WhenIhadgotridofhim，whichIthoughtitwelltodowithoutprolongingexplanations，mymindwasmuchtroubledbythesetwocircumstancestakentogether。Whereastheywereeasyofinnocentsolutionapart-as，forinstance，somediner-outordiner-at-home，whohadnotgonenearthiswatchman\'sgate，mighthavestrayedtomystaircaseanddroppedasleepthere-andmynamelessvisitormighthavebroughtsomeonewithhimtoshowhimtheway-still，joined，theyhadanuglylooktooneaspronetodistrustandfearasthechangesofafewhourshadmademe。
Ilightedmyfire，whichburntwitharawpaleflareatthattimeofthemorning，andfellintoadozebeforeit。Iseemedtohavebeendozingawholenightwhentheclocksstrucksix。Astherewasfullanhourandahalfbetweenmeanddaylight，Idozedagain；now，wakingupuneasily，withprolixconversationsaboutnothing，inmyears；now，makingthunderofthewindinthechimney；atlength，fallingoffintoaprofoundsleepfromwhichthedaylightwokemewithastart。
AllthistimeIhadneverbeenabletoconsidermyownsituation，norcouldIdosoyet。Ihadnotthepowertoattendtoit。Iwasgreatlydejectedanddistressed，butinanincoherentwholesalesortofway。Astoforminganyplanforthefuture，Icouldassoonhaveformedanelephant。WhenIopenedtheshuttersandlookedoutatthewetwildmorning，allofaleadenhue；whenIwalkedfromroomtoroom；whenIsatdownagainshivering，beforethefire，waitingformylaundresstoappear；IthoughthowmiserableIwas，buthardlyknewwhy，orhowlongIhadbeenso，oronwhatdayoftheweekImadethereflection，orevenwhoIwasthatmadeit。
Atlast，theoldwomanandtheniececamein-thelatterwithaheadnoteasilydistinguishablefromherdustybroom-andtestifiedsurpriseatsightofmeandthefire。TowhomIimpartedhowmyunclehadcomeinthenightandwasthenasleep，andhowthebreakfastpreparationsweretobemodifiedaccordingly。Then，Iwashedanddressedwhiletheyknockedthefurnitureaboutandmadeadust；andso，inasortofdreamorsleep-waking，Ifoundmyselfsittingbythefireagain，waitingfor-Him-tocometobreakfast。
By-and-by，hisdooropenedandhecameout。Icouldnotbringmyselftobearthesightofhim，andIthoughthehadaworselookbydaylight。
`Idonotevenknow，\'saidI，speakinglowashetookhisseatatthetable，`bywhatnametocallyou。Ihavegivenoutthatyouaremyuncle。\'
`That\'sit，dearboy！Callmeuncle。\'
`Youassumedsomename，Isuppose，onboardship？\'
`Yes，dearboy。ItookthenameofProvis。\'
`Doyoumeantokeepthatname？\'
`Why，yes，dearboy，it\'sasgoodasanother-unlessyou\'dlikeanother。\'
`Whatisyourrealname？\'Iaskedhiminawhisper。
`Magwitch，\'heanswered，inthesametone；`chrisen\'dAbel。\'
`Whatwereyoubroughtuptobe？\'
`Awarmint，dearboy。\'
Heansweredquiteseriously，andusedthewordasifitdenotedsomeprofession。
`WhenyoucameintotheTemplelastnight——\'saidI，pausingtowonderwhetherthatcouldreallyhavebeenlastnight，whichseemedsolongago。
`Yes，dearboy？\'
`Whenyoucameinatthegateandaskedthewatchmanthewayhere，hadyouanyonewithyou？\'
`Withme？No，dearboy。\'
`Buttherewassomeonethere？\'
`Ididn\'ttakeparticularnotice，\'hesaid，dubiously，`notknowingthewaysoftheplace。ButIthinktherewasaperson，too，comeinalongerme。\'
`AreyouknowninLondon？\'
`Ihopenot！\'saidhe，givinghisneckajerkwithhisforefingerthatmademeturnhotandsick。
`WereyouknowninLondon，once？\'
`Notoverandabove，dearboy。Iwasintheprovincesmostly。\'
`Wereyou-tried-inLondon？\'
`Whichtime？\'saidhe，withasharplook。
`Thelasttime。\'
Henodded。`FirstknowedMrJaggersthatway。Jaggerswasforme。\'
Itwasonmylipstoaskhimwhathewastriedfor，buthetookupaknife，gaveitaflourish，andwiththewords，`AndwhatIdoneisworkedoutandpaidfor！\'felltoathisbreakfast。
Heateinaravenouswaythatwasverydisagreeable，andallhisactionswereuncouth，noisy，andgreedy。SomeofhisteethhadfailedhimsinceIsawhimeatonthemarshes，andasheturnedhisfoodinhismouth，andturnedhisheadsidewaystobringhisstrongestfangstobearupon，helookedterriblylikeahungryolddog。IfIhadbegunwithanyappetite，hewouldhavetakenitaway，andIshouldhavesatmuchasIdid-repelledfromhimbyaninsurmountableaversion，andgloomilylookingatthecloth。
`I\'maheavygrubber，dearboy，\'hesaid，asapolitekindofapologywhenhemadeanendofhismeal，`butIalwayswas。Ifithadbeeninmyconstitutiontobealightergrubber，Imightha\'gotintolightertrouble。
Similarly，Imusthavemysmoke。WhenIwasfirsthiredoutasshepherdt\'othersidetheworld，it\'smybeliefIshouldha\'turnedintoamolloncolly-madsheepmyself，ifIhadn\'tahadmysmoke。\'
Ashesaidso，hegotupfromtable，andputtinghishandintothebreastofthepea-coathewore，broughtoutashortblackpipe，andahandfulofloosetobaccoofthekindthatiscalledNegro-head。Havingfilledhispipe，heputthesurplustobaccobackagain，asifhispocketwereadrawer。
Then，hetookalivecoalfromthefirewiththetongs，andlightedhispipeatit，andthenturnedroundonthehearth-rugwithhisbacktothefire，andwentthroughhisfavouriteactionofholdingoutbothhishandsformine。
`Andthis，\'saidhe，dandlingmyhandsupanddowninhis，ashepuffedathispipe；`andthisisthegentlemanwhatImade！TherealgenuineOne！
Itdoesmegoodfurtolookatyou，Pip。AllIstip\'late，is，tostandbyandlookatyou，dearboy！\'
IreleasedmyhandsassoonasIcould，andfoundthatIwasbeginningslowlytosettledowntothecontemplationofmycondition。WhatIwaschainedto，andhowheavily，becameintelligibletome，asIheardhishoarsevoice，andsatlookingupathisfurrowedbaldheadwithitsirongreyhairatthesides。
`Imustn\'tseemygentlemanafootingitinthemireofthestreets；
theremustn\'tbenomudonhisboots。Mygentlemanmusthavehorses，Pip！Horsestoride，andhorsestodrive，andhorsesforhisservanttorideanddriveaswell。Shallcolonistshavetheirhorsesandblood\'uns，ifyouplease，goodLord！andnotmyLondongentleman？No，no。We\'llshow\'emanotherpairofshoesthanthat，Pip；won\'tus？\'
Hetookoutofhispocketagreatthickpocket-book，burstingwithpapers，andtosseditonthetable。
`There\'ssomethingworthspendinginthattherebook，dearboy。It\'syourn。AllI\'vegotain\'tmine；it\'syourn。Don\'tyoubeafeerdonit。
There\'smorewherethatcomefrom。I\'vecometotheoldcountryfurtoseemygentlemanspendhismoneylikeagentleman。That\'llbemypleasure。Mypleasure\'ullbefurtoseehimdoit。Andblastyouall！\'hewoundup，lookingroundtheroomandsnappinghisfingersoncewithaloudsnap，`blastyoueveryone，fromthejudgeinhiswig，tothecolonistastirringupthedust，I\'llshowabettergentlemanthanthewholekitonyouputtogether！\'
`Stop！\'saidI，almostinafrenzyoffearanddislike，`Iwanttospeaktoyou。Iwanttoknowwhatistobedone。Iwanttoknowhowyouaretobekeptoutofdanger，howlongyouaregoingtostay，whatprojectsyouhave。\'
