\'Nothing，sir，\'rejoinedthegirl，weeping。\'Youcandonothingtohelpme。Iampastallhope，indeed。\'
\'Youputyourselfbeyonditspale，\'saidthegentleman。\'Thepasthasbeenadrearywastewithyou，ofyouthfulenergiesmis-spent，andsuchpricelesstreasureslavished，astheCreatorbestowsbutonceandnevergrantsagain，but，forthefuture，youmayhope。
Idonotsaythatitisinourpowertoofferyoupeaceofheartandmind，forthatmustcomeasyouseekit；butaquietasylum，eitherinEngland，or，ifyoufeartoremainhere，insomeforeigncountry，itisnotonlywithinthecompassofourabilitybutourmostanxiouswishtosecureyou。Beforethedawnofmorning，beforethisriverwakestothefirstglimpseofday-light，youshallbeplacedasentirelybeyondthereachofyourformerassociates，andleaveasutteranabsenceofalltracebehindyou，asifyouweretodisappearfromtheearththismoment。Come！Iwouldnothaveyougobacktoexchangeonewordwithanyoldcompanion，ortakeonelookatanyoldhaunt，orbreathetheveryairwhichispestilenceanddeathtoyou。Quitthemall，whilethereistimeandopportunity！\'
\'Shewillbepersuadednow，\'criedtheyounglady。\'Shehesitates，Iamsure。\'
\'Ifearnot，mydear，\'saidthegentleman。
\'Nosir，Idonot，\'repliedthegirl，afterashortstruggle。\'I
amchainedtomyoldlife。Iloatheandhateitnow，butI
cannotleaveit。Imusthavegonetoofartoturnback，——andyetIdon\'tknow，forifyouhadspokentomeso，sometimeago，I
shouldhavelaugheditoff。But，\'shesaid，lookinghastilyround，\'thisfearcomesovermeagain。Imustgohome。\'
\'Home！\'repeatedtheyounglady，withgreatstressupontheword。
\'Home，lady，\'rejoinedthegirl。\'TosuchahomeasIhaveraisedformyselfwiththeworkofmywholelife。Letuspart。
Ishallbewatchedorseen。Go！Go！IfIhavedoneyouanyserviceallIaskis，thatyouleaveme，andletmegomywayalone。\'
\'Itisuseless，\'saidthegentleman，withasigh。\'Wecompromisehersafety，perhaps，bystayinghere。Wemayhavedetainedherlongerthansheexpectedalready。\'
\'Yes，yes，\'urgedthegirl。\'Youhave。\'
\'What，\'criedtheyounglady。\'canbetheendofthispoorcreature\'slife！\'
\'What！\'repeatedthegirl。\'Lookbeforeyou，lady。Lookatthatdarkwater。HowmanytimesdoyoureadofsuchasIwhospringintothetide，andleavenolivingthing，tocarefor，orbewailthem。Itmaybeyearshence，oritmaybeonlymonths，butI
shallcometothatatlast。\'
\'Donotspeakthus，pray，\'returnedtheyounglady，sobbing。
\'Itwillneverreachyourears，dearlady，andGodforbidsuchhorrorsshould！\'repliedthegirl。\'Good-night，good-night！\'
Thegentlemanturnedaway。
\'Thispurse，\'criedtheyounglady。\'Takeitformysake，thatyoumayhavesomeresourceinanhourofneedandtrouble。\'
\'No！\'repliedthegirl。\'Ihavenotdonethisformoney。Letmehavethattothinkof。Andyet——givemesomethingthatyouhaveworn:Ishouldliketohavesomething——no，no，notaring——yourglovesorhandkerchief——anythingthatIcankeep，ashavingbelongedtoyou，sweetlady。There。Blessyou！Godblessyou。
Good-night，good-night！\'
Theviolentagitationofthegirl，andtheapprehensionofsomediscoverywhichwouldsubjecthertoill-usageandviolence，seemedtodeterminethegentlemantoleaveher，assherequested。
Thesoundofretreatingfootstepswereaudibleandthevoicesceased。
Thetwofiguresoftheyoungladyandhercompanionsoonafterwardsappeareduponthebridge。Theystoppedatthesummitofthestairs。
\'Hark！\'criedtheyounglady，listening。\'Didshecall！I
thoughtIheardhervoice。\'
\'No，mylove，\'repliedMr。Brownlow，lookingsadlyback。\'Shehasnotmoved，andwillnottillwearegone。\'
RoseMaylielingered，buttheoldgentlemandrewherarmthroughhis，andledher，withgentleforce，away。Astheydisappeared，thegirlsunkdownnearlyatherfulllengthupononeofthestonestairs，andventedtheanguishofherheartinbittertears。
Afteratimeshearose，andwithfeebleandtotteringstepsascendedthestreet。Theastonishedlistenerremainedmotionlessonhispostforsomeminutesafterwards，andhavingascertained，withmanycautiousglancesroundhim，thathewasagainalone，creptslowlyfromhishiding-place，andreturned，stealthilyandintheshadeofthewall，inthesamemannerashehaddescended。
Peepingout，morethanonce，whenhereachedthetop，tomakesurethathewasunobserved，NoahClaypoledartedawayathisutmostspeed，andmadefortheJew\'shouseasfastashislegswouldcarryhim。
CHAPTERXLVII
FATALCONSEQUENCES
Itwasnearlytwohoursbeforeday-break；thattimewhichintheautumnoftheyear，maybetrulycalledthedeadofnight；whenthestreetsaresilentanddeserted；whenevensoundsappeartoslumber，andprofligacyandriothavestaggeredhometodream；itwasatthisstillandsilenthour，thatFaginsatwatchinginhisoldlair，withfacesodistortedandpale，andeyessoredandblood-shot，thathelookedlesslikeaman，thanlikesomehideousphantom，moistfromthegrave，andworriedbyanevilspirit。
Hesatcrouchingoveracoldhearth，wrappedinanoldtorncoverlet，withhisfaceturnedtowardsawastingcandlethatstooduponatablebyhisside。Hisrighthandwasraisedtohislips，andas，absorbedinthought，hehithislongblacknails，hedisclosedamonghistoothlessgumsafewsuchfangsasshouldhavebeenadog\'sorrat\'s。
Stretcheduponamattressonthefloor，layNoahClaypole，fastasleep。Towardshimtheoldmansometimesdirectedhiseyesforaninstant，andthenbroughtthembackagaintothecandle；whichwithalong-burntwickdroopingalmostdouble，andhotgreasefallingdowninclotsuponthetable，plainlyshowedthathisthoughtswerebusyelsewhere。
Indeedtheywere。Mortificationattheoverthrowofhisnotablescheme；hatredofthegirlwhohaddaredtopalterwithstrangers；andutterdistrustofthesincerityofherrefusaltoyieldhimup；bitterdisappointmentatthelossofhisrevengeonSikes；thefearofdetection，andruin，anddeath；andafierceanddeadlyragekindledbyall；thesewerethepassionateconsiderationswhich，followingcloseuponeachotherwithrapidandceaselesswhirl，shotthroughthebrainofFagin，aseveryevilthoughtandblackestpurposelayworkingathisheart。
Hesatwithoutchanginghisattitudeintheleast，orappearingtotkaethesmallestheedoftime，untilhisquickearseemedtobeattractedbyafootstepinthestreet。
\'Atlast，\'hemuttered，wipinghisdryandfeveredmouth。\'Atlast！\'
Thebellranggentlyashespoke。Hecreptupstairstothedoor，andpresentlyreturnedaccompaniedbyamanmuffledtothechin，whocarriedabundleunderonearm。Sittingdownandthrowingbackhisoutercoat，themandisplayedtheburlyframeofSikes。
\'There！\'hesaid，layingthebundleonthetable。\'Takecareofthat，anddothemostyoucanwithit。It\'sbeentroubleenoughtoget；IthoughtIshouldhavebeenhere，threehoursago。\'
Faginlaidhishanduponthebundle，andlockingitinthecupboard，satdownagainwithoutspeaking。Buthedidnottakehiseyesofftherobber，foraninstant，duringthisaction；andnowthattheysatoveragainsteachother，facetoface，helookedfixedlyathim，withhislipsquiveringsoviolently，andhisfacesoalteredbytheemotionswhichhadmasteredhim，thatthehousebreakerinvoluntarilydrewbackhischair，andsurveyedhimwithalookofrealaffright。
\'Wotnow?\'criedSikes。\'Wotdoyoulookatamansofor?\'
Faginraisedhisrighthand，andshookhistremblingforefingerintheair；buthispassionwassogreat，thatthepowerofspeechwasforthemomentgone。
\'Damme！\'saidSikes，feelinginhisbreastwithalookofalarm。
\'He\'sgonemad。Imustlooktomyselfhere。\'
\'No，no，\'rejoinedFagin，findinghisvoice。\'It\'snot——you\'renottheperson，Bill。I\'veno——nofaulttofindwithyou。\'
\'Oh，youhaven\'t，haven\'tyou?\'saidSikes，lookingsternlyathim，andostentatiouslypassingapistolintoamoreconvenientpocket。\'That\'slucky——foroneofus。Whichonethatis，don\'tmatter。\'
\'I\'vegotthattotellyou，Bill，\'saidFagin，drawinghischairnearer，\'willmakeyouworsethanme。\'
\'Aye?\'returnedtherobberwithanincredulousair。\'Tellaway！
Looksharp，orNancewillthinkI\'mlost。\'
\'Lost！\'criedFagin。\'Shehasprettywellsettledthat，inherownmind，already。\'
SikeslookedwithanaspectofgreatperplexityintotheJew\'sface，andreadingnosatisfactoryexplanationoftheriddlethere，clenchedhiscoatcollarinhishugehandandshookhimsoundly。
\'Speak，willyou！\'hesaid；\'orifyoudon\'t，itshallbeforwantofbreath。Openyourmouthandsaywotyou\'vegottosayinplainwords。Outwithit，youthunderingoldcur，outwithit！\'
\'Supposethatladthat\'slayingthere——\'Faginbegan。
SikesturnedroundtowhereNoahwassleeping，asifhehadnotpreviouslyobservedhim。\'Well！\'hesaid，resuminghisformerposition。
\'Supposethatlad，\'pursuedFagin，\'wastopeach——toblowuponusall——firstseekingouttherightfolksforthepurpose，andthenhavingameetingwith\'eminthestreettopaintourlikenesses，describeeverymarkthattheymightknowusby，andthecribwherewemightbemosteasilytaken。Supposehewastodoallthis，andbesidestoblowuponaplantwe\'veallbeenin，moreorless——ofhisownfancy；notgrabbed，trapped，tried，earwiggedbytheparsonandbroughttoitonbreadandwater，——butofhisownfancy；topleasehisowntaste；stealingoutatnightstofindthosemostinterestedagainstus，andpeachingtothem。Doyouhearme?\'criedtheJew，hiseyesflashingwithrage。\'Supposehedidallthis，whatthen?\'
\'Whatthen！\'repliedSikes；withatremendousoath。\'IfhewasleftalivetillIcame，I\'dgrindhisskullundertheironheelofmybootintoasmanygrainsastherearehairsuponhishead。\'
\'WhatifIdidit！\'criedFaginalmostinayell。\'I，thatknowssomuch，andcouldhangsomanybesidesmyself！\'
\'Idon\'tknow，\'repliedSikes，clenchinghisteethandturningwhiteatthemeresuggestion。\'I\'ddosomethinginthejailthat\'udgetmeputinirons；andifIwastriedalongwithyou，I\'dfalluponyouwiththemintheopencourt，andbeatyourbrainsoutaforethepeople。Ishouldhavesuchstrength，\'mutteredtherobber，poisinghisbrawnyarm，\'thatIcouldsmashyourheadasifaloadedwaggonhadgoneoverit。\'
\'Youwould?\'
\'WouldI！\'saidthehousebreaker。\'Tryme。\'
\'IfitwasCharley，ortheDodger，orBet，or——\'
\'Idon\'tcarewho，\'repliedSikesimpatiently。\'Whoeveritwas，I\'dservethemthesame。\'
Faginlookedhardattherobber；and，motioninghimtobesilent，stoopedoverthebeduponthefloor，andshookthesleepertorousehim。Sikesleantforwardinhischair:lookingonwithhishandsuponhisknees，asifwonderingmuchwhatallthisquestioningandpreparationwastoendin。
\'Bolter，Bolter！Poorlad！\'saidFagin，lookingupwithanexpressionofdevilishanticipation，andspeakingslowlyandwithmarkedemphasis。\'He\'stired——tiredwithwatchingforhersolong，——watchingforher，Bill。\'
\'Wotd\'yemean?\'askedSikes，drawingback。
Faginmadenoanswer，butbendingoverthesleeperagain，hauledhimintoasittingposture。Whenhisassumednamehadbeenrepeatedseveraltimes，Noahrubbedhiseyes，and，givingaheavyyawn，lookedsleepilyabouthim。
\'Tellmethatagain——onceagain，justforhimtohear，\'saidtheJew，pointingtoSikesashespoke。
\'Tellyerwhat?\'askedthesleepyNoah，shakinghimselfpettishy。
\'Thatabout——NANCY，\'saidFagin，clutchingSikesbythewrist，asiftopreventhisleavingthehousebeforehehadheardenough。
\'Youfollowedher?\'
\'Yes。\'
\'ToLondonBridge?\'
\'Yes。\'
\'Whereshemettwopeople。\'
\'Soshedid。\'
\'Agentlemanandaladythatshehadgonetoofherownaccordbefore，whoaskedhertogiveupallherpals，andMonksfirst，whichshedid——andtodescribehim，whichshedid——andtotellherwhathouseitwasthatwemeetat，andgoto，whichshedid——andwhereitcouldbebestwatchedfrom，whichshedid——andwhattimethepeoplewentthere，whichshedid。Shedidallthis。Shetolditalleverywordwithoutathreat，withoutamurmur——shedid——didshenot?\'criedFagin，halfmadwithfury。
\'Allright，\'repliedNoah，scratchinghishead。\'That\'sjustwhatitwas！\'
\'Whatdidtheysay，aboutlastSunday?\'
\'AboutlastSunday！\'repliedNoah，considering。\'WhyItoldyerthatbefore。\'
\'Again。Tellitagain！\'criedFagin，tighteninghisgrasponSikes，andbrandishinghisotherhandaloft，asthefoamflewfromhislips。
\'Theyaskedher，\'saidNoah，who，ashegrewmorewakeful，seemedtohaveadawningperceptionwhoSikeswas，\'theyaskedherwhyshedidn\'tcome，lastSunday，asshepromised。Shesaidshecouldn\'t。\'
\'Why——why?Tellhimthat。\'
\'BecauseshewasforciblykeptathomebyBill，themanshehadtoldthemofbefore，\'repliedNoah。
\'Whatmoreofhim?\'criedFagin。\'Whatmoreofthemanshehadtoldthemofbefore?Tellhimthat，tellhimthat。\'
\'Why，thatshecouldn\'tveryeasilygetoutofdoorsunlessheknewwhereshewasgoingto，\'saidNoah；\'andsothefirsttimeshewenttoseethelady，she——ha！ha！ha！itmademelaughwhenshesaidit，thatitdid——shegavehimadrinkoflaudanum。\'
\'Hell\'sfire！\'criedSikes，breakingfiercelyfromtheJew。\'Letmego！\'
Flingingtheoldmanfromhim，herushedfromtheroom，anddarted，wildlyandfuriously，upthestairs。
\'Bill，Bill！\'criedFagin，followinghimhastily。\'Aword。Onlyaword。\'
Thewordwouldnothavebeenexchanged，butthatthehousebreakerwasunabletoopenthedoor:onwhichhewasexpendingfruitlessoathsandviolence，whentheJewcamepantingup。
\'Letmeout，\'saidSikes。\'Don\'tspeaktome；it\'snotsafe。
Letmeout，Isay！\'
\'Hearmespeakaword，\'rejoinedFagin，layinghishanduponthelock。\'Youwon\'tbe——\'
\'Well，\'repliedtheother。
\'Youwon\'tbe——too——violent，Bill?\'
Thedaywasbreaking，andtherewaslightenoughforthementoseeeachother\'sfaces。Theyexchangedonebriefglance；therewasafireintheeyesofboth，whichcouldnotbemistaken。
\'Imean，\'saidFagin，showingthathefeltalldisguisewasnowuseless，\'nottooviolentforsafety。Becrafty，Bill，andnottoobold。\'
Sikesmadenoreply；but，pullingopenthedoor，ofwhichFaginhadturnedthelock，dashedintothesilentstreets。
Withoutonepause，ormoment\'sconsideration；withoutonceturninghisheadtotherightorleft，orraisinghiseyestothesky，orloweringthemtotheground，butlookingstraightbeforehimwithsavageresolution:histeethsotightlycompressedthatthestrainedjawseemedstartingthroughhisskin；therobberheldonhisheadlongcourse，normutteredaword，norrelaxedamuscle，untilhereachedhisowndoor。Heopenedit，softly，withakey；strodelightlyupthestairs；andenteringhisownroom，double-lockedthedoor，andliftingaheavytableagainstit，drewbackthecurtainofthebed。
Thegirlwaslying，half-dressed，uponit。Hehadrousedherfromhersleep，forsheraisedherselfwithahurriedandstartledlook。
\'Getup！\'saidtheman。
\'Itisyou，Bill！\'saidthegirl，withanexpressionofpleasureathisreturn。
\'Itis，\'wasthereply。\'Getup。\'
Therewasacandleburning，butthemanhastilydrewitfromthecandlestick，andhurleditunderthegrate。Seeingthefaintlightofearlydaywithout，thegirlrosetoundrawthecurtain。
\'Letitbe，\'saidSikes，thrustinghishandbeforeher。\'There\'senoughlightforwotI\'vegottodo。\'
\'Bill，\'saidthegirl，inthelowvoiceofalarm，\'whydoyoulooklikethatatme！\'
Therobbersatregardingher，forafewseconds，withdilatednostrilsandheavingbreast；andthen，graspingherbytheheadandthroat，draggedherintothemiddleoftheroom，andlookingoncetowardsthedoor，placedhisheavyhanduponhermouth。
\'Bill，Bill！\'gaspedthegirl，wrestlingwiththestrengthofmortalfear，——\'I——Iwon\'tscreamorcry——notonce——hearme——speaktome——tellmewhatIhavedone！\'
\'Youknow，youshedevil！\'returnedtherobber，suppressinghisbreath。\'Youwerewatchedto-night；everywordyousaidwasheard。\'
\'ThensparemylifefortheloveofHeaven，asIsparedyours，\'
rejoinedthegirl，clingingtohim。\'Bill，dearBill，youcannothavethehearttokillme。Oh！thinkofallIhavegivenup，onlythisonenight，foryou。YouSHALLhavetimetothink，andsaveyourselfthiscrime；Iwillnotloosemyhold，youcannotthrowmeoff。Bill，Bill，fordearGod\'ssake，foryourown，formine，stopbeforeyouspillmyblood！Ihavebeentruetoyou，uponmyguiltysoulIhave！\'
Themanstruggledviolently，toreleasehisarms；butthoseofthegirlwereclaspedroundhis，andtearherashewould，hecouldnottearthemaway。
\'Bill，\'criedthegirl，strivingtolayherheaduponhisbreast，\'thegentlemanandthatdearlady，toldmeto-nightofahomeinsomeforeigncountrywhereIcouldendmydaysinsolitudeandpeace。Letmeseethemagain，andbegthem，onmyknees，toshowthesamemercyandgoodnesstoyou；andletusbothleavethisdreadfulplace，andfarapartleadbetterlives，andforgethowwehavelived，exceptinprayers，andneverseeeachothermore。
Itisnevertoolatetorepent。Theytoldmeso——Ifeelitnow——butwemusthavetime——alittle，littletime！\'
Thehousebreakerfreedonearm，andgraspedhispistol。Thecertaintyofimmediatedetectionifhefired，flashedacrosshismindeveninthemidstofhisfury；andhebeatittwicewithalltheforcehecouldsummon，upontheupturnedfacethatalmosttouchedhisown。
Shestaggeredandfell:nearlyblindedwiththebloodthatraineddownfromadeepgashinherforehead；butraisingherself，withdifficulty，onherknees，drewfromherbosomawhitehandkerchief——RoseMaylie\'sown——andholdingitup，inherfoldedhands，ashightowardsHeavenasherfeeblestrengthwouldallow，breathedoneprayerformercytoherMaker。
Itwasaghastlyfiguretolookupon。Themurdererstaggeringbackwardtothewall，andshuttingoutthesightwithhishand，seizedaheavyclubandstruckherdown。
CHAPTERXLVIII
THEFLIGHTOFSIKES
Ofallbaddeedsthat，undercoverofthedarkness，hadbeencommittedwithwideLondon\'sboundssincenighthungoverit，thatwastheworst。Ofallthehorrorsthatrosewithanillscentuponthemorningair，thatwasthefoulestandmostcruel。
Thesun——thebrightsun，thatbringsback，notlightalone，butnewlife，andhope，andfreshnesstoman——burstuponthecrowdedcityinclearandradiantglory。Throughcostly-colouredglassandpaper-mendedwindow，throughcathedraldomeandrottencrevice，itsheditsequalray。Itlighteduptheroomwherethemurderedwomanlay。Itdid。Hetriedtoshutitout，butitwouldstreamin。Ifthesighthadbeenaghastlyoneinthedullmorning，whatwasit，now，inallthatbrilliantlight！
Hehadnotmoved；hehadbeenafraidtostir。Therehadbeenamoanandmotionofthehand；and，withterroraddedtorage，hehadstruckandstruckagain。Oncehethrewarugoverit；butitwasworsetofancytheeyes，andimaginethemmovingtowardshim，thantoseethemglaringupward，asifwatchingthereflectionofthepoolofgorethatquiveredanddancedinthesunlightontheceiling。Hehadpluckeditoffagain。Andtherewasthebody——merefleshandblood，normore——butsuchflesh，andsomuchblood！
Hestruckalight，kindledafire，andthrusttheclubintoit。
Therewashairupontheend，whichblazedandshrunkintoalightcinder，and，caughtbytheair，whirledupthechimney。Eventhatfrightenedhim，sturdyashewas；butheheldtheweapontillitbroke，andthenpileditonthecoalstoburnaway，andsmoulderintoashes。Hewashedhimself，andrubbedhisclothes；
therewerespotsthatwouldnotberemoved，buthecutthepiecesout，andburntthem。Howthosestainsweredispersedabouttheroom！Theveryfeetofthedogwerebloody。
Allthistimehehad，neveronce，turnedhisbackuponthecorpse；no，notforamoment。Suchpreparationscompleted，hemoved，backward，towardsthedoor:draggingthedogwithhim，lestheshouldsoilhisfeetanewandcarryoutnewevidenceofthecrimeintothestreets。Heshutthedoorsoftly，lockedit，tookthekey，andleftthehouse。
Hecrossedover，andglancedupatthewindow，tobesurethatnothingwasvisiblefromtheoutside。Therewasthecurtainstilldrawn，whichshewouldhaveopenedtoadmitthelightsheneversawagain。Itlaynearlyunderthere。HEknewthat。God，howthesunpoureddownupontheveryspot！
Theglancewasinstantaneous。Itwasarelieftohavegotfreeoftheroom。Hewhistledonthedog，andwalkedrapidlyaway。
HewentthroughIslington；strodeupthehillatHighgateonwhichstandsthestoneinhonourofWhittington；turneddowntoHighgateHill，unsteadyofpurpose，anduncertainwheretogo；
struckofftotherightagain，almostassoonashebegantodescendit；andtakingthefoot-pathacrossthefields，skirtedCaenWood，andsocameonHampsteadHeath。TraversingthehollowbytheValeofHeath，hemountedtheoppositebank，andcrossingtheroadwhichjoinsthevillagesofHampsteadandHighgate，madealongtheremainingportionoftheheathtothefieldsatNorthEnd，inoneofwhichhelaidhimselfdownunderahedge，andslept。
Soonhewasupagain，andaway，——notfarintothecountry，butbacktowardsLondonbythehigh-road——thenbackagain——thenoveranotherpartofthesamegroundashealreadytraversed——thenwanderingupanddowninfields，andlyingonditches\'brinkstorest，andstartinguptomakeforsomeotherspot，anddothesame，andrambleonagain。
Wherecouldhego，thatwasnearandnottoopublic，togetsomemeatanddrink?Hendon。Thatwasagoodplace，notfaroff，andoutofmostpeople\'sway。Thitherhedirectedhissteps，——runningsometimes，andsometimes，withastrangeperversity，loiteringatasnail\'space，orstoppingaltogetherandidlybreakingthehedgeswithastick。Butwhenhegotthere，allthepeoplehemet——theverychildrenatthedoors——seemedtoviewhimwithsuspicion。Backheturnedagain，withoutthecouragetopurchasebitordrop，thoughhehadtastednofoodformanyhours；andoncemorehelingeredontheHeath，uncertainwheretogo。
Hewanderedovermilesandmilesofground，andstillcamebacktotheoldplace。Morningandnoonhadpassed，andthedaywasonthewane，andstillherambledtoandfro，andupanddown，androundandround，andstilllingeredaboutthesamespot。Atlasthegotaway，andshapedhiscourseforHatfield。
Itwasnineo\'clockatnight，whentheman，quitetiredout，andthedog，limpingandlamefromtheunaccustomedexercise，turneddownthehillbythechurchofthequietvillage，andploddingalongthelittlestreet，creptintoasmallpublic-house，whosescantylighthadguidedthemtothespot。Therewasafireinthetap-room，andsomecountry-labourersweredrinkingbeforeit。
Theymaderoomforthestranger，buthesatdowninthefurthestcorner，andateanddrankalone，orratherwithhisdog:towhomhecastamorseloffoodfromtimetotime。
Theconversationofthemenassembledhere，turnedupontheneighboringland，andfarmers；andwhenthosetopicswereexhausted，upontheageofsomeoldmanwhohadbeenburiedonthepreviousSunday；theyoungmenpresentconsideringhimveryold，andtheoldmenpresentdeclaringhimtohavebeenquiteyoung——notolder，onewhite-hairedgrandfathersaid，thanhewas——withtenorfifteenyearoflifeinhimatleast——ifhehadtakencare；ifhehadtakencare。
Therewasnothingtoattractattention，orexcitealarminthis。
Therobber，afterpayinghisreckoning，satsilentandunnoticedinhiscorner，andhadalmostdroppedasleep，whenhewashalfwakenedbythenoisyentranceofanewcomer。
Thiswasananticfellow，halfpedlarandhalfmountebank，whotravelledaboutthecountryonfoottovendhones，stops，razors，washballs，harness-paste，medicinefordogsandhorses，cheapperfumery，cosmetics，andsuch-likewares，whichhecarriedinacaseslungtohisback。Hisentrancewasthesignalforvarioushomelyjokeswiththecountrymen，whichslackenednotuntilhehadmadehissupper，andopenedhisboxoftreasures，whenheingeniouslycontrivedtounitebusinesswithamusement。
\'Andwhatbethatstoof?Goodtoeat，Harry?\'askedagrinningcountryman，pointingtosomecomposition-cakesinonecorner。
\'This，\'saidthefellow，producingone，\'thisistheinfallibleandinvaluablecompositionforremovingallsortsofstain，rust，dirt，mildew，spick，speck，spot，orspatter，fromsilk，satin，linen，cambrick，cloth，crape，stuff，carpet，merino，muslin，bombazeen，orwoollenstuff。Wine-stains，fruit-stains，beer-stains，water-stains，paint-stains，pitch-stains，anystains，allcomeoutatonerubwiththeinfallibleandinvaluablecomposition。Ifaladystainsherhonour，shehasonlyneedtoswallowonecakeandshe\'scuredatonce——forit\'spoison。Ifagentlemanwantstoprovethis，hehasonlyneedtoboltonelittlesquare，andhehasputitbeyondquestion——forit\'squiteassatisfactoryasapistol-bullet，andagreatdealnastierintheflavour，consequentlythemorecreditintakingit。Onepennyasquare。Withallthesevirtues，onepennyasquare！\'
Thereweretwobuyersdirectly，andmoreofthelistenersplainlyhesitated。Thevendorobservingthis，increasedinloquacity。
\'It\'sallboughtupasfastasitcanbemade，\'saidthefellow。
\'Therearefourteenwater-mills，sixsteam-engines，andagalvanicbattery，alwaysa-workinguponit，andtheycan\'tmakeitfastenough，thoughthemenworksohardthattheydieoff，andthewidowsispensioneddirectly，withtwentypounda-yearforeachofthechildren，andapremiumoffiftyfortwins。Onepennyasquare！Twohalf-penceisallthesame，andfourfarthingsisreceivedwithjoy。Onepennyasquare！
Wine-stains，fruit-stains，beer-stains，water-stains，paint-stains，pitch-stains，mud-stains，blood-stains！Hereisastainuponthehatofagentlemanincompany，thatI\'lltakecleanout，beforehecanordermeapintofale。\'
\'Hah！\'criedSikesstartingup。\'Givethatback。\'
\'I\'lltakeitcleanout，sir，\'repliedtheman，winkingtothecompany，\'beforeyoucancomeacrosstheroomtogetit。
Gentlemenall，observethedarkstainuponthisgentleman\'shat，nowiderthanashilling，butthickerthanahalf-crown。Whetheritisawine-stain，fruit-stain，beer-stain，water-stain，paint-stain，pitch-stain，mud-stain，orblood-stain——\'
Themangotnofurther，forSikeswithahideousimprecationoverthrewthetable，andtearingthehatfromhim，burstoutofthehouse。
Withthesameperversityoffeelingandirresolutionthathadfasteneduponhim，despitehimself，allday，themurderer，findingthathewasnotfollowed，andthattheymostprobablyconsideredhimsomedrunkensullenfellow，turnedbackupthetown，andgettingoutoftheglareofthelampsofastage-coachthatwasstandinginthestreet，waswalkingpast，whenherecognisedthemailfromLondon，andsawthatitwasstandingatthelittlepost-office。Healmostknewwhatwastocome；buthecrossedover，andlistened。
Theguardwasstandingatthedoor，waitingfortheletter-bag。
Aman，dressedlikeagame-keeper，cameupatthemoment，andhehandedhimabasketwhichlayreadyonthepavement。
\'That\'sforyourpeople，\'saidtheguard。\'Now，lookaliveinthere，willyou。Damnthat\'erebag，itwarn\'treadynightaforelast；thiswon\'tdo，youknow！\'
\'Anythingnewupintown，Ben?\'askedthegame-keeper，drawingbacktothewindow-shutters，thebettertoadmirethehorses。
\'No，nothingthatIknowson，\'repliedtheman，pullingonhisgloves。\'Corn\'supalittle。Iheerdtalkofamurder，too，downSpitalfieldsway，butIdon\'treckonmuchuponit。\'
\'Oh，that\'squitetrue，\'saidagentlemaninside，whowaslookingoutofthewindow。\'Andadreadfulmurderitwas。\'
\'Wasit，sir?\'rejoinedtheguard，touchinghishat。\'Manorwoman，pray，sir?\'
\'Awoman，\'repliedthegentleman。\'Itissupposed——\'
\'Now，Ben，\'repliedthecoachmanimpatiently。
\'Damnthat\'erebag，\'saidtheguard；\'areyougonetosleepinthere?\'
\'Coming！\'criedtheofficekeeper，runningout。
\'Coming，\'growledtheguard。\'Ah，andso\'stheyoung\'oomanofpropertythat\'sgoingtotakeafancytome，butIdon\'tknowwhen。Here，givehold。Allri——ight！\'
Thehornsoundedafewcheerfulnotes，andthecoachwasgone。
Sikesremainedstandinginthestreet，apparentlyunmovedbywhathehadjustheard，andagitatedbynostrongerfeelingthanadoubtwheretogo。Atlengthhewentbackagain，andtooktheroadwhichleadsfromHatfieldtoSt。Albans。
Hewentondoggedly；butasheleftthetownbehindhim，andplungedintothesolitudeanddarknessoftheroad，hefeltadreadandawecreepinguponhimwhichshookhimtothecore。
Everyobjectbeforehim，substanceorshadow，stillormoving，tookthesemblanceofsomefearfulthing；butthesefearswerenothingcomparedtothesensethathauntedhimofthatmorning\'sghastlyfigurefollowingathisheels。Hecouldtraceitsshadowinthegloom，supplythesmallestitemoftheoutline，andnotehowstiffandsolemnitseemedtostalkalong。Hecouldhearitsgarmentsrustlingintheleaves，andeverybreathofwindcameladenwiththatlastlowcry。Ifhestoppeditdidthesame。Ifheran，itfollowed——notrunningtoo:thatwouldhavebeenarelief:butlikeacorpseendowedwiththemeremachineryoflife，andborneononeslowmelancholywindthatneverroseorfell。
Attimes，heturned，withdesperatedetermination，resolvedtobeatthisphantomoff，thoughitshouldlookhimdead；butthehairroseonhishead，andhisbloodstoodstill，forithadturnedwithhimandwasbehindhimthen。Hehadkeptitbeforehimthatmorning，butitwasbehindnow——always。Heleanedhisbackagainstabank，andfeltthatitstoodabovehim，visiblyoutagainstthecoldnight-sky。Hethrewhimselfupontheroad——onhisbackupontheroad。Athisheaditstood，silent，erect，andstill——alivinggrave-stone，withitsepitaphinblood。
Letnomantalkofmurderersescapingjustice，andhintthatProvidencemustsleep。Thereweretwentyscoreofviolentdeathsinonelongminuteofthatagonyoffear。
Therewasashedinafieldhepassed，thatofferedshelterforthenight。Beforethedoor，werethreetallpoplartrees，whichmadeitverydarkwithin；andthewindmoanedthroughthemwithadismalwail。HeCOULDNOTwalkon，tilldaylightcameagain；andherehestretchedhimselfclosetothewall——toundergonewtorture。
Fornow，avisioncamebeforehim，asconstantandmoreterriblethanthatfromwhichhehadescaped。Thosewidelystaringeyes，solustrelessandsoglassy，thathehadbetterbornetoseethemthanthinkuponthem，appearedinthemidstofthedarkness:
lightinthemselves，butgivinglighttonothing。Therewerebuttwo，buttheywereeverywhere。Ifheshutoutthesight，therecametheroomwitheverywell-knownobject——some，indeed，thathewouldhaveforgotten，ifhehadgoneoveritscontentsfrommemory——eachinitsaccustomedplace。ThebodywasinITSplace，anditseyeswereashesawthemwhenhestoleaway。Hegotup，andrushedintothefieldwithout。Thefigurewasbehindhim。
Here-enteredtheshed，andshrunkdownoncemore。Theeyeswerethere，beforehehadlaidhimselfalong。
Andhereheremainedinsuchterrorasnonebuthecanknow，tremblingineverylimb，andthecoldsweatstartingfromeverypore，whensuddenlytherearoseuponthenight-windthenoiseofdistantshouting，andtheroarofvoicesmingledinalarmandwonder。Anysoundofmeninthatlonelyplace，eventhoughitconveyedarealcauseofalarm，wassomethingtohim。Heregainedhisstrengthandenergyattheprospectofpersonaldanger；andspringingtohisfeet，rushedintotheopenair。
Thebroadskyseemedonfire。Risingintotheairwithshowersofsparks，androllingoneabovetheother，weresheetsofflame，lightingtheatmosphereformilesround，anddrivingcloudsofsmokeinthedirectionwherehestood。Theshoutsgrewlouderasnewvoicesswelledtheroar，andhecouldhearthecryofFire！
mingledwiththeringingofanalarm-bell，thefallofheavybodies，andthecracklingofflamesastheytwinedroundsomenewobstacle，andshotaloftasthoughrefreshedbyfood。Thenoiseincreasedashelooked。Therewerepeoplethere——menandwomen——light，bustle。Itwaslikenewlifetohim。Hedartedonward——straight，headlong——dashingthroughbrierandbrake，andleapinggateandfenceasmadlyashisdog，whocareeredwithloudandsoundingbarkbeforehim。
Hecameuponthespot。Therewerehalf-dressedfigurestearingtoandfro，someendeavouringtodragthefrightenedhorsesfromthestables，othersdrivingthecattlefromtheyardandout-houses，andotherscomingladenfromtheburningpile，amidstashoweroffallingsparks，andthetumblingdownofred-hotbeams。Theapertures，wheredoorsandwindowsstoodanhourago，disclosedamassofragingfire；wallsrockedandcrumbledintotheburningwell；themoltenleadandironpoureddown，whitehot，upontheground。Womenandchildrenshrieked，andmenencouragedeachotherwithnoisyshoutsandcheers。Theclankingoftheengine-pumps，andthespirtingandhissingofthewaterasitfellupontheblazingwood，addedtothetremendousroar。Heshouted，too，tillhewashoarse；andflyingfrommemoryandhimself，plungedintothethickestofthethrong。Hitherandthitherhedivedthatnight:nowworkingatthepumps，andnowhurryingthroughthesmokeandflame，butneverceasingtoengagehimselfwherevernoiseandmenwerethickest。Upanddowntheladders，upontheroofsofbuildings，overfloorsthatquakedandtrembledwithhisweight，undertheleeoffallingbricksandstones，ineverypartofthatgreatfirewashe；butheboreacharmedlife，andhadneitherscratchnorbruise，norwearinessnorthought，tillmorningdawnedagain，andonlysmokeandblackenedruinsremained。
Thismadexcitementover，therereturned，withten-foldforce，thedreadfulconsciousnessofhiscrime。Helookedsuspiciouslyabouthim，forthemenwereconversingingroups，andhefearedtobethesubjectoftheirtalk。Thedogobeyedthesignificantbeckofhisfinger，andtheydrewoff，stealthily，together。Hepassednearanenginewheresomemenwereseated，andtheycalledtohimtoshareintheirrefreshment。Hetooksomebreadandmeat；andashedrankadraughtofbeer，heardthefiremen，whowerefromLondon，talkingaboutthemurder。\'HehasgonetoBirmingham，theysay，\'saidone:\'butthey\'llhavehimyet，forthescoutsareout，andbyto-morrownightthere\'llbeacryallthroughthecountry。\'
Hehurriedoff，andwalkedtillhealmostdroppedupontheground；thenlaydowninalane，andhadalong，butbrokenanduneasysleep。Hewanderedonagain，irresoluteandundecided，andoppressedwiththefearofanothersolitarynight。
Suddenly，hetookthedesperateresolutiontogoingbacktoLondon。
\'There\'ssomebodytospeaktothere，atallevent，\'hethought。
\'Agoodhiding-place，too。They\'llneverexpecttonabmethere，afterthiscountryscent。Whycan\'tIliebyforaweekorso，and，forcingbluntfromFagin，getabroadtoFrance?Damme，I\'llriskit。\'
Heacteduponthisimplusewithoutdelay，andchoosingtheleastfrequentedroadsbeganhisjourneyback，resolvedtolieconcealedwithinashortdistanceofthemetropolis，and，enteringitatduskbyacircuitousroute，toproceedstraighttothatpartofitwhichhehadfixedonforhisdestination。
Thedog，though。Ifanydescriptionofhimwereout，itwouldnotbeforgottenthatthedogwasmissing，andhadprobablygonewithhim。Thismightleadtohisapprehensionashepassedalongthestreets。Heresolvedtodrownhim，andwalkedon，lookingaboutforapond:pickingupaheavystoneandtyingittohishanderkerchiefashewent。
Theanimallookedupintohismaster\'sfacewhilethesepreparationsweremaking；whetherhisinstinctapprehendedsomethingoftheirpurpose，ortherobber\'ssidelonglookathimwassternerthanordinary，heskulkedalittlefartherintherearthanusual，andcoweredashecamemoreslowlyalong。Whenhismasterhaltedatthebrinkofapool，andlookedroundtocallhim，hestoppedoutright。
\'Doyouhearmecall?Comehere！\'criedSikes。
Theanimalcameupfromtheveryforceofhabit；butasSikesstoopedtoattachthehandkerchieftohisthroat，heutteredalowgrowlandstartedback。
\'Comeback！\'saidtherobber。
Thedogwaggedhistail，butmovednot。Sikesmadearunningnooseandcalledhimagain。
Thedogadvanced，retreated，pausedaninstant，andscouredawayathishardestspeed。
Themanwhistledagainandagain，andsatdownandwaitedintheexpectationthathewouldreturn。Butnodogappeared，andatlengthheresumedhisjourney。
CHAPTERXLIX
MONKSANDMR。BROWNLOWATLENGTHMEET。THEIRCONVERSATION，AND
THEINTELLIGENCETHATINTERRUPTSIT
Thetwilightwasbeginningtoclosein，whenMr。Brownlowalightedfromahackney-coachathisowndoor，andknockedsoftly。Thedoorbeingopened，asturdymangotoutofthecoachandstationedhimselfononesideofthesteps，whileanotherman，whohadbeenseatedonthebox，dismountedtoo，andstoodupontheotherside。AtasignfromMr。Brownlow，theyhelpedoutathirdman，andtakinghimbetweenthem，hurriedhimintothehouse。ThismanwasMonks。
Theywalkedinthesamemannerupthestairswithoutspeaking，andMr。Brownlow，precedingthem，ledthewayintoaback-room。
Atthedoorofthisapartment，Monks，whohadascendedwithevidentreluctance，stopped。Thetwomenlookedattheoldgentlemanasifforinstructions。
\'Heknowsthealternative，\'saidMr。Browlow。\'Ifhehesitatesormovesafingerbutasyoubidhim，draghimintothestreet，callfortheaidofthepolice，andimpeachhimasafeloninmyname。\'
\'Howdareyousaythisofme?\'askedMonks。
\'Howdareyouurgemetoit，youngman?\'repliedMr。Brownlow，confrontinghimwithasteadylook。\'Areyoumadenoughtoleavethishouse?Unhandhim。There，sir。Youarefreetogo，andwetofollow。ButIwarnyou，byallIholdmostsolemnandmostsacred，thatinstantwillhaveyouapprehendedonachargeoffraudandrobbery。Iamresoluteandimmoveable。Ifyouaredeterminedtobethesame，yourbloodbeuponyourownhead！\'
\'BywhatauthorityamIkidnappedinthestreet，andbroughtherebythesedogs?\'askedMonks，lookingfromonetotheotherofthemenwhostoodbesidehim。
\'Bymine，\'repliedMr。Brownlow。\'Thosepersonsareindemnifiedbyme。Ifyoucomplainofbeingdeprivedofyourliberty——youhadpowerandopportunitytoretrieveitasyoucamealong，butyoudeemeditadvisabletoremainquiet——Isayagain，throwyourselfforprotectiononthelaw。Iwillappealtothelawtoo；butwhenyouhavegonetoofartorecede，donotsuetomeforleniency，whenthepowerwillhavepassedintootherhands；
anddonotsayIplungedyoudownthegulfintowhichyourushed，yourself。\'
Monkswasplainlydisconcerted，andalarmedbesides。Hehesitated。
\'Youwilldecidequickly，\'saidMr。Brownlow，withperfectfirmnessandcomposure。\'Ifyouwishmetoprefermychargespublicly，andconsignyoutoapunishmenttheextentofwhich，althoughIcan，withashudder，foresee，Icannotcontrol，oncemore，Isay，foryouknowtheway。Ifnot，andyouappealtomyforbearance，andthemercyofthoseyouhavedeeplyinjured，seatyourself，withoutaword，inthatchair。Ithaswaitedforyoutwowholedays。\'
Monksmutteredsomeunintelligiblewords，butwaveredstill。
\'Youwillbeprompt，\'saidMr。Brownlow。\'Awordfromme，andthealternativehasgoneforever。\'
Stillthemanhesitated。
\'Ihavenottheinclinationtoparley，\'saidMr。Brownlow，\'and，asIadvocatethedearestinterestsofothers，Ihavenottheright。\'
\'Isthere——\'demandedMonkswithafalteringtongue，——\'isthere——nomiddlecourse?\'
\'None。\'
Monkslookedattheoldgentleman，withananxiouseye；but，readinginhiscountenancenothingbutseverityanddetermination，walkedintotheroom，and，shrugginghisshoulders，satdown。
\'Lockthedoorontheoutside，\'saidMr。Brownlowtotheattendants，\'andcomewhenIring。\'
Themenobeyed，andthetwowereleftalonetogether。
\'Thisisprettytreatment，sir，\'saidMonks，throwingdownhishatandcloak，\'frommyfather\'soldestfriend。\'
\'ItisbecauseIwasyourfather\'soldestfriend，youngman，\'
returnedMr。Brownlow；\'itisbecausethehopesandwishesofyoungandhappyyearswereboundupwithhim，andthatfaircreatureofhisbloodandkindredwhorejoinedherGodinyouth，andleftmehereasolitary，lonelyman:itisbecausehekneltwithmebesidehisonlysisters\'death-bedwhenhewasyetaboy，onthemorningthatwould——butHeavenwilledotherwise——havemadehermyyoungwife；itisbecausemysearedheartclungtohim，fromthattimeforth，throughallhistrialsanderrors，tillhedied；itisbecauseoldrecollectionsandassociationsfilledmyheart，andeventhesightofyoubringswithitoldthoughtsofhim；itisbecauseofallthesethingsthatIammovedtotreatyougentlynow——yes，EdwardLeeford，evennow——andblushforyourunworthinesswhobearthename。\'
\'Whathasthenametodowithit?\'askedtheother，aftercontemplating，halfinsilence，andhalfindoggedwonder，theagitationofhiscompanion。\'Whatisthenametome?\'
\'Nothing，\'repliedMr。Brownlow，\'nothingtoyou。ButitwasHERS，andevenatthisdistanceoftimebringsbacktome，anoldman，theglowandthrillwhichIoncefelt，onlytohearitrepeatedbyastranger。Iamverygladyouhavechangedit——very——very。\'
\'Thisisallmightyfine，\'saidMonkstoretainhisassumeddesignationafteralongsilence，duringwhichhehadjerkedhimselfinsullendefiancetoandfro，andMr。Brownlowhadsat，shadinghisfacewithhishand。\'Butwhatdoyouwantwithme?\'
\'Youhaveabrother，\'saidMr。Brownlow，rousinghimself:\'abrother，thewhisperofwhosenameinyourearwhenIcamebehindyouinthestreet，was，initself，almostenoughtomakeyouaccompanymehither，inwonderandalarm。\'
\'Ihavenobrother，\'repliedMonks。\'YouknowIwasanonlychild。Whydoyoutalktomeofbrothers?Youknowthat，aswellasI。\'
\'AttendtowhatIdoknow，andyoumaynot，\'saidMr。Brownlow。
\'Ishallinterestyoubyandby。Iknowthatofthewretchedmarriage，intowhichfamilypride，andthemostsordidandnarrowestofallambition，forcedyourunhappyfatherwhenamereboy，youwerethesoleandmostunnaturalissue。\'
\'Idon\'tcareforhardnames，\'interruptedMonkswithajeeringlaugh。\'Youknowthefact，andthat\'senoughforme。\'
\'ButIalsoknow，\'pursuedtheoldgentleman，\'themisery，theslowtorture，theprotractedanguishofthatill-assortedunion。
Iknowhowlistlesslyandwearilyeachofthatwretchedpairdraggedontheirheavychainthroughaworldthatwaspoisonedtothemboth。Iknowhowcoldformalitiesweresucceededbyopentaunts；howindifferencegaveplacetodislike，disliketohate，andhatetoloathing，untilatlasttheywrenchedtheclankingbondasunder，andretiringawidespaceapart，carriedeachagallingfragment，ofwhichnothingbutdeathcouldbreaktherivets，tohideitinnewsocietybeneaththegayestlookstheycouldassume。Yourmothersucceeded；sheforgotitsoon。Butitrustedandcankeredatyourfather\'sheartforyears。\'
\'Well，theywereseparated，\'saidMonks，\'andwhatofthat?\'
\'Whentheyhadbeenseparatedforsometime，\'returnedMr。
Brownlow，\'andyourmother，whollygivenuptocontinentalfrivolities，hadutterlyforgottentheyounghusbandtengoodyearsherjunior，who，withprospectsblighted，lingeredonathome，hefellamongnewfriends。Thiscircumstance，atleast，youknowalready。\'
\'NotI，\'saidMonks，turningawayhiseyesandbeatinghisfootupontheground，asamanwhoisdeterminedtodenyeverything。
\'NotI。\'
\'Yourmanner，nolessthanyouractions，assuresmethatyouhaveneverforgottenit，orceasedtothinkofitwithbitterness，\'
returnedMr。Brownlow。\'Ispeakoffifteenyearsago，whenyouwerenotmorethanelevenyearsold，andyourfatherbutone-and-thirty——forhewas，Irepeat，aboy，whenHISfatherorderedhimtomarry。MustIgobacktoeventswhichcastashadeuponthememoryofyourparent，orwillyouspareit，anddisclosetomethetruth?\'
\'Ihavenothingtodisclose，\'rejoinedMonks。\'Youmusttalkonifyouwill。\'
\'Thesenewfriends，then，\'saidMr。Brownlow，\'wereanavalofficerretiredfromactiveservice，whosewifehaddiedsomehalf-a-yearbefore，andlefthimwithtwochildren——therehadbeenmore，but，ofalltheirfamily，happilybuttwosurvived。
Theywerebothdaughters；oneabeautifulcreatureofnineteen，andtheotheramerechildoftwoorthreeyearsold。\'
\'What\'sthistome?\'askedMonks。
\'Theyresided，\'saidMr。Brownlow，withoutseemingtoheartheinterruption，\'inapartofthecountrytowhichyourfatherinhiswanderinghadrepaired，andwherehehadtakenuphisabode。
Acquaintance，intimacy，friendship，fastfollowedoneachother。
Yourfatherwasgiftedasfewmenare。Hehadhissister\'ssoulandperson。Astheoldofficerknewhimmoreandmore，hegrewtolovehim。Iwouldthatithadendedthere。Hisdaughterdidthesame。
Theoldgentlemanpaused；Monkswasbitinghislips，withhiseyesfixeduponthefloor；seeingthis，heimmediatelyresumed:
\'Theendofayearfoundhimcontracted，solemnlycontracted，tothatdaughter；theobjectofthefirst，true，ardent，onlypassionofaguilelessgirl。\'
\'Yourtaleisofthelongest，\'observedMonks，movingrestlesslyinhischair。
\'Itisatruetaleofgriefandtrial，andsorrow，youngman，\'
returnedMr。Brownlow，\'andsuchtalesusuallyare；ifitwereoneofunmixedjoyandhappiness，itwouldbeverybrief。Atlengthoneofthoserichrelationstostrengthenwhoseinterestandimportanceyourfatherhadbeensacrificed，asothersareoften——itisnouncommoncase——died，andtorepairthemiseryhehadbeeninstrumentalinoccasioning，lefthimhispanaceaforallgriefs——Money。ItwasnecessarythatheshouldimmediatelyrepairtoRome，whitherthismanhadspedforhealth，andwherehehaddied，leavinghisaffairsingreatconfusion。Hewent；
wasseizedwithmortalillnessthere；wasfollowed，themomenttheintelligencereachedParis，byyourmotherwhocarriedyouwithher；hediedthedayafterherarrival，leavingnowill——NO
WILL——sothatthewholepropertyfelltoherandyou。\'
AtthispartoftherecitalMonksheldhisbreath，andlistenedwithafaceofintenseeagerness，thoughhiseyeswerenotdirectedtowardsthespeaker。AsMr。Brownlowpaused，hechangedhispositionwiththeairofonewhohasexperiencedasuddenrelief，andwipedhishotfaceandhands。
\'Beforehewentabroad，andashepassedthroughLondononhisway，\'saidMr。Brownlow，slowly，andfixinghiseyesupontheother\'sface，\'hecametome。\'
\'Ineverheardofthat，\'interruptedMOnksinatoneintendedtoappearincredulous，butsavouringmoreofdisagreeablesurprise。
\'Hecametome，andleftwithme，amongsomeotherthings，apicture——aportraitpaintedbyhimself——alikenessofthispoorgirl——whichhedidnotwishtoleavebehind，andcouldnotcarryforwardonhishastyjourney。Hewaswornbyanxietyandremorsealmosttoashadow；talkedinawild，distractedway，ofruinanddishonourworkedbyhimself；confidedtomehisintentiontoconverthiswholeproperty，atanyloss，intomoney，and，havingsettledonhiswifeandyouaportionofhisrecentacquisition，toflythecountry——Iguessedtoowellhewouldnotflyalone——andneverseeitmore。Evenfromme，hisoldandearlyfriend，whosestrongattachmenthadtakenrootintheearththatcoveredonemostdeartoboth——evenfrommehewithheldanymoreparticularconfession，promisingtowriteandtellmeall，andafterthattoseemeonceagain，forthelasttimeonearth。
Alas！THATwasthelasttime。Ihadnoletter，andIneversawhimmore。\'
\'Iwent，\'saidMr。Brownlow，afterashortpause，\'Iwent，whenallwasover，tothesceneofhis——Iwillusethetermtheworldwouldfreelyuse，forworldlyharshnessorfavourarenowaliketohim——ofhisguiltylove，resolvedthatifmyfearswererealisedthaterringchildshouldfindoneheartandhometoshelterandcompassionateher。Thefamilyhadleftthatpartaweekbefore；theyhadcalledinsuchtriflingdebtsaswereoutstanding，dischargedthem，andlefttheplacebynight。Why，orwhithter，nonecantell。\'
Monksdrewhisbreathyetmorefreely，andlookedroundwithasmileoftriumph。
\'Whenyourbrother，\'saidMr。Brownlow，drawingnearertotheother\'schair，\'Whenyourbrother:afeeble，ragged，neglectedchild:wascastinmywaybyastrongerhandthanchance，andrescuedbymefromalifeofviceandinfamy——\'
\'What?\'criedMonks。
\'Byme，\'saidMr。Brownlow。\'ItoldyouIshouldinterestyoubeforelong。Isaybyme——Iseethatyourcunningassociatesuppressedmyname，althoughforoughtheknew，itwouldbequitestrangetoyourears。Whenhewasrescuedbyme，then，andlayrecoveringfromsicknessinmyhouse，hisstrongresemblancetothispictureIhavespokenof，struckmewithastonishment。EvenwhenIfirstsawhiminallhisdirtandmisery，therewasalingeringexpressioninhisfacethatcameuponmelikeaglimpseofsomeoldfriendflashingononeinavividdream。IneednottellyouhewassnaredawaybeforeIknewhishistory——\'
\'Whynot?\'askedMonkshastily。
\'Becauseyouknowitwell。\'
\'I！\'
\'Denialtomeisvain，\'repliedMr。Brownlow。\'IshallshowyouthatIknowmorethanthat。\'
\'You——you——can\'tproveanythingagainstme，\'stammeredMonks。\'I
defyyoutodoit！\'
\'Weshallsee，\'returnedtheoldgentlemanwithasearchingglance。\'Ilosttheboy，andnoeffortsofminecouldrecoverhim。Yourmotherbeingdead，Iknewthatyoualonecouldsolvethemysteryifanybodycould，andaswhenIhadlastheardofyouyouwereonyourownestateintheWestIndies——whither，asyouwellknow，youretireduponyourmother\'sdeathtoescapetheconsequencesofviciouscourseshere——Imadethevoyage。Youhadleftit，monthsbefore，andweresupposedtobeinLondon，butnoonecouldtellwhere。Ireturned。Youragentshadnocluetoyourresidence。Youcameandwent，theysaid，asstrangelyasyouhadeverdone:sometimesfordaystogetherandsometimesnotformonths:keepingtoallappearancethesamelowhauntsandminglingwiththesameinfamousherdwhohadbeenyourassociateswhenafierceungovernableboy。Iweariedthemwithnewapplications。Ipacedthestreetsbynightandday，butuntiltwohoursago，allmyeffortswerefruitless，andIneversawyouforaninstant。\'
\'Andnowyoudoseeme，\'saidMonks，risingboldly，\'whatthen?
