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　　`Touchthen。\'Itwastheturnofthemenderofroadstosayitthistime，afterobservingtheseoperations。Theyagainjoinedhands。

　　`To-night?\'saidthemenderofroads。

　　`To-night，\'saidtheman，puttingthepipeinhismouth。

　　`Where?\'

　　`Here。\'

　　Heandthemenderofroadssatontheheapofstoneslookingsilentlyatoneanother，withthehaildrivinginbetweenthemlikeapigmychargeofbayonets，untiltheskybegantoclearoverthevillage。

　　`Showme!\'saidthetravellerthen，movingtothebrowofthehill。

　　`See。\'returnedthemenderofroads，withextendedfinger。`Yougodownhere，andstraightthroughthestreet，andpastthefountain——

　　`TotheDevilwithallthat!\'interruptedtheother，rollinghiseyeoverthelandscape。`Igothroughnostreetsandpastnofountains。

　　Well?\'

　　`Well!Abouttwoleaguesbeyondthesummitofthathillabovethevillage。\'

　　`Good。Whendoyouceasetowork?\'

　　`Atsunset。\'

　　`Willyouwakeme，beforedeparting?Ihavewalkedtwonightswithoutresting。Letmefinishmypipe，andIshallsleeplikeachild。

　　Willyouwakeme?\'

　　`Surely。\'

　　Thewayfarersmokedhispipeout，putitinhisbreast，slippedoffhisgreatwoodenshoes，andlaydownonhisbackontheheapofstones。

　　Hewasfastasleepdirectly。

　　Astheroad-menderpliedhisdustylabour，andthehail-clouds，rollingaway，revealedbrightbarsandstreaksofskywhichwererespondedtobysilvergleamsuponthelandscape，thelittlemanwhoworearedcapnow，inplaceofhisblueoneseemedfascinatedbythefigureontheheapofstones。Hiseyesweresooftenturnedtowardsit，thatheusedhistoolsmechanically，and，onewouldhavesaid，toverypooraccount。

　　Thebronzeface，theshaggyblackhairandbeard，thecoarsewoollenredcap，theroughmedleydressofhome-spunstuffandhairyskinsofbeasts，thepowerfulframeattenuatedbyspareliving，andthesullenanddesperatecompressionofthelipsinsleep，inspiredthemenderofroadswithawe。

　　Thetravellerhadtravelledfar，andhisfeetwerefootsore，andhisankleschafedandbleeding；hisgreatshoes，stuffedwithleavesandgrass，hadbeenheavytodragoverthemanylongleagues，andhisclotheswerechafedintoholes，ashehimselfwasintosores。Stoopingdownbesidehim，theroad-mendertriedtogetapeepatsecretweaponsinhisbreastorwherenot；but，invain，forhesleptwithhisarmscrosseduponhim，andsetasresolutelyashislips。Fortifiedtownswiththeirstockades，guard-houses，gates，trenches，anddrawbridges，seemedtothemenderofroads，tobesomuchairasagainstthisfigure。Andwhenheliftedhiseyesfromittothehorizonandlookedaround，hesawinhissmallfancysimilarfigures，stoppedbynoobstacle，tendingtocentresalloverFrance。

　　Themanslepton，indifferenttoshowersofhailandintervalsofbrightness，tosunshineonhisfaceandshadow，tothepatteringlumpsofdulliceonhisbodyandthediamondsintowhichthesunchangedthem，untilthesunwaslowinthewest，andtheskywasglowing。Then，themenderofroadshavinggothistoolstogetherandallthingsreadytogodownintothevillage，rousedhim。

　　`Good!\'saidthesleeper，risingonhiselbow。`Twoleaguesbeyondthesummitofthehill?\'

　　`About。\'

　　`About。Good!\'

　　Themenderofroadswenthome，withthedustgoingonbeforehimaccordingtothesetofthewind，andwassoonatthefountain，squeezinghimselfinamongtheleankinebroughttheretodrink，andappearingeventowhispertotheminhiswhisperingtoallthevillage。Whenthevillagehadtakenitspoorsupper，itdidnotcreeptobed，asitusuallydid，butcameoutofdoorsagain，andremainedthere。Acuriouscontagionofwhisperingwasuponit，andalso，whenitgatheredtogetheratthefountaininthedark，anothercuriouscontagionoflookingexpectantlyattheskyinonedirectiononly。MonsieurGabelle，chieffunctionaryoftheplace，becameuneasy；wentoutonhishouse-topalone，andlookedinthatdirectiontoo；glanceddownfrombehindhischimneysatthedarkeningfacesbythefountainbelow，andsentwordtothesacristanwhokeptthekeysofthechurch，thattheremightbeneedtoringthetocsinby-and-by。

　　Thenightdeepened。Thetreesenvironingtheoldchateau，keepingitssolitarystateapart，movedinarisingwind，asthoughtheythreatenedthepileofbuildingmassiveanddarkinthegloom。Upthetwoterraceflightsofstepstherainranwildly，andbeatatthegreatdoor，likeaswiftmessengerrousingthosewithin；uneasyrushesofwindwentthroughthehall，amongtheoldspearsandknives，andpassedlamentingupthestairs，andshookthecurtainsofthebedwherethelastMarquishadslept。

　　East，West，North，andSouth，throughthewoods，fourheavy-treading，unkemptfigurescrushedthehighgrassandcrackedthebranches，stridingoncautiouslytocometogetherinthecourtyard。Fourlightsbrokeoutthere，andmovedawayindifferentdirections，andallwasblackagain。

　　But，notforlong。Presently，thech&acirc；teaubegantomakeitselfstrangelyvisiblebysomelightofitsown，asthoughitweregrowingluminous。Then，aflickeringstreakplayedbehindthearchitectureofthefront，pickingouttransparentplaces，andshowingwherebalustrades，arches，andwindowswere。Thenitsoaredhigher，andgrewbroaderandbrighter。

　　Soon，fromascoreofthegreatwindows，flamesburstforth，andthestonefacesawakened，staredoutoffire。

　　Afaintmurmuraroseaboutthehousefromthefewpeoplewhowereleftthere，andtherewasasaddlingofahorseandridingaway。Therewasspurringandsplashingthroughthedarkness，andbridlewasdrawninthespacebythevillagefountain，andthehorseinafoamstoodatMonsieurGabelle\'sdoor。`Help，Gabelle!Help，everyone!\'Thetocsinrangimpatiently，butotherhelpifthatwereanytherewasnone。Themenderofroads，andtwohundredandfiftyparticularfriends，stoodwithfoldedarmsatthefountain，lookingatthepillaroffireinthesky。`Itmustbefortyfeethigh，\'saidthey，grimly；andnevermoved。

