Meantimewehavegoneonstrengtheninginourfriendshipandregardandforminganattachmentwhich，Itrustandbelieve，willonlybeinterruptedbydeath，toberenewedinanotherexistence。I
scarcelyknowhowwecommunicateaswedo;buthehaslongsinceceasedtobedeaftome。Heisfrequentlymycompanioninmywalks，andevenincrowdedstreetsrepliestomyslightestlookorgesture，asthoughhecouldreadmythoughts。Fromthevastnumberofobjectswhichpassinrapidsuccessionbeforeoureyes，wefrequentlyselectthesameforsomeparticularnoticeorremark;
andwhenoneoftheselittlecoincidencesoccurs，Icannotdescribethepleasurewhichanimatesmyfriend，orthebeamingcountenancehewillpreserveforhalf—an—hourafterwardsatleast。
Heisagreatthinkerfromlivingsomuchwithinhimself，and，havingalivelyimagination，hasafacilityofconceivingandenlarginguponoddideas，whichrendershiminvaluabletoourlittlebody，andgreatlyastonishesourtwofriends。Hispowersinthisrespectaremuchassistedbyalargepipe，whichheassuresusoncebelongedtoaGermanStudent。Bethisasitmay，ithasundoubtedlyaveryancientandmysteriousappearance，andisofsuchcapacitythatittakesthreehoursandahalftosmokeitout。
Ihavereasontobelievethatmybarber，whoisthechiefauthorityofaknotofgossips，whocongregateeveryeveningatasmalltobacconist’shardby，hasrelatedanecdotesofthispipeandthegrimfiguresthatarecarveduponitsbowl，atwhichallthesmokersintheneighbourhoodhavestoodaghast;andIknowthatmyhousekeeper，whilesheholdsitinhighveneration，hasasuperstitiousfeelingconnectedwithitwhichwouldrenderherexceedinglyunwillingtobeleftaloneinitscompanyafterdark。
Whateversorrowmydearfriendhasknown，andwhatevergriefmaylingerinsomesecretcornerofhisheart，heisnowacheerful，placid，happycreature。Misfortunecanneverhavefallenuponsuchamanbutforsomegoodpurpose;andwhenIseeitstracesinhisgentlenatureandhisearnestfeeling，IamthelessdisposedtomurmuratsuchtrialsasImayhaveundergonemyself。Withregardtothepipe，Ihaveatheoryofmyown;Icannothelpthinkingthatitisinsomemannerconnectedwiththeeventthatbroughtustogether;forIrememberthatitwasalongtimebeforeheeventalkedaboutit;thatwhenhedid，hegrewreservedandmelancholy;
andthatitwasalongtimeyetbeforehebroughtitforth。Ihavenocuriosity，however，uponthissubject;forIknowthatitpromoteshistranquillityandcomfort，andIneednootherinducementtoregarditwithmyutmostfavour。
Suchisthedeafgentleman。Icancalluphisfigurenow，cladinsobergray，andseatedinthechimney—corner。Ashepuffsoutthesmokefromhisfavouritepipe，hecastsalookonmebrimfulofcordialityandfriendship，andsaysallmannerofkindandgenialthingsinacheerfulsmile;thenheraiseshiseyestomyclock，whichisjustabouttostrike，and，glancingfromittomeandbackagain，seemstodividehisheartbetweenus。Formyself，itisnottoomuchtosaythatIwouldgladlypartwithoneofmypoorlimbs，couldhebutheartheoldclock’svoice。
Ofourtwofriends，thefirsthasbeenallhislifeoneofthateasy，wayward，truantclasswhomtheworldisaccustomedtodesignateasnobody’senemiesbuttheirown。Bredtoaprofessionforwhichheneverqualifiedhimself，andrearedintheexpectationofafortunehehasneverinherited，hehasundergoneeveryvicissitudeofwhichsuchanexistenceiscapable。Heandhisyoungerbrother，bothorphansfromtheirchildhood，wereeducatedbyawealthyrelative，whotaughtthemtoexpectanequaldivisionofhisproperty;buttooindolenttocourt，andtoohonesttoflatter，theeldergraduallylostgroundintheaffectionsofacapriciousoldman，andtheyounger，whodidnotfailtoimprovehisopportunity，nowtriumphsinthepossessionofenormouswealth。
Histriumphistohoarditinsolitarywretchedness，andprobablytofeelwiththeexpenditureofeveryshillingagreaterpangthanthelossofhiswholeinheritanceevercosthisbrother。
JackRedburn—hewasJackRedburnatthefirstlittleschoolhewentto，whereeveryotherchildwasmasteredandsurnamed，andhehasbeenJackRedburnallhislife，orhewouldperhapshavebeenarichermanbythistime—hasbeenaninmateofmyhousetheseeightyearspast。Heismylibrarian，secretary，steward，andfirstminister;directorofallmyaffairs，andinspector—generalofmyhousehold。Heissomethingofamusician，somethingofanauthor，somethingofanactor，somethingofapainter，verymuchofacarpenter，andanextraordinarygardener，havinghadallhislifeawonderfulaptitudeforlearningeverythingthatwasofnousetohim。Heisremarkablyfondofchildren，andisthebestandkindestnurseinsicknessthateverdrewthebreathoflife。Hehasmixedwitheverygradeofsociety，andknowntheutmostdistress;butthereneverwasalessselfish，amoretender—
hearted，amoreenthusiastic，oramoreguilelessman;andIdaresay，iffewhavedonelessgood，fewerstillhavedonelessharmintheworldthanhe。BywhatchanceNatureformssuchwhimsicaljumblesIdon’tknow;butIdoknowthatshesendsthemamongusveryoften，andthatthekingofthewholeraceisJackRedburn。
Ishouldbepuzzledtosayhowoldheis。Hishealthisnoneofthebest，andhewearsaquantityofiron—grayhair，whichshadeshisfaceandgivesitratherawornappearance;butweconsiderhimquiteayoungfellownotwithstanding;andifayouthfulspirit，survivingtheroughestcontactwiththeworld，confersuponitspossessoranytitletobeconsideredyoung，thenheisamerechild。TheonlyinterruptionstohiscarelesscheerfulnessareonawetSunday，whenheisapttobeunusuallyreligiousandsolemn，andsometimesofanevening，whenhehasbeenblowingaveryslowtuneontheflute。Ontheselast—namedoccasionsheisapttoinclinetowardsthemysterious，ortheterrible。Asaspecimenofhispowersinthismood，Irefermyreaderstotheextractfromtheclock—casewhichfollowsthispaper：hebroughtittomenotlongagoatmidnight，andinformedmethatthemainincidenthadbeensuggestedbyadreamofthenightbefore。
Hisapartmentsaretwocheerfulroomslookingtowardsthegarden，andoneofhisgreatdelightsistoarrangeandrearrangethefurnitureinthesechambers，andputitineverypossiblevarietyofposition。Duringthewholetimehehasbeenhere，Idonotthinkhehassleptfortwonightsrunningwiththeheadofhisbedinthesameplace;andeverytimehemovesit，istobethelast。
Myhousekeeperwasatfirstwell—nighdistractedbythesefrequentchanges;butshehasbecomequitereconciledtothembydegrees，andhassofalleninwithhishumour，thattheyoftenconsulttogetherwithgreatgravityuponthenextfinalalteration。
Whateverhisarrangementsare，however，theyarealwaysapatternofneatness;andeveryoneofthemanifoldarticlesconnectedwithhismanifoldoccupationsistobefoundinitsownparticularplace。Untilwithinthelasttwoorthreeyearshewassubjecttoanoccasionalfit（whichusuallycameuponhiminveryfineweather），undertheinfluenceofwhichhewoulddresshimselfwithpeculiarcare，and，goingoutunderpretenceoftakingawalk，disappearedforseveraldaystogether。Atlength，aftertheintervalbetweeneachoutbreakofthisdisorderhadgraduallygrownlongerandlonger，itwhollydisappeared;andnowheseldomstirsabroad，excepttostrolloutalittlewayonasummer’sevening。
Whetherheyetmistrustshisownconstancyinthisrespect，andisthereforeafraidtowearacoat，Iknownot;butweseldomseehiminanyotheruppergarmentthananoldspectral—lookingdressing—
gown，withverydisproportionatepockets，fullofamiscellaneouscollectionofoddmatters，whichhepicksupwhereverhecanlayhishandsuponthem。
