Mr Richard shall find it there, and be the evidence. And if that don't

get Christopher out of Mr Quilp's way, and satisfy Mr Quilp's grudges,’

he says, ‘the Devil's in it.’ Miss Sally laughed, and said that was the

plan, and as they seemed to be moving away, and I was afraid to stop

any longer, I went down-stairs again. - There!'

The small servant had gradually worked herself into as much agitation

as Mr Swiveller, and therefore made no effort to restrain him when he

sat up in bed and hastily demanded whether this story had been told

to anybody.

How could it be?' replied his nurse. 'I was almost afraid to think

about it, and hoped the young man would be let off. When I heard 'em

say they had found him guilty of what he didn't do, you was gone, and

so was the lodger - though I think I should have been frightened to tell

him, even if he'd been there. Ever since I come here, you've been out

of your senses, and what would have been the good of telling you

then?'

Marchioness,' said Mr Swiveller, plucking off his nightcap and flinging

it to the other end of the room; 'if you'll do me the favour to retire for a

few minutes and see what sort of a night it is, I'll get up.'

'You mustn't think of such a thing,' cried his nurse.

I must indeed,' said the patient, looking round the room.

Whereabouts are my clothes?'

Oh, I'm so glad - you haven't got any,' replied the Marchioness.

Ma'am!' said Mr Swiveller, in great astonishment.

I've been obliged to sell them, every one, to get the things that was

ordered for you. But don't take on about that,' urged the Marchioness,

as Dick fell back upon his pillow. 'You're too weak to stand, indeed.'

I am afraid,' said Richard dolefully, 'that you're right. What ought I to

do! what is to be done!'

It naturally occurred to him on very little reflection, that the first step

to take would be to communicate with one of the Mr Garlands

instantly. It was very possible that Mr Abel had not yet left the office.

In as little time as it takes to tell it, the small servant had the address

in pencil on a piece of paper; a verbal description of father and son,

which would enable her to recognise either, without difficulty; and a

special caution to be shy of Mr Chuckster, in consequence of that

gentleman's known antipathy to Kit. Armed with these slender

The Old Curiosity Shop