　　Theriderfromthech&acirc；teau，andthehorseinafoam，clatteredawaythroughthevillage，andgallopedupthestonysteep，totheprisononthecrag。Atthegate，agroupofofficerswerelookingatthefire；

　　removedfromthem，agroupofsoldiers。`Help，gentlemen-officers!Thech&acirc；teauisonfire；valuableobjectsmaybesavedfromtheflamesbytimelyaid!Help，help!\'Theofficerslookedtowardsthesoldierswholookedatthefire；gavenoorders；andanswered，withshrugsandbitingoflips，`Itmustburn。\'

　　Astheriderrattleddownthehillagainandthroughthestreet，thevillagewasilluminating。Themenderofroads，andthetwohundredandfiftyparticularfriends，inspiredasonemanandwomanbytheideaoflightingup，haddartedintotheirhouses，andwereputtingcandlesineverydulllittlepaneofglass。Thegeneralscarcityofeverything，occasionedcandlestobeborrowedinaratherperemptorymannerofMonsieurGabelle；andinamomentofreluctanceandhesitationonthatfunctionary\'spart，themenderofroads，oncesosubmissivetoauthority，hadremarkedthatcarriagesweregoodtomakebonfireswith，andthatpost-horseswouldroast。

　　Thech&acirc；teauwaslefttoitselftoflameandburn。Intheroaringandragingoftheconflagration，ared-hotwind，drivingstraightfromtheinfernalregions，seemedtobeblowingtheedificeaway。Withtherisingandfallingoftheblaze，thestonefacesshowedasiftheywereintorment。Whengreatmassesofstoneandtimberfell，thefacewiththetwodintsinthenosebecameobscured:anonstruggledoutofthesmokeagain，asifitwerethefaceofthecruelMarquis，burningatthestakeandcontendingwiththefire。

　　Thech&acirc；teauburned；thenearesttrees，laidholdofbythefire，scorchedandshrivelled；treesatadistance，firedbythefourfiercefigures，begirttheblazingedificewithanewforestofsmoke。Moltenleadandironboiledinthemarblebasinofthefountain；thewaterrandry；theextinguishertopsofthetowersvanishedlikeicebeforetheheat，andtrickleddownintofourruggedwellsofflame。Greatrentsandsplitsbranchedoutinthesolidwalls，likecrystallisation；stupefiedbirdswheeledaboutanddroppedintothefurnace；fourfiercefigurestrudgedaway，East，West，North，andSouth，alongthenight-enshroudedroads，guidedbythebeacontheyhadlighted，towardstheirnextdestination。Theilluminatedvillagehadseizedholdofthetocsin，and，abolishingthelawfulringer，rangforjoy。

　　Notonlythat；butthevillage，light-headedwithfamine，fire，andbell-ringing，andbethinkingitselfthatMonsieurGabellehadtodowiththecollectionofrentandtaxes——thoughitwasbutasmallinstalmentoftaxes，andnorentatall，thatGabellehadgotinthoselatterdays——becameimpatientforaninterviewwithhim，and，surroundinghishouse，summonedhimtocomeforthforpersonalconference。Whereupon，MonsieurGabelledidheavilybarhisdoor，andretiretoholdcounselwithhimselfTheresultofthatconferencewas，thatGabelleagainwithdrewhimselftohishouse-topbehindhisstackofchimneys；thistimeresolved，ifhisdoorwasbrokeninhewasasmallSouthernmanofretaliativetemperament，topitchhimselfheadforemostovertheparapet，andcrushamanortwobelow。

　　Probably，MonsieurGabellepassedalongnightupthere，withthedistantch&acirc；teauforfireandcandle，andthebeatingathisdoor，combinedwiththejoy-ringing，formusic；nottomentionhishavinganill-omenedlampslungacrosstheroadbeforehisposting-housegate，whichthevillageshowedalivelyinclinationtodisplaceinhisfavour。Atryingsuspense，tobepassingawholesummernightonthebrinkoftheblackocean，readytotakethatplungeintoituponwhichMonsieurGabellehadresolvedBut，thefriendlydawnappearingatlast，andtherush-candlesofthevillagegutteringout，thepeoplehappilydispersed，andMonsieurGabellecamedownbringinghislifewithhimforthatwhile。

　　Withinahundredmiles，andinthelightofotherfires，therewereotherfunctionarieslessfortunate，thatnightandothernights，whomtherisingsunfoundhangingacrossonce-peacefulstreets，wheretheyhadbeenbornandbred；also，therewereothervillagersandtownspeoplelessfortunatethanthemenderofroadsandhisfellows，uponwhomthefunctionariesandsoldieryturnedwithsuccess，andwhomtheystrungupintheirturn。

　　But，thefiercefiguresweresteadilywendingEast，West，North，andSouth，bethatasitwould；andwhosoeverhung，fireburned。Thealtitudeofthegallowsthatwouldturntowaterandquenchit，nofunctionary，byanystretchofmathematics，wasabletocalculatesuccessfully。

　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheSecond[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIVDraintotheLoadstoneRockInsuchrisingsoffireandrisingsofsea——thefirmearthshakenbytherushesofanangryoceanwhichhadnownoebb，butwasalwaysontheflow，higherandhigher，tothetenorandwonderofthebeholdersontheshore——threeyearsoftempestwereconsumed。ThreemorebirthdaysoflittleLuciehadbeenwovenbythegoldenthreadintothepeacefultissueofthelifeofherhome。

　　Manyanightandmanyadayhaditsinmateslistenedtotheechoesinthecorner，withheartsthatfailedthemwhentheyheardthethrongingfeet。For，thefootstepshadbecometotheirmindsasthefootstepsofapeople，tumultuousunderaredflagandwiththeircountrydeclaredindanger，changedintowildbeasts，byterribleenchantmentlongpersistedin。

　　Monseigneur，asaclass，haddissociatedhimselffromthephenomenonofhisnotbeingappreciated:ofhisbeingsolittlewantedinFrance，astoincurconsiderabledangerofreceivinghisdismissalfromit，andthislifetogether。LikethefabledrusticwhoraisedtheDevilwithinfinitepains，andwassoterrifiedatthesightofhimthathecouldasktheEnemynoquestion，butimmediatelyfled；so，Monseigneur，afterboldlyreadingtheLord\'sPrayerbackwardsforagreatnumberofyears，andperformingmanyotherpotentspellsforcompellingtheEvilOne，nosoonerbeheldhiminhisterrorsthanhetooktohisnobleheels。

　　TheshiningBull\'sEyeoftheCourtwasgone，oritwouldhavebeenthemarkforahurricaneofnationalbullets。Ithadneverbeenagoodeyetoseewith——hadlonghadthemoteinitofLucifer\'spride，Sardanapalus\'sluxury，andamole\'sblindness——butithaddroppedoutandwasgone。TheCourt，fromthatexclusiveinnercircletoitsoutermostrottenringofintrigue，corruption，anddissimulation，wasallgonetogether。Royaltywasgone；hadbeenbesiegedinitsPalaceand`suspended，\'whenthelasttidingscameover。