Everythingthatisafavouritewithourfriendisafavouritewithus;andthusithappensthatthefourthamongusisMr。OwenMiles，amostworthygentleman，whohadtreatedJackwithgreatkindnessbeforemydeaffriendandIencounteredhimbyanaccident，towhichImayreferonsomefutureoccasion。Mr。Mileswasonceaveryrichmerchant;butreceivingasevereshockinthedeathofhiswife，heretiredfrombusiness，anddevotedhimselftoaquiet，unostentatiouslife。Heisanexcellentman，ofthoroughlysterlingcharacter：notofquickapprehension，andnotwithoutsomeamusingprejudices，whichIshallleavetotheirowndevelopment。Heholdsusallinprofoundveneration;butJackRedburnheesteemsasakindofpleasantwonder，thathemayventuretoapproachfamiliarly。Hebelieves，notonlythatnomaneverlivedwhocoulddosomanythingsasJack，butthatnomaneverlivedwhocoulddoanythingsowell;andhenevercallsmyattentiontoanyofhisingeniousproceedings，buthewhispersinmyear，nudgingmeatthesametimewithhiselbow：’Ifhehadonlymadeithistrade，sir—ifhehadonlymadeithistrade！’
Theyareinseparablecompanions;onewouldalmostsupposethat，althoughMr。Milesneverbyanychancedoesanythinginthewayofassistance，Jackcoulddonothingwithouthim。Whetherheisreading，writing，painting，carpentering，gardening，flute—playing，orwhatnot，thereisMr。Milesbesidehim，buttoneduptothechininhisbluecoat，andlookingonwithafaceofincredulousdelight，asthoughhecouldnotcreditthetestimonyofhisownsenses，andhadamisgivingthatnomancouldbesocleverbutinadream。
Thesearemyfriends;Ihavenowintroducedmyselfandthem。
THECLOCK—CASE
ACONFESSIONFOUNDINAPRISONINTHETIMEOFCHARLESTHESECOND
Iheldalieutenant’scommissioninhisMajesty’sarmy，andservedabroadinthecampaignsof1677and1678。ThetreatyofNimeguenbeingconcluded，Ireturnedhome，andretiringfromtheservice，withdrewtoasmallestatelyingafewmileseastofLondon，whichIhadrecentlyacquiredinrightofmywife。
ThisisthelastnightIhavetolive，andIwillsetdownthenakedtruthwithoutdisguise。Iwasneverabraveman，andhadalwaysbeenfrommychildhoodofasecret，sullen，distrustfulnature。IspeakofmyselfasifIhadpassedfromtheworld;forwhileIwritethis，mygraveisdigging，andmynameiswrittenintheblack—bookofdeath。
SoonaftermyreturntoEngland，myonlybrotherwasseizedwithmortalillness。Thiscircumstancegavemeslightornopain;forsincewehadbeenmen，wehadassociatedbutverylittletogether。
Hewasopen—heartedandgenerous，handsomerthanI，moreaccomplished，andgenerallybeloved。Thosewhosoughtmyacquaintanceabroadorathome，becausetheywerefriendsofhis，seldomattachedthemselvestomelong，andwouldusuallysay，inourfirstconversation，thattheyweresurprisedtofindtwobrotherssounlikeintheirmannersandappearance。Itwasmyhabittoleadthemontothisavowal;forIknewwhatcomparisonstheymustdrawbetweenus;andhavingaranklingenvyinmyheart，Isoughttojustifyittomyself。
Wehadmarriedtwosisters。Thisadditionaltiebetweenus，asitmayappeartosome，onlyestrangedusthemore。Hiswifeknewmewell。IneverstruggledwithanysecretjealousyorgallwhenshewaspresentbutthatwomanknewitaswellasIdid。IneverraisedmyeyesatsuchtimesbutIfoundhersfixeduponme;I
neverbentthemonthegroundorlookedanotherwaybutIfeltthatsheoverlookedmealways。Itwasaninexpressiblerelieftomewhenwequarrelled，andagreaterreliefstillwhenIheardabroadthatshewasdead。Itseemstomenowasifsomestrangeandterribleforeshadowingofwhathashappenedsincemusthavehungoverusthen。Iwasafraidofher;shehauntedme;herfixedandsteadylookcomesbackuponmenow，likethememoryofadarkdream，andmakesmybloodruncold。
Shediedshortlyaftergivingbirthtoachild—aboy。Whenmybrotherknewthatallhopeofhisownrecoverywaspast，hecalledmywifetohisbedside，andconfidedthisorphan，achildoffouryearsold，toherprotection。Hebequeathedtohimallthepropertyhehad，andwilledthat，incaseofhischild’sdeath，itshouldpasstomywife，astheonlyacknowledgmenthecouldmakeherforhercareandlove。Heexchangedafewbrotherlywordswithme，deploringourlongseparation;andbeingexhausted，fellintoaslumber，fromwhichheneverawoke。
Wehadnochildren;andastherehadbeenastrongaffectionbetweenthesisters，andmywifehadalmostsuppliedtheplaceofamothertothisboy，shelovedhimasifhehadbeenherown。Thechildwasardentlyattachedtoher;buthewashismother’simageinfaceandspirit，andalwaysmistrustedme。
Icanscarcelyfixthedatewhenthefeelingfirstcameuponme;
butIsoonbegantobeuneasywhenthischildwasby。IneverrousedmyselffromsomemoodytrainofthoughtbutImarkedhimlookingatme;notwithmerechildishwonder，butwithsomethingofthepurposeandmeaningthatIhadsooftennotedinhismother。
Itwasnoeffortofmyfancy，foundedoncloseresemblanceoffeatureandexpression。Inevercouldlooktheboydown。Hefearedme，butseemedbysomeinstincttodespisemewhilehedidso;andevenwhenhedrewbackbeneathmygaze—ashewouldwhenwewerealone，togetnearertothedoor—hewouldkeephisbrighteyesuponmestill。
PerhapsIhidethetruthfrommyself，butIdonotthinkthat，whenthisbegan，Imeditatedtodohimanywrong。Imayhavethoughthowserviceablehisinheritancewouldbetous，andmayhavewishedhimdead;butIbelieveIhadnothoughtofcompassinghisdeath。
Neitherdidtheideacomeuponmeatonce，butbyveryslowdegrees，presentingitselfatfirstindimshapesataverygreatdistance，asmenmaythinkofanearthquakeorthelastday;thendrawingnearerandnearer，andlosingsomethingofitshorrorandimprobability;thencomingtobepartandparcel—naynearlythewholesumandsubstance—ofmydailythoughts，andresolvingitselfintoaquestionofmeansandsafety;notofdoingorabstainingfromthedeed。
Whilethiswasgoingonwithinme，Inevercouldbearthatthechildshouldseemelookingathim，andyetIwasunderafascinationwhichmadeitakindofbusinesswithmetocontemplatehisslightandfragilefigureandthinkhoweasilyitmightbedone。SometimesIwouldstealup—stairsandwatchhimasheslept;
butusuallyIhoveredinthegardennearthewindowoftheroominwhichhelearnthislittletasks;andthere，ashesatuponalowseatbesidemywife，Iwouldpeerathimforhourstogetherfrombehindatree;starting，liketheguiltywretchIwas，ateveryrustlingofaleaf，andstillglidingbacktolookandstartagain。
Hardbyourcottage，butquiteoutofsight，and（iftherewereanywindastir）ofhearingtoo，wasadeepsheetofwater。Ispentdaysinshapingwithmypocket—knifearoughmodelofaboat，whichIfinishedatlastanddroppedinthechild’sway。ThenIwithdrewtoasecretplace，whichhemustpassifhestoleawayalonetoswimthisbauble，andlurkedthereforhiscoming。Hecameneitherthatdaynorthenext，thoughIwaitedfromnoontillnightfall。I
wassurethatIhadhiminmynet，forIhadheardhimprattlingofthetoy，andknewthatinhisinfantpleasurehekeptitbyhissideinbed。Ifeltnowearinessorfatigue，butwaitedpatiently，andonthethirddayhepassedme，runningjoyouslyalong，withhissilkenhairstreaminginthewind，andhesinging—Godhavemercyuponme！—singingamerryballad，—whocouldhardlylispthewords。
Istoledownafterhim，creepingundercertainshrubswhichgrowinthatplace，andnonebutdevilsknowwithwhatterrorI，astrong，full—grownman，trackedthefootstepsofthatbabyasheapproachedthewater’sbrink。Iwascloseuponhim，hadsunkuponmykneeandraisedmyhandtothrusthimin，whenhesawmyshadowinthestreamandturnedhimround。
Hismother’sghostwaslookingfromhiseyes。Thesunburstforthfrombehindacloud;itshoneinthebrightsky，theglisteningearth，theclearwater，thesparklingdropsofrainupontheleaves。Therewereeyesineverything。Thewholegreatuniverseoflightwastheretoseethemurderdone。Iknownotwhathesaid;hecameofboldandmanlyblood，and，childashewas，hedidnotcrouchorfawnuponme。Iheardhimcrythathewouldtrytoloveme，—notthathedid，—andthenIsawhimrunningbacktowardsthehouse。ThenextIsawwasmyownswordnakedinmyhand，andhelyingatmyfeetstarkdead，—dabbledhereandtherewithblood，butotherwisenodifferentfromwhatIhadseenhiminhissleep—inthesameattitudetoo，withhischeekrestinguponhislittlehand。
