 46. When Barnaby returned with the bread, the sight of the pious old pilgrim smoking his pipe and making himself so thoroughly at home, appeared to surprise even him. The more so as that worthy person, instead of putting up the loaf in his wallet as a scarce and precious article, tossed it carelessly on the table, and producing his bottle, made him sit down and drink. 46. Or I carry some comfort, you see, he said, taste that, is it good? The water stood in Barnaby's eyes as he coughed from the strength of the draught, and answered in the affirmative. "'Drink some more,' said the blind man, "'don't be afraid of it. You don't taste anything like that often, eh?' "'Often,' cried Barnaby, "'never!' "'Too poor!' returned the blind man with a sigh. "'Aye, that's bad. Your mother, poor soul, would be happier if she was richer, Barnaby.' "'Why, so I tell her. The very thing I told her just before you came to-night, when all that gold was in the sky,' said Barnaby, drawing his chair nearer to him and looking eagerly in his face, "'Tell me, is there any way of being rich that I could find out?' "'Anyway, a hundred ways.' "'Aye, aye,' he returned, "'do you say so? What are they? "'Nay, mother, it's for your sake, I ask. Not mine, for yours indeed. What are they?' The blind man turned his face, on which there was a smile of triumph, to where the widow stood in great distress, and answered, "'Why, they are not to be found out by stay-at-homes, my good friend.' "'By stay-at-homes?' cried Barnaby, plucking at his sleeve. "'But I am not one. Now there, there you mistake. I am often out before the sun and travel home when he is gone to rest. I am away in the woods before the day has reached the shady places, and I am often there when the bright moon is peeping through the boughs and looking down upon the other moon that it lives in the water. As I walk along, I try to find among the grass and moss, some of that small money for which he works so hard, and used to shed so many tears. As I lie asleep in the shade, I dream of it—dream of digging it up in heaps, and spying it out, hidden under bushes, and seeing it sparkle as the dew-drops do among the leaves. But I never find it. Tell me where it is. I go there if the journey were a whole year long, because I know she would be happier when I came home, and brought some with me. Speak again. I'll listen to you if you talk all night.' The blind man passed his hand lightly over the poor fellow's face, and finding that his elbows were planted on the table, that his chin rested on his two hands, that he leaned eagerly forward, and that his whole manner expressed the utmost interest and anxiety, paused for a minute, as though he desired the widow to observe this fully, and then made answer. It's in the world, bold Barnaby, the merry world, not in solitary places like those you pass your time in, but in crowds, and where there's noise and rattle. Good, good! cried Barnaby, rubbing his hands. Yes, I love that. Grip loves it too. It suits us both. That's brave. There are kind of places, said the blind man, that a young fellow likes, and in which a good son may do more for his mother and himself to boot, in a month, than he could hear in all his life. That is, if he had a friend, you know, and someone to advise with. You hear this, mother? cried Barnaby, turning to her with delight. Never tell me we shouldn't heed it, if it lay shining at our feet. Why do we heed it so much now? Why do you toil from morning until night? Surely, said the blind man, surely, have you no answer, widow? Is your mind, he slowly added, not made up yet? Let me speak with you, she answered, apart. Lay your hand upon my sleeve, said Stag, arising from the table, and lead me where you will. Courage, bold Barnaby, we'll talk more of this. I've a fancy for you. Wait there till I come back. Now, widow. She led him out at the door and into the little garden where they stopped. You are a fit agent, she said, in a half-breathless manner, and well represent the man who sent you here. I tell him that you said so, Stag retorted. He has a regard for you, and will respect me the more, if possible, for your praise. We must have our rights, widow. Rights! Do you know, she said, that a word from me, why do you stop? returned the blind man calmly, after a long pause. Do I know, that a word from you would place my friend in the last position of the dance of life? Yes, I do. What of that? It will never be spoken, widow. You are sure of that? Quite. So sure, that I don't come here to discuss the question. I say we must have our rights, or we must be bought off. Keep to that point, or let me return to my young friend, for I have an interest in the lad, and desire to put him in the way of making his fortune. You needn't speak. He added hastily. I know what you would say. You have hinted at it once already. Have I no feeling for you, because I am blind? No, I have not. Why do you expect me, being in darkness, to be better than men who have their sight? Why should you? Is the hand of heaven more manifest in life in no eyes than in your having to? It's the count of you, folks, to be horrified of a blind man, robbs, or lies, or steals. Oh, yes, it's far worse in him, who can barely live on the few havens that are thrown to him in the streets, than in you, who can see and work, and are not dependent on the mercies of the world. A curse on you. You, who have five senses, may be wicked at your pleasure. We, who have four, and want the most important, ought to live and be moral on our affliction, the true charity and justice of rich to poor, all the world over. He paused a moment when he had said these words, and caught the sound of money jingling in her hand. Well, he cried, quickly resuming his former manner, and that should lead to something. The point, widow. First, answer me one question, if you replied. You say he is close at hand. Has he left London? Being close at hand, widow, it would seem he has, returned the blind man. I mean, for good, you know that. Yes, for good. The truth is, his widow, that is making a longer stay there, might have had disagreeable consequences. He has come away for that reason. Listen, said the widow, telling some money out upon a bench beside them. Count. Six, said the blind man, listening attentively. Any more. They are the savings, she answered, of five dollars, six guineas. He put out his hand for one of the coins, felt it carefully, put it between his teeth, rung it on the bench, and nodded to her to proceed. These have been scraped together and laid by. Less sickness or death should separate my son and me. They have been purchased at the price of much hunger, hard labour and want of rest. If you can take them, do, on condition that you leave this place upon the instant, and enter no more into that room where he sits now, expecting your return. Six guineas, said the blind man, shaking his head, though of the fullest weight that were ever coined, fall very far short of twenty pounds, widow. For such a sum, as you know, I must write to a distant part of the country. To do that and receive an answer, I must have time. Two days, said Stag, more. Four days. A week. Return on this day week at the same hour, but not to the house. Wait at the corner of the lane. Of course, said the blind man, with a crafty look, I shall find you there. Where else can I take refuge? Is it not enough that you have made a beggar of me, and that I have sacrificed my whole store so hardly earned to preserve this home? Said the blind man, after some consideration. Set me with my face towards the point you speak of, and in the middle of the road. Is this the spot? It is. On this day week sunset, and think of him within doors, for the present good night. She made him no answer, nor did he stop for any. He went slowly away, turning his head from time to time, and stopping to listen, as if he were curious to know whether he was watched by any one. The shadows of night were closing fast around, and he was soon lost in the gloom. It was not, however, until she had traversed the lane from end to end, and made sure that he was gone, that she re-entered the cottage, and hurriedly barred the door and window. Mother! said Barnaby, what is the matter? Where is the blind man? He is gone. Gone! he cried, starting up. I must have more talk with him. Which way did he take? I don't know. She answered, folding her arms about him. He must not go out to-night. There are ghosts and dreams abroad, said Barnaby, in a frightened whisper. It is not safe to stir. We must leave this place to-morrow. This place? This cottage in the little garden, mother? Yes. Tomorrow morning, at Sandorize, we must travel to Landon, lose ourselves in that wide place. There would be some trace of us in any other town, and travel on again and find some new abode. Little persuasion was required to reconcile Barnaby to anything that promised change. In another minute he was wild with delight, in another full of grief at the prospect of parting with his friends the dogs, in another wild again. Then he was fearful of what she had said to prevent his wandering abroad that night, and full of terrors and strange questions. His light-heartedness in the end surmounted all his other feelings, and lying down in his clothes to the end that he might be ready on the morrow, he soon fell fast asleep before the poor turf fire. His mother did not close her eyes, but sat beside him, watching. Every breath of wind sounded in her ears like that dreaded footstep at the door, or like that hand upon the latch, and made the calm summer night a night of horror. At length the welcome day appeared, when she had made the little preparations which were needful for their journey, and had prayed upon her knees with many tears, she