`Look\'eehere，Pip，\'saidhe，layinghishandonmyarminasuddenlyalteredandsubduedmanner；`firstofall，look\'eehere。Iforgotmyselfhalfaminuteago。WhatIsaidwaslow；that\'swhatitwas；low。Look\'eehere，Pip。Lookoverit。Iain\'tagoingtobelow。\'
`First，\'Iresumed，half-groaning，`whatprecautionscanbetakenagainstyourbeingrecognizedandseized？\'
`No，dearboy，\'hesaid，inthesametoneasbefore，`thatdon\'tgofirst。Lownessgoesfirst。Iain\'ttooksomanyyeartomakeagentleman，notwithoutknowingwhat\'sduetohim。Look\'eehere，Pip。Iwaslow；that\'swhatIwas；low。Lookoverit，dearboy。\'
Somesenseofthegrimly-ludicrousmovedmetoafretfullaugh，asI
replied，`Ihavelookedoverit。InHeaven\'sname，don\'tharpuponit！\'
`Yes，butlook\'eehere，\'hepersisted。`Dearboy，Iain\'tcomesofur，notfurtobelow。Now，goon，dearboy。Youwasasaying——\'
`Howareyoutobeguardedfromthedangeryouhaveincurred？\'
`Well，dearboy，thedangerain\'tsogreat。WithoutIwasinformedagen，thedangerain\'tsomuchtosignify。There\'sJaggers，andthere\'sWemmick，andthere\'syou。Whoelseistheretoinform？\'
`Istherenochancepersonwhomightidentifyyouinthestreet？\'saidI。
`Well，\'hereturned，`thereain\'tmany。NoryetIdon\'tintendtoadvertisemyselfinthenewspapersbythenameofA。M。comebackfromBotanyBay；
andyearshaverolledaway，andwho\'stogainbyit？Still，look\'eehere，Pip。Ifthedangerhadbeenfiftytimesasgreat，Ishouldha\'cometoseeyou，mindyou，justthesame。\'
`Andhowlongdoyouremain？\'
`Howlong？\'saidhe，takinghisblackpipefromhismouth，anddroppinghisjawashestaredatme。`I\'mnotagoingback。I\'vecomeforgood。\'
`Whereareyoutolive？\'saidI。`Whatistobedonewithyou？Wherewillyoubesafe？\'
`Dearboy，\'hereturned，`there\'sdisguisingwigscanbeboughtformoney，andthere\'shairpowder，andspectacles，andblackclothes-shortsandwhatnot。Othershasdoneitsafeafore，andwhatothershasdoneafore，otherscandoagen。Astothewhereandhowofliving，dearboy，givemeyourownopinionsonit。\'
`Youtakeitsmoothlynow，\'saidI，`butyouwereveryseriouslastnight，whenyousworeitwasDeath。\'
`AndsoIswearitisDeath，\'saidhe，puttinghispipebackinhismouth，`andDeathbytherope，intheopenstreetnotfurfromthis，andit\'sseriousthatyoushouldfullyunderstandittobeso。Whatthen，whenthat\'soncedone？HereIam。Togobacknow，\'udbeasbadastostandground-worse。Besides，Pip，I\'mhere，becauseI\'vemeantitbyyou，yearsandyears。AstowhatIdare，I\'maoldbirdnow，ashasdaredallmanneroftrapssincefirsthewasfledged，andI\'mnotafeerdtoperchuponascarecrow。Ifthere\'sDeathhidinsideofit，thereis，andlethimcomeout，andI\'llfacehim，andthenI\'llbelieveinhimandnotafore。Andnowletmehavealookatmygentlemanagen。\'
Oncemore，hetookmebybothhandsandsurveyedmewithanairofadmiringproprietorship:smokingwithgreatcomplacencyallthewhile。
ItappearedtomethatIcoulddonobetterthansecurehimsomequietlodginghardby，ofwhichhemighttakepossessionwhenHerbertreturned:
whomIexpectedintwoorthreedays。ThatthesecretmustbeconfidedtoHerbertasamatterofunavoidablenecessity，evenifIcouldhaveputtheimmensereliefIshouldderivefromsharingitwithhimoutofthequestion，wasplaintome。ButitwasbynomeanssoplaintoMrProvisIresolvedtocallhimbythatname，whoreservedhisconsenttoHerbert\'sparticipationuntilheshouldhaveseenhimandformedafavourablejudgmentofhisphysiognomy。`Andeventhen，dearboy，\'saidhe，pullingagreasylittleclaspedblackTestamentoutofhispocket，`we\'llhavehimonhisoath。\'
Tostatethatmyterriblepatroncarriedthislittleblackbookabouttheworldsolelytoswearpeopleonincasesofemergency，wouldbetostatewhatIneverquiteestablished-butthisIcansay，thatIneverknewhimputittoanyotheruse。Thebookitselfhadtheappearanceofhavingbeenstolenfromsomecourtofjustice，andperhapshisknowledgeofitsantecedents，combinedwithhisownexperienceinthatwise，gavehimarelianceonitspowersasasortoflegalspellorcharm。Onthisfirstoccasionofhisproducingit，Irecalledhowhehadmademeswearfidelityinthechurchyardlongago，andhowhehaddescribedhimselflastnightasalwaysswearingtohisresolutionsinhissolitude。
Ashewasatpresentdressedinaseafaringslopsuit，inwhichhelookedasifhehadsomeparrotsandcigarstodisposeof，Inextdiscussedwithhimwhatdressheshouldwear。Hecherishedanextraordinarybeliefinthevirtuesof`shorts\'asadisguise，andhadinhisownmindsketchedadressforhimselfthatwouldhavemadehimsomethingbetweenadeanandadentist。ItwaswithconsiderabledifficultythatIwonhimovertotheassumptionofadressmorelikeaprosperousfarmer\'s；andwearrangedthatheshouldcuthishairclose，andwearalittlepowder。Lastly，ashehadnotyetbeenseenbythelaundressorherniece，hewastokeephimselfoutoftheirviewuntilhischangeofdresswasmade。
Itwouldseemasimplemattertodecideontheseprecautions；butinmydazed，nottosaydistracted，state，ittooksolong，thatIdidnotgetouttofurtherthem，untiltwoorthreeintheafternoon。HewastoremainshutupinthechamberswhileIwasgone，andwasonnoaccounttoopenthedoor。
Therebeingtomyknowledgearespectablelodging-houseinEssex-street，thebackofwhichlookedintotheTemple，andwasalmostwithinhailofmywindows，Ifirstofallrepairedtothathouse，andwassofortunateastosecurethesecondfloorformyuncle，MrProvis。Ithenwentfromshoptoshop，makingsuchpurchasesaswerenecessarytothechangeinhisappearance。Thisbusinesstransacted，Iturnedmyface，onmyownaccount，toLittleBritain。MrJaggerswasathisdesk，but，seeingmeenter，gotupimmediatelyandstoodbeforehisfire。
`Now，Pip，\'saidhe，`becareful。\'
`Iwill，sir，\'Ireturned。For，comingalongIhadthoughtwellofwhatIwasgoingtosay。
`Don\'tcommityourself，\'saidMrJaggers，`anddon\'tcommitanyone。
Youunderstand-anyone。Don\'ttellmeanything:Idon\'twanttoknowanything；Iamnotcurious。\'
OfcourseIsawthatheknewthemanwascome。
`Imerelywant，MrJaggers，\'saidI，`toassuremyselfthatwhatIhavebeentold，istrue。Ihavenohopeofitsbeinguntrue，butatleastI
mayverifyit。\'
MrJaggersnodded。`Butdidyousay\"told\"or\"informed\"？\'heaskedme，withhisheadononeside，andnotlookingatme，butlookinginalisteningwayatthefloor。`Toldwouldseemtoimplyverbalcommunication。
Youcan\'thaveverbalcommunicationwithamaninNewSouthWales，youknow。\'
`Iwillsay，informed，MrJaggers。\'
`Good。\'
`IhavebeeninformedbyapersonnamedAbelMagwitch，thatheisthebenefactorsolongunknowntome。\'
`Thatistheman，\'saidMrJaggers，`-inNewSouthWales。\'
`Andonlyhe？\'saidI。
`Andonlyhe，\'saidMrJaggers。
`Iamnotsounreasonable，sir，astothinkyouatallresponsibleformymistakesandwrongconclusions；butIalwayssupposeditwasMissHavisham。\'
`Asyousay，Pip，\'returnedMrJaggers，turninghiseyesuponmecoolly，andtakingabiteathisforefinger，`Iamnotatallresponsibleforthat。\'