Itookhiminmyarmsandlaidhim—verygentlynowthathewasdead—inathicket。Mywifewasfromhomethatday，andwouldnotreturnuntilthenext。Ourbedroomwindow，theonlysleeping—roomonthatsideofthehouse，wasbutafewfeetfromtheground，andIresolvedtodescendfromitatnightandburyhiminthegarden。
IhadnothoughtthatIhadfailedinmydesign，nothoughtthatthewaterwouldbedraggedandnothingfound，thatthemoneymustnowliewaste，sinceImustencouragetheideathatthechildwaslostorstolen。AllmythoughtswereboundupandknottedtogetherintheoneabsorbingnecessityofhidingwhatIhaddone。
HowIfeltwhentheycametotellmethatthechildwasmissing，whenIorderedscoutsinalldirections，whenIgaspedandtrembledateveryone’sapproach，notonguecantellormindofmanconceive。Iburiedhimthatnight。WhenIpartedtheboughsandlookedintothedarkthicket，therewasaglow—wormshininglikethevisiblespiritofGoduponthemurderedchild。IglanceddownintohisgravewhenIhadplacedhimthere，andstillitgleameduponhisbreast;aneyeoffirelookinguptoHeaveninsupplicationtothestarsthatwatchedmeatmywork。
Ihadtomeetmywife，andbreakthenews，andgiveherhopethatthechildwouldsoonbefound。AllthisIdid，—withsomeappearance，Isuppose，ofbeingsincere，forIwastheobjectofnosuspicion。Thisdone，Isatatthebedroomwindowalldaylong，andwatchedthespotwherethedreadfulsecretlay。
Itwasinapieceofgroundwhichhadbeenduguptobenewlyturfed，andwhichIhadchosenonthataccount，asthetracesofmyspadewerelesslikelytoattractattention。Themenwholaiddownthegrassmusthavethoughtmemad。Icalledtothemcontinuallytoexpeditetheirwork，ranoutandworkedbesidethem，troddowntheearthwithmyfeet，andhurriedthemwithfranticeagerness。
Theyhadfinishedtheirtaskbeforenight，andthenIthoughtmyselfcomparativelysafe。
Islept，—notasmendowhoawakerefreshedandcheerful，butI
didsleep，passingfromvagueandshadowydreamsofbeinghunteddown，tovisionsoftheplotofgrass，throughwhichnowahand，andnowafoot，andnowtheheaditselfwasstartingout。AtthispointIalwayswokeandstoletothewindow，tomakesurethatitwasnotreallyso。Thatdone，Icrepttobedagain;andthusI
spentthenightinfitsandstarts，gettingupandlyingdownfulltwentytimes，anddreamingthesamedreamoverandoveragain，—
whichwasfarworsethanlyingawake，foreverydreamhadawholenight’ssufferingofitsown。OnceIthoughtthechildwasalive，andthatIhadnevertriedtokillhim。Towakefromthatdreamwasthemostdreadfulagonyofall。
ThenextdayIsatatthewindowagain，neveroncetakingmyeyesfromtheplace，which，althoughitwascoveredbythegrass，wasasplaintome—itsshape，itssize，itsdepth，itsjaggedsides，andall—asifithadbeenopentothelightofday。Whenaservantwalkedacrossit，Ifeltasifhemustsinkin;whenhehadpassed，Ilookedtoseethathisfeethadnotworntheedges。Ifabirdlightedthere，Iwasinterrorlestbysometremendousinterpositionitshouldbeinstrumentalinthediscovery;ifabreathofairsighedacrossit，tomeitwhisperedmurder。Therewasnotasightorasound—howordinary，mean，orunimportantsoever—butwasfraughtwithfear。AndinthisstateofceaselesswatchingIspentthreedays。
Onthefourththerecametothegateonewhohadservedwithmeabroad，accompaniedbyabrotherofficerofhiswhomIhadneverseen。IfeltthatIcouldnotbeartobeoutofsightoftheplace。Itwasasummerevening，andIbademypeopletakeatableandaflaskofwineintothegarden。ThenIsatdownWITHMYCHAIR
UPONTHEGRAVE，andbeingassuredthatnobodycoulddisturbitnowwithoutmyknowledge，triedtodrinkandtalk。
Theyhopedthatmywifewaswell，—thatshewasnotobligedtokeepherchamber，—thattheyhadnotfrightenedheraway。WhatcouldIdobuttellthemwithafalteringtongueaboutthechild？
TheofficerwhomIdidnotknowwasadown—lookingman，andkepthiseyesuponthegroundwhileIwasspeaking。Eventhatterrifiedme。Icouldnotdivestmyselfoftheideathathesawsomethingtherewhichcausedhimtosuspectthetruth。Iaskedhimhurriedlyifhesupposedthat—andstopped。’Thatthechildhasbeenmurdered？’saidhe，lookingmildlyatme：’Ono！whatcouldamangainbymurderingapoorchild？’Icouldhavetoldhimwhatamangainedbysuchadeed，noonebetter：butIheldmypeaceandshiveredaswithanague。
Mistakingmyemotion，theywereendeavouringtocheermewiththehopethattheboywouldcertainlybefound，—greatcheerthatwasforme！—whenweheardalowdeephowl，andpresentlytheresprungoverthewalltwogreatdogs，who，boundingintothegarden，repeatedthebayingsoundwehadheardbefore。
’Bloodhounds！’criedmyvisitors。
Whatneedtotellmethat！Ihadneverseenoneofthatkindinallmylife，butIknewwhattheywereandforwhatpurposetheyhadcome。Igraspedtheelbowsofmychair，andneitherspokenormoved。
’Theyareofthegenuinebreed，’saidthemanwhomIhadknownabroad，’andbeingoutforexercisehavenodoubtescapedfromtheirkeeper。’
Bothheandhisfriendturnedtolookatthedogs，whowiththeirnosestothegroundmovedrestlesslyabout，runningtoandfro，andupanddown，andacross，androundincircles，careeringaboutlikewildthings，andallthistimetakingnonoticeofus，buteverandagainrepeatingtheyellwehadheardalready，thendroppingtheirnosestothegroundagainandtrackingearnestlyhereandthere。
Theynowbegantosnufftheearthmoreeagerlythantheyhaddoneyet，andalthoughtheywerestillveryrestless，nolongerbeataboutinsuchwidecircuits，butkeptneartoonespot，andconstantlydiminishedthedistancebetweenthemselvesandme。
AtlasttheycameupclosetothegreatchaironwhichIsat，andraisingtheirfrightfulhowloncemore，triedtotearawaythewoodenrailsthatkeptthemfromthegroundbeneath。IsawhowI
looked，inthefacesofthetwowhowerewithme。
’Theyscentsomeprey，’saidthey，bothtogether。
’Theyscentnoprey！’criedI。
’InHeaven’sname，move！’saidtheoneIknew，veryearnestly，’oryouwillbetorntopieces。’
’Letthemtearmefromlimbtolimb，I’llneverleavethisplace！’
criedI。’Aredogstohurrymentoshamefuldeaths？Hewthemdown，cuttheminpieces。’
’Thereissomefoulmysteryhere！’saidtheofficerwhomIdidnotknow，drawinghissword。’InKingCharles’sname，assistmetosecurethisman。’
Theybothsetuponmeandforcedmeaway，thoughIfoughtandbitandcaughtatthemlikeamadman。Afterastruggle，theygotmequietlybetweenthem;andthen，myGod！Isawtheangrydogstearingattheearthandthrowingitupintotheairlikewater。
WhatmorehaveItotell？ThatIfelluponmyknees，andwithchatteringteethconfessedthetruth，andprayedtobeforgiven。
ThatIhavesincedenied，andnowconfesstoitagain。ThatIhavebeentriedforthecrime，foundguilty，andsentenced。ThatIhavenotthecouragetoanticipatemydoom，ortobearupmanfullyagainstit。ThatIhavenocompassion，noconsolation，nohope，nofriend。Thatmywifehashappilylostforthetimethosefacultieswhichwouldenablehertoknowmymiseryorhers。ThatIamaloneinthisstonedungeonwithmyevilspirit，andthatIdieto—
morrow。
CORRESPONDENCE
MasterHumphreyhasbeenfavouredwiththefollowingletterwrittenonstrongly—scentedpaper，andsealedinlight—bluewaxwiththerepresentationoftwoveryplumpdovesinterchangingbeaks。Itdoesnotcommencewithanyoftheusualformsofaddress，butbeginsasisheresetforth。
Bath，Wednesdaynight。
Heavens！intowhatanindiscretiondoIsuffermyselftobebetrayed！Toaddressthesefalteringlinestoatotalstranger，andthatstrangeroneofaconflictingsex！—andyetIamprecipitatedintotheabyss，andhavenopowerofself—snatchation（forgivemeifIcointhatphrase）fromtheyawninggulfbeforeme。
Yes，Iamwritingtoaman;butletmenotthinkofthat，formadnessisinthethought。Youwillunderstandmyfeelings？O
yes，Iamsureyouwill;andyouwillrespectthemtoo，andnotdespisethem，—willyou？
Letmebecalm。Thatportrait，—smilingasoncehesmiledonme;
thatcane，—danglingasIhaveseenitdanglefromhishandIknownothowoft;thoselegsthathaveglidedthroughmynightlydreamsandneverstoppedtospeak;theperfectlygentlemanly，thoughfalseoriginal，—canIbemistaken？Ono，no。