　　TheAugustoftheyearonethousandsevenhundredandninety-twowascome，andMonseigneurwasbythistimescatteredfarandwide。

　　Aswasnatural，thehead-quartersandgreatgathering-placeofMonseigneur，inLondon，wasTellson\'sBank。Spiritsaresupposedtohaunttheplaceswheretheirbodiesmostresorted，andMonseigneurwithoutaguineahauntedthespotwherehisguineasusedtobe。Moreover，itwasthespottowhichsuchFrenchintelligenceaswasmosttobereliedupon，camequickest。Again:Tellson\'swasamunificenthouse，andextendedgreatliberalitytooldcustomerswhohadfallenfromtheirhighestate。Again:

　　thosenobleswhohadseenthecomingstormintime，andanticipatingplunderorconfiscation，hadmadeprovidentremittancestoTellson\'s，werealwaystobeheardoftherebytheirneedybrethren。TowhichitmustbeaddedthateverynewcomerfromFrancereportedhimselfandhistidingsatTellson\'s，almostasamatterofcourse。Forsuchvarietyofreasons，Tellson\'swasatthattime，astoFrenchintelligence，akindofHighExchange；andthiswassowellknowntothepublic，andtheinquiriesmadetherewereinconsequencesonumerous，thatTellson\'ssometimeswrotethelatestnewsoutinalineorsoandposteditintheBankwindows，forallwhoranthroughTempleBartoread。

　　Onasteaming，mistyafternoon，Mr。Lorrysatathisdesk，andCharlesDarnaystoodleaningonit，talkingwithhiminalowvoice。ThepenitentialdenoncesetapartforinterviewswiththeHouse，wasnowthenews-Exchange，andwasfilledtooverflowing。Itwaswithinhalfanhourorsoofthetimeofclosing。

　　`But，althoughyouaretheyoungestmanthateverlived，\'saidCharlesDarnay，ratherhesitating，`Imuststillsuggesttoyou——\'

　　`Iunderstand。ThatIamtooold?\'saidMr。Lorry。

　　`Unsettledweather，alongjourney，uncertainmeansoftravelling，adisorganisedcountry，acitythatmaynotbeevensafeforyou。\'

　　`MydearCharles，\'saidMr。Lorry，withcheerfulconfidence，youtouchsomeofthereasonsformygoing:notformystayingaway。Itissafeenoughforme；nobodywillcaretointerferewithanoldfellowofharduponfour-scorewhentherearesomanypeopletheremuchbetterworthinterferingwith。Astoitsbeingadisorganisedcity，ifitwerenotadisorganisedcitytherewouldbenooccasiontosendsomebodyfromourHouseheretoourHousethere，whoknowsthecityandthebusiness，ofold，andisinTellson\'sconfidence。Astotheuncertaintravelling，thelongjourney，andthewinterweather，ifIwerenotpreparedtosubmitmyselftoafewinconveniencesforthesakeofTellson\'s，afteralltheseyears，whooughttobe?\'

　　`IwishIweregoingmyself，\'saidCharlesDarnay，somewhatrestlessly，andlikeonethinkingaloud。

　　`Indeed!Youareaprettyfellowtoobjectandadvise!\'exclaimedMr。Lorry。`Youwishyouweregoingyourself?AndyouaFrenchmanborn?

　　Youareawisecounsellor。\'

　　`MydearMr。Lorry，itisbecauseIamaFrenchmanborn，thatthethoughtwhichIdidnotmeantoutterhere，howeverhaspassedthroughmymindoften。Onecannothelpthinking，havinghadsomesympathyforthemiserablepeople，andhavingabandonedsomethingtothem，\'hespokehereinhisformerthoughtfulmanner，`thatonemightbelistenedto，andmighthavethepowertopersuadetosomerestraint。Onlylastnight，afteryouhadleftus，whenIwastalkingtoLucie——\'

　　`WhenyouweretalkingtoLucie，\'Mr。Lorryrepeated。`Yes。I

　　wonderyouarenotashamedtomentionthenameofLucie!WishingyouweregoingtoFranceatthistimeofday!\'

　　`However，Iamnotgoing，\'saidCharlesDarnay，withasmile。

　　`Itismoretothepurposethatyousayyouare。\'

　　`AndIam，inplainreality。Thetruthis，mydearCharles，\'Mr。

　　LorryglancedatthedistantHouse，andloweredhisvoice，`youcanhavenoconceptionofthedifficultywithwhichourbusinessistransacted，andoftheperilinwhichourbooksandpapersoveryonderareinvolved。

　　TheLordaboveknowswhatthecompromisingconsequenceswouldbetonumbersofpeople，ifsomeofourdocumentswereseizedordestroyed；andtheymightbe，atanytime，youknow，forwhocansaythatParisisnotseta-fireto-day，orsackedto-morrow!Now，ajudiciousselectionfromthesewiththeleastpossibledelay，andtheburyingofthem，orotherwisegettingofthemoutofharm\'sway，iswithinthepowerwithoutlossofprecioustimeofscarcelyanyonebutmyself，ifanyone。AndshallIhangback，whenTellson\'sknowsthisandsaysthis——Tellson\'s，whosebreadIhaveeatenthesesixtyyears——becauseIamalittlestiffaboutthejoints?

　　Why，Iamaboy，sir，tohalfadozenoldcodgershere!\'

　　`HowIadmirethegallantryofyouryouthfulspirit，Mr。Lorry。\'

　　`Tut!Nonsense，sir!——And，mydearCharles，\'saidMr。Lorry，glancingattheHouseagain，`youaretoremember，thatgettingthingsoutofParisatthispresenttime，nomatterwhatthings，isnexttoanimpossibility。

　　PapersandpreciousmatterswerethisverydaybroughttoushereIspeakinstrictconfidence；itisnotbusiness-liketowhisperit，eventoyou，bythestrangestbearersyoucapimagine，everyoneofwhomhadhisheadhangingonbyasinglehairashepassedtheBarriers。Atanothertime，ourparcelswouldcomeandgo，aseasilyasinbusiness-likeOldEngland；

　　butnow，everythingisstopped。\'

　　`Anddoyoureallygoto-night?\'

　　`Ireallygoto-night，forthecasehasbecometoopressingtoadmitofdelay。\'

　　`Anddoyoutakenoonewithyou?\'

　　`Allsortsofpeoplehavebeenproposedtome，butIwillhavenothingtosaytoanyofthem。IintendtotakeJerry。Jerryhasbeenmybody-guardonSundaynightsforalongtimepast，andIamusedtohim。

　　NobodywillsuspectJerryofbeinganythingbutanEnglishbull-dog，orofhavinganydesigninhisheadbuttoflyatanybodywhotoucheshismaster。\'