roused Barnaby, who jumped up gaily at her summons. His clothes were few enough, and to carry grip was a labour of love. As the sun shed his earliest beams upon the earth, they closed the door of their deserted home, and turned away. The sky was blue and bright, the air was fresh and filled with a thousand perfumes, Barnaby looked upward, and laughed with all his heart. But it was a day he usually devoted to a long ramble, and one of the dogs, the ugliest of them all, came bounding up and jumping round him in the fullness of his joy. He had to bid him go back in a surly tone, and his heart smote him while he did so. The dog retreated, turned with a half incredulous, half imploring look, came a little back, and stopped. It was the last appeal of an old companion and a faithful friend, cast off. Barnaby could bear no more, and as he shook his head and waved his playmate home, he burst into tears. Oh! mother! mother! how mournfully would be when he scratches the door and finds it always shut! There was such a sense of home in the thought, that though her own eyes overflowed, she would not have obliterated the recollection of it, either from her own mind or from his, for the wealth of the whole wide world. End of Chapter 46 Chapter 47 of Barnaby-Rudge, A Tale of the Riots of Eighty Barnaby-Rudge, A Tale of the Riots of Eighty by Charles Dickens Chapter 47 In the exhaustless catalogue of Heaven's mercies to mankind, the power we have of finding some germs of comfort in the hardest trials must ever occupy the foremost place. Not only because it supports and upholds us when we most require to be sustained, but because in this source of consolation there is something, we have reason to believe, of the Divine Spirit. Something of that goodness which detects, amidst our own evil doings, a redeeming quality. Something which even in our fallen nature we possess in common with the angels, which had its being in the old time when they trod the earth, and lingers on it yet, in pity. How often on their journey did the widow remember with a grateful heart the doubt of his deprivation, Barnaby's cheerfulness and affection sprung. How often did she call to mind that but for that he might have been sullen, morose, unkind, far removed from her, vicious perhaps and cruel. How often had she cause for comfort in his strength and hope and in his simple nature. Those feeble powers of mind which rendered him so soon forgetful of the past, save in brief gleams and flashes, even they were a comfort now. The world to him was full of happiness, in every tree and plant and flower, in every bird and beast and tiny insect whom a breath of summer wind laid low upon the ground, he had delight. His delight was hers, and where many a wise son would have made her sorrowful, this poor, light-hearted idiot filled her breast with thankfulness and love. Their stock of money was low, but from the hoard she had told into the blind man's hand the widow had withheld one guinea. This, with the few pence she possessed besides, was to two persons of their frugal habits a goodly sum in bank. Moreover, they had grip in company, and when they must otherwise have changed the guinea, it was but to make him exhibit outside an ale-house door or in a village street, or in the grounds or gardens of a mansion of the better sort, and scores who would have given nothing in charity were ready to bargain for more amusement from the talking bird. One day, for they moved slowly, and although they had many rides in carts and wagons, were on the road a week, Barnaby, with grip upon his shoulder and his mother following, begged for mission at a trim lodge to go up to the great-house at the other end of the avenue and show his raven. The man within was inclined to give them admittance, and was indeed about to do so, when a stout gentleman with a long whip in his hand and a flushed face which seemed to indicate that he had had this morning's draught, rode up to the gate and called in a loud voice and with more oaves than the occasion seemed to want to have it opened directly. Who has the gut here? said the gentleman angrily, as the man threw the gate wide open and pulled off his hat. Who are these, eh? art a beggar woman! The widow answered with a curtsy that they were poor travellers. Vagrants, said the gentleman, vagrants and vagabonds, they wish to be made acquainted with the cage-dusty, the cage, the stocks and the whipping-post, where dost come from? She told him in a timid manner, for he was very loud, hoarse and red-faced, and besought him not to be angry, for they meant no harm and would go upon their way that moment. Don't be too sure of that, replied the gentleman. We don't allow vagrants to roam about this place. I know what thou wantest. Stray linen drying on hedges and stray poultry, eh? What has got in that basket, lazy hound? Grip, grip, grip, grip, the clever, grip, the wicked, grip, the knowing, brah, grip, grip, grip. Gried the raven, whom Barnaby had shut up on the approach of this stern personage. I'm a devil, I'm a devil, I'm a devil, brah, never say die, brah, ow, ow, ow, brah, I'll able to get along, we'll all have tea, brah. Take the vermin out, scoundrel. Said the gentleman, and let me see him. Barnaby, thus condescendingly addressed, produced his bird, but not without much fear and trembling, and set him down upon the ground, but he had no sooner done than grip drew fifty corks at least, and then began to dance. At the same time eyeing the gentleman with surprising insolence of manner, and screwing his head so much on one side that he appeared desirous of screwing it off upon the spot. The cork drawing seemed to make a greater impression on the gentleman's mind than the raven's power of speech, and was indeed particularly adapted to his habits and capacity. He desired to have that done again, but despite his being very peremptory, and notwithstanding that Barnaby coaxed to the utmost, grip turned a deaf ear to the request, and preserved a dead silence. Bring along, said the gentleman, pointing to the house. But grip, who had watched the action, anticipated his master by stomping on before them, constantly flapping his wings and screaming cook. Meanwhile, as a hint perhaps that there was company coming and a small collation would be acceptable. Barnaby and his mother walked on, on either side of the gentleman on horseback, who surveyed each of them from time to time in a proud and coarse manner, and occasionally thundered out some question, the tone of which alarmed Barnaby so much that he could find no answer, and, as a matter of course, could make him no reply. On one of these occasions, when the gentleman appeared disposed to exercise his horse whip, the widow ventured to inform him in a low voice, and with tears in her eyes, that her son was a weak mind. An idiot, eh? said the gentleman, looking at Barnaby as he spoke, and how long has thou been an idiot? She knows, as Barnaby's timid answer, pointing to his mother, I always, I believe, from his birth, said the widow. I don't believe it. God, you gentlemen, not a bit of it. It's an excuse not to work. There is nothing like flogging to cure that disorder. I'd make a difference in him in ten minutes, I'll be bound. Heaven has made none in more than twice ten years, sir. Said the widow mildly. Then why don't you shut him up? We pay enough for county institutions, damn him. But thou'd rather jag him about to exciterity, of course. I know thee. Now, this gentleman had various endearing appellations among his intimate friends. By some he was called a country gentleman of the true school. By some a fine old country gentleman. By some a sporting gentleman. By some a thoroughbred Englishman. By some a genuine John Bull. But they all agreed in one respect, and that was that it was a pity they were not more like him, and that because they were not, the country was going to rack and ruin every day. He was in the commission of the piece and could write his name almost legibly. But his greatest qualifications were that he was more severe with poachers, was a better shot, a harder rider, had better horses, kept better dogs, could eat more solid food, drink more strong wine, go to bed every night more drunk, and get up every morning more sober than any man in the county. In knowledge of horse-flesh he was almost equal to a farrier. In stable learning he surpassed his own head groom, and in gluttony not a pig on his estate was a match for him. He had no seat in Parliament himself, but he was extremely patriotic and usually drove his voters up to the pole with his own hands. He was warmly attached to church and state and never appointed to the living in his gift any but a three-bottle man and a first-rate fox-hunter. He mistrusted the honesty of all poor people who could read and write, and had a secret jealousy of his own wife, a young lady whom he had married for what his friends called the good old English reason that her father's property adjoined his own, for possessing those accomplishments in a greater degree than himself. In short Barnaby being an idiot and grip a creature of mere brute instinct it would be very hard to say what this gentleman was. He rode up to the door of a handsome house approached by a great flight of steps where a man was waiting to take his horse and led the way into a large hall which, spacious as it was, was tainted with the fumes of last night's stale debauch. Great coats, riding-whips, bridles, top-boots, spurs and such gear were stewed about on all sides and formed with some huge stag's antlers and a few porters of dogs and horses its principal embellishments. Throwing himself into a great chair in which, by the by, he often snored away the night when he had been, according to his admirers, a finer