As for you,' said the dwarf, addressing himself to her, 'ask no

questions about me, make no search for me, say nothing concerning

me. I shall not be dead, mistress, and that'll comfort you. He'll take

care of you.'

But, Quilp? What is the matter? Where are you going? Do say

something more?'

I'll say that,' said the dwarf, seizing her by the arm, 'and do that too,

which undone and unsaid would be best for you, unless you go

directly.'

'Has anything happened?' cried his wife. 'Oh! Do tell me that?'

Yes,' snarled the dwarf. 'No. What matter which? I have told you what

to do. Woe betide you if you fail to do it, or disobey me by a hair's

breadth. Will you go!'

'I am going, I'll go directly; but,' faltered his wife, 'answer me one

question first. Has this letter any connexion with dear little Nell? I

must ask you that - I must indeed, Quilp. You cannot think what days

and nights of sorrow I have had through having once deceived that

child. I don't know what harm I may have brought about, but, great or

little, I did it for you, Quilp. My conscience misgave me when I did it.

Do answer me this question, if you please?'

The exasperated dwarf returned no answer, but turned round and

caught up his usual weapon with such vehemence, that Tom Scott

dragged his charge away, by main force, and as swiftly as he could. It

was well he did so, for Quilp, who was nearly mad with rage, pursued

them to the neighbouring lane, and might have prolonged the chase

but for the dense mist which obscured them from his view and

appeared to thicken every moment.

It will be a good night for travelling anonymously,' he said, as he

returned slowly, being pretty well breathed with his run. 'Stay. We

may look better here. This is too hospitable and free.'

By a great exertion of strength, he closed the two old gates, which

were deeply sunken in the mud, and barred them with a heavy beam.

That done, he shook his matted hair from about his eyes, and tried

them. - Strong and fast.

'The fence between this wharf and the next is easily climbed,' said the

dwarf, when he had taken these precautions. 'There's a back lane, too,

from there. That shall be my way out. A man need know his road well,

to find it in this lovely place to-night. I need fear no unwelcome

visitors while this lasts, I think.'

The Old Curiosity Shop