CHAPTERIV-LOST
THErobberyattheBankhadnotlanguishedbefore，anddidnotceasetooccupyafrontplaceintheattentionoftheprincipalofthatestablishmentnow。Inboastfulproofofhispromptitudeandactivity，asaremarkableman，andaself-mademan，andacommercialwondermoreadmirablethanVenus，whohadrisenoutofthemudinsteadofthesea，helikedtoshowhowlittlehisdomesticaffairsabatedhisbusinessardour。Consequently，inthefirstfewweeksofhisresumedbachelorhood，heevenadvanceduponhisusualdisplayofbustle，andeverydaymadesucharoutinrenewinghisinvestigationsintotherobbery，thattheofficerswhohaditinhandalmostwishedithadneverbeencommitted。
Theywereatfaulttoo，andoffthescent。Althoughtheyhadbeensoquietsincethefirstoutbreakofthematter，thatmostpeoplereallydidsupposeittohavebeenabandonedashopeless，nothingnewoccurred。Noimplicatedmanorwomantookuntimelycourage，ormadeaself-betrayingstep。Moreremarkableyet，StephenBlackpoolcouldnotbeheardof，andthemysteriousoldwomanremainedamystery。
Thingshavingcometothispass，andshowingnolatentsignsofstirringbeyondit，theupshotofMr。Bounderby\'sinvestigationswas，thatheresolvedtohazardaboldburst。Hedrewupaplacard，offeringTwentyPoundsrewardfortheapprehensionofStephenBlackpool，suspectedofcomplicityintherobberyofCoketownBankonsuchanight；hedescribedthesaidStephenBlackpoolbydress，complexion，estimatedheight，andmanner，asminutelyashecould；herecitedhowhehadleftthetown，andinwhatdirectionhehadbeenlastseengoing；hehadthewholeprintedingreatblacklettersonastaringbroadsheet；andhecausedthewallstobepostedwithitinthedeadofnight，sothatitshouldstrikeuponthesightofthewholepopulationatoneblow。
Thefactory-bellshadneedtoringtheirloudestthatmorningtodispersethegroupsofworkerswhostoodinthetardydaybreak，collectedroundtheplacards，devouringthemwitheagereyes。Nottheleasteageroftheeyesassembled，weretheeyesofthosewhocouldnotread。Thesepeople，astheylistenedtothefriendlyvoicethatreadaloud-therewasalwayssomesuchreadytohelpthem-staredatthecharacterswhichmeantsomuchwithavagueaweandrespectthatwouldhavebeenhalfludicrous，ifanyaspectofpublicignorancecouldeverbeotherwisethanthreateningandfullofevil。Manyearsandeyeswerebusywithavisionofthematteroftheseplacards，amongturningspindles，rattlinglooms，andwhirlingwheels，forhoursafterwards；andwhentheHandsclearedoutagainintothestreets，therewerestillasmanyreadersasbefore。
Slackbridge，thedelegate，hadtoaddresshisaudiencetoothatnight；andSlackbridgehadobtainedacleanbillfromtheprinter，andhadbroughtitinhispocket。Oh，myfriendsandfellow-
countrymen，thedown-troddenoperativesofCoketown，oh，myfellow-
brothersandfellow-workmenandfellow-citizensandfellowmen，whatato-dowasthere，whenSlackbridgeunfoldedwhathecalled\'thatdamningdocument，\'andheldituptothegaze，andfortheexecrationoftheworking-mancommunity！\'Oh，myfellow-men，beholdofwhatatraitorinthecampofthosegreatspiritswhoareenrolledupontheholyscrollofJusticeandofUnion，isappropriatelycapable！Oh，myprostratefriends，withthegallingyokeoftyrantsonyournecksandtheironfootofdespotismtreadingdownyourfallenformsintothedustoftheearth，uponwhichrightgladwouldyouroppressorsbetoseeyoucreepingonyourbelliesallthedaysofyourlives，liketheserpentinthegarden-oh，mybrothers，andshallIasamannotadd，mysisterstoo，whatdoyousay，now，ofStephenBlackpool，withaslightstoopinhisshouldersandaboutfivefootseveninheight，assetforthinthisdegradinganddisgustingdocument，thisblightingbill，thisperniciousplacard，thisabominableadvertisement；andwithwhatmajestyofdenouncementwillyoucrushtheviper，whowouldbringthisstainandshameupontheGod-likeracethathappilyhascasthimoutforever！Yes，mycompatriots，happilycasthimoutandsenthimforth！Foryourememberhowhestoodherebeforeyouonthisplatform；yourememberhow，facetofaceandfoottofoot，Ipursuedhimthroughallhisintricatewindings；
yourememberhowhesneakedandslunk，andsidled，andsplittedofstraws，until，withnotaninchofgroundtowhichtocling，I
hurledhimoutfromamongstus:anobjectfortheundyingfingerofscorntopointat，andfortheavengingfireofeveryfreeandthinkingmindtoscorchandscar！Andnow，myfriends-mylabouringfriends，forIrejoiceandtriumphinthatstigma-myfriendswhosehardbuthonestbedsaremadeintoil，andwhosescantybutindependentpotsareboiledinhardship；andnow，Isay，myfriends，whatappellationhasthatdastardcraventakentohimself，when，withthemasktornfromhisfeatures，hestandsbeforeusinallhisnativedeformity，aWhat？Athief！A
plunderer！Aproscribedfugitive，withapriceuponhishead；afesterandawounduponthenoblecharacteroftheCoketownoperative！Therefore，mybandofbrothersinasacredbond，towhichyourchildrenandyourchildren\'schildrenyetunbornhavesettheirinfanthandsandseals，IproposetoyouonthepartoftheUnitedAggregateTribunal，everwatchfulforyourwelfare，everzealousforyourbenefit，thatthismeetingdoesResolve:ThatStephenBlackpool，weaver，referredtointhisplacard，havingbeenalreadysolemnlydisownedbythecommunityofCoketownHands，thesamearefreefromtheshameofhismisdeeds，andcannotasaclassbereproachedwithhisdishonestactions！\'
ThusSlackbridge；gnashingandperspiringafteraprodigioussort。
Afewsternvoicescalledout\'No！\'andascoreortwohailed，withassentingcriesof\'Hear，hear！\'thecautionfromoneman，\'Slackbridge，y\'oroverhetterin\'t；y\'oragoentoofast！\'Butthesewerepigmiesagainstanarmy；thegeneralassemblagesubscribedtothegospelaccordingtoSlackbridge，andgavethreecheersforhim，ashesatdemonstrativelypantingatthem。
Thesemenandwomenwereyetinthestreets，passingquietlytotheirhomes，whenSissy，whohadbeencalledawayfromLouisasomeminutesbefore，returned。
\'Whoisit？\'askedLouisa。
\'ItisMr。Bounderby，\'saidSissy，timidofthename，\'andyourbrotherMr。Tom，andayoungwomanwhosayshernameisRachael，andthatyouknowher。\'
\'Whatdotheywant，Sissydear？\'
\'Theywanttoseeyou。Rachaelhasbeencrying，andseemsangry。\'
\'Father，\'saidLouisa，forhewaspresent，\'Icannotrefusetoseethem，forareasonthatwillexplainitself。Shalltheycomeinhere？\'
Asheansweredintheaffirmative，Sissywentawaytobringthem。
Shereappearedwiththemdirectly。Tomwaslast；andremainedstandingintheobscurestpartoftheroom，nearthedoor。
\'Mrs。Bounderby，\'saidherhusband，enteringwithacoolnod，\'I