country gentleman than usual he bade the man to tell his mistress to come down and presently there appeared, a little flurry, as it seemed, by the unwonted summons a lady much younger than himself who had the appearance of being in delicate health and not too happy. Here! Thou'st no delight in following the hounds as an English woman should have, said the gentleman see to this here, that'll please thee, perhaps. The lady smiled, sat down at a little distance from him and glanced at Barnaby with a look of pity. He's an idiot, the woman says. Observe the gentleman, shaking his head. I don't believe it. Are you his mother? asked the lady. She answered yes. What's the use of asking her? said the gentleman, thrusting his hands into his britch's pockets. She'll tell thee so, of course. How else likely he's hired at so much a day! There! Get on! Make him do something! Grip, having by this time recovered his obanity, condescended at Barnaby's solicitation to repeat his various phrases of speech and to go through the whole of his performances with the utmost success. The corks and the never-say-die afforded the gentleman so much delight that he demanded the repetition of this part of the entertainment until Grip got into his basket and positively refused to say another word, good or bad. The lady too was much amused with him and the closing point of his obstinacy so delighted her husband that he burst into a roar of laughter and demanded his price. Barnaby looked as though he didn't understand his meaning. Probably he did not. He's price! said the gentleman, rattling the money in his pockets. What dost want for him? How much? Not to be sold! replied Barnaby, shutting up the basket in a great hurry and throwing the strap over his shoulder. Mother, come away! I'll see so much of an idiot he is, book learner! said the gentleman, looking scornfully at his wife. He can make a bargain. What dost want for him, old woman? He is my son's constant companion. said the widow. He's not to be sold, sir, indeed. Not to be sold! cried the gentleman, growing ten times redder, harser and louder than before. Not to be sold! Indeed now! she answered. We have never thought of parting with him, sir. I do assure you. He was evidently about to make a very passionate retort when a few murmured words from his wife happening to catch his ear he turned sharply round and said, Eh, what? We can hardly expect them to sell the bird against their own desire. She faltered. If they prefer to keep him. Prefer to keep him? he echoed. These people who go tramping about the country are pilfering and vagabond-dising and all hands prefer to keep a bird when a landed proprietor and a justice asks his price. That old woman's been to school. I know she has. Don't tell me no! he roared to the widow. I say yes. Barnaby's mother pleaded guilty to the accusation and hoped there was no harm in it. No harm! said the gentleman. No, no harm, no harm, ye old rebel, not a bit of harm. If my clerk was here, I'd set ye in the stocks I would or lay ye in jail for prowling up and down on the lookout for petty larcenies, ye limb of a gypsy. Here, Simon, put these pilferers out, shove them into the road, out with them. Ye don't want to sell the bird, ye that come here to beg, don't ye? If they aren't out and double-quick, set the dogs upon them. They waited for no further dismissal, but fled precipitately, leaving the gentleman to storm away by himself, for the poor lady had already retreated, and making great many vain attempts to silence Grip, who, excited by the noise, drew corks enough for a city feast as they hurried down the avenue and appeared to congratulate himself beyond measure on having been the cause of the disturbance. When they had nearly reached the lodge, another servant emerging from the shrubbery feigned to be very active in ordering them off, but this man put a crown into the widow's hand and whispering that his lady sent it, thrust them gently from the gate. This incident only suggested to the widow's mind when they halted at a nail-house some miles further on, and heard the justice's character as given by his friends that perhaps something more than capacity of stomach and tastes for the kennel and the stable were required to form either a perfect country gentleman, a thoroughbred Englishman, or a genuine John Bull, and that possibly the terms were sometimes misappropriated, not to say disgraced. She little thought then that a circumstance so slight would ever influence their future fortunes, but time and experience enlightened her in this respect. "'Mother,' said Barnaby, as they were sitting next day in a wagon which was to take them within ten miles of the capital, "'we're going to London first,' you said. "'Shall we see that blind man there?' She was about to answer, "'Heaven forbid,' but checked herself and told him, "'No,' she thought not. Why did he ask?' "'He's a wise man,' said Barnaby, with a thoughtful countenance, "'I wish that we may meet with him again.' "'What was it that he said of crowds?' "'That gold was to be found, where people crowded, and not among the trees and in such quiet places. He spoke as if he loved it. London is a crowded place. I think we shall meet him there.' "'But why do you desire to see him, love?' He asked. "'Because,' said Barnaby, looking wistfully at her, "'he talked to me about gold, which is a rare thing, and say what you will, a thing you would like to have, I know. And because he came and went away so strangely, just as white-headed old men come sometimes to my bed's foot in the night, and say what I can't remember when the bright day returns, he told me he'd come back. I wonder why he broke his word. "'But you never thought of being rich or gay before, dear Barnaby. You have always been contented.' He laughed and bade her say that again, and cried, "'Ay, ay, oh, yes!' and laughed once more. Then something passed that caught his fancy, and the topic wandered from his mind and was succeeded by another just as fleeting. But it was plain from what he had said, and from his returning to the point more than once that day and on the next, that the blind man's visit, and indeed his words, had taken strong possession of his mind. Whether the idea of wealth had occurred to him for the first time on looking at the golden clouds that evening, and images were often presented to his thoughts by outward objects, quite as remote and distant, or whether their poor and humble way of life had suggested it, had been impressed long ago, or whether the accident, as he would deem it, of the blind man's pursuing the current of his own remarks, had done so at the moment, or he had been impressed by the mere circumstance of the man being blind, and therefore, unlike any one with whom he had talked before, it was impossible to tell. She tried every means to discover, but in vain, and the probability is that Barnaby himself was equally in the dark. It filled her with uneasiness to find him harping on this string, but all that she could do was to lead him quickly to some other subject and to dismiss it from his brain. To caution him against their visitor to show any fear or suspicion in reference to him would only be, she feared, to increase that interest with which Barnaby regarded him, and to strengthen his desire to meet him once again. She hoped, by plunging into the crowd, to rid herself of her terrible pursuer, and then, by journeying to a distance and observing increased caution, if that were possible, to live again unknown in secrecy and peace. They reached in course of time their halting place within ten miles of London, and lay there for the night after bargaining to be carried on for a trifle next day in a light van which was interning empty and was to start at five o'clock in the morning. The driver was punctual, the road good, say for the dust, the weather being very hot and dry, and at seven in the four noon of Friday, the second of June, one thousand seven hundred and eighty, they alighted at the foot of Westminster Bridge, bade their conductor fare well, and stood alone together on the scorching pavement. For the freshness which night sheds upon such busy thoroughfares had already departed, and the sun was shining with uncommon luster. End of chapter forty-seven Chapter forty-eight of Barnaby-Rudge A Tale of the Riots of Eighty This Libra Vox recording is in the public domain recorded by Mill Nicholson Barnaby-Rudge A Tale of the Riots of Eighty by Charles Dickens Chapter forty-eight Uncertain where to go next, and bewildered by the crowd of people who were already astir, they sat down in one of the recesses on the bridge to rest. They soon became aware that the stream of life was all pouring one way, and that a vast throng of persons were crossing the river, from the Middlesex to the Surrey shore, in unusual haste and evident excitement. They were, for the most part, in knots of two or three, or sometimes half a dozen. They spoke little together. Many of them were quite silent, and hurried on as if they had one object in view, which was common to them all. They were surprised to see that nearly every man in this great concourse which still came pouring past without slackening in the least, wore in his hat a blue cockade, and that the chance passengers who were not so decorated appeared timidly anxious to escape observation or attack, and gave them the wall as if they would conciliate them. This, however, was natural enough for inferiority in point of numbers, for the proportion of those who wore blue cockades to those who were dressed as usual was at least forty or fifty to one. There was no quarrelling, however. The blue cockades went swarming on, passing each other when they could, and making all the speed that was possible in such a