But，therewasrecompenseinthejoywithwhichHerbertwouldcomehomeofanightandtellmeofthesechanges，littleimaginingthathetoldmenonews，andwouldsketchairypicturesofhimselfconductingClaraBarleytothelandoftheArabianNights，andofmegoingouttojointhemwithacaravanofcamels，Ibelieve，andofourallgoinguptheNileandseeingwonders。Withoutbeingsanguineastomyownpartinthesebrightplans，IfeltthatHerbert\'swaywasclearingfast，andthatoldBillBarleyhadbuttosticktohispepperandrum，andhisdaughterwouldsoonbehappilyprovidedfor。
WehadnowgotintothemonthofMarch。Myleftarm，thoughitpresentednobadsymptoms，tookinthenaturalcoursesolongtohealthatIwasstillunabletogetacoaton。Myrightarmwastolerablyrestored；-disfigured，butfairlyserviceable。
OnaMondaymorning，whenHerbertandIwereatbreakfast，IreceivedthefollowingletterfromWemmickbythepost。
`Walworth。Burnthisassoonasread。Earlyintheweek，orsayWednesday，youmightdowhatyouknowof，ifyoufeltdisposedtotryit。Nowburn。\'
WhenIhadshownthistoHerbertandhadputitinthefire-butnotbeforewehadbothgotitbyheart-weconsideredwhattodo。For，ofcoursemybeingdisabledcouldnowbenolongerkeptoutofview。
`Ihavethoughtitover，againandagain，\'saidHerbert，`andIthinkIknowabettercoursethantakingaThameswaterman。TakeStartop。Agoodfellow，askilledhand，fondofus，andenthusiasticandhonourable。\'
Ihadthoughtofhim，morethanonce。
`Buthowmuchwouldyoutellhim，Herbert？\'
`Itisnecessarytotellhimverylittle。Lethimsupposeitamerefreak，butasecretone，untilthemorningcomes:thenlethimknowthatthereisurgentreasonforyourgettingProvisabroadandaway。Yougowithhim？\'
`Nodoubt。\'
`Where？\'
Ithadseemedtome，inthemanyanxiousconsiderationsIhadgiventhepoint，almostindifferentwhatportwemadefor-Hamburg，Rotterdam，Antwerp-theplacesignifiedlittle，sothathewasgotoutofEngland。
Anyforeignsteamerthatfellinourwayandwouldtakeusup，woulddo。
Ihadalwaysproposedtomyselftogethimwelldowntheriverintheboat；
certainlywellbeyondGravesend，whichwasacriticalplaceforsearchorinquiryifsuspicionwereafoot。AsforeignsteamerswouldleaveLondonataboutthetimeofhigh-water，ourplanwouldbetogetdowntheriverbyapreviousebb-tide，andliebyinsomequietspotuntilwecouldpullofftoone。Thetimewhenonewouldbeduewherewelay，whereverthatmightbe，couldbecalculatedprettynearly，ifwemadeinquiriesbeforehand。
Herbertassentedtoallthis，andwewentoutimmediatelyafterbreakfasttopursueourinvestigations。WefoundthatasteamerforHamburgwaslikelytosuitourpurposebest，andwedirectedourthoughtschieflytothatvessel。ButwenoteddownwhatotherforeignsteamerswouldleaveLondonwiththesametide，andwesatisfiedourselvesthatweknewthebuildandcolourofeach。Wethenseparatedforafewhours；I，togetatoncesuchpassportsaswerenecessary；Herbert，toseeStartopathislodgings。Webothdidwhatwehadtodowithoutanyhindrance，andwhenwemetagainatoneo\'clockreporteddone。I，formypart，waspreparedwithpassports；
HerberthadseenStartop，andhewasmorethanreadytojoin。
Thosetwoshouldpullapairofoars，wesettled，andIwouldsteer；
ourchargewouldbesitter，andkeepquiet；asspeedwasnotourobject，weshouldmakewayenough。WearrangedthatHerbertshouldnotcomehometodinnerbeforegoingtoMillPondBankthatevening；thatheshouldnotgothereatall，to-morrowevening，Tuesday；thatheshouldprepareProvistocomedowntosomeStairshardbythehouse，onWednesday，whenhesawusapproach，andnotsooner；thatallthearrangementswithhimshouldbeconcludedthatMondaynight；andthatheshouldbecommunicatedwithnomoreinanyway，untilwetookhimonboard。
Theseprecautionswellunderstoodbybothofus，Iwenthome。
Onopeningtheouterdoorofourchamberswithmykey，Ifoundaletterinthebox，directedtome；averydirtyletter，thoughnotill-written。
IthadbeendeliveredbyhandofcoursesinceIlefthome，anditscontentswerethese:
`Ifyouarenotafraidtocometotheoldmarshesto-nightortomorrownightatNine，andtocometothelittlesluice-housebythelimekiln，youhadbettercome。IfyouwantinformationregardingyouruncleProvis，youhadmuchbettercomeandtellnooneandlosenotime。Youmustcomealone。Bringthiswithyou。\'
Ihadhadloadenoughuponmymindbeforethereceiptofthisstrangeletter。Whattodonow，Icouldnottell。Andtheworstwas，thatImustdecidequickly，orIshouldmisstheafternooncoach，whichwouldtakemedownintimeforto-night。To-morrownightIcouldnotthinkofgoing，foritwouldbetoocloseuponthetimeoftheflight。Andagain，foranythingIknew，theprofferedinformationmighthavesomeimportantbearingontheflightitself。
IfIhadhadampletimeforconsideration，IbelieveIshouldstillhavegone。Havinghardlyanytimeforconsideration-mywatchshowingmethatthecoachstartedwithinhalfandhour-Iresolvedtogo。Ishouldcertainlynothavegone，butforthereferencetomyUncleProvis；that，comingonWemmick\'sletterandthemorning\'sbusypreparation，turnedthescale。
Itissodifficulttobecomeclearlypossessedofcontentsofalmostanyletter，inaviolenthurry，thatIhadtoreadthismysteriousepistleagain，twice，beforeitsinjunctiontometobesecretgotmechanicallyintomymind。Yieldingtoitinthesamemechanicalkindofway，IleftanoteinpencilforHerbert，tellinghimthatasIshouldbesosoongoingaway，Iknewnotforhowlong，Ihaddecidedtohurrydownandback，toascertainformyselfhowMissHavishamwasfaring。Ihadthenbarelytimetogetmygreat-coat，lockupthechambers，andmakeforthecoach-officebytheshortby-ways。IfIhadtakenahackney-chariotandgonebythestreets，Ishouldhavemissedmyaim；goingasIdid，Icaughtthecoachjustasitcameoutoftheyard。Iwastheonlyinsidepassenger，joltingawayknee-deepinstraw，whenIcametomyself。
For，Ireallyhadnotbeenmyselfsincethereceiptoftheletter；ithadsobewilderedmeensuingonthehurryofthemorning。Themorninghurryandflutterhadbeengreat，for，longandanxiouslyasIhadwaitedforWemmick，hishinthadcomelikeasurpriseatlast。Andnow，Ibegantowonderatmyselfforbeinginthecoach，andtodoubtwhetherIhadsufficientreasonforbeingthere，andtoconsiderwhetherIshouldgetoutpresentlyandgoback，andtoargueagainsteverheedingananonymouscommunication，and，inshort，topassthroughallthosephasesofcontradictionandindecisiontowhichIsupposeveryfewhurriedpeoplearestrangers。Still，thereferencetoProvisbyname，masteredeverything。IreasonedasIhadreasonedalreadywithoutknowingit-ifthatbereasoning-incaseanyharmshouldbefallhimthroughmynotgoing，howcouldIeverforgivemyself！
Itwasdarkbeforewegotdown，andthejourneyseemedlonganddrearytomewhocouldseelittleofitinside，andwhocouldnotgooutsideinmydisabledstate。AvoidingtheBlueBoar，Iputupataninnofminorreputationdownthetown，andorderedsomedinner。Whileitwaspreparing，IwenttoSatisHouseandinquiredforMissHavisham；shewasstillveryill，thoughconsideredsomethingbetter。
Myinnhadoncebeenapartofanancientecclesiasticalhouse，andIdinedinalittleoctagonalcommon-room，likeafont。AsIwasnotabletocutmydinner，theoldlandlordwithashiningbaldheaddiditforme。Thisbringingusintoconversation，hewassogoodastoentertainmewithmyownstory-ofcoursewiththepopularfeaturethatPumblechookwasmyearliestbenefactorandthefounderofmyfortunes。
`Doyouknowtheyoungman？\'saidI。
`Knowhim！\'repeatedthelandlord。`Eversincehewas-noheightatall。\'
`Doesheevercomebacktothisneighbourhood？\'
`Ay，hecomesback，\'saidthelandlord，`tohisgreatfriends，nowandagain，andgivesthecoldshouldertothemanthatmadehim。\'
`Whatmanisthat？\'
`HimthatIspeakof，\'saidthelandlord。`MrPumblechook。\'