don\'tdisturbyou，Ihope。Thisisanunseasonablehour，buthereisayoungwomanwhohasbeenmakingstatementswhichrendermyvisitnecessary。TomGradgrind，asyourson，youngTom，refusesforsomeobstinatereasonorothertosayanythingatallaboutthosestatements，goodorbad，Iamobligedtoconfrontherwithyourdaughter。\'
\'Youhaveseenmeoncebefore，younglady，\'saidRachael，standinginfrontofLouisa。
Tomcoughed。
\'Youhaveseenme，younglady，\'repeatedRachael，asshedidnotanswer，\'oncebefore。\'
Tomcoughedagain。
\'Ihave。\'
RachaelcasthereyesproudlytowardsMr。Bounderby，andsaid，\'Willyoumakeitknown，younglady，where，andwhowasthere？\'
\'IwenttothehousewhereStephenBlackpoollodged，onthenightofhisdischargefromhiswork，andIsawyouthere。Hewastheretoo；andanoldwomanwhodidnotspeak，andwhomIcouldscarcelysee，stoodinadarkcorner。Mybrotherwaswithme。\'
\'Whycouldn\'tyousayso，youngTom？\'demandedBounderby。
\'IpromisedmysisterIwouldn\'t。\'WhichLouisahastilyconfirmed。
\'Andbesides，\'saidthewhelpbitterly，\'shetellsherownstorysopreciouswell-andsofull-thatwhatbusinesshadItotakeitoutofhermouth！\'
\'Say，younglady，ifyouplease，\'pursuedRachael，\'why，inanevilhour，youevercametoStephen\'sthatnight。\'
\'Ifeltcompassionforhim，\'saidLouisa，hercolourdeepening，\'andIwishedtoknowwhathewasgoingtodo，andwishedtoofferhimassistance。\'
\'Thankyou，ma\'am，\'saidBounderby。\'Muchflatteredandobliged。\'
\'Didyouofferhim，\'askedRachael，\'abank-note？\'
\'Yes；butherefusedit，andwouldonlytaketwopoundsingold。\'
RachaelcasthereyestowardsMr。Bounderbyagain。
\'Oh，certainly！\'saidBounderby。\'Ifyouputthequestionwhetheryourridiculousandimprobableaccountwastrueornot，Iamboundtosayit\'sconfirmed。\'
\'Younglady，\'saidRachael，\'StephenBlackpoolisnownamedasathiefinpublicprintalloverthistown，andwhereelse！Therehavebeenameetingto-nightwherehehavebeenspokenofinthesameshamefulway。Stephen！Thehonestestlad，thetruestlad，thebest！\'Herindignationfailedher，andshebrokeoffsobbing。
\'Iamvery，verysorry，\'saidLouisa。
\'Oh，younglady，younglady，\'returnedRachael，\'Ihopeyoumaybe，butIdon\'tknow！Ican\'tsaywhatyoumayha\'done！Thelikeofyoudon\'tknowus，don\'tcareforus，don\'tbelongtous。Iamnotsurewhyyoumayha\'comethatnight。Ican\'ttellbutwhatyoumayha\'comewi\'someaimofyourown，notmindintowhattroubleyoubroughtsuchasthepoorlad。Isaidthen，Blessyouforcoming；andIsaiditofmyheart，youseemedtotakesopitifullytohim；butIdon\'tknownow，Idon\'tknow！\'
Louisacouldnotreproachherforherunjustsuspicions；shewassofaithfultoherideaoftheman，andsoafflicted。
\'AndwhenIthink，\'saidRachaelthroughhersobs，\'thatthepoorladwassograteful，thinkinyousogoodtohim-whenImindthatheputhishandoverhishard-workenfacetohidethetearsthatyoubroughtupthere-Oh，Ihopeyoumaybesorry，andha\'nobadcausetobeit；butIdon\'tknow，Idon\'tknow！\'
\'You\'reaprettyarticle，\'growledthewhelp，movinguneasilyinhisdarkcorner，\'tocomeherewiththesepreciousimputations！
Yououghttobebundledoutfornotknowinghowtobehaveyourself，andyouwouldbebyrights。\'
Shesaidnothinginreply；andherlowweepingwastheonlysoundthatwasheard，untilMr。Bounderbyspoke。
\'Come！\'saidhe，\'youknowwhatyouhaveengagedtodo。Youhadbettergiveyourmindtothat；notthis。\'
\'\'Deed，Iamloath，\'returnedRachael，dryinghereyes，\'thatanyhereshouldseemelikethis；butIwon\'tbeseensoagain。Younglady，whenIhadreadwhat\'sputinprintofStephen-andwhathasjustasmuchtruthinitasifithadbeenputinprintofyou-I
wentstraighttotheBanktosayIknewwhereStephenwas，andtogiveasureandcertainpromisethatheshouldbehereintwodays。
Icouldn\'tmeetwi\'Mr。Bounderbythen，andyourbrothersentmeaway，andItriedtofindyou，butyouwasnottobefound，andI
wentbacktowork。SoonasIcomeoutoftheMillto-night，I
hastenedtohearwhatwassaidofStephen-forIknowwi\'pridehewillcomebacktoshameit！-andthenIwentagaintoseekMr。
Bounderby，andIfoundhim，andItoldhimeverywordIknew；andhebelievednowordIsaid，andbroughtmehere。\'
\'Sofar，that\'strueenough，\'assentedMr。Bounderby，withhishandsinhispocketsandhishaton。\'ButIhaveknownyoupeoplebeforeto-day，you\'llobserve，andIknowyouneverdieforwantoftalking。Now，Irecommendyounotsomuchtomindtalkingjustnow，asdoing。Youhaveundertakentodosomething；allIremarkuponthatatpresentis，doit！\'
\'IhavewrittentoStephenbythepostthatwentoutthisafternoon，asIhavewrittentohimoncebeforesin\'hewentaway，\'
saidRachael；\'andhewillbehere，atfurthest，intwodays。\'
\'Then，I\'lltellyousomething。Youarenotawareperhaps，\'
retortedMr。Bounderby，\'thatyouyourselfhavebeenlookedafternowandthen，notbeingconsideredquitefreefromsuspicioninthisbusiness，onaccountofmostpeoplebeingjudgedaccordingtothecompanytheykeep。Thepost-officehasn\'tbeenforgotteneither。WhatI\'lltellyouis，thatnolettertoStephenBlackpoolhasevergotintoit。Therefore，whathasbecomeofyours，Ileaveyoutoguess。Perhapsyou\'remistaken，andneverwroteany。\'
\'Hehadn\'tbeengonefromhere，younglady，\'saidRachael，turningappealinglytoLouisa，\'asmuchasaweek，whenhesentmetheonlyletterIhavehadfromhim，sayingthathewasforcedtoseekworkinanothername。\'
\'Oh，byGeorge！\'criedBounderby，shakinghishead，withawhistle，\'hechangeshisname，doeshe！That\'sratherunlucky，too，forsuchanimmaculatechap。It\'sconsideredalittlesuspiciousinCourtsofJustice，Ibelieve，whenanInnocenthappenstohavemanynames。\'
\'What，\'saidRachael，withthetearsinhereyesagain，\'what，younglady，inthenameofMercy，wasleftthepoorladtodo！Themastersagainsthimononehand，themenagainsthimontheother，heonlywantintoworkhardinpeace，anddowhathefeltright。
Canamanhavenosoulofhisown，nomindofhisown？Musthegowrongallthroughwi\'thisside，ormusthegowrongallthroughwi\'that，orelsebehuntedlikeahare？\'
\'Indeed，indeed，Ipityhimfrommyheart，\'returnedLouisa；\'andI
hopethathewillclearhimself。\'
\'Youneedhavenofearofthat，younglady。Heissure！\'
\'Allthesurer，Isuppose，\'saidMr。Bounderby，\'foryourrefusingtotellwhereheis？Eh？\'
\'Heshallnot，throughanyactofmine，comebackwi\'theunmeritedreproachofbeingbroughtback。Heshallcomebackofhisownaccordtoclearhimself，andputallthosethathaveinjuredhisgoodcharacter，andhenothereforitsdefence，toshame。Ihavetoldhimwhathasbeendoneagainsthim，\'saidRachael，throwingoffalldistrustasarockthrowsofthesea，\'andhewillbehere，atfurthest，intwodays。\'
