Nicholas varies the Monotony of Dothebys Hall by amost vigorous and remarkable1 proceeding2, whichleads to Consequences of some Importance.
The cold, feeble dawn of a January morning was stealing inat the windows of the common sleeping-room, whenNicholas, raising himself on his arm, looked among theprostrate forms which on every side surrounded him, as though insearch of some particular object.
It needed a quick eye to detect, from among the huddled3 massof sleepers4, the form of any given individual. As they lay closelypacked together, covered, for warmth’s sake, with their patchedand ragged6 clothes, little could be distinguished7 but the sharpoutlines of pale faces, over which the sombre light shed the samedull heavy colour; with, here and there, a gaunt arm thrust forth8:
its thinness hidden by no covering, but fully10 exposed to view, in allits shrunken ugliness. There were some who, lying on their backswith upturned faces and clenched11 hands, just visible in the leadenlight, bore more the aspect of dead bodies than of living creatures;and there were others coiled up into strange and fantasticpostures, such as might have been taken for the uneasy efforts ofpain to gain some temporary relief, rather than the freaks ofslumber. A few—and these were among the youngest of thechildren—slept peacefully on, with smiles upon their faces,dreaming perhaps of home; but ever and again a deep and heavysigh, breaking the stillness of the room, announced that some new sleeper5 had awakened12 to the misery13 of another day; and, asmorning took the place of night, the smiles gradually faded away,with the friendly darkness which had given them birth.
Dreams are the bright creatures of poem and legend, who sporton earth in the night season, and melt away in the first beam of thesun, which lights grim care and stern reality on their dailypilgrimage through the world.
Nicholas looked upon the sleepers; at first, with the air of onewho gazes upon a scene which, though familiar to him, has lostnone of its sorrowful effect in consequence; and, afterwards, witha more intense and searching scrutiny14, as a man would whomissed something his eye was accustomed to meet, and hadexpected to rest upon. He was still occupied in this search, andhad half risen from his bed in the eagerness of his quest, when thevoice of Squeers was heard, calling from the bottom of the stairs.
‘Now then,’ cried that gentleman, ‘are you going to sleep all day,up there—’
‘You lazy hounds?’ added Mrs Squeers, finishing the sentence,and producing, at the same time, a sharp sound, like that which isoccasioned by the lacing of stays.
‘We shall be down directly, sir,’ replied Nicholas.
‘Down directly!’ said Squeers. ‘Ah! you had better be downdirectly, or I’ll be down upon some of you in less. Where’s thatSmike?’
Nicholas looked hurriedly round again, but made no answer.
‘Smike!’ shouted Squeers.
‘Do you want your head broke in a fresh place, Smike?’
demanded his amiable15 lady in the same key.
Still there was no reply, and still Nicholas stared about him, as did the greater part of the boys, who were by this time roused.
‘Confound his impudence16!’ muttered Squeers, rapping thestair-rail impatiently with his cane17. ‘Nickleby!’
‘Well, sir.’
‘Send that obstinate18 scoundrel down; don’t you hear mecalling?’
‘He is not here, sir,’ replied Nicholas.
‘Don’t tell me a lie,’ retorted the schoolmaster. ‘He is.’
‘He is not,’ retorted Nicholas angrily, ‘don’t tell me one.’
‘We shall soon see that,’ said Mr Squeers, rushing upstairs. ‘I’llfind him, I warrant you.’
With which assurance, Mr Squeers bounced into the dormitory,and, swinging his cane in the air ready for a blow, darted19 into thecorner where the lean body of the drudge20 was usually stretched atnight. The cane descended21 harmlessly upon the ground. Therewas nobody there.
‘What does this mean?’ said Squeers, turning round with a verypale face. ‘Where have you hid him?’
‘I have seen nothing of him since last night,’ replied Nicholas.
‘Come,’ said Squeers, evidently frightened, though heendeavoured to look otherwise, ‘you won’t save him this way.
Where is he?’
‘At the bottom of the nearest pond for aught I know,’ rejoinedNicholas in a low voice, and fixing his eyes full on the master’sface.
‘Damn you, what do you mean by that?’ retorted Squeers ingreat perturbation. Without waiting for a reply, he inquired of theboys whether any one among them knew anything of their missingschoolmate.
There was a general hum of anxious denial, in the midst ofwhich, one shrill22 voice was heard to say (as, indeed, everybodythought):
‘Please, sir, I think Smike’s run away, sir.’
‘Ha!’ cried Squeers, turning sharp round. ‘Who said that?’