`Isheungratefultonooneelse？\'
`Nodoubthewouldbe，ifhecould，\'returnedthelandlord，`buthecan\'t。Andwhy？BecausePumblechookdoneeverythingforhim。\'
`DoesPumblechooksayso？\'
`Sayso！\'repliedthelandlord。`Hehan\'tnocalltosayso。\'
`Butdoeshesayso？\'
`Itwouldturnaman\'sbloodtowhitewinewinegartohearhimtellofit，sir，\'saidthelandlord。
Ithought，`YetJoe，dearJoe，younevertellofit。Long-sufferingandlovingJoe，younevercomplain。Noryou，sweet-temperedBiddy！\'
`Yourappetite\'sbeentouchedlike，byyouraccident，\'saidthelandlord，glancingatthebandagedarmundermycoat。`Tryatendererbit。\'
`Nothankyou，\'Ireplied，turningfromthetabletobroodoverthefire。`Icaneatnomore。Pleasetakeitaway。\'
Ihadneverbeenstruckatsokneely，formythanklessnesstoJoe，asthroughthebrazenimpostorPumblechook。Thefalserhe，thetruerJoe；
themeanerhe，thenoblerJoe。
MyheartwasdeeplyandmostdeservedlyhumbledasImusedoverthefireforanhourormore。Thestrikingoftheclockarousedme，butnotfrommydejectionorremorse，andIgotupandhadmycoatfastenedroundmyneck，andwentout。Ihadpreviouslysoughtinmypocketsfortheletter，thatImightrefertoitagain，butIcouldnotfindit，andwasuneasytothinkthatitmusthavebeendroppedinthestrawofthecoach。Iknewverywell，however，thattheappointedplacewasthelittlesluice-housebythelimekilnonthemarshes，andthehournine。TowardsthemarshesInowwentstraight，havingnotimetospare。
Chapter53
ITwasadarknight，thoughthefullmoonroseasIlefttheenclosedlands，andpassedoutuponthemarshes。Beyondtheirdarklinetherewasaribbonofclearsky，hardlybroadenoughtoholdtheredlargemoon。
Inafewminutesshehadascendedoutofthatclearfield，inamongthepiledmountainsofcloud。
Therewasamelancholywind，andthemarsheswereverydismal。Astrangerwouldhavefoundtheminsupportable，andeventometheyweresooppressivethatIhesitated，halfinclinedtogoback。But，Iknewthemwell，andcouldhavefoundmywayonafardarkernight，andhadnoexcuseforreturning，beingthere。So，havingcomethereagainstmyinclination，Iwentonagainstit。
ThedirectionthatItook，wasnotthatinwhichmyoldhomelay，northatinwhichwehadpursuedtheconvicts。MybackwasturnedtowardsthedistantHulksasIwalkedon，and，thoughIcouldseetheoldlightsawayonthespitsofsand，Isawthemovermyshoulder。IknewthelimekilnaswellasIknewtheoldBattery，buttheyweremilesapart；sothatifalighthadbeenburningateachpointthatnight，therewouldhavebeenalongstripoftheblankhorizonbetweenthetwobrightspecks。
Atfirst，Ihadtoshutsomegatesafterme，andnowandthentostandstillwhilethecattlethatwerelyinginthebanked-uppathway，aroseandblundereddownamongthegrassandreeds。Butafteralittlewhile，Iseemedtohavethewholeflatstomyself。
Itwasanotherhalf-hourbeforeIdrewneartothekiln。Thelimewasburningwithasluggishstiflingsmell，butthefiresweremadeupandleft，andnoworkmenwerevisible。Hardby，wasasmallstone-quarry。Itlaydirectlyinmyway，andhadbeenworkedthatday，asIsawbythetoolsandbarrowsthatwerelyingabout。
Comingupagaintothemarshleveloutofthisexcavation-fortherudepathlaythroughit-Isawalightintheoldsluice-house。Iquickenedmypace，andknockedatthedoorwithmyhand。Waitingforsomereply，Ilookedaboutme，noticinghowthesluicewasabandonedandbroken，andhowthehouse-ofwoodwithatiledroof-wouldnotbeproofagainsttheweathermuchlonger，ifitweresoevennow，andhowthemudandoozewerecoatedwithlime，andhowthechokingvapourofthekilncreptinaghostlywaytowardsme。Stilltherewasnoanswer，andIknockedagain。
Noanswerstill，andItriedthelatch。
Itroseundermyhand，andthedooryielded。Lookingin，Isawalightedcandleonatable，abench，andamattressonatrucklebedstead。Astherewasaloftabove，Icalled，`Isthereanyonehere？\'butnovoiceanswered。
Then，Ilookedatmywatch，and，findingthatitwaspastnine，calledagain，`Isthereanyonehere？\'Therebeingstillnoanswer，Iwentoutatthedoor，irresolutewhattodo。
Itwasbeginningtorainfast。SeeingnothingsavewhatIhadseenalready，Iturnedbackintothehouse，andstoodjustwithintheshelterofthedoorway，lookingoutintothenight。WhileIwasconsideringthatsomeonemusthavebeentherelatelyandmustsoonbecomingback，orthecandlewouldnotbeburning，itcameintomyheadtolookifthewickwerelong。
Iturnedroundtodoso，andhadtakenupthecandleinmyhand，whenitwasextinguishedbysomeviolentshock，andthenextthingIcomprehended，was，thatIhadbeencaughtinastrongrunningnoose，thrownovermyheadfrombehind。
`Now，\'saidasuppressedvoicewithanoath，`I\'vegotyou！\'
`Whatisthis？\'Icried，struggling。`Whoisit？Help，help，help！\'
Notonlyweremyarmspulledclosetomysides，butthepressureonmybadarmcausedmeexquisitepain。Sometimes，astrongman\'shand，sometimesastrongman\'sbreast，wassetagainstmymouthtodeadenmycries，andwithahotbreathalwaysclosetome，Istruggledineffectuallyinthedark，whileIwasfastenedtighttothewall。`Andnow，\'saidthesuppressedvoicewithanotheroath，`calloutagain，andI\'llmakeshortworkofyou！\'
Faintandsickwiththepainofmyinjuredarm，bewilderedbythesurprise，andyetconscioushoweasilythisthreatcouldbeputinexecution，Idesisted，andtriedtoeasemyarmwereiteversolittle。But，itwasboundtootightforthat。Ifeltasif，havingbeenburntbefore，itwerenowbeingboiled。
Thesuddenexclusionofthenightandthesubstitutionofblackdarknessinitsplace，warnedmethatthemanhadclosedashutter。Aftergropingaboutforalittle，hefoundtheflintandsteelhewanted，andbegantostrikealight。Istrainedmysightuponthesparksthatfellamongthetinder，anduponwhichhebreathedandbreathed，matchinhand，butIcouldonlyseehislips，andthebluepointofthematch；eventhose，butfitfully。
Thetinderwasdamp-nowonderthere-andoneafteranotherthesparksdiedout。
Themanwasinnohurry，andstruckagainwiththeflintandsteel。
Asthesparksfellthickandbrightabouthim，Icouldseehishands，andtouchesofhisface，andcouldmakeoutthathewasseatedandbendingoverthetable；butnothingmore。PresentlyIsawhisbluelipsagain，breathingonthetinder，andthenaflareoflightflashedup，andshowedmeOrlick。
WhomIhadlookedfor，Idon\'tknow。Ihadnotlookedforhim。Seeinghim，IfeltthatIwasinadangerousstraitindeed，andIkeptmyeyesuponhim。
Helightedthecandlefromtheflaringmatchwithgreatdeliberation，anddroppedthematch，andtroditout。Then，heputthecandleawayfromhimonthetable，sothathecouldseeme，andsatwithhisarmsfoldedonthetableandlookedatme。ImadeoutthatIwasfastenedtoastoutperpendicularladderafewinchesfromthewall-afixturethere-themeansofascenttotheloftabove。
`Now，\'saidhe，whenwehadsurveyedoneanotherforsometime，`I\'vegotyou。\'
`Unbindme。Letmego！\'
`Ah！\'hereturned，`I\'llletyougo。I\'llletyougotothemoon，I\'llletyougotothestars。Allingoodtime。\'
`Whyhaveyouluredmehere？\'
`Don\'tyouknow？\'saidhe，withadeadlylook`Whyhaveyousetuponmeinthedark？\'
`BecauseImeantodoitallmyself。Onekeepsasecretbetterthantwo。Ohyouenemy，youenemy！\'
HisenjoymentofthespectacleIfurnished，ashesatwithhisarmsfoldedonthetable，shakinghisheadatmeandhugginghimself，hadamalignityinitthatmademetremble。AsIwatchedhiminsilence，heputhishandintothecornerathisside，andtookupagunwithabrass-boundstock。
`Doyouknowthis？\'saidhe，makingasifhewouldtakeaimatme。`Doyouknowwhereyousawitafore？Speak，wolf！\'
`Yes，\'Ianswered。
`Youcostmethatplace。Youdid。Speak！\'
`WhatelsecouldIdo？\'
`Youdidthat，andthatwouldbeenough，withoutmore。HowdaredyoutocomebetwixtmeandayoungwomanIliked？\'
`WhendidI？\'
`Whendidn\'tyou？ItwasyouasalwaysgiveOldOrlickabadnametoher。\'