　　`ImustsayagainthatIheartilyadmireyourgallantryandyouthfulness。\'

　　`Imustsayagain，nonsense，nonsense!WhenIhaveexecutedthislittlecommission，Ishall，perhaps，acceptTellson\'sproposaltoretireandliveatmyease。Timeenough，then，tothinkaboutgrowingold。\'

　　ThisdialoguehadtakenplaceatMr。Lorry\'susualdesk，withMonseigneurswarmingwithinayardortwoofit，boastfulofwhathewoulddotoavengehimselfontherascal-peoplebeforelong。ItwastoomuchthewayofMonseigneurunderhisreversesasarefugee，anditwasmuchtoomuchthewayofnativeBritishorthodoxy，totalkofthisterribleRevolutionasifitweretheoneonlyharvesteverknownundertheskiesthathadnotbeensown——asifnothinghadeverbeendone，oromittedtobedone，thathadledtoit——asifobserversofthewretchedmillionsinFrance，andofthemisusedandpervertedresourcesthatshouldhavemadethemprosperous，hadnotseenitinevitablycoming，yearsbefore，andhadnotinplainwordsrecordedwhattheysaw。Suchvapouring，combinedwiththeextravagantplotsofMonseigneurfortherestorationofastateofthingsthathadutterlyexhausteditself，andwornoutHeavenandearthaswellasitself，washardtobeenduredwithoutsomeremonstrancebyanysanemanwhoknewthetruth。Anditwassuchvapouringallabouthisears，likeatroublesomeconfusionofbloodinhisownhead，addedtoalatentuneasinessinhismind，whichhadalreadymadeCharlesDarnayrestless，andwhichstillkepthimso。

　　Amongthetalkers，wasStryver，oftheKing\'sBenchBar，faronhiswaytostatepromotion，and，therefore，loudonthetheme:broachingtoMonseigneur，hisdevicesforblowingthepeopleupandexterminatingthemfromthefaceoftheearth，anddoingwithoutthem:andforaccomplishingmanysimilarobjectsakinintheirnaturetotheabolitionofeaglesbysprinklingsaltonthetailsoftherace。Him，Darnayheardwithaparticularfeelingofobjection；andDarnaystooddividedbetweengoingawaythathemighthearnomore，andremainingtointerposehisword，whenthethingthatwastobewentontoshapeitselfout。

　　TheHouseapproachedMr。Lorry，andlayingasoiledandunopenedletterbeforehim，askedifhehadyetdiscoveredanytracesofthepersontowhomitwasaddressed?TheHouselaidtheletterdownsoclosetoDarnaythathesawthedirection——themorequicklybecauseitwashisownrightname。Theaddress，turnedintoEnglish，ran:

　　`Verypressing。ToMonsieurheretoforetheMarquisSt。Evr&eacute；monde，ofFrance。ConfidedtothecaresofMessrs。TellsonandGo。，Bankers，London，England。\'

　　Onthemarriagemorning，Dr。ManettehadmadeithisoneurgentandexpressrequesttoCharlesDarnay，thatthesecretofthisnameshouldbe——unlesshe，theDoctor，dissolvedtheobligation——keptinviolatebetweenthem。Nobodyelseknewittobehisname；hisownwifehadnosuspicionofthefact；Mr。Lorrycouldhavenone。

　　`No，\'saidMr。Lorry，inreplytotheHouse；`Ihavereferredit，Ithink，toeverybodynowhere，andnoonecantellmewherethisgentlemanistobefound。\'

　　ThehandsoftheclockverginguponthehourofclosingtheBank，therewasageneralsetofthecurrentoftalkerspastMr。Lorry\'sdesk。

　　Heheldtheletteroutinquiringly；andMonseigneurlookedatit，inthepersonofthisplottingandindignantrefugee；andMonseigneurlookedatit，inthepersonofthatplottingandindignantrefugee；andThis，That，andTheOther，allhadsomethingdisparagingtosay，inFrenchorinEnglish，concerningtheMarquiswhowasnottobefound。

　　`Nephew，Ibelieve——butinanycasedegeneratesuccessor——ofthepolishedMarquiswhowasmurdered，\'saidone。`Happytosay，Ineverknewhim。\'

　　`Acravenwhoabandonedhispost，\'saidanother——thisMonseigneurhadbeengotoutofParis，legsuppermostandhalfsuffocated，inaloadofhay——`someyearsago。\'

　　`Infectedwiththenewdoctrines，\'saidathird，eyeingthedirectionthroughhisglassinpassing；`sethimselfinoppositiontothelastMarquis，abandonedtheestateswhenheinheritedthem，andleftthemtotheruffianherd。Theywillrecompensehimnow，Ihope，ashedeserves。\'

　　`Hey?\'criedtheblatantStryver。`Didhethough?Isthatthesortoffellow?Letuslookathisinfamousname。D——nthefellow!\'

　　Darnay，unabletorestrainhimselfanylonger，touchedMr。Stryverontheshoulder，andsaid:

　　`Iknowthefellow。\'

　　`Doyou，byJupiter?\'saidStryver。`Iamsorryforit。\'

　　`Why?\'

　　`Why，Mr。Darnay?D\'yehearwhathedid?Don\'task，why，inthesetimes。\'

　　`ButIdoaskwhy。\'

　　`ThenItellyouagain，Mr。Darnay，Iamsorryforit。Iamsorrytohearyouputtinganysuchextraordinaryquestions。Hereisafellow，who，infectedbythemostpestilentandblasphemouscodeofdevilrythateverwasknown，abandonedhispropertytothevilestscumoftheearththateverdidmurderbywholesale，andyouaskmewhyIamsorrythatamanwhoinstructsyouthknowshim?Well，butI\'llansweryou。IamsorrybecauseIbelievethereiscontaminationinsuchascoundrel。That\'swhy。\'

　　Mindfulofthesecret，Darnaywithgreatdifficultycheckedhimself，andsaid:`Youmaynotunderstandthegentleman。\'

　　`Iunderstandhowtoputyouinacorner，Mr。Darnay，\'

　　saidBullyStryver，`andI\'lldoit。Ifthisfellowisagentleman，Idon\'tunderstandhim。Youmaytellhimso，withmycompliments。Youmayalsotellhim，fromme，thatafterabandoninghisworldlygoodsandpositiontothisbutcherlymob，Iwonderheisnotattheheadofthem。But，no，gentlemen，\'saidStryver，lookingallround，andsnappinghisfingers，`Iknowsomethingofhumannature，andItellyouthatyou\'llneverfindafellowlikethisfellow，trustinghimselftothemerciesofsuchpreciousprot&eacute；g&eacute；s。No，gentlemen；he\'llalwaysshow`emacleanpairofheelsveryearlyinthescuffle，andsneakaway。\'