multitude, and exchanged nothing more than looks, and very often not even those, with such of the passes by as were not of their number. At first the current of people had been confined to the two pathways, and but a few more ego stragglers kept the road. But after half an hour or so the passage was completely blocked up by the great press, which, being now closely wedged together, and impeded by the carts and coaches it encountered, moved but slowly, and were sometimes at a stand for five or ten minutes together. After the lapse of nearly two hours the numbers began to diminish visibly, and gradually dwindling away, by little and little, left the bridge quite clear, say that now and then some hot and dusty man with the cockade in his hat and his coat thrown over his shoulder went panting by, fearful of being too late, or stopped to ask which way his friends had taken, and being directed hastened on again like one refreshed. In this comparative solitude, which seemed quite strange and novel and proud, the widow had for the first time an opportunity of inquiring of an old man who came and sat beside them, what was the meaning of that great assemblage. Why, where have you come from? He returned, that you haven't heard of Lord George Gordon's great association. This is the day that he presents a petition against the Catholics. God bless him. What of all these men to do with that? She said. What have they to do with it? The old man replied. Why, how you talk? Don't you know his lordship has declared he won't present it to the house at all, unless it is attended to the door by forty thousand good and true men at least. There's a crowd for you. A crowd indeed, said Barnaby. Do you hear that, mother? And their mustering yonder, as I am told, resumed the old man, nigh upon a hundred thousand strong. Let Lord George alone he knows his power. There'll be a good many faces inside them, three windows over there. And he pointed to where the House of Commons overlooked the river. That'll turn pale when good Lord George gets up this afternoon. And with reason too, aye, aye, let his lordship alone let him alone he knows. And so with much mumbling and chuckling and shaking of his forefinger he rose with the assistance of a stick and tottered off. Mother, said Barnaby, that's a brave crowd he talks of. Come, not to join it, cried his mother. Yes, yes, he answered, plucking at her sleeve. Why not? Come. You don't know, she urged, what mischief they may do, where they may lead you, what their meaning is. Dear Barnaby, for my sake, for your sake, he cried patting her hand. Well, it is for your sake, mother. You remember what the blind mind said about the gold? He is a brave crowd. Come, or wait till I come back. Yes, yes, yes, wait here. She tried with all the earnestness her fears engendered to turn him from his purpose. But in vain, he was stooping down to buckle on his shoe when a hackney coach passed them rather quickly, and a voice inside called the driver to stop. Young man said a voice within. Who's that? cried Barnaby, looking up. Do you wear this ornament? returned the stranger, holding out a blue cockade. In Heaven's name, no. Pray do not give it him. exclaimed the widow. Speak for yourself, woman! said the man within the coach coldly. Leave the young man to his choice. He's old enough to make it, and to snap your apron strings. He knows without your telling whether he wears the sign of a loyal Englishman or not. Barnaby, trembling with impatience, cried, Yes, yes, yes, I do. as he had cried a dozen times already. The man threw him a cockade and crying, Make haste to St. George's Fields! ordered the coachman to drive on fast and left them. With hands that trembled with his eagerness to fix the bobble in his hat, Barnaby was adjusting it, as best he could, and hurriedly replying to the tears and entreaties of his mother, when two gentlemen passed on the opposite side of the way. Observing them, and seeing how Barnaby was occupied, they stopped, whispered together for an instant, turned back, and came over to them. Why are you sitting here? said one of them, who was dressed in a plain suit of black, wore long-lang hair and carried a great cane. Why have you not gone with the rest? I—I am going, sir," replied Barnaby, finishing his task and putting his hat on with an air of pride. I shall be there directly. Say, my lord, young man, when his lordship does you the honour of speaking to you? said the second gentleman mildly. If you don't know, Lord George Gordon, when you see him, at high time you should. Nay, Gashford, said Lord George, as Barnaby pulled off his hat again and made him a low bow. It's no great matter and a day like this, which every Englishman will remember with delight and pride. Put on your hat, friend, and follow us, for you lag behind in a late— it's past and now. The hour for assembling was ten o'clock. Barnaby shook his head and looked vacantly from one to the other. You might have known it, friend," said Gashford. It was perfectly understood. How came you to be so ill-informed? He cannot tell you, sir," the widow interposed. It is of no use to ask him. We are but this morning come from a long distance in the country and now nothing of these matters. The cause has taken a deep root and has split its branches far and wide," said Lord George to his secretary. This is a pleasant hearing. I thank heaven for it. Amen," cried Gashford with a solemn face. You do not understand me, my lord," said the widow. Pardon me, but you crudely mistake my meaning. We know nothing of these matters. We have no desire or right to join in what you are about to do. This is my son, my poor afflicted son, dearer to me than my own life. In mercy's name, my lord, go your way alone and do not tempt him into danger." My good woman," said Gashford, how can you dear me, what do you mean by tempting and by danger? Do you think his lordship is a roaring lion going about and seeking whom he may devour? God bless me. No, no, my lord, forgive me," implored the widow, laying both her hands upon his breast and scarcely knowing what she did or said in the earnestness of her supplication. But there are reasons why you should hear my earnest mother's prayer and leave my son with me. Oh, do. He is not in his right senses. He is not indeed. It is a bad sign of the wickedness of these times," said Lord George, evading her touch and colouring deeply, that those who cling to the truth and support the right cause are set down as mad. Have you the heart to say this of your own son, a natural mother? I am a astonished at you," said Gashford with a kind of meek severity. This is a very sad picture of female depravity. He has surely no appearance, said Lord George, glancing at Barnaby and whispering in his secretary's ear, of being deranged. And even if he had, we must not construe any trifling peculiarity into madness. Which of us? And here he turned red again. Would be safe if that were made the law. Not one," replied the secretary. In that case, the greater the zeal, the truth, and talent, the more direct the call from above. The clearer would be the madness. With regard to this young man, my lord, he added with a lip that slightly curled as he looked at Barnaby, who stood twirling his heart and stealthily beckoning them to come away. He is as sensible and self-possessed as any one I ever saw. "'And you desire to make one of this great body,' said Lord George, dressing him, and intended to make one, did you? "'Yes, yes,' said Barnaby with sparkling eyes. "'To be sure I did. I told her so myself.' "'I see,' replied Lord George, with a reproachful glance at the unhappy mother, "'I thought so. Follow me and this gentleman, and you shall have your wish.' Barnaby kissed his mother tenderly on the cheek, and bidding her to be of good cheer, for their fortunes were both made now, dear to see was desired. She, poor woman, followed too, with how much fear and grief it would be hard to tell. They passed quickly through the bridge road, where the shops were all shut up, for the passage of the great crowd and the expectation of their return had alarmed the tradesmen for their goods and windows. And where in the upper stories all the inhabitants were congregated, looking down into the street below, with faces variously expressive of alarm, of interest, expectancy, and indignation, some of these applauded, and some hissed. They were really filled, and of considerable extent. Here an immense multitude was collected, bearing flags of various kinds and sizes, but all of the same colour, blue, like the cockades, some sections marching too far from each other, and some of the other, and some of the other, and some of the other, and some of the other, and some of the other, some sections marching too and fro in military array, and others drawn up in circles, squares, and lines. A large portion, both of the bodies which paraded the ground and of those which remained stationary, were occupied in singing hymns or psalms, with whomsoever this originated it was well done, for the sound of so many thousand voices in the air must have stirred the heart of any man within him, and could not fail a wonderful effect upon enthusiasts, however mistaken. Scouts had been posed in advance of the great body to give notice of their leaders coming. These falling back, the word was quickly passed through the whole host, and for a short interval they ensued a profound and death-like silence, during which the mass was so still and quiet, that the fluttering of a banner caught the eye, and became a circumstance of note. Then they burst into a tremendous shout, into another, and another, and the air seemed rent and shaken as if by the discharge of cannon. Gashford cried Lord George, pressing his secretary's arm