`Yougaveittoyourself；yougaineditforyourself。Icouldhavedoneyounoharm，ifyouhaddoneyourselfnone。\'
`You\'realiar。Andyou\'lltakeanypains，andspendanymoney，todrivemeoutofthiscountry，willyou？\'saidhe，repeatingmywordstoBiddyinthelastinterviewIhadwithher。`Now，I\'lltellyouapieceofinformation。
Itwasneversowellworthyourwhiletogetmeoutofthiscountryasitisto-night。Ah！Ifitwasallyourmoneytwentytimestold，tothelastbrassfarden！\'Asheshookhisheavyhandatme，withhismouthsnarlinglikeatiger\'s，Ifeltthatitwastrue。
`Whatareyougoingtodotome？\'
`I\'mgoing，\'saidhe，bringinghisfirstdownuponthetablewithaheavyblow，andrisingastheblowfell，togiveitgreaterforce，`I\'magoingtohaveyourlife！\'
Heleanedforwardstaringatme，slowlyunclenchedhishandanddrewitacrosshismouthasifhismouthwateredforme，andsatdownagain。
`YouwasalwaysinOldOrlick\'swaysinceeveryouwasachild。Yougoesoutofhisway，thispresentnight。He\'llhavenomoreonyou。You\'redead。\'
IfeltthatIhadcometothebrinkofmygrave。ForamomentIlookedwildlyroundmytrapforanychanceofescape；buttherewasnone。
`Morethanthat，\'saidhe，foldinghisarmsonthetableagain，`Iwon\'thavearagofyou，Iwon\'thaveaboneofyou，leftonearth。I\'llputyourbodyinthekiln-I\'dcarrytwosuchtoit，onmyshoulders-and，letpeoplesupposewhattheymayofyou，theyshallneverknownothing。\'
Mymind，withinconceivablerapidity，followedoutalltheconsequencesofsuchadeath。Estella\'sfatherwouldbelieveIhaddesertedhim，wouldbetaken，woulddieaccusingme；evenHerbertwoulddoubtme，whenhecomparedtheletterIhadleftforhim，withthefactthatIhadcalledatMissHavisham\'sgateforonlyamoment；JoeandBiddywouldneverknowhowsorryIhadbeenthatnight；nonewouldeverknowwhatIhadsuffered，howtrueIhadmeanttobe，whatanagonyIhadpassedthrough。Thedeathclosebeforemewasterrible，butfarmoreterriblethandeathwasthedreadofbeingmisrememberedafterdeath。Andsoquickweremythoughts，thatIsawmyselfdespisedbyunborngenerations-Estella\'schildren，andtheirchildren-whilethewretch\'swordswereyetonhislips。
`Now，wolf，\'saidhe，`aforeIkillyoulikeanyotherbeast-whichiswotImeantodoandwotIhavetiedyouupfor-I\'llhaveagoodlookatyouandagoodgoadatyou。Oh，youenemy！\'
Ithadpassedthroughmythoughtstocryoutforhelpagain；thoughfewcouldknowbetterthanI，thesolitarynatureofthespot，andthehopelessnessofaid。Butashesatgloatingoverme，Iwassupportedbyascornfuldetestationofhimthatsealedmylips。Aboveallthings，I
resolvedthatIwouldnotentreathim，andthatIwoulddiemakingsomelastpoorresistancetohim。Softenedasmythoughtsofalltherestofmenwereinthatdireextremity；humblybeseechingpardon，asIdid，ofHeaven；meltedatheart，asIwas，bythethoughtthatIhadtakennofarewell，andnevernevernowcouldtakefarewell，ofthosewhoweredeartome，orcouldexplainmyselftothem，oraskfortheircompassiononmymiserableerrors；still，ifIcouldhavekilledhim，evenindying，Iwouldhavedoneit。
Hehadbeendrinking，andhiseyeswereredandbloodshot。Aroundhisneckwasslungatinbottle，asIhadoftenseenhismeatanddrinkslungabouthiminotherdays。Hebroughtthebottletohislips，andtookafierydrinkfromit；andIsmeltthestrongspiritsthatIsawflashintohisface。
`Wolf！\'saidhe，foldinghisarmsagain，`OldOrlick\'sagoingtotellyousomethink。Itwasyouasdidforyourshrewsister。\'
Againmymind，withitsformerinconceivablerapidity，hadexhaustedthewholesubjectoftheattackuponmysister，herillness，andherdeath，beforehisslowandhesitatingspeechhadformedthesewords。
`Itwasyou，villain，\'saidI。
`Itellyouitwasyourdoing-Itellyouitwasdonethroughyou，\'
heretorted，catchingupthegun，andmakingablowwiththestockatthevacantairbetweenus。`Icomeuponherfrombehind，asIcomeuponyouto-night。Igiv\'ither！Ileftherfordead，andiftherehadbeenalimekilnasnighherasthereisnownighyou，sheshouldn\'thavecometolifeagain。Butitwarn\'tOldOrlickasdidit；itwasyou。Youwasfavoured，andhewasbulliedandbeat。OldOrlickbulliedandbeat，eh？
Nowyoupaysforit。Youdoneit；nowyoupaysforit。\'
Hedrankagain，andbecamemoreferocious。Isawbyhistiltingofthebottlethattherewasnogreatquantityleftinit。Idistinctlyunderstoodthathewasworkinghimselfupwithitscontents，tomakeanendofme。
Iknewthateverydropitheld，wasadropofmylife。IknewthatwhenIwaschangedintoapartofthevapourthathadcrepttowardsmebutalittlewhilebefore，likemyownwarningghost，hewoulddoashehaddoneinmysister\'scase-makeallhastetothetown，andbeseenslouchingaboutthere，drinkingattheale-houses。Myrapidmindpursuedhimtothetown，madeapictureofthestreetwithhiminit，andcontrasteditslightsandlifewiththelonelymarshandthewhitevapourcreepingoverit，intowhichIshouldhavedissolved。
ItwasnotonlythatIcouldhavesummedupyearsandyearsandyearswhilehesaidadozenwords，butthatwhathedidsaypresentedpicturestome，andnotmerewords。Intheexcitedandexaltedstateofmybrain，Icouldnotthinkofaplacewithoutseeingit，orofpersonswithoutseeingthem。Itisimpossibletoover-statethevividnessoftheseimages，andyetIwassointent，allthetime，uponhimhimself-whowouldnotbeintentonthetigercrouchingtospring！-thatIknewoftheslightestactionofhisfingers。
Whenhehaddrunkthissecondtime，herosefromthebenchonwhichhesat，andpushedthetableaside。Then，hetookupthecandle，andshadingitwithhismurderoushandsoastothrowitslightonme，stoodbeforeme，lookingatmeandenjoyingthesight。
`Wolf，I\'lltellyousomethingmore。ItwasOldOrlickasyoutumbledoveronyourstairsthatnight。\'
Isawthestaircasewithitsextinguishedlamps。Isawtheshadowsoftheheavystair-rails，thrownbythewatchman\'slanternonthewall。I
sawtheroomsthatIwasnevertoseeagain；here，adoorhalfopen；there，adoorclosed；allthearticlesoffurniturearound。
`AndwhywasOldOrlickthere？I\'lltellyousomethingmore，wolf。Youandherhaveprettywellhuntedmeoutofthiscountry，sofarasgettingaeasylivinginitgoes，andI\'vetookupwithnewcompanions，andnewmasters。Someof\'emwritesmyletterswhenIwants\'emwrote-
doyoumind？-writesmyletters，wolf！Theywritesfiftyhands；they\'renotlikesneakingyou，aswritesbutone。I\'vehadafirmmindandafirmwilltohaveyourlife，sinceyouwasdownhereatyoursister\'sburying。
Ihan\'tseenawaytogetyousafe，andI\'velookedarteryoutoknowyourinsandouts。For，saysOldOrlicktohimself，\"\"SomehoworanotherI\'llhavehim！\"\"What！WhenIlooksforyou，IfindsyouruncleProvis，eh？\'
MillPondBank，andChinks\'sBasin，andtheOldGreenCopperRope-Walk，allsoclearandplain！Provisinhisrooms，thesignalwhoseusewasover，prettyClara，thegoodmotherlywoman，oldBillBarleyonhisback，alldriftingby，asontheswiftstreamofmylifefastrunningouttosea！
`Youwithauncletoo！Why，Iknow\'dyouatGargery\'swhenyouwassosmallawolfthatIcouldhavetookyourweazenbetwixtthisfingerandthumbandchuckedyouawaydeadasI\'dthoughtso\'doing，oddtimes，whenIseeyouloiteringamongstthepollardsonaSunday，andyouhadn\'tfoundnounclesthen。No，notyou！ButwhenOldOrlickcomefortohearthatyouruncleProvishadmostlikeworetheleg-ironwotOldOrlickhadpickedup，filedasunder，onthesemesheseversomanyyearago，andwothekepbyhimtillhedroppedyoursisterwithit，likeabullock，ashemeanstodropyou-hey？-whenhecomefortohearthat-hey？——\'
Inhissavagetaunting，heflaredthecandlesocloseatme，thatI
turnedmyfaceaside，tosaveitfromtheflame。