\'Notwithstandingwhich，\'addedMr。Bounderby，\'ifhecanbelaidholdofanysooner，heshallhaveanearlieropportunityofclearinghimself。Astoyou，Ihavenothingagainstyou；whatyoucameandtoldmeturnsouttobetrue，andIhavegivenyouthemeansofprovingittobetrue，andthere\'sanendofit。Iwishyougoodnightall！Imustbeofftolookalittlefurtherintothis。\'
TomcameoutofhiscornerwhenMr。Bounderbymoved，movedwithhim，keptclosetohim，andwentawaywithhim。Theonlypartingsalutationofwhichhedeliveredhimselfwasasulky\'Goodnight，father！\'Withabriefspeech，andascowlathissister，heleftthehouse。
Sincehissheet-anchorhadcomehome，Mr。Gradgrindhadbeensparingofspeech。Hestillsatsilent，whenLouisamildlysaid:
\'Rachael，youwillnotdistrustmeoneday，whenyouknowmebetter。\'
\'Itgoesagainstme，\'Rachaelanswered，inagentlermanner，\'tomistrustanyone；butwhenIamsomistrusted-whenweallare-I
cannotkeepsuchthingsquiteoutofmymind。Iaskyourpardonforhavingdoneyouaninjury。Idon\'tthinkwhatIsaidnow。YetImightcometothinkitagain，wi\'thepoorladsowronged。\'
\'Didyoutellhiminyourletter，\'inquiredSissy，\'thatsuspicionseemedtohavefallenuponhim，becausehehadbeenseenabouttheBankatnight？Hewouldthenknowwhathewouldhavetoexplainoncomingback，andwouldbeready。\'
\'Yes，dear，\'shereturned；\'butIcan\'tguesswhatcanhaveevertakenhimthere。Heneverusedtogothere。Itwasneverinhisway。Hiswaywasthesameasmine，andnotnearit。\'
Sissyhadalreadybeenathersideaskingherwhereshelived，andwhethershemightcometo-morrownight，toinquireiftherewerenewsofhim。
\'Idoubt，\'saidRachael，\'ifhecanbeheretillnextday。\'
\'ThenIwillcomenextnighttoo，\'saidSissy。
WhenRachael，assentingtothis，wasgone，Mr。Gradgrindlifteduphishead，andsaidtohisdaughter:
\'Louisa，mydear，Ihavenever，thatIknowof，seenthisman。Doyoubelievehimtobeimplicated？\'
\'IthinkIhavebelievedit，father，thoughwithgreatdifficulty。
Idonotbelieveitnow。\'
\'Thatistosay，youoncepersuadedyourselftobelieveit，fromknowinghimtobesuspected。Hisappearanceandmanner；aretheysohonest？\'
\'Veryhonest。\'
\'Andherconfidencenottobeshaken！Iaskmyself，\'saidMr。
Gradgrind，musing，\'doestherealculpritknowoftheseaccusations？Whereishe？Whoishe？\'
Hishairhadlatterlybegantochangeitscolour。Asheleaneduponhishandagain，lookinggrayandold，Louisa，withafaceoffearandpity，hurriedlywentovertohim，andsatcloseathisside。HereyesbyaccidentmetSissy\'satthemoment。Sissyflushedandstarted，andLouisaputherfingeronherlip。
Nextnight，whenSissyreturnedhomeandtoldLouisathatStephenwasnotcome，shetolditinawhisper。Nextnightagain，whenshecamehomewiththesameaccount，andaddedthathehadnotbeenheardof，shespokeinthesamelowfrightenedtone。Fromthemomentofthatinterchangeoflooks，theyneverutteredhisname，oranyreferencetohim，aloud；noreverpursuedthesubjectoftherobbery，whenMr。Gradgrindspokeofit。
Thetwoappointeddaysranout，threedaysandnightsranout，andStephenBlackpoolwasnotcome，andremainedunheardof。Onthefourthday，Rachael，withunabatedconfidence，butconsideringherdespatchtohavemiscarried，wentuptotheBank，andshowedherletterfromhimwithhisaddress，ataworkingcolony，oneofmany，notuponthemainroad，sixtymilesaway。Messengersweresenttothatplace，andthewholetownlookedforStephentobebroughtinnextday。
DuringthiswholetimethewhelpmovedaboutwithMr。Bounderbylikehisshadow，assistinginalltheproceedings。Hewasgreatlyexcited，horriblyfevered，bithisnailsdowntothequick，spokeinahardrattlingvoice，andwithlipsthatwereblackandburntup。Atthehourwhenthesuspectedmanwaslookedfor，thewhelpwasatthestation；offeringtowagerthathehadmadeoffbeforethearrivalofthosewhoweresentinquestofhim，andthathewouldnotappear。
Thewhelpwasright。Themessengersreturnedalone。Rachael\'sletterhadgone，Rachael\'sletterhadbeendelivered。StephenBlackpoolhaddecampedinthatsamehour；andnosoulknewmoreofhim。TheonlydoubtinCoketownwas，whetherRachaelhadwritteningoodfaith，believingthathereallywouldcomeback，orwarninghimtofly。Onthispointopinionwasdivided。
Sixdays，sevendays，faronintoanotherweek。Thewretchedwhelppluckedupaghastlycourage，andbegantogrowdefiant。\'Wasthesuspectedfellowthethief？Aprettyquestion！Ifnot，wherewastheman，andwhydidhenotcomeback？\'
Wherewastheman，andwhydidhenotcomeback？Inthedeadofnighttheechoesofhisownwords，whichhadrolledHeavenknowshowfarawayinthedaytime，camebackinstead，andabidedbyhimuntilmorning。
CHAPTERV-FOUND
DAYandnightagain，dayandnightagain。NoStephenBlackpool。
Wherewastheman，andwhydidhenotcomeback？
Everynight，SissywenttoRachael\'slodging，andsatwithherinhersmallneatroom。Allday，Rachaeltoiledassuchpeoplemusttoil，whatevertheiranxieties。Thesmoke-serpentswereindifferentwhowaslostorfound，whoturnedoutbadorgood；themelancholymadelephants，liketheHardFactmen，abatednothingoftheirsetroutine，whateverhappened。Dayandnightagain，dayandnightagain。Themonotonywasunbroken。EvenStephenBlackpool\'sdisappearancewasfallingintothegeneralway，andbecomingasmonotonousawonderasanypieceofmachineryinCoketown。
\'Imisdoubt，\'saidRachael，\'ifthereisasmanyastwentyleftinallthisplace，whohaveanytrustinthepoordearladnow。\'
ShesaidittoSissy，astheysatinherlodging，lightedonlybythelampatthestreetcorner。Sissyhadcometherewhenitwasalreadydark，toawaitherreturnfromwork；andtheyhadsincesatatthewindowwhereRachaelhadfoundher，wantingnobrighterlighttoshineontheirsorrowfultalk。
\'Ifithadn\'tbeenmercifullybroughtabout，thatIwastohaveyoutospeakto，\'pursuedRachael，\'timesare，whenIthinkmymindwouldnothavekeptright。ButIgethopeandstrengththroughyou；andyoubelievethatthoughappearancesmayriseagainsthim，hewillbeprovedclear？\'
\'Idobelieveso，\'returnedSissy，\'withmywholeheart。Ifeelsocertain，Rachael，thattheconfidenceyouholdinyoursagainstalldiscouragement，isnotliketobewrong，thatIhavenomoredoubtofhimthanifIhadknownhimthroughasmanyyearsoftrialasyouhave。\'
\'AndI，mydear，\'saidRachel，withatrembleinhervoice，\'haveknownhimthroughthemall，tobe，accordingtohisquietways，sofaithfultoeverythinghonestandgood，thatifhewasnevertobeheardofmore，andIwastolivetobeahundredyearsold，Icouldsaywithmylastbreath，Godknowsmyheart。IhaveneveroncelefttrustingStephenBlackpool！\'
\'Weallbelieve，upattheLodge，Rachael，thathewillbefreedfromsuspicion，soonerorlater。\'