Letmebecalmeryet;Iwouldbecalmascoffins。Youhavepublishedaletterfromonewhoselikenessisengraved，butwhosename（andwherefore？）issuppressed。ShallIbreathethatname！
Isit—butwhyaskwhenmyhearttellsmetootrulythatitis！
Iwouldnotupbraidhimwithhistreachery;Iwouldnotremindhimofthosetimeswhenheplightedthemosteloquentofvows，andprocuredfrommeasmallpecuniaryaccommodation;andyetIwouldseehim—seehimdidIsay—HIM—alas！suchiswoman’snature。
Forasthepoetbeautifullysays—butyouwillalreadyhaveanticipatedthesentiment。Isitnotsweet？Oyes！
Itwasinthiscity（hallowedbytherecollection）thatImethimfirst;andassuredlyifmortalhappinessberecordedanywhere，thenthoserubberswiththeirthree—and—sixpennypointsarescoredontabletsofcelestialbrass。Healwaysheldanhonour—generallytwo。Onthateventfulnightwestoodateight。Heraisedhiseyes（luminousintheirseductivesweetness）tomyagitatedface。’CAN
you？’saidhe，withpeculiarmeaning。Ifeltthegentlepressureofhisfootonmine;ourcornsthrobbedinunison。’CANyou？’hesaidagain;andeverylineamentofhisexpressivecountenanceaddedthewords’resistme？’Imurmured’No，’andfainted。
Theysaid，whenIrecovered，itwastheweather。Isaiditwasthenutmeginthenegus。Howlittledidtheysuspectthetruth！Howlittledidtheyguessthedeepmysteriousmeaningofthatinquiry！
Hecallednextmorningonhisknees;Idonotmeantosaythatheactuallycameinthatpositiontothehouse—door，butthathewentdownuponthosejointsdirectlytheservanthadretired。Hebroughtsomeversesinhishat，whichhesaidwereoriginal，butwhichIhavesincefoundwereMilton’s;likewisealittlebottlelabelledlaudanum;alsoapistolandasword—stick。Hedrewthelatter，uncorkedtheformer，andclickedthetriggerofthepocketfire—arm。Hehadcome，hesaid，toconquerortodie。Hedidnotdie。Hewrestedfrommeanavowalofmylove，andletoffthepistoloutofabackwindowprevioustopartakingofaslightrepast。
Faithless，inconstantman！Howmanyagesseemtohaveelapsedsincehisunaccountableandperfidiousdisappearance！CouldI
stillforgivehimboththatandtheborrowedlucrethathepromisedtopaynextweek！CouldIspurnhimfrommyfeetifheapproachedinpenitence，andwithamatrimonialobject！Wouldtheblandishingenchanterstillweavehisspellsaroundme，orshouldIburstthemallandturnawayincoldness！Idarenottrustmyweaknesswiththethought。
Mybrainisinawhirlagain。Youknowhisaddress，hisoccupations，hismodeoflife，—areacquainted，perhaps，withhisinmostthoughts。Youareahumaneandphilanthropiccharacter;
revealallyouknow—all;butespeciallythestreetandnumberofhislodgings。Thepostisdeparting，thebellmanrings，—prayHeavenitbenottheknellofloveandhopetoBELINDA。
P。S。Pardonthewanderingsofabadpenandadistractedmind。
AddresstothePost—office。Thebellman，renderedimpatientbydelay，isringingdreadfullyinthepassage。
P。P。S。Iopenthistosaythatthebellmanisgone，andthatyoumustnotexpectittillthenextpost;sodon’tbesurprisedwhenyoudon’tgetit。
MasterHumphreydoesnotfeelhimselfatlibertytofurnishhisfaircorrespondentwiththeaddressofthegentlemaninquestion，buthepublishesherletterasapublicappealtohisfaithandgallantry。
CHAPTERIII—MASTERHUMPHREY’SVISITOR
WHENIaminathoughtfulmood，Ioftensucceedindivertingthecurrentofsomemournfulreflections，byconjuringupanumberoffancifulassociationswiththeobjectsthatsurroundme，anddwellinguponthescenesandcharacterstheysuggest。
Ihavebeenledbythishabittoassigntoeveryroominmyhouseandeveryoldstaringportraitonitswallsaseparateinterestofitsown。Thus，Iampersuadedthatastatelydame，terribletobeholdinherrigidmodesty，whohangsabovethechimney—pieceofmybedroom，istheformerladyofthemansion。Inthecourtyardbelowisastonefaceofsurpassingugliness，whichIhavesomehow—inakindofjealousy，Iamafraid—associatedwithherhusband。
Abovemystudyisalittleroomwithivypeepingthroughthelattice，fromwhichIbringtheirdaughter，alovelygirlofeighteenornineteenyearsofage，anddutifulinallrespectssaveone，thatonebeingherdevotedattachmenttoayounggentlemanonthestairs，whosegrandmother（degradedtoadisusedlaundryinthegarden）piquesherselfuponanoldfamilyquarrel，andistheimplacableenemyoftheirlove。WithsuchmaterialsastheseI
workoutmanyalittledrama，whosechiefmeritis，thatIcanbringittoahappyendatwill。Ihavesomanyofthemonhand，thatifonmyreturnhomeoneoftheseeveningsIweretofindsomebluffoldwightoftwocenturiesagocomfortablyseatedinmyeasychair，andalovelorndamselvainlyappealingtohisheart，andleaningherwhitearmuponmyclockitself，IverilybelieveI
shouldonlyexpressmysurprisethattheyhadkeptmewaitingsolong，andneverhonouredmewithacallbefore。
Iwasinsuchamoodasthis，sittinginmygardenyesterdaymorningundertheshadeofafavouritetree，revellinginallthebloomandbrightnessaboutme，andfeelingeverysenseofhopeandenjoymentquickenedbythismostbeautifulseasonofSpring，whenmymeditationswereinterruptedbytheunexpectedappearanceofmybarberattheendofthewalk，whoIimmediatelysawwascomingtowardsmewithahastystepthatbetokenedsomethingremarkable。
Mybarberisatalltimesaverybrisk，bustling，activelittleman，—forheis，asitwere，chubbyallover，withoutbeingstoutorunwieldy，—butyesterdayhisalacritywassoveryuncommonthatitquitetookmebysurprise。ForcouldIfailtoobservewhenhecameuptomethathisgrayeyesweretwinklinginamostextraordinarymanner，thathislittlerednosewasinanunusualglow，thateverylineinhisroundbrightfacewastwistedandcurvedintoanexpressionofpleasedsurprise，andthathiswholecountenancewasradiantwithglee？Iwasstillmoresurprisedtoseemyhousekeeper，whousuallypreservesaverystaidair，andstandssomewhatuponherdignity，peepingroundthehedgeatthebottomofthewalk，andexchangingnodsandsmileswiththebarber，whotwiceorthricelookedoverhisshoulderforthatpurpose。I
couldconceivenoannouncementtowhichtheseappearancescouldbetheprelude，unlessitwerethattheyhadmarriedeachotherthatmorning。
Iwas，consequently，alittledisappointedwhenitonlycameoutthattherewasagentlemaninthehousewhowishedtospeakwithme。
’Andwhoisit？’saidI。
Thebarber，withhisfacescrewedupstilltighterthanbefore，repliedthatthegentlemanwouldnotsendhisname，butwishedtoseeme。Iponderedforamoment，wonderingwhothisvisitormightbe，andIremarkedthatheembracedtheopportunityofexchanginganothernodwiththehousekeeper，whostilllingeredinthedistance。
’Well！’saidI，’bidthegentlemancomehere。’
Thisseemedtobetheconsummationofthebarber’shopes，forheturnedsharpround，andactuallyranaway。
Now，mysightisnotverygoodatadistance，andthereforewhenthegentlemanfirstappearedinthewalk，Iwasnotquiteclearwhetherhewasastrangertomeorotherwise。Hewasanelderlygentleman，butcametrippingalonginthepleasantestmannerconceivable，avoidingthegarden—rollerandthebordersofthebedswithinimitabledexterity，pickinghiswayamongtheflower—pots，andsmilingwithunspeakablegoodhumour。Beforehewashalf—wayupthewalkhebegantosaluteme;thenIthoughtIknewhim;butwhenhecametowardsmewithhishatinhishand，thesunshiningonhisbaldhead，hisblandface，hisbrightspectacles，hisfawn—
colouredtights，andhisblackgaiters，—thenmyheartwarmedtowardshim，andIfeltquitecertainthatitwasMr。Pickwick。
’Mydearsir，’saidthatgentlemanasIrosetoreceivehim，’praybeseated。Praysitdown。Now，donotstandonmyaccount。I
mustinsistuponit，really。’WiththesewordsMr。Pickwickgentlypressedmedownintomyseat，andtakingmyhandinhis，shookitagainandagainwithawarmthofmannerperfectlyirresistible。I
