第9章

CHAPTERIV-LOST

THErobberyattheBankhadnotlanguishedbefore，anddidnotceasetooccupyafrontplaceintheattentionoftheprincipalofthatestablishmentnow。Inboastfulproofofhispromptitudeandactivity，asaremarkableman，andaself-mademan，andacommercialwondermoreadmirablethanVenus，whohadrisenoutofthemudinsteadofthesea，helikedtoshowhowlittlehisdomesticaffairsabatedhisbusinessardour。Consequently，inthefirstfewweeksofhisresumedbachelorhood，heevenadvanceduponhisusualdisplayofbustle，andeverydaymadesucharoutinrenewinghisinvestigationsintotherobbery，thattheofficerswhohaditinhandalmostwishedithadneverbeencommitted。

Theywereatfaulttoo，andoffthescent。Althoughtheyhadbeensoquietsincethefirstoutbreakofthematter，thatmostpeoplereallydidsupposeittohavebeenabandonedashopeless，nothingnewoccurred。Noimplicatedmanorwomantookuntimelycourage，ormadeaself-betrayingstep。Moreremarkableyet，StephenBlackpoolcouldnotbeheardof，andthemysteriousoldwomanremainedamystery。

Thingshavingcometothispass，andshowingnolatentsignsofstirringbeyondit，theupshotofMr。Bounderby\'sinvestigationswas，thatheresolvedtohazardaboldburst。Hedrewupaplacard，offeringTwentyPoundsrewardfortheapprehensionofStephenBlackpool，suspectedofcomplicityintherobberyofCoketownBankonsuchanight；hedescribedthesaidStephenBlackpoolbydress，complexion，estimatedheight，andmanner，asminutelyashecould；herecitedhowhehadleftthetown，andinwhatdirectionhehadbeenlastseengoing；hehadthewholeprintedingreatblacklettersonastaringbroadsheet；andhecausedthewallstobepostedwithitinthedeadofnight，sothatitshouldstrikeuponthesightofthewholepopulationatoneblow。

Thefactory-bellshadneedtoringtheirloudestthatmorningtodispersethegroupsofworkerswhostoodinthetardydaybreak，collectedroundtheplacards，devouringthemwitheagereyes。Nottheleasteageroftheeyesassembled，weretheeyesofthosewhocouldnotread。Thesepeople，astheylistenedtothefriendlyvoicethatreadaloud-therewasalwayssomesuchreadytohelpthem-staredatthecharacterswhichmeantsomuchwithavagueaweandrespectthatwouldhavebeenhalfludicrous，ifanyaspectofpublicignorancecouldeverbeotherwisethanthreateningandfullofevil。Manyearsandeyeswerebusywithavisionofthematteroftheseplacards，amongturningspindles，rattlinglooms，andwhirlingwheels，forhoursafterwards；andwhentheHandsclearedoutagainintothestreets，therewerestillasmanyreadersasbefore。

Slackbridge，thedelegate，hadtoaddresshisaudiencetoothatnight；andSlackbridgehadobtainedacleanbillfromtheprinter，andhadbroughtitinhispocket。Oh，myfriendsandfellow-

countrymen，thedown-troddenoperativesofCoketown，oh，myfellow-

brothersandfellow-workmenandfellow-citizensandfellowmen，whatato-dowasthere，whenSlackbridgeunfoldedwhathecalled\'thatdamningdocument，\'andheldituptothegaze，andfortheexecrationoftheworking-mancommunity！\'Oh，myfellow-men，beholdofwhatatraitorinthecampofthosegreatspiritswhoareenrolledupontheholyscrollofJusticeandofUnion，isappropriatelycapable！Oh，myprostratefriends，withthegallingyokeoftyrantsonyournecksandtheironfootofdespotismtreadingdownyourfallenformsintothedustoftheearth，uponwhichrightgladwouldyouroppressorsbetoseeyoucreepingonyourbelliesallthedaysofyourlives，liketheserpentinthegarden-oh，mybrothers，andshallIasamannotadd，mysisterstoo，whatdoyousay，now，ofStephenBlackpool，withaslightstoopinhisshouldersandaboutfivefootseveninheight，assetforthinthisdegradinganddisgustingdocument，thisblightingbill，thisperniciousplacard，thisabominableadvertisement；andwithwhatmajestyofdenouncementwillyoucrushtheviper，whowouldbringthisstainandshameupontheGod-likeracethathappilyhascasthimoutforever！Yes，mycompatriots，happilycasthimoutandsenthimforth！Foryourememberhowhestoodherebeforeyouonthisplatform；yourememberhow，facetofaceandfoottofoot，Ipursuedhimthroughallhisintricatewindings；

yourememberhowhesneakedandslunk，andsidled，andsplittedofstraws，until，withnotaninchofgroundtowhichtocling，I

hurledhimoutfromamongstus:anobjectfortheundyingfingerofscorntopointat，andfortheavengingfireofeveryfreeandthinkingmindtoscorchandscar！Andnow，myfriends-mylabouringfriends，forIrejoiceandtriumphinthatstigma-myfriendswhosehardbuthonestbedsaremadeintoil，andwhosescantybutindependentpotsareboiledinhardship；andnow，Isay，myfriends，whatappellationhasthatdastardcraventakentohimself，when，withthemasktornfromhisfeatures，hestandsbeforeusinallhisnativedeformity，aWhat？Athief！A

plunderer！Aproscribedfugitive，withapriceuponhishead；afesterandawounduponthenoblecharacteroftheCoketownoperative！Therefore，mybandofbrothersinasacredbond，towhichyourchildrenandyourchildren\'schildrenyetunbornhavesettheirinfanthandsandseals，IproposetoyouonthepartoftheUnitedAggregateTribunal，everwatchfulforyourwelfare，everzealousforyourbenefit，thatthismeetingdoesResolve:ThatStephenBlackpool，weaver，referredtointhisplacard，havingbeenalreadysolemnlydisownedbythecommunityofCoketownHands，thesamearefreefromtheshameofhismisdeeds，andcannotasaclassbereproachedwithhisdishonestactions！\'

ThusSlackbridge；gnashingandperspiringafteraprodigioussort。

Afewsternvoicescalledout\'No！\'andascoreortwohailed，withassentingcriesof\'Hear，hear！\'thecautionfromoneman，\'Slackbridge，y\'oroverhetterin\'t；y\'oragoentoofast！\'Butthesewerepigmiesagainstanarmy；thegeneralassemblagesubscribedtothegospelaccordingtoSlackbridge，andgavethreecheersforhim，ashesatdemonstrativelypantingatthem。

Thesemenandwomenwereyetinthestreets，passingquietlytotheirhomes，whenSissy，whohadbeencalledawayfromLouisasomeminutesbefore，returned。

\'Whoisit？\'askedLouisa。

\'ItisMr。Bounderby，\'saidSissy，timidofthename，\'andyourbrotherMr。Tom，andayoungwomanwhosayshernameisRachael，andthatyouknowher。\'

\'Whatdotheywant，Sissydear？\'

\'Theywanttoseeyou。Rachaelhasbeencrying，andseemsangry。\'

\'Father，\'saidLouisa，forhewaspresent，\'Icannotrefusetoseethem，forareasonthatwillexplainitself。Shalltheycomeinhere？\'

Asheansweredintheaffirmative，Sissywentawaytobringthem。

Shereappearedwiththemdirectly。Tomwaslast；andremainedstandingintheobscurestpartoftheroom，nearthedoor。

\'Mrs。Bounderby，\'saidherhusband，enteringwithacoolnod，\'I

don\'tdisturbyou，Ihope。Thisisanunseasonablehour，buthereisayoungwomanwhohasbeenmakingstatementswhichrendermyvisitnecessary。TomGradgrind，asyourson，youngTom，refusesforsomeobstinatereasonorothertosayanythingatallaboutthosestatements，goodorbad，Iamobligedtoconfrontherwithyourdaughter。\'

