwasnotwithinhearing，’asOldNickhimself。Haveyoudonethat，master？Howslowyouare！’
’It’squitefastnow，’saidGashford，rising。’Isay——youdidn’tfindthatyourfrienddisapprovedofto-day’slittleexpedition？
Hahaha！Itisfortunateitjumpssowellwiththewitnesspolicy;for，onceplanned，itmusthavebeencarriedout。Andnowyouaregoing，eh？’
’Nowwearegoing，master！’Hughreplied。’Anypartingwords？’
’Ohdear，no，’saidGashfordsweetly。’None！’
’You’resure？’criedHugh，nudgingthegrinningDennis。
’Quitesure，eh，MusterGashford？’chuckledthehangman。
Gashfordpausedamoment，strugglingwithhiscautionandhismalice;thenputtinghimselfbetweenthetwomen，andlayingahanduponthearmofeach，said，inacrampedwhisper:
’Donot，mygoodfriends——Iamsureyouwillnot——forgetourtalkonenight——inyourhouse，Dennis——aboutthisperson。Nomercy，noquarter，notwobeamsofhishousetobeleftstandingwherethebuilderplacedthem！Fire，thesayinggoes，isagoodservant，butabadmaster。MakesitHISmaster;hedeservesnobetter。ButI
amsureyouwillbefirm，Iamsureyouwillbeveryresolute，Iamsureyouwillrememberthathethirstsforyourlives，andthoseofallyourbravecompanions。Ifyoueveractedlikestaunchfellows，youwilldosoto-day。Won’tyou，Dennis——won’tyou，Hugh？’
Thetwolookedathim，andateachother;thenburstingintoaroaroflaughter，brandishedtheirstavesabovetheirheads，shookhands，andhurriedout。
Whentheyhadbeengonealittletime，Gashfordfollowed。Theywereyetinsight，andhasteningtothatpartoftheadjacentfieldsinwhichtheirfellowshadalreadymustered;Hughwaslookingback，andflourishinghishattoBarnaby，who，delightedwithhistrust，repliedinthesameway，andthenresumedhispacingupanddownbeforethestable-door，wherehisfeethadwornapathalready。AndwhenGashfordhimselfwasfardistant，andlookedbackforthelasttime，hewasstillwalkingtoandfro，withthesamemeasuredtread;themostdevotedandtheblithestchampionthatevermaintainedapost，andfelthisheartliftedupwithabravesenseofduty，anddeterminationtodefendittothelast。
Smilingatthesimplicityofthepooridiot，GashfordbetookhimselftoWelbeckStreetbyadifferentpathfromthatwhichheknewtherioterswouldtake，andsittingdownbehindacurtaininoneoftheupperwindowsofLordGeorgeGordon’shouse，waitedimpatientlyfortheircoming。Theyweresolong，thatalthoughheknewithadbeensettledtheyshouldcomethatway，hehadamisgivingtheymusthavechangedtheirplansandtakensomeotherroute。Butatlengththeroarofvoiceswasheardintheneighbouringfields，andsoonafterwardstheycamethrongingpast，inagreatbody。
However，theywerenotall，nornearlyall，inonebody，butwere，ashesoonfound，dividedintofourparties，eachofwhichstoppedbeforethehousetogivethreecheers，andthenwenton;theleaderscryingoutinwhatdirectiontheyweregoing，andcallingonthespectatorstojointhem。Thefirstdetachment，carrying，bywayofbanners，somerelicsofthehavoctheyhadmadeinMoorfields，proclaimedthattheywereontheirwaytoChelsea，whencetheywouldreturninthesameorder，tomakeofthespoiltheybore，agreatbonfire，nearathand。ThesecondgaveoutthattheywereboundforWapping，todestroyachapel;thethird，thattheirplaceofdestinationwasEastSmithfield，andtheirobjectthesame。Allthiswasdoneinbroad，bright，summerday。Gaycarriagesandchairsstoppedtoletthempass，orturnedbacktoavoidthem;peopleonfootstoodasideindoorways，orperhapsknockedandbeggedpermissiontostandatawindow，orinthehall，untiltheriotershadpassed:butnobodyinterferedwiththem;andwhentheyhadgoneby，everythingwentonasusual。
Therestillremainedthefourthbody，andforthatthesecretarylookedwithamostintenseeagerness。Atlastitcameup。Itwasnumerous，andcomposedofpickedmen;forashegazeddownamongthem，herecognisedmanyupturnedfaceswhichheknewwell——thoseofSimonTappertit，Hugh，andDennisinthefront，ofcourse。Theyhaltedandcheered，astheothershaddone;butwhentheymovedagain，theydidnot，likethem，proclaimwhatdesigntheyhad。
Hughmerelyraisedhishatuponthebludgeonhecarried，andglancingataspectatorontheoppositesideoftheway，wasgone。
Gashfordfollowedthedirectionofhisglanceinstinctively，andsaw，standingonthepavement，andwearingthebluecockade，SirJohnChester。Heheldhishataninchortwoabovehishead，topropitiatethemob;and，restinggracefullyonhiscane，smilingpleasantly，anddisplayinghisdressandpersontotheverybestadvantage，lookedoninthemosttranquilstateimaginable。Forallthat，andquickanddexterousashewas，GashfordhadseenhimrecogniseHughwiththeairofapatron。Hehadnolongeranyeyesforthecrowd，butfixedhiskeenregardsuponSirJohn。
Hestoodinthesameplaceandpostureuntilthelastmanintheconcoursehadturnedthecornerofthestreet;thenverydeliberatelytookthebluecockadeoutofhishat;putitcarefullyinhispocket，readyforthenextemergency;refreshedhimselfwithapinchofsnuff;putuphisbox;andwaswalkingslowlyoff，whenapassingcarriagestopped，andalady’shandletdowntheglass。
SirJohn’shatwasoffagainimmediately。Afteraminute’sconversationatthecarriage-window，inwhichitwasapparentthathewasvastlyentertainingonthesubjectofthemob，hesteppedlightlyin，andwasdrivenaway。
Thesecretarysmiled，buthehadotherthoughtstodwellupon，andsoondismissedthetopic。Dinnerwasbroughthim，buthesentitdownuntasted;and，inrestlesspacingsupanddowntheroom，andconstantglancesattheclock，andmanyfutileeffortstositdownandread，orgotosleep，orlookoutofthewindow，consumedfourwearyhours。Whenthedialtoldhimthusmuchtimehadcreptaway，hestoleupstairstothetopofthehouse，andcomingoutupontheroofsatdown，withhisfacetowardstheeast。
Heedlessofthefreshairthatblewuponhisheatedbrow，ofthepleasantmeadowsfromwhichheturned，ofthepilesofroofsandchimneysuponwhichhelooked，ofthesmokeandrisingmisthevainlysoughttopierce，oftheshrillcriesofchildrenattheireveningsports，thedistanthumandturmoilofthetown，thecheerfulcountrybreaththatrustledpasttomeetit，andtodroop，anddie;hewatched，andwatched，tillitwasdarksaveforthespecksoflightthattwinkledinthestreetsbelowandfaraway——
and，asthedarknessdeepened，strainedhisgazeandgrewmoreeageryet。
’Nothingbutgloominthatdirection，still！’hemutteredrestlessly。’Dog！whereistherednessinthesky，youpromisedme！’
Chapter54
Rumoursoftheprevailingdisturbanceshad，bythistime，beguntobeprettygenerallycirculatedthroughthetownsandvillagesroundLondon，andthetidingswereeverywherereceivedwiththatappetiteforthemarvellousandloveoftheterriblewhichhaveprobablybeenamongthenaturalcharacteristicsofmankindsincethecreationoftheworld。Theseaccounts，however，appeared，tomanypersonsatthatday——astheywouldtousatthepresent，butthatweknowthemtobematterofhistory——somonstrousandimprobable，thatagreatnumberofthosewhowereresidentatadistance，andwhowerecredulousenoughonotherpoints，werereallyunabletobringtheirmindstobelievethatsuchthingscouldbe;andrejectedtheintelligencetheyreceivedonallhands，aswhollyfabulousandabsurd。