‘Tomkins, please sir,’ rejoined a chorus of voices. Mr Squeersmade a plunge23 into the crowd, and at one dive, caught a very littleboy, habited still in his night-gear, and the perplexed24 expression ofwhose countenance25, as he was brought forward, seemed tointimate that he was as yet uncertain whether he was about to bepunished or rewarded for the suggestion. He was not long indoubt.
‘You think he has run away, do you, sir?’ demanded Squeers.
‘Yes, please sir,’ replied the little boy.
‘And what, sir,’ said Squeers, catching26 the little boy suddenly bythe arms and whisking up his drapery in a most dexterousmanner, ‘what reason have you to suppose that any boy wouldwant to run away from this establishment? Eh, sir?’
The child raised a dismal27 cry, by way of answer, and MrSqueers, throwing himself into the most favourable28 attitude forexercising his strength, beat him until the little urchin29 in hiswrithings actually rolled out of his hands, when he mercifullyallowed him to roll away, as he best could.
‘There,’ said Squeers. ‘Now if any other boy thinks Smike hasrun away, I shall be glad to have a talk with him.’
There was, of course, a profound silence, during which Nicholasshowed his disgust as plainly as looks could show it.
‘Well, Nickleby,’ said Squeers, eyeing him maliciously30. ‘YOUthink he has run away, I suppose?’
‘I think it extremely likely,’ replied Nicholas, in a quiet manner.
‘Oh, you do, do you?’ sneered31 Squeers. ‘Maybe you know hehas?’
‘I know nothing of the kind.’
‘He didn’t tell you he was going, I suppose, did he?’ sneeredSqueers.
‘He did not,’ replied Nicholas; ‘I am very glad he did not, for itwould then have been my duty to have warned you in time.’
‘Which no doubt you would have been devilish sorry to do,’ saidSqueers in a taunting32 fashion.
‘I should indeed,’ replied Nicholas. ‘You interpret my feelingswith great accuracy.’
Mrs Squeers had listened to this conversation, from the bottomof the stairs; but, now losing all patience, she hastily assumed hernight-jacket, and made her way to the scene of action.
‘What’s all this here to-do?’ said the lady, as the boys fell offright and left, to save her the trouble of clearing a passage withher brawny33 arms. ‘What on earth are you a talking to him for,Squeery!’
‘Why, my dear,’ said Squeers, ‘the fact is, that Smike is not to befound.’
‘Well, I know that,’ said the lady, ‘and where’s the wonder? Ifyou get a parcel of proud-stomached teachers that set the youngdogs a rebelling, what else can you look for? Now, young man, youjust have the kindness to take yourself off to the schoolroom, andtake the boys off with you, and don’t you stir out of there till youhave leave given you, or you and I may fall out in a way that’ll spoilyour beauty, handsome as you think yourself, and so I tell you.’
‘Indeed!’ said Nicholas.
‘Yes; and indeed and indeed again, Mister Jackanapes,’ said theexcited lady; ‘and I wouldn’t keep such as you in the houseanother hour, if I had my way.’
‘Nor would you if I had mine,’ replied Nicholas. ‘Now, boys!’
‘Ah! Now, boys,’ said Mrs Squeers, mimicking34, as nearly as shecould, the voice and manner of the usher35. ‘Follow your leader,boys, and take pattern by Smike if you dare. See what he’ll get forhimself, when he is brought back; and, mind! I tell you that youshall have as bad, and twice as bad, if you so much as open yourmouths about him.’
‘If I catch him,’ said Squeers, ‘I’ll only stop short of flaying36 himalive. I give you notice, boys.’
‘IF you catch him,’ retorted Mrs Squeers, contemptuously; ‘youare sure to; you can’t help it, if you go the right way to work.
Come! Away with you!’
With these words, Mrs Squeers dismissed the boys, and after alittle light skirmishing with those in the rear who were pressingforward to get out of the way, but were detained for a fewmoments by the throng37 in front, succeeded in clearing the room,when she confronted her spouse38 alone.
‘He is off,’ said Mrs Squeers. ‘The cow-house and stable arelocked up, so he can’t be there; and he’s not downstairs anywhere,for the girl has looked. He must have gone York way, and by apublic road too.’
‘Why must he?’ inquired Squeers.
‘Stupid!’ said Mrs Squeers angrily. ‘He hadn’t any money, hadhe?’
‘Never had a penny of his own in his whole life, that I know of,’
replied Squeers.
‘To be sure,’ rejoined Mrs Squeers, ‘and he didn’t take anythingto eat with him; that I’ll answer for. Ha! ha! ha!’
‘Ha! ha! ha!’ laughed Squeers.
‘Then, of course,’ said Mrs S., ‘he must beg his way, and hecould do that, nowhere, but on the public road.’