`Ah！\'hecried，laughing，afterdoingitagain，`theburntchilddreadsthefire！OldOrlickknowedyouwasburnt，OldOrlickknowedyouwassmugglingyouruncleProvisaway，OldOrlick\'samatchforyouandknow\'dyou\'dcometo-night！NowI\'lltellyousomethingmore，wolf，andthisendsit。There\'sthemthat\'sasgoodamatchforyouruncleProvisasOldOrlickhasbeenforyou。Lethim\'warethem，whenhe\'slosthisnevvy！Lethim\'warethem，whennomancan\'tfindaragofhisdearrelation\'sclothes，noryetaboneofhisbody。There\'sthemthatcan\'tandthatwon\'thaveMagwitch-yes，Iknowthename！-aliveinthesamelandwiththem，andthat\'shadsuchsureinformationofhimwhenhewasaliveinanotherland，asthathecouldn\'tandshouldn\'tleaveitunbeknownandputthemindanger。
P\'rapsit\'sthemthatwritesfiftyhands，andthat\'snotlikesneakingyouaswritesbutone。\'WareCompeyson，Magwitch，andthegallows！\'
Heflaredthecandleatmeagain，smokingmyfaceandhair，andforaninstantblindingme，andturnedhispowerfulbackashereplacedthelightonthetable。Ihadthoughtaprayer，andhadbeenwithJoeandBiddyandHerbert，beforeheturnedtowardsmeagain。
Therewasaclearspaceofafewfeetbetweenthetableandtheoppositewall。Withinthisspace，henowslouchedbackwardsandforwards。Hisgreatstrengthseemedtositstrongeruponhimthaneverbefore，ashedidthiswithhishandshanginglooseandheavyathissides，andwithhiseyesscowlingatme。Ihadnograinofhopeleft。Wildasmyinwardhurrywas，andwonderfultheforceofthepicturesthatrushedbymeinsteadofthoughts，IcouldyetclearlyunderstandthatunlesshehadresolvedthatIwaswithinafewmomentsofsurelyperishingoutofallhumanknowledge，hewouldneverhavetoldmewhathehadtold。
Ofasudden，hestopped，tookthecorkoutofhisbottle，andtosseditaway。Lightasitwas，Ihearditfalllikeaplummet。Heswallowedslowly，tiltingupthebottlebylittleandlittle，andnowhelookedatmenomore。Thelastfewdropsofliquorhepouredintothepalmofhishand，andlickedup。Then，withasuddenhurryofviolenceandswearinghorribly，hethrewthebottlefromhim，andstooped；andIsawinhishandastone-hammerwithalongheavyhandle。
TheresolutionIhadmadedidnotdesertme，for，withoututteringonevainwordofappealtohim，Ishoutedoutwithallmymight，andstruggledwithallmymight。ItwasonlymyheadandmylegsthatIcouldmove，buttothatextentIstruggledwithalltheforce，untilthenunknown，thatwaswithinme。InthesameinstantIheardresponsiveshouts，sawfiguresandagleamoflightdashinatthedoor，heardvoicesandtumult，andsawOrlickemergefromastruggleofmen，asifitweretumblingwater，clearthetableataleap，andflyoutintothenight。
Afterablank，IfoundthatIwaslyingunbound，onthefloor，inthesameplace，withmyheadonsomeone\'sknee。Myeyeswerefixedontheladderagainstthewall，whenIcametomyself-hadopenedonitbeforemymindsawit-andthusasIrecoveredconsciousness，IknewthatIwasintheplacewhereIhadlostit。
Tooindifferentatfirst，eventolookroundandascertainwhosupportedme，Iwaslyinglookingattheladder，whentherecamebetweenmeandit，aface。ThefaceofTrabb\'sboy！
`Ithinkhe\'sallright！\'saidTrabb\'sboy，inasobervoice；`butain\'thejustpalethough！\'
Atthesewords，thefaceofhimwhosupportedmelookedoverintomine，andIsawmysupportertobe——
`Herbert！GreatHeaven！\'
`Softly，\'saidHerbert。`Gently，Handel。Don\'tbetooeager。\'
`Andouroldcomrade，Startop！\'Icried，ashetoobentoverme。
`Rememberwhatheisgoingtoassistusin，\'saidHerbert，`andbecalm。\'
Theallusionmademespringup；thoughIdroppedagainfromthepaininmyarm。`Thetimehasnotgoneby，Herbert，hasit？Whatnightisto-night？
HowlonghaveIbeenhere？\'For，IhadastrangeandstrongmisgivingthatIhadbeenlyingtherealongtime-adayandanight-twodaysandnights-more。
`Thetimehasnotgoneby。ItisstillMondaynight。\'
`ThankGod！\'
`Andyouhaveallto-morrow，Tuesday，torestin，\'saidHerbert。`Butyoucan\'thelpgroaning，mydearHandel。Whathurthaveyougot？Canyoustand？\'
`Yes，yes，\'saidI，`Icanwalk。Ihavenohurtbutinthisthrobbingarm。\'
Theylaiditbare，anddidwhattheycould。Itwasviolentlyswollenandinflamed，andIcouldscarcelyenduretohaveittouched。But，theytoreuptheirhandkerchiefstomakefreshbandages，andcarefullyreplaceditinthesling，untilwecouldgettothetownandobtainsomecoolinglotiontoputuponit。Inalittlewhilewehadshutthedoorofthedarkandemptysluice-house，andwerepassingthroughthequarryonourwayback。Trabb\'sboy-Trabb\'sovergrownyoungmannow-wentbeforeuswithalantern，whichwasthelightIhadseencomeinatthedoor。But，themoonwasagoodtwohourshigherthanwhenIhadlastseenthesky，andthenightthoughrainywasmuchlighter。Thewhitevapourofthekilnwaspassingfromusaswewentby，and，asIhadthoughtaprayerbefore，I
thoughtathanksgivingnow。
EntreatingHerberttotellmehowhehadcometomyrescue-whichatfirsthehadflatlyrefusedtodo，buthadinsistedonmyremainingquiet-IlearntthatIhadinmyhurrydroppedtheletter，open，inourchambers，wherehe，cominghometobringwithhimStartopwhomhehadmetinthestreetonhiswaytome，foundit，verysoonafterIwasgone。Itstonemadehimuneasy，andthemoresobecauseoftheinconsistencybetweenitandthehastyletterIhadleftforhim。Hisuneasinessincreasinginsteadofsubsidingafteraquarterofanhour\'sconsideration，hesetoffforthecoach-office，withStartop，whovolunteeredhiscompany，tomakeinquirywhenthenextcoachwentdown。Findingthattheafternooncoachwasgone，andfindingthathisuneasinessgrewintopositivealarm，asobstaclescameinhisway，heresolvedtofollowinapost-chaise。So，heandStartoparrivedattheBlueBoar，fullyexpectingtheretofindme，ortidingsofme；but，findingneither，wentontoMissHavisham\'s，wheretheylostme。HereupontheywentbacktothehoteldoubtlessataboutthetimewhenIwashearingthepopularlocalversionofmyownstory，torefreshthemselvesandtogetsomeonetoguidethemoutuponthemarshes。AmongtheloungersundertheBoar\'sarchway，happenedtobeTrabb\'sboy-truetohisancienthabitofhappeningtobeeverywherewherehehadnobusiness-andTrabb\'sboyhadseenmepassingfromMissHavisham\'sinthedirectionofmydining-place。
Thus，Trabb\'sboybecametheirguide，andwithhimtheywentouttothesluice-house:thoughbythetownwaytothemarshes，whichIhadavoided。
Now，astheywentalong，Herbertreflected，thatImight，afterall，havebeenbroughtthereonsomegenuineandserviceableerrandtendingtoProvis\'ssafety，and，bethinkinghimselfthatinthatcaseinterruptionmustbemischievous，lefthisguideandStartopontheedgeofthequarry，andwentonbyhimself，andstoleroundthehousetwoorthreetimes，endeavouringtoascertainwhetherallwasrightwithin。Ashecouldhearnothingbutindistinctsoundsofonedeeproughvoicethiswaswhilemymindwassobusy，heevenatlastbegantodoubtwhetherIwasthere，whensuddenlyIcriedoutloudly，andheansweredthecries，andrushedin，closelyfollowedbytheothertwo。
WhenItoldHerbertwhathadpassedwithinthehouse，hewasforourimmediatelygoingbeforeamagistrateinthetown，lateatnightasitwas，andgettingoutawarrant。But，Ihadalreadyconsideredthatsuchacourse，bydetainingusthere，orbindingustocomeback，mightbefataltoProvis。Therewasnogainsayingthisdifficulty，andwerelinquishedallthoughtsofpursuingOrlickatthattime。Forthepresent，underthecircumstances，wedeemeditprudenttomakeratherlightofthemattertoTrabb\'sboy；whoIamconvincedwouldhavebeenmuchaffectedbydisappointment，ifhehadknownthathisinterventionsavedmefromthelimekiln。NotthatTrabb\'sboywasofamalignantnature，butthathehadtoomuchsparevivacity，andthatitwasinhisconstitutiontowantvarietyandexcitementatanybody\'sexpense。Whenweparted，Ipresentedhimwithtwoguineaswhichseemedtomeethisviews，andtoldhimthatIwassorryevertohavehadanillopinionofhimwhichmadenoimpressiononhimatall。