MrWillet——notsomuch，perhaps，onaccountofhishavingarguedandsettledthematterwithhimself，asbyreasonofhisconstitutionalobstinacy——wasoneofthosewhopositivelyrefusedtoentertainthecurrenttopicforamoment。Onthisveryevening，andperhapsattheverytimewhenGashfordkepthissolitarywatch，oldJohnwassoredinthefacewithperpetuallyshakinghisheadincontradictionofhisthreeancientcroniesandpotcompanions，thathewasquiteaphenomenontobehold，andlighteduptheMaypolePorchwhereintheysattogether，likeamonstrouscarbuncleinafairytale。
’Doyouthink，sir，’saidMrWillet，lookinghardatSolomonDaisy——foritwashiscustomincasesofpersonalaltercationtofastenuponthesmallestmanintheparty——’doyouthink，sir，thatI’mabornfool？’
’No，no，Johnny，’returnedSolomon，lookingrounduponthelittlecircleofwhichheformedapart:’Weallknowbetterthanthat。
You’renofool，Johnny。No，no！’
MrCobbandMrParkesshooktheirheadsinunison，muttering，’No，no，Johnny，notyou！’ButassuchcomplimentshadusuallytheeffectofmakingMrWilletrathermoredoggedthanbefore，hesurveyedthemwithalookofdeepdisdain，andreturnedforanswer:
’Thenwhatdoyoumeanbycominghere，andtellingmethatthiseveningyou’rea-goingtowalkuptoLondontogether——youthree——
you——andhavetheevidenceofyourownsenses？An’t，’saidMrWillet，puttinghispipeinhismouthwithanairofsolemndisgust，’an’ttheevidenceofMYsensesenoughforyou？’
’Butwehaven’tgotit，Johnny，’pleadedParkes，humbly。
’Youhaven’tgotit，sir？’repeatedMrWillet，eyeinghimfromtoptotoe。’Youhaven’tgotit，sir？YouHAVEgotit，sir。Don’tI
tellyouthatHisblessedMajestyKingGeorgetheThirdwouldnomorestandariotingandrollickinginhisstreets，thanhe’dstandbeingcrowedoverbyhisownParliament？’
’Yes，Johnny，butthat’syoursense——notyoursenses，’saidtheadventurousMrParkes。
’Howdoyouknow？’retortedJohnwithgreatdignity。’You’reacontradictingprettyfree，youare，sir。HowdoYOUknowwhichitis？I’mnotawareIevertoldyou，sir。’
MrParkes，findinghimselfinthepositionofhavinggotintometaphysicswithoutexactlyseeinghiswayoutofthem，stammeredforthanapologyandretreatedfromtheargument。Therethenensuedasilenceofsometenminutesoraquarterofanhour，attheexpirationofwhichperiodMrWilletwasobservedtorumbleandshakewithlaughter，andpresentlyremarked，inreferencetohislateadversary，’thathehopedhehadtackledhimenough。’
ThereuponMessrsCobbandDaisylaughed，andnodded，andParkeswaslookeduponasthoroughlyandeffectuallyputdown。
’Doyousupposeifallthiswastrue，thatMrHaredalewouldbeconstantlyawayfromhome，asheis？’saidJohn，afteranothersilence。’Doyouthinkhewouldn’tbeafraidtoleavehishousewiththemtwoyoungwomeninit，andonlyacoupleofmen，orso？’
’Ay，butthenyouknow，’returnedSolomonDaisy，’hishouseisagoodishwayoutofLondon，andtheydosaythattherioterswon’tgomorethantwomiles，orthreeatthefarthest，offthestones。
Besides，youknow，someoftheCatholicgentlefolkshaveactuallysenttrinketsandsuchlikedownhereforsafety——atleast，sothestorygoes。’
’Thestorygoes！’saidMrWillettestily。’Yes，sir。ThestorygoesthatyousawaghostlastMarch。Butnobodybelievesit。’
’Well！’saidSolomon，rising，todiverttheattentionofhistwofriends，whotitteredatthisretort:’believedordisbelieved，it’strue;andtrueornot，ifwemeantogotoLondon，wemustbegoingatonce。Soshakehands，Johnny，andgoodnight。’
’Ishallshakehands，’returnedthelandlord，puttinghisintohispockets，’withnomanasgoestoLondononsuchnonsensicalerrands。’
Thethreecronieswerethereforereducedtothenecessityofshakinghiselbows;havingperformedthatceremony，andbroughtfromthehousetheirhats，andsticks，andgreatcoats，theybadehimgoodnightanddeparted;promisingtobringhimonthemorrowfullandtrueaccountsoftherealstateofthecity，andifitwerequiet，togivehimthefullmeritofhisvictory。
JohnWilletlookedafterthem，astheyploddedalongtheroadintherichglowofasummerevening;andknockingtheashesoutofhispipe，laughedinwardlyattheirfolly，untilhissidesweresore。Whenhehadquiteexhaustedhimself——whichtooksometime，forhelaughedasslowlyashethoughtandspoke——hesathimselfcomfortablywithhisbacktothehouse，puthislegsuponthebench，thenhisapronoverhisface，andfellsoundasleep。
Howlongheslept，mattersnot;butitwasfornobriefspace，forwhenheawoke，therichlighthadfaded，thesombrehuesofnightwerefallingfastuponthelandscape，andafewbrightstarswerealreadytwinklingoverhead。Thebirdswereallatroost，thedaisiesonthegreenhadclosedtheirfairyhoods，thehoneysuckletwiningroundtheporchexhaleditsperfumeinatwofolddegree，asthoughitlostitscoynessatthatsilenttimeandlovedtosheditsfragranceonthenight;theivyscarcelystirreditsdeepgreenleaves。Howtranquil，andhowbeautifulitwas！
Wastherenosoundintheair，besidesthegentlerustlingofthetreesandthegrasshopper’smerrychirp？Hark！Somethingveryfaintanddistant，notunlikethemurmuringinasea-shell。Nowitgrewlouder，fainternow，andnowitaltogetherdiedaway。
Presently，itcameagain，subsided，cameoncemore，grewlouder，fainter——swelledintoaroar。Itwasontheroad，andvariedwithitswindings。Allatonceitburstintoadistinctsound——thevoices，andthetrampingfeetofmanymen。
ItisquestionablewhetheroldJohnWillet，eventhen，wouldhavethoughtoftheriotersbutforthecriesofhiscookandhousemaid，whoranscreamingupstairsandlockedthemselvesintooneoftheoldgarrets，——shriekingdismallywhentheyhaddoneso，bywayofrenderingtheirplaceofrefugeperfectlysecretandsecure。ThesetwofemalesdidafterwardsdeponethatMrWilletinhisconsternationutteredbutoneword，andcalledthatupthestairsinastentorianvoice，sixdistincttimes。Butasthiswordwasamonosyllable，which，howeverinoffensivewhenappliedtothequadrupeditdenotes，ishighlyreprehensiblewhenusedinconnectionwithfemalesofunimpeachablecharacter，manypersonswereinclinedtobelievethattheyoungwomenlabouredundersomehallucinationcausedbyexcessivefear;andthattheirearsdeceivedthem。
Bethisasitmay，JohnWillet，inwhomtheveryuttermostextentofdull-headedperplexitysuppliedtheplaceofcourage，stationedhimselfintheporch，andwaitedfortheircomingup。Once，itdimlyoccurredtohimthattherewasakindofdoortothehouse，whichhadalockandbolts;andatthesametimesomeshadowyideasofshutterstothelowerwindows，flittedthroughhisbrain。Buthestoodstockstill，lookingdowntheroadinthedirectioninwhichthenoisewasrapidlyadvancing，anddidnotsomuchastakehishandsoutofhispockets。
Hehadnottowaitlong。Adarkmass，loomingthroughacloudofdust，soonbecamevisible;themobquickenedtheirpace;shoutingandwhoopinglikesavages，theycamerushingonpellmell;andinafewsecondshewasbandiedfromhandtohand，intheheartofacrowdofmen。
’Halloa！’criedavoiceheknew，asthemanwhospokecamecleavingthroughthethrong。’Whereishe？Givehimtome。Don’thurthim。Hownow，oldJack！Hahaha！’
MrWilletlookedathim，andsawitwasHugh;buthesaidnothing，andthoughtnothing。
’Theseladsarethirstyandmustdrink！’criedHugh，thrustinghimbacktowardsthehouse。’Bustle，Jack，bustle。Showusthebest——