‘That’s true,’ exclaimed Squeers, clapping his hands.
‘True! Yes; but you would never have thought of it, for all that,if I hadn’t said so,’ replied his wife. ‘Now, if you take the chaiseand go one road, and I borrow Swallow’s chaise, and go the other,what with keeping our eyes open, and asking questions, one orother of us is pretty certain to lay hold of him.’
The worthy39 lady’s plan was adopted and put in executionwithout a moment’s delay. After a very hasty breakfast, and theprosecution of some inquiries40 in the village, the result of whichseemed to show that he was on the right track, Squeers startedforth in the pony41-chaise, intent upon discovery and vengeance42.
Shortly afterwards, Mrs Squeers, arrayed in the white top-coat,and tied up in various shawls and handkerchiefs, issued forth inanother chaise and another direction, taking with her a good-sizedbludgeon, several odd pieces of strong cord, and a stout43 labouringman: all provided and carried upon the expedition, with the soleobject of assisting in the capture, and (once caught) insuring thesafe custody44 of the unfortunate Smike.
Nicholas remained behind, in a tumult45 of feeling, sensible thatwhatever might be the upshot of the boy’s flight, nothing butpainful and deplorable consequences were likely to ensue from it.
Death, from want and exposure to the weather, was the best thatcould be expected from the protracted46 wandering of so poor andhelpless a creature, alone and unfriended, through a country of which he was wholly ignorant. There was little, perhaps, to choosebetween this fate and a return to the tender mercies of theYorkshire school; but the unhappy being had established a holdupon his sympathy and compassion47, which made his heart ache atthe prospect48 of the suffering he was destined49 to undergo. Helingered on, in restless anxiety, picturing a thousand possibilities,until the evening of next day, when Squeers returned, alone, andunsuccessful.
‘No news of the scamp!’ said the schoolmaster, who hadevidently been stretching his legs, on the old principle, not a fewtimes during the journey. ‘I’ll have consolation50 for this out ofsomebody, Nickleby, if Mrs Squeers don’t hunt him down; so Igive you warning.’
‘It is not in my power to console you, sir,’ said Nicholas. ‘It isnothing to me.’
‘Isn’t it?’ said Squeers in a threatening manner. ‘We shall see!’
‘We shall,’ rejoined Nicholas.
‘Here’s the pony run right off his legs, and me obliged to comehome with a hack51 cob, that’ll cost fifteen shillings besides otherexpenses,’ said Squeers; ‘who’s to pay for that, do you hear?’
Nicholas shrugged52 his shoulders and remained silent.
‘I’ll have it out of somebody, I tell you,’ said Squeers, his usualharsh crafty53 manner changed to open bullying54 ‘None of yourwhining vapourings here, Mr Puppy, but be off to your kennel55, forit’s past your bedtime! Come! Get out!’
Nicholas bit his lip and knit his hands involuntarily, for hisfinger-ends tingled56 to avenge57 the insult; but remembering that theman was drunk, and that it could come to little but a noisy brawl,he contented58 himself with darting59 a contemptuous look at the tyrant60, and walked, as majestically61 as he could, upstairs: not a littlenettled, however, to observe that Miss Squeers and MasterSqueers, and the servant girl, were enjoying the scene from a snugcorner; the two former indulging in many edifying62 remarks aboutthe presumption63 of poor upstarts, which occasioned a vast deal oflaughter, in which even the most miserable64 of all miserableservant girls joined: while Nicholas, stung to the quick, drew overhis head such bedclothes as he had, and sternly resolved that theoutstanding account between himself and Mr Squeers should besettled rather more speedily than the latter anticipated.
Another day came, and Nicholas was scarcely awake when heheard the wheels of a chaise approaching the house. It stopped.
The voice of Mrs Squeers was heard, and in exultation65, ordering aglass of spirits for somebody, which was in itself a sufficient signthat something extraordinary had happened. Nicholas hardlydared to look out of the window; but he did so, and the very firstobject that met his eyes was the wretched Smike: so bedabbledwith mud and rain, so haggard and worn, and wild, that, but forhis garments being such as no scarecrow was ever seen to wear,he might have been doubtful, even then, of his identity.
‘Lift him out,’ said Squeers, after he had literally66 feasted hiseyes, in silence, upon the culprit. ‘Bring him in; bring him in!’
‘Take care,’ cried Mrs Squeers, as her husband proffered67 hisassistance. ‘We tied his legs under the apron68 and made ’em fast tothe chaise, to prevent his giving us the slip again.’
With hands trembling with delight, Squeers unloosened thecord; and Smike, to all appearance more dead than alive, wasbrought into the house and securely locked up in a cellar, untilsuch time as Mr Squeers should deem it expedient69 to operate upon him, in presence of the assembled school.