tight within his own, and speaking with as much emotion in his voice as in his altered face. I am cold indeed now. I feel and know it. I am the leader of a host. If they summoned me at this moment with one voice to lead them on to death, I'd do it. Yes, and fall first myself. It is a proud sight, said the secretary. It is a noble day for England, and for the great cause throughout the world. Such homage, my lord, as I, an humble but devoted man, can render. What are you doing? cried his master, catching him by both hands, for he had made a show of kneeling at his feet. Do not unfit me, dear Gashford, for the solemn duty of this glorious day. The tears stood in the eyes of the poor gentleman as he said the words. Let us go among them. We have to find a place in some division for this new recruit. Give me your hand. Gashford slid his cold in city with palm into his master's grasp, and so, hand in hand, and followed still by Barnaby and by his mother, too, they mingled with the concourse. They had by this time taken to their singing again, and as their leader passed between their ranks they raised their voices to their utmost. Many of those who were banded together to support the religion of their country, had never heard of him or Psalm in all their lives. But these fellows, having for the most part strong lungs and being naturally fond of singing, chanted any ribaldry or nonsense that occurred to them, feeling pretty certain that it would not be detected in the general chorus, and not caring much of it were. Many of these voluntaries were sung under the very nose of Lord George Gordon, who, quite unconscious of their burden, passed on by this usual stiff apartment, very much edified and delighted by the pious conduct of his followers. So they went on and on, up this line, down that, round the exterior of this circle, and on every side of that hollow square, and still there were lines and squares and circles out of number to review. The day being now intensely hot, and the sun striking down his fiercest rays upon the field, those who carried heavy banners began to faint and weary. Most of the number assembled were feigned to pull off their neck-cloths and throw their coats and waist-coats open, and some towards the centre, quite overpowered by the excessive heat which was of course rendered more unendurable by the multitude around them, lay down upon the grass, and offered all they had about them for a drink of water. Still no man left the ground, not even of those who were so distressed. Still Lord George, dreaming from every paw, went on with Gashford, and still Barnaby and his mother followed close behind them. They had arrived at the top of a long line of some eight hundred men in single file, and Lord George had turned his head to look back, when a loud cry of recognition, in that peculiar and half-sifle tone which a voice has when it is raised in the open air and in the midst of a great concourse of persons, was heard, stepped with a shout of laughter from the rank, and smote Barnaby on the shoulders with his heavy hand. Oh, no! he cried. Barnaby Raj! Why, where have you been hiding for these hundred years? Barnaby had been thinking within himself that the smell of the trotten grass brought back his old days at Cricket when he was a young boy, and played on Chigwell Green. Confused by this sudden and boisterous address, he stared in a bewildered manner at the man, and could scarcely say, What, Hugh? Hugh! echoed the other, Aye, Hugh, my poor Hugh! You remember my dog? He's alive now, and will know you, I warrant. What, you wear the colour, do you? Well done! You know this young man I see? said Lord George. Know him, my lord, as well as I know my own right hand. My captain knows him. We all know him. Well, you take him into your division. He hasn't any better, nor a nimbler, nor a more active man than Barnaby Raj, said Hugh, show me the man who says it as. Fall in, Barnaby. He shall march my lord between me and Dennis, and he shall carry, he added, taking a flag from the hand of a tired man who tended it, the gayest silken streamer in this valiant army. In the name of God, no! shrieked the widow darting forward. Barnaby, my lord, see, he'll come back. Barnaby, Barnaby! Women in the field! cried Hugh, stepping between them and holding her off. Hello, my captain there! What's the matter here? cried Simon Tabatid, bustling up in a great heat. Dear Cronus, order! Nothing like it, captain! answered Hugh, still holding her back with his outstretched hand. It's against all orders. Ladies are carrying off our gallant soldiers from their duty. Word of command, captain, they're filing off the ground. Quick! Close! cried Simon, but the whole power of his lungs form march! She was thrown to the ground. The whole field was in motion. Barnaby was whirled away into the heart of a dense mass of men, and she saw him no more. End of Chapter 48 Chapter 49 Barnaby Rudge A Tale of the Riots of Eighty This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Recorded by Mill Nicholson Barnaby Rudge A Tale of the Riots of Eighty by Charles Dickens Chapter 49 The mob had been divided from its first assemblage into four divisions, the London, the Westminster, the Southwark and the Scotch. Each of these divisions being subdivided into various bodies and these bodies being drawn up in various forms and figures. The general arrangement was, except to the few chiefs and leaders as unintelligible as the plan of a great battle to the meanest soldier in the field. It was not without its method, however, for, in a very short space of time after being put in motion, the crowd had resolved itself into three great parties arranged to cross the river by different bridges and make for the House of Commons in separate detachments. At the head of that division which had Westminster Bridge for its approach to the scene of action, Lord George Gordon took his post with Gashford at his right hand and Sundry Ruffians of most unpromising appearance forming a kind of staff about him. The conduct of a second party whose route to lay by blackfriars including perhaps a dozen men, while the third, which was to go by London Bridge and through the main streets in order that their numbers and their serious intentions might be the better known and appreciated by the citizens were led by Simon Tapetit assisted by a few subletons selected from the brotherhood of united bulldogs. Dennis the Hangman, Hugh and some others. The word of command being given each of these great bodies took the road that was assigned to it and departed on its way in perfect order and profound silence. That which went through the city greatly exceeded the others in number and was of such prodigious extent that when the rear began to move the front was nearly four miles in advance, notwithstanding that the men marched three abreast and followed very close upon each other. At the head of this party in the place where Hugh in the madness of his humour and walking between that dangerous companion and the Hangman went to Barnaby as many a man among the thousands who looked on that day afterwards remembered well. Forgetful of all other things in the ecstasy of the moment, his face flushed and his eyes sparkling with delight, heedless of the weight of the great banner he carried and mindful only of its flashing in the sun and rustling in the summer breeze on he went, proud, happy, elated past all telling, the only light-hearted undesigning creature in the whole assembly. What do you think of this? Asked Hugh as they passed through the crowded streets and looked up at the windows which were thronged with spectators. They've all turned out to see our flags and streamers. Hey Barnaby! Well Barnaby's the greatest man of all the pack. These flags are the largest of the lot, the brightest too. There's nothing in the show like Barnaby. All eyes are turned on him. Don't make that din, brother, growled the hangman, glancing with no very approving eyes at Barnaby as he spoke. I hope he don't think there's nothing to be done but carry in there a piece of blue rag like a boy at a breaking up. You're ready for action, I hope, eh? You are mean," he added, nudging Barnaby roughly with his elbow. What are you staring at? Why don't you speak? Barnaby had been gazing at his flag and looked vacantly from his questioner to Hugh. He don't understand your way, said the latter. Here, I'll explain to him. Barnaby, oh boy, attend to me. I'll attend," said Barnaby, looking anxiously round, but I wish I could see her somewhere. See you, demanded Dennis in a gruff tone. You aren't in love, I hope, brother. That aren't the sort of thing for us, you know. We mustn't have no love here. She would be proud, indeed, to see me now, eh, Hugh, said Barnaby. Wouldn't it make her glad to see me at the head of this large show? She'd cry for joy. I know she would. Where can she be? She never sees me at my best, and what do I care to be gay and fine if she's not by? Why, what plough is this? Asked Mr. Dennis with supreme disdain. We ain't got no sentimental members among us, I hope. Don't be uneasy, brother, cried Hugh. He's only talking of his mother. Of his what? Said Mr. Dennis with a strong oath. He's mother. And have I combined myself with this year's section and toured out on this year memorable day to hear me and talk about their mothers? growled Mr. Dennis with extreme disgust. A notion of a man's sweethearts bad enough for a man's mother and here his disgust was so extreme that he spat upon the ground and could say no more. Barnaby's right, cried Hugh with a grin, and I, I say it. Lookie, bold lad, if she's not here to see it's because I provided for her and sent half a dozen gentlemen, every one of them with a blue flag but not half as fine