theverybest——theover-proofthatyoukeepforyourowndrinking，Jack！’
Johnfaintlyarticulatedthewords，’Who’stopay？’
’Hesays“Who’stopay？”’criedHugh，witharoaroflaughterwhichwasloudlyechoedbythecrowd。ThenturningtoJohn，headded，’Pay！Why，nobody。’
Johnstaredroundatthemassoffaces——somegrinning，somefierce，somelightedupbytorches，someindistinct，someduskyandshadowy:somelookingathim，someathishouse，someateachother——andwhilehewas，ashethought，intheveryactofdoingso，foundhimself，withoutanyconsciousnessofhavingmoved，inthebar;sittingdowninanarm-chair，andwatchingthedestructionofhisproperty，asifitweresomequeerplayorentertainment，ofanastonishingandstupefyingnature，buthavingnoreferencetohimself——thathecouldmakeout——atall。
Yes。Herewasthebar——thebarthattheboldestneverenteredwithoutspecialinvitation——thesanctuary，themystery，thehallowedground:hereitwas，crammedwithmen，clubs，sticks，torches，pistols;filledwithadeafeningnoise，oaths，shouts，screams，hootings;changedallatonceintoabear-garden，amadhouse，aninfernaltemple:mendartinginandout，bydoorandwindow，smashingtheglass，turningthetaps，drinkingliquoroutofChinapunchbowls，sittingastrideofcasks，smokingprivateandpersonalpipes，cuttingdownthesacredgroveoflemons，hackingandhewingatthecelebratedcheese，breakingopeninviolabledrawers，puttingthingsintheirpocketswhichdidn’tbelongtothem，dividinghisownmoneybeforehisowneyes，wantonlywasting，breaking，pullingdownandtearingup:nothingquiet，nothingprivate:meneverywhere——above，below，overhead，inthebedrooms，inthekitchen，intheyard，inthestables——clamberinginatwindowswhenthereweredoorswideopen;droppingoutofwindowswhenthestairswerehandy;leapingoverthebannistersintochasmsofpassages:newfacesandfigurespresentingthemselveseveryinstant——someyelling，somesinging，somefighting，somebreakingglassandcrockery，somelayingthedustwiththeliquortheycouldn’tdrink，someringingthebellstilltheypulledthemdown，othersbeatingthemwithpokerstilltheybeatthemintofragments:
moremenstill——more，more，more——swarmingonlikeinsects:noise，smoke，light，darkness，frolic，anger，laughter，groans，plunder，fear，andruin！
NearlyallthetimewhileJohnlookedonatthisbewilderingscene，Hughkeptnearhim;andthoughhewastheloudest，wildest，mostdestructivevillainthere，hesavedhisoldmaster’sbonesascoreoftimes。Nay，evenwhenMrTappertit，excitedbyliquor，cameup，andinassertionofhisprerogativepolitelykickedJohnWilletontheshins，Hughbadehimreturnthecompliment;andifoldJohnhadhadsufficientpresenceofmindtounderstandthiswhispereddirection，andtoprofitbyit，hemightnodoubt，underHugh’sprotection，havedonesowithimpunity。
Atlengththebandbegantoreassembleoutsidethehouse，andtocalltothosewithin，tojointhem，fortheywerelosingtime。
Thesemurmursincreasing，andattainingahighpitch，Hugh，andsomeofthosewhoyetlingeredinthebar，andwhoplainlyweretheleadersofthetroop，tookcounseltogether，apart，astowhatwastobedonewithJohn，tokeephimquietuntiltheirChigwellworkwasover。Someproposedtosetthehouseonfireandleavehiminit;others，thatheshouldbereducedtoastateoftemporaryinsensibility，byknockingonthehead;others，thatheshouldbesworntositwherehewasuntilto-morrowatthesamehour;othersagain，thatheshouldbegaggedandtakenoffwiththem，underasufficientguard。Allthesepropositionsbeingoverruled，itwasconcluded，atlast，tobindhiminhischair，andthewordwaspassedforDennis。
’Look’eehere，Jack！’saidHugh，stridinguptohim:’Wearegoingtotieyou，handandfoot，butotherwiseyouwon’tbehurt。D’yehear？’
JohnWilletlookedatanotherman，asifhedidn’tknowwhichwasthespeaker，andmutteredsomethingaboutanordinaryeverySundayattwoo’clock。
’Youwon’tbehurtItellyou，Jack——doyouhearme？’roaredHugh，impressingtheassuranceuponhimbymeansofaheavyblowontheback。’He’ssodeadscared，he’swoolgathering，Ithink。Givehimadropofsomethingtodrinkhere。Handover，oneofyou。’
Aglassofliquorbeingpassedforward，HughpouredthecontentsdownoldJohn’sthroat。MrWilletfeeblysmackedhislips，thrusthishandintohispocket，andinquiredwhatwastopay;adding，ashelookedvacantlyround，thathebelievedtherewasatrifleofbrokenglass——
’He’soutofhissensesforthetime，it’smybelief，’saidHugh，aftershakinghim，withoutanyvisibleeffectuponhissystem，untilhiskeysrattledinhispocket。’Where’sthatDennis？’
Thewordwasagainpassed，andpresentlyMrDennis，withalongcordboundabouthismiddle，somethingafterthemannerofafriar，camehurryingin，attendedbyabody-guardofhalf-a-dozenofhismen。
’Come！Bealivehere！’criedHugh，stampinghisfootupontheground。’Makehaste！’
Dennis，withawinkandanod，unwoundthecordfromabouthisperson，andraisinghiseyestotheceiling，lookedalloverit，androundthewallsandcornice，withacuriouseye;thenshookhishead。
’Move，man，can’tyou！’criedHugh，withanotherimpatientstampofhisfoot。’Arewetowaithere，tillthecryhasgonefortenmilesround，andourwork’sinterrupted？’
’It’sallveryfinetalking，brother，’answeredDennis，steppingtowardshim;’butunless——’andherehewhisperedinhisear——
’unlesswedoitoverthedoor，itcan’tbedoneatallinthishereroom。’
’Whatcan’t？’Hughdemanded。
’Whatcan’t！’retortedDennis。’Why，theoldmancan’t。’
’Why，youweren’tgoingtohanghim！’criedHugh。
’No，brother？’returnedthehangmanwithastare。’Whatelse？’
Hughmadenoanswer，butsnatchingtheropefromhiscompanion’shand，proceededtobindoldJohnhimself;buthisveryfirstmovewassobunglingandunskilful，thatMrDennisentreated，almostwithtearsinhiseyes，thathemightbepermittedtoperformtheduty。Hughconsenting，beachieveditinatwinkling。
’There，’hesaid，lookingmournfullyatJohnWillet，whodisplayednomoreemotioninhisbondsthanhehadshownoutofthem。
’That’swhatIcallprettyandworkmanlike。He’squiteapicternow。But，brother，justawordwithyou——nowthathe’sreadytrussed，asonemaysay，wouldn’titbebetterforallpartiesifwewastoworkhimoff？Itwouldreaduncommonwellinthenewspapers，itwouldindeed。Thepublicwouldthinkagreatdealmoreonus！’
Hugh，inferringwhathiscompanionmeant，ratherfromhisgesturesthanhistechnicalmodeofexpressinghimselftowhich，ashewasignorantofhiscalling，hewantedtheclue，rejectedthispropositionforthesecondtime，andgavetheword’Forward！’whichwasechoedbyahundredvoicesfromwithout。
’TotheWarren！’shoutedDennisasheranout，followedbytherest。’Awitness’shouse，mylads！’
Aloudyellfollowed，andthewholethronghurriedoff，madforpillageanddestruction。Hughlingeredbehindforafewmomentstostimulatehimselfwithmoredrink，andtosetallthetapsrunning，afewofwhichhadaccidentallybeenspared;then，glancingroundthedespoiledandplunderedroom，throughwhoseshatteredwindowtheriotershadthrusttheMaypoleitself，——foreventhathadbeensawndown，——lightedatorch，clappedthemuteandmotionlessJohnWilletontheback，andwavinghislightabovehishead，andutteringafierceshout，hastenedafterhiscompanions。
Chapter55