Upon a hasty consideration of the circumstances, it may bematter of surprise to some persons, that Mr and Mrs Squeersshould have taken so much trouble to repossess themselves of anincumbrance of which it was their wont70 to complain so loudly; buttheir surprise will cease when they are informed that the manifoldservices of the drudge, if performed by anybody else, would havecost the establishment some ten or twelve shillings per week in theshape of wages; and furthermore, that all runaways71 were, as amatter of policy, made severe examples of, at Dotheboys Hall,inasmuch as, in consequence of the limited extent of itsattractions, there was but little inducement, beyond the powerfulimpulse of fear, for any pupil, provided with the usual number oflegs and the power of using them, to remain.
The news that Smike had been caught and brought back intriumph, ran like wild-fire through the hungry community, andexpectation was on tiptoe all the morning. On tiptoe it wasdestined to remain, however, until afternoon; when Squeers,having refreshed himself with his dinner, and furtherstrengthened himself by an extra libation or so, made hisappearance (accompanied by his amiable partner) with acountenance of portentous72 import, and a fearful instrument offlagellation, strong, supple73, wax-ended, and new,—in short,purchased that morning, expressly for the occasion.
‘Is every boy here?’ asked Squeers, in a tremendous voice.
Every boy was there, but every boy was afraid to speak, soSqueers glared along the lines to assure himself; and every eyedrooped, and every head cowered74 down, as he did so.
‘Each boy keep his place,’ said Squeers, administering his favourite blow to the desk, and regarding with gloomy satisfactionthe universal start which it never failed to occasion. ‘Nickleby! toyour desk, sir.’
It was remarked by more than one small observer, that therewas a very curious and unusual expression in the usher’s face; buthe took his seat, without opening his lips in reply. Squeers, castinga triumphant75 glance at his assistant and a look of mostcomprehensive despotism on the boys, left the room, and shortlyafterwards returned, dragging Smike by the collar—or rather bythat fragment of his jacket which was nearest the place where hiscollar would have been, had he boasted such a decoration.
In any other place, the appearance of the wretched, jaded,spiritless object would have occasioned a murmur76 of compassionand remonstrance77. It had some effect, even there; for the lookers-on moved uneasily in their seats; and a few of the boldest venturedto steal looks at each other, expressive78 of indignation and pity.
They were lost on Squeers, however, whose gaze was fastenedon the luckless Smike, as he inquired, according to custom in suchcases, whether he had anything to say for himself.
‘Nothing, I suppose?’ said Squeers, with a diabolical79 grin.
Smike glanced round, and his eye rested, for an instant, onNicholas, as if he had expected him to intercede80; but his look wasriveted on his desk.
‘Have you anything to say?’ demanded Squeers again: givinghis right arm two or three flourishes to try its power andsuppleness. ‘Stand a little out of the way, Mrs Squeers, my dear;I’ve hardly got room enough.’
‘Spare me, sir!’ cried Smike.
‘Oh! that’s all, is it?’ said Squeers. ‘Yes, I’ll flog you within an inch of your life, and spare you that.’
‘Ha, ha, ha,’ laughed Mrs Squeers, ‘that’s a good ’un!’
‘I was driven to do it,’ said Smike faintly; and casting anotherimploring look about him.
‘Driven to do it, were you?’ said Squeers. ‘Oh! it wasn’t yourfault; it was mine, I suppose—eh?’
‘A nasty, ungrateful, pig-headed, brutish, obstinate, sneakingdog,’ exclaimed Mrs Squeers, taking Smike’s head under her arm,and administering a cuff81 at every epithet82; ‘what does he mean bythat?’
‘Stand aside, my dear,’ replied Squeers. ‘We’ll try and find out.’
Mrs Squeers, being out of breath with her exertions83, complied.
Squeers caught the boy firmly in his grip; one desperate cut hadfallen on his body—he was wincing84 from the lash85 and uttering ascream of pain—it was raised again, and again about to fall—whenNicholas Nickleby, suddenly starting up, cried ‘Stop!’ in a voicethat made the rafters ring.
‘Who cried stop?’ said Squeers, turning savagely86 round.
‘I,’ said Nicholas, stepping forward. ‘This must not go on.’
‘Must not go on!’ cried Squeers, almost in a shriek87.
‘No!’ thundered Nicholas.
Aghast and stupefied by the boldness of the interference,Squeers released his hold of Smike, and, falling back a pace ortwo, gazed upon Nicholas with looks that were positively88 frightful89.
‘I say must not,’ repeated Nicholas, nothing daunted90; ‘shall not.