`Andyetitlookedsolikeit，sir，\'Ipleadedwithadowncastheart。
`Notaparticleofevidence，Pip，\'saidMrJaggers，shakinghisheadandgatheringuphisskirts。`Takenothingonitslooks；takeeverythingonevidence。There\'snobetterrule。\'
`Ihavenomoretosay，\'saidI，withasigh，afterstandingsilentforalittlewhile。`Ihaveverifiedmyinformation，andthere\'sanend。\'
`AndMagwitch-inNewSouthWales-havingatlastdisclosedhimself，\'
saidMrJaggers，`youwillcomprehend，Pip，howrigidlythroughoutmycommunicationwithyou，Ihavealwaysadheredtothestrictlineoffact。Therehasneverbeentheleastdeparturefromthestrictlineoffact。Youarequiteawareofthat？\'
`Quite，sir。\'
`IcommunicatedtoMagwitch-inNewSouthWales-whenhefirstwrotetome-fromNewSouthWales-thecautionthathemustnotexpectmeevertodeviatefromthestrictlineoffact。Ialsocommunicatedtohimanothercaution。HeappearedtometohaveobscurelyhintedinhisletteratsomedistantideahehadofseeingyouinEnglandhere。IcautionedhimthatImusthearnomoreofthat；thathewasnotatalllikelytoobtainapardon；thathewasexpatriatedforthetermofhisnaturallife；andthathispresentinghimselfinthiscountrywouldbeanactoffelony，renderinghimliabletotheextremepenaltyofthelaw。IgaveMagwitchthatcaution，\'
saidMrJaggers，lookinghardatme；`IwroteittoNewSouthWales。Heguidedhimselfbyit，nodoubt。\'
`Nodoubt，\'saidI。
`IhavebeeninformedbyWemmick，\'pursuedMrJaggers，stilllookinghardatme，`thathehasreceivedaletter，underdatePortsmouth，fromacolonistofthenameofPurvis，or——\'
`OrProvis，\'Isuggested。
`OrProvis-thankyou，Pip。PerhapsitisProvis？Perhapsyouknowit\'sProvis？\'
`Yes，\'saidI。
`Youknowit\'sProvis。Aletter，underdatePortsmouth，fromacolonistofthenameofProvis，askingfortheparticularsofyouraddress，onbehalfofMagwitch。Wemmicksenthimtheparticulars，Iunderstand，byreturnofpost。ProbablyitisthroughProvisthatyouhavereceivedtheexplanationofMagwitch-inNewSouthWales？\'
`ItcamethroughProvis，\'Ireplied。
`Goodday，Pip，\'saidMrJaggers，offeringhishand；`gladtohaveseenyou。InwritingbyposttoMagwitch-inNewSouthWales-orincommunicatingwithhimthroughProvis，havethegoodnesstomentionthattheparticularsandvouchersofourlongaccountshallbesenttoyou，togetherwiththebalance；forthereisstillabalanceremaining。Goodday，Pip！\'
Weshookhands，andhelookedhardatmeaslongashecouldseeme。
Iturnedatthedoor，andhewasstilllookinghardatme，whilethetwovilecastsontheshelfseemedtobetryingtogettheireyelidsopen，andtoforceoutoftheirswollenthroats，`O，whatamanheis！\'
Wemmickwasout，andthoughhehadbeenathisdeskhecouldhavedonenothingforme。IwentstraightbacktotheTemple，whereIfoundtheterribleProvisdrinkingrum-and-waterandsmokingnegro-head，insafety。
NextdaytheclothesIhadordered，allcamehome，andheputthemon。
Whateverheputon，becamehimlessitdismallyseemedtomethanwhathehadwornbefore。Tomythinking，therewassomethinginhimthatmadeithopelesstoattempttodisguisehim。ThemoreIdressedhimandthebetterIdressedhim，themorehelookedliketheslouchingfugitiveonthemarshes。Thiseffectonmyanxiousfancywaspartlyreferable，nodoubt，tohisoldfaceandmannergrowingmorefamiliartome；butIbelievetoothathedraggedoneofhislegsasiftherewerestillaweightofirononit，andthatfromheadtofoottherewasConvictintheverygrainoftheman。
Theinfluencesofhissolitaryhut-lifewereuponhimbesides，andgavehimasavageairthatnodresscouldtame；addedtothese，weretheinfluencesofhissubsequentbrandedlifeamongmen，and，crowingall，hisconsciousnessthathewasdodgingandhidingnow。Inallhiswaysofsittingandstanding，andeatinganddrinking-ofbroodingabout，inahigh-shoulderedreluctantstyle-oftakingouthisgreathorn-handledjack-knifeandwipingitonhislegsandcuttinghisfood-ofliftinglightglassesandcupstohislips，asiftheywereclumsypannikins-ofchoppingawedgeoffhisbread，andsoakingupwithitthelastfragmentsofgravyroundandroundhisplate，asiftomakethemostofanallowance，andthendryinghisfinger-endsonit，andthenswallowingit-inthesewaysandathousandothersmallnamelessinstancesarisingeveryminuteintheday，therewasPrisoner，Felon，Bondsman，plainasplaincouldbe。
Ithadbeenhisownideatowearthattouchofpowder，andIhadconcededthepowderafterovercomingtheshorts。ButIcancomparetheeffectofit，whenon，tonothingbuttheprobableeffectofrougeuponthedead；
soawfulwasthemannerinwhicheverythinginhimthatitwasmostdesirabletorepress，startedthroughthatthinlayerofpretence，andseemedtocomeblazingoutatthecrownofhishead。Itwasabandonedassoonastried，andheworehisgrizzledhaircutshort。
WordscannottellwhatasenseIhad，atthesametime，ofthedreadfulmysterythathewastome。Whenhefellasleepofanevening，withhisknottedhandsclenchingthesidesoftheeasy-chair，andhisbaldheadtattooedwithdeepwrinklesfallingforwardonhisbreast，Iwouldsitandlookathim，wonderingwhathehaddone，andloadinghimwithallthecrimesintheCalendar，untiltheimpulsewaspowerfulonmetostartupandflyfromhim。Everyhoursoincreasedmyabhorrenceofhim，thatI
eventhinkImighthaveyieldedtothisimpulseinthefirstagoniesofbeingsohaunted，notwithstandingallhehaddoneforme，andtheriskheran，butfortheknowledgethatHerbertmustsooncomeback。Once，I
actuallydidstartoutofbedinthenight，andbegintodressmyselfinmyworstclothes，hurriedlyintendingtoleavehimtherewitheverythingelseIpossessed，andenlistforIndiaasaprivatesoldier。
Idoubtifaghostcouldhavebeenmoreterribletome，upinthoselonelyroomsinthelongeveningsandlongnights，withthewindandtherainalwaysrushingby。Aghostcouldnothavebeentakenandhangedonmyaccount，andtheconsiderationthathecouldbe，andthedreadthathewouldbe，werenosmalladditiontomyhorrors。Whenhewasnotasleep，orplayingacomplicatedkindofpatiencewitharaggedpackofcardsofhisown-agamethatIneversawbeforeorsince，andinwhichherecordedhiswinningsbystickinghisjack-knifeintothetable-whenhewasnotengagedineitherofthesepursuits，hewouldaskmetoreadtohim-`Foreignlanguage，dearboy！\'WhileIcomplied，he，notcomprehendingasingleword，wouldstandbeforethefiresurveyingmewiththeairofanExhibitor，andIwouldseehim，betweenthefingersofthehandwithwhichIshadedmyface，appealingindumbshowtothefurnituretotakenoticeofmyproficiency。
Theimaginarystudentpursuedbythemisshapencreaturehehadimpiouslymade，wasnotmorewretchedthanI，pursuedbythecreaturewhohadmademe，andrecoilingfromhimwithastrongerrepulsion，themoreheadmiredmeandthefonderhewasofme。