Wednesdaybeingsocloseuponus，wedeterminedtogobacktoLondonthatnight，threeinthepost-chaise；therather，asweshouldthenbeclearaway，beforethenight\'sadventurebegantobetalkedof。Herbertgotalargebottleofstuffformyarm，andbydintofhavingthisstuffdroppedoveritallthenightthrough，Iwasjustabletobearitspainonthejourney。ItwasdaylightwhenwereachedtheTemple，andIwentatoncetobed，andlayinbedallday。
Myterror，asIlaythere，offallingillandbeingunfittedfortomorrow，wassobesetting，thatIwonderitdidnotdisablemeofitself。Itwouldhavedoneso，prettysurely，inconjunctionwiththementalwearandtearIhadsuffered，butfortheunnaturalstrainuponmethatto-morrowwas。
Soanxiouslylookedforwardto，chargedwithsuchconsequences，itsresultssoimpenetrablyhiddenthoughsonear。
Noprecautioncouldhavebeenmoreobviousthanourrefrainingfromcommunicationwithhimthatday；yetthisagainincreasedmyrestlessness。
Istartedateveryfootstepandeverysound，believingthathewasdiscoveredandtaken，andthiswasthemessengertotellmeso。IpersuadedmyselfthatIknewhewastaken；thattherewassomethingmoreuponmymindthanafearorapresentiment；thatthefacthadoccurred，andIhadamysteriousknowledgeofit。Asthedayworeonandnoillnewscame，asthedayclosedinanddarknessfell，myovershadowingdreadofbeingdisabledbyillnessbeforeto-morrowmorning，altogethermasteredme。Myburningarmthrobbed，andmyburningheadthrobbed，andIfanciedIwasbeginningtowander。
Icounteduptohighnumbers，tomakesureofmyself，andrepeatedpassagesthatIknewinproseandverse。Ithappenedsometimesthatinthemereescapeofafatiguedmind，Idozedforsomemomentsorforgot；thenIwouldsaytomyselfwithastart，`Nowithascome，andIamturningdelirious！\'
Theykeptmeveryquietallday，andkeptmyarmconstantlydressed，andgavemecoolingdrinks。WheneverIfellasleep，IawokewiththenotionIhadhadinthesluice-house，thatalongtimehadelapsedandtheopportunitytosavehimwasgone。AboutmidnightIgotoutofbedandwenttoHerbert，withtheconvictionthatIhadbeenasleepforfour-and-twentyhours，andthatWednesdaywaspast。Itwasthelastself-exhaustingeffortofmyfretfulness，for，afterthat，Isleptsoundly。
WednesdaymorningwasdawningwhenIlookedoutofwindow。Thewinkinglightsuponthebridgeswerealreadypale，thecomingsunwaslikeamarshoffireonthehorizon。Theriver，stilldarkandmysterious，wasspannedbybridgesthatwereturningcoldlygrey，withhereandthereattopawarmtouchfromtheburninginthesky。AsIlookedalongtheclusteredroofs，withChurchtowersandspiresshootingintotheunusuallyclearair，thesunroseup，andaveilseemedtobedrawnfromtheriver，andmillionsofsparklesburstoutuponitswaters。Frommetoo，aveilseemedtobedrawn，andIfeltstrongandwell。
Herbertlayasleepinhisbed，andouroldfellow-studentlayasleeponthesofa。Icouldnotdressmyselfwithouthelp，butImadeupthefire，whichwasstillburning，andgotsomecoffeereadyforthem。Ingoodtimetheytoostartedupstrongandwell，andweadmittedthesharpmorningairatthewindows，andlookedatthetidethatwasstillflowingtowardsus。
`Whenitturnsatnineo\'clock，\'saidHerbert，cheerfully，`lookoutforus，andstandready，youoverthereatMillPondBank！\'
Chapter54
ITwasoneofthoseMarchdayswhenthesunshineshotandthewindblowscold:whenitissummerinthelight，andwinterintheshade。Wehadoutpea-coatswithus，andItookabag。OfallmyworldlypossessionsItooknomorethanthefewnecessariesthatfilledthebag。WhereImightgo，whatImightdo，orwhenImightreturn，werequestionsutterlyunknowntome；nordidIvexmymindwiththem，foritwaswhollysetonProvis\'ssafety。Ionlywonderedforthepassingmoment，asIstoppedatthedoorandlookedback，underwhatalteredcircumstancesIshouldnextseethoserooms，ifever。
WeloitereddowntotheTemplestairs，andstoodloiteringthere，asifwewerenotquitedecidedtogouponthewateratall。OfcourseIhadtakencarethattheboatshouldbereadyandeverythinginorder。Afteralittleshowofindecision，whichtherewerenonetoseebutthetwoorthreeamphibiouscreaturesbelongingtoourTemplestairs，wewentonboardandcastoff；Herbertinthebow，Isteering。Itwasthenabouthigh-water-half-pasteight。
Ourplanwasthis。Thetide，beginningtorundownatnine，andbeingwithusuntilthree，weintendedstilltocreeponafterithadturned，androwagainstituntildark。WeshouldthenbewellinthoselongreachesbelowGravesend，betweenKentandEssex，wheretheriverisbroadandsolitary，wherethewatersideinhabitantsareveryfew，andwherelonepublic-housesarescatteredhereandthere，ofwhichwecouldchooseoneforaresting-place。
There，wemeanttolieby，allnight。ThesteamerforHamburg，andthesteamerforRotterdam，wouldstartfromLondonataboutnineonThursdaymorning。Weshouldknowatwhattimetoexpectthem，accordingtowherewewere，andwouldhailthefirst；sothatifbyanyaccidentwewerenottakenabroad，weshouldhaveanotherchance。Weknewthedistinguishingmarksofeachvessel。
Thereliefofbeingatlastengagedintheexecutionofthepurpose，wassogreattomethatIfeltitdifficulttorealizetheconditioninwhichIhadbeenafewhoursbefore。Thecrispair，thesunlight，themovementontheriver，andthemovingriveritself-theroadthatranwithus，seemingtosympathizewithus，animateus，andencourageuson-freshenedmewithnewhope。Ifeltmortifiedtobeofsolittleuseintheboat；
but，therewerefewbetteroarsmenthanmytwofriends，andtheyrowedwithasteadystrokethatwastolastallday。
Atthattime，thesteam-trafficontheThameswasfarbelowitspresentextent，andwatermen\'sboatswerefarmorenumerous。Ofbarges，sailingcolliers，andcoastingtraders，therewereperhapsasmanyasnow；but，ofsteam-ships，greatandsmall，notatitheoratwentiethpartsomany。
Earlyasitwas，therewereplentyofscullersgoinghereandtherethatmorning，andplentyofbargesdroppingdownwiththetide；thenavigationoftheriverbetweenbridges，inanopenboat，wasamucheasierandcommonermatterinthosedaysthanitisinthese；andwewentaheadamongmanyskiffsandwherries，briskly。
OldLondonBridgewassoonpassed，andoldBillingsgatemarketwithitsoyster-boatsandDutchmen，andtheWhiteTowerandTraitor\'sGate，andwewereinamongthetiersofshipping。Here，weretheLeith，Aberdeen，andGlasgowsteamers，loadingandunloadinggoods，andlookingimmenselyhighoutofthewateraswepassedalongside；here，werecolliersbythescoreandscore，withthecoal-whippersplungingoffstagesondeck，ascounterweightstomeasuresofcoalswingingup，whichwerethenrattledoverthesideintobarges；here，athermooringswasto-morrow\'ssteamerforRotterdam，ofwhichwetookgoodnotice；andhereto-morrow\'sforHamburg，underwhosebowspritwecrossed。AndnowI，sittinginthestern，couldseewithafasterbeatingheart，MillPondBankandMillPondstairs。
`Ishethere？\'saidHerbert。
`Notyet。\'
`Right！Hewasnottocomedowntillhesawus。Canyouseehissignal？\'
`Notwellfromhere；butIthinkIseeit-Now，Iseehim！Pullboth。
Easy，Herbert。Oars！\'
Wetouchedthestairslightlyforasinglemoment，andhewasonboardandwewereoffagain。Hehadaboat-cloakwithhim，andablackcanvasbag，andhelookedaslikeariver-pilotasmyheartcouldhavewished。
`Dearboy！\'hesaid，puttinghisarmonmyshoulderashetookhisseat。
`Faithfuldearboy，welldone。Thankye，thankye！\'
