ile his
compatriot (both are celebrated for their chivalry) stands off apace
endeavoring to palliate the insult with facetious remarks. (This
chivalry of ours is a mockery, a convenient word in the foul mouths of
fouler ruffians.) Mr. Snivel makes a second attempt to overcome the
unprotected girl. With every expression of hate and scorn rising to her
face, she bids him defiance. Seeing himself thus firmly repulsed, he
begs to assure her, on the word of a gentleman--a commodity always on
hand, and exceedingly cheap with us--he was far from intending an
insult. He meant it for a bit of a good turn--nothing more. "Always
fractious at first--these sort of people are," pursues Keepum,
relighting his cigar as he sits on the sofa, squinting his right eye.
"Take bravely to gentlemen after a little display of modesty--always!
Try her again, Squire." Mr. Snivel dashes the candle from her hand, and
in the darkness grasps her wrists. The enraged girl shrieks, and calls
aloud for assistance. Simultaneously a blow fells Mr. Snivel to the
floor. The voice of Tom Swiggs is heard, crying: "Wretch! villain!--what
brings you here? (Mr. Keepum, like the coward, who fears the vengeance
he has merited, makes good his escape.) Will you never cease polluting
the habitations of the poor? Would to God there was justice for the
poor, as well as law for the rich; then I would make thee bite the dust,
like a dying viper. You should no longer banquet on poor virtue.
Wretch!--I would teach thee that virtue has its value with the poor as
well as the rich;--that with the true gentleman it is equally sacred."
Tom stands a few moments over the trembling miscreant, Maria sinks into
a chair, and with her elbows resting on the table, buries her face in
her hands and gives vent to her tears.

"Never did criminal so merit punishment; but I will prove thee not worth
my hand. Go, wretch, go! and know that he who proves himself worthy of
entering the habitations of the humble is more to be prized than kings
and princes." Tom relights the candle in time to see Mr. Snivel rushing
into the street.

The moon sheds a pale light over the city as the two chivalric
gentlemen, having rejoined and sworn to have revenge, are seen entering
a little gate that opens to a dilapidated old building, fronted by a
neglected garden, situate on the north side of Queen street, and in days
gone by called "Rogues' Retreat." "Rogues' Retreat" has scared vines
creeping over its black,