'Give me the money,' returned the old man, 'I must have it. There -

there - that's my dear Nell. I'll right thee one day, child, I'll right thee,

never fear!'

She took from her pocket a little purse. He seized it with the same

rapid impatience which had characterised his speech, and hastily

made his way to the other side of the screen. It was impossible to

restrain him, and the trembling child followed close behind.

The landlord had placed a light upon the table, and was engaged in

drawing the curtain of the window. The speakers whom they had

heard were two men, who had a pack of cards and some silver money

between them, while upon the screen itself the games they had played

were scored in chalk. The man with the rough voice was a burly fellow

of middle age, with large black whiskers, broad cheeks, a coarse wide

mouth, and bull neck, which was pretty freely displayed as his shirt

collar was only confined by a loose red neckerchief. He wore his hat,

which was of a brownish-white, and had beside him a thick knotted

stick. The other man, whom his companion had called Isaac, was of a

more slender figure - stooping, and high in the shoulders - with a

very ill-favoured face, and a most sinister and villainous squint.

Now old gentleman,' said Isaac, looking round. 'Do you know either of

us? This side of the screen is private, sir.'

'No offence, I hope,' returned the old man.

But by G - , sir, there is offence,' said the other, interrupting him,

when you intrude yourself upon a couple of gentlemen who are

particularly engaged.'

'I had no intention to offend,' said the old man, looking anxiously at

the cards. 'I thought that - '

But you had no right to think, sir,' retorted the other. 'What the devil

has a man at your time of life to do with thinking?'

Now bully boy,' said the stout man, raising his eyes from his cards for

the first time, 'can't you let him speak?'

The landlord, who had apparently resolved to remain neutral until he

knew which side of the question the stout man would espouse,

chimed in at this place with 'Ah, to be sure, can't you let him speak,

Isaac List?'

Can't I let him speak,' sneered Isaac in reply, mimicking as nearly as

he could, in his shrill voice, the tones of the landlord. 'Yes, I can let

him speak, Jemmy Groves.'

The Old Curiosity Shop