Thisiswrittenof，Iamsensible，asifithadlastedayear。Itlastedaboutfivedays。ExpectingHerbertallthetime，Idarednotgoout，exceptwhenItookProvisforanairingafterdark。Atlength，oneeveningwhendinnerwasoverandIhaddroppedintoaslumberquitewornout-formynightshadbeenagitatedandmyrestbrokenbyfearfuldreams-Iwasrousedbythewelcomefootsteponthestaircase。Provis，whohadbeenasleeptoo，staggeredupatthenoiseImade，andinaninstantIsawhisjack-knifeshininginhishand。
`Quiet！It\'sHerbert！\'Isaid；andHerbertcameburstingin，withtheairyfreshnessofsixhundredmilesofFranceuponhim。
`Handel，mydearfellow，howareyou，andagainhowareyou，andagainhowareyou？Iseemtohavebeengoneatwelvemonth！Why，soImusthavebeen，foryouhavegrownquitethinandpale！Handel，my-Halloa！Ibegyourpardon。\'
Hewasstoppedinhisrunningonandinhisshakinghandswithme，byseeingProvis。Provis，regardinghimwithafixedattention，wasslowlyputtinguphisjack-knife，andgropinginanotherpocketforsomethingelse。
`Herbert，mydearfriend，\'saidI，shuttingthedoubledoors，whileHerbertstoodstaringandwondering，`somethingverystrangehashappened。
Thisis-avisitorofmine。\'
`It\'sallright，dearboy！\'saidProviscomingforward，withhislittleclaspedblackbook，andthenaddressinghimselftoHerbert。`Takeitinyourrighthand。Lordstrikeyoudeadonthespot，ifeveryousplitinanywaysumever！Kissit！\'
`Doso，ashewishesit，\'IsaidtoHerbert。So，Herbert，lookingatmewithafriendlyuneasinessandamazement，complied，andProvisimmediatelyshakinghandswithhim，said，`Nowyou\'reonyouroath，youknow。Andneverbelievemeonmine，ifPipshan\'tmakeagentlemanonyou！\'
Chapter41
INvainshouldIattempttodescribetheastonishmentanddisquietofHerbert，whenheandIandProvissatdownbeforethefire，andIrecountedthewholeofthesecret。Enough，thatIsawmyownfeelingsreflectedinHerbert\'sface，and，notleastamongthem，myrepugnancetowardsthemanwhohaddonesomuchforme。
Whatwouldalonehavesetadivisionbetweenthatmanandus，iftherehadbeennootherdividingcircumstance，washistriumphinmystory。Savinghistroublesomesenseofhavingbeen`low\'ononeoccasionsincehisreturn-onwhichpointhebegantoholdforthtoHerbert，themomentmyrevelationwasfinished-hehadnoperceptionofthepossibilityofmyfindinganyfaultwithmygoodfortune。Hisboastthathehadmademeagentleman，andthathehadcometoseemesupportthecharacteronhisampleresources，wasmadeformequiteasmuchasforhimself；andthatitwasahighlyagreeableboasttobothofus，andthatwemustbothbeveryproudofit，wasaconclusionquiteestablishedinhisownmind。
`Though，look\'eehere，Pip\'scomrade，\'hesaidtoHerbert，afterhavingdiscoursedforsometime，`IknowverywellthatoncesinceIcomeback-forhalfaminute-I\'vebeenlow。IsaidtoPip，IknowedasIhadbeenlow。Butdon\'tyoufretyourselfonthatscore。Iain\'tmadePipagentleman，andPipain\'tagoingtomakeyouagentleman，notfurmenottoknowwhat\'sduetoyeboth。Dearboy，andPip\'scomrade，youtwomaycountuponmealwayshavingagen-teelmuzzleon。MuzzledIhavebeensincethathalfaminutewhenIwasbetrayedintolowness，muzzledIamatthepresenttime，muzzledIeverwillbe。\'
Herbertsaid，`Certainly，\'butlookedasiftherewerenospecificconsolationinthis，andremainedperplexedanddismayed。Wewereanxiousforthetimewhenhewouldgotohislodging，andleaveustogether，buthewasevidentlyjealousofleavingustogether，andsatlate。ItwasmidnightbeforeI
tookhimroundtoEssex-street，andsawhimsafelyinathisowndarkdoor。
Whenitcloseduponhim，IexperiencedthefirstmomentofreliefIhadknownsincethenightofhisarrival。
Neverquitefreefromanuneasyremembranceofthemanonthestairs，Ihadalwayslookedaboutmeintakingmyguestoutafterdark，andinbringinghimback；andIlookedaboutmenow。Difficultasitisinalargecitytoavoidthesuspicionofbeingwatched，whenthemindisconsciousofdangerinthatregard，Icouldnotpersuademyselfthatanyofthepeoplewithinsightcaredaboutmymovements。Thefewwhowerepassing，passedontheirseveralways，andthestreetwasemptywhenIturnedbackintotheTemple。Nobodyhadcomeoutatthegatewithus，nobodywentinatthegatewithme。AsIcrossedbythefountain，Isawhislightedbackwindowslookingbrightandquiet，and，whenIstoodforafewmomentsinthedoorwayofthebuildingwhereIlived，beforegoingupthestairs，Garden-courtwasasstillandlifelessasthestaircasewaswhenIascendedit。
Herbertreceivedmewithopenarms，andIhadneverfeltbefore，soblessedly，whatitistohaveafriend。Whenhehadspokensomesoundwordsofsympathyandencouragement，wesatdowntoconsiderthequestion，Whatwastobedone？
ThechairthatProvishadoccupiedstillremainingwhereithadstood-forhehadabarrackwaywithhimofhangingaboutonespot，inoneunsettledmanner，andgoingthroughoneroundofobservanceswithhispipeandhisnegro-headandhisjack-knifeandhispackofcards，andwhatnot，asifitwereallputdownforhimonaslate-Isay，hischairremainingwhereithadstood，Herbertunconsciouslytookit，butnextmomentstartedoutofit，pusheditaway，andtookanother。Hehadnooccasiontosay，afterthat，thathehadconceivedanaversionformypatron，neitherhadIoccasiontoconfessmyown。Weinterchangedthatconfidencewithoutshapingasyllable。
`What，\'saidItoHerbert，whenhewassafeinanotherchair，`whatistobedone？\'
`MypoordearHandel，\'hereplied，holdinghishead，`Iamtoostunnedtothink。\'
`SowasI，Herbert，whentheblowfirstfell。Still，somethingmustbedone。Heisintentuponvariousnewexpenses-horses，andcarriages，andlavishappearanceofallkinds。Hemustbestoppedsomehow。\'
`Youmeanthatyoucan\'taccept——\'
`HowcanI？\'Iinterposed，asHerbertpaused。`Thinkofhim！Lookathim！\'
Aninvoluntaryshudderpassedoverbothofus。
`YetIamafraidthedreadfultruthis，Herbert，thatheisattachedtome，stronglyattachedtome。Wasthereeversuchafate！\'
`MypoordearHandel，\'Herbertrepeated。
`Then，\'saidI，`afterall，stoppingshorthere，nevertakinganotherpennyfromhim，thinkwhatIowehimalready！Thenagain:Iamheavilyindebt-veryheavilyforme，whohavenownoexpectations-andIhavebeenbredtonocalling，andIamfitfornothing。\'
`Well，well，well！\'Herbertremonstrated。`Don\'tsayfitfornothing。\'
`WhatamIfitfor？IknowonlyonethingthatIamfitfor，andthatis，togoforasoldier。AndImighthavegone，mydearHerbert，butfortheprospectoftakingcounselwithyourfriendshipandaffection。\'
OfcourseIbrokedownthere:andofcourseHerbert，beyondseizingawarmgripofmyhand，pretendednottoknowit。
`Anyhow，mydearHandel，\'saidhepresently，`soldieringwon\'tdo。Ifyouweretorenouncethispatronageandthesefavours，Isupposeyouwoulddosowithsomefainthopeofonedayrepayingwhatyouhavealreadyhad。
Notverystrong，thathope，ifyouwentsoldiering！Besides，it\'sabsurd。
YouwouldbeinfinitelybetterinClarriker\'shouse，smallasitis。I