endeavouredtoexpressinmywelcomesomethingofthatheartinessandpleasurewhichthesightofhimawakened，andmadehimsitdownbesideme。Allthistimehekeptalternatelyreleasingmyhandandgraspingitagain，andsurveyingmethroughhisspectacleswithsuchabeamingcountenanceasInevertillthenbeheld。
’Youknewmedirectly！’saidMr。Pickwick。’Whatapleasureitistothinkthatyouknewmedirectly！’
IremarkedthatIhadreadhisadventuresveryoften，andhisfeatureswerequitefamiliartomefromthepublishedportraits。
AsIthoughtitagoodopportunityofadvertingtothecircumstance，Icondoledwithhimuponthevariouslibelsonhischaracterwhichhadfoundtheirwayintoprint。Mr。Pickwickshookhishead，andforamomentlookedveryindignant，butsmilingagaindirectly，addedthatnodoubtIwasacquaintedwithCervantes’sintroductiontothesecondpartofDonQuixote，andthatitfullyexpressedhissentimentsonthesubject。
’Butnow，’saidMr。Pickwick，’don’tyouwonderhowIfoundyouout？’
’Ishallneverwonder，and，withyourgoodleave，neverknow，’saidI，smilinginmyturn。’Itisenoughformethatyougivemethisgratification。IhavenottheleastdesirethatyoushouldtellmebywhatmeansIhaveobtainedit。’
’Youareverykind，’returnedMr。Pickwick，shakingmebythehandagain;’youaresoexactlywhatIexpected！ButforwhatparticularpurposedoyouthinkIhavesoughtyou，mydearsir？
NowwhatDOyouthinkIhavecomefor？’
Mr。PickwickputthisquestionasthoughhewerepersuadedthatitwasmorallyimpossiblethatIcouldbyanymeansdivinethedeeppurposeofhisvisit，andthatitmustbehiddenfromallhumanken。Therefore，althoughIwasrejoicedtothinkthatIhadanticipatedhisdrift，Ifeignedtobequiteignorantofit，andafterabriefconsiderationshookmyheaddespairingly。
’Whatshouldyousay，’saidMr。Pickwick，layingtheforefingerofhislefthanduponmycoat—sleeve，andlookingatmewithhisheadthrownback，andalittleononeside，—’whatshouldyousayifI
confessedthatafterreadingyouraccountofyourselfandyourlittlesociety，Ihadcomehere，ahumblecandidateforoneofthoseemptychairs？’
’Ishouldsay，’Ireturned，’thatIknowofonlyonecircumstancewhichcouldstillfurtherendearthatlittlesocietytome，andthatwouldbetheassociatingwithitmyoldfriend，—foryoumustletmecallyouso，—myoldfriend，Mr。Pickwick。’
AsImadehimthisanswereveryfeatureofMr。Pickwick’sfacefuseditselfintooneall—pervadingexpressionofdelight。Aftershakingmeheartilybybothhandsatonce，hepattedmegentlyontheback，andthen—Iwellunderstoodwhy—coloureduptotheeyes，andhopedwithgreatearnestnessofmannerthathehadnothurtme。
Ifhehad，Iwouldhavebeencontentthatheshouldhaverepeatedtheoffenceahundredtimesratherthansupposeso;butashehadnot，Ihadnodifficultyinchangingthesubjectbymakinganinquirywhichhadbeenuponmylipstwentytimesalready。
’Youhavenottoldme，’saidI，’anythingaboutSamWeller。’
’O！Sam，’repliedMr。Pickwick，’isthesameasever。Thesametrue，faithfulfellowthatheeverwas。WhatshouldItellyouaboutSam，mydearsir，exceptthatheismoreindispensabletomyhappinessandcomforteverydayofmylife？’
’AndMr。Wellersenior？’saidI。
’OldMr。Weller，’returnedMr。Pickwick，’isinnorespectmorealteredthanSam，unlessitbethatheisalittlemoreopinionatedthanhewasformerly，andperhapsattimesmoretalkative。Hespendsagooddealofhistimenowinourneighbourhood，andhassoconstitutedhimselfapartofmybodyguard，thatwhenIaskpermissionforSamtohaveaseatinyourkitchenonclocknights（supposingyourthreefriendsthinkmeworthytofilloneofthechairs），IamafraidImustoftenincludeMr。Wellertoo。’
IveryreadilypledgedmyselftogivebothSamandhisfatherafreeadmissiontomyhouseatallhoursandseasons，andthispointsettled，wefellintoalengthyconversationwhichwascarriedonwithaslittlereserveonbothsidesasifwehadbeenintimatefriendsfromouryouth，andwhichconveyedtomethecomfortableassurancethatMr。Pickwick’sbuoyancyofspirit，andindeedallhisoldcheerfulcharacteristics，werewhollyunimpaired。Ashehadspokenoftheconsentofmyfriendsasbeingyetinabeyance，I
repeatedlyassuredhimthathisproposalwascertaintoreceivetheirmostjoyfulsanction，andseveraltimesentreatedthathewouldgivemeleavetointroducehimtoJackRedburnandMr。Miles（whowerenearathand）withoutfurtherceremony。
Tothisproposal，however，Mr。Pickwick’sdelicacywouldbynomeansallowhimtoaccede，forheurgedthathiseligibilitymustbeformallydiscussed，andthat，untilthishadbeendone，hecouldnotthinkofobtrudinghimselffurther。TheutmostIcouldobtainfromhimwasapromisethathewouldattenduponournextnightofmeeting，thatImighthavethepleasureofpresentinghimimmediatelyonhiselection。
Mr。Pickwick，havingwithmanyblushesplacedinmyhandsasmallrollofpaper，whichhetermedhis’qualification，’putagreatmanyquestionstometouchingmyfriends，andparticularlyJackRedburn，whomherepeatedlytermed’afinefellow，’andinwhosefavourIcouldseehewasstronglypredisposed。WhenIhadsatisfiedhimonthesepoints，Itookhimupintomyroom，thathemightmakeacquaintancewiththeoldchamberwhichisourplaceofmeeting。
’Andthis，’saidMr。Pickwick，stoppingshort，’istheclock！Dearme！Andthisisreallytheoldclock！’
Ithoughthewouldneverhavecomeawayfromit。Afteradvancingtowardsitsoftly，andlayinghishanduponitwithasmuchrespectandasmanysmilinglooksasifitwerealive，hesethimselftoconsideritineverypossibledirection，nowmountingonachairtolookatthetop，nowgoingdownuponhiskneestoexaminethebottom，nowsurveyingthesideswithhisspectaclesalmosttouchingthecase，andnowtryingtopeepbetweenitandthewalltogetaslightviewoftheback。Thenhewouldretireapaceortwoandlookupatthedialtoseeitgo，andthendrawnearagainandstandwithhisheadononesidetohearittick：neverfailingtoglancetowardsmeatintervalsofafewsecondseach，andnodhisheadwithsuchcomplacentgratificationasIamquiteunabletodescribe。Hisadmirationwasnotconfinedtotheclockeither，butextendeditselftoeveryarticleintheroom;andreally，whenhehadgonethroughthemeveryone，andatlastsathimselfdowninallthesixchairs，oneafteranother，totryhowtheyfelt，I
neversawsuchapictureofgood—humourandhappinessashepresented，fromthetopofhisshiningheaddowntotheverylastbuttonofhisgaiters。
Ishouldhavebeenwellpleased，andshouldhavehadtheutmostenjoymentofhiscompany，ifhehadremainedwithmeallday，butmyfavourite，strikingthehour，remindedhimthathemusttakehisleave。Icouldnotforbeartellinghimoncemorehowgladhehadmademe，andweshookhandsallthewaydown—stairs。
WehadnosoonerarrivedintheHallthanmyhousekeeper，glidingoutofherlittleroom（shehadchangedhergownandcap，I
observed），greetedMr。Pickwickwithherbestsmileandcourtesy;
andthebarber，feigningtobeaccidentallypassingonhiswayout，madehimavastnumberofbows。Whenthehousekeepercourtesied，Mr。Pickwickbowedwiththeutmostpoliteness，andwhenhebowed，thehousekeepercourtesiedagain;betweenthehousekeeperandthebarber，IshouldsaythatMr。Pickwickfacedaboutandbowedwithundiminishedaffabilityfiftytimesatleast。
Isawhimtothedoor;anomnibuswasatthemomentpassingthecornerofthelane，whichMr。Pickwickhailedandranafterwithextraordinarynimbleness。Whenhehadgotabouthalf—way，heturnedhishead，andseeingthatIwasstilllookingafterhimandthatIwavedmyhand，stopped，evidentlyirresolutewhethertocomebackandshakehandsagain，ortogoon。Themanbehindtheomnibusshouted，andMr。Pickwickranalittlewaytowardshim：
thenhelookedroundatme，andranalittlewaybackagain。Thentherewasanothershout，andheturnedroundoncemoreandrantheotherway。Afterseveralofthesevibrations，themansettledthequestionbytakingMr。Pickwickbythearmandputtinghimintothecarriage;buthislastactionwastoletdownthewindowandwavehishattomeasitdroveoff。