Againamongthetiersofshipping，inandout，avoidingrustychain-cablesfrayedhempenhawsersandbobbingbuoys，sinkingforthemomentfloatingbrokenbaskets，scatteringfloatingchipsofwoodandshaving，cleavingfloatingscumofcoal，inandout，underthefigure-headoftheJohnofSunderlandmakingaspeechtothewindsasisdonebymanyJohns，andtheBetsyofYarmouthwithafirmformalityofbosomandhernobbyeyesstartingtwoinchesoutofherhead，inandout，hammersgoinginshipbuilders\'yards，sawsgoingattimber，clashingenginesgoingatthingsunknown，pumpsgoinginleakyships，capstansgoing，shipsgoingouttosea，andunintelligiblesea-creaturesroaringcursesoverthebulwarksatrespondentlightermen，inandout-outatlastupontheclearerriver，wheretheships\'boysmighttaketheirfendersin，nolongerfishingintroubledwaterswiththemovertheside，andwherethefestoonedsailsmightflyouttothewind。
AttheStairswherewehadtakenhimabroad，andeversince，Ihadlookedwarilyforanytokenofourbeingsuspected。Ihadseennone。Wecertainlyhadnotbeen，andatthattimeascertainlywewerenot，eitherattendedorfollowedbyanyboat。Ifwehadbeenwaitedonbyanyboat，Ishouldhaverunintoshore，andhaveobligedhertogoon，ortomakeherpurposeevident。But，weheldourown，withoutanyappearanceofmolestation。
Hehadhisboat-cloakonhim，andlooked，asIhavesaid，anaturalpartofthescene。Itwasremarkablebutperhapsthewretchedlifehehadled，accountedforit，thathewastheleastanxiousofanyofus。
Hewasnoindifferent，forhetoldmethathehopedtolivetoseehisgentlemanoneofthebestofgentlemeninaforeigncountry；hewasnotdisposedtobepassiveorresigned，asIunderstoodit；buthehadnonotionofmeetingdangerhalfway。Whenitcameuponhim，heconfrontedit，butitmustcomebeforehetroubledhimself。
`Ifyouknowed，dearboy，\'hesaidtome，`whatitistositherealongermydearboyandhavemysmoke，arterhavingbeendaybydaybetwixtfourwalls，you\'denvyme。Butyoudon\'tknowwhatitis。\'
`IthinkIknowthedelightsoffreedom，\'Ianswered。
`Ah，\'saidhe，shakinghisheadgravely。`Butyoudon\'tknowitequaltome。Youmusthavebeenunderlockandkey，dearboy，toknowitequaltome-butIain\'tagoingtobelow。\'
Itoccurredtomeasinconsistent，thatforanymasteringidea，heshouldhaveendangeredhisfreedomandevenhislife。ButIreflectedthatperhapsfreedomwithoutdangerwastoomuchapartfromallthehabitofhisexistencetobetohimwhatitwouldbetoanotherman。Iwasnotfarout，sincehesaid，aftersmokingalittle:
`Yousee，dearboy，whenIwasoveryonder，t\'othersidetheworld，Iwasalwaysalookingtothisside；anditcomeflattobethere，forallIwasagrowingrich。EverybodyknowedMagwitch，andMagwitchcouldcome，andMagwitchcouldgo，andnobody\'sheadwouldbetroubledabouthim。Theyain\'tsoeasyconcerningmehere，dearboy-wouldn\'tbe，leastwise，iftheyknowedwhereIwas。\'
`Ifallgoeswell，\'saidI，`youwillbeperfectlyfreeandsafeagain，withinafewhours。\'
`Well，\'hereturned，drawingalongbreath，`Ihopeso。\'
`Andthinkso？\'
Hedippedhishandinthewaterovertheboat\'sgunwale，andsaid，smilingwiththatsoftenedairuponhimwhichwasnotnewtome:
`Ay，Is\'poseIthinkso，dearboy。We\'dbepuzzledtobemorequietandeasy-goingthanweareatpresent。But-it\'saflowingsosoftandpleasantthroughthewater，p\'raps，asmakesmethinkit-Iwasathinkingthroughmysmokejustthen，thatwecannomoreseetothebottomofthenextfewhours，thanwecanseetothebottomofthisriverwhatIcatchesholdof。Noryetwecan\'tnomoreholdtheirtidethanIcanholdthis。
Andit\'srunthroughmyfingersandgone，yousee！\'holdinguphisdrippinghand。
`Butforyourface，Ishouldthinkyouwerealittledespondent，\'saidI。
`Notabitonit，dearboy！Itcomesofflowingonsoquiet，andofthatthereripplingattheboat\'sheadmakingasortofaSundaytune。
MaybeI\'magrowingatrifleoldbesides。\'
Heputhispipebackinhismouthwithanundisturbedexpressionofface，andsatascomposedandcontentedasifwewerealreadyoutofEngland。
Yethewasassubmissivetoawordofadviceasifhehadbeeninconstantterror，for，whenweranashoretogetsomebottlesofbeerintotheboat，andhewassteppingout，IhintedthatIthoughthewouldbesafestwherehewas，andhesaid。`Doyou，dearboy？\'andquietlysatdownagain。
Theairfeltcoldupontheriver，butitwasabrightday，andthesunshinewasverycheering。Thetideranstrong，Itookcaretolosenoneofit，andoursteadystrokecarriedusonthoroughlywell。Byimperceptibledegrees，asthetideranout，welostmoreandmoreofthenearerwoodsandhills，anddroppedlowerandlowerbetweenthemuddybanks，butthetidewasyetwithuswhenwewereoffGravesend。Asourchargewaswrappedinhiscloak，Ipurposelypassedwithinaboatortwo\'slengthofthefloatingCustomHouse，andsoouttocatchthestream，alongsideoftwoemigrantships，andunderthebowsofalargetransportwithtroopsontheforecastlelookingdownatus。Andsoonthetidebegantoslacken，andthecraftlyingatanchortoswing，andpresentlytheyhadallswunground，andtheshipsthatweretakingadvantageofthenewtidetogetuptothePool，begantocrowduponusinafleet，andwekeptundertheshore，asmuchoutofthestrengthofthetidenowaswecould，standingcarefullyofffromlowshallowsandmudbanks。
Ouroarsmenweresofresh，bydintofhavingoccasionallyletherdrivewiththetideforaminuteortwo，thataquarterofanhour\'srestprovedfullasmuchastheywanted。Wegotashoreamongsomeslipperystoneswhileweateanddrankwhatwehadwithus，andlookedabout。Itwaslikemyownmarshcountry，flatandmonotonous，andwithadimhorizon；whilethewindingriverturnedandturned，andthegreatfloatingbuoysuponitturnedandturned，andeverythingelseseemedstrandedandstill。For，now，thelastofthefleetofshipswasroundthelastlowpointwehadheaded；
andthelastgreenbarge，straw-laden，withabrownsail，hadfollowed；
andsomeballast-lighters，shapedlikeachild\'sfirstrudeimitationofaboat，laylowinthemud；andalittlesquatshoal-lighthouseonopenpiles，stoodcrippledinthemudonstiltsandcrutches；andslimystakesstuckoutofthemud，andslimystonesstuckoutofthemud，andredlandmarksandtidemarksstuckoutofthemud，andanoldlanding-stageanoldrooflessbuildingslippedintothemud，andallaboutuswasstagnationandmud。
Wepushedoffagain，andmadewhatwaywecould。Itwasmuchharderworknow，butHerbertandStartoppersevered，androwed，androwed，androwed，untilthesunwentdown。Bythattimetheriverhasliftedusalittle，sothatwecouldseeabovethebank。Therewastheredsun，onthelowleveloftheshore，inapurplehaze，fastdeepeningintoblack；
andtherewasthesolitaryflatmarsh；andfarawaythereweretherisinggrounds，betweenwhichandusthereseemedtobenolife，savehereandthereintheforegroundamelancholygull。
Asthenightwasfastfalling，andasthemoon，beingpastthefull，wouldnotriseearly，weheldalittlecouncil:ashortone，forclearlyourcoursewastoliebyatthefirstlonelytavernwecouldfind。So，theypliedtheiroarsoncemore，andIlookedoutforanythinglikeahouse。
Thusweheldon，speakinglittle，forfourorfivedullmiles。Itwasverycold，and，acolliercomingbyus，withhergalley-firesmokingandflaring，lookedlikeacomfortablehome。Thenightwasasdarkbythistimeasitwouldbeuntilmorning；andwhatlightwehad，seemedtocomemorefromtheriverthanthesky，astheoarsintheirdippingstruckasafewreflectedstars。Atthisdismaltimewewereevidentlyallpossessedbytheideathatwewerefollowed。Asthetidemade，itflappedheavilyatirregularintervalsagainsttheshore；andwheneversuchasoundcame，oneorotherofuswassuretostartandlookinthatdirection。Hereandthere，thesetofthecurrenthadworndownthebankintoalittlecreek，andwewereallsuspiciousofsuchplaces，andeyedthemnervously。Sometimes，`Whatwasthatripple？\'oneofuswouldsayinalowvoice。Oranother，`Isthataboatyonder？\'Andafterwards，wewouldfallintoadeadsilence，andIwouldsitimpatientlythinkingwithwhatanunusualamountofnoisetheoarsworkedinthethowels。
Atlengthwedescriedalightandaroof，andpresentlyafterwardsranalongsidealittlecausewaymadeofstonesthathadbeenpickeduphardby。Leavingtherestintheboat，Isteppedashore，andfoundthelighttobeinawindowofapublic-house。Itwasadirtyplaceenough，andI
