The Piazza Tales by Herman Melville
page 70 of 287 (24%)
page 70 of 287 (24%)
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dead-wall.
"How's this?" said the grub-man, addressing me with a stare of astonishment. "He's odd, ain't he?" "I think he is a little deranged," said I, sadly. "Deranged? deranged is it? Well, now, upon my word, I thought that friend of yourn was a gentleman forger; they are always pale, and genteel-like, them forgers. I can't help pity 'em--can't help it, sir. Did you know Monroe Edwards?" he added, touchingly, and paused. Then, laying his hand piteously on my shoulder, sighed, "he died of consumption at Sing-Sing. So you weren't acquainted with Monroe?" "No, I was never socially acquainted with any forgers. But I cannot stop longer. Look to my friend yonder. You will not lose by it. I will see you again." Some few days after this, I again obtained admission to the Tombs, and went through the corridors in quest of Bartleby; but without finding him. "I saw him coming from his cell not long ago," said a turnkey, "may be he's gone to loiter in the yards." So I went in that direction. "Are you looking for the silent man?" said another turnkey, passing me. "Yonder he lies--sleeping in the yard there. 'Tis not twenty minutes since I saw him lie down." |
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