Ilostnotimeinopeningtheparcelhehadleftwithme。Thefollowingwereitscontents：—
MR。PICKWICK’STALE
AgoodmanyyearshavepassedawaysinceoldJohnPodgerslivedinthetownofWindsor，wherehewasborn，andwhere，incourseoftime，hecametobecomfortablyandsnuglyburied。YoumaybesurethatinthetimeofKingJamestheFirst，Windsorwasaveryquaintqueeroldtown，andyoumaytakeituponmyauthoritythatJohnPodgerswasaveryquaintqueeroldfellow;consequentlyheandWindsorfittedeachothertoanicety，andseldompartedcompanyevenforhalfaday。
JohnPodgerswasbroad，sturdy，Dutch—built，short，andaveryhardeater，asmenofhisfigureoftenare。Beingahardsleeperlikewise，hedividedhistimeprettyequallybetweenthesetworecreations，alwaysfallingasleepwhenhehaddoneeating，andalwaystakinganotherturnatthetrencherwhenhehaddonesleeping，bywhichmeanshegrewmorecorpulentandmoredrowsyeverydayofhislife。Indeeditusedtobecurrentlyreportedthatwhenhesaunteredupanddownthesunnysideofthestreetbeforedinner（asheneverfailedtodoinfairweather），heenjoyedhissoundestnap;butmanypeopleheldthistobeafiction，ashehadseveraltimesbeenseentolookafterfatoxenonmarket—days，andhadevenbeenheard，bypersonsofgoodcreditandreputation，tochuckleatthesight，andsaytohimselfwithgreatglee，’Livebeef，livebeef！’ItwasuponthisevidencethatthewisestpeopleinWindsor（beginningwiththelocalauthoritiesofcourse）heldthatJohnPodgerswasamanofstrong，soundsense，notwhatiscalledsmart，perhaps，anditmightbeofaratherlazyandapoplecticturn，butstillamanofsolidparts，andonewhomeantmuchmorethanhecaredtoshow。Thisimpressionwasconfirmedbyaverydignifiedwayhehadofshakinghisheadandimparting，atthesametime，apendulousmotiontohisdoublechin;
inshort，hepassedforoneofthosepeoplewho，beingplungedintotheThames，wouldmakenovaineffortstosetitafire，butwouldstraightwayflopdowntothebottomwithadealofgravity，andbehighlyrespectedinconsequencebyallgoodmen。
Beingwelltodointheworld，andapeacefulwidower，—havingagreatappetite，which，ashecouldaffordtogratifyit，wasaluxuryandnoinconvenience，andapowerofgoingtosleep，which，ashehadnooccasiontokeepawake，wasamostenviablefaculty，—
youwillreadilysupposethatJohnPodgerswasahappyman。Butappearancesareoftendeceptivewhentheyleastseemso，andthetruthisthat，notwithstandinghisextremesleekness，hewasrendereduneasyinhismindandexceedinglyuncomfortablebyaconstantapprehensionthatbesethimnightandday。
Youknowverywellthatinthosetimesthereflourisheddiverseviloldwomenwho，underthenameofWitches，spreadgreatdisorderthroughtheland，andinflictedvariousdismaltorturesuponChristianmen;stickingpinsandneedlesintothemwhentheyleastexpectedit，andcausingthemtowalkintheairwiththeirfeetupwards，tothegreatterroroftheirwivesandfamilies，whowerenaturallyverymuchdisconcertedwhenthemasterofthehouseunexpectedlycamehome，knockingatthedoorwithhisheelsandcombinghishaironthescraper。Theseweretheircommonestpranks，buttheyeverydayplayedahundredothers，ofwhichnonewerelessobjectionable，andmanyweremuchmoreso，beingimproperbesides;theresultwasthatvengeancewasdenouncedagainstalloldwomen，withwhomeventhekinghimselfhadnosympathy（ashecertainlyoughttohavehad），forwithhisownmostGracioushandhepennedamostGraciousconsignmentofthemtoeverlastingwrath，anddevisedmostGraciousmeansfortheirconfusionandslaughter，invirtuewhereofscarcelyadaypassedbutonewitchattheleastwasmostgraciouslyhanged，drowned，orroastedinsomepartofhisdominions。StillthepressteemedwithstrangeandterriblenewsfromtheNorthortheSouth，ortheEastortheWest，relativetowitchesandtheirunhappyvictimsinsomecornerofthecountry，andthePublic’shairstoodonendtothatdegreethatitlifteditshatoffitshead，andmadeitsfacepalewithterror。
YoumaybelievethatthelittletownofWindsordidnotescapethegeneralcontagion。Theinhabitantsboiledawitchontheking’sbirthdayandsentabottleofthebrothtocourt，withadutifuladdressexpressiveoftheirloyalty。Theking，beingratherfrightenedbythepresent，piouslybestoweditupontheArchbishopofCanterbury，andreturnedananswertotheaddress，whereinhegavethemgoldenrulesfordiscoveringwitches，andlaidgreatstressuponcertainprotectingcharms，andespeciallyhorseshoes。
Immediatelythetowns—peoplewenttoworknailinguphorseshoesovereverydoor，andsomanyanxiousparentsapprenticedtheirchildrentofarrierstokeepthemoutofharm’sway，thatitbecamequiteagenteeltrade，andflourishedexceedingly。
InthemidstofallthisbustleJohnPodgersateandsleptasusual，butshookhisheadagreatdealoftenerthanwashiscustom，andwasobservedtolookattheoxenless，andattheoldwomenmore。Hehadalittleshelfputupinhissitting—room，whereonwasdisplayed，inarowwhichgrewlongereveryweek，allthewitchcraftliteratureofthetime;hegrewlearnedincharmsandexorcisms，hintedatcertainquestionablefemalesonbroomstickswhomhehadseenfromhischamberwindow，ridingintheairatnight，andwasinconstantterrorofbeingbewitched。Atlength，fromperpetuallydwellinguponthisoneidea，which，beingaloneinhishead，hadallitsownway，thefearofwitchesbecamethesinglepassionofhislife。He，whouptothattimehadneverknownwhatitwastodream，begantohavevisionsofwitcheswheneverhefellasleep;waking，theywereincessantlypresenttohisimaginationlikewise;and，sleepingorwaking，hehadnotamoment’speace。Hebegantosetwitch—trapsinthehighway，andwasoftenseenlyinginwaitroundthecornerforhourstogether，towatchtheireffect。Theseengineswereofsimpleconstruction，usuallyconsistingoftwostrawsdisposedintheformofacross，orapieceofaBiblecoverwithapinchofsaltuponit;buttheywereinfallible，andifanoldwomanchancedtostumbleoverthem（asnotunfrequentlyhappened，thechosenspotbeingabrokenandstonyplace），Johnstartedfromadoze，pouncedoutuponher，andhungroundhernecktillassistancearrived，whenshewasimmediatelycarriedawayanddrowned。Bydintofconstantlyinveiglingoldladiesanddisposingoftheminthissummarymanner，heacquiredthereputationofagreatpubliccharacter;andashereceivednoharminthesepursuitsbeyondascratchedfaceorso，hecame，inthecourseoftime，tobeconsideredwitch—proof。
TherewasbutonepersonwhoentertainedtheleastdoubtofJohnPodgers’sgifts，andthatpersonwashisownnephew，awild，rovingyoungfellowoftwentywhohadbeenbroughtupinhisuncle’shouseandlivedtherestill，—thatistosay，whenhewasathome，whichwasnotasoftenasitmighthavebeen。Ashewasanaptscholar，itwashewhoreadaloudeveryfreshpieceofstrangeandterribleintelligencethatJohnPodgersbought;andthishealwaysdidofaneveninginthelittleporchinfrontofthehouse，roundwhichtheneighbourswouldflockincrowdstohearthedirefulnews，—forpeopleliketobefrightened，andwhentheycanbefrightenedfornothingandatanotherman’sexpense，theylikeitallthebetter。
Onefinemidsummerevening，agroupofpersonsweregatheredinthisplace，listeningintentlytoWillMarks（thatwasthenephew’sname），aswithhiscapverymuchononeside，hisarmcoiledslylyroundthewaistofaprettygirlwhosatbesidehim，andhisfacescrewedintoacomicalexpressionintendedtorepresentextremegravity，heread—withHeavenknowshowmanyembellishmentsofhisown—adismalaccountofagentlemandowninNorthamptonshireundertheinfluenceofwitchcraftandtakenforciblepossessionofbytheDevil，whowasplayinghisveryselfwithhim。JohnPodgers，inahighsugar—loafhatandshortcloak，filledtheoppositeseat，andsurveyedtheauditorywithalookofmingledprideandhorrorveryedifyingtosee;whilethehearers，withtheirheadsthrustforwardandtheirmouthsopen，listenedandtrembled，andhopedtherewasagreatdealmoretocome。SometimesWillstoppedforaninstanttolookrounduponhiseageraudience，andthen，withamorecomicalexpressionoffacethanbeforeandasettlingofhimselfcomfortably，whichincludedasqueezeoftheyoungladybeforementioned，helaunchedintosomenewwondersurpassingalltheothers。
