Rogue¹ Riderhood dwelt deep and dark in Limehouse Hole, among the riggers, and the mast, oar² and block makers³, and the boatbuilders, and the sail-lofts, as in a kind of ship’s hold stored full of waterside characters, some no better than himself, some very much better, and none much worse. The Hole, albeit⁴ in a general way not over nice in its choice of company, was rather shy in reference to the honour of cultivating the Rogue’s acquaintance; more frequently giving him the cold shoulder than the warm hand, and seldom or never drinking with him unless at his own expense. A part of the Hole, indeed, contained so much public spirit and private virtue⁵ that not even this strong leverage⁶ could move it to good fellowship with a tainted⁷ accuser. But, there may have been the drawback on this magnanimous morality, that its exponents⁸ held a true witness before Justice to be the next unneighbourly and accursed character to a false one.

Had it not been for the daughter whom he often mentioned, Mr Riderhood might have found the Hole a mere⁹ grave as to any means it would yield him of getting a living. But Miss Pleasant Riderhood had some little position and connection in Limehouse Hole. Upon the smallest of small scales, she was an unlicensed pawnbroker¹⁰, keeping what was popularly called a Leaving Shop, by lending insignificant¹¹ sums on insignificant articles of property deposited with her as security. In her four-and-twentieth year of life, Pleasant was already in her fifth year of this way of trade. Her deceased mother had established the business, and on that parent’s

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