\'ThebetterIknowittobesobelievedthere，mydear，\'saidRachael，\'andthekinderIfeelitthatyoucomeawayfromthere，purposelytocomfortme，andkeepmecompany，andbeseenwi\'mewhenIamnotyetfreefromallsuspicionmyself，themoregrievedIamthatIshouldeverhavespokenthosemistrustingwordstotheyounglady。AndyetI-\'
\'Youdon\'tmistrusthernow，Rachael？\'
\'Nowthatyouhavebroughtusmoretogether，no。ButIcan\'tatalltimeskeepoutofmymind-\'
Hervoicesosunkintoalowandslowcommuningwithherself，thatSissy，sittingbyherside，wasobligedtolistenwithattention。
\'Ican\'tatalltimeskeepoutofmymind，mistrustingsofsomeone。Ican\'tthinkwho\'tis，Ican\'tthinkhoworwhyitmaybedone，butImistrustthatsomeonehasputStephenoutoftheway。
Imistrustthatbyhiscomingbackofhisownaccord，andshowinghimselfinnocentbeforethemall，someonewouldbeconfounded，who-topreventthat-hasstoppedhim，andputhimoutoftheway。\'
\'Thatisadreadfulthought，\'saidSissy，turningpale。
\'Itisadreadfulthoughttothinkhemaybemurdered。\'
Sissyshuddered，andturnedpaleryet。
\'Whenitmakesitswayintomymind，dear，\'saidRachael，\'anditwillcomesometimes，thoughIdoallIcantokeepitout，wi\'
countingontohighnumbersasIwork，andsayingoverandoveragainpiecesthatIknewwhenIwereachild-Ifallintosuchawild，hothurry，that，howevertiredIam，Iwanttowalkfast，milesandmiles。Imustgetthebetterofthisbeforebed-time。
I\'llwalkhomewi\'you。\'
\'Hemightfallilluponthejourneyback，\'saidSissy，faintlyofferingaworn-outscrapofhope；\'andinsuchacase，therearemanyplacesontheroadwherehemightstop。\'
\'Butheisinnoneofthem。Hehasbeensoughtforinall，andhe\'snotthere。\'
\'True，\'wasSissy\'sreluctantadmission。
\'He\'dwalkthejourneyintwodays。Ifhewasfootsoreandcouldn\'twalk，Isenthim，intheletterhegot，themoneytoride，lestheshouldhavenoneofhisowntospare。\'
\'Letushopethatto-morrowwillbringsomethingbetter，Rachael。
Comeintotheair！\'
HergentlehandadjustedRachael\'sshawluponhershiningblackhairintheusualmannerofherwearingit，andtheywentout。Thenightbeingfine，littleknotsofHandswerehereandtherelingeringatstreetcorners；butitwassupper-timewiththegreaterpartofthem，andtherewerebutfewpeopleinthestreets。
\'You\'renotsohurriednow，Rachael，andyourhandiscooler。\'
\'Igetbetter，dear，ifIcanonlywalk，andbreathealittlefresh。\'TimeswhenIcan\'t，Iturnweakandconfused。\'
\'Butyoumustnotbegintofail，Rachael，foryoumaybewantedatanytimetostandbyStephen。To-morrowisSaturday。Ifnonewscomesto-morrow，letuswalkinthecountryonSundaymorning，andstrengthenyouforanotherweek。Willyougo？\'
\'Yes，dear。\'
TheywerebythistimeinthestreetwhereMr。Bounderby\'shousestood。ThewaytoSissy\'sdestinationledthempastthedoor，andtheyweregoingstraighttowardsit。SometrainhadnewlyarrivedinCoketown，whichhadputanumberofvehiclesinmotion，andscatteredaconsiderablebustleaboutthetown。SeveralcoacheswererattlingbeforethemandbehindthemastheyapproachedMr。
Bounderby\'s，andoneofthelatterdrewupwithsuchbrisknessastheywereintheactofpassingthehouse，thattheylookedroundinvoluntarily。ThebrightgaslightoverMr。Bounderby\'sstepsshowedthemMrs。Sparsitinthecoach，inanecstasyofexcitement，strugglingtoopenthedoor；Mrs。Sparsitseeingthematthesamemoment，calledtothemtostop。
\'It\'sacoincidence，\'exclaimedMrs。Sparsit，asshewasreleasedbythecoachman。\'It\'saProvidence！Comeout，ma\'am！\'thensaidMrs。Sparsit，tosomeoneinside，\'comeout，orwe\'llhaveyoudraggedout！\'
Hereupon，nootherthanthemysteriousoldwomandescended。WhomMrs。Sparsitincontinentlycollared。
\'Leaveheralone，everybody！\'criedMrs。Sparsit，withgreatenergy。\'Letnobodytouchher。Shebelongstome。Comein，ma\'am！\'thensaidMrs。Sparsit，reversingherformerwordofcommand。\'Comein，ma\'am，orwe\'llhaveyoudraggedin！\'
Thespectacleofamatronofclassicaldeportment，seizinganancientwomanbythethroat，andhaulingherintoadwelling-house，wouldhavebeenunderanycircumstances，sufficienttemptationtoalltrueEnglishstragglerssoblestastowitnessit，toforceawayintothatdwelling-houseandseethematterout。ButwhenthephenomenonwasenhancedbythenotorietyandmysterybythistimeassociatedalloverthetownwiththeBankrobbery，itwouldhaveluredthestragglersin，withanirresistibleattraction，thoughtheroofhadbeenexpectedtofallupontheirheads。Accordingly，thechancewitnessesontheground，consistingofthebusiestoftheneighbourstothenumberofsomefive-and-twenty，closedinafterSissyandRachael，astheyclosedinafterMrs。Sparsitandherprize；andthewholebodymadeadisorderlyirruptionintoMr。
Bounderby\'sdining-room，wherethepeoplebehindlostnotamoment\'stimeinmountingonthechairs，togetthebetterofthepeopleinfront。
\'FetchMr。Bounderbydown！\'criedMrs。Sparsit。\'Rachael，youngwoman；youknowwhothisis？\'
\'It\'sMrs。Pegler，\'saidRachael。
\'Ishouldthinkitis！\'criedMrs。Sparsit，exulting。\'FetchMr。
Bounderby。Standaway，everybody！\'HereoldMrs。Pegler，mufflingherselfup，andshrinkingfromobservation，whisperedawordofentreaty。\'Don\'ttellme，\'saidMrs。Sparsit，aloud。\'Ihavetoldyoutwentytimes，comingalong，thatIwillnotleaveyoutillI
havehandedyouovertohimmyself。\'
Mr。Bounderbynowappeared，accompaniedbyMr。Gradgrindandthewhelp，withwhomhehadbeenholdingconferenceup-stairs。Mr。
Bounderbylookedmoreastonishedthanhospitable，atsightofthisuninvitedpartyinhisdining-room。
\'Why，what\'sthematternow！\'saidhe。\'Mrs。Sparsit，ma\'am？\'
\'Sir，\'explainedthatworthywoman，\'Itrustitismygoodfortunetoproduceapersonyouhavemuchdesiredtofind。Stimulatedbymywishtorelieveyourmind，sir，andconnectingtogethersuchimperfectcluestothepartofthecountryinwhichthatpersonmightbesupposedtoreside，ashavebeenaffordedbytheyoungwoman，Rachael，fortunatelynowpresenttoidentify，Ihavehadthehappinesstosucceed，andtobringthatpersonwithme-Ineednotsaymostunwillinglyonherpart。Ithasnotbeen，sir，withoutsometroublethatIhaveeffectedthis；buttroubleinyourserviceistomeapleasure，andhunger，thirst，andcoldarealgratification。\'
HereMrs。Sparsitceased；forMr。Bounderby\'svisageexhibitedanextraordinarycombinationofallpossiblecoloursandexpressionsofdiscomfiture，asoldMrs。Peglerwasdisclosedtohisview。
\'Why，whatdoyoumeanbythis？\'washishighlyunexpecteddemand，ingreatwarmth。\'Iaskyou，whatdoyoumeanbythis，Mrs。
Sparsit，ma\'am？\'
\'Sir！\'exclaimedMrs。Sparsit，faintly。
\'Whydon\'tyoumindyourownbusiness，ma\'am？\'roaredBounderby。
\'Howdareyougoandpokeyourofficiousnoseintomyfamilyaffairs？\'