Thesettingsunshedhislastgoldenraysuponthislittleparty，who，absorbedintheirpresentoccupation，tooknoheedoftheapproachofnight，orthegloryinwhichthedaywentdown，whenthesoundofahorse，approachingatagoodroundtrot，invadingthesilenceofthehour，causedthereadertomakeasuddenstop，andthelistenerstoraisetheirheadsinwonder。Norwastheirwonderdiminishedwhenahorsemandasheduptotheporch，andabruptlycheckinghissteed，inquiredwhereoneJohnPodgersdwelt。
’Here！’criedadozenvoices，whileadozenhandspointedoutsturdyJohn，stillbaskingintheterrorsofthepamphlet。
Therider，givinghisbridletooneofthosewhosurroundedhim，dismounted，andapproachedJohn，hatinhand，butwithgreathaste。
’Whencecomeye？’saidJohn。
’FromKingston，master。’
’Andwherefore？’
’Onmostpressingbusiness。’
’Ofwhatnature？’
’Witchcraft。’
Witchcraft！Everybodylookedaghastatthebreathlessmessenger，andthebreathlessmessengerlookedequallyaghastateverybody—
exceptWillMarks，who，findinghimselfunobserved，notonlysqueezedtheyoungladyagain，butkissedhertwice。Surelyhemusthavebeenbewitchedhimself，orhenevercouldhavedoneit—
andtheyoungladytoo，orsheneverwouldhavelethim。
’Witchcraft！’criedWill，drowningthesoundofhislastkiss，whichwasratheraloudone。
Themessengerturnedtowardshim，andwithafrownrepeatedthewordmoresolemnlythanbefore;thentoldhiserrand，whichwas，inbrief，thatthepeopleofKingstonhadbeengreatlyterrifiedforsomenightspastbyhideousrevels，heldbywitchesbeneaththegibbetwithinamileofthetown，andrelatedanddeposedtobychancewayfarerswhohadpassedwithinear—shotofthespot;thatthesoundoftheirvoicesintheirwildorgieshadbeenplainlyheardbymanypersons;thatthreeoldwomenlabouredunderstrongsuspicion，andthatprecedentshadbeenconsultedandsolemncouncilhad，anditwasfoundthattoidentifythehagssomesinglepersonmustwatchuponthespotalone;thatnosinglepersonhadthecouragetoperformthetask;andthathehadbeendespatchedexpresstosolicitJohnPodgerstoundertakeitthatverynight，asbeingamanofgreatrenown，whoboreacharmedlife，andwasproofagainstunholyspells。
Johnreceivedthiscommunicationwithmuchcomposure，andsaidinafewwords，thatitwouldhaveaffordedhiminexpressiblepleasuretodotheKingstonpeoplesoslightaservice，ifitwerenotforhisunfortunatepropensitytofallasleep，whichnomanregrettedmorethanhimselfuponthepresentoccasion，butwhichquitesettledthequestion。Nevertheless，hesaid，thereWASagentlemanpresent（andherehelookedveryhardatatallfarrier），who，havingbeenengagedallhislifeinthemanufactureofhorseshoes，mustbequiteinvulnerabletothepowerofwitches，andwho，hehadnodoubt，fromhisownreputationforbraveryandgood—nature，wouldreadilyacceptthecommission。Thefarrierpolitelythankedhimforhisgoodopinion，whichitwouldalwaysbehisstudytodeserve，butaddedthat，withregardtothepresentlittlematter，hecouldn’tthinkofitonanyaccount，ashisdepartingonsuchanerrandwouldcertainlyoccasiontheinstantdeathofhiswife，towhom，astheyallknew，hewastenderlyattached。Now，sofarfromthiscircumstancebeingnotorious，everybodyhadsuspectedthereverse，asthefarrierwasinthehabitofbeatinghisladyrathermorethantenderhusbandsusuallydo;allthemarriedmenpresent，however，applaudedhisresolutionwithgreatvehemence，andoneandalldeclaredthattheywouldstopathomeanddieifneedful（whichhappilyitwasnot）indefenceoftheirlawfulpartners。
Thisburstofenthusiasmover，theybegantolook，asbyoneconsent，towardWillMarks，who，withhiscapmoreononesidethanever，satwatchingtheproceedingswithextraordinaryunconcern。
Hehadneverbeenheardopenlytoexpresshisdisbeliefinwitches，buthadoftencutsuchjokesattheirexpenseasleftittobeinferred;publiclystatingonseveraloccasionsthatheconsideredabroomstickaninconvenientcharger，andoneespeciallyunsuitedtothedignityofthefemalecharacter，andindulginginotherfreeremarksofthesametendency，tothegreatamusementofhiswildcompanions。
AstheylookedatWilltheybegantowhisperandmurmuramongthemselves，andatlengthonemancried，’Whydon’tyouaskWillMarks？’
Asthiswaswhateverybodyhadbeenthinkingof，theyalltookuptheword，andcriedinconcert，’Ah！whydon’tyouaskWill？’
’HEdon’tcare，’saidthefarrier。
’Nothe，’addedanothervoiceinthecrowd。
’Hedon’tbelieveinit，youknow，’sneeredalittlemanwithayellowfaceandatauntingnoseandchin，whichhethrustoutfromunderthearmofalongmanbeforehim。
’Besides，’saidared—facedgentlemanwithagruffvoice，’he’sasingleman。’
’That’sthepoint！’saidthefarrier;andallthemarriedmenmurmured，ah！thatwasit，andtheyonlywishedtheyweresinglethemselves;theywouldshowhimwhatspiritwas，verysoon。
ThemessengerlookedtowardsWillMarksbeseechingly。
’Itwillbeawetnight，friend，andmygraynagistiredafteryesterday’swork—’
Heretherewasageneraltitter。
’But，’resumedWill，lookingabouthimwithasmile，’ifnobodyelseputsinabetterclaimtogo，forthecreditofthetownIamyourman，andIwouldbe，ifIhadtogoafoot。InfiveminutesI
shallbeinthesaddle，unlessIamdeprivinganyworthygentlemanhereofthehonouroftheadventure，whichIwouldn’tdofortheworld。’
Butherearoseadoubledifficulty，fornotonlydidJohnPodgerscombattheresolutionwithallthewordshehad，whichwerenotmany，buttheyoungladycombatedittoowithallthetearsshehad，whichwereverymanyindeed。Will，however，beinginflexible，parriedhisuncle’sobjectionswithajoke，andcoaxedtheyoungladyintoasmileinthreeshortwhispers。Asitwasplainthathesethisminduponit，andwouldgo，JohnPodgersofferedhimafewfirst—ratecharmsoutofhisownpocket，whichhedutifullydeclinedtoaccept;andtheyoungladygavehimakiss，whichhealsoreturned。
’Youseewhatararethingitistobemarried，’saidWill，’andhowcarefulandconsiderateallthesehusbandsare。There’snotamanamongthembuthisheartisleapingtoforestallmeinthisadventure，andyetastrongsenseofdutykeepshimback。Thehusbandsinthisonelittletownareapatterntotheworld，andsomustthewivesbetoo，forthatmatter，ortheycouldneverboasthalftheinfluencetheyhave！’
Waitingfornoreplytothissarcasm，hesnappedhisfingersandwithdrewintothehouse，andthenceintothestable，whilesomebusiedthemselvesinrefreshingthemessenger，andothersinbaitinghissteed。Inlessthanthespecifiedtimehereturnedbyanotherway，withagoodcloakhangingoverhisarm，agoodswordgirdedbyhisside，andleadinghisgoodhorsecaparisonedforthejourney。
’Now，’saidWill，leapingintothesaddleatabound，’upandaway。
Uponyourmettle，friend，andpushon。Goodnight！’
Hekissedhishandtothegirl，noddedtohisdrowsyuncle，wavedhiscaptotherest—andofftheyflewpell—mell，asifallthewitchesinEnglandwereintheirhorses’legs。Theywereoutofsightinaminute。
Themenwhowereleftbehindshooktheirheadsdoubtfully，strokedtheirchins，andshooktheirheadsagain。ThefarriersaidthatcertainlyWillMarkswasagoodhorseman，nobodyshouldeversayhedeniedthat：buthewasrash，veryrash，andtherewasnotellingwhattheendofitmightbe;whatdidhegofor，thatwaswhathewantedtoknow？Hewishedtheyoungfellownoharm，butwhydidhego？Everybodyechoedthesewords，andshooktheirheadsagain，havingdonewhichtheywishedJohnPodgersgoodnight，andstraggledhometobed。