　　Withthosewords，andafinalsnapofhisfingers，Mr。StryvershoulderedhimselfintoFleet-street，amidstthegeneralapprobationofhishearers。Mr。LorryandCharlesDarnaywereleftaloneatthedesk，inthegeneraldeparturefromtheBank。

　　`Willyoutakechargeoftheletter?\'saidMr。Lorry。`Youknowwheretodeliverit?\'

　　`Ido。\'

　　`Willyouundertaketoexplain，thatwesupposeittohavebeenaddressedhere，onthechanceofourknowingwheretoforwardit，andthatithasbeenheresometime?\'

　　`Iwilldoso。DoyoustartforParisfromhere?\'

　　`Fromhere，ateight。\'

　　`Iwillcomeback，toseeyouoff。\'

　　Veryillateasewithhimself，andwithStryverandmostothermen，DarnaymadethebestofhiswayintothequietoftheTemple，openedtheletter，andreadit。Thesewereitscontents:

　　`PrisonoftheAbbaye，Paris。June21，1792。

　　MONSIEURHERETOFORETHEMARQUIS，`Afterhavinglongbeenindangerofmylifeatthehandsofthevillage，Ihavebeenseized，withgreatviolenceandindignity，andbroughtalongjourneyonfoottoParis。OntheroadIhavesufferedagreatdeal。

　　Noristhatall；myhousehasbeendestroyed——razedtotheground。

　　`ThecrimeforwhichIamimprisoned，MonsieurheretoforetheMarquis，andforwhichIshallbesummonedbeforethetribunal，andshalllosemylifewithoutyoursogeneroushelp，is，theytellme，treasonagainstthemajestyofthepeople，inthatIhaveactedagainstthemforanemigrant。ItisinvainIrepresentthatIhaveactedforthem，andnotagainst，accordingtoyourcommands。ItisinvainIrepresentthat，beforethesequestrationofemigrantproperty，Ihadremittedtheimpoststheyhadceasedtopay；thatIhadcollectednorent；thatIhadhadrecoursetonoprocess。Theonlyresponseis，thatIhaveactedforanemigrant，andwhereisthatemigrant?

　　`Ah!mostgraciousMonsieurheretoforetheMarquis，whereisthatemigrant?Icryinmysleepwhereishe?IdemandofHeaven，willhenotcometodeliverme?Noanswer。AhMonsieurheretoforetheMarquis，Isendmydesolatecryacrossthesea，hopingitmayperhapsreachyourearsthroughthegreatbankofTilsonknownatParis!

　　`FortheloveofHeaven，ofjustice，ofgenerosity，ofthehonourofyournoblename，Isupplicateyou，MonsieurheretoforetheMarquis，tosuccourandreleaseme。Myfaultis，thatIhavebeentruetoyou。OhMonsieurheretoforetheMarquis，Iprayyoubeyoutruetome!

　　`Fromthisprisonhereofhorror，whenceIeveryhourtendnearerandnearertodestruction，Isendyou，MonsieurheretoforetheMarquis，theassuranceofmydolorousandunhappyservice。

　　`Yourafflicted`GABELLE\'ThelatentuneasinessinDarnay\'smindwasrousedtovigorouslifebythisletter。Theperilofanoldservantandagoodone，whoseonlycrimewasfidelitytohimselfandhisfamily，staredhimsoreproachfullyintheface，that，ashewalkedtoandfrointheTempleconsideringwhattodo，healmosthidhisfacefromthepassers-by。

　　Heknewverywell，thatinhishorrorofthedeedwhichhadculminatedthebaddeedsandbadreputationoftheoldfamilyhouse，inhisresentfulsuspicionsofhisuncle，andintheaversionwithwhichhisconscienceregardedthecrumblingfabricthathewassupposedtouphold，hehadactedimperfectly。Heknewverywell，thatinhisloveforLucie，hisrenunciationofhissocialplace，thoughbynomeansnewtohisownmind，hadbeenhurriedandincomplete。Heknewthatheoughttohavesystematicallyworkeditoutandsupervisedit，andthathehadmeanttodoit，andthatithadneverbeendone。

　　ThehappinessofhisownchosenEnglishhome，thenecessityofbeingalwaysactivelyemployed，theswiftchangesandtroublesofthetimewhichhadfollowedononeanothersofast，thattheeventsofthisweekannihilatedtheimmatureplansoflastweek，andtheeventsoftheweekfollowingmadeallnewagain；heknewverywell，thattotheforceofthesecircumstanceshehadyielded:——notwithoutdisquiet，butstillwithoutcontinuousandaccumulatingresistance。Thathehadwatchedthetimesforatimeofaction，andthattheyhadshiftedandstruggleduntilthetimehadgoneby，andthenobilityweretroopingfromFrancebyeveryhighwayandbyway，andtheirpropertywasincourseofconfiscationanddestruction，andtheirverynameswereblottingout，wasaswellknowntohimselfasitcouldbetoanynewauthorityinFrancethatmightimpeachhimforit。

　　But，hehadoppressednoman，hehadimprisonednoman；hewassofarfromhavingharshlyexactedpaymentofhisdues，thathehadrelinquishedthemofhisownwill，thrownhimselfonaworldwithnofavourinit，wonhisownprivateplacethere，andearnedhisownbread。MonsieurGabellehadheldtheimpoverishedandinvolvedestateonwritteninstructions，tosparethepeople，togivethemwhatlittletherewastogive——suchfuelastheheavycreditorswouldletthemhaveinthewinter，andsuchproduceascouldbesavedfromthesamegripinthesummer——andnodoubthehadputthefactinpleaandproof，forhisownsafety，sothatitcouldnotbutappearnow。

　　ThisfavouredthedesperateresolutionCharlesDarnayhadbeguntomake，thathewouldgotoParis。

　　Yes。Likethemarinerintheoldstory，thewindsandstreamshaddrivenhimwithintheinfluenceoftheLoadstoneRock，anditwasdrawinghimtoitself，andhemustgo。Everythingthatarosebeforehisminddriftedhimon，fasterandfaster，moreandmoresteadily，totheterribleattraction。

　　Hislatentuneasinesshadbeen，thatbadaimswerebeingworkedoutinhisownunhappylandbybadinstruments，andthathewhocouldnotfailtoknowthathewasbetterthanthey，wasnotthere，tryingtodosomethingtostaybloodshed，andasserttheclaimsofmercyandhumanity。Withthisuneasinesshalfstifled，andhalfreproachinghim，hehadbeenbroughttothepointedcomparisonofhimselfwiththebraveoldgentlemaninwhomdutywassostrong；uponthatcomparisoninjurioustohimselfhadinstantlyfollowedthesneersofMonseigneur，whichhadstunghimbitterly，andthoseofStryver，whichaboveallwerecoarseandgalling，foroldreasons。Uponthose，hadfollowedGabelle\'sletter:theappealofaninnocentprisoner，indangerofdeath，tohisjustice，honour，andgoodname。