daresaynotunknowntosmugglingadventurers；buttherewasagoodfireinthekitchen，andtherewereeggsandbacontoeat，andvariousliquorstodrink。Also，thereweretwodouble-beddedrooms-`suchastheywere，\'
thelandlordsaid。Noothercompanywasinthehousethanthelandlord，hiswife，andagrizzledmalecreature，the`Jack\'ofthelittlecauseway，whowasasslimyandsmearyasifhehadbeenlow-watermarktoo。
Withthisassistant，Iwentdowntotheboatagain，andweallcameashore，andbroughtouttheoars，andrudder，andboat-hook，andallelse，andhauledherupforthenight。Wemadeaverygoodmealbythekitchenfire，andthenapportionedthebedrooms:HerbertandStartopweretooccupyone；Iandourchargetheother。Wefoundtheairascarefullyexcludedfromboth，asifairwerefataltolife；andthereweremoredirtyclothesandbandboxesunderthebedsthanIshouldhavethoughtthefamilypossessed。
But，weconsideredourselveswelloff，notwithstanding，foramoresolitaryplacewecouldnothavefound。
Whilewewerecomfortingourselvesbythefireafterourmeal，theJack-whowassittinginacorner，andwhohadabloatedpairofshoeson，whichhehadexhibitedwhilewewereeatingoureggsandbacon，asinterestingrelicsthathehadtakenafewdaysagofromthefeetofadrownedseamanwashedashore-askedmeifwehadseenafour-oaredgalleygoingupwiththetide？WhenItoldhimNo，hesaidshemusthavegonedownthen，andyetshe`tookuptoo，\'whensheleftthere。
`Theymustha\'thoughtbetteron\'tforsomereasonoranother，\'saidtheJack，`andgonedown。\'
`Afour-oaredgalley，didyousay？\'saidI。
`Afour，\'saidtheJack，`andtwositters。\'
`Didtheycomeashorehere？\'
`Theyputinwithastonetwo-gallonjar，forsomebeer。I\'dha\'beengladtopisonthebeermyself，\'saidtheJack，`orputsomerattlingphysicinit。\'
`Why？\'
`Iknowwhy，\'saidtheJack。Hespokeinaslushyvoice，asifmuchmudhadwashedintohisthroat。
`Hethinks，\'saidthelandlord:aweaklymeditativemanwithapaleeye，whoseemedtorelygreatlyonhisJack:`hethinkstheywas，whattheywasn\'t。\'
`IknowswhatIthinks，\'observedtheJack。
`YouthinksCustum\'Us，Jack？\'saidthelandlord。
`Ido，\'saidtheJack。
`Thenyou\'rewrong，Jack。\'
`AMI！\'
Intheinfinitemeaningofhisreplyandhisboundlessconfidenceinhisviews，theJacktookoneofhisbloatedshoesoff，lookedintoit，knockedafewstonesoutofitonthekitchenfloor，andputitonagain。
HedidthiswiththeairofaJackwhowassorightthathecouldaffordtodoanything。
`Why，whatdoyoumakeoutthattheydonewiththeirbuttonsthen，Jack？\'
askedthelandlord，vacillatingweakly。
`Donewiththeirbuttons？\'returnedtheJack。`Chucked\'emoverboard。
Swallered\'em。Sowed\'em，tocomeupsmallsalad。Donewiththeirbuttons！\'
`Don\'tbecheeky，Jack，\'remonstratedthelandlord，inamelancholyandpatheticway。
`ACustum\'UsofficerknowswhattodowithhisButtons，\'saidtheJack，repeatingtheobnoxiouswordwiththegreatestcontempt，`whentheycomesbetwixthimandhisownlight。AFourandtwosittersdon\'tgohangingandhovering，upwithonetideanddownwithanother，andbothwithandagainstanother，withouttherebeingCustum\'Usatthebottomofit。\'Sayingwhichhewentoutindisdain；andthelandlord，havingnoonetoreplyupon，founditimpracticabletopursuethesubject。
Thisdialoguemadeusalluneasy，andmeveryuneasy。Thedismalwindwasmutteringroundthehouse，thetidewasflappingattheshore，andIhadafeelingthatwewerecagedandthreatened。Afour-oaredgalleyhoveringaboutinsounusualawayastoattractthisnotice，wasanuglycircumstancethatIcouldnotgetridof。WhenIhadinducedProvistogouptobed，IwentoutsidewithmytwocompanionsStarlopbythistimeknewthestateofthecase，andheldanothercouncil。Whetherweshouldremainatthehouseuntilnearthesteamer\'stime，whichwouldbeaboutoneintheafternoon；orwhetherweshouldputoffearlyinthemorning；
wasthequestionwediscussed。Onthewholewedeemeditthebettercoursetoliewherewewere，untilwithinanhourorsoofthesteamer\'stime，andthentogetoutinhertrack，anddrifteasilywiththetide。Havingsettledtodothis，wereturnedintothehouseandwenttobed。
Ilaydownwiththegreaterpartofmyclotheson，andsleptwellforafewhours。WhenIawoke，thewindhadrisen，andthesignofthehousetheShipwascreakingandbangingabout，withnoisesthatstartledme。
Risingsoftly，formychargelayfastasleep，Ilookedoutofthewindow。
Itcommandedthecausewaywherewehadhauledupourboat，and，asmyeyesadaptedthemselvestothelightofthecloudedmoon，Isawtwomenlookingintoher。Theypassedbyunderthewindow，lookingatnothingelse，andtheydidnotgodowntothelanding-placewhichIcoulddiscerntobeempty，butstruckacrossthemarshinthedirectionoftheNore。
MyfirstimpulsewastocallupHerbert，andshowhimthetwomengoingaway。But，reflectingbeforeIgotintohisroom，whichwasatthebackofthehouseandadjoinedmine，thatheandStartophadhadaharderdaythanI，andwerefatigued，Iforbore。Goingbacktomywindow，Icouldseethetwomenmovingoverthemarsh。Inthatlight，however，Isoonlostthem，andfeelingverycold，laydowntothinkofthematter，andfellasleepagain。
Wewereupearly。Aswewalkedtoandfro，allfourtogether，beforebreakfast，IdeemeditrighttorecountwhatIhadseen。Againourchargewastheleastanxiousoftheparty。ItwasverylikelythatthemenbelongedtotheCustomHouse，hesaidquietly，andthattheyhadnothoughtofus。
Itriedtopersuademyselfthatitwasso-as，indeed，itmighteasilybe。However，IproposedthatheandIshouldwalkawaytogethertoadistantpointwecouldsee，andthattheboatshouldtakeusaboradthere，orasnearthereasmightprovefeasible，ataboutnoon。Thisbeingconsideredagoodprecaution，soonafterbreakfastheandIsetforth，withoutsayinganythingatthetavern。
Hesmokedhispipeaswewentalong，andsometimesstoppedtoclapmeontheshoulder。OnewouldhavesupposedthatitwasIwhowasindanger，nothe，andthathewasreassuringme。Wespokeverylittle。Asweapproachedthepoint，Ibeggedhimtoremaininashelteredplace，whileIwentontoreconnoitre；for，itwastowardsitthatthemenhadpassedinthenight。
Hecomplied，andIwentonalone。Therewasnoboatoffthepoint，noranyboatdrawnupanywherenearit，norwerethereanysignsofthemenhavingembarkedthere。But，tobesurethetidewashigh，andtheremighthavebeensomefootpintsunderwater。
Whenhelookedoutfromhisshelterinthedistance，andsawthatI
wavedmyhattohimtocomeup，herejoinedme，andtherewewaited；sometimeslyingonthebankwrappedinourcoats，andsometimesmovingabouttowarmourselves:untilwesawourboatcominground。Wegotaboradeasily，androwedoutintothetrackofthesteamer。Bythattimeitwantedbuttenminutesofoneo\'clock，andwebegantolookoutforhersmoke。
But，itwashalf-pastonebeforewesawhersmoke，andsoonafterwardswesawbehinditthesmokeofanothersteamer。Astheywerecomingonatfullspeed，wegotthetwobagsready，andtookthatopportunityofsayinggood-byetoHerbertandStartop。Wehadallshakenhandscordially，andneitherHerbert\'seyesnorminewerequitedry，whenIsawafour-oaredgalleyshootoutfromunderthebankbutalittlewayaheadofus，androwoutintothesametrack。
Astretchofshorehadbeenasyetbetweenusandthesteamer\'ssmoke，byreasonofthebendandwindoftheriver；butnowshewasvisible，comingheadon。IcalledtoHerbertandStartoptokeepbeforethetide，thatshemightseeuslyingbyforher，andIadjuredProvistositquitestill，wrappedinhiscloak。Heansweredcheerily，`Trusttome，dearboy，\'andsatlikeastatue。Meantimethegalley，whichwasveryskilfullyhandled，hadcrossedus，letuscomeupwithher，andfallenalongside。Leavingjustroomenoughfortheplayoftheoars，shekeptalongside，driftingwhenwedrifted，andpullingastrokeortwowhenwepulled。Ofthetwosittersoneheldtherudderlines，andlookedatusattentively-asdidalltherowers；theothersitterwaswrappedup，muchasProviswas，andseemedtoshrink，andwhispersomeinstructiontothesteererashelookedatus。Notawordwasspokenineitherboat。