\'Youhaveseenmeoncebefore，younglady，\'saidRachael，standinginfrontofLouisa。

Tomcoughed。

\'Youhaveseenme，younglady，\'repeatedRachael，asshedidnotanswer，\'oncebefore。\'

Tomcoughedagain。

\'Ihave。\'

RachaelcasthereyesproudlytowardsMr。Bounderby，andsaid，\'Willyoumakeitknown，younglady，where，andwhowasthere？\'

\'IwenttothehousewhereStephenBlackpoollodged，onthenightofhisdischargefromhiswork，andIsawyouthere。Hewastheretoo；andanoldwomanwhodidnotspeak，andwhomIcouldscarcelysee，stoodinadarkcorner。Mybrotherwaswithme。\'

\'Whycouldn\'tyousayso，youngTom？\'demandedBounderby。

\'IpromisedmysisterIwouldn\'t。\'WhichLouisahastilyconfirmed。

\'Andbesides，\'saidthewhelpbitterly，\'shetellsherownstorysopreciouswell-andsofull-thatwhatbusinesshadItotakeitoutofhermouth！\'

\'Say，younglady，ifyouplease，\'pursuedRachael，\'why，inanevilhour，youevercametoStephen\'sthatnight。\'

\'Ifeltcompassionforhim，\'saidLouisa，hercolourdeepening，\'andIwishedtoknowwhathewasgoingtodo，andwishedtoofferhimassistance。\'

\'Thankyou，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby。\'Muchflatteredandobliged。\'

\'Didyouofferhim，\'askedRachael，\'abank-note？\'

\'Yes；butherefusedit，andwouldonlytaketwopoundsingold。\'

RachaelcasthereyestowardsMr。Bounderbyagain。

\'Oh，certainly！\'saidBounderby。\'Ifyouputthequestionwhetheryourridiculousandimprobableaccountwastrueornot，Iamboundtosayit\'sconfirmed。\'

\'Younglady，\'saidRachael，\'StephenBlackpoolisnownamedasathiefinpublicprintalloverthistown，andwhereelse！Therehavebeenameetingto-nightwherehehavebeenspokenofinthesameshamefulway。Stephen！Thehonestestlad，thetruestlad，thebest！\'Herindignationfailedher，andshebrokeoffsobbing。

\'Iamvery，verysorry，\'saidLouisa。

\'Oh，younglady，younglady，\'returnedRachael，\'Ihopeyoumaybe，butIdon\'tknow！Ican\'tsaywhatyoumayha\'done！Thelikeofyoudon\'tknowus，don\'tcareforus，don\'tbelongtous。Iamnotsurewhyyoumayha\'comethatnight。Ican\'ttellbutwhatyoumayha\'comewi\'someaimofyourown，notmindintowhattroubleyoubroughtsuchasthepoorlad。Isaidthen，Blessyouforcoming；andIsaiditofmyheart，youseemedtotakesopitifullytohim；butIdon\'tknownow，Idon\'tknow！\'

Louisacouldnotreproachherforherunjustsuspicions；shewassofaithfultoherideaoftheman，andsoafflicted。

\'AndwhenIthink，\'saidRachaelthroughhersobs，\'thatthepoorladwassograteful，thinkinyousogoodtohim-whenImindthatheputhishandoverhishard-workenfacetohidethetearsthatyoubroughtupthere-Oh，Ihopeyoumaybesorry，andha\'nobadcausetobeit；butIdon\'tknow，Idon\'tknow！\'

\'You\'reaprettyarticle，\'growledthewhelp，movinguneasilyinhisdarkcorner，\'tocomeherewiththesepreciousimputations！

Yououghttobebundledoutfornotknowinghowtobehaveyourself，andyouwouldbebyrights。\'

Shesaidnothinginreply；andherlowweepingwastheonlysoundthatwasheard，untilMr。Bounderbyspoke。

\'Come！\'saidhe，\'youknowwhatyouhaveengagedtodo。Youhadbettergiveyourmindtothat；notthis。\'

\'\'Deed，Iamloath，\'returnedRachael，dryinghereyes，\'thatanyhereshouldseemelikethis；butIwon\'tbeseensoagain。Younglady，whenIhadreadwhat\'sputinprintofStephen-andwhathasjustasmuchtruthinitasifithadbeenputinprintofyou-I

wentstraighttotheBanktosayIknewwhereStephenwas，andtogiveasureandcertainpromisethatheshouldbehereintwodays。

Icouldn\'tmeetwi\'Mr。Bounderbythen，andyourbrothersentmeaway，andItriedtofindyou，butyouwasnottobefound，andI

wentbacktowork。SoonasIcomeoutoftheMillto-night，I

hastenedtohearwhatwassaidofStephen-forIknowwi\'pridehewillcomebacktoshameit！-andthenIwentagaintoseekMr。

Bounderby，andIfoundhim，andItoldhimeverywordIknew；andhebelievednowordIsaid，andbroughtmehere。\'

\'Sofar，that\'strueenough，\'assentedMr。Bounderby，withhishandsinhispocketsandhishaton。\'ButIhaveknownyoupeoplebeforeto-day，you\'llobserve，andIknowyouneverdieforwantoftalking。Now，Irecommendyounotsomuchtomindtalkingjustnow，asdoing。Youhaveundertakentodosomething；allIremarkuponthatatpresentis，doit！\'

\'IhavewrittentoStephenbythepostthatwentoutthisafternoon，asIhavewrittentohimoncebeforesin\'hewentaway，\'

saidRachael；\'andhewillbehere，atfurthest，intwodays。\'

\'Then，I\'lltellyousomething。Youarenotawareperhaps，\'

retortedMr。Bounderby，\'thatyouyourselfhavebeenlookedafternowandthen，notbeingconsideredquitefreefromsuspicioninthisbusiness，onaccountofmostpeoplebeingjudgedaccordingtothecompanytheykeep。Thepost-officehasn\'tbeenforgotteneither。WhatI\'lltellyouis，thatnolettertoStephenBlackpoolhasevergotintoit。Therefore，whathasbecomeofyours，Ileaveyoutoguess。Perhapsyou\'remistaken，andneverwroteany。\'

\'Hehadn\'tbeengonefromhere，younglady，\'saidRachael，turningappealinglytoLouisa，\'asmuchasaweek，whenhesentmetheonlyletterIhavehadfromhim，sayingthathewasforcedtoseekworkinanothername。\'

\'Oh，byGeorge！\'criedBounderby，shakinghishead，withawhistle，\'hechangeshisname，doeshe！That\'sratherunlucky，too，forsuchanimmaculatechap。It\'sconsideredalittlesuspiciousinCourtsofJustice，Ibelieve，whenanInnocenthappenstohavemanynames。\'

\'What，\'saidRachael，withthetearsinhereyesagain，\'what，younglady，inthenameofMercy，wasleftthepoorladtodo！Themastersagainsthimononehand，themenagainsthimontheother，heonlywantintoworkhardinpeace，anddowhathefeltright。

Canamanhavenosoulofhisown，nomindofhisown？Musthegowrongallthroughwi\'thisside，ormusthegowrongallthroughwi\'that，orelsebehuntedlikeahare？\'

\'Indeed，indeed，Ipityhimfrommyheart，\'returnedLouisa；\'andI

hopethathewillclearhimself。\'

\'Youneedhavenofearofthat，younglady。Heissure！\'

\'Allthesurer，Isuppose，\'saidMr。Bounderby，\'foryourrefusingtotellwhereheis？Eh？\'

\'Heshallnot，throughanyactofmine，comebackwi\'theunmeritedreproachofbeingbroughtback。Heshallcomebackofhisownaccordtoclearhimself，andputallthosethathaveinjuredhisgoodcharacter，andhenothereforitsdefence，toshame。Ihavetoldhimwhathasbeendoneagainsthim，\'saidRachael，throwingoffalldistrustasarockthrowsofthesea，\'andhewillbehere，atfurthest，intwodays。\'