　　Hisresolutionwasmade。HemustgotoParis。

　　Yes。TheLoadstoneRockwasdrawinghim，andhemustsailon，untilhestruck。Heknewofnorock；hesawhardlyanydanger。Theintentionwithwhichhehaddonewhathehaddone，evenalthoughhehadleftitincomplete，presenteditbeforehiminanaspectthatwouldbegratefullyacknowledgedinFranceonhispresentinghimselftoassertit。Then，thatgloriousvisionofdoinggood，whichissooftenthesanguinemirageofsomanygoodminds，arosebeforehim，andheevensawhimselfintheillusionwithsomeinfluencetoguidethisragingRevolutionthatwasrunningsofearfullywild。

　　Ashewalkedtoandfrowithhisresolutionmade，heconsideredthatneitherLucienorherfathermustknowofituntilhewasgone。Lucieshouldbesparedthepainofseparation；andherfather，alwaysreluctanttoturnhisthoughtstowardsthedangerousgroundofold，shouldcometotheknowledgeofthestep，asasteptaken，andnotinthebalanceofsuspenseanddoubt。Howmuchoftheincompletenessofhissituationwasreferabletoherfather，throughthepainfulanxietytoavoidrevivingoldassociationsofFranceinhismind，hedidnotdiscusswithhimself。But，thatcircumstancetoo，hadhaditsinfluenceinhiscourse。

　　Hewalkedtoandfro，withthoughtsverybusy，untilitwastimetoreturntoTellson\'sandtakeleaveofMr。Lorry。AssoonashearrivedinParishewouldpresenthimselftothisoldfriend，buthemustsaynothingofhisintentionnow。

　　Acarriagewithpost-horseswasreadyattheBankdoor，andJerrywasbootedandequipped。

　　`Ihavedeliveredthatletter，\'saidCharlesDarnaytoMr。Lorry。

　　`Iwouldnotconsenttoyourbeingchargedwithanywrittenanswer，butperhapsyouwilltakeaverbalone?\'

　　`ThatIwill，andreadily，\'saidMr。Lorry，`ifitisnotdangerous。\'

　　`Notatall。ThoughitistoaprisonerintheAbbaye。\'

　　`Whatishisname?\'saidMr。Lorry，withhisopenpocket-bookinhishand。

　　`Gabelle。\'

　　`Gabelle。AndwhatisthemessagetotheunfortunateGabelleinprison?\'

　　`Simply，\"thathehasreceivedtheletter，andwillcome。\"\'

　　`Anytimementioned?\'

　　`Hewillstartuponhisjourneyto-morrownight。\'

　　`Anypersonmentioned?\'

　　`No。\'

　　HehelpedMr。Lorrytowraphimselfinanumberofcoatsandcloaks，andwentoutwithhimfromthewarmatmosphereoftheoldBank，intothemistyairofFleet-street。`MylovetoLucie，andtolittleLucie，\'saidMr。Lorryatparting，`andtakepreciouscareofthemtillIcomeback。\'

　　CharlesDarnayshookhisheadanddoubtfullysmiled，asthecarriagerolledaway。

　　Thatnight——itwasthefourteenthofAugust——hesatuplate，andwrotetwoferventletters；onewastoLucie，explainingthestrongobligationhewasundertogotoParis，andshowingher，atlength，thereasonsthathehad，forfeelingconfidentthathecouldbecomeinvolvedinnopersonaldangerthere；theotherwastotheDoctor，confidingLucieandtheirdearchildtohiscare，anddwellingonthesametopicswiththestrongestassurances。

　　Toboth，hewrotethathewoulddespatchlettersinproofofhissafety，immediatelyafterhisarrival。

　　Itwasahardday，thatdayofbeingamongthem，withthefirstreservationoftheirjointlivesonhismind。Itwasahardmattertopreservetheinnocentdeceitofwhichtheywereprofoundlyunsuspicious。But，anaffectionateglanceathiswife，sohappyandbusy，madehimresolutenottotellherwhatimpendedhehadbeenhalfmovedtodoit，sostrangeitwastohimtoactinanythingwithoutherquietaid，andthedaypassedquicklyaway。Earlyintheeveningheembracedher，andherscarcelylessdearnamesake，pretendingthathewouldreturnby-and-byanimaginaryengagementtookhimout，andhehadsecretedavaliseofclothesready，andsoheemergedintotheheavymistoftheheavystreets，withaheavierheart。

　　Theunseenforcewasdrawinghimfasttoitself，now，andallthetidesandwindsweresettingstraightandstrongtowardsit。Helefthistwoletterswithatrustyporter，tobedeliveredhalfanhourbeforemidnight，andnosooner；tookhorseforDover；andbeganhisjourney。`FortheloveofHeaven，ofjustice，ofgenerosity，ofthehonourofyournoblename!\'wasthepoorprisoner\'scrywithwhichhestrengthenedhissinkingheart，asheleftallthatwasdearonearthbehindhim，andfloatedawayfortheLoadstoneRock。

　　THEENDOFTHESECONDBOOK

　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]ATaleofTwoCities:BooktheThird[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]BOOKTHETHIRDTHETRACKOFASTORMCHAPTERIInSecretTHEtravellerfaredslowlyonhisway，whofaredtowardsParisfromEnglandintheautumnoftheyearonethousandsevenhundredandninety-two。Morethanenoughofbadroads，badequipages，andbadhorses，hewouldhaveencounteredtodelayhim，thoughthefallenandunfortunateKingofFrancehadbeenuponhisthroneinallhisglory；but，thechangedtimeswerefraughtwithotherobstaclesthanthese。Everytown-gateandvillagetaxing-househaditsbandofcitizen-patriots，withtheirnationalmusketsinamostexplosivestateofreadiness，whostoppedallcomersandgoers，cross-questionedthem，inspectedtheirpapers，lookedfortheirnamesinlistsoftheirown，turnedthemback，orsentthemon，orstoppedthemandlaidtheminhold，astheircapriciousjudgmentorfancydeemedbestforthedawningRepublicOneandIndivisible，ofLiberty，Equality，Fraternity，orDeath。

　　AveryfewFrenchleaguesofhisjourneywereaccomplished，whenCharlesDarnaybegantoperceivethatforhimalongthesecountryroadstherewasnohopeofreturnuntilheshouldhavebeendeclaredagoodcitizenatParis。Whatevermightbefallnow，hemustontohisjourney\'send。Notameanvillagecloseduponhim，notacommonbarrierdroppedacrosstheroadbehindhim，butheknewittobeanotherirondoorintheseriesthatwasbarredbetweenhimandEngland。Theuniversalwatchfulnesssoencompassedhim，thatifhehadbeentakeninanet，orwerebeingforwardedtohisdestinationinacage，hecouldnothavefelthisfreedommorecompletelygone。

