"hurra! my victim is made; my game is won: death or the devil fights
for me. But, hold: there are other booksellers in this monstrous
city!--ay, but not above two or three in our philosopher's way. I
must forestall him there,--so, so,--that is soon settled. Now, then,
I must leave him a little while, undisturbed, to his fate. Perhaps my
next visit may be to him in jail: your debtor's side of the Fleet is
almost as good a pleader as an empty stomach,--he! he! He!--but the
stroke must be made soon, for time presses, and this d--d business
spreads so fast that if I don't have a speedy help, it will be too
much for my hands, griping as they are. However, if it holds on a
year longer, I will change my seat in the Lower House for one in the
Upper; twenty thousand pounds to the minister may make a merchant a
very pretty peer. O brave Richard Crauford, wise Richard Crauford,
fortunate Richard Crauford, noble Richard Crauford! Why, if thou art
ever hanged, it will be by a jury of peers. 'Gad, the rope would then
have a dignity in it, instead of disgrace. But stay, here comes the
Dean of ----; not orthodox, it is said,--rigid Calvinist! out with the
'Divine Call'!"

When Mr. Richard Crauford repaired next to Glendower, what was his
astonishment and dismay at hearing he had left his home, none knew
whither nor could give the inquirer the slightest clew.

"How long has he left?" said Crauford to the landlady.

"Five days, sir."

"And will he not return to settle any little debts he may have
incurred?" said Crauford.