\'Notwithstandingwhich，\'addedMr。Bounderby，\'ifhecanbelaidholdofanysooner，heshallhaveanearlieropportunityofclearinghimself。Astoyou，Ihavenothingagainstyou；whatyoucameandtoldmeturnsouttobetrue，andIhavegivenyouthemeansofprovingittobetrue，andthere\'sanendofit。Iwishyougoodnightall！Imustbeofftolookalittlefurtherintothis。\'

TomcameoutofhiscornerwhenMr。Bounderbymoved，movedwithhim，keptclosetohim，andwentawaywithhim。Theonlypartingsalutationofwhichhedeliveredhimselfwasasulky\'Goodnight，father！\'Withabriefspeech，andascowlathissister，heleftthehouse。

Sincehissheet-anchorhadcomehome，Mr。Gradgrindhadbeensparingofspeech。Hestillsatsilent，whenLouisamildlysaid:

\'Rachael，youwillnotdistrustmeoneday，whenyouknowmebetter。\'

\'Itgoesagainstme，\'Rachaelanswered，inagentlermanner，\'tomistrustanyone；butwhenIamsomistrusted-whenweallare-I

cannotkeepsuchthingsquiteoutofmymind。Iaskyourpardonforhavingdoneyouaninjury。Idon\'tthinkwhatIsaidnow。YetImightcometothinkitagain，wi\'thepoorladsowronged。\'

\'Didyoutellhiminyourletter，\'inquiredSissy，\'thatsuspicionseemedtohavefallenuponhim，becausehehadbeenseenabouttheBankatnight？Hewouldthenknowwhathewouldhavetoexplainoncomingback，andwouldbeready。\'

\'Yes，dear，\'shereturned；\'butIcan\'tguesswhatcanhaveevertakenhimthere。Heneverusedtogothere。Itwasneverinhisway。Hiswaywasthesameasmine，andnotnearit。\'

Sissyhadalreadybeenathersideaskingherwhereshelived，andwhethershemightcometo-morrownight，toinquireiftherewerenewsofhim。

\'Idoubt，\'saidRachael，\'ifhecanbeheretillnextday。\'

\'ThenIwillcomenextnighttoo，\'saidSissy。

WhenRachael，assentingtothis，wasgone，Mr。Gradgrindlifteduphishead，andsaidtohisdaughter:

\'Louisa，mydear，Ihavenever，thatIknowof，seenthisman。Doyoubelievehimtobeimplicated？\'

\'IthinkIhavebelievedit，father，thoughwithgreatdifficulty。

Idonotbelieveitnow。\'

\'Thatistosay，youoncepersuadedyourselftobelieveit，fromknowinghimtobesuspected。Hisappearanceandmanner；aretheysohonest？\'

\'Veryhonest。\'

\'Andherconfidencenottobeshaken！Iaskmyself，\'saidMr。

Gradgrind，musing，\'doestherealculpritknowoftheseaccusations？Whereishe？Whoishe？\'

Hishairhadlatterlybegantochangeitscolour。Asheleaneduponhishandagain，lookinggrayandold，Louisa，withafaceoffearandpity，hurriedlywentovertohim，andsatcloseathisside。HereyesbyaccidentmetSissy\'satthemoment。Sissyflushedandstarted，andLouisaputherfingeronherlip。

Nextnight，whenSissyreturnedhomeandtoldLouisathatStephenwasnotcome，shetolditinawhisper。Nextnightagain，whenshecamehomewiththesameaccount，andaddedthathehadnotbeenheardof，shespokeinthesamelowfrightenedtone。Fromthemomentofthatinterchangeoflooks，theyneverutteredhisname，oranyreferencetohim，aloud；noreverpursuedthesubjectoftherobbery，whenMr。Gradgrindspokeofit。

Thetwoappointeddaysranout，threedaysandnightsranout，andStephenBlackpoolwasnotcome，andremainedunheardof。Onthefourthday，Rachael，withunabatedconfidence，butconsideringherdespatchtohavemiscarried，wentuptotheBank，andshowedherletterfromhimwithhisaddress，ataworkingcolony，oneofmany，notuponthemainroad，sixtymilesaway。Messengersweresenttothatplace，andthewholetownlookedforStephentobebroughtinnextday。

DuringthiswholetimethewhelpmovedaboutwithMr。Bounderbylikehisshadow，assistinginalltheproceedings。Hewasgreatlyexcited，horriblyfevered，bithisnailsdowntothequick，spokeinahardrattlingvoice，andwithlipsthatwereblackandburntup。Atthehourwhenthesuspectedmanwaslookedfor，thewhelpwasatthestation；offeringtowagerthathehadmadeoffbeforethearrivalofthosewhoweresentinquestofhim，andthathewouldnotappear。

Thewhelpwasright。Themessengersreturnedalone。Rachael\'sletterhadgone，Rachael\'sletterhadbeendelivered。StephenBlackpoolhaddecampedinthatsamehour；andnosoulknewmoreofhim。TheonlydoubtinCoketownwas，whetherRachaelhadwritteningoodfaith，believingthathereallywouldcomeback，orwarninghimtofly。Onthispointopinionwasdivided。

Sixdays，sevendays，faronintoanotherweek。Thewretchedwhelppluckedupaghastlycourage，andbegantogrowdefiant。\'Wasthesuspectedfellowthethief？Aprettyquestion！Ifnot，wherewastheman，andwhydidhenotcomeback？\'

Wherewastheman，andwhydidhenotcomeback？Inthedeadofnighttheechoesofhisownwords，whichhadrolledHeavenknowshowfarawayinthedaytime，camebackinstead，andabidedbyhimuntilmorning。

CHAPTERV-FOUND

DAYandnightagain，dayandnightagain。NoStephenBlackpool。

Wherewastheman，andwhydidhenotcomeback？

Everynight，SissywenttoRachael\'slodging，andsatwithherinhersmallneatroom。Allday，Rachaeltoiledassuchpeoplemusttoil，whatevertheiranxieties。Thesmoke-serpentswereindifferentwhowaslostorfound，whoturnedoutbadorgood；themelancholymadelephants，liketheHardFactmen，abatednothingoftheirsetroutine，whateverhappened。Dayandnightagain，dayandnightagain。Themonotonywasunbroken。EvenStephenBlackpool\'sdisappearancewasfallingintothegeneralway，andbecomingasmonotonousawonderasanypieceofmachineryinCoketown。

\'Imisdoubt，\'saidRachael，\'ifthereisasmanyastwentyleftinallthisplace，whohaveanytrustinthepoordearladnow。\'

ShesaidittoSissy，astheysatinherlodging，lightedonlybythelampatthestreetcorner。Sissyhadcometherewhenitwasalreadydark，toawaitherreturnfromwork；andtheyhadsincesatatthewindowwhereRachaelhadfoundher，wantingnobrighterlighttoshineontheirsorrowfultalk。

\'Ifithadn\'tbeenmercifullybroughtabout，thatIwastohaveyoutospeakto，\'pursuedRachael，\'timesare，whenIthinkmymindwouldnothavekeptright。ButIgethopeandstrengththroughyou；andyoubelievethatthoughappearancesmayriseagainsthim，hewillbeprovedclear？\'

\'Idobelieveso，\'returnedSissy，\'withmywholeheart。Ifeelsocertain，Rachael，thattheconfidenceyouholdinyoursagainstalldiscouragement，isnotliketobewrong，thatIhavenomoredoubtofhimthanifIhadknownhimthroughasmanyyearsoftrialasyouhave。\'

\'AndI，mydear，\'saidRachel，withatrembleinhervoice，\'haveknownhimthroughthemall，tobe，accordingtohisquietways，sofaithfultoeverythinghonestandgood，thatifhewasnevertobeheardofmore，andIwastolivetobeahundredyearsold，Icouldsaywithmylastbreath，Godknowsmyheart。IhaveneveroncelefttrustingStephenBlackpool！\'

\'Weallbelieve，upattheLodge，Rachael，thathewillbefreedfromsuspicion，soonerorlater。\'