amworkinguptowardsapartnership，youknow。\'
Poorfellow！Helittlesuspectedwithwhosemoney。
`Butthereisanotherquestion，\'saidHerbert。`Thisisanignorantdeterminedman，whohaslonghadonefixedidea。Morethanthat，heseemstomeImaymisjudgehimtobeamanofadesperateandfiercecharacter。\'
`Iknowheis，\'Ireturned。`LetmetellyouwhatevidenceIhaveseenofit。\'AndItoldhimwhatIhadnotmentionedinmynarrative；ofthatencounterwiththeotherconvict。
`See，then，\'saidHerbert；`thinkofthis！Hecomeshereattheperilofhislife，fortherealizationofhisfixedidea。Inthemomentofrealization，afterallhistoilandwaiting，youcutthegroundfromunderhisfeet，destroyhisidea，andmakehisgainsworthlesstohim。Doyouseenothingthathemightdo，underthedisappointment？\'
`Ihaveseenit，Herbert，anddreamedofit，eversincethefatalnightofhisarrival。Nothinghasbeeninmythoughtssodistinctly，ashisputtinghimselfinthewayofbeingtaken。\'
`Thenyoumayrelyuponit，\'saidHerbert，`thattherewouldbegreatdangerofhisdoingit。ThatishispoweroveryouaslongasheremainsinEngland，andthatwouldbehisrecklesscourseifyouforsookhim。\'
Iwassostruckbythehorrorofthisidea，whichhadweigheduponmefromthefirst，andtheworkingoutofwhichwouldmakemeregardmyself，insomesort，ashismurderer，thatIcouldnotrestinmychairbutbeganpacingtoandfro。IsaidtoHerbert，meanwhile，thatevenifProviswererecognizedandtaken，inspiteofhimself，Ishouldbewretchedasthecause，howeverinnocently。Yes；eventhoughIwassowretchedinhavinghimatlargeandnearme，andeventhoughIwouldfarfarratherhaveworkedattheforgeallthedaysofmylifethanIwouldeverhavecometothis！
Buttherewasnoravingoffthequestion，Whatwastobedone？
`Thefirstandthemainthingtobedone，\'saidHerbert，`istogethimoutofEngland。Youwillhavetogowithhim，andthenhemaybeinducedtogo。\'
`ButgethimwhereIwill，couldIpreventhiscomingback？\'
`MygoodHandel，isitnotobviousthatwithNewgateinthenextstreet，theremustbefargreaterhazardinyourbreakingyourmindtohimandmakinghimreckless，here，thanelsewhere。Ifapretexttogethimawaycouldbemadeoutofthatotherconvict，oroutofanythingelseinhislife，now。\'
`There，again！\'saidI，stoppingbeforeHerbert，withmyopenhandsheldout，asiftheycontainedthedesperationofthecase。`Iknownothingofhislife。Ithasalmostmadememadtosithereofanightandseehimbeforeme，soboundupwithmyfortunesandmisfortunes，andyetsounknowntome，exceptasthemiserablewretchwhoterrifiedmetwodaysinmychildhood！\'
Herbertgotup，andlinkedhisarminmine，andweslowlywalkedtoandfrotogether，studyingthecarpet。
`Handel，\'saidHerbert，stopping，`youfeelconvincedthatyoucantakenofurtherbenefitsfromhim；doyou？\'
`Fully。Surelyyouwould，too，ifyouwereinmyplace？\'
`Andyoufeelconvincedthatyoumustbreakwithhim？\'
`Herbert，canyouaskme？\'
`Andyouhave，andareboundtohave，thattendernessforthelifehehasriskedonyouraccount，thatyoumustsavehim，ifpossible，fromthrowingitaway。ThenyoumustgethimoutofEnglandbeforeyoustirafingertoextricateyourself。Thatdone，extricateyourself，inHeaven\'sname，andwe\'llseeitouttogether，dearoldboy。\'
Itwasacomforttoshakehandsuponit，andwalkupanddownagain，withonlythatdone。
`Now，Herbert，\'saidI，`withreferencetogainingsomeknowledgeofhishistory。ThereisbutonewaythatIknowof。Imustaskhimpoint-blank。\'
`Yes。Askhim，\'saidHerbert，`whenwesitatbreakfastinthemorning。\'
For，hehadsaid，ontakingleaveofHerbert，thathewouldcometobreakfastwithus。
Withthisprojectformed，wewenttobed。Ihadthewildestdreamsconcerninghim，andwokeunrefreshed；Iwoke，too，torecoverthefearwhichIhadlostinthenight，ofhisbeingfoundoutasareturnedtransport。Waking，Ineverlostthatfear。
Hecameroundattheappointedtime，tookouthisjack-knife，andsatdowntohismeal。Hewasfullofplans`forhisgentleman\'scomingoutstrong，andlikeagentleman，\'andurgedmetobeginspeedilyuponthepocket-book，whichhehadleftinmypossession。Heconsideredthechambersandhisownlodgingastemporaryresidences，andadvisedmetolookoutatoncefora`fashionablecrib\'nearHydePark，inwhichhecouldhave`ashake-down\'。Whenhehadmadeanendofhisbreakfast，andwaswipinghisknifeonhisleg，Isaidtohim，withoutawordofpreface:
`Afteryouweregonelastnight，Itoldmyfriendofthestrugglethatthesoldiersfoundyouengagedinonthemarshes，whenwecameup。Youremember？\'
`Remember！\'saidhe。`Ithinkso！\'
`Wewanttoknowsomethingaboutthatman-andaboutyou。Itisstrangetoknownomoreabouteither，andparticularlyyou，thanIwasabletotelllastnight。Isnotthisasgoodatimeasanotherforourknowingmore？\'
`Well！\'hesaid，afterconsideration。`You\'reonyouroath，youknow，Pip\'scomrade？\'
`Assuredly，\'repliedHerbert。
`AstoanythingIsay，youknow，\'heinsisted。`Theoathappliestoall。\'
`Iunderstandittodoso。\'
`Andlook\'eehere！WoteverIdone，isworkedoutandpaidfor，\'heinsistedagain。
`Sobeit。\'
Hetookouthisblackpipeandwasgoingtofillitwithnegrohead，when，lookingatthetangleoftobaccoinhishand，heseemedtothinkitmightperplexthethreadofhisnarrative。Heputitbackagain，stuckhispipeinabutton-holeofhiscoat，spreadahandoneachknee，and，afterturninganangryeyeonthefireforafewsilentmoments，lookedroundatusandsaidwhatfollows。
Chapter42
`DEARboyandPip\'scomrade。Iamnotagoingfurtotellyoumylife，likeasongorastory-book。Buttogiveityoushortandhandy，I\'llputitatonceintoamouthfulofEnglish。Injailandoutofjail，injailandoutofjail，injailandoutofjail。There，yougotit。That\'smylifeprettymuch，downtosuchtimesasIgotshippedoff，arterPipstoodmyfriend。
`I\'vebeendoneeverythingto，prettywell-excepthanged。I\'vebeenlockedup，asmuchasasilvertea-kettle。I\'vebeencartedhereandcartedthere，andputoutofthistownandputoutofthattown，andstuckinthestocks，andwhippedandworriedanddrove。I\'venomorenotionwhereIwasborn，thanyouhave-ifsomuch。Ifirstbecomeawareofmyself，downinEssex，athievingturnipsformyliving。Summunhadrunawayfromme-aman-atinker-andhe\'dtookthefirewithhim，andleftmewerycold。
`Iknow\'dmynametobeMagwitch，chrisen\'dAbel。HowdidIknowit？
MuchasIknow\'dthebirds\'namesinthehedgestobechaffinch，sparrer，thrush。Imighthavethoughtitwasallliestogether，onlyasthebirds\'
namescomeouttrue，Isupposedminedid。
`SofurasIcouldfind，therewarn\'tasoulthatseeyoungAbelMagwitch，withuslittleonhimasinhim，butwotcaughtfrightathim，andeitherdrovehimoff，ortookhimup。Iwastookup，tookup，tookup，tothatextentthatIreg\'larlygrow\'duptookup。