ThisallusiontoherfavouritefeatureoverpoweredMrs。Sparsit。
Shesatdownstifflyinachair，asifshewerefrozen；andwithafixedstareatMr。Bounderby，slowlygratedhermittensagainstoneanother，asiftheywerefrozentoo。
\'MydearJosiah！\'criedMrs。Pegler，trembling。\'Mydarlingboy！
Iamnottoblame。It\'snotmyfault，Josiah。Itoldthisladyoverandoveragain，thatIknewshewasdoingwhatwouldnotbeagreeabletoyou，butshewoulddoit。\'
\'Whatdidyouletherbringyoufor？Couldn\'tyouknockhercapoff，orhertoothout，orscratchher，ordosomethingorothertoher？\'askedBounderby。
\'Myownboy！ShethreatenedmethatifIresistedher，Ishouldbebroughtbyconstables，anditwasbettertocomequietlythanmakethatstirinsucha\'-Mrs。Peglerglancedtimidlybutproudlyroundthewalls-\'suchafinehouseasthis。Indeed，indeed，itisnotmyfault！Mydear，noble，statelyboy！Ihavealwayslivedquiet，andsecret，Josiah，mydear。Ihaveneverbrokentheconditiononce。IhaveneversaidIwasyourmother。Ihaveadmiredyouatadistance；andifIhavecometotownsometimes，withlongtimesbetween，totakeaproudpeepatyou，Ihavedoneitunbeknown，mylove，andgoneawayagain。\'
Mr。Bounderby，withhishandsinhispockets，walkedinimpatientmortificationupanddownatthesideofthelongdining-table，whilethespectatorsgreedilytookineverysyllableofMrs。
Pegler\'sappeal，andateachsucceedingsyllablebecamemoreandmoreround-eyed。Mr。BounderbystillwalkingupanddownwhenMrs。
Peglerhaddone，Mr。Gradgrindaddressedthatmalignedoldlady:
\'Iamsurprised，madam，\'heobservedwithseverity，\'thatinyouroldageyouhavethefacetoclaimMr。Bounderbyforyourson，afteryourunnaturalandinhumantreatmentofhim。\'
\'Meunnatural！\'criedpooroldMrs。Pegler。\'Meinhuman！Tomydearboy？\'
\'Dear！\'repeatedMr。Gradgrind。\'Yes；dearinhisself-madeprosperity，madam，Idaresay。Notverydear，however，whenyoudesertedhiminhisinfancy，andlefthimtothebrutalityofadrunkengrandmother。\'
\'IdesertedmyJosiah！\'criedMrs。Pegler，claspingherhands。
\'Now，Lordforgiveyou，sir，foryourwickedimaginations，andforyourscandalagainstthememoryofmypoormother，whodiedinmyarmsbeforeJosiahwasborn。Mayyourepentofit，sir，andlivetoknowbetter！\'
Shewassoveryearnestandinjured，thatMr。Gradgrind，shockedbythepossibilitywhichdawneduponhim，saidinagentlertone:
\'Doyoudeny，then，madam，thatyouleftyoursonto-tobebroughtupinthegutter？\'
\'Josiahinthegutter！\'exclaimedMrs。Pegler。\'Nosuchathing，sir。Never！Forshameonyou！Mydearboyknows，andwillgiveyoutoknow，thatthoughhecomeofhumbleparents，hecomeofparentsthatlovedhimasdearasthebestcould，andneverthoughtithardshiponthemselvestopinchabitthathemightwriteandcipherbeautiful，andI\'vehisbooksathometoshowit！Aye，haveI！\'saidMrs。Pegler，withindignantpride。\'Andmydearboyknows，andwillgiveyoutoknow，sir，thatafterhisbelovedfatherdied，whenhewaseightyearsold，hismother，too，couldpinchabit，asitwasherdutyandherpleasureandherpridetodoit，tohelphimoutinlife，andputhim\'prentice。Andasteadyladhewas，andakindmasterhehadtolendhimahand，andwellheworkedhisownwayforwardtoberichandthriving。AndI\'llgiveyoutoknow，sir-forthismydearboywon\'t-thatthoughhismotherkeptbutalittlevillageshop，heneverforgother，butpensionedmeonthirtypoundayear-morethanIwant，forIputbyoutofit-onlymakingtheconditionthatIwastokeepdowninmyownpart，andmakenoboastsabouthim，andnottroublehim。AndIneverhave，exceptwithlookingathimonceayear，whenhehasneverknowedit。Andit\'sright，\'saidpooroldMrs。Pegler，inaffectionatechampionship，\'thatIshouldkeepdowninmyownpart，andIhavenodoubtsthatifIwashereIshoulddoamanyunbefittingthings，andIamwellcontented，andIcankeepmyprideinmyJosiahtomyself，andIcanloveforlove\'sownsake！AndIamashamedofyou，sir，\'saidMrs。Pegler，lastly，\'foryourslandersandsuspicions。AndIneverstoodherebefore，norneverwantedtostandherewhenmydearsonsaidno。AndI
shouldn\'tbeherenow，ifithadn\'tbeenforbeingbroughthere。
Andforshameuponyou，Oh，forshame，toaccusemeofbeingabadmothertomyson，withmysonstandingheretotellyousodifferent！\'
Thebystanders，onandoffthedining-roomchairs，raisedamurmurofsympathywithMrs。Pegler，andMr。Gradgrindfelthimselfinnocentlyplacedinaverydistressingpredicament，whenMr。
Bounderby，whohadneverceasedwalkingupanddown，andhadeverymomentswelledlargerandlarger，andgrownredderandredder，stoppedshort。
\'Idon\'texactlyknow，\'saidMr。Bounderby，\'howIcometobefavouredwiththeattendanceofthepresentcompany，butIdon\'tinquire。Whenthey\'requitesatisfied，perhapsthey\'llbesogoodastodisperse；whetherthey\'resatisfiedornot，perhapsthey\'llbesogoodastodisperse。I\'mnotboundtodeliveralectureonmyfamilyaffairs，Ihavenotundertakentodoit，andI\'mnotagoingtodoit。Thereforethosewhoexpectanyexplanationwhateveruponthatbranchofthesubject，willbedisappointed-
particularlyTomGradgrind，andhecan\'tknowittoosoon。InreferencetotheBankrobbery，therehasbeenamistakemade，concerningmymother。Iftherehadn\'tbeenover-officiousnessitwouldn\'thavebeenmade，andIhateover-officiousnessatalltimes，whetherorno。Goodevening！\'
AlthoughMr。Bounderbycarrieditoffintheseterms，holdingthedooropenforthecompanytodepart，therewasablusteringsheepishnessuponhim，atonceextremelycrestfallenandsuperlativelyabsurd。DetectedastheBullyofhumility，whohadbuilthiswindyreputationuponlies，andinhisboastfulnesshadputthehonesttruthasfarawayfromhimasifhehadadvancedthemeanclaimthereisnomeanertotackhimselfontoapedigree，hecutamostridiculousfigure。Withthepeoplefilingoffatthedoorheheld，whoheknewwouldcarrywhathadpassedtothewholetown，tobegiventothefourwinds，hecouldnothavelookedaBullymoreshornandforlorn，ifhehadhadhisearscropped。Eventhatunluckyfemale，Mrs。Sparsit，fallenfromherpinnacleofexultationintotheSloughofDespond，wasnotinsobadaplightasthatremarkablemanandself-madeHumbug，JosiahBounderbyofCoketown。
RachaelandSissy，leavingMrs。Peglertooccupyabedatherson\'sforthatnight，walkedtogethertothegateofStoneLodgeandthereparted。Mr。Gradgrindjoinedthembeforetheyhadgoneveryfar，andspokewithmuchinterestofStephenBlackpool；forwhomhethoughtthissignalfailureofthesuspicionsagainstMrs。Peglerwaslikelytoworkwell。
Astothewhelp；throughoutthissceneasonallotherlateoccasions，hehadstuckclosetoBounderby。HeseemedtofeelthataslongasBounderbycouldmakenodiscoverywithouthisknowledge，hewassofarsafe。Henevervisitedhissister，andhadonlyseenheroncesinceshewenthome:thatistosayonthenightwhenhestillstuckclosetoBounderby，asalreadyrelated。