\'ThebetterIknowittobesobelievedthere，mydear，\'saidRachael，\'andthekinderIfeelitthatyoucomeawayfromthere，purposelytocomfortme，andkeepmecompany，andbeseenwi\'mewhenIamnotyetfreefromallsuspicionmyself，themoregrievedIamthatIshouldeverhavespokenthosemistrustingwordstotheyounglady。AndyetI-\'

\'Youdon\'tmistrusthernow，Rachael？\'

\'Nowthatyouhavebroughtusmoretogether，no。ButIcan\'tatalltimeskeepoutofmymind-\'

Hervoicesosunkintoalowandslowcommuningwithherself，thatSissy，sittingbyherside，wasobligedtolistenwithattention。

\'Ican\'tatalltimeskeepoutofmymind，mistrustingsofsomeone。Ican\'tthinkwho\'tis，Ican\'tthinkhoworwhyitmaybedone，butImistrustthatsomeonehasputStephenoutoftheway。

Imistrustthatbyhiscomingbackofhisownaccord，andshowinghimselfinnocentbeforethemall，someonewouldbeconfounded，who-topreventthat-hasstoppedhim，andputhimoutoftheway。\'

\'Thatisadreadfulthought，\'saidSissy，turningpale。

\'Itisadreadfulthoughttothinkhemaybemurdered。\'

Sissyshuddered，andturnedpaleryet。

\'Whenitmakesitswayintomymind，dear，\'saidRachael，\'anditwillcomesometimes，thoughIdoallIcantokeepitout，wi\'

countingontohighnumbersasIwork，andsayingoverandoveragainpiecesthatIknewwhenIwereachild-Ifallintosuchawild，hothurry，that，howevertiredIam，Iwanttowalkfast，milesandmiles。Imustgetthebetterofthisbeforebed-time。

I\'llwalkhomewi\'you。\'

\'Hemightfallilluponthejourneyback，\'saidSissy，faintlyofferingaworn-outscrapofhope；\'andinsuchacase，therearemanyplacesontheroadwherehemightstop。\'

\'Butheisinnoneofthem。Hehasbeensoughtforinall，andhe\'snotthere。\'

\'True，\'wasSissy\'sreluctantadmission。

\'He\'dwalkthejourneyintwodays。Ifhewasfootsoreandcouldn\'twalk，Isenthim，intheletterhegot，themoneytoride，lestheshouldhavenoneofhisowntospare。\'

\'Letushopethatto-morrowwillbringsomethingbetter，Rachael。

Comeintotheair！\'

HergentlehandadjustedRachael\'sshawluponhershiningblackhairintheusualmannerofherwearingit，andtheywentout。Thenightbeingfine，littleknotsofHandswerehereandtherelingeringatstreetcorners；butitwassupper-timewiththegreaterpartofthem，andtherewerebutfewpeopleinthestreets。

\'You\'renotsohurriednow，Rachael，andyourhandiscooler。\'

\'Igetbetter，dear，ifIcanonlywalk，andbreathealittlefresh。\'TimeswhenIcan\'t，Iturnweakandconfused。\'

\'Butyoumustnotbegintofail，Rachael，foryoumaybewantedatanytimetostandbyStephen。To-morrowisSaturday。Ifnonewscomesto-morrow，letuswalkinthecountryonSundaymorning，andstrengthenyouforanotherweek。Willyougo？\'

\'Yes，dear。\'

TheywerebythistimeinthestreetwhereMr。Bounderby\'shousestood。ThewaytoSissy\'sdestinationledthempastthedoor，andtheyweregoingstraighttowardsit。SometrainhadnewlyarrivedinCoketown，whichhadputanumberofvehiclesinmotion，andscatteredaconsiderablebustleaboutthetown。SeveralcoacheswererattlingbeforethemandbehindthemastheyapproachedMr。

Bounderby\'s，andoneofthelatterdrewupwithsuchbrisknessastheywereintheactofpassingthehouse，thattheylookedroundinvoluntarily。ThebrightgaslightoverMr。Bounderby\'sstepsshowedthemMrs。Sparsitinthecoach，inanecstasyofexcitement，strugglingtoopenthedoor；Mrs。Sparsitseeingthematthesamemoment，calledtothemtostop。

\'It\'sacoincidence，\'exclaimedMrs。Sparsit，asshewasreleasedbythecoachman。\'It\'saProvidence！Comeout，ma\'am！\'thensaidMrs。Sparsit，tosomeoneinside，\'comeout，orwe\'llhaveyoudraggedout！\'

Hereupon，nootherthanthemysteriousoldwomandescended。WhomMrs。Sparsitincontinentlycollared。

\'Leaveheralone，everybody！\'criedMrs。Sparsit，withgreatenergy。\'Letnobodytouchher。Shebelongstome。Comein，ma\'am！\'thensaidMrs。Sparsit，reversingherformerwordofcommand。\'Comein，ma\'am，orwe\'llhaveyoudraggedin！\'

Thespectacleofamatronofclassicaldeportment，seizinganancientwomanbythethroat，andhaulingherintoadwelling-house，wouldhavebeenunderanycircumstances，sufficienttemptationtoalltrueEnglishstragglerssoblestastowitnessit，toforceawayintothatdwelling-houseandseethematterout。ButwhenthephenomenonwasenhancedbythenotorietyandmysterybythistimeassociatedalloverthetownwiththeBankrobbery，itwouldhaveluredthestragglersin，withanirresistibleattraction，thoughtheroofhadbeenexpectedtofallupontheirheads。Accordingly，thechancewitnessesontheground，consistingofthebusiestoftheneighbourstothenumberofsomefive-and-twenty，closedinafterSissyandRachael，astheyclosedinafterMrs。Sparsitandherprize；andthewholebodymadeadisorderlyirruptionintoMr。

Bounderby\'sdining-room，wherethepeoplebehindlostnotamoment\'stimeinmountingonthechairs，togetthebetterofthepeopleinfront。

\'FetchMr。Bounderbydown！\'criedMrs。Sparsit。\'Rachael，youngwoman；youknowwhothisis？\'

\'It\'sMrs。Pegler，\'saidRachael。

\'Ishouldthinkitis！\'criedMrs。Sparsit，exulting。\'FetchMr。

Bounderby。Standaway，everybody！\'HereoldMrs。Pegler，mufflingherselfup，andshrinkingfromobservation，whisperedawordofentreaty。\'Don\'ttellme，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，aloud。\'Ihavetoldyoutwentytimes，comingalong，thatIwillnotleaveyoutillI

havehandedyouovertohimmyself。\'

Mr。Bounderbynowappeared，accompaniedbyMr。Gradgrindandthewhelp，withwhomhehadbeenholdingconferenceup-stairs。Mr。

Bounderbylookedmoreastonishedthanhospitable，atsightofthisuninvitedpartyinhisdining-room。

\'Why，what\'sthematternow！\'saidhe。\'Mrs。Sparsit，ma\'am？\'

\'Sir，\'explainedthatworthywoman，\'Itrustitismygoodfortunetoproduceapersonyouhavemuchdesiredtofind。Stimulatedbymywishtorelieveyourmind，sir，andconnectingtogethersuchimperfectcluestothepartofthecountryinwhichthatpersonmightbesupposedtoreside，ashavebeenaffordedbytheyoungwoman，Rachael，fortunatelynowpresenttoidentify，Ihavehadthehappinesstosucceed，andtobringthatpersonwithme-Ineednotsaymostunwillinglyonherpart。Ithasnotbeen，sir，withoutsometroublethatIhaveeffectedthis；buttroubleinyourserviceistomeapleasure，andhunger，thirst，andcoldarealgratification。\'

HereMrs。Sparsitceased；forMr。Bounderby\'svisageexhibitedanextraordinarycombinationofallpossiblecoloursandexpressionsofdiscomfiture，asoldMrs。Peglerwasdisclosedtohisview。

\'Why，whatdoyoumeanbythis？\'washishighlyunexpecteddemand，ingreatwarmth。\'Iaskyou，whatdoyoumeanbythis，Mrs。

Sparsit，ma\'am？\'