JohnWillet，leftaloneinhisdismantledbar，continuedtositstaringabouthim;awakeastohiseyes，certainly，butwithallhispowersofreasonandreflectioninasoundanddreamlesssleep。Helookedroundupontheroomwhichhadbeenforyears，andwaswithinanhourago，theprideofhisheart;andnotamuscleofhisfacewasmoved。Thenight，without，lookedblackandcoldthroughthedrearygapsinthecasement;thepreciousliquids，nownearlyleakedaway，drippedwithahollowsounduponthefloor;
theMaypolepeeredruefullyinthroughthebrokenwindow，likethebowspritofawreckedship;thegroundmighthavebeenthebottomofthesea，itwassostrewnwithpreciousfragments。Currentsofairrushedin，astheolddoorsjarredandcreakedupontheirhinges;thecandlesflickeredandguttereddown，andmadelongwinding-sheets;thecheerydeep-redcurtainsflappedandflutteredidlyinthewind;eventhestoutDutchkegs，overthrownandlyingemptyindarkcorners，seemedthemerehusksofgoodfellowswhosejollityhaddeparted，andwhocouldkindlewithafriendlyglownomore。Johnsawthisdesolation，andyetsawitnot。Hewasperfectlycontentedtositthere，staringatit，andfeltnomoreindignationordiscomfortinhisbondsthaniftheyhadbeenrobesofhonour。Sofarashewaspersonallyconcerned，oldTimelaysnoring，andtheworldstoodstill。
Saveforthedrippingfromthebarrels，therustlingofsuchlightfragmentsofdestructionasthewindaffected，andthedullcreakingoftheopendoors，allwasprofoundlyquiet:indeed，thesesounds，likethetickingofthedeath-watchinthenight，onlymadethesilencetheyinvadeddeeperandmoreapparent。Butquietornoisy，itwasallonetoJohn。Ifatrainofheavyartillerycouldhavecomeupandcommencedballpracticeoutsidethewindow，itwouldhavebeenallthesametohim。Hewasalongwaybeyondsurprise。Aghostcouldn’thaveovertakenhim。
Byandbyheheardafootstep——ahurried，andyetcautiousfootstep——comingontowardsthehouse。Itstopped，advancedagain，thenseemedtogoquiteroundit。Havingdonethat，itcamebeneaththewindow，andaheadlookedin。
Itwasstronglyrelievedagainstthedarknessoutsidebytheglareofthegutteringcandles。Apale，worn，witheredface;theeyes——
butthatwasowingtoitsgauntcondition——unnaturallylargeandbright;thehair，agrizzledblack。Itgaveasearchingglanceallroundtheroom，andadeepvoicesaid:
’Areyoualoneinthishouse？’
Johnmadenosign，thoughthequestionwasrepeatedtwice，andhehearditdistinctly。Afteramoment’spause，themangotinatthewindow。Johnwasnotatallsurprisedatthis，either。Therehadbeensomuchgettinginandoutofwindowinthecourseofthelasthourorso，thathehadquiteforgottenthedoor，andseemedtohavelivedamongsuchexercisesfrominfancy。
Themanworealarge，dark，fadedcloak，andaslouchedhat;hewalkedupclosetoJohn，andlookedathim。Johnreturnedthecomplimentwithinterest。
’Howlonghaveyoubeensittingthus？’saidtheman。
Johnconsidered，butnothingcameofit。
’Whichwayhavethepartygone？’
Somewanderingspeculationsrelativetothefashionofthestranger’sboots，gotintoMrWillet’smindbysomeaccidentorother，buttheygotoutagaininahurry，andlefthiminhisformerstate。
’Youwoulddowelltospeak，’saidtheman;’youmaykeepawholeskin，thoughyouhavenothingelseleftthatcanbehurt。Whichwayhavethepartygone？’
’That！’saidJohn，findinghisvoiceallatonce，andnoddingwithperfectgoodfaith——hecouldn’tpoint;hewassotightlybound——inexactlytheoppositedirectiontotherightone。
’Youlie！’saidthemanangrily，andwithathreateninggesture。
’Icamethatway。Youwouldbetrayme。’
ItwassoevidentthatJohn’simperturbabilitywasnotassumed，butwastheresultofthelateproceedingsunderhisroof，thatthemanstayedhishandintheveryactofstrikinghim，andturnedaway。
Johnlookedafterhimwithoutsomuchasatwitchinasinglenerveofhisface。Heseizedaglass，andholdingitunderoneofthelittlecasksuntilafewdropswerecollected，drankthemgreedilyoff;thenthrowingitdownuponthefloorimpatiently，hetookthevesselinhishandsanddraineditintohisthroat。Somescrapsofbreadandmeatwerescatteredabout，andonthesehefellnext;
eatingthemwithvoracity，andpausingeverynowandthentolistenforsomefanciednoiseoutside。Whenhehadrefreshedhimselfinthismannerwithviolenthaste，andraisedanotherbarreltohislips，hepulledhishatuponhisbrowasthoughhewereabouttoleavethehouse，andturnedtoJohn。
’Whereareyourservants？’
MrWilletindistinctlyrememberedtohaveheardtherioterscallingtothemtothrowthekeyoftheroominwhichtheywere，outofwindow，fortheirkeeping。Hethereforereplied，’Lockedup。’
’Wellforthemiftheyremainquiet，andwellforyouifyoudothelike，’saidtheman。’Nowshowmethewaythepartywent。’
ThistimeMrWilletindicateditcorrectly。Themanwashurryingtothedoor，whensuddenlytherecametowardsthemonthewind，theloudandrapidtollingofanalarm-bell，andthenabrightandvividglarestreamedup，whichillumined，notonlythewholechamber，butallthecountry。
Itwasnotthesuddenchangefromdarknesstothisdreadfullight，itwasnotthesoundofdistantshrieksandshoutsoftriumph，itwasnotthisdreadinvasionoftheserenityandpeaceofnight，thatdrovethemanbackasthoughathunderbolthadstruckhim。ItwastheBell。Iftheghastliestshapethehumanmindhaseverpicturedinitswildestdreamshadrisenupbeforehim，hecouldnothavestaggeredbackwardfromitstouch，ashedidfromthefirstsoundofthatloudironvoice。Witheyesthatstartedfromhishead，hislimbsconvulsed，hisfacemosthorribletosee，heraisedonearmhighupintotheair，andholdingsomethingvisionarybackanddown，withhisotherhand，droveatitasthoughheheldaknifeandstabbedittotheheart。Heclutchedhishair，andstoppedhisears，andtravelledmadlyroundandround;thengaveafrightfulcry，andwithitrushedaway:still，still，theBelltolledonandseemedtofollowhim——louderandlouder，hotterandhotteryet。Theglaregrewbrighter，theroarofvoicesdeeper;thecrashofheavybodiesfalling，shooktheair;brightstreamsofsparksroseupintothesky;butlouderthanthemall——
risingfasterfar，toHeaven——amilliontimesmorefierceandfurious——pouringforthdreadfulsecretsafteritslongsilence——
speakingthelanguageofthedead——theBell——theBell！
Whathuntofspectrescouldsurpassthatdreadpursuitandflight！
Hadtherebeenalegionofthemonhistrack，hecouldhavebetterborneit。Theywouldhavehadabeginningandanend，buthereallspacewasfull。Theonepursuingvoicewaseverywhere:itsoundedintheearth，theair;shookthelonggrass，andhowledamongthetremblingtrees。Theechoescaughtitup，theowlshootedasitflewuponthebreeze，thenightingalewassilentandhidherselfamongthethickestboughs:itseemedtogoadandurgetheangryfire，andlashitintomadness;everythingwassteepedinoneprevailingred;theglowwaseverywhere;naturewasdrenchedinblood:stilltheremorselesscryingofthatawfulvoice——theBell，theBell！