`Thisisthewayitwas，thatwhenIwasaraggedlittlecreeturasmuchtobepitiedaseverIseenotthatIlookedintheglass，fortherewarn\'tmanyinsidesoffurnishedhousesknowntome，Igotthenameofbeinghardened。\"Thisisaterriblehardenedone，\"theysaystoprisonwisitors，pickingoutme。\"Maybesaidtoliveinjails，thisboy。\"Thentheylookedatme，andIlookedatthem，andtheymeasuredmyhead，someon\'em-theyhadbetterameasuredmystomach-andotherson\'emgivmetractswhatIcouldn\'tread，andmademespeecheswhatIcouldn\'tunderstand。
TheyalwayswentonagenmeabouttheDevil。ButwhattheDevilwasItodo？Imustputsomethingintomystomach，mustn\'tI？-Howsomever，I\'magettinglow，andIknowwhat\'sdue。DearboyandPip\'scomrade，don\'tyoubeafeerdofmebeinglow。
`Tramping，begging，thieving，workingsometimeswhenIcould-thoughthatwarn\'tasoftenasyoumaythink，tillyouputthequestionwhetheryouwouldha\'beenover-readytogivemeworkyourselves-abitofapoacher，abitofalabourer，abitofawaggoner，abitofahaymaker，abitofahawker，abitofmostthingsthatdon\'tpayandleadtotrouble，Igottobeaman。AdesertingsoldierinaTraveller\'sRest，whatlayhiduptothechinunderalotoftaturs，learntmetoread；andatravellingGiantwhatsignedhisnameatapennyatimelearntmetowrite。Iwarn\'tlockedupasoftennowasformerly，butIworeoutmygoodshareofkeymetalstill。
`AtEpsomraces，amatterofovertwentyyearsago，Igotacquaintedwi\'amanwhoseskullI\'dcrackwi\'thispoker，liketheclawofalobster，ifI\'dgotitonthishob。HisrightnamewasCompeyson；andthat\'stheman，dearboy，whatyouseemeapoundingintheditch，accordingtowhatyoutrulytoldyourcomradearterIwasgonelastnight。
`Hesetupfuragentleman，thisCompeyson，andhe\'dbeentoapublicboarding-schoolandhadlearning。Hewasasmoothonetotalk，andwasadabatthewaysofgentlefolks。Hewasagood-lookingtoo。Itwasthenightaforethegreatrace，whenIfoundhimontheheath，inabooththatIknow\'don。HimandsomemorewasasittingamongthetableswhenIwentin，andthelandlordwhichhadaknowledgeofme，andwasasportingone
calledhimout，andsaid，\"Ithinkthisisamanthatmightsuityou\"-
meaningIwas。
`Compeyson，helooksatmeverynoticing，andIlookathim。Hehasawatchandachainandaringandabreast-pinandahandsomesuitofclothes。
`\"Tojudgefromappearances，you\'reoutofluck，\"saysCompeysontome。
`\"Yes，master，andI\'veneverbeeninitmuch。\"IhadcomeoutofKingstonJaillastonavagrancycommittal。Notbutwhatitmighthavebeenforsomethingelse；butitwarn\'t。
`\"Luckchanges，\"saysCompeyson；\"perhapsyoursisgoingtochange。\"
`Isays，\"Ihopeitmaybeso。There\'sroom。\"
`\"Whatcanyoudo？\"saysCompeyson。
`\"Eatanddrink，\"Isays；\"ifyou\'llfindthematerials。\"
`Compeysonlaughed，lookedatmeagainverynoticing，givmefiveshillings，andappointedmefornextnight。Sameplace。
`IwenttoCompeysonnextnight，sameplace，andCompeysontookmeontobehismanandpardner。AndwhatwasCompeyson\'sbusinessinwhichwewastogopardners？Compeyson\'sbusinesswastheswindling，handwritingforging，stolenbank-notepassing，andsuch-like。AllsortsoftrapsasCompeysoncouldsetwithhishead，andkeephisownlegsoutofandgettheprofitsfromandletanothermaninfor，wasCompeyson\'sbusiness。
He\'dnomoreheartthanaironfile，hewasascoldasdeath，andhehadtheheadoftheDevilaforementioned。
`TherewasanotherinwithCompeyson，aswascalledArthur-notasbeingsochrisen\'d，butasasurname。HewasinaDecline，andwasashadowtolookat。HimandCompeysonhadbeeninabadthingwitharichladysomeyearsafore，andthey\'dmadeapotofmoneybyit；butCompeysonbettedandgamed，andhe\'dhaverunthroughtheking\'staxes。So，Arthurwasadying，andadyingpoorandwiththehorrorsonhim，andCompeyson\'swifewhichCompeysonkickedmostlywasahavingpityonhimwhenshecould，andCompeysonwasahavingpityonnothingandnobody。
`ImightatookwarningbyArthur，butIdidn\'t；andIwon\'tpretendIwaspartick\'ler-forwhere\'udbethegoodonit，dearboyandcomrade？
SoIbegunwi\'Compeyson，andapoortoolIwasinhishands。ArthurlivedatthetopofCompeyson\'shouseovernighBrentforditwas，andCompeysonkeptacarefulaccountagenhimforboardandlodging，incaseheshouldevergetbettertoworkitout。ButArthursoonsettledtheaccount。ThesecondorthirdtimeaseverIseehim，hecomeatearingdownintoCompeyson\'sparlourlateatnight，inonlyaflannelgown，withhishairallinasweat，andhesaystoCompeyson\'swife，\"Sally，shereallyisupstairsalongerme，now，andIcan\'tgetridofher。She\'sallinwhite，\"hesays，\"wi\'
whiteflowersinherhair，andshe\'sawfulmad，andshe\'sgotashroudhangingoverherarm，andshesaysshe\'llputitonmeatfiveinthemorning。\"
`SaysCompeyson:\"Why，youfool，don\'tyouknowshe\'sgotalivingbody？
Andhowshouldshebeupthere，withoutcomingthroughthedoor，orinatthewindow，andupthestairs？\"
`\"Idon\'tknowhowshe\'sthere，\"saysArthur，shiveringdreadfulwiththehorrors，\"butshe\'sstandinginthecorneratthefootofthebed，awfulmad。Andoverwhereherheart\'sbrook-youbrokeit！-there\'sdropsofblood。\"
`Compeysonspokehardy，buthewasalwaysacoward。\"Goupalongerthisdrivellingsickman，\"hesaystohiswife，\"andMagwitch，lendherahand，willyou？\"Buthenevercomenighhimself。
`Compeyson\'swifeandmetookhimuptobedagen，andheravedmostdreadful。\"Whylookather！\"hecriesout。\"She\'sashakingtheshroudatme！Don\'tyouseeher？Lookathereyes！Ain\'titawfultoseehersomad？\"Next，hecries，\"She\'llputitonme，andthenI\'mdonefor！Takeitawayfromher，takeitaway！\"Andthenhecatchedholdofus，andkeponatalkingtoher，andansweringofher，tillIhalfbelievedIseehermyself。
`Compeyson\'swife，beingusedtohim，givhimsomeliquortogetthehorrorsoff，andby-and-byhequieted。\"Oh，she\'sgone！Hasherkeeperbeenforher？\"hesays。\"Yes，\"saysCompeyson\'swife。\"Didyoutellhimtolockherandbarherin？\"\"Yes。\"\"Andtotakethatuglythingawayfromher？\"
\"Yes，yes，allright。\"\"You\'reagoodcreetur，\"hesays，\"don\'tleaveme，whateveryoudo，andthankyou！\"
`Herestedprettyquiettillitmightwantafewminutesoffive，andthenhestartsupwithascream，andscreamsout，\"Heresheis！She\'sgottheshroudagain。She\'sunfoldingit。She\'scomingoutofthecorner。She\'scomingtothebed。Holdme，bothonyou-oneofeachside-don\'tlethertouchmewithit。Hah！shemissedmethattime。Don\'tletherthrowitovermyshoulders。Don\'tletherliftmeuptogetitroundme。She\'sliftingmeup。Keepmedown！\"Thenheliftedhimselfuphard，andwasdead。
`Compeysontookiteasyasagoodriddanceforbothsides。Himandmewassoonbusy，andfirsthesworemebeingeverartfulonmyownbook-thisherelittleblackbook，dearboy，whatIsworeyourcomradeon。
`NottogointothethingsthatCompeysonplanned，andIdone-which\'udtakeaweek-I\'llsimplysaytoyou，dearboy，andPip\'scomrade，thatthatmangotmeintosuchnetsasmademehisblackslave。Iwasalwaysindebttohim，alwaysunderhisthumb，alwaysaworking，alwaysagettingintodanger。Hewasyoungerthanme，buthe\'dgotcraft，andhe\'dgotlearning，andheovermatchedmefivehundredtimestoldandnomercy。MyMissisasIhadthehardtimewi\'-Stopthough！Iain\'tbroughtherin——\'
