I
bless God that I have been enabled to keep my wife free of this scene;
and that He has made me a man who will not ask mercy at such hands as
yours.'
'And a wery game old gentleman you are,' said Mr Dennis, approvingly;
'and you express yourself like a man. What's the odds, brother, whether
it's a lamp-post to-night, or a feather-bed ten year to come, eh?'
The locksmith glanced at him disdainfully, but returned no other answer.
'For my part,' said the hangman, who particularly favoured the lamp-post
suggestion, 'I honour your principles. They're mine exactly. In such
sentiments as them,' and here he emphasised his discourse with an oath,
'I'm ready to meet you or any man halfway.--Have you got a bit of cord
anywheres handy? Don't put yourself out of the way, if you haven't. A
handkecher will do.'
'Don't be a fool, master,' whispered Hugh, seizing Varden roughly by
the shoulder; 'but do as you're bid. You'll soon hear what you're wanted
for. Do it!'
'I'll do nothing at your request, or that of any scoundrel here,'
returned the locksmith. 'If you want any service from me, you may spare
yourselves the pains of telling me what it is. I tell you, beforehand,
I'll do nothing for you.
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