Therewasonedimunformedfearlingeringabouthissister\'smind，towhichshenevergaveutterance，whichsurroundedthegracelessandungratefulboywithadreadfulmystery。Thesamedarkpossibilityhadpresenteditselfinthesameshapelessguise，thisveryday，toSissy，whenRachaelspokeofsomeonewhowouldbeconfoundedbyStephen\'sreturn，havingputhimoutoftheway。
Louisahadneverspokenofharbouringanysuspicionofherbrotherinconnexionwiththerobbery，sheandSissyhadheldnoconfidenceonthesubject，saveinthatoneinterchangeoflookswhentheunconsciousfatherrestedhisgrayheadonhishand；butitwasunderstoodbetweenthem，andtheybothknewit。Thisotherfearwassoawful，thatithoveredabouteachofthemlikeaghostlyshadow；neitherdaringtothinkofitsbeingnearherself，farlessofitsbeingneartheother。
Andstilltheforcedspiritwhichthewhelphadpluckedup，throvewithhim。IfStephenBlackpoolwasnotthethief，lethimshowhimself。Whydidn\'the？
Anothernight。Anotherdayandnight。NoStephenBlackpool。
Wherewastheman，andwhydidhenotcomeback？
CHAPTERVI-THESTARLIGHT
THESundaywasabrightSundayinautumn，clearandcool，whenearlyinthemorningSissyandRachaelmet，towalkinthecountry。
AsCoketowncastashesnotonlyonitsownheadbutontheneighbourhood\'stoo-afterthemannerofthosepiouspersonswhodopenancefortheirownsinsbyputtingotherpeopleintosackcloth-itwascustomaryforthosewhonowandthenthirstedforadraughtofpureair，whichisnotabsolutelythemostwickedamongthevanitiesoflife，togetafewmilesawaybytherailroad，andthenbegintheirwalk，ortheirloungeinthefields。
SissyandRachaelhelpedthemselvesoutofthesmokebytheusualmeans，andwereputdownatastationaboutmidwaybetweenthetownandMr。Bounderby\'sretreat。
Thoughthegreenlandscapewasblottedhereandtherewithheapsofcoal，itwasgreenelsewhere，andthereweretreestosee，andtherewerelarkssingingthoughitwasSunday，andtherewerepleasantscentsintheair，andallwasover-archedbyabrightbluesky。Inthedistanceoneway，Coketownshowedasablackmist；inanotherdistancehillsbegantorise；inathird，therewasafaintchangeinthelightofthehorizonwhereitshoneuponthefar-offsea。Undertheirfeet，thegrasswasfresh；beautifulshadowsofbranchesflickereduponit，andspeckledit；hedgerowswereluxuriant；everythingwasatpeace。Enginesatpits\'mouths，andleanoldhorsesthathadwornthecircleoftheirdailylabourintotheground，werealikequiet；wheelshadceasedforashortspacetoturn；andthegreatwheelofearthseemedtorevolvewithouttheshocksandnoisesofanothertime。
Theywalkedonacrossthefieldsanddowntheshadylanes，sometimesgettingoverafragmentofafencesorottenthatitdroppedatatouchofthefoot，sometimespassingnearawreckofbricksandbeamsovergrownwithgrass，markingthesiteofdesertedworks。Theyfollowedpathsandtracks，howeverslight。Moundswherethegrasswasrankandhigh，andwherebrambles，dock-weed，andsuch-likevegetation，wereconfusedlyheapedtogether，theyalwaysavoided；fordismalstoriesweretoldinthatcountryoftheoldpitshiddenbeneathsuchindications。
Thesunwashighwhentheysatdowntorest。Theyhadseennoone，nearordistant，foralongtime；andthesolituderemainedunbroken。\'Itissostillhere，Rachael，andthewayissountrodden，thatIthinkwemustbethefirstwhohavebeenhereallthesummer。\'
AsSissysaidit，hereyeswereattractedbyanotherofthoserottenfragmentsoffenceupontheground。Shegotuptolookatit。\'AndyetIdon\'tknow。Thishasnotbeenbrokenverylong。
Thewoodisquitefreshwhereitgaveway。Herearefootstepstoo-
ORachael！\'
Sheranback，andcaughtherroundtheneck。Rachaelhadalreadystartedup。
\'Whatisthematter？\'
\'Idon\'tknow。Thereisahatlyinginthegrass。\'Theywentforwardtogether。Rachaeltookitup，shakingfromheadtofoot。
Shebrokeintoapassionoftearsandlamentations:StephenBlackpoolwaswritteninhisownhandontheinside。
\'Othepoorlad，thepoorlad！Hehasbeenmadeawaywith。Heislyingmurderedhere！\'
\'Isthere-hasthehatanyblooduponit？\'Sissyfaltered。
Theywereafraidtolook；buttheydidexamineit，andfoundnomarkofviolence，insideorout。Ithadbeenlyingtheresomedays，forrainanddewhadstainedit，andthemarkofitsshapewasonthegrasswhereithadfallen。Theylookedfearfullyaboutthem，withoutmoving，butcouldseenothingmore。\'Rachael，\'Sissywhispered，\'Iwillgoonalittlebymyself。\'
Shehadunclaspedherhand，andwasintheactofsteppingforward，whenRachaelcaughtherinbotharmswithascreamthatresoundedoverthewidelandscape。Beforethem，attheirveryfeet，wasthebrinkofablackraggedchasmhiddenbythethickgrass。Theysprangback，andfellupontheirknees，eachhidingherfaceupontheother\'sneck。
\'O，mygoodLord！He\'sdownthere！Downthere！\'Atfirstthis，andherterrificscreams，wereallthatcouldbegotfromRachael，byanytears，byanyprayers，byanyrepresentations，byanymeans。
Itwasimpossibletohushher；anditwasdeadlynecessarytoholdher，orshewouldhaveflungherselfdowntheshaft。
\'Rachael，dearRachael，goodRachael，fortheloveofHeaven，notthesedreadfulcries！ThinkofStephen，thinkofStephen，thinkofStephen！\'
Byanearnestrepetitionofthisentreaty，pouredoutinalltheagonyofsuchamoment，Sissyatlastbroughthertobesilent，andtolookatherwithatearlessfaceofstone。
\'Rachael，Stephenmaybeliving。Youwouldn\'tleavehimlyingmaimedatthebottomofthisdreadfulplace，amoment，ifyoucouldbringhelptohim？\'
\'No，no，no！\'
\'Don\'tstirfromhere，forhissake！Letmegoandlisten。\'
Sheshudderedtoapproachthepit；butshecrepttowardsitonherhandsandknees，andcalledtohimasloudasshecouldcall。Shelistened，butnosoundreplied。Shecalledagainandlistened；
stillnoansweringsound。Shedidthis，twenty，thirtytimes。Shetookalittleclodofearthfromthebrokengroundwherehehadstumbled，andthrewitin。Shecouldnothearitfall。
Thewideprospect，sobeautifulinitsstillnessbutafewminutesago，almostcarrieddespairtoherbraveheart，assheroseandlookedallroundher，seeingnohelp。\'Rachael，wemustlosenotamoment。Wemustgoindifferentdirections，seekingaid。Youshallgobythewaywehavecome，andIwillgoforwardbythepath。Tellanyoneyousee，andeveryonewhathashappened。
ThinkofStephen，thinkofStephen！\'
SheknewbyRachael\'sfacethatshemighttrusthernow。Andafterstandingforamomenttoseeherrunning，wringingherhandsassheran，sheturnedandwentuponherownsearch；shestoppedatthehedgetotiehershawlthereasaguidetotheplace，thenthrewherbonnetaside，andranasshehadneverrunbefore。