Helookedabouthiminaconfusedway，asifhehadlosthisplaceinthebookofhisremembrance；andheturnedhisfacetothefire，andspreadhishandsbroaderonhisknees，andliftedthemoffandputthemonagain。
`Thereain\'tnoneedtogointoit，\'hesaid，lookingroundoncemore。
`Thetimewi\'Compeysonwasa\'mostashardatimeaseverIhad；thatsaid，all\'ssaid。DidItellyouasIwastried，alone，formisdemeanour，whilewithCompeyson？\'
Ianswered，No。
`Well！\'hesaid，`Iwas，andgotconvicted。Astotookuponsuspicion，thatwastwiceorthreetimesinthefourorfiveyearthatitlasted；butevidencewaswanting。Atlast，meandCompeysonwasbothcommittedforfelony-onachargeofputtingstolennotesincirculation-andtherewasotherchargesbehind。Compeysonsaystome，\"Separatedefences，nocommunication，\"andthatwasall。AndIwassomiserablepoor，thatIsoldalltheclothesIhad，exceptwhathungonmyback，aforeIcouldgetJaggers。
`Whenwewasputinthedock，InoticedfirstofallwhatagentlemanCompeysonlooked，wi\'hiscurlyhairandhisblackclothesandhiswhitepocket-handkercher，andwhatacommonsortofawretchIlooked。Whentheprosecutionopenedandtheevidencewasputshort，aforehand，Inoticedhowheavyitallboreonme，andhowlightonhim。Whentheevidencewasgivinthebox，Inoticedhowitwasalwaysmethathadcomefor\'ard，andcouldbesworeto，howitwasalwaysmethatthemoneyhadbeenpaidto，howitwasalwaysmethathadseemedtoworkthethingandgettheprofit。
But，whenthedefencecomeon，thenIseetheplanplainer；for，saysthecounsellorforCompeyson，\"Mylordandgentlemen，hereyouhasaforeyou，sidebyside，twopersonsasyoureyescanseparatewide；one，theyounger，wellbroughtup，whowillbespoketoassuch；one，theelder，illbroughtup，whowillbespoketoassuch；one，theyounger，seldomifeverseenintheseheretransactions，andonlysuspected；t\'other，theelder，alwaysseenin\'emandalwayswi\'hisguiltbroughthome。Canyoudoubt，ifthereisbutoneinit，whichistheone，and，ifthereistwoinit，whichismuchtheworstone？\"Andsuch-like。Andwhenitcometocharacter，warn\'titCompeysonashadbeentotheschool，andwarn\'tithisschoolfellowsaswasinthispositionandinthat，andwarn\'tithimashadbeenknow\'dbywitnessesinsuchclubsandsocieties，andnowttohisdisadvantage？
Andwarn\'titmeashadbeentriedafore，andashadbeenknow\'duphillanddowndaleinBridewellsandLock-Ups？Andwhenitcometospeech-making，warn\'titCompeysonascouldspeakto\'emwi\'hisfacedroppingeverynowandthenintohiswhitepocket-handkercher-ah！andwi\'versesinhisspeech，too-andwarn\'titmeascouldonlysay，\"Gentlemen，thismanatmysideisamostpreciousrascal\"？Andwhentheverdictcome，warn\'titCompeysonaswasrecommendedtomercyonaccountofgoodcharacterandbadcompany，andgivingupalltheinformationhecouldagenme，andwarn\'titmeasgotneverawordbutGuilty？AndwhenIsaystoCompeyson，\"Onceoutofthiscourt，I\'llsmashthatfaceofyourn！\"ain\'titCompeysonaspraystheJudgetobeprotected，andgetstwoturnkeysstoodbetwixtus？
Andwhenwe\'resentenced，ain\'tithimasgetssevenyear，andmefourteen，andain\'tithimastheJudgeissorryfor，becausehemightadonesowell，andain\'titmeastheJudgeperceivestobeaoldoffenderofwiolentpassion，likelytocometoworse？\'
Hehadworkedhimselfintoastateofgreatexcitement，buthecheckedit，tooktwoorthreeshortbreaths，swallowedasoften，andstretchingouthishandtowardsmesaid，inareassuringmanner，`Iain\'tagoingtobelow，dearboy！\'
Hehadsoheatedhimselfthathetookouthishandkerchiefandwipedhisfaceandheadandneckandhands，beforehecouldgoon。
`IhadsaidtoCompeysonthatI\'dsmashthatfaceofhis，andIsworeLordsmashmine！todoit。Wewasinthesameprison-ship，butIcouldn\'tgetathimforlong，thoughItried。AtlastIcomebehindhimandhithimonthecheektoturnhimroundandgetasmashingoneathim，whenIwasseenandseized。Theblack-holeofthatshipwarn\'tastrongone，toajudgeofblack-holesthatcouldswimanddive。Iescapedtotheshore，andIwasahidingamongthegravesthere，envyingthemaswasin\'emandallover，whenIfirstseemyboy！\'
Heregardedmewithalookofaffectionthatmadehimalmostabhorrenttomeagain，thoughIhadfeltgreatpityforhim。
`Bymyboy，IwasgivtounderstandasCompeysonwasoutonthemmarshestoo。Uponmysoul，Ihalfbelieveheescapedinhisterror，togetquitofme，notknowingitwasmeashadgotashore。Ihuntedhimdown。Ismashedhisface。\"Andnow，\"saysI\"astheworstthingIcando，caringnothingformyself，I\'lldragyouback。\"AndI\'dhaveswumoff，towinghimbythehair，ifithadcometothat，andI\'dagothimabroadwithoutthesoldiers。
`Ofcoursehe\'dmuchthebestofittothelast-hischaracterwassogood。Hehadescapedwhenhewasmadehalf-wildbymeandmymurderousintentions；andhispunishmentwaslight。Iwasputinirons，broughttotrialagain，andsentforlife。Ididn\'tstopforlife，dearboyandPip\'scomrade，beinghere。\'
`Hewipedhimselfagain，ashehaddonebefore，andthenslowlytookhistangleoftobaccofromhispocket，andpluckedhispipefromhisbutton-hole，andslowlyfilledit，andbegantosmoke。
`Ishedead？\'Iasked，afterasilence。
`Iswhodead，dearboy？\'
`Compeyson。\'
`HehopesIam，ifhe\'salive，youmaybesure，\'withafiercelook。`Ineverheerdnomoreofhim。\'
Herberthadbeenwritingwithhispencilinthecoverofabook。Hesoftlypushedthebookovertome，asProvisstoodsmokingwithhiseyesonthefire，andIreadinit:
`YoungHavisham\'snamewasArthur。CompeysonisthemanwhoprofessedtobeMissHavisham\'slover。\'
IshutthebookandnoddedslightlytoHerbert，andputthebookby；
butweneitherofussaidanything，andbothlookedatProvisashestoodsmokingbythefire。
Chapter43
WHYshouldIpausetoaskhowmuchofmyshrinkingfromProvismightbetracedtoEstella？WhyshouldIloiteronmyroad，tocomparethestateofmindinwhichIhadtriedtoridmyselfofthestainoftheprisonbeforemeetingheratthecoach-office，withthestateofmindinwhichInowreflectedontheabyssbetweenEstellainherprideandbeauty，andthereturnedtransportwhomIharboured？Theroadwouldbenonethesmootherforit，theendwouldbenonethebetterforit，hewouldnotbehelped，norIextenuated。
Anewfearhadbeenengenderedinmymindbyhisnarrative；orrather，hisnarrativehadgivenformandpurposetothefearthatwasalreadythere。
IfCompeysonwerealiveandshoulddiscoverhisreturn，Icouldhardlydoubttheconsequence。That，Compeysonstoodinmortalfearofhim，neitherofthetwocouldknowmuchbetterthanI；andthat，anysuchmanasthatmanhadbeendescribedtobe，wouldhesitatetoreleasehimselfforgoodfromadreadedenemybythesafemeansofbecominganinformer，wasscarcelytobeimagined。
NeverhadIbreathed，andneverwouldIbreathe-orsoIresolved-