Itceased;butnotinhisears。Theknellwasathisheart。Noworkofmanhadevervoicelikethatwhichsoundedthere，andwarnedhimthatitcriedunceasinglytoHeaven。Whocouldhearthathell，andnotknowwhatitsaid！Therewasmurderinitseverynote——cruel，relentless，savagemurder——themurderofaconfidingman，byonewhoheldhiseverytrust。Itsringingsummonedphantomsfromtheirgraves。Whatfacewasthat，inwhichafriendlysmilechangedtoalookofhalfincreduloushorror，whichstiffenedforamomentintooneofpain，thenchangedagainintoanimploringglanceatHeaven，andsofellidlydownwithupturnedeyes，likethedeadstags’hehadoftenpeepedatwhenalittlechild:shrinkingandshuddering——therewasadreadfulthingtothinkofnow！——andclingingtoanapronashelooked！Hesankupontheground，andgrovellingdownasifhewoulddighimselfaplacetohidein，coveredhisfaceandears:butno，no，no，——ahundredwallsandroofsofbrasswouldnotshutoutthatbell，forinitspokethewrathfulvoiceofGod，andfromthatvoice，thewholewideuniversecouldnotaffordarefuge！
Whileherushedupanddown，notknowingwheretoturn，andwhilehelaycrouchingthere，theworkwentbrisklyonindeed。WhentheylefttheMaypole，theriotersformedintoasolidbody，andadvancedataquickpacetowardstheWarren。Rumouroftheirapproachhavinggonebefore，theyfoundthegarden-doorsfastclosed，thewindowsmadesecure，andthehouseprofoundlydark:notalightbeingvisibleinanyportionofthebuilding。Aftersomefruitlessringingatthebells，andbeatingattheirongates，theydrewoffafewpacestoreconnoitre，andconferuponthecourseitwouldbebesttotake。
Verylittleconferencewasneeded，whenallwerebentupononedesperatepurpose，infuriatedwithliquor，andflushedwithsuccessfulriot。Thewordbeinggiventosurroundthehouse，someclimbedthegates，ordroppedintotheshallowtrenchandscaledthegardenwall，whileotherspulleddownthesolidironfence，andwhiletheymadeabreachtoenterby，madedeadlyweaponsofthebars。Thehousebeingcompletelyencircled，asmallnumberofmenweredespatchedtobreakopenatool-shedinthegarden;andduringtheirabsenceonthiserrand，theremaindercontentedthemselveswithknockingviolentlyatthedoors，andcallingtothosewithin，tocomedownandopenthemonperiloftheirlives。
Noanswerbeingreturnedtothisrepeatedsummons，andthedetachmentwhohadbeensentaway，comingbackwithanaccessionofpickaxes，spades，andhoes，they，——togetherwiththosewhohadsucharmsalready，orcarriedasmanydidaxes，poles，andcrowbars，——
struggledintotheforemostrank，readytobesetthedoorsandwindows。Theyhadnotatthistimemorethanadozenlightedtorchesamongthem;butwhenthesepreparationswerecompleted，flaminglinksweredistributedandpassedfromhandtohandwithsuchrapidity，that，inaminute’stime，atleasttwo-thirdsofthewholeroaringmassbore，eachmaninhishand，ablazingbrand。
Whirlingtheseabouttheirheadstheyraisedaloudshout，andfelltoworkuponthedoorsandwindows。
Amidsttheclatteringofheavyblows，therattlingofbrokenglass，thecriesandexecrationsofthemob，andallthedinandturmoilofthescene，Hughandhisfriendskepttogetherattheturret-doorwhereMrHaredalehadlastadmittedhimandoldJohnWillet;andspenttheirunitedforceonthat。Itwasastrongoldoakendoor，guardedbygoodboltsandaheavybar，butitsoonwentcrashinginuponthenarrowstairsbehind，andmade，asitwere，aplatformtofacilitatetheirtearingupintotheroomsabove。Almostatthesamemoment，adozenotherpointswereforced，andateveryonethecrowdpouredinlikewater。
Afewarmedservant-menwerepostedinthehall，andwhentheriotersforcedanentrancethere，theyfiredsomehalf-a-dozenshots。Butthesetakingnoeffect，andtheconcoursecomingonlikeanarmyofdevils，theyonlythoughtofconsultingtheirownsafety，andretreated，echoingtheirassailants’cries，andhopingintheconfusiontobetakenforriotersthemselves;inwhichstratagemtheysucceeded，withtheexceptionofoneoldmanwhowasneverheardofagain，andwassaidtohavehadhisbrainsbeatenoutwithanironbaroneofhisfellowsreportedthathehadseentheoldmanfall，andtohavebeenafterwardsburntintheflames。
Thebesiegersbeingnowincompletepossessionofthehouse，spreadthemselvesoveritfromgarrettocellar，andpliedtheirdemonlaboursfiercely。Whilesomesmallpartieskindledbonfiresunderneaththewindows，othersbrokeupthefurnitureandcastthefragmentsdowntofeedtheflamesbelow;wheretheaperturesinthewallwindowsnolongerwerelargeenough，theythrewouttables，chestsofdrawers，beds，mirrors，pictures，andflungthemwholeintothefire;whileeveryfreshadditiontotheblazingmasseswasreceivedwithshouts，andhowls，andyells，whichaddednewanddismalterrorstotheconflagration。Thosewhohadaxesandhadspenttheirfuryonthemovables，choppedandtoredownthedoorsandwindowframes，brokeuptheflooring，hewedawaytherafters，andburiedmenwholingeredintheupperrooms，inheapsofruins。Somesearchedthedrawers，thechests，theboxes，writing-desks，andclosets，forjewels，plate，andmoney;whileothers，lessmindfulofgainandmoremadfordestruction，casttheirwholecontentsintothecourtyardwithoutexamination，andcalledtothosebelow，toheapthemontheblaze。Menwhohadbeenintothecellars，andhadstavedthecasks，rushedtoandfrostarkmad，settingfiretoalltheysaw——oftentothedressesoftheirownfriends——andkindlingthebuildinginsomanypartsthatsomehadnotimeforescape，andwereseen，withdroopinghandsandblackenedfaces，hangingsenselessonthewindow-sillstowhichtheyhadcrawled，untiltheyweresuckedanddrawnintotheburninggulf。Themorethefirecrackledandraged，thewilderandmorecruelthemengrew;asthoughmovinginthatelementtheybecamefiends，andchangedtheirearthlynatureforthequalitiesthatgivedelightinhell。
Theburningpile，revealingroomsandpassagesredhot，throughgapsmadeinthecrumblingwalls;thetributaryfiresthatlickedtheouterbricksandstones，withtheirlongforkedtongues，andranuptomeettheglowingmasswithin;theshiningoftheflamesuponthevillainswholookedonandfedthem;theroaringoftheangryblaze，sobrightandhighthatitseemedinitsrapacitytohaveswalloweduptheverysmoke;thelivingflakesthewindborerapidlyawayandhurriedonwith，likeastormoffierysnow;thenoiselessbreakingofgreatbeamsofwood，whichfelllikefeathersontheheapofashes，andcrumbledintheveryacttosparksandpowder;theluridtingethatoverspreadthesky，andthedarkness，verydeepbycontrast，whichprevailedaround;theexposuretothecoarse，commongaze，ofeverylittlenookwhichusagesofhomehadmadeasacredplace，andthedestructionbyrudehandsofeverylittlehouseholdfavouritewhicholdassociationsmadeadearandpreciousthing:allthistakingplace——notamongpityinglooksandfriendlymurmursofcompassion，butbrutalshoutsandexultations，whichseemedtomaketheveryratswhostoodbytheoldhousetoolong，creatureswithsomeclaimuponthepityandregardofthoseitsroofhadsheltered:——combinedtoformascenenevertobeforgottenbythosewhosawitandwerenotactorsinthework，solongaslifeendured。
Andwhowerethey？Thealarm-bellrang——anditwaspulledbynofaintorhesitatinghands——foralongtime;butnotasoulwasseen。Someoftheinsurgentssaidthatwhenitceased，theyheardtheshrieksofwomen，andsawsomegarmentsflutteringintheair，asapartyofmenboreawaynounresistingburdens。Noonecouldsaythatthiswastrueorfalse，insuchanuproar;butwherewasHugh？Whoamongthemhadseenhim，sincetheforcingofthedoors？
Thecryspreadthroughthebody。WherewasHugh！