Startopcouldmakeout，afterafewminutes，whichsteamerwasfirst，andgavemetheword`Hamburg，\'inalowvoiceaswesatfacetoface。
Shewasnearingusveryfast，andthebeatingofherpeddlesgrewlouderandlouder。Ifeltasifhershadowwereabsolutelyuponus，whenthegalleyhailedus。Ianswered。
`YouhaveareturnedTransportthere，\'saidthemanwhoheldthelines。
`That\'stheman，wrappedinthecloak。HisnameisAbelMagwitch，otherwiseProvis。Iapprehendthatman，andcalluponhimtosurrender，andyoutoassist。\'
Atthesamemoment，withoutgivinganyaudibledirectiontohiscrew，heranthegalleyabroadofus。Theyhadpulledonesuddenstrokeahead，hadgottheiroarsin，hadrunathwartus，andwereholdingontoourgunwale，beforeweknewwhattheyweredoing。Thiscausedgreatconfusiononboardthesteamer，andIheardthemcallingtous，andheardtheordergiventostopthepaddles，andheardthemstop，butfeltherdrivingdownuponusirresistibly。Inthesamemoment，Isawthesteersmanofthegalleylayhishandonhisprisoner\'sshoulder，andsawthatbothboatswereswingingroundwiththeforceofthetide，andsawthatallhandsonboardthesteamerwererunningforwardquitefrantically。Stillinthesamemoment，Isawtheprisonerstartup，leanacrosshiscaptor，andpullthecloakfromtheneckoftheshrinkingsitterinthegalley。Stillinthesamemoment，Isawthatthefacedisclosed，wasthefaceoftheotherconvictoflongago。Stillinthesamemoment，IsawthefacetiltbackwardwithawhiteterroronitthatIshallneverforget，andheardagreatcryonboardthesteamerandaloudsplashinthewater，andfelttheboatsinkfromunderme。
ItwasbutforaninstantthatIseemedtostrugglewithathousandmill-weirsandathousandflashesoflight；thatinstantpast，Iwastakenonboardthegalley。Herbertwasthere，andStartopwasthere；butourboatwasgone，andthetwoconvictsweregone。
Whatwiththecriesabroadthesteamer，andthefuriousblowingoffofhersteam，andherdrivingon，andourdrivingon，Icouldnotatfirstdistinguishskyfromwaterorshorefromshore；but，thecrewofthegalleyrightedherwithgreatspeed，and，pullingcertainswiftstrongstrokesahead，layupontheiroars，everymanlookingsilentlyandeagerlyatthewaterastern。Presentlyadarkobjectwasseeninit，bearingtowardsusonthetide。Nomanspoke，butthesteersmanhelduphishand，andallsoftlybackedwater，andkepttheboatstraightandtruebeforeit。Asitcamenearer，IsawittobeMagwitch，swimming，butnotswimmingfreely。
Hewastakenonboard，andinstantlymanacledatthewristsandankles。
Thegalleywaskeptsteady，andthesilenteagerlook-outatthewaterwasresumed。But，theRotterdamsteamernowcameup，andapparentlynotunderstandingwhathadhappened，cameonatspeed。Bythetimeshehadbeenhailedandstopped，bothsteamersweredriftingawayfromus，andwewererisingandfallinginatroubledwakeofwater。Thelook-outwaskept，longafterallwasstillagainandthetwosteamersweregone；but，everybodyknewthatitwashopelessnow。
Atlengthwegaveitup，andpulledundertheshoretowardsthetavernwehadlatelyleft，wherewewerereceivedwithnolittlesurprise。Here，IwasabletogetsomecomfortsforMagwitch-Provisnolonger-whohadreceivedsomeverysevereinjuryinthechestandadeepcutinthehead。
Hetoldmethathebelievedhimselftohavegoneunderthekeelofthesteamer，andtohavebeenstruckontheheadinrising。Theinjurytohischestwhichrenderedhisbreathingextremelypainfulhethoughthehadreceivedagainstthesideofthegalley。HeaddedthathedidnotpretendtosaywhathemightormightnothavedonetoCompeyson，but，thatinthemomentofhislayinghishandonhiscloaktoidentifyhim，thatvillainhadstaggeredupandstaggeredback，andtheyhadbothgoneoverboardtogether；
whenthesuddenwrenchingofhimMagwitchoutofourboat，andtheendeavourofhiscaptortokeephiminit，hadcapsizedus。Hetoldmeinawhisperthattheyhadgonedown，fiercelylockedineachother\'sarms，andthattherehadbeenastruggleunderwater，andthathehaddisengagedhimself，struckout，andswumaway。
Ineverhadanyreasontodoubttheexacttruthofwhathethustoldme。Theofficerwhosteeredthegalleygavethesameaccountoftheirgoingoverboard。
WhenIaskedthisofficer\'spermissiontochangetheprisoner\'swetclothesbypurchasinganysparegarmentsIcouldgetatthepublic-house，hegaveitreadily:merelyobservingthathemusttakechargeofeverythinghisprisonerhadabouthim。Sothepocketbookwhichhadoncebeeninmyhands，passedintotheofficer\'s。HefurthergavemeleavetoaccompanytheprisonertoLondon；but，declinedtoaccordthatgracetomytwofriends。
TheJackattheShipwasinstructedwherethedrownedmanhadgonedown，andundertooktosearchforthebodyintheplaceswhereitwaslikeliesttocomeashore。Hisinterestinitsrecoveryseemedtometobemuchheightenedwhenheheardthatithadstockingson。Probably，ittookaboutadozendrownedmentofithimoutcompletely；andthatmayhavebeenthereasonwhythedifferentarticlesofhisdresswereinvariousstagesofdecay。
Weremainedatthepublic-houseuntilthetideturned，andthenMagwitchwascarrieddowntothegalleyandputonboard。HerbertandStartopweretogettoLondonbyland，assoonastheycould。Wehadadolefulparting，andwhenItookmyplacebyMagwitch\'sside，Ifeltthatthatwasmyplacehenceforthwhilehelived。
Fornow，myrepugnancetohimhadallmeltedaway，andinthehuntedwoundedshackledcreaturewhoheldmyhandinhis，Ionlysawamanwhohadmeanttobemybenefactor，andwhohadfeltaffectionately，gratefully，andgenerously，towardsmewithgreatconstancythroughaseriesofyears。
IonlysawinhimamuchbettermanthanIhadbeentoJoe。
Hisbreathingbecamemoredifficultandpainfulasthenightdrewon，andoftenhecouldnotrepressagroan。ItriedtoresthimonthearmIcoulduse，inanyeasyposition；but，itwasdreadfultothinkthatI
couldnotbesorryatheartforhisbeingbadlyhurt，sinceitwasunquestionablybestthatheshoulddie。Thattherewere，stillliving，peopleenoughwhowereableandwillingtoidentifyhim，Icouldnotdoubt。Thathewouldbelenientlytreated，Icouldnothope。Hewhohadbeenpresentedintheworstlightathistrial，whohadsincebrokenprisonandhadbeentriedagain，whohadreturnedfromtransportationunderalifesentence，andwhohadoccasionedthedeathofthemanwhowasthecauseofhisarrest。
Aswereturnedtowardsthesettingsunwehadyesterdayleftbehindus，andasthestreamofourhopesseemedallrunningback，ItoldhimhowgrievedIwastothinkthathehadcomehomeformysake。
`Dearboy，\'heanswered，`I\'mquitecontenttotakemychance。I\'veseenmyboy，andhecanbeagentlemanwithoutme。\'
No。Ihadthoughtaboutthat，whilewehadbeentheresidebyside。
No。Apartfromanyinclinationsofmyown，IunderstoodWemmick\'shintnow。Iforesawthat，beingconvicted，hispossessionswouldbeforfeitedtotheCrown。
`Lookeehere，dearboy，\'saidhe`It\'sbestasagentlemanshouldnotbeknowedtobelongtomenow。OnlycometoseemeasifyoucomebychancealongerWemmick。SitwhereIcanseeyouwhenIamsworeto，forthelasto\'manytimes，andIdon\'tasknomore。\'
`Iwillneverstirfromyourside，\'saidI，`whenIamsufferedtobenearyou。PleaseGod，Iwillbeastruetoyou，asyouhavebeentome！\'
Ifelthishandtrembleasitheldmine，andheturnedhisfaceawayashelayinthebottomoftheboat，andIheardthatoldsoundinhisthroat-softenednow，likealltherestofhim。Itwasagoodthingthathehadtouchedthispoint，foritputintomymindwhatImightnototherwisehavethoughtofuntiltoolate:Thatheneedneverknowhowhishopesofenrichingmehadperished。