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