Oldal 122 [122]
OCR
84 power over the girl’s better feelings, and for an instant thought of appealing to her compassion for his helpless state. But then the thought darted across his mind that it was barely eleven o’clock, and that many people were still in the street, of whom surely some inight be found to give credence to his tale. As the reflection occurred to him, he stepped forward, and said semewhat hastily that he was ready. Neither his brief consideration nor its purport were lost upon his companion. She eyed him narrowly while he spoke, . and cast upon him a look of intelligence which sufficiently showed that she guessed what had been passing in his thoughts. “ Hush!" said the girl, stooping over him, and pointing to the door as she looked cautiously round. ‘ You can’t help yourself. I have tried hard for you, but all to no purpose. You are hedged round and round ; and, if you are to get loose from here, this is not the time." Struck by the energy of her manner, Oliver looked up in her face with great surprise. She seemed to speak the truth; her countenance was white and agitated, and she trembled with very earnestness, “T have saved you from being ill-used once, and [ will again, and I do now,” continued the girl aloud ; ‘ for those who would have fetched you, if I had not, would have been far more rough than me. I have promised for your being quiet and silent; if you are not, you will only do harm to yourself and me too, and perhaps be my death. See here! J have borne all this for you already, as true as God sees me show it.” She pointed hastily to some livid bruises upon her neck and arms, and continued with great rapidity. ‘“ Remember this, and don’t let me suffer more for you just now. If I could help you I would, but I have not the power; they don’t mean to harm you ; and whatever they make you do, Is no fault of yours. you is a blow for me: give me your hand —make haste, your hand!” ; She caught the hand which Oliver instinctively placed in hers, and, blowing out the light, drew him after her up the stairs. ‘he door was opened quickly by some one shrouded in the darkness, and us quickly closed when they had passed out. A hackney cabriolet was in waiting; and, with the same vehemencé which she had exhibited in addressing Oliver, the girl pulled him in with her, and drew the | curtains close. "The driver wanted no directions, but lashed his horse into full speed without the delay of an instant. The girl still held Oliver fast by the hand, and continued to pour into his ear the warnings and assurances she had already imparted. All was so quick and hurried, that he had scarcely time to recollect where he was, or how he came there, when the carriage stopped at the been directed on the previous evening. For one brief moment Oliver cast a hurried glance along the empty street, and a ery for help oe upon his lips. But the girl’s voice was in his ear, beseeching him in such tones of agony to remember her, that he had not the heart to utter it; and while he hesitated, the opportunity was gone, for he was already in the house, and the door was shut. c This way,” said the girl, releasing her hold for the first time. “ Bill!” “ Hallo!” replied Sikes, appearing at the head of the stairs with a candle. “Oh! that’s the time of day. Come on !" This was a very strong expression of approbation, and an uncommonly hearty welcome, from a person of Mr. Sikes s temperament; Nancy, appearing much gratified thereby, saluted him cordially. Bullseye"s gone home with Tom," observed Sikes as he lighted them up. “ He’d have been in the way." That "s right," rejomed Nancy. cc So you ve got the kid,” said Sikes, when they had all reached the room: closing the door as he spoke. c Yes, here he is,” replied Nancy. c Did he come quiet ?" inquired Sikes. c Like a lamb,” rejoined Nancy. 6 ["m glad to hear-it,” said Sikes, looking grimly at Oliver, “ for the sake of his young carcase, as would otherways have suffered for it. Come here, young "un, and let me read you a lectur’, which is as well got over at once." Thus addressing his new protégé, Mr. Sikes pulled off his cap and threw it into a corner; and then, taking him by the shoulder, sat himself down by the table, and stood Oliver in front of him. 6 Now first, do you know wot this is?” inquired Sikes, taking up a pocket-pistol which lay on the table. Oliver replied in the affirmative. c Well then, look here,” continued c This is powder, that ’ere’s a bullet, and this is a little bit of a old hat for waddin’.”’ B
