Принц и нищий
The Escape
Seethoubecarefulandcommitnofoolisherror,"—thenheshuthisvoicedowntoawhisper,andsaidintheman’sear—"thepigthouhastpurchasedforeightpencemaycosttheethyneck,man!"
Thepoorconstable,takenbysurprise,wasspeechless,atfirst,thenfoundhistongueandfelltoblusteringandthreatening;butHendonwastranquil,andwaitedwithpatiencetillhisbreathwasspent;thensaid—
"Ihavealikingtothee,friend,andwouldnotwillinglyseetheecometoharm.Observe,Ihearditall—everyword.Iwillproveittothee."Thenherepeatedtheconversationwhichtheofficerandthewomanhadhadtogetherinthehall,wordforword,andendedwith—
"There—haveIsetitforthcorrectly?ShouldnotIbeabletosetitforthcorrectlybeforethejudge,ifoccasionrequired?"
Themanwasdumbwithfearanddistress,foramoment;thenherallied,andsaidwithforcedlightness—
"‘Tismakingamightymatter,indeed,outofajest;Ibutplaguedthewomanformineamusement."
"Keptyouthewoman’spigforamusement?"
Themanansweredsharply—
"Noughtelse,goodsir—Itellthee‘twasbutajest."