as yours to take her in state to a grand house all hung round with gold and silver banners and everything else you please where she'll wait till you come and want for nothing. I said Barnaby his face beaming with delight have you indeed that's a good hearing that's fine oh kind Hugh but nothing in what will come bless you retorted Hugh with a wink of Dennis who regarded his new companion in arms with great astonishment no indeed cried Barnaby nothing at all said Hugh, money, good coats and gold lace all the fine things there are ever were or will be will belong to us if we are true to that noble gentleman the best man in the world carry our flags for a few days and keep them safe that's all we've got to do is that all cried Barnaby with glistening eyes as he clutched his pole the tighter I warrant you I keep this one safe then you know me Hugh nobody shall rest this flag away well said cried Hugh nobly said that's the old step Barnaby that I've climbed and leapt with many and many a day I knew I was not mistaken in Barnaby don't you see man he added in a whisper as he slipped to the other side of Dennis that the lads are natural and could be got to do anything if you take him the right way let him alone the funny is he's worth a dozen men in earnest as you find if you try to fall with him leave it to me you shall soon see whether he's of use or not Mr. Dennis received these explanatory remarks with many nods and winks and softened his behaviour towards Barnaby from that moment Hugh laying his finger on his nose stepped back into his former place and they proceeded in silence it was between two and three o'clock in the afternoon when the three great parties met at Westminster and uniting into one huge mass raised a tremendous shout this was not only done in token of their presence but as a signal to those on whom the task devolved that it was time to take possession of the lobbies of both houses and of the various avenues of approach and of the gallery stairs to the last name place Hugh and Dennis still with their pupil between them rushed straight way Barnaby having given his flag to the hands of one of their own party who kept them at the outer door their followers pressed on behind they were born as a great wave to the very doors of the gallery once it was impossible to retreat even if they had been so inclined by reason of the throng which choked up the passages it is a familiar expression in describing a great crowd that a person might have walked upon the people's heads in this case it was actually done for a boy who had by some means got among the concourse and was in imminent danger of suffocation climbed to the shoulders of a man beside him and walked upon the people's hats and heads into the open street traversing in his passage the whole length of two staircases and a long gallery nor was the swarm without less dense for a basket which had been tossed into the crowd was jerked from head to head and shoulder to shoulder and went spinning and whirling on above them until it was lost to view without ever once falling in among them or coming near the ground through this vast throng sprinkled doubtless here and there with honest zealots but composed for the most part of the very scum and refuse of London whose growth was fostered by bad criminal laws bad prison regulations and the worst conceivable police such of the members of both houses of parliament as had not taken the precaution to be already at their posts were compelled to fight and force their way their carriages were stopped and broken the wheels wrenched off the glasses shivered to atoms the panels beaten in drivers, footmen and masters pulled from their seats and rolled in the mud lords, commoners and reverend bishops with little distinction of personal party were kicked and pinched and hustled, passed from hand to hand through various stages of ill usage and sent to their fellow senators at last with their clothes hanging in ribbons about them their bagwigs torn off themselves speechless and breathless and their persons covered with the powder which had been cuffed and beaten out of their hair one lord was so long in the hands of the populace that the peers as a body resolved to selly forth and rescue him and were in the act of doing so when he happily appeared among them covered with dirt and bruises and hardly to be recognized by those who knew him best the noise and uproar were on the increase every moment the air was filled with execrations, hoots and howlings the mob raged and roared like a mad monster as it was unceasingly each new outrage served to swell its fury within doors matters were even yet more threatening Lord George proceeded by a man who carried the immense petition on a porter's knot through the lobby to the door of the house of commons where it was received by two officers of the house who rolled it up to the table ready for presentation had taken his seat at an early hour before the speaker went to prayers his followers pouring in at the same time the lobby and all the avenues were immediately filled as we have seen thus the members were not only attacked in their passage through the streets but were set upon within the very walls of parliament while the two malt both within and without were so great that those who attempted to speak could scarcely hear their own voices far less consult upon the course it would be wise to take in such extremity or animate each other to dignified and firm resistance so sure as any member just arrived with dress disordered and dishevelled hair came struggling through the crowd in the lobby it yelled and screamed in triumph and when the door of the house partially and cautiously opened by those within for his admission gave them a momentary glimpse of the interior they grew more wild and savage like beasts at the sight of prey and made a rush against the portal which strained its locks and boats in their staples and shook the very beams the stranger's gallery which was immediately above the door of the house had been ordered to be closed on the first rumour of disturbance and was empty say that now and then Lord George took his seat there for the convenience of coming to the head of the stairs which led to it and repeating to the people what had passed within it was on these stairs that Barnaby, Hugh and Dennis were posted there were two flights short, steep and narrow running parallel to each other two little doors communicating with a low passage which opened on the gallery between them was a kind of well or unglazed skylight for the admission of light and air into the lobby which might be some eighteen or twenty feet below upon one of these little staircases not that at the head of which Lord George appeared from time to time but the other Gashford stood with his elbow on the banister and his cheek resting on his hand the usual crafty aspect whenever he varied his attitude in the slightest degree so much as by the gentlest motion of his arm the uproar was certain to increase not merely there but in the lobby below which placed no doubt some man who acted as Fugelman to the rest was constantly looking up and watching him Order! cried Hugh in a voice which made itself heard even above the roar and tumult as Lord George appeared at the top of the staircase News! News from my lord! the noise continued notwithstanding his appearance until Gashford looked round there was silence immediately even among the people in the passages without and on the other staircases who could neither see nor hear but to whom notwithstanding the signal was conveyed with marvellous rapidity gentlemen said Lord George who was very pale and agitated we must be firm they talk of delays but we must have no delays they talk of taking your petition into consideration next Tuesday but we must have it considered now present appearances look bad for our success but we must succeed and well we must succeed and well echoed the crowd and so among their shouts and cheers and other cries he bowed to them and retired and presently came back again there was another gesture from Gashford and a dead silence directly I am afraid he said this time that we have little reason gentlemen to hope for any redress from the proceedings of Parliament but we must redress our own grievances we must meet again we must put our trust in providence and it will bless our endeavours this speech being a little more temperate than the last was not so favourably received when the noise and exasperation were at their height he came back once more and told him that the alarm had gone forth for many miles round that when the king heard of their assembling together in that great body he had no doubt his Majesty would send down private orders to have their wishes complied with and with the manner of his speech as childish, resolute and uncertain as his matter was proceeding in this strain when two gentlemen suddenly appeared at the door where he stood and pressing past him and coming a separate two lower down upon the stairs confronted the people the boldness of this action quite took them by surprise they were not the less disconcerted when one of the gentlemen turning to Lord George spoke thus in a loud voice that they might hear him well but quite coolly and collectively you may tell these people if you please my lord that I am General Conway of whom they have heard and that I oppose this petition and all their proceedings and yours I am a soldier with my sword you see my lord that the members of this house are all in arms today you know that the entrance to it is a narrow one you cannot be ignorant that there are men within these walls who are determined to defend that past to the last and before whom many lives must fall if your adherents persevere have a care what you do