have!—Knave I am, and knave I must be to the end of the chapter!"
"As you will," said Clifford, who was not a man of many words, but he spoke with reluctance: "If so, I must seek my fortune alone."
"When do you leave us?" asked Tomlinson.
"To-morrow, before noon. I shall visit London for a few hours, and then start at once for the coast!"
"London!" exclaimed Tomlinson: "what, the very den of danger?—Pooh! you do not know what you say; or, do you think it filial to caress Mother Lobkins before you depart?"
"Not that," answered Clifford; "I have already ascertained that she is above the reach of all want, and her days, poor soul! cannot, I fear, be many. In all probability, she would scarcely recognize me; for her habits cannot much have improved her memory. Would I could say as much for her neighbours! Were I to be seen in the purlieus of low thievery, you know, as well as I do, that some stealer of kerchiefs would turn informer against the notorious Captain Lovett."
"What, then, takes you to town? Ah!—you