’Here！’hehoarselycried，appearingfromthedarkness;outofbreath，andblackenedwiththesmoke。’Wehavedoneallwecan;
thefireisburningitselfout;andeventhecornerswhereithasn’tspread，arenothingbutheapsofruins。Disperse，mylads，whilethecoast’sclear;getbackbydifferentways;andmeetasusual！’Withthat，hedisappearedagain，——contrarytohiswont，forhewasalwaysfirsttoadvance，andlasttogoaway，——leavingthemtofollowhomewardsastheywould。
Itwasnotaneasytasktodrawoffsuchathrong。IfBedlamgateshadbeenflungwideopen，therewouldnothaveissuedforthsuchmaniacsasthefrenzyofthatnighthadmade。Therewerementhere，whodancedandtrampledonthebedsofflowersasthoughtheytroddownhumanenemies，andwrenchedthemfromthestalks，likesavageswhotwistedhumannecks。Thereweremenwhocasttheirlightedtorchesintheair，andsufferedthemtofallupontheirheadsandfaces，blisteringtheskinwithdeepunseemlyburns。Thereweremenwhorusheduptothefire，andpaddledinitwiththeirhandsasifinwater;andotherswhowererestrainedbyforcefromplungingin，togratifytheirdeadlylonging。Ontheskullofonedrunkenlad——nottwenty，byhislooks——wholayuponthegroundwithabottletohismouth，theleadfromtheroofcamestreamingdowninashowerofliquidfire，whitehot;meltinghisheadlikewax。Whenthescatteredpartieswerecollected，men——
livingyet，butsingedaswithhotirons——werepluckedoutofthecellars，andcarriedoffupontheshouldersofothers，whostrovetowakethemastheywentalong，withribaldjokes，andleftthem，dead，inthepassagesofhospitals。Butofallthehowlingthrongnotonelearntmercyfrom，orsickenedat，thesesights;norwasthefierce，besotted，senselessrageofonemanglutted。
Slowly，andinsmallclusters，withhoarsehurrahsandrepetitionsoftheirusualcry，theassemblydroppedaway。Thelastfewred-
eyedstragglersreeledafterthosewhohadgonebefore;thedistantnoiseofmencallingtoeachother，andwhistlingforotherswhomtheymissed，grewfainterandfainter;atlengtheventhesesoundsdiedaway，andsilencereignedalone。
Silenceindeed！Theglareoftheflameshadsunkintoafitful，flashinglight;andthegentlestars，invisibletillnow，lookeddownupontheblackeningheap。Adullsmokehungupontheruin，asthoughtohideitfromthoseeyesofHeaven;andthewindforboretomoveit。Barewalls，roofopentothesky——chambers，wherethebeloveddeadhad，manyandmanyafairday，risentonewlifeandenergy;wheresomanydearoneshadbeensadandmerry;whichwereconnectedwithsomanythoughtsandhopes，regretsandchanges——allgone。Nothingleftbutadullanddrearyblank——asmoulderingheapofdustandashes——thesilenceandsolitudeofutterdesolation。
Chapter56
TheMaypolecronies，littledrearningofthechangesosoontocomeupontheirfavouritehaunt，struckthroughtheForestpathupontheirwaytoLondon;andavoidingthemainroad，whichwashotanddusty，kepttotheby-pathsandthefields。Astheydrewnearertotheirdestination，theybegantomakeinquiriesofthepeoplewhomtheypassed，concerningtheriots，andthetruthorfalsehoodofthestoriestheyhadheard。TheanswerswentfarbeyondanyintelligencethathadspreadtoquietChigwell。OnemantoldthemthatthatafternoontheGuards，conveyingtoNewgatesomerioterswhohadbeenre-examined，hadbeensetuponbythemobandcompelledtoretreat;another，thatthehousesoftwowitnessesnearClareMarketwereabouttobepulleddownwhenhecameaway;
another，thatSirGeorgeSaville’shouseinLeicesterFieldswastobeburnedthatnight，andthatitwouldgohardwithSirGeorgeifhefellintothepeople’shands，asitwashewhohadbroughtintheCatholicbill。Allaccountsagreedthatthemobwereout，instrongernumbersandmorenumerouspartiesthanhadyetappeared;
thatthestreetswereunsafe;thatnoman’shouseorlifewasworthanhour’spurchase;thatthepublicconsternationwasincreasingeverymoment;andthatmanyfamilieshadalreadyfledthecity。
Onefellowwhoworethepopularcolour，damnedthemfornothavingcockadesintheirhats，andbadethemsetagoodwatchto-morrownightupontheirprisondoors，forthelockswouldhaveastraining;anotheraskediftheywerefire-proof，thattheywalkedabroadwithoutthedistinguishingmarkofallgoodandtruemen;——andathirdwhorodeonhorseback，andwasquitealone，orderedthemtothroweachmanashilling，inhishat，towardsthesupportoftherioters。Althoughtheywereafraidtorefusecompliancewiththisdemand，andweremuchalarmedbythesereports，theyagreed，havingcomesofar，togoforward，andseetherealstateofthingswiththeirowneyes。Sotheypushedonquicker，asmendowhoareexcitedbyportentousnews;andruminatingonwhattheyhadheard，spokelittletoeachother。
Itwasnownight，andastheycamenearertothecitytheyhaddismalconfirmationofthisintelligenceinthreegreatfires，allclosetogether，whichburntfiercelyandweregloomilyreflectedinthesky。Arrivingintheimmediatesuburbs，theyfoundthatalmosteveryhousehadchalkeduponitsdoorinlargecharacters’NoPopery，’thattheshopswereshut，andthatalarmandanxietyweredepictedineveryfacetheypassed。
Notingthesethingswithadegreeofapprehensionwhichneitherofthethreecaredtoimpart，initsfullextent，tohiscompanions，theycametoaturnpike-gate，whichwasshut。Theywerepassingthroughtheturnstileonthepath，whenahorsemanrodeupfromLondonatahardgallop，andcalledtothetoll-keeperinavoiceofgreatagitation，toopenquicklyinthenameofGod。
Theadjurationwassoearnestandvehement，thattheman，withalanterninhishand，camerunningout——toll-keeperthoughhewas——
andwasabouttothrowthegateopen，whenhappeningtolookbehindhim，heexclaimed，’GoodHeaven，what’sthat！Anotherfire！’
Atthis，thethreeturnedtheirheads，andsawinthedistance——
straightinthedirectionwhencetheyhadcome——abroadsheetofflame，castingathreateninglightupontheclouds，whichglimmeredasthoughtheconflagrationwerebehindthem，andshowedlikeawrathfulsunset。
’Mymindmisgivesme，’saidthehorseman，’orIknowfromwhatfarbuildingthoseflamescome。Don’tstandaghast，mygoodfellow。
Openthegate！’
’Sir，’criedtheman，layinghishanduponhishorse’sbridleashelethimthrough:’Iknowyounow，sir;beadvisedbyme;donotgoon。Isawthempass，andknowwhatkindofmentheyare。Youwillbemurdered。’
’Sobeit！’saidthehorseman，lookingintentlytowardsthefire，andnotathimwhospoke。
’Butsir——sir，’criedtheman，graspingathisreinmoretightlyyet，’ifyoudogoon，weartheblueriband。Here，sir，’headded，takingonefromhisownhat，’it’snecessity，notchoice，thatmakesmewearit;it’sloveoflifeandhome，sir。Wearitforthisonenight，sir;onlyforthisonenight。’
’Do！’criedthethreefriends，pressingroundhishorse。’MrHaredale——worthysir——goodgentleman——praybepersuaded。’
’Who’sthat？’criedMrHaredale，stoopingdowntolook。’DidI
hearDaisy’svoice？’
’Youdid，sir，’criedthelittleman。’Dobepersuaded，sir。Thisgentlemansaysverytrue。Yourlifemayhanguponit。’
’Areyou，’saidMrHaredaleabruptly，’afraidtocomewithme？’
’I，sir？——N-n-no。’
’Putthatribandinyourhat。Ifwemeettherioters，swearthatI
tookyouprisonerforwearingit。Iwilltellthemsowithmyownlips;forasIhopeformercywhenIdie，Iwilltakenoquarterfromthem，norshalltheyhavequarterfromme，ifwecomehandtohandto-night。Uphere——behindme——quick！Claspmetightroundthebody，andfearnothing。’
