"Hush! hush!"
"Oh, he's a good way off. That 'ere cupboard has got a descