The old man turned to her with an aspect of wild terror; but she

checked him by a look, and bidding him hold some flowers while she

tied them up, and so bringing her lips closer to his ear, said -

I know that was what you told me. You needn't speak, dear. I recollect

it very well. It was not likely that I should forget it. Grandfather, these

men suspect that we have secretly left our friends, and mean to carry

us before some gentleman and have us taken care of and sent back. If

you let your hand tremble so, we can never get away from them, but if

you're only quiet now, we shall do so, easily.'

How?' muttered the old man. 'Dear Nelly, how? They will shut me up

in a stone room, dark and cold, and chain me up to the wall, Nell -

flog me with whips, and never let me see thee more!'

'You're trembling again,' said the child. 'Keep close to me all day.

Never mind them, don't look at them, but me. I shall find a time when

we can steal away. When I do, mind you come with me, and do not

stop or speak a word. Hush! That's all.'

Halloa! what are you up to, my dear?' said Mr Codlin, raising his

head, and yawning. Then observing that his companion was fast

asleep, he added in an earnest whisper, 'Codlin's the friend, remember

not Short.'

Making some nosegays,' the child replied; 'I am going to try and sell

some, these three days of the races. Will you have one - as a present I

mean?'

Mr Codlin would have risen to receive it, but the child hurried towards

him and placed it in his hand. He stuck it in his buttonhole with an

air of ineffable complacency for a misanthrope, and leering exultingly

at the unconscious Short, muttered, as he laid himself down again,

Tom Codlin's the friend, by G - !'

As the morning wore on, the tents assumed a gayer and more brilliant

appearance, and long lines of carriages came rolling softly on the turf.

Men who had lounged about all night in smock-frocks and leather

leggings, came out in silken vests and hats and plumes, as jugglers or

mountebanks; or in gorgeous liveries as soft-spoken servants at

gambling booths; or in sturdy yeoman dress as decoys at unlawful

games. Black-eyed gipsy girls, hooded in showy handkerchiefs, sallied

forth to tell fortunes, and pale slender women with consumptive faces

lingered upon the footsteps of ventriloquists and conjurors, and

counted the sixpences with anxious eyes long before they were gained.

As many of the children as could be kept within bounds, were stowed

away, with all the other signs of dirt and poverty, among the donkeys,

carts, and horses; and as many as could not be thus disposed of ran

The Old Curiosity Shop