Inaninstanttheywereridingaway，atfullgallop，inadensecloudofdust，andspeedingon，likehuntersinadream。
Itwaswellthegoodhorseknewtheroadhetraversed，forneveronce——no，neveronceinallthejourney——didMrHaredalecasthiseyesupontheground，orturnthem，foraninstant，fromthelighttowardswhichtheyspedsomadly。Oncehesaidinalowvoice，’Itismyhouse，’butthatwastheonlytimehespoke。Whentheycametodarkanddoubtfulplaces，heneverforgottoputhishanduponthelittlemantoholdhimmoresecurelyinhisseat，buthekepthisheaderectandhiseyesfixedonthefire，then，andalways。
Theroadwasdangerousenough，fortheywentthenearestway——
headlong——farfromthehighway——bylonelylanesandpaths，wherewaggon-wheelshadworndeepruts;wherehedgeandditchhemmedinthenarrowstripofground;andtalltrees，archingoverhead，madeitprofoundlydark。Buton，on，on，withneitherstopnorstumble，tilltheyreachedtheMaypoledoor，andcouldplainlyseethatthefirebegantofade，asifforwantoffuel。
’Down——foronemoment——forbutonemoment，’saidMrHaredale，helpingDaisytotheground，andfollowinghimself。’Willet——
Willet——wherearemynieceandservants——Willet！’
Cryingtohimdistractedly，herushedintothebar——Thelandlordboundandfastenedtohischair;theplacedismantled，stripped，andpulledabouthisears;——nobodycouldhavetakenshelterhere。
Hewasastrongman，accustomedtorestrainhimself，andsuppresshisstrongemotions;butthispreparationforwhatwastofollow——
thoughhehadseenthatfireburning，andknewthathishousemustberazedtotheground——wasmorethanhecouldbear。Hecoveredhisfacewithhishandsforamoment，andturnedawayhishead。
’Johnny，Johnny，’saidSolomon——andthesimple-heartedfellowcriedoutright，andwrunghishands——’OhdearoldJohnny，here’sachange！ThattheMaypolebarshouldcometothis，andweshouldlivetoseeit！TheoldWarrentoo，Johnny——MrHaredale——oh，Johnny，whatapiteoussightthisis！’
PointingtoMrHaredaleashesaidthesewords，littleSolomonDaisyputhiselbowsonthebackofMrWillet’schair，andfairlyblubberedonhisshoulder。
WhileSolomonwasspeaking，oldJohnsat，muteasastock-fish，staringathimwithanunearthlyglare，anddisplaying，byeverypossiblesymptom，entireandcompleteunconsciousness。ButwhenSolomonwassilentagain，Johnfollowed，withhisgreatroundeyes，thedirectionofhislooks，anddidappeartohavesomedawningdistantnotionthatsomebodyhadcometoseehim。
’Youknowus，don’tyou，Johnny？’saidthelittleclerk，rappinghimselfonthebreast。’Daisy，youknow——ChigwellChurch——bell-
ringer——littledeskonSundays——eh，Johnny？’
MrWilletreflectedforafewmoments，andthenmuttered，asitweremechanically:’Letussingtothepraiseandgloryof——’
’Yes，tobesure，’criedthelittleman，hastily;’that’sit——
that’sme，Johnny。You’reallrightnow，an’tyou？Sayyou’reallright，Johnny。’
’Allright？’ponderedMrWillet，asifthatwereamatterentirelybetweenhimselfandhisconscience。’Allright？Ah！’
’Theyhaven’tbeenmisusingyouwithsticks，orpokers，oranyotherbluntinstruments——havethey，Johnny？’askedSolomon，withaveryanxiousglanceatMrWillet’shead。’Theydidn’tbeatyou，didthey？’
Johnknittedhisbrow;lookeddownwards，asifhewerementallyengagedinsomearithmeticalcalculation;thenupwards，asifthetotalwouldnotcomeathiscall;thenatSolomonDaisy，fromhiseyebrowtohisshoe-buckle;thenveryslowlyroundthebar。Andthenagreat，round，leaden-looking，andnotatalltransparenttear，camerollingoutofeacheye，andhesaid，asheshookhishead:
’Ifthey’donlyhadthegoodnesstomurderme，I’dhavethanked’emkindly。’
’No，no，no，don’tsaythat，Johnny，’whimperedhislittlefriend。
’It’svery，verybad，butnotquitesobadasthat。No，no！’
’Look’eehere，sir！’criedJohn，turninghisruefuleyesonMrHaredale，whohaddroppedononeknee，andwashastilybeginningtountiehisbonds。’Look’eehere，sir！TheveryMaypole——theolddumbMaypole——staresinatthewinder，asifitsaid，“JohnWillet，JohnWillet，let’sgoandpitchourselvesinthenighestpoolofwaterasisdeepenoughtoholdus;forourdayisover！“’
’Don’t，Johnny，don’t，’criedhisfriend:nolessaffectedwiththismournfuleffortofMrWillet’simagination，thanbythesepulchraltoneinwhichhehadspokenoftheMaypole。’Pleasedon’t，Johnny！’
’Yourlossisgreat，andyourmisfortuneaheavyone，’saidMrHaredale，lookingrestlesslytowardsthedoor:’andthisisnotatimetocomfortyou。Ifitwere，Iaminnoconditiontodoso。
BeforeIleaveyou，tellmeonething，andtrytotellmeplainly，Iimploreyou。Haveyouseen，orheardofEmma？’
’No！’saidMrWillet。
’Noranyonebutthesebloodhounds？’
’No！’
’Theyrodeaway，ItrustinHeaven，beforethesedreadfulscenesbegan，’saidMrHaredale，who，betweenhisagitation，hiseagernesstomounthishorseagain，andthedexteritywithwhichthecordsweretied，hadscarcelyyetundoneoneknot。’Aknife，Daisy！’
’Youdidn’t，’saidJohn，lookingabout，asthoughhehadlosthispocket-handkerchief，orsomesuchslightarticle——’eitherofyougentlemen——seea——acoffinanywheres，didyou？’
’Willet！’criedMrHaredale。Solomondroppedtheknife，andinstantlybecominglimpfromheadtofoot，exclaimed’Goodgracious！’
’——Because，’saidJohn，notatallregardingthem，’adeadmancalledalittletimeago，onhiswayyonder。Icouldhavetoldyouwhatnamewasontheplate，ifhehadbroughthiscoffinwithhim，andleftitbehind。Ifhedidn’t，itdon’tsignify。’
Hislandlord，whohadlistenedtothesewordswithbreathlessattention，startedthatmomenttohisfeet;and，withoutaword，drewSolomonDaisytothedoor，mountedhishorse，tookhimupbehindagain，andflewratherthangallopedtowardsthepileofruins，whichthatday’ssunhadshoneupon，astatelyhouse。MrWilletstaredafterthem，listened，lookeddownuponhimselftomakequitesurethathewasstillunbound，and，withoutanymanifestationofimpatience，disappointment，orsurprise，gentlyrelapsedintotheconditionfromwhichhehadsoimperfectlyrecovered。
MrHaredaletiedhishorsetothetrunkofatree，andgraspinghiscompanion’sarm，stolesoftlyalongthefootpath，andintowhathadbeenthegardenofhishouse。Hestoppedforaninstanttolookuponitssmokingwalls，andatthestarsthatshonethroughroofandfloorupontheheapofcrumblingashes。Solomonglancedtimidlyinhisface，buthislipsweretightlypressedtogether，aresoluteandsternexpressionsatuponhisbrow，andnotatear，alook，orgestureindicatinggrief，escapedhim。
Hedrewhissword;feltforamomentinhisbreast，asthoughhecarriedotherarmsabouthim;thengraspingSolomonbythewristagain，wentwithacautiousstepallroundthehouse。Helookedintoeverydoorwayandgapinthewall;retracedhisstepsateveryrustlingoftheairamongtheleaves;andsearchedineveryshadowednookwithoutstretchedhands。Thustheymadethecircuitofthebuilding:buttheyreturnedtothespotfromwhichtheyhadsetout，withoutencounteringanyhumanbeing，orfindingtheleasttraceofanyconcealedstraggler。
Afterashortpause，MrHaredaleshoutedtwiceorthrice。Thencriedaloud，’Isthereanyoneinhidinghere，whoknowsmyvoice！
Thereisnothingtofearnow。Ifanyofmypeoplearenear，I