and my lord George said the other gentlemen dressing him in like manner I desire them to hear this from me Colonel Gordon your near relation if a man among this crowd whose uproar strikes us deaf crosses the threshold of the house of commons I swear to run my sword that moment not into his but into your body with that they stepped back again keeping their faces towards the crowd took each an arm of the misguided nobleman drew him into the passage and shut the door which they directly locked and fastened on the inside this was so quickly done and the demeanour of both gentlemen who were not young men either were so gallant and resolute at the crowd faltered and stared at each other with a resolute and timid looks many tried to turn towards the door some of the faintest hearted cried they had best go back and called to those behind to give way and the panic and confusion were increasing rapidly when Gashford whispered Hugh what now Hugh roared aloud turning towards them why go back where can you do better than here boys one good rush against these doors and one below at the same time will do the business rush on then as to the door below let those stand back who are afraid try who should be the first to pass it here goes look out down there without the delay of an instant he threw himself headlong over the banisters into the lobby below he had hardly touched the ground when Barnaby was at his side the chaplain's assistant and some members who were imploring the people to retire immediately withdrew and then with a great shout both cried through themselves against the door's palmel and besieged the house in earnest at that moment when a second onset must have brought them into collision with those who stood on the defences within in which case great loss of life and bloodshed would inevitably have ensued the hindmost portion of the crowd gave way and the rumour spread from mouth to mouth that a messenger had been dispatched by water for the military who were forming in the street fearful of sustaining a charge on the narrow passages in which they were so closely wedged together the throng poured out as impetuously as they had flocked in as the whole stream turned at once Barnaby and Hugh went with it and so fighting and struggling and trampling on fallen men and being trampled on in turn themselves they in the whole mass floated by degrees into the open street where a large detachment of the guards both horse and foot came hurrying up clearing the ground before them so rapidly that the people seemed to melt away as they advanced the word of command to halt being given the soldiers formed across the street the rioters breathless and exhausted with their late exertions formed likewise though in a very irregular and disorderly manner the commanding officer rode hastily into the open space between the two bodies accompanied by a magistrate and an officer of the House of Commons for whose accommodation a couple of troopers easily dismounted the riot act was red but not a man stirred in the first rank of the insurgents Barnaby and Hugh stood side by side somebody had thrust into Barnaby's hands when he came out into the street his precious flag which being now rolled up and tied round the pole looked like a giant quarter-staff as he grasped it firmly and stood upon his guard if ever man believed in the spirit and soul that he was engaged in a just cause and that he was bound to stand by his leader to the last poor Barnaby believed it of himself and Lord George Gordon after an ineffectual attempt to make himself heard the magistrate gave the word and the horse-guards came riding in among the crowd but even then he galloped here and there exhorting the people to disperse and although heavy stones were thrown at the men and some were desperately cut and bruised they had no orders but to make prisoners of such of the rioters as were the most active and to drive the people back with the flat of their sabers as the horses came in among them the throng gave way at many points and the guards following up their advantage were rapidly clearing the ground when two or three of the foremost who were in a manner cut off from the rest by the people closing round them made straight towards Barnaby and Hugh had no doubt been pointed out as the two men who dropped into the lobby laying about them now with some effect and inflicting on the more turbulent of their opponents a few slight flesh wounds under the influence of which a man dropped here and there into the arms of his fellows amid much groaning and confusion at the sight of gashed and bloody faces seen for a moment in the crowd then hidden by the press around them Barnaby turned pale and sick but he stood his ground and grasping his pole more firmly yet kept his eye fixed upon the nearest soldier nodding his head meanwhile as Hugh with a scowling visage whispered in his ear the soldier came sparing on making his horse rear as the people pressed about him cutting at the hands of those who would have grasped his reign and forced his charger back and waving to his comrades to follow and still Barnaby without retreating an inch waited for his coming some called to him to fly and some were in the very act of closing round him to prevent his being taken when the pole swept into the air above the people's heads and the man's saddle was empty in an instant then he and Hugh turned and fled the crowd opening to let them pass and closing up again so quickly that there was no clue to the course they had taken panting for breath but dusty and exhausted with fatigue they reached the river side in safety and getting into a boat with all dispatch was soon out of any immediate danger as they glided down the river they plainly heard the people cheering and supposing they might have forced the soldiers to retreat lay upon their oars for a few minutes uncertain whether to return or not but the crowd passing along Westminster Bridge soon assured them that the populace were dispersing and Hugh rightly gassed from this that they had cheered the magistrate for offering to dismiss the military on condition of their immediate departure to their several homes and that he and Barnaby were better where they were he advised therefore that they should proceed to Blackfriars and, going ashore at the bridge make the best of their way to the boot where there was not only good entertainment and safe lodging but where they would certainly be joined by many of their late companions Barnaby assenting they decided on this course of action and pulled for Blackfriars accordingly they landed at a critical time and fortunately for themselves at the right moment for coming into Fleet Street they found it in an unusual stir and inquiring the cause were told that a body of horse guards had just galloped past and that they were escorting some rioters whom they had made prisoners to Newgate for safety not at all ill pleased to have so narrowly escaped the cavalcade they lost no more time in asking questions but hurried to the boot with as much speed as you considered it prudent to make without appearing singular or attracting an inconvenient share of public notice End of Chapter 49 Chapter 50 of Barnaby Ranch A Tale of the Riots of Eighty This Librivox recording is in the public domain recorded by Mill Nicholson Barnaby Ranch A Tale of the Riots of Eighty by Charles Dickens Chapter 50 they were among the first to reach the tavern but they had not been there many minutes when several groups of men who had formed part of the crowd came straggling in among them were Simon Tapetit and Mr. Dennis both of whom, but especially the latter greeted Barnaby with the utmost warmth and paid him many compliments on the prowess he had shown which said Dennis with an oath as he rested his bludgeon in a corner with his hat upon it and took a seat of the same table with them it does me good to think of there was an opportunity but it led to nothing for my part I don't know what would there is no spirit among the people in these ear times bring something to eat and drink here I'm disgusted with humanity and what account asked Mr. Tapetit who had been crunching his fiery face in a half gallon can don't you consider this a good beginning, Mr. give me security that it under-ending rejoined the hangman when that soldier went down we might have made London hours but no we stand and gape and look on the justice I wish he had had a bullet in each eye as he would have had if we'd gone to work my way says my lads if you'll give me your word to disperse I'll order off the military our people sets up a hurrah throws up the game with the winning cards in their hands and sculpts away like a pack of thyme-curses they are said the hangman in a tone of deep disgust it makes me blush for my fellow creatures I wish I'd been born a hoax I do you'd have been quite as agreeable a character if you had been I think returned Simon Tapetit going out in a lofty manner don't be too sure of that we joined the hangman calling after him if I was a horned animal at a present moment with the smallest grain of scents I'd toss every man in this company accepting them to meaning Hugh and Barnaby for his manner of conducting himself this day with which mournful review of their proceedings Mr. Dennis sought consolation and cold boiled beef and beer but without at all relaxing the grim and dissatisfied expression of his face the gloom of which was rather deepened than dissipated by their grateful influence the company who were thus libeled might have retaliated by strong words if not by blows but they were dispirited and worn out the greater part of them had fasted since morning all had suffered extremely from the excessive heat and between the days shouting exertion and excitement many had quite