I will prevent it.’
Squeers continued to gaze upon him, with his eyes starting outof his head; but astonishment91 had actually, for the moment, berefthim of speech.
‘You have disregarded all my quiet interference in themiserable lad’s behalf,’ said Nicholas; ‘you have returned noanswer to the letter in which I begged forgiveness for him, andoffered to be responsible that he would remain quietly here. Don’tblame me for this public interference. You have brought it uponyourself; not I.’
‘Sit down, beggar!’ screamed Squeers, almost beside himselfwith rage, and seizing Smike as he spoke92.
‘Wretch,’ rejoined Nicholas, fiercely, ‘touch him at your peril93! Iwill not stand by, and see it done. My blood is up, and I have thestrength of ten such men as you. Look to yourself, for by Heaven Iwill not spare you, if you drive me on!’
‘Stand back,’ cried Squeers, brandishing94 his weapon.
‘I have a long series of insults to avenge,’ said Nicholas, flushedwith passion; ‘and my indignation is aggravated95 by the dastardlycruelties practised on helpless infancy96 in this foul97 den9. Have acare; for if you do raise the devil within me, the consequences shallfall heavily upon your own head!’
He had scarcely spoken, when Squeers, in a violent outbreak ofwrath, and with a cry like the howl of a wild beast, spat98 upon him,and struck him a blow across the face with his instrument oftorture, which raised up a bar of livid flesh as it was inflicted99.
Smarting with the agony of the blow, and concentrating into thatone moment all his feelings of rage, scorn, and indignation,Nicholas sprang upon him, wrested100 the weapon from his hand,and pinning him by the throat, beat the ruffian till he roared formercy.
The boys—with the exception of Master Squeers, who, comingto his father’s assistance, harassed101 the enemy in the rear—moved not, hand or foot; but Mrs Squeers, with many shrieks102 for aid,hung on to the tail of her partner’s coat, and endeavoured to draghim from his infuriated adversary103; while Miss Squeers, who hadbeen peeping through the keyhole in expectation of a verydifferent scene, darted in at the very beginning of the attack, andafter launching a shower of inkstands at the usher’s head, beatNicholas to her heart’s content; animating104 herself, at every blow,with the recollection of his having refused her proffered love, andthus imparting additional strength to an arm which (as she tookafter her mother in this respect) was, at no time, one of theweakest.
Nicholas, in the full torrent106 of his violence, felt the blows nomore than if they had been dealt with feathers; but, becomingtired of the noise and uproar107, and feeling that his arm grew weakbesides, he threw all his remaining strength into half-a-dozenfinishing cuts, and flung Squeers from him with all the force hecould muster108. The violence of his fall precipitated109 Mrs Squeerscompletely over an adjacent form; and Squeers striking his headagainst it in his descent, lay at his full length on the ground,stunned and motionless.
Having brought affairs to this happy termination, andascertained, to his thorough satisfaction, that Squeers was onlystunned, and not dead (upon which point he had had someunpleasant doubts at first), Nicholas left his family to restore him,and retired111 to consider what course he had better adopt. Helooked anxiously round for Smike, as he left the room, but he wasnowhere to be seen.
After a brief consideration, he packed up a few clothes in asmall leathern valise, and, finding that nobody offered to oppose his progress, marched boldly out by the front-door, and shortlyafterwards, struck into the road which led to Greta Bridge.
When he had cooled sufficiently112 to be enabled to give hispresent circumstances some little reflection, they did not appearin a very encouraging light; he had only four shillings and a fewpence in his pocket, and was something more than two hundredand fifty miles from London, whither he resolved to direct hissteps, that he might ascertain110, among other things, what accountof the morning’s proceedings113 Mr Squeers transmitted to his mostaffectionate uncle.
Lifting up his eyes, as he arrived at the conclusion that therewas no remedy for this unfortunate state of things, he beheld114 ahorseman coming towards him, whom, on nearer approach, hediscovered, to his infinite chagrin115, to be no other than Mr JohnBrowdie, who, clad in cords and leather leggings, was urging hisanimal forward by means of a thick ash stick, which seemed tohave been recently cut from some stout sapling.
‘I am in no mood for more noise and riot,’ thought Nicholas,‘and yet, do what I will, I shall have an altercation116 with this honestblockhead, and perhaps a blow or two from yonder staff.’
In truth, there appeared some reason to expect that such aresult would follow from the encounter, for John Browdie nosooner saw Nicholas advancing, than he reined117 in his horse by thefootpath, and waited until such time as he should come up; lookingmeanwhile, very sternly between the horse’s ears, at Nicholas, ashe came on at his leisure.
‘Servant, young genelman,’ said John.