　　Thisuniversalwatchfulnessnotonlystoppedhimonthehighwaytwentytimesinastage，hutretardedhisprogresstwentytimesinaday，byridingafterhimandtakinghimback，ridingbeforehimandstoppinghimbyanticipation，ridingwithhimandkeepinghimincharge。HehadbeendaysuponhisjourneyinFrancealone，whenhewenttobedtiredout，inalittletownonthehighroad，stillalongwayfromParis。

　　NothingbuttheproductionoftheafflictedGabelle\'sletterfromhisprisonoftheAbbayewouldhavegothimonsofar。Hisdifficultyattheguard-houseinthissmallplacehadbeensuch，thathefelthisjourneytohavecometoacrisis。Andhewas，therefore，aslittlesurprisedasamancouldbe，tofindhimselfawakenedatthesmallinntowhichhehadbeenremitteduntilmorning，inthemiddleofthenight。

　　Awakenedbyatimidlocalfunctionaryandthreearmedpatriotsinroughredcapsandwithpipesintheirmouths，whosatdownonthebed。

　　`Emigrant，\'saidthefunctionary，`IamgoingtosendyouontoParis，underanescort。\'

　　`Citizen，IdesirenothingmorethantogettoParis，thoughI

　　coulddispensewiththeescort。\'

　　`Silence!\'growledared-cap，strikingatthecoverletwiththebutt-endofhismusket。`Peace，aristocrat!\'

　　`Itisasthegoodpatriotsays，\'observedthetimidfunctionary。

　　`Youareanaristocrat，andmusthaveanescort-andmustpayforit。\'

　　`Ihavenochoice，\'saidCharlesDarnay。

　　`Choice，Listentohim!\'criedthesamescowlingred-cap。`Asifitwasnotafavourtobeprotectedfromthelamp-iron!\'

　　`Itisalwaysasthegoodpatriotsays，\'observedthefunctionary。

　　`Riseanddressyourself，emigrant。\'

　　Darnaycomplied，andwastakenbacktotheguard-house，whereotherpatriotsinroughredcapsweresmoking，drinking，andsleeping，byawatch-fire。Herehepaidaheavypriceforhisescort，andhencehestartedwithitonthewet，wetroadsatthreeo\'clockinthemorning。

　　Theescortweretwomountedpatriotsinredcapsandtricolouredcockades，armedwithnationalmusketsandsabres，whorodeoneoneithersideofhim。Theescortedgovernedhisownhorse，butalooselinewasattachedtohisbridle，theendofwhichoneofthepatriotskeptgirdedroundhiswrist。Inthisstatetheysetforthwiththesharpraindrivingintheirfaces:clatteringataheavydragoontrotovertheuneventownpavement，andoutuponthemire-deeproads。Inthisstatetheytraversedwithoutchange，exceptofhorsesandpace，allthemire-deepleaguesthatlaybetweenthemandthecapital。

　　Theytravelledinthenight，haltinganhourortwoafterdaybreak，andlyingbyuntilthetwilightfell。Theescortweresowretchedlyclothed，thattheytwistedstrawroundtheirbarelegs，andthatchedtheirraggedshoulderstokeepthewetoffApartfromthepersonaldiscomfortofbeingsoattended，andapartfromsuchconsiderationsofpresentdangerasarosefromoneofthepatriotsbeingchronicallydrunk，andcarryinghismusketveryrecklessly，CharlesDarnaydidnotallowtherestraintthatwaslaiduponhimtoawakenanyseriousfearsinhisbreast；for，hereasonedwithhimselfthatitcouldhavenoreferencetothemeritsofanindividualcasethatwasnotyetstated，andofrepresentations，confirmablebytheprisonerintheAbbaye，thatwerenotyetmade。

　　ButwhentheycantotothetownofBeauvais——whichtheydidateventide，whenthestreetswerefilledwithpeople——hecouldnot`concealfromhimselfthattheaspectofaffairswasveryalarming。Anominouscrowdgatheredtoseehimdismountattheposting-yard，andmanyvoicescalledoutloudly，`Downwiththeemigrant!\'

　　Hestoppedintheactofswinginghimselfoutofhissaddledand，resumingitashissafestplace，said:

　　`Emigrant，myfriends!Doyounotseemehere，inFrance，ofmyownwill?\'

　　`Youareacursedemigrant，\'criedafarrier，makingathimInafuriousmannerthroughthepress，hammerinhand；`andyouareacursedaristocrat!\'

　　Thepostmasterinterposedhimselfbetweenthismanandtherider\'sbridleatwhichhewasevidentlymaking，andsoothinglysaid，`Lethimbe；lethimbe!HewillbejudgedatParis。\'

　　`Judged!\'repeatedthefarrier，swinginghishammer。`Ay!andcondemnedasatraitor。\'Atthisthecrowdroaredapproval。

　　Checkingthepostmaster，whowasforturninghishorse\'sheadtotheyardthedrunkenpatriotsatcomposedlyinhissaddlelookingon，withthelineroundhiswrist，Darnaysaid，assoonashecouldmakehisvoiceheard:

　　`Friends，youdeceiveyourselves，oryouaredeceived。Iamnotatraitor。\'

　　`Helies!\'criedthesmith。`Heisatraitorsincethedecree。

　　Hislifeisforfeittothepeople。Hiscursedlifeisnothisown!\'

　　AttheinstantwhenDarnaysawarushintheeyesofthecrowd，whichanotherinstantwouldhavebroughtuponhim，thepostmasterturnedhishorseintotheyard，theescortrodeincloseuponhishorse\'sflanks，andthepostmastershutandbarredthecrazydoublegates。Thefarrierstruckablowuponthemwithhishammer，andthecrowdgroaned；but，nomorewasdone。

　　`Whatisthisdecreethatthesmithspokeof?\'Darnayaskedthepostmaster，whenhehadthankedhim，andstoodbesidehimintheyard。

　　`Truly，adecreeforsellingthepropertyofemigrants。\'

　　`Whenpassed?\'

　　`Onthefourteenth。\'

　　`ThedayIleftEngland!\'

　　`Everybodysaysitisbutoneofseveral，andthattherewillbeothers——iftherearenotalready——banishingallemigrants，andcondemningalltodeathwhoreturn。Thatiswhathemeantwhenhesaidyourlifewasnotyourown。\'

　　`Buttherearenosuchdecreesyet?\'

　　`WhatdoIknow!\'saidthepostmaster，shrugginghisshoulders；

　　`theremaybe，ortherewillbe。Itisallthesame。Whatwouldyouhave?\'