entreatthemtoanswer！’Hecalledthemallbyname;hisvoicewasechoedinmanymournfultones;thenallwassilentasbefore。
Theywerestandingnearthefootoftheturret，wherethealarm-
bellhung。Thefirehadragedthere，andthefloorshadbeensawn，andhewn，andbeatendown，besides。Itwasopentothenight;butapartofthestaircasestillremained，windingupwardfromagreatmoundofdustandcinders。Fragmentsofthejaggedandbrokenstepsofferedaninsecureandgiddyfootinghereandthere，andthenwerelostagain，behindprotrudinganglesofthewall，orinthedeepshadowscastuponitbyotherportionsoftheruin;forbythistimethemoonhadrisen，andshonebrightly。
Astheystoodhere，listeningtotheechoesastheydiedaway，andhopinginvaintohearavoicetheyknew，someoftheashesinthisturretslippedandrolleddown。Startledbytheleastnoiseinthatmelancholyplace，Solomonlookedupinhiscompanion’sface，andsawthathehadturnedtowardsthespot，andthathewatchedandlistenedkeenly。
Hecoveredthelittleman’smouthwithhishand，andlookedagain。
Instantly，withkindlingeyes，hebadehimonhislifekeepstill，andneitherspeaknormove。Thenholdinghisbreath，andstoopingdown，hestoleintotheturret，withhisdrawnswordinhishand，anddisappeared。
Terrifiedtobelefttherebyhimself，undersuchdesolatecircumstances，andafterallhehadseenandheardthatnight，Solomonwouldhavefollowed，buttherehadbeensomethinginMrHaredale’smannerandhislook，therecollectionofwhichheldhimspellbound。Hestoodrootedtothespot;andscarcelyventuringtobreathe，lookedupwithmingledfearandwonder。
Againtheashesslippedandrolled——very，verysoftly——again——andthenagain，asthoughtheycrumbledunderneaththetreadofastealthyfoot。Andnowafigurewasdimlyvisible;climbingverysoftly;andoftenstoppingtolookdown;nowitpursueditsdifficultway;andnowitwashiddenfromtheviewagain。
Itemergedoncemore，intotheshadowyanduncertainlight——highernow，butnotmuch，forthewaywassteepandtoilsome，anditsprogressveryslow。Whatphantomofthebraindidhepursue;andwhydidhelookdownsoconstantly？Heknewhewasalone。Surelyhismindwasnotaffectedbythatnight’slossandagony。Hewasnotabouttothrowhimselfheadlongfromthesummitofthetotteringwall。Solomonturnedsick，andclaspedhishands。Hislimbstrembledbeneathhim，andacoldsweatbrokeoutuponhispallidface。
IfhecompliedwithMrHaredale’slastinjunctionnow，itwasbecausehehadnotthepowertospeakormove。Hestrainedhisgaze，andfixeditonapatchofmoonlight，intowhich，ifhecontinuedtoascend，hemustsoonemerge。Whenheappearedthere，hewouldtrytocalltohim。
Againtheashesslippedandcrumbled;somestonesrolleddown，andfellwithadull，heavysounduponthegroundbelow。Hekepthiseyesuponthepieceofmoonlight。Thefigurewascomingon，foritsshadowwasalreadythrownuponthewall。Nowitappeared——andnowlookedroundathim——andnow——
Thehorror-strickenclerkutteredascreamthatpiercedtheair，andcried，’Theghost！Theghost！’
Longbeforetheechoofhiscryhaddiedaway，anotherformrushedoutintothelight，flungitselfupontheforemostone，kneltdownuponitsbreast，andclutcheditsthroatwithbothhands。
’Villain！’criedMrHaredale，inaterriblevoice——foritwashe。
’Deadandburied，asallmensupposedthroughyourinfernalarts，butreservedbyHeavenforthis——atlast——atlastIhaveyou。You，whosehandsareredwithmybrother’sblood，andthatofhisfaithfulservant，shedtoconcealyourownatrociousguilt——You，Rudge，doublemurdererandmonster，IarrestyouinthenameofGod，whohasdeliveredyouintomyhands。No。Thoughyouhadthestrengthoftwentymen，’headded，asthemurdererwrithedandstruggled，youcouldnotescapemeorloosenmygraspto-night！’
Chapter57
Barnaby，armedaswehaveseen，continuedtopaceupanddownbeforethestable-door;gladtobealoneagain，andheartilyrejoicingintheunaccustomedsilenceandtranquillity。Afterthewhirlofnoiseandriotinwhichthelasttwodayshadbeenpassed，thepleasuresofsolitudeandpeacewereenhancedathousandfold。
Hefeltquitehappy;andasheleaneduponhisstaffandmused，abrightsmileoverspreadhisface，andnonebutcheerfulvisionsfloatedintohisbrain。
Hadhenothoughtsofher，whosesoledelighthewas，andwhomhehadunconsciouslyplungedinsuchbittersorrowandsuchdeepaffliction？Oh，yes。Shewasattheheartofallhischeerfulhopesandproudreflections。Itwasshewhomallthishonouranddistinctionweretogladden;thejoyandprofitwereforher。Whatdelightitgavehertohearofthebraveryofherpoorboy！Ah！
Hewouldhaveknownthat，withoutHugh’stellinghim。Andwhatapreciousthingitwastoknowshelivedsohappily，andheardwithsomuchpridehepicturedtohimselfherlookwhentheytoldher
thathewasinsuchhighesteem:boldamongtheboldest，andtrustedbeforethemall！Andwhenthesefrayswereover，andthegoodlordhadconqueredhisenemies，andtheywereallatpeaceagain，andheandshewererich，whathappinesstheywouldhaveintalkingofthesetroubledtimeswhenhewasagreatsoldier:andwhentheysatalonetogetherinthetranquiltwilight，andshehadnolongerreasontobeanxiousforthemorrow，whatpleasurewouldhehaveinthereflectionthatthiswashisdoing——his——poorfoolishBarnaby’s;andinpattingheronthecheek，andsayingwithamerrylaugh，’AmIsillynow，mother——amIsillynow？’
Withalighterheartandstep，andeyesthebrighterforthehappytearthatdimmedthemforamoment，Barnabyresumedhiswalk;andsinginggailytohimself，keptguarduponhisquietpost。
HiscomradeGrip，thepartnerofhiswatch，thoughfondofbaskinginthesunshine，preferredto-daytowalkaboutthestable;havingagreatdealtodointhewayofscatteringthestraw，hidingunderitsuchsmallarticlesashadbeencasuallyleftabout，andhauntingHugh’sbed，towhichheseemedtohavetakenaparticularattachment。SometimesBarnabylookedinandcalledhim，andthenhecamehoppingout;buthemerelydidthisasaconcessiontohismaster’sweakness，andsoonreturnedagaintohisowngravepursuits:peeringintothestrawwithhisbill，andrapidlycoveringuptheplace，asif，Midas-like，hewerewhisperingsecretstotheearthandburyingthem;constantlybusyinghimselfuponthesly;andaffecting，wheneverBarnabycamepast，tolookupinthecloudsandhavenothingwhateveronhismind:inshort，conductinghimself，inmanyrespects，inamorethanusuallythoughtful，deep，andmysteriousmanner。
Asthedaycrepton，Barnaby，whohadnodirectionsforbiddinghimtoeatanddrinkuponhispost，buthadbeen，onthecontrary，suppliedwithabottleofbeerandabasketofprovisions，determinedtobreakhisfast，whichhehadnotdonesincemorning。
Tothisend，hesatdownonthegroundbeforethedoor，andputtinghisstaffacrosshiskneesincaseofalarmorsurprise，summonedGriptodinner。
Thiscall，thebirdobeyedwithgreatalacrity;crying，ashesidleduptohismaster，’I’madevil，I’maPolly，I’makettle，I’maProtestant，NoPopery！’Havinglearntthislattersentimentfromthegentryamongwhomhehadlivedoflate，hedelivereditwithuncommonemphasis。
’Wellsaid，Grip！’criedhismaster，ashefedhimwiththedaintiestbits。’Wellsaid，oldboy！’
’Neversaydie，bowwowwow，keepupyourspirits，GripGripGrip，Holloa！We’llallhavetea，I’maProtestantkettle，NoPopery！’
criedtheraven。
’Gordonforever，Grip！’criedBarnaby。