\'Sir！\'exclaimedMrs。Sparsit，faintly。

\'Whydon\'tyoumindyourownbusiness，ma\'am？\'roaredBounderby。

\'Howdareyougoandpokeyourofficiousnoseintomyfamilyaffairs？\'

ThisallusiontoherfavouritefeatureoverpoweredMrs。Sparsit。

Shesatdownstifflyinachair，asifshewerefrozen；andwithafixedstareatMr。Bounderby，slowlygratedhermittensagainstoneanother，asiftheywerefrozentoo。

\'MydearJosiah！\'criedMrs。Pegler，trembling。\'Mydarlingboy！

Iamnottoblame。It\'snotmyfault，Josiah。Itoldthisladyoverandoveragain，thatIknewshewasdoingwhatwouldnotbeagreeabletoyou，butshewoulddoit。\'

\'Whatdidyouletherbringyoufor？Couldn\'tyouknockhercapoff，orhertoothout，orscratchher，ordosomethingorothertoher？\'askedBounderby。

\'Myownboy！ShethreatenedmethatifIresistedher，Ishouldbebroughtbyconstables，anditwasbettertocomequietlythanmakethatstirinsucha\'-Mrs。Peglerglancedtimidlybutproudlyroundthewalls-\'suchafinehouseasthis。Indeed，indeed，itisnotmyfault！Mydear，noble，statelyboy！Ihavealwayslivedquiet，andsecret，Josiah，mydear。Ihaveneverbrokentheconditiononce。IhaveneversaidIwasyourmother。Ihaveadmiredyouatadistance；andifIhavecometotownsometimes，withlongtimesbetween，totakeaproudpeepatyou，Ihavedoneitunbeknown，mylove，andgoneawayagain。\'

Mr。Bounderby，withhishandsinhispockets，walkedinimpatientmortificationupanddownatthesideofthelongdining-table，whilethespectatorsgreedilytookineverysyllableofMrs。

Pegler\'sappeal，andateachsucceedingsyllablebecamemoreandmoreround-eyed。Mr。BounderbystillwalkingupanddownwhenMrs。

Peglerhaddone，Mr。Gradgrindaddressedthatmalignedoldlady:

\'Iamsurprised，madam，\'heobservedwithseverity，\'thatinyouroldageyouhavethefacetoclaimMr。Bounderbyforyourson，afteryourunnaturalandinhumantreatmentofhim。\'

\'Meunnatural！\'criedpooroldMrs。Pegler。\'Meinhuman！Tomydearboy？\'

\'Dear！\'repeatedMr。Gradgrind。\'Yes；dearinhisself-madeprosperity，madam，Idaresay。Notverydear，however，whenyoudesertedhiminhisinfancy，andlefthimtothebrutalityofadrunkengrandmother。\'

\'IdesertedmyJosiah！\'criedMrs。Pegler，claspingherhands。

\'Now，Lordforgiveyou，sir，foryourwickedimaginations，andforyourscandalagainstthememoryofmypoormother，whodiedinmyarmsbeforeJosiahwasborn。Mayyourepentofit，sir，andlivetoknowbetter！\'

Shewassoveryearnestandinjured，thatMr。Gradgrind，shockedbythepossibilitywhichdawneduponhim，saidinagentlertone:

\'Doyoudeny，then，madam，thatyouleftyoursonto-tobebroughtupinthegutter？\'

\'Josiahinthegutter！\'exclaimedMrs。Pegler。\'Nosuchathing，sir。Never！Forshameonyou！Mydearboyknows，andwillgiveyoutoknow，thatthoughhecomeofhumbleparents，hecomeofparentsthatlovedhimasdearasthebestcould，andneverthoughtithardshiponthemselvestopinchabitthathemightwriteandcipherbeautiful，andI\'vehisbooksathometoshowit！Aye，haveI！\'saidMrs。Pegler，withindignantpride。\'Andmydearboyknows，andwillgiveyoutoknow，sir，thatafterhisbelovedfatherdied，whenhewaseightyearsold，hismother，too，couldpinchabit，asitwasherdutyandherpleasureandherpridetodoit，tohelphimoutinlife，andputhim\'prentice。Andasteadyladhewas，andakindmasterhehadtolendhimahand，andwellheworkedhisownwayforwardtoberichandthriving。AndI\'llgiveyoutoknow，sir-forthismydearboywon\'t-thatthoughhismotherkeptbutalittlevillageshop，heneverforgother，butpensionedmeonthirtypoundayear-morethanIwant，forIputbyoutofit-onlymakingtheconditionthatIwastokeepdowninmyownpart，andmakenoboastsabouthim，andnottroublehim。AndIneverhave，exceptwithlookingathimonceayear，whenhehasneverknowedit。Andit\'sright，\'saidpooroldMrs。Pegler，inaffectionatechampionship，\'thatIshouldkeepdowninmyownpart，andIhavenodoubtsthatifIwashereIshoulddoamanyunbefittingthings，andIamwellcontented，andIcankeepmyprideinmyJosiahtomyself，andIcanloveforlove\'sownsake！AndIamashamedofyou，sir，\'saidMrs。Pegler，lastly，\'foryourslandersandsuspicions。AndIneverstoodherebefore，norneverwantedtostandherewhenmydearsonsaidno。AndI

shouldn\'tbeherenow，ifithadn\'tbeenforbeingbroughthere。

Andforshameuponyou，Oh，forshame，toaccusemeofbeingabadmothertomyson，withmysonstandingheretotellyousodifferent！\'

Thebystanders，onandoffthedining-roomchairs，raisedamurmurofsympathywithMrs。Pegler，andMr。Gradgrindfelthimselfinnocentlyplacedinaverydistressingpredicament，whenMr。

Bounderby，whohadneverceasedwalkingupanddown，andhadeverymomentswelledlargerandlarger，andgrownredderandredder，stoppedshort。

\'Idon\'texactlyknow，\'saidMr。Bounderby，\'howIcometobefavouredwiththeattendanceofthepresentcompany，butIdon\'tinquire。Whenthey\'requitesatisfied，perhapsthey\'llbesogoodastodisperse；whetherthey\'resatisfiedornot，perhapsthey\'llbesogoodastodisperse。I\'mnotboundtodeliveralectureonmyfamilyaffairs，Ihavenotundertakentodoit，andI\'mnotagoingtodoit。Thereforethosewhoexpectanyexplanationwhateveruponthatbranchofthesubject，willbedisappointed-

particularlyTomGradgrind，andhecan\'tknowittoosoon。InreferencetotheBankrobbery，therehasbeenamistakemade，concerningmymother。Iftherehadn\'tbeenover-officiousnessitwouldn\'thavebeenmade，andIhateover-officiousnessatalltimes，whetherorno。Goodevening！\'

AlthoughMr。Bounderbycarrieditoffintheseterms，holdingthedooropenforthecompanytodepart，therewasablusteringsheepishnessuponhim，atonceextremelycrestfallenandsuperlativelyabsurd。DetectedastheBullyofhumility，whohadbuilthiswindyreputationuponlies，andinhisboastfulnesshadputthehonesttruthasfarawayfromhimasifhehadadvancedthemeanclaim(thereisnomeaner)totackhimselfontoapedigree，hecutamostridiculousfigure。Withthepeoplefilingoffatthedoorheheld，whoheknewwouldcarrywhathadpassedtothewholetown，tobegiventothefourwinds，hecouldnothavelookedaBullymoreshornandforlorn，ifhehadhadhisearscropped。Eventhatunluckyfemale，Mrs。Sparsit，fallenfromherpinnacleofexultationintotheSloughofDespond，wasnotinsobadaplightasthatremarkablemanandself-madeHumbug，JosiahBounderbyofCoketown。

RachaelandSissy，leavingMrs。Peglertooccupyabedatherson\'sforthatnight，walkedtogethertothegateofStoneLodgeandthereparted。Mr。Gradgrindjoinedthembeforetheyhadgoneveryfar，andspokewithmuchinterestofStephenBlackpool；forwhomhethoughtthissignalfailureofthesuspicionsagainstMrs。Peglerwaslikelytoworkwell。