　　Theyrestedonsomestrawinaloftuntilthemiddleofthenight，andthenrodeforwardagainwhenallthetownwasasleep。Amongthemanywildchangesobservableonfamiliarthingswhichmadethiswildrideunreal，nottheleastwastheseemingrarityofsleep。Afterlongandlonelyspurringoverdrearyroads，theywouldcometoaclusterofpoorcottages，notsteepedindarkness，butallglitteringwithlights，andwouldfindthepeople，inaghostlymannerinthedeadofthenight，circlinghandinhandroundashrivelledtreeofLiberty，oralldrawnuptogethersingingaLibertysong。Happily，however，therewassleepinBeauvaisthatnighttohelpthemoutofit，andtheypassedononcemoreintosolitudeandloneliness:

　　jinglingthroughtheuntimelycoldandwet，amongimpoverishedfieldsthathadyieldednofruitsoftheearththatyear，diversifiedbytheblackenedremainsofburnthouses，andbythesuddenemergencefromambuscade，andsharpreiningupacrosstheirway，ofpatriotpatrolsonthewatchonalltheroads。

　　DaylightatlastfoundthembeforethewallofParis。Thebarrierwasclosedandstronglyguardedwhentheyrodeuptoit。

　　`Wherearethepapersofthisprisoner?\'demandedaresolute-lookingmaninauthority，whowassummonedoutbytheguard。

　　Naturallystruckbythedisagreeableword，CharlesDarnayrequestedthespeakertotakenoticethathewasafreetravellerandFrenchcitizen，inchargeofanescortwhichthedisturbedstateofthecountryhadimposeduponhim，andwhichhehadpaidfor。

　　`Where，\'repeatedthesamepersonage，withouttakinganyheedofhimwhatever，`arethepapersofthisprisoner?\'

　　Thedrunkenpatriothadtheminhiscap，andproducedthem。CastinghiseyesoverGabelle\'sletter，thesamepersonageinauthorityshowedsomedisorderandsurprise，andlookedatDarnaywithacloseattention。

　　Heleftescortandescortedwithoutsayingaword，however，andwentintotheguard-room；meanwhile，theysatupontheirhorsesoutsidethegate。Lookingabouthimwhileinthisstateofsuspense，CharlesDarnayobservedthatthegatewasheldbyamixedguardofsoldiersandpatriots，thelatterfaroutnumberingtheformer；andthatwhileingressintothecityforpeasantscartsbringinginsupplies，andforsimilartrafficandtraffickers，waseasyenough，egress，evenforthehomeliestpeople，wasverydifficult。Anumerousmedleyofmenandwomen，nottomentionbeastsandvehiclesofvarioussorts，waswaitingtoissueforth；but，thepreviousidentificationwassostrict，thattheyfilteredthroughthebarrierveryslowly。Someofthesepeopleknewtheirturnforexaminationtobesofaroff，thattheylaydownonthegroundtosleeporsmoke，whileotherstalkedtogether，orloiteredabout。Theredcapandtricolourcockadewereuniversal，bothamongmenandwomen。

　　Whenhehadsatinhissaddlesomehalf-hour，takingnoteofthesethings，Darnayfoundhimselfconfrontedbythesamemaninauthority，whodirectedtheguardtoopenthebarrier。Thenhedeliveredtotheescort，drunkandsober，areceiptfortheescorted，andrequestedhimtodismount。

　　Hedidso，andthetwopatriots，leadinghistiredhorse，turnedandrodeawaywithoutenteringthecity。

　　Heaccompaniedhisconductorintoaguard-room，smellingofcommonwineandtobacco，wherecertainsoldiersandpatriots，asleepandawake，drunkandsober，andinvariousneutralstatesbetweensleepingandwaking，drunkennessandsobriety，werestandingandlyingabout。Thelightintheguard-house，halfderivedfromthewaningoil-lampsofthenight，andhalffromtheovercastday，wasinacorrespondinglyuncertaincondition。Someregisterswerelyingopenonadesk，andanofficerofacoarse，darkaspect，presidedoverthese。

　　`CitizenDefarge，\'saidhetoDarnay\'sconductor，ashetookaslipofpapertowriteon。`IsthistheemigrantEvr&eacute；monde?\'

　　`Thisistheman。\'

　　`Yourage，Evr&eacute；monde?\'

　　`Thirty-seven。\'

　　`Married，Evr&eacute；monde?\'

　　`Yes。\'

　　`Wheremarried?\'

　　`InEngland。\'

　　`Withoutdoubt。Whereisyourwife，Evr&eacute；monde?\'

　　`InEngland。\'

　　`Withoutdoubt。Youareconsigned，Evr&eacute；monde，totheprisonofLaForce。\'

　　`JustHeaven!\'exclaimedDarnay。`Underwhatlaw，andforwhatoffence?\'

　　Theofficerlookedupfromhisslipofpaperforamoment。

　　`Wehavenewlaws，Evr&eacute；monde，andnewoffences，sinceyouwerehere。\'Hesaiditwithahardsmile，andwentonwriting。

　　`IentreatyoutoobservethatIhavecomeherevoluntarily，inresponsetothatwrittenappealofafellow-countrymanwhichliesbeforeyou。Idemandnomorethantheopportunitytodosowithoutdelay。Isnotthatmyright?\'

　　`Emigrantshavenorights，Evr&eacute；monde，\'wasthestolidreply。

　　Theofficerwroteuntilhehadfinished，readovertohimselfwhathehadwritten，sandedit，andhandedittoDefarge，withthewords`Insecret。\'

　　Defargemotionedwiththepapertotheprisonerthathemustaccompanyhim。Theprisonerobeyed，andaguardoftwoarmedpatriotsattendedthem。

　　`Isityou，\'saidDefarge，inalowvoice，astheywentdowntheguard-housestepsandturnedintoParis，`whomarriedthedaughterofDoctorManette，onceaprisonerintheBastillethatisnomore?\'

　　`Yes，\'repliedDarnay，lookingathimwithsurprise。

　　`MynameisDefarge，andIkeepawine-shopintheQuarterSaintAntoine。Possiblyyouhaveheardofme。\'

　　`Mywifecametoyourhousetoreclaimherfather?Yes!\'

　　Theword`wife\'seemedtoserveasagloomyremindertoDefarge，tosaywithsuddenimpatience，`Inthenameofthatsharpfemalenewly-born，andcalledLaGuillotine，whydidyoucometoFrance?\'

　　`Youheardmesaywhy，aminuteago。Doyounotbelieveitisthetruth?\'

　　`Abadtruthforyou，\'saidDefarge，speakingwithknittedbrows，andlookingstraightbeforehim。

　　`IndeedIamlosthere。Allhereissounprecedented，sochanged，sosuddenandunfair，thatIamabsolutelylost。Willyourendermealittlehelp?\'

　　`None。\'Defargespoke，alwayslookingstraightbeforehim。

　　`Willyouanswermeasinglequestion?\'

　　`Perhaps。Accordingtoitsnature。Youcansaywhatitis。\'

　　`InthisprisonthatIamgoingtosounjustly，shallIhavesomefreecommunicationwiththeworldoutside?\'

　　`Youwillsee。\'