‘Yours,’ said Nicholas.
‘Weel; we ha’ met at last,’ observed John, making the stirrup ring under a smart touch of the ash stick.
‘Yes,’ replied Nicholas, hesitating. ‘Come!’ he said, frankly118, aftera moment’s pause, ‘we parted on no very good terms the last timewe met; it was my fault, I believe; but I had no intention ofoffending you, and no idea that I was doing so. I was very sorry forit, afterwards. Will you shake hands?’
‘Shake honds!’ cried the good-humoured Yorkshireman; ‘ah!
that I weel;’ at the same time, he bent119 down from the saddle, andgave Nicholas’s fist a huge wrench120: ‘but wa’at be the matther wi’
thy feace, mun? it be all brokken loike.’
‘It is a cut,’ said Nicholas, turning scarlet121 as he spoke, ‘a blow;but I returned it to the giver, and with good interest too.’
‘Noa, did ’ee though?’ exclaimed John Browdie. ‘Well deane! Iloike ’un for thot.’
‘The fact is,’ said Nicholas, not very well knowing how to makethe avowal122, ‘the fact is, that I have been ill-treated.’
‘Noa!’ interposed John Browdie, in a tone of compassion; for hewas a giant in strength and stature123, and Nicholas, very likely, inhis eyes, seemed a mere124 dwarf125; ‘dean’t say thot.’
‘Yes, I have,’ replied Nicholas, ‘by that man Squeers, and I havebeaten him soundly, and am leaving this place in consequence.’
‘What!’ cried John Browdie, with such an ecstatic shout, thatthe horse quite shied at it. ‘Beatten the schoolmeasther! Ho! ho!
ho! Beatten the schoolmeasther! who ever heard o’ the loike o’
that noo! Giv’ us thee hond agean, yoongster. Beatten theschoolmeasther! Dang it, I loov’ thee for’t.’
With these expressions of delight, John Browdie laughed andlaughed again—so loud that the echoes, far and wide, sent backnothing but jovial126 peals127 of merriment—and shook Nicholas by the hand meanwhile, no less heartily128. When his mirth had subsided,he inquired what Nicholas meant to do; on his informing him, togo straight to London, he shook his head doubtfully, and inquiredif he knew how much the coaches charged to carry passengers sofar.
‘No, I do not,’ said Nicholas; ‘but it is of no great consequence tome, for I intend walking.’
‘Gang awa’ to Lunnun afoot!’ cried John, in amazement129.
‘Every step of the way,’ replied Nicholas. ‘I should be manysteps further on by this time, and so goodbye!’
‘Nay noo,’ replied the honest countryman, reining130 in hisimpatient horse, ‘stan’ still, tellee. Hoo much cash hast theegotten?’
‘Not much,’ said Nicholas, colouring, ‘but I can make it enough.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way, you know.’
John Browdie made no verbal answer to this remark, butputting his hand in his pocket, pulled out an old purse of solidleather, and insisted that Nicholas should borrow from himwhatever he required for his present necessities.
‘Dean’t be afeard, mun,’ he said; ‘tak’ eneaf to carry theewhoam. Thee’lt pay me yan day, a’ warrant.’
Nicholas could by no means be prevailed upon to borrow morethan a sovereign, with which loan Mr Browdie, after manyentreaties that he would accept of more (observing, with a touch ofYorkshire caution, that if he didn’t spend it all, he could put thesurplus by, till he had an opportunity of remitting131 it carriage free),was fain to content himself.
‘Tak’ that bit o’ timber to help thee on wi’, mun,’ he added,pressing his stick on Nicholas, and giving his hand another squeeze; ‘keep a good heart, and bless thee. Beatten theschoolmeasther! ‘Cod it’s the best thing a’ve heerd this twontyyear!’
So saying, and indulging, with more delicacy132 than might havebeen expected from him, in another series of loud laughs, for thepurpose of avoiding the thanks which Nicholas poured forth, JohnBrowdie set spurs to his horse, and went off at a smart canter:
looking back, from time to time, as Nicholas stood gazing afterhim, and waving his hand cheerily, as if to encourage him on hisway. Nicholas watched the horse and rider until they disappearedover the brow of a distant hill, and then set forward on his journey.
He did not travel far that afternoon, for by this time it wasnearly dark, and there had been a heavy fall of snow, which notonly rendered the way toilsome, but the track uncertain anddifficult to find, after daylight, save by experienced wayfarers133. Helay, that night, at a cottage, where beds were let at a cheap rate tothe more humble134 class of travellers; and, rising betimes nextmorning, made his way before night to Boroughbridge. Passingthrough that town in search of some cheap resting-place, hestumbled upon an empty barn within a couple of hundred yards ofthe roadside; in a warm corner of which, he stretched his wearylimbs, and soon fell asleep.