Fraudandrobberyarehigh-soundingwords——justified，youthink，byafanciedresemblanceinsomeyoungimptoanidledaubofadeadman\'sBrother！Youdon\'tevenknowthatachildwasbornofthismaudlinpair；youdon\'tevenknowthat。\'
\'IDIDNOT，\'repliedMr。Brownlow，risingtoo；\'butwithinthelastfortnightIhavelearntitall。Youhaveabrother；youknowit，andhim。Therewasawill，whichyourmotherdestroyed，leavingthesecretandthegaintoyouatherowndeath。Itcontainedareferencetosomechildlikelytobetheresultofthissadconnection，whichchildwasborn，andaccidentallyencounteredbyyou，whenyoursuspicionswerefirstawakenedbyhisresemblancetoyourfather。Yourepairedtotheplaceofhisbirth。Thereexistedproofs——proofslongsuppressed——ofhisbirthandparentage。Thoseproofsweredestroyedbyyou，andnow，inyourownwordstoyouraccomplicetheJew，“THEONLYPROOFSOF
THEBOY\'SIDENTITYLIEATTHEBOTTOMOFTHERIVER，ANDTHEOLD
HAGTHATRECEIVEDTHEMFORMTHEMOTHERISROTTINGINHERCOFFIN。”
Unworthyson，coward，liar，——you，whoholdyourcouncilswiththievesandmurderersindarkroomsatnight，——you，whoseplotsandwileshavebroughtaviolentdeathupontheheadofoneworthmillionssuchasyou，——you，whofromyourcradleweregallandbitternesstoyourownfather\'sheart，andinwhomallevilpassions，vice，andprofligacy，festered，tilltheyfoundaventinahideousdiseasewhichhadmadeyourfaceanindexeventoyourmind——you，EdwardLeeford，doyoustillbraveme！\'
\'No，no，no！\'returnedthecoward，overwhelmedbytheseaccumulatedcharges。
\'Everyword！\'criedthegentleman，\'everywordthathaspassedbetweenyouandthisdetestedvillain，isknowntome。Shadowsonthewallhavecaughtyourwhispers，andbroughtthemtomyear；thesightofthepersecutedchildhasturnedviceitself，andgivenitthecourageandalmosttheattributesofvirtue。
Murderhasbeendone，towhichyouweremorallyifnotreallyaparty。\'
\'No，no，\'interposedMonks。\'I——Iknewnothingofthat；Iwasgoingtoinquirethetruthofthestorywhenyouovertookme。I
didn\'tknowthecause。Ithoughtitwasacommonquarrel。\'
\'Itwasthepartialdisclosureofyoursecrets，\'repliedMr。
Brownlow。\'Willyoudisclosethewhole?\'
\'Yes，Iwill。\'
\'Setyourhandtoastatementoftruthandfacts，andrepeatitbeforewitnesses?\'
\'ThatIpromisetoo。\'
\'Remainquietlyhere，untilsuchadocumentisdrawnup，andproceedwithmetosuchaplaceasImaydeemmostadvisable，forthepurposeofattestingit?\'
\'Ifyouinsistuponthat，I\'lldothatalso，\'repliedMonks。
\'Youmustdomorethanthat，\'saidMr。Brownlow。\'Makerestitutiontoaninnocentandunoffendingchild，forsuchheis，althoughtheoffspringofaguiltyandmostmiserablelove。Youhavenotforgottentheprovisionsofthewill。Carrythemintoexecutionsofarasyourbrotherisconcerned，andthengowhereyouplease。Inthisworldyouneedmeetnomore。\'
WhileMonkswaspacingupanddown，meditatingwithdarkandevillooksonthisproposalandthepossibilitiesofevadingit:tornbyhisfearsontheonehandandhishatredontheother:thedoorwashurriedlyunlocked，andagentlemanMr。Losberne
enteredtheroominviolentagitation。
\'Themanwillbetaken，\'hecried。\'Hewillbetakento-night！\'
\'Themurderer?\'askedMr。Brownlow。
\'Yes，yes，\'repliedtheother。\'Hisdoghasbeenseenlurkingaboutsomeoldhaunt，andthereseemslittledoubthathismastereitheris，orwillbe，there，undercoverofthedarkness。Spiesarehoveringaboutineverydirection。Ihavespokentothemenwhoarechargedwithhiscapture，andtheytellmehecannotescape。ArewardofahundredpoundsisproclaimedbyGovernmentto-night。\'
\'Iwillgivefiftymore，\'saidMr。Brownlow，\'andproclaimitwithmyownlipsuponthespot，ifIcanreachit。WhereisMr。
Maylie?\'
\'Harry?Assoonashehadseenyourfriendhere，safeinacoachwithyou，hehurriedofftowhereheheardthis，\'repliedthedoctor，\'andmountinghishorsesalliedforthtojointhefirstpartyatsomeplaceintheoutskirtsagreeduponbetweenthem。\'
\'Fagin，\'saidMr。Brownlow；\'whatofhim?\'
\'WhenIlastheard，hehadnotbeentaken，buthewillbe，oris，bythistime。They\'resureofhim。\'
\'Haveyoumadeupyourmind?\'askedMr。Brownlow，inalowvoice，ofMonks。
\'Yes，\'hereplied。\'You——you——willbesecretwithme?\'
\'Iwill。RemainheretillIreturn。Itisyouronlyhopeofsafety。
Theylefttheroom，andthedoorwasagainlocked。
\'Whathaveyoudone?\'askedthedoctorinawhisper。
\'AllthatIcouldhopetodo，andevenmore。Couplingthepoorgirl\'sintelligencewithmypreviousknowledge，andtheresultofourgoodfriend\'sinquiriesonthespot，Ilefthimnoloopholeofescape，andlaidbarethewholevillainywhichbytheselightsbecameplainasday。Writeandappointtheeveningafterto-morrow，atseven，forthemeeting。Weshallbedownthere，afewhoursbefore，butshallrequirerest:especiallytheyounglady，whoMAYhavegreaterneedoffirmnessthaneitheryouorI
canquiteforeseejustnow。Butmybloodboilstoavengethispoormurderedcreature。Whichwayhavetheytaken?\'
\'Drivestraighttotheofficeandyouwillbeintime，\'repliedMr。Losberne。\'Iwillremainhere。\'
Thetwogentlemenhastilyseparated；eachinafeverofexcitementwhollyuncontrollable。
CHAPTERL
THEPURSUITANDESCAPE
NeartothatpartoftheThamesonwhichthechurchatRotherhitheabuts，wherethebuildingsonthebanksaredirtiestandthevesselsontheriverblackestwiththedustofcolliersandthesmokeofclose-builtlow-roofedhouses，thereexiststhefilthiest，thestrangest，themostextraordinaryofthemanylocalitiesthatarehiddeninLondon，whollyunknown，evenbyname，tothegreatmassofitsinhabitants。
Toreachthisplace，thevisitorhastopenetratethroughamazeofclose，narrow，andmuddystreets，throngedbytherougestandpoorestofwatersidepeople，anddevotedtothetraffictheymaybesupposedtooccasion。Thecheapestandleastdelicateprovisionsareheapedintheshops；thecoarsestandcommonestarticlesofwearingappareldangleatthesalesman\'sdoor，andstreamfromthehouse-parapetandwindows。Jostlingwithunemployedlabourersofthelowestclass，ballast-heavers，coal-whippers，brazenwomen，raggedchildren，andtheraffandrefuseoftheriver，hemakeshiswaywithdifficultyalong，assailedbyoffensivesightsandsmellsfromthenarrowalleyswhichbranchoffontherightandleft，anddeafenedbytheclashofponderouswaggonsthatbeargreatpilesofmerchandisefromthestacksofwarehousesthatrisefromeverycorner。Arriving，atlength，instreetsremoterandless-frequentedthanthosethroughwhichhehaspassed，hewalksbeneathtotteringhouse-frontsprojectingoverthepavement，dismantledwallsthatseemtototterashepasses，chimneyshalfcrushedhalfhesitatingtofall，windowsguardedbyrustyironbarsthattimeanddirthavealmosteatenaway，everyimaginablesignofdesolationandneglect。
Insuchaneighborhood，beyondDockheadintheBoroughofSouthwark，standsJacob\'sIsland，surroundedbyamuddyditch，sixoreightfeetdeepandfifteenortwentywidewhenthetideisin，oncecalledMillPond，butknowninthedaysofthisstoryasFollyDitch。ItisacreekorinletfromtheThames，andcanalwaysbefilledathighwaterbyopeningthesluicesattheLeadMillsfromwhichittookitsoldname。Atsuchtimes，astranger，lookingfromoneofthewoodenbridgesthrownacrossitatMillLane，willseetheinhabitantsofthehousesoneithersideloweringfromtheirbackdoorsandwindows，buckets，pails，domesticutensilsofallkinds，inwhichtohaulthewaterup；
andwhenhiseyeisturnedfromtheseoperationstothehousesthemselves，hisutmostastonishmentwillbeexcitedbythescenebeforehim。Crazywoodengalleriescommontothebacksofhalfadozenhouses，withholesfromwhichtolookupontheslimebeneath；windows，brokenandpatched，withpolesthrustout，onwhichtodrythelinenthatisneverthere；roomssosmall，sofilthy，soconfined，thattheairwouldseemtootaintedevenforthedirtandsqualorwhichtheyshelter；woodenchambersthrustingthemselvesoutabovethemud，andthreateningtofallintoit——assomehavedone；dirt-besmearedwallsanddecayingfoundations；everyrepulsivelineamentofpoverty，everyloathsomeindicationoffilth，rot，andgarbage；alltheseornamentthebanksofFollyDitch。