Run，Sissy，run，inHeaven\'sname！Don\'tstopforbreath。Run，run！Quickeningherselfbycarryingsuchentreatiesinherthoughts，sheranfromfieldtofield，andlanetolane，andplacetoplace，asshehadneverrunbefore；untilshecametoashedbyanengine-house，wheretwomenlayintheshade，asleeponstraw。
Firsttowakethem，andnexttotellthem，allsowildandbreathlessasshewas，whathadbroughtherthere，weredifficulties；buttheynosoonerunderstoodherthantheirspiritswereonfirelikehers。Oneofthemenwasinadrunkenslumber，butonhiscomrade\'sshoutingtohimthatamanhadfallendowntheOldHellShaft，hestartedouttoapoolofdirtywater，puthisheadinit，andcamebacksober。
Withthesetwomensherantoanotherhalf-a-milefurther，andwiththatonetoanother，whiletheyranelsewhere。Thenahorsewasfound；andshegotanothermantorideforlifeordeathtotherailroad，andsendamessagetoLouisa，whichshewroteandgavehim。Bythistimeawholevillagewasup:andwindlasses，ropes，poles，candles，lanterns，allthingsnecessary，werefastcollectingandbeingbroughtintooneplace，tobecarriedtotheOldHellShaft。
Itseemednowhoursandhourssinceshehadleftthelostmanlyinginthegravewherehehadbeenburiedalive。Shecouldnotbeartoremainawayfromitanylonger-itwaslikedesertinghim-andshehurriedswiftlyback，accompaniedbyhalf-a-dozenlabourers，includingthedrunkenmanwhomthenewshadsobered，andwhowasthebestmanofall。WhentheycametotheOldHellShaft，theyfounditaslonelyasshehadleftit。Themencalledandlistenedasshehaddone，andexaminedtheedgeofthechasm，andsettledhowithadhappened，andthensatdowntowaituntiltheimplementstheywantedshouldcomeup。
Everysoundofinsectsintheair，everystirringoftheleaves，everywhisperamongthesemen，madeSissytremble，forshethoughtitwasacryatthebottomofthepit。Butthewindblewidlyoverit，andnosoundarosetothesurface，andtheysatuponthegrass，waitingandwaiting。Aftertheyhadwaitedsometime，stragglingpeoplewhohadheardoftheaccidentbegantocomeup；thentherealhelpofimplementsbegantoarrive。Inthemidstofthis，Rachaelreturned；andwithherpartytherewasasurgeon，whobroughtsomewineandmedicines。But，theexpectationamongthepeoplethatthemanwouldbefoundalivewasveryslightindeed。
Therebeingnowpeopleenoughpresenttoimpedethework，thesoberedmanputhimselfattheheadoftherest，orwasputtherebythegeneralconsent，andmadealargeringroundtheOldHellShaft，andappointedmentokeepit。Besidessuchvolunteersaswereacceptedtowork，onlySissyandRachaelwereatfirstpermittedwithinthisring；but，laterintheday，whenthemessagebroughtanexpressfromCoketown，Mr。GradgrindandLouisa，andMr。
Bounderby，andthewhelp，werealsothere。
ThesunwasfourhourslowerthanwhenSissyandRachaelhadfirstsatdownuponthegrass，beforeameansofenablingtwomentodescendsecurelywasriggedwithpolesandropes。Difficultieshadarisenintheconstructionofthismachine，simpleasitwas；
requisiteshadbeenfoundwanting，andmessageshadhadtogoandreturn。Itwasfiveo\'clockintheafternoonofthebrightautumnalSunday，beforeacandlewassentdowntotrytheair，whilethreeorfourroughfacesstoodcrowdedclosetogether，attentivelywatchingit:themanatthewindlassloweringastheyweretold。Thecandlewasbroughtupagain，feeblyburning，andthensomewaterwascastin。Thenthebucketwashookedon；andthesoberedmanandanothergotinwithlights，givingtheword\'Loweraway！\'
Astheropewentout，tightandstrained，andthewindlasscreaked，therewasnotabreathamongtheoneortwohundredmenandwomenlookingon，thatcameasitwaswonttocome。Thesignalwasgivenandthewindlassstopped，withabundantropetospare。Apparentlysolonganintervalensuedwiththemenatthewindlassstandingidle，thatsomewomenshriekedthatanotheraccidenthadhappened！
Butthesurgeonwhoheldthewatch，declaredfiveminutesnottohaveelapsedyet，andsternlyadmonishedthemtokeepsilence。Hehadnotwelldonespeaking，whenthewindlasswasreversedandworkedagain。Practisedeyesknewthatitdidnotgoasheavilyasitwouldifbothworkmenhadbeencomingup，andthatonlyonewasreturning。
Theropecameintightandstrained；andringafterringwascoileduponthebarrelofthewindlass，andalleyeswerefastenedonthepit。Thesoberedmanwasbroughtupandleapedoutbrisklyonthegrass。Therewasanuniversalcryof\'Aliveordead？\'andthenadeep，profoundhush。
Whenhesaid\'Alive！\'agreatshoutaroseandmanyeyeshadtearsinthem。
\'Buthe\'shurtverybad，\'headded，assoonashecouldmakehimselfheardagain。\'Where\'sdoctor？He\'shurtsoverybad，sir，thatwedonnohowtogethimup。\'
Theyallconsultedtogether，andlookedanxiouslyatthesurgeon，asheaskedsomequestions，andshookhisheadonreceivingthereplies。Thesunwassettingnow；andtheredlightintheeveningskytouchedeveryfacethere，andcausedittobedistinctlyseeninallitsraptsuspense。
Theconsultationendedinthemenreturningtothewindlass，andthepitmangoingdownagain，carryingthewineandsomeothersmallmatterswithhim。Thentheothermancameup。Inthemeantime，underthesurgeon\'sdirections，somemenbroughtahurdle，onwhichothersmadeathickbedofspareclothescoveredwithloosestraw，whilehehimselfcontrivedsomebandagesandslingsfromshawlsandhandkerchiefs。Astheseweremade，theywerehunguponanarmofthepitmanwhohadlastcomeup，withinstructionshowtousethem:
andashestood，shownbythelighthecarried，leaninghispowerfulloosehandupononeofthepoles，andsometimesglancingdownthepit，andsometimesglancingrounduponthepeople，hewasnottheleastconspicuousfigureinthescene。Itwasdarknow，andtorcheswerekindled。
Itappearedfromthelittlethismansaidtothoseabouthim，whichwasquicklyrepeatedalloverthecircle，thatthelostmanhadfallenuponamassofcrumbledrubbishwithwhichthepitwashalfchokedup，andthathisfallhadbeenfurtherbrokenbysomejaggedearthattheside。Helayuponhisbackwithonearmdoubledunderhim，andaccordingtohisownbeliefhadhardlystirredsincehefell，exceptthathehadmovedhisfreehandtoasidepocket，inwhichherememberedtohavesomebreadandmeatofwhichhehadswallowedcrumbs，andhadlikewisescoopedupalittlewaterinitnowandthen。Hehadcomestraightawayfromhiswork，onbeingwrittento，andhadwalkedthewholejourney；andwasonhiswaytoMr。Bounderby\'scountryhouseafterdark，whenhefell。Hewascrossingthatdangerouscountryatsuchadangeroustime，becausehewasinnocentofwhatwaslaidtohischarge，andcouldn\'trestfromcomingthenearestwaytodeliverhimselfup。TheOldHellShaft，thepitmansaid，withacurseuponit，wasworthyofitsbadnametothelast；forthoughStephencouldspeaknow，hebelieveditwouldsoonbefoundtohavemangledthelifeoutofhim。