When he awoke next morning, and tried to recollect105 his dreams,which had been all connected with his recent sojourn135 atDotheboys Hall, he sat up, rubbed his eyes and stared—not withthe most composed countenance possible—at some motionlessobject which seemed to be stationed within a few yards in front ofhim.
‘Strange!’ cried Nicholas; ‘can this be some lingering creation of the visions that have scarcely left me! It cannot be real—and yetI—I am awake! Smike!’
The form moved, rose, advanced, and dropped upon its kneesat his feet. It was Smike indeed.
‘Why do you kneel to me?’ said Nicholas, hastily raising him.
‘To go with you—anywhere—everywhere—to the world’s end—to the churchyard grave,’ replied Smike, clinging to his hand. ‘Letme, oh do let me. You are my home—my kind friend—take mewith you, pray.’
‘I am a friend who can do little for you,’ said Nicholas, kindly136.
‘How came you here?’
He had followed him, it seemed; had never lost sight of him allthe way; had watched while he slept, and when he halted forrefreshment; and had feared to appear before, lest he should besent back. He had not intended to appear now, but Nicholas hadawakened more suddenly than he looked for, and he had had notime to conceal137 himself.
‘Poor fellow!’ said Nicholas, ‘your hard fate denies you anyfriend but one, and he is nearly as poor and helpless as yourself.’
‘May I—may I go with you?’ asked Smike, timidly. ‘I will beyour faithful hard-working servant, I will, indeed. I want noclothes,’ added the poor creature, drawing his rags together; ‘thesewill do very well. I only want to be near you.’
‘And you shall,’ cried Nicholas. ‘And the world shall deal by youas it does by me, till one or both of us shall quit it for a better.
Come!’
With these words, he strapped138 his burden on his shoulders,and, taking his stick in one hand, extended the other to hisdelighted charge; and so they passed out of the old barn, together.
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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2
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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3
huddled
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| 挤在一起（huddle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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4
sleepers
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| n.卧铺（通常以复数形式出现）；卧车( sleeper的名词复数 )；轨枕；睡觉（呈某种状态）的人；小耳环 | |
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5
sleeper
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| n.睡眠者，卧车，卧铺 | |
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6
ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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7
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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8
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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9
den
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| n.兽穴；秘密地方；安静的小房间，私室 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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11
clenched
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| v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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12
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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13
misery
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| n.痛苦，苦恼，苦难；悲惨的境遇，贫苦 | |
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14
scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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15
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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16
impudence
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| n.厚颜无耻；冒失；无礼 | |
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17
cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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18
obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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19
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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20
drudge
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| n.劳碌的人；v.做苦工，操劳 | |
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21
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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22
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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23
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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24
perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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25
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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26
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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27
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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28
favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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29
urchin
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| n.顽童；海胆 | |
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30
maliciously
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| adv.有敌意地 | |
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31
sneered
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| 讥笑，冷笑( sneer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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32
taunting
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| 嘲讽( taunt的现在分词 )； 嘲弄； 辱骂； 奚落 | |
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33
brawny
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| adj.强壮的 | |
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34
mimicking
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| v.（尤指为了逗乐而）模仿( mimic的现在分词 )；酷似 | |
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35
usher
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| n.带位员，招待员；vt.引导，护送；vi.做招待，担任引座员 | |
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36
flaying
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| v.痛打( flay的现在分词 )；把…打得皮开肉绽；剥（通常指动物）的皮；严厉批评 | |
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37
throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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38
spouse
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| n.配偶(指夫或妻) | |
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39
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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40
inquiries
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| n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听 | |
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41
pony
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| adj.小型的；n.小马 | |
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42
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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44
custody
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| n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留 | |
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45
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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46
protracted
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| adj.拖延的；延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
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47
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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48
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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49
destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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50
consolation
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| n.安慰，慰问 | |
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51
hack
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| n.劈，砍，出租马车；v.劈，砍，干咳 | |
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52
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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53
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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54
bullying
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| v.恐吓，威逼( bully的现在分词 )；豪；跋扈 | |
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55
kennel
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| n.狗舍，狗窝 | |
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56
tingled
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| v.有刺痛感( tingle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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57
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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58
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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59
darting
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的现在分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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60
tyrant
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| n.暴君，专制的君主，残暴的人 | |
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61
majestically
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| 雄伟地； 庄重地； 威严地； 崇高地 | |
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62
edifying
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| adj.有教训意味的，教训性的，有益的v.开导，启发( edify的现在分词 ) | |
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63
presumption
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| n.推测，可能性，冒昧，放肆，[法律]推定 | |
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64
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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65
