Into this does the worthy man invite his patron, whom
he would have be seated while the criminal is got "all right" in the
slings. Fain would Blowers go and attend the business himself; but
Broadman saying "that cannot be," he draws from his pocket a small
flask, and, seemingly contented, invites him to join in "somethin"
he says is the very choicest. Broadman has no objection to
encouraging this evidence of good feeling, which he will take
advantage of to introduce the dialogue that follows. "Good sir,"
says he, "you will pardon what I am about to say, for indeed I feel
the weakness of my position when addressing you, fortune having made
a wide distinction between us; but judge me not because I am coarse
of flesh, nor have polished manners, for I have a heart that feels
for the unfortunate." Here Blowers interrupted the keeper by saying
he would hear no chicken-hearted interpositions. "Remember, keeper,"
he added, "you must not presume on the small familiarity I have
condescended to admit in drinking with you. I hold no controversies
with prison-keepers (again he gulps his brandy) or their subs; being
a servant of the state, I order you to give that wench the extent of
the law. She shall disclose the secret of her escape, or I'll have
her life; I'm a man what won't stand no nonsense, I am!" The keeper,
rejoining, hopes he will pardon the seeming presumption; but,
forsooth, notwithstanding necessity has driven him to seek a
livelihood in his repulsive occupation, there is a duty of the heart
he cannot betray, though the bread of his maintenance be taken from
him.
Pages:
779
780
781
782
783
784
785
786
787
788
789
790
791
792
793
794
795
796
797
798
799
800
801
802
803