lost their voices and so much of their strength that they could hardly stand then they were uncertain what to do next fearful of the consequences of what they had done already and sensible that after all they had carried no point but had indeed left matters worse and they had found them of those who had come to the boot many dropped off within an hour such of them as were really honest and sincere never after the morning's experience to return or to hold any communication with their late companions others remained but to refresh themselves and then went home desponding others who had their too for been regular in their attendance avoided the place altogether the half dozen prisoners whom the guards had taken were magnified by report into half a hundred at least and their friends being faint and sober so slackened in their energy and so drooped with these dispiriting influences that by eight o'clock in the evening Dennis, Hugh and Barnaby were left alone even they were fast asleep upon the benches when Gashford's entrance roused them oh you are here then said the secretary dear me why where should we be Mr. Gashford Dennis rejoined as he rose into a sitting posture oh where nowhere he returned with excessive mildness the streets are filled with blue cockades I rather thought you might have been among them I am glad you are not you have orders for us Marcy then said Hugh oh dear no not I no orders my good fellow what orders should I have you are not in my service Mr. Gashford Gashford we belong to the cause don't we the cause repeated the secretary looking at him in a sort of abstraction there is no cause the cause is lost lost oh yes you have heard I suppose the petition is rejected by 192 to 6 it's quite final we might have spared ourselves some trouble that and my lord's vexation are the only circumstances I regret I am quite satisfied in all other respects as he said this he took a pen knife from his pocket and putting his hat upon his knee began to busy himself in ripping off the blue cockade which he had worn all day at the same time humming a psalm tune which had been very popular in the morning with a gentle regret his two adherents looked at each other and at him as if they were at a loss how to pursue the subject at length Hugh after some elbowing and winking between himself and Mr. Dennis ventured to stay his hand and to ask him why he meddled with that ribbon in his hat because said the secretary looking up was something between a snarl and a smile because still and wear it or to fall asleep and wear it is a mockery that's all friend what would you have us do master cried Hugh nothing returned Gashford shrugging his shoulders nothing when my lord was reproached and threatened for standing by you I as a prudent man would have had you do nothing when the soldiers were trampling you under their horses feet I would have had you do nothing when one of them was struck down by a daring hand and I saw confusion and dismay in all their faces I would have had you do nothing just what you did in short and this is the young man who had so little prudence and so much boldness I am sorry for him sorry master cried Hugh sorry master Gashford echoed Dennis in case there should be a proclamation out tomorrow offering five hundred pounds or some such trifle for his apprehension and in case it should include another man who dropped into the lobby from the stairs above said Gashford coldly still do nothing far and fury master cried Hugh starting up what have we done that you should talk to us like this nothing returned Gashford with a sneer if you are cast into prison it's a young man here he looked hard at Barnaby's attentive face is dragged from us and from his friends perhaps from people whom he loves and whom his death would kill is thrown into jail brought out and hanged before their eyes still do nothing you'll find it your best policy I have no doubt come on cried Hugh striding towards the door Dennis Barnaby come on where you do what said Gashford slipping past him and standing with his back against it anywhere anything cried Hugh stand aside master or the window will serve our turn as well let us out you are of such such an impetuous nature said Gashford changing his manner for one of the utmost good fellowship and the pleasantest railery you are such an excitable creature but you'll drink with me before you go oh yes certainly growl Dennis drawing his sleeve across his thirsty lips now melliest brother drink with muster Gashford Hugh wiped his heated brow and relaxed into a smile the artful secretary laughed outright some liquor here be quick or he'll not stop even for that he is a man of such a desperate order said the smooth secretary whom Mr. Dennis corroborated with sundry nods and muttered oaths once roused he is a fellow fierce determination Hugh poised his sturdy armor loft and clapping Barnaby on the back bade him fear nothing they shook hands together poor Barnaby evidently possessed with the idea that he was among the most virtuous and disinterested heroes in the world and Gashford laughed again I hear he said smoothly as he stood among them with a great measure of liquor in his hand he filled their glasses as quickly and as often as they chose I hear but I cannot say whether it be true or false that the men who are loitering in the streets tonight are half disposed to pull down a Romish chapel or two and that they only want leaders I even heard mention of those in Duke Street Lincoln's in Fields and in Warwick Street Golden Square but common report you know you're not going to do nothing master eh cried Hugh no jails and auto for Barnaby and me they must be frightened out of that leaders are wanted are they now boys most impetuous fellow cried the secretary courageous boisterous vehement fellow a man who there was no need to finish the sentence for they had rushed out of the house and were far beyond hearing he stopped in the middle of a laugh listened drew on his gloves and clasping his hands behind him paced the deserted room for a long time then bent his steps towards the busy town and walked into the streets they were filled with people for the rumor of that day's proceedings had made a great noise those persons who did not care to leave home were at their doors or windows and one topic of discourse prevailed on every side some reported that the riots were effectually put down others that they had broken out again some said that Lord George Gordon had been sent under a strong guard to the tower others that an attempt had been made upon the king's life that the soldiers had been again called out the noise of musketry in a distant part of the town had been plainly heard within an hour as it grew darker these stories became more direful and mysterious and often when some frightened passenger ran past with tidings that the rioters were not far off and were coming up the doors were shut and barred lower windows made secure and as much consternation engenders as if the city were invaded by a foreign army Gashford walked stealthily about listening to all he heard and diffusing or confirming whenever he had an opportunity such false intelligence as suited his own purpose and, busily occupied in this way turned into hoban for the twentieth time when a great many women and children came flying along the street often panting and looking back and the confused murmur of numerous voices struck upon his ear assured by these tokens and by the red light which began to flash upon the houses on either side that some of his friends were indeed approaching he begged a moment shelter at a door which opened as he passed and running with some other persons to an upper window looked out upon the crowd they had tortures among them and the chief faces were distinctly visible that they had been engaged and the destruction of some building was sufficiently apparent and that it was a catholic place of worship was evident from the spoils they bore as trophies which were easily recognisable for the vestments of priests and rich fragments of altar furniture covered with suit and dirt and dust and lime their garments torn to rags their hair hanging wildly about them their hands and faces jagged and bleeding with wounds of rusty nails Barnaby, Hugh and Dennis hurried on before them all like hideous madmen after them the dense throng came fighting on some singing, some shouting and triumph some quarrelling among themselves some menacing the spectators as they passed some with great wooden fragments on which they spent their rage as if they had been alive rending them limb from limb and hurling the scattered morsels high into the air some in a drunken state and conscious of the hurts they had received from falling bricks and stones and beams one born upon a shutter very midst covered with the dingy cloth a senseless ghastly heap thus a vision of course faces with here and there a blot of flaring smoky light a dream of demon heads and savage eyes and sticks and iron bars uplifted in the air and world about a bewildering horror in which so much was seen and yet so little which seemed so long and yet so short there were so many phantoms not to be forgotten all through life and yet so many things that could not be observed in one distracting glimpse it flitted onward and was gone as it passed away upon its work of wrath and ruin a piercing scream was heard a note of persons ran towards the spot Gashford who just then emerged into the street among them he was on the outskirts of the little concourse or hear what passed within but one who had a better place informed him that a widow-woman had described her son among the rioters is that all said the secretary turning his face homewards well I think this looks a little more like business End of chapter 50