exultation
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| n.狂喜，得意 | |
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66
literally
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| adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实 | |
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67
proffered
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| v.提供，贡献，提出( proffer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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68
apron
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| n.围裙；工作裙 | |
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69
expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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70
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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71
runaways
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| （轻而易举的）胜利( runaway的名词复数 ) | |
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72
portentous
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| adj.不祥的，可怕的，装腔作势的 | |
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73
supple
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| adj.柔软的，易弯的，逢迎的，顺从的，灵活的；vt.使柔软，使柔顺，使顺从；vi.变柔软，变柔顺 | |
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74
cowered
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| v.畏缩，抖缩( cower的过去式 ) | |
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75
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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76
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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77
remonstrance
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| n抗议，抱怨 | |
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78
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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79
diabolical
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| adj.恶魔似的，凶暴的 | |
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80
intercede
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| vi.仲裁，说情 | |
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81
cuff
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| n.袖口；手铐；护腕；vt.用手铐铐；上袖口 | |
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82
epithet
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| n.（用于褒贬人物等的）表述形容词，修饰语 | |
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83
exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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84
wincing
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| 赶紧避开，畏缩( wince的现在分词 ) | |
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85
lash
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| v.系牢；鞭打；猛烈抨击；n.鞭打；眼睫毛 | |
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86
savagely
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| adv. 野蛮地，残酷地 | |
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87
shriek
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| v./n.尖叫，叫喊 | |
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88
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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89
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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90
daunted
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| 使（某人）气馁，威吓( daunt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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91
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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92
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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93
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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94
brandishing
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| v.挥舞( brandish的现在分词 )；炫耀 | |
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95
aggravated
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| 使恶化( aggravate的过去式和过去分词 )； 使更严重； 激怒； 使恼火 | |
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96
infancy
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| n.婴儿期；幼年期；初期 | |
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97
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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98
spat
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| n.口角，掌击；v.发出呼噜呼噜声 | |
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99
inflicted
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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100
wrested
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| （用力）拧( wrest的过去式和过去分词 )； 费力取得； （从…）攫取； （ 从… ） 强行取去… | |
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101
harassed
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| adj. 疲倦的，厌烦的 动词harass的过去式和过去分词 | |
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102
shrieks
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| n.尖叫声( shriek的名词复数 )v.尖叫( shriek的第三人称单数 ) | |
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103
adversary
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| adj.敌手，对手 | |
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104
animating
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| v.使有生气( animate的现在分词 )；驱动；使栩栩如生地动作；赋予…以生命 | |
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105
recollect
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| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
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106
torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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107
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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108
muster
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| v.集合，收集，鼓起，激起；n.集合，检阅，集合人员，点名册 | |
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109
precipitated
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| v.（突如其来地）使发生( precipitate的过去式和过去分词 )；促成；猛然摔下；使沉淀 | |
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110
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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111
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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112
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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113
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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114
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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115
chagrin
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| n.懊恼；气愤；委屈 | |
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116
altercation
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| n.争吵，争论 | |
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117
reined
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| 勒缰绳使（马）停步( rein的过去式和过去分词 )； 驾驭； 严格控制； 加强管理 | |
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118
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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119
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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120
wrench
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| v.猛拧；挣脱；使扭伤；n.扳手；痛苦，难受 | |
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121
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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122
avowal
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| n.公开宣称，坦白承认 | |
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123
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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124
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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125
dwarf
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| n.矮子，侏儒，矮小的动植物；vt.使…矮小 | |
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126
jovial
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| adj.快乐的，好交际的 | |
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127
peals
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| n.（声音大而持续或重复的）洪亮的响声( peal的名词复数 )；隆隆声；洪亮的钟声；钟乐v.（使）（钟等）鸣响，（雷等）发出隆隆声( peal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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128
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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129
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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130
reining
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| 勒缰绳使（马）停步( rein的现在分词 )； 驾驭； 严格控制； 加强管理 | |
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131
remitting
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| v.免除（债务），宽恕( remit的现在分词 )；使某事缓和；寄回，传送 | |
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132
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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133
wayfarers
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| n.旅人，（尤指）徒步旅行者( wayfarer的名词复数 ) | |
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134
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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135
sojourn
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| v./n.旅居，寄居；逗留 | |
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136
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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137
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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138
strapped
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| adj.用皮带捆住的，用皮带装饰的；身无分文的；缺钱；手头紧v.用皮带捆扎(strap的过去式和过去分词)；用皮带抽打；包扎；给…打绷带 | |
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