TheKingstonpeoplewereintheirfirstsleepwhenWillMarksandhisconductorrodethroughthetownanduptothedoorofahousewheresundrygravefunctionarieswereassembled，anxiouslyexpectingthearrivaloftherenownedPodgers。Theywerealittledisappointedtofindagayyoungmaninhisplace;buttheyputthebestfaceuponthematter，andgavehimfullinstructionshowhewastoconcealhimselfbehindthegibbet，andwatchandlistentothewitches，andhowatacertaintimehewastoburstforthandcutandslashamongthemvigorously，sothatthesuspectedpartiesmightbefoundbleedingintheirbedsnextday，andthoroughlyconfounded。Theygavehimagreatquantityofwholesomeadvicebesides，and—whichwasmoretothepurposewithWill—agoodsupper。Allthesethingsbeingdone，andmidnightnearlycome，theysalliedforthtoshowhimthespotwherehewastokeephisdrearyvigil。
Thenightwasbythistimedarkandthreatening。Therewasarumblingofdistantthunder，andalowsighingofwindamongthetrees，whichwasverydismal。ThepotentatesofthetownkeptsouncommonlyclosetoWillthattheytroduponhistoes，orstumbledagainsthisankles，ornearlytrippeduphisheelsateverystephetook，and，besidestheseannoyances，theirteethchatteredsowithfear，thatheseemedtobeaccompaniedbyadirgeofcastanets。
Atlasttheymadeahaltattheopeningofalonely，desolatespace，and，pointingtoablackobjectatsomedistance，askedWillifhesawthat，yonder。
’Yes，’hereplied。’Whatthen？’
Informinghimabruptlythatitwasthegibbetwherehewastowatch，theywishedhimgoodnightinanextremelyfriendlymanner，andranbackasfastastheirfeetwouldcarrythem。
Willwalkedboldlytothegibbet，and，glancingupwardswhenhecameunderit，saw—certainlywithsatisfaction—thatitwasempty，andthatnothingdangledfromthetopbutsomeironchains，whichswungmournfullytoandfroastheyweremovedbythebreeze。
Afteracarefulsurveyofeveryquarterhedeterminedtotakehisstationwithhisfacetowardsthetown;bothbecausethatwouldplacehimwithhisbacktothewind，andbecause，ifanytrickorsurprisewereattempted，itwouldprobablycomefromthatdirectioninthefirstinstance。Havingtakentheseprecautions，hewrappedhiscloakabouthimsothatitleftthehandleofhisswordfree，andreadytohishand，andleaningagainstthegallows—treewithhiscapnotquitesomuchononesideasithadbeenbefore，tookuphispositionforthenight。
SECONDCHAPTEROFMR。PICKWICK’STALE
WeleftWillMarksleaningunderthegibbetwithhisfacetowardsthetown，scanningthedistancewithakeeneye，whichsoughttopiercethedarknessandcatchtheearliestglimpseofanypersonorpersonsthatmightapproachtowardshim。Butallwasquiet，and，savethehowlingofthewindasitsweptacrosstheheathingusts，andthecreakingofthechainsthatdangledabovehishead，therewasnosoundtobreakthesullenstillnessofthenight。AfterhalfanhourorsothismonotonybecamemoredisconcertingtoWillthanthemostfuriousuproarwouldhavebeen，andheheartilywishedforsomeoneantagonistwithwhomhemighthaveafairstand—upfight，ifitwereonlytowarmhimself。
Truthtotell，itwasabitterwind，andseemedtoblowtotheveryheartofamanwhoseblood，heatedbutnowwithrapidriding，wasthemoresensitivetothechillingblast。Willwasadaringfellow，andcarednotajotforhardknocksorsharpblades;buthecouldnotpersuadehimselftomoveorwalkabout，havingjustthatvagueexpectationofasuddenassaultwhichmadeitacomfortablethingtohavesomethingathisback，eventhoughthatsomethingwereagallows—tree。Hehadnogreatfaithinthesuperstitionsoftheage，stillsuchofthemasoccurredtohimdidnotservetolightenthetime，ortorenderhissituationthemoreendurable。
Herememberedhowwitchesweresaidtorepairatthatghostlyhourtochurchyardsandgibbets，andsuch—likedismalspots，topluckthebleedingmandrakeorscrapethefleshfromdeadmen’sbones，aschoiceingredientsfortheirspells;how，stealingbynighttolonelyplaces，theyduggraveswiththeirfinger—nails，oranointedthemselvesbeforeridingintheair，withadelicatepomatummadeofthefatofinfantsnewlyboiled。These，andmanyotherfabledpracticesofanolessagreeablenature，andallhavingsomereferencetothecircumstancesinwhichhewasplaced，passedandrepassedinquicksuccessionthroughthemindofWillMarks，andaddingashadowydreadtothatdistrustandwatchfulnesswhichhissituationinspired，renderedit，uponthewhole，sufficientlyuncomfortable。Ashehadforeseen，too，therainbegantodescendheavily，anddrivingbeforethewindinathickmist，obscuredeventhosefewobjectswhichthedarknessofthenighthadbeforeimperfectlyrevealed。
’Look！’shriekedavoice。’GreatHeaven，ithasfallendown，andstandserectasifitlived！’
Thespeakerwasclosebehindhim;thevoicewasalmostathisear。
Willthrewoffhiscloak，drewhissword，anddartingswiftlyround，seizedawomanbythewrist，who，recoilingfromhimwithadreadfulshriek，fellstrugglinguponherknees。Anotherwoman，clad，likeherwhomhehadgrasped，inmourninggarments，stoodrootedtothespotonwhichtheywere，gazinguponhisfacewithwildandglaringeyesthatquiteappalledhim。
’Say，’criedWill，whentheyhadconfrontedeachotherthusforsometime，’whatareye？’
’SaywhatareYOU，’returnedthewoman，’whotroubleeventhisobsceneresting—placeofthedead，andstripthegibbetofitshonouredburden？Whereisthebody？’
Helookedinwonderandaffrightfromthewomanwhoquestionedhimtotheotherwhosearmheclutched。
’Whereisthebody？’repeatedthequestionermorefirmlythanbefore。’Youwearnoliverywhichmarksyouforthehirelingofthegovernment。Youarenofriendtous，orIshouldrecogniseyou，forthefriendsofsuchaswearefewinnumber。Whatareyouthen，andwhereforeareyouhere？’
’Iamnofoetothedistressedandhelpless，’saidWill。’Areyeamongthatnumber？yeshouldbebyyourlooks。’
’Weare！’wastheanswer。
’Isityewhohavebeenwailingandweepinghereundercoverofthenight？’saidWill。
’Itis，’repliedthewomansternly;andpointing，asshespoke，towardshercompanion，’shemournsahusband，andIabrother。
Eventhebloodylawthatwreaksitsvengeanceonthedeaddoesnotmakethatacrime，andifitdid’twouldbealiketouswhoarepastitsfearorfavour。’
Willglancedatthetwofemales，andcouldbarelydiscernthattheonewhomheaddressedwasmuchtheelder，andthattheotherwasyoungandofaslightfigure。Bothweredeadlypale，theirgarmentswetandworn，theirhairdishevelledandstreaminginthewind，themselvesboweddownwithgriefandmisery;theirwholeappearancemostdejected，wretched，andforlorn。Asightsodifferentfromanyhehadexpectedtoencountertouchedhimtothequick，andallideaofanythingbuttheirpitiableconditionvanishedbeforeit。
’Iamarough，bluntyeoman，’saidWill。’WhyIcamehereistoldinaword;youhavebeenoverheardatadistanceinthesilenceofthenight，andIhaveundertakenawatchforhagsorspirits。I
camehereexpectinganadventure，andpreparedtogothroughwithany。IftherebeaughtthatIcandotohelporaidyou，nameit，andonthefaithofamanwhocanbesecretandtrusty，Iwillstandbyyoutothedeath。’
’Howcomesthisgibbettobeempty？’askedtheelderfemale。
’Isweartoyou，’repliedWill，’thatIknowaslittleasyourself。
ButthisIknow，thatwhenIcamehereanhouragoorso，itwasasitisnow;andif，asIgatherfromyourquestion，itwasnotsolastnight，sureIamthatithasbeensecretlydisturbedwithouttheknowledgeofthefolksinyondertown。Bethinkyou，therefore，whetheryouhavenofriendsinleaguewithyouorwithhimonwhomthelawhasdoneitsworst，bywhomthesesadremainshavebeenremovedforburial。’
Thewomenspoketogether，andWillretiredapaceortwowhiletheyconversedapart。Hecouldhearthemsobandmoan，andsawthattheywrungtheirhandsinfruitlessagony。Hecouldmakeoutlittlethattheysaid，butbetweenwhileshegatheredenoughtoassurehimthathissuggestionwasnotverywideofthemark，andthattheynotonlysuspectedbywhomthebodyhadbeenremoved，butalsowhitherithadbeenconveyed。Whentheyhadbeeninconversationalongtime，theyturnedtowardshimoncemore。Thistimetheyoungerfemalespoke。