Whenallwasready，thisman，stilltakinghislasthurriedchargesfromhiscomradesandthesurgeonafterthewindlasshadbeguntolowerhim，disappearedintothepit。Theropewentoutasbefore，thesignalwasmadeasbefore，andthewindlassstopped。Nomanremovedhishandfromitnow。Everyonewaitedwithhisgraspset，andhisbodybentdowntothework，readytoreverseandwindin。
Atlengththesignalwasgiven，andalltheringleanedforward。
For，now，theropecamein，tightenedandstrainedtoitsutmostasitappeared，andthementurnedheavily，andthewindlasscomplained。Itwasscarcelyendurabletolookattherope，andthinkofitsgivingway。But，ringafterringwascoileduponthebarrelofthewindlasssafely，andtheconnectingchainsappeared，andfinallythebucketwiththetwomenholdingonatthesides-asighttomaketheheadswim，andoppresstheheart-andtenderlysupportingbetweenthem，slungandtiedwithin，thefigureofapoor，crushed，humancreature。
Alowmurmurofpitywentroundthethrong，andthewomenweptaloud，asthisform，almostwithoutform，wasmovedveryslowlyfromitsirondeliverance，andlaiduponthebedofstraw。Atfirst，nonebutthesurgeonwentclosetoit。Hedidwhathecouldinitsadjustmentonthecouch，butthebestthathecoulddowastocoverit。Thatgentlydone，hecalledtohimRachaelandSissy。
Andatthattimethepale，worn，patientfacewasseenlookingupatthesky，withthebrokenrighthandlyingbareontheoutsideofthecoveringgarments，asifwaitingtobetakenbyanotherhand。
Theygavehimdrink，moistenedhisfacewithwater，andadministeredsomedropsofcordialandwine。Thoughhelayquitemotionlesslookingupatthesky，hesmiledandsaid，\'Rachael。\'
Shestoopeddownonthegrassathisside，andbentoverhimuntilhereyeswerebetweenhisandthesky，forhecouldnotsomuchasturnthemtolookather。
\'Rachael，mydear。\'
Shetookhishand。Hesmiledagainandsaid，\'Don\'tlet\'tgo。\'
\'Thou\'rtingreatpain，myowndearStephen？\'
\'Iha\'been，butnotnow。Iha\'been-dreadful，anddree，andlong，mydear-but\'tisowernow。Ah，Rachael，awamuddle！Fro\'
firsttolast，amuddle！\'
Thespectreofhisoldlookseemedtopassashesaidtheword。
\'Iha\'fellintoth\'pit，mydear，ashavecostwi\'intheknowledgeo\'oldfoknowlivin，hundredsandhundredso\'men\'slives-
fathers，sons，brothers，deartothousandsan\'thousands，an\'
keeping\'emfro\'wantandhunger。Iha\'fellintoapitthatha\'
beenwi\'th\'Firedampcruellerthanbattle。Iha\'readon\'tinthepublicpetition，asonnyonemayread，fro\'thementhatworksinpits，inwhichtheyha\'pray\'nandpray\'nthelawmakersforChrist\'ssakenottolettheirworkbemurderto\'em，buttospare\'emforth\'wivesandchildrenthattheylovesaswellasgentlefoklovestheirs。Whenitwereinwork，itkilledwi\'outneed；when\'tisletalone，itkillswi\'outneed。Seehowwediean\'noneed，onewayan\'another-inamuddle-everyday！\'
Hefaintlysaidit，withoutanyangeragainstanyone。Merelyasthetruth。
\'Thylittlesister，Rachael，thouhastnotforgother。Thou\'rtnotliketoforgethernow，andmesonighher。Thouknow\'st-poor，patient，suff\'rin，dear-howthoudidstworkforher，seet\'nalldaylonginherlittlechairatthywinder，andhowshedied，youngandmisshapen，awlungo\'sicklyairashad\'nnoneedtobe，an\'
awlungo\'workingpeople\'smiserablehomes。Amuddle！Awamuddle！\'
Louisaapproachedhim；buthecouldnotseeher，lyingwithhisfaceturneduptothenightsky。
\'Ifawth\'thingsthattoochesus，mydear，wasnotsomuddled，I
should\'nha\'had\'nneedtocoomheer。Ifwewasnotinamuddleamongourseln，Ishould\'nha\'been，bymyownfellowweaversandworkin\'brothers，somistook。IfMr。Bounderbyhadeverknow\'dmeright-ifhe\'deverknow\'dmeataw-hewould\'nha\'took\'noffencewi\'me。Hewould\'nha\'suspect\'nme。Butlookupyonder，Rachael！Lookaboove！\'
Followinghiseyes，shesawthathewasgazingatastar。
\'Itha\'shineduponme，\'hesaidreverently，\'inmypainandtroubledownbelow。Itha\'shinedintomymind。Iha\'look\'nat\'tandthowto\'thee，Rachael，tillthemuddleinmymindhaveclearedawa，aboveabit，Ihope。Ifsoomha\'beenwantin\'inunnerstan\'inmebetter，I，too，ha\'beenwantin\'inunnerstan\'inthembetter。WhenIgotthyletter，Ieasilybelieventhatwhattheyoongledysenanddonetome，andwhatherbrothersenanddonetome，wasone，andthattherewereawickedplotbetwixt\'em。
WhenIfell，Iwereinangerwi\'her，an\'hurryinont\'beasonjustt\'herasootherswast\'me。Butinourjudgments，likeasinourdoins，wemunbearandforbear。Inmypainan\'trouble，lookinupyonder，-wi\'itshininonme-Iha\'seenmoreclear，andha\'madeitmydyinprayerthatawth\'worldmayon\'ycoomtoogethermore，an\'getabetterunnerstan\'ino\'oneanother，thanwhenIwerein\'tmyownweakseln。\'
Louisahearingwhathesaid，bentoverhimontheoppositesidetoRachael，sothathecouldseeher。
\'Youha\'heard？\'hesaid，afterafewmoments\'silence。\'Iha\'notforgotyou，ledy。\'
\'Yes，Stephen，Ihaveheardyou。Andyourprayerismine。\'
\'Youha\'afather。Willyotak\'amessagetohim？\'
\'Heishere，\'saidLouisa，withdread。\'ShallIbringhimtoyou？\'
\'Ifyoplease。\'
Louisareturnedwithherfather。Standinghand-in-hand，theybothlookeddownuponthesolemncountenance。
\'Sir，yowillclearmean\'makmynamegoodwi\'awmen。ThisI
leavetoyo。\'
Mr。Gradgrindwastroubledandaskedhow？
\'Sir，\'wasthereply:\'yorsonwilltellyohow。Askhim。Imaknocharges:Ileavenoneahintme:notasingleword。Iha\'seenan\'spok\'nwi\'yorson，onenight。Iasknomoreo\'yothanthatyoclearme-an\'Itrusttoyotodo\'t。\'
Thebearersbeingnowreadytocarryhimaway，andthesurgeonbeinganxiousforhisremoval，thosewhohadtorchesorlanterns，preparedtogoinfrontofthelitter。Beforeitwasraised，andwhiletheywerearranginghowtogo，hesaidtoRachael，lookingupwardatthestar:
\'OftenasIcoomtomyseln，andfounditshinin\'onmedownthereinmytrouble，IthowtitwerethestarasguidedtoOurSaviour\'shome。Iawmustthinkitbetheverystar！\'
Theyliftedhimup，andhewasoverjoyedtofindthattheywereabouttotakehiminthedirectionwhitherthestarseemedtohimtolead。
\'Rachael，belovedlass！Don\'tletgomyhand。Wemaywalktoogethert\'night，mydear！\'
\'Iwillholdthyhand，andkeepbesidethee，Stephen，alltheway。\'
\'Blessthee！Willsoombodybepleasedtocoovermyface！\'
Theycarriedhimverygentlyalongthefields，anddownthelanes，andoverthewidelandscape；Rachaelalwaysholdingthehandinhers。Veryfewwhispersbrokethemournfulsilence。Itwassoonafuneralprocession。ThestarhadshownhimwheretofindtheGodofthepoor；andthroughhumility，andsorrow，andforgiveness，hehadgonetohisRedeemer\'srest。