him on the shoulder--at which he collared me and nearly knocked me
down.

"Beg pardon, Mr. Phineas--hope I didn't hurt 'ee, sir?" cried he, all
but whimpering; for Jem, a big lad of fifteen, was the most
tender-hearted fellow imaginable. "I thought it were some of them
folk that Mr. Halifax ha' gone among."

"Where is Mr. Halifax?"

"Doan't know, sir--wish I did! wouldn't be long a finding out,
though--on'y he says: 'Jem, you stop 'ere wi' they'" (pointing his
thumb up the staircase). "So, Master Phineas, I stop."

And Jem settled himself with a doggedly obedient, but most
dissatisfied air down by the fire-place. It was evident nothing
would move him thence: so he was as safe a guard over my poor old
father's slumber as the mastiff in the tan-yard, who was as brave as
a lion and as docile as a child. My last lingering hesitation ended.

"Jem, lend me your coat and hat--I'm going out into the town."

Jem was so astonished, that he stood with open mouth while I took the
said garments from him, and unbolted the door. At last it seemed to
occur to him that he ought to intercept me.

"But, sir, Mr. Halifax said--"

"I am going to look for Mr. Halifax."