n to me,
besides, that they're not used to this way of life. Don't tell me that
that handsome child has been in the habit of prowling about as she's
done these last two or three days. I know better.'

'Well, who DOES tell you she has?' growled Mr Codlin, again glancing at
the clock and from it to the cauldron, 'can't you think of anything
more suitable to present circumstances than saying things and then
contradicting 'em?'

'I wish somebody would give you your supper,' returned Short, 'for
there'll be no peace till you've got it. Have you seen how anxious the
old man is to get on--always wanting to be furder away--furder away.
Have you seen that?'

'Ah! what then?' muttered Thomas Codlin.

'This, then,' said Short. 'He has given his friends the slip. Mind
what I say--he has given his friends the slip, and persuaded this
delicate young creetur all along of her fondness for him to be his
guide and travelling companion--where to, he knows no more than the man
in the moon. Now I'm not a going to stand that.'

'YOU'RE not a going to stand that!' cried Mr Codlin, glancing at the
clock again and pulling his hair with both hands in a kind of frenzy,
but whether occasioned by his companion's observation or the tardy pace
of Time, it was difficult to determine. 'Here's a world to live in!'

'I,' repeated Short emphatically and slowly, 'am not a-going to stand
it. I am not a-going to see this fair young child a falling into bad
hands, and getting among people that she's no more fit for, than they
are to get among angels as their ordinary chums. Therefore when they
dewelope an intention of parting company from us, I shall take measures
for detaining of 'em, and restoring 'em to their friends, who I dare
say have had their disconsolation pasted up on every wall in London by
this time.'

'Short,' said Mr Codlin, who with his head upon his hands, and his
elbows on his knees, had been shaking himself impatiently from side to
side up to this point and occasionally stamping on the ground, but who
now looked up with eager eyes; 'it's possible that there may be
uncommon good sense in what you've said. If there is, and there should
be a reward, Short, remember that we're partners in everything!'

His companion had only time to nod a brief assent to this position, for
the child awoke at the instant. They had drawn close together during
the previous whispering, and now hastily separated and were rather
awkwardly endeavou