Astothewhelp；throughoutthissceneasonallotherlateoccasions，hehadstuckclosetoBounderby。HeseemedtofeelthataslongasBounderbycouldmakenodiscoverywithouthisknowledge，hewassofarsafe。Henevervisitedhissister，andhadonlyseenheroncesinceshewenthome:thatistosayonthenightwhenhestillstuckclosetoBounderby，asalreadyrelated。

Therewasonedimunformedfearlingeringabouthissister\'smind，towhichshenevergaveutterance，whichsurroundedthegracelessandungratefulboywithadreadfulmystery。Thesamedarkpossibilityhadpresenteditselfinthesameshapelessguise，thisveryday，toSissy，whenRachaelspokeofsomeonewhowouldbeconfoundedbyStephen\'sreturn，havingputhimoutoftheway。

Louisahadneverspokenofharbouringanysuspicionofherbrotherinconnexionwiththerobbery，sheandSissyhadheldnoconfidenceonthesubject，saveinthatoneinterchangeoflookswhentheunconsciousfatherrestedhisgrayheadonhishand；butitwasunderstoodbetweenthem，andtheybothknewit。Thisotherfearwassoawful，thatithoveredabouteachofthemlikeaghostlyshadow；neitherdaringtothinkofitsbeingnearherself，farlessofitsbeingneartheother。

Andstilltheforcedspiritwhichthewhelphadpluckedup，throvewithhim。IfStephenBlackpoolwasnotthethief，lethimshowhimself。Whydidn\'the？

Anothernight。Anotherdayandnight。NoStephenBlackpool。

Wherewastheman，andwhydidhenotcomeback？

CHAPTERVI-THESTARLIGHT

THESundaywasabrightSundayinautumn，clearandcool，whenearlyinthemorningSissyandRachaelmet，towalkinthecountry。

AsCoketowncastashesnotonlyonitsownheadbutontheneighbourhood\'stoo-afterthemannerofthosepiouspersonswhodopenancefortheirownsinsbyputtingotherpeopleintosackcloth-itwascustomaryforthosewhonowandthenthirstedforadraughtofpureair，whichisnotabsolutelythemostwickedamongthevanitiesoflife，togetafewmilesawaybytherailroad，andthenbegintheirwalk，ortheirloungeinthefields。

SissyandRachaelhelpedthemselvesoutofthesmokebytheusualmeans，andwereputdownatastationaboutmidwaybetweenthetownandMr。Bounderby\'sretreat。

Thoughthegreenlandscapewasblottedhereandtherewithheapsofcoal，itwasgreenelsewhere，andthereweretreestosee，andtherewerelarkssinging(thoughitwasSunday)，andtherewerepleasantscentsintheair，andallwasover-archedbyabrightbluesky。Inthedistanceoneway，Coketownshowedasablackmist；inanotherdistancehillsbegantorise；inathird，therewasafaintchangeinthelightofthehorizonwhereitshoneuponthefar-offsea。Undertheirfeet，thegrasswasfresh；beautifulshadowsofbranchesflickereduponit，andspeckledit；hedgerowswereluxuriant；everythingwasatpeace。Enginesatpits\'mouths，andleanoldhorsesthathadwornthecircleoftheirdailylabourintotheground，werealikequiet；wheelshadceasedforashortspacetoturn；andthegreatwheelofearthseemedtorevolvewithouttheshocksandnoisesofanothertime。

Theywalkedonacrossthefieldsanddowntheshadylanes，sometimesgettingoverafragmentofafencesorottenthatitdroppedatatouchofthefoot，sometimespassingnearawreckofbricksandbeamsovergrownwithgrass，markingthesiteofdesertedworks。Theyfollowedpathsandtracks，howeverslight。Moundswherethegrasswasrankandhigh，andwherebrambles，dock-weed，andsuch-likevegetation，wereconfusedlyheapedtogether，theyalwaysavoided；fordismalstoriesweretoldinthatcountryoftheoldpitshiddenbeneathsuchindications。

Thesunwashighwhentheysatdowntorest。Theyhadseennoone，nearordistant，foralongtime；andthesolituderemainedunbroken。\'Itissostillhere，Rachael，andthewayissountrodden，thatIthinkwemustbethefirstwhohavebeenhereallthesummer。\'

AsSissysaidit，hereyeswereattractedbyanotherofthoserottenfragmentsoffenceupontheground。Shegotuptolookatit。\'AndyetIdon\'tknow。Thishasnotbeenbrokenverylong。

Thewoodisquitefreshwhereitgaveway。Herearefootstepstoo-

ORachael！\'

Sheranback，andcaughtherroundtheneck。Rachaelhadalreadystartedup。

\'Whatisthematter？\'

\'Idon\'tknow。Thereisahatlyinginthegrass。\'Theywentforwardtogether。Rachaeltookitup，shakingfromheadtofoot。

Shebrokeintoapassionoftearsandlamentations:StephenBlackpoolwaswritteninhisownhandontheinside。

\'Othepoorlad，thepoorlad！Hehasbeenmadeawaywith。Heislyingmurderedhere！\'

\'Isthere-hasthehatanyblooduponit？\'Sissyfaltered。

Theywereafraidtolook；buttheydidexamineit，andfoundnomarkofviolence，insideorout。Ithadbeenlyingtheresomedays，forrainanddewhadstainedit，andthemarkofitsshapewasonthegrasswhereithadfallen。Theylookedfearfullyaboutthem，withoutmoving，butcouldseenothingmore。\'Rachael，\'Sissywhispered，\'Iwillgoonalittlebymyself。\'

Shehadunclaspedherhand，andwasintheactofsteppingforward，whenRachaelcaughtherinbotharmswithascreamthatresoundedoverthewidelandscape。Beforethem，attheirveryfeet，wasthebrinkofablackraggedchasmhiddenbythethickgrass。Theysprangback，andfellupontheirknees，eachhidingherfaceupontheother\'sneck。

\'O，mygoodLord！He\'sdownthere！Downthere！\'Atfirstthis，andherterrificscreams，wereallthatcouldbegotfromRachael，byanytears，byanyprayers，byanyrepresentations，byanymeans。

Itwasimpossibletohushher；anditwasdeadlynecessarytoholdher，orshewouldhaveflungherselfdowntheshaft。

\'Rachael，dearRachael，goodRachael，fortheloveofHeaven，notthesedreadfulcries！ThinkofStephen，thinkofStephen，thinkofStephen！\'

Byanearnestrepetitionofthisentreaty，pouredoutinalltheagonyofsuchamoment，Sissyatlastbroughthertobesilent，andtolookatherwithatearlessfaceofstone。

\'Rachael，Stephenmaybeliving。Youwouldn\'tleavehimlyingmaimedatthebottomofthisdreadfulplace，amoment，ifyoucouldbringhelptohim？\'

\'No，no，no！\'

\'Don\'tstirfromhere，forhissake！Letmegoandlisten。\'

Sheshudderedtoapproachthepit；butshecrepttowardsitonherhandsandknees，andcalledtohimasloudasshecouldcall。Shelistened，butnosoundreplied。Shecalledagainandlistened；

stillnoansweringsound。Shedidthis，twenty，thirtytimes。Shetookalittleclodofearthfromthebrokengroundwherehehadstumbled，andthrewitin。Shecouldnothearitfall。

Thewideprospect，sobeautifulinitsstillnessbutafewminutesago，almostcarrieddespairtoherbraveheart，assheroseandlookedallroundher，seeingnohelp。\'Rachael，wemustlosenotamoment。Wemustgoindifferentdirections，seekingaid。Youshallgobythewaywehavecome，andIwillgoforwardbythepath。Tellanyoneyousee，andeveryonewhathashappened。

ThinkofStephen，thinkofStephen！\'

SheknewbyRachael\'sfacethatshemighttrusthernow。Andafterstandingforamomenttoseeherrunning，wringingherhandsassheran，sheturnedandwentuponherownsearch；shestoppedatthehedgetotiehershawlthereasaguidetotheplace，thenthrewherbonnetaside，andranasshehadneverrunbefore。

Run，Sissy，run，inHeaven\'sname！Don\'tstopforbreath。Run，run！Quickeningherselfbycarryingsuchentreatiesinherthoughts，sheranfromfieldtofield，andlanetolane，andplacetoplace，asshehadneverrunbefore；untilshecametoashedbyanengine-house，wheretwomenlayintheshade，asleeponstraw。

Firsttowakethem，andnexttotellthem，allsowildandbreathlessasshewas，whathadbroughtherthere，weredifficulties；buttheynosoonerunderstoodherthantheirspiritswereonfirelikehers。Oneofthemenwasinadrunkenslumber，butonhiscomrade\'sshoutingtohimthatamanhadfallendowntheOldHellShaft，hestartedouttoapoolofdirtywater，puthisheadinit，andcamebacksober。

Withthesetwomensherantoanotherhalf-a-milefurther，andwiththatonetoanother，whiletheyranelsewhere。Thenahorsewasfound；andshegotanothermantorideforlifeordeathtotherailroad，andsendamessagetoLouisa，whichshewroteandgavehim。Bythistimeawholevillagewasup:andwindlasses，ropes，poles，candles，lanterns，allthingsnecessary，werefastcollectingandbeingbroughtintooneplace，tobecarriedtotheOldHellShaft。

Itseemednowhoursandhourssinceshehadleftthelostmanlyinginthegravewherehehadbeenburiedalive。Shecouldnotbeartoremainawayfromitanylonger-itwaslikedesertinghim-andshehurriedswiftlyback，accompaniedbyhalf-a-dozenlabourers，includingthedrunkenmanwhomthenewshadsobered，andwhowasthebestmanofall。WhentheycametotheOldHellShaft，theyfounditaslonelyasshehadleftit。Themencalledandlistenedasshehaddone，andexaminedtheedgeofthechasm，andsettledhowithadhappened，andthensatdowntowaituntiltheimplementstheywantedshouldcomeup。

Everysoundofinsectsintheair，everystirringoftheleaves，everywhisperamongthesemen，madeSissytremble，forshethoughtitwasacryatthebottomofthepit。Butthewindblewidlyoverit，andnosoundarosetothesurface，andtheysatuponthegrass，waitingandwaiting。Aftertheyhadwaitedsometime，stragglingpeoplewhohadheardoftheaccidentbegantocomeup；thentherealhelpofimplementsbegantoarrive。Inthemidstofthis，Rachaelreturned；andwithherpartytherewasasurgeon，whobroughtsomewineandmedicines。But，theexpectationamongthepeoplethatthemanwouldbefoundalivewasveryslightindeed。

Therebeingnowpeopleenoughpresenttoimpedethework，thesoberedmanputhimselfattheheadoftherest，orwasputtherebythegeneralconsent，andmadealargeringroundtheOldHellShaft，andappointedmentokeepit。Besidessuchvolunteersaswereacceptedtowork，onlySissyandRachaelwereatfirstpermittedwithinthisring；but，laterintheday，whenthemessagebroughtanexpressfromCoketown，Mr。GradgrindandLouisa，andMr。

Bounderby，andthewhelp，werealsothere。

ThesunwasfourhourslowerthanwhenSissyandRachaelhadfirstsatdownuponthegrass，beforeameansofenablingtwomentodescendsecurelywasriggedwithpolesandropes。Difficultieshadarisenintheconstructionofthismachine，simpleasitwas；

requisiteshadbeenfoundwanting，andmessageshadhadtogoandreturn。Itwasfiveo\'clockintheafternoonofthebrightautumnalSunday，beforeacandlewassentdowntotrytheair，whilethreeorfourroughfacesstoodcrowdedclosetogether，attentivelywatchingit:themanatthewindlassloweringastheyweretold。Thecandlewasbroughtupagain，feeblyburning，andthensomewaterwascastin。Thenthebucketwashookedon；andthesoberedmanandanothergotinwithlights，givingtheword\'Loweraway！\'

Astheropewentout，tightandstrained，andthewindlasscreaked，therewasnotabreathamongtheoneortwohundredmenandwomenlookingon，thatcameasitwaswonttocome。Thesignalwasgivenandthewindlassstopped，withabundantropetospare。Apparentlysolonganintervalensuedwiththemenatthewindlassstandingidle，thatsomewomenshriekedthatanotheraccidenthadhappened！

Butthesurgeonwhoheldthewatch，declaredfiveminutesnottohaveelapsedyet，andsternlyadmonishedthemtokeepsilence。Hehadnotwelldonespeaking，whenthewindlasswasreversedandworkedagain。Practisedeyesknewthatitdidnotgoasheavilyasitwouldifbothworkmenhadbeencomingup，andthatonlyonewasreturning。

Theropecameintightandstrained；andringafterringwascoileduponthebarrelofthewindlass，andalleyeswerefastenedonthepit。Thesoberedmanwasbroughtupandleapedoutbrisklyonthegrass。Therewasanuniversalcryof\'Aliveordead？\'andthenadeep，profoundhush。

Whenhesaid\'Alive！\'agreatshoutaroseandmanyeyeshadtearsinthem。

\'Buthe\'shurtverybad，\'headded，assoonashecouldmakehimselfheardagain。\'Where\'sdoctor？He\'shurtsoverybad，sir，thatwedonnohowtogethimup。\'

Theyallconsultedtogether，andlookedanxiouslyatthesurgeon，asheaskedsomequestions，andshookhisheadonreceivingthereplies。Thesunwassettingnow；andtheredlightintheeveningskytouchedeveryfacethere，andcausedittobedistinctlyseeninallitsraptsuspense。

Theconsultationendedinthemenreturningtothewindlass，andthepitmangoingdownagain，carryingthewineandsomeothersmallmatterswithhim。Thentheothermancameup。Inthemeantime，underthesurgeon\'sdirections，somemenbroughtahurdle，onwhichothersmadeathickbedofspareclothescoveredwithloosestraw，whilehehimselfcontrivedsomebandagesandslingsfromshawlsandhandkerchiefs。Astheseweremade，theywerehunguponanarmofthepitmanwhohadlastcomeup，withinstructionshowtousethem:

andashestood，shownbythelighthecarried，leaninghispowerfulloosehandupononeofthepoles，andsometimesglancingdownthepit，andsometimesglancingrounduponthepeople，hewasnottheleastconspicuousfigureinthescene。Itwasdarknow，andtorcheswerekindled。

Itappearedfromthelittlethismansaidtothoseabouthim，whichwasquicklyrepeatedalloverthecircle，thatthelostmanhadfallenuponamassofcrumbledrubbishwithwhichthepitwashalfchokedup，andthathisfallhadbeenfurtherbrokenbysomejaggedearthattheside。Helayuponhisbackwithonearmdoubledunderhim，andaccordingtohisownbeliefhadhardlystirredsincehefell，exceptthathehadmovedhisfreehandtoasidepocket，inwhichherememberedtohavesomebreadandmeat(ofwhichhehadswallowedcrumbs)，andhadlikewisescoopedupalittlewaterinitnowandthen。Hehadcomestraightawayfromhiswork，onbeingwrittento，andhadwalkedthewholejourney；andwasonhiswaytoMr。Bounderby\'scountryhouseafterdark，whenhefell。Hewascrossingthatdangerouscountryatsuchadangeroustime，becausehewasinnocentofwhatwaslaidtohischarge，andcouldn\'trestfromcomingthenearestwaytodeliverhimselfup。TheOldHellShaft，thepitmansaid，withacurseuponit，wasworthyofitsbadnametothelast；forthoughStephencouldspeaknow，hebelieveditwouldsoonbefoundtohavemangledthelifeoutofhim。

Whenallwasready，thisman，stilltakinghislasthurriedchargesfromhiscomradesandthesurgeonafterthewindlasshadbeguntolowerhim，disappearedintothepit。Theropewentoutasbefore，thesignalwasmadeasbefore，andthewindlassstopped。Nomanremovedhishandfromitnow。Everyonewaitedwithhisgraspset，andhisbodybentdowntothework，readytoreverseandwindin。

Atlengththesignalwasgiven，andalltheringleanedforward。

For，now，theropecamein，tightenedandstrainedtoitsutmostasitappeared，andthementurnedheavily，andthewindlasscomplained。Itwasscarcelyendurabletolookattherope，andthinkofitsgivingway。But，ringafterringwascoileduponthebarrelofthewindlasssafely，andtheconnectingchainsappeared，andfinallythebucketwiththetwomenholdingonatthesides-asighttomaketheheadswim，andoppresstheheart-andtenderlysupportingbetweenthem，slungandtiedwithin，thefigureofapoor，crushed，humancreature。

Alowmurmurofpitywentroundthethrong，andthewomenweptaloud，asthisform，almostwithoutform，wasmovedveryslowlyfromitsirondeliverance，andlaiduponthebedofstraw。Atfirst，nonebutthesurgeonwentclosetoit。Hedidwhathecouldinitsadjustmentonthecouch，butthebestthathecoulddowastocoverit。Thatgentlydone，hecalledtohimRachaelandSissy。

Andatthattimethepale，worn，patientfacewasseenlookingupatthesky，withthebrokenrighthandlyingbareontheoutsideofthecoveringgarments，asifwaitingtobetakenbyanotherhand。

Theygavehimdrink，moistenedhisfacewithwater，andadministeredsomedropsofcordialandwine。Thoughhelayquitemotionlesslookingupatthesky，hesmiledandsaid，\'Rachael。\'

Shestoopeddownonthegrassathisside，andbentoverhimuntilhereyeswerebetweenhisandthesky，forhecouldnotsomuchasturnthemtolookather。

\'Rachael，mydear。\'

Shetookhishand。Hesmiledagainandsaid，\'Don\'tlet\'tgo。\'

\'Thou\'rtingreatpain，myowndearStephen？\'

\'Iha\'been，butnotnow。Iha\'been-dreadful，anddree，andlong，mydear-but\'tisowernow。Ah，Rachael，awamuddle！Fro\'

firsttolast，amuddle！\'

Thespectreofhisoldlookseemedtopassashesaidtheword。

\'Iha\'fellintoth\'pit，mydear，ashavecostwi\'intheknowledgeo\'oldfoknowlivin，hundredsandhundredso\'men\'slives-

fathers，sons，brothers，deartothousandsan\'thousands，an\'

keeping\'emfro\'wantandhunger。Iha\'fellintoapitthatha\'

beenwi\'th\'Firedampcruellerthanbattle。Iha\'readon\'tinthepublicpetition，asonnyonemayread，fro\'thementhatworksinpits，inwhichtheyha\'pray\'nandpray\'nthelawmakersforChrist\'ssakenottolettheirworkbemurderto\'em，buttospare\'emforth\'wivesandchildrenthattheylovesaswellasgentlefoklovestheirs。Whenitwereinwork，itkilledwi\'outneed；when\'tisletalone，itkillswi\'outneed。Seehowwediean\'noneed，onewayan\'another-inamuddle-everyday！\'

Hefaintlysaidit，withoutanyangeragainstanyone。Merelyasthetruth。

\'Thylittlesister，Rachael，thouhastnotforgother。Thou\'rtnotliketoforgethernow，andmesonighher。Thouknow\'st-poor，patient，suff\'rin，dear-howthoudidstworkforher，seet\'nalldaylonginherlittlechairatthywinder，andhowshedied，youngandmisshapen，awlungo\'sicklyairashad\'nnoneedtobe，an\'

awlungo\'workingpeople\'smiserablehomes。Amuddle！Awamuddle！\'

Louisaapproachedhim；buthecouldnotseeher，lyingwithhisfaceturneduptothenightsky。

\'Ifawth\'thingsthattoochesus，mydear，wasnotsomuddled，I

should\'nha\'had\'nneedtocoomheer。Ifwewasnotinamuddleamongourseln，Ishould\'nha\'been，bymyownfellowweaversandworkin\'brothers，somistook。IfMr。Bounderbyhadeverknow\'dmeright-ifhe\'deverknow\'dmeataw-hewould\'nha\'took\'noffencewi\'me。Hewould\'nha\'suspect\'nme。Butlookupyonder，Rachael！Lookaboove！\'

Followinghiseyes，shesawthathewasgazingatastar。

\'Itha\'shineduponme，\'hesaidreverently，\'inmypainandtroubledownbelow。Itha\'shinedintomymind。Iha\'look\'nat\'tandthowto\'thee，Rachael，tillthemuddleinmymindhaveclearedawa，aboveabit，Ihope。Ifsoomha\'beenwantin\'inunnerstan\'inmebetter，I，too，ha\'beenwantin\'inunnerstan\'inthembetter。WhenIgotthyletter，Ieasilybelieventhatwhattheyoongledysenanddonetome，andwhatherbrothersenanddonetome，wasone，andthattherewereawickedplotbetwixt\'em。

WhenIfell，Iwereinangerwi\'her，an\'hurryinont\'beasonjustt\'herasootherswast\'me。Butinourjudgments，likeasinourdoins，wemunbearandforbear。Inmypainan\'trouble，lookinupyonder，-wi\'itshininonme-Iha\'seenmoreclear，andha\'madeitmydyinprayerthatawth\'worldmayon\'ycoomtoogethermore，an\'getabetterunnerstan\'ino\'oneanother，thanwhenIwerein\'tmyownweakseln。\'

Louisahearingwhathesaid，bentoverhimontheoppositesidetoRachael，sothathecouldseeher。

\'Youha\'heard？\'hesaid，afterafewmoments\'silence。\'Iha\'notforgotyou，ledy。\'

\'Yes，Stephen，Ihaveheardyou。Andyourprayerismine。\'

\'Youha\'afather。Willyotak\'amessagetohim？\'

\'Heishere，\'saidLouisa，withdread。\'ShallIbringhimtoyou？\'

\'Ifyoplease。\'

Louisareturnedwithherfather。Standinghand-in-hand，theybothlookeddownuponthesolemncountenance。

\'Sir，yowillclearmean\'makmynamegoodwi\'awmen。ThisI

leavetoyo。\'

Mr。Gradgrindwastroubledandaskedhow？

\'Sir，\'wasthereply:\'yorsonwilltellyohow。Askhim。Imaknocharges:Ileavenoneahintme:notasingleword。Iha\'seenan\'spok\'nwi\'yorson，onenight。Iasknomoreo\'yothanthatyoclearme-an\'Itrusttoyotodo\'t。\'

Thebearersbeingnowreadytocarryhimaway，andthesurgeonbeinganxiousforhisremoval，thosewhohadtorchesorlanterns，preparedtogoinfrontofthelitter。Beforeitwasraised，andwhiletheywerearranginghowtogo，hesaidtoRachael，lookingupwardatthestar:

\'OftenasIcoomtomyseln，andfounditshinin\'onmedownthereinmytrouble，IthowtitwerethestarasguidedtoOurSaviour\'shome。Iawmustthinkitbetheverystar！\'

Theyliftedhimup，andhewasoverjoyedtofindthattheywereabouttotakehiminthedirectionwhitherthestarseemedtohimtolead。

\'Rachael，belovedlass！Don\'tletgomyhand。Wemaywalktoogethert\'night，mydear！\'

\'Iwillholdthyhand，andkeepbesidethee，Stephen，alltheway。\'

\'Blessthee！Willsoombodybepleasedtocoovermyface！\'

Theycarriedhimverygentlyalongthefields，anddownthelanes，andoverthewidelandscape；Rachaelalwaysholdingthehandinhers。Veryfewwhispersbrokethemournfulsilence。Itwassoonafuneralprocession。ThestarhadshownhimwheretofindtheGodofthepoor；andthroughhumility，andsorrow，andforgiveness，hehadgonetohisRedeemer\'srest。