awordofEstellatoProvis。But，IsaidtoHerbertthatbeforeIcouldgoabroad，ImustseebothEstellaandMissHavisham。ThiswaswhenwewereleftaloneonthenightofthedaywhenProvistoldushisstory。
IresolvedtogoouttoRichmondnextday，andIwent。
OnmypresentingmyselfatMrsBrandley\'s，Estella\'smaidwascalledtotellthatEstellahadgoneintothecountry。Where？ToSatisHouse，asusual。Notasusual，Isaid，forshehadneveryetgonetherewithoutme；whenwasshecomingback？Therewasanairofreservationintheanswerwhichincreasedmyperplexity，andtheanswerwas，thathermaidbelievedshewasonlycomingbackatallforalittlewhile。Icouldmakenothingofthis，exceptthatitwasmeantthatIshouldmakenothingofit，andIwenthomeagainincompletediscomfiture。
Anothernight-consultationwithHerbertafterProviswasgonehomeI
alwaystookhimhome，andalwayslookedwellaboutme，ledustotheconclusionthatnothingshouldbesaidaboutgoingabroaduntilIcamebackfromMissHavisham\'s。Inthemeantime，HerbertandIweretoconsiderseparatelywhatitwouldbebesttosay；whetherweshoulddeviseanypretenceofbeingafraidthathewasundersuspiciousobservation；orwhetherI，whohadneveryetbeenabroad，shouldproposeanexpedition。WebothknewthatIhadbuttoproposeanything，andhewouldconsent。Weagreedthathisremainingmanydaysinhispresenthazardwasnottobethoughtof。
Nextday，IhadthemeannesstofeignthatIwasunderabindingpromisetogodowntoJoe；butIwascapableofalmostanymeannesstowardsJoeorhisname。ProviswastobestrictlycarefulwhileIwasgone，andHerbertwastotakethechargeofhimthatIhadtaken。Iwastobeabsentonlyonenight，and，onmyreturn，thegratificationofhisimpatienceformystartingasagentlemanonagreaterscale，wastobebegun。Itoccurredtomethen，andasIafterwardsfoundtoHerbertalso，thathemightbebestgotawayacrossthewater，onthatpretence-as，tomakepurchases，orthelike。
HavingthusclearedthewayformyexpeditiontoMissHavisham\'s，I
setoffbytheearlymorningcoachbeforeitwasyetlight，andwasoutontheopencountry-roadwhenthedaycamecreepingon，haltingandwhimperingandshivering，andwrappedinpatchesofcloudsandragsofmist，likeabeggar。WhenwedroveuptotheBlueBoarafteradrizzlyride，whomshouldIseecomeoutunderthegateway，toothpickinhand，tolookatthecoach，butBentleyDrummle！
Ashepretendednottoseeme，Ipretendednottoseehim。Itwasaverylamepretenceonbothsides；thelamer，becausewebothwentintothecoffee-room，wherehehadjustfinishedhisbreakfast，andwhereI
orderedmine。Itwaspoisonoustometoseehiminthetown，forIverywellknewwhyhehadcomethere。
Pretendingtoreadasmearynewspaperlongoutofdate，whichhadnothinghalfsolegibleinitslocalnews，astheforeignmatterofcoffee，pickles，fish-sauces，gravy，meltedbutter，andwine，withwhichitwassprinkledallover，asifithadtakenthemeaslesinahighlyirregularform，I
satatmytablewhilehestoodbeforethefire。Bydegreesitbecameanenormousinjurytomethathestoodbeforethefire，andIgotup，determinedtohavemyshareofit。IhadtoputmyhandsbehindhislegsforthepokerwhenIwentuptothefire-placetostirthefire，butstillpretendednottoknowhim。
`Isthisacut？\'saidMrDrummle。
`Oh！\'saidI，pokerinhand；`it\'syou，isit？Howdoyoudo？Iwaswonderingwhoitwas，whokeptthefireoff。\'
Withthat，Ipokedtremendously，andhavingdoneso，plantedmyselfsidebysidewithMrDummle，myshoulderssquaredandmybacktothefire。
`Youhavejustcomedown？\'saidMrDrummle，edgingmealittleawaywithhisshoulder。
`Yes，\'saidI，edginghimalittleawaywithmyshoulder。
`Beastlyplace，\'saidDrummle-`Yourpartofthecountry，Ithink？\'
`Yes，\'Iassented。`Iamtoldit\'sverylikeyourShropshire。\'
`Notintheleastlikeit，\'saidDrummle。
HereMrDrummlelookedathisboots，andIlookedatmine，andthenMrDrummlelookedatmyboots，andIlookedathis。
`Haveyoubeenherelong？\'Iasked，determinednottoyieldaninchofthefire。
`Longenoughtobetiredofit，\'returnedDrummle，pretendingtoyawn，butequallydetermined。
`Doyoustayherelong？\'
`Can\'tsay，\'answeredMrDrummle。`Doyou？\'
`Can\'tsay，\'saidI。
Ifelthere，throughatinglinginmyblood，thatifMrDrummle\'sshoulderhadclaimedanotherhair\'sbreadthofroom，Ishouldhavejerkedhimintothewindow；equally，thatifmyownshoulderhadurgedasimilarclaim，MrDrummlewouldhavejerkedmeintothenearestbox。Hewhistledalittle。
SodidI。
`Largetractofmarshesabouthere，Ibelieve？\'saidDrummle。
`Yes。Whatofthat？\'saidI。
MrDrummlelookedatme，andthenatmyboots，andthensaid，`Oh！\'
andlaughed。
`Areyouamused，MrDrummle？\'
`No，\'saidhe，`notparticularly。Iamgoingoutforarideinthesaddle。
Imeantoexplorethosemarshesforamusement。Out-of-the-wayvillagesthere，theytellme。Curiouslittlepublic-houses-andsmithies-andthat。Waiter！\'
`Yes，sir。\'
`Isthathorseofmineready？\'
`Broughtroundtothedoor，sir。\'
`Isay。Lookhere，yousir。Theladywon\'trideto-day；theweatherwon\'tdo。\'
`Verygood，sir。\'
`AndIdon\'tdine，becauseI\'mgoingtodineatthelady\'s。\'
`Verygood，sir。\'
Then，Drummleglancedatme，withaninsolenttriumphonhisgreat-jowledfacethatcutmetotheheart，dullashewas，andsoexasperatedme，thatIfeltinclinedtotakehiminmyarmsastherobberinthestory-bookissaidtohavetakentheoldlady，andseathimonthefire。
Onethingwasmanifesttobothofus，andthatwas，thatuntilreliefcame，neitherofuscouldrelinquishthefire。Therewasstood，wellsquaredupbeforeit，shouldertoshoulderandfoottofoot，withourhandsbehindus，notbudginganinch。Thehorsewasvisibleoutsideinthedrizzleatthedoor，mybreakfastwasputontable，Drummle\'swasclearedaway，thewaiterinvitedmetobegin，Inodded，webothstoodourground。
`HaveyoubeentotheGrovesince？\'saidDrummle。
`No，\'saidI，`IhadquiteenoughoftheFinchesthelasttimeIwasthere。\'
`Wasthatwhenwehadadifferenceofopinion？\'
`Yes，\'Ireplied，veryshortly。
`Come，come！Theyletyouoffeasilyenough，\'sneeredDrummle。`Youshouldn\'thavelostyourtemper。\'
`MrDrummle，\'saidI，`youarenotcompetenttogiveadviceonthatsubject。WhenIlosemytempernotthatIadmithavingdonesoonthatoccasion，Idon\'tthrowglasses。\'
`Ido，\'saidDrummle。
Againglancingathimonceortwice，inanincreasedstateofsmoulderingferocity，Isaid:
`MrDrummle，Ididnotseekthisconversation，andIdon\'tthinkitanagreeableone。\'
`Iamsureit\'snot，\'saidhe，superciliouslyoverhisshoulder；`I
don\'tthinkanythingaboutit。\'
`Andtherefore，\'Iwenton，`withyourleave，Iwillsuggestthatweholdnokindofcommunicationinfuture。\'
`Quitemyopinion，\'saidDrummle，`andwhatIshouldhavesuggestedmyself，ordone-morelikely-withoutsuggesting。Butdon\'tloseyourtemper。Haven\'tyoulostenoughwithoutthat？\'
`Whatdoyoumean，sir？\'
`Wai-ter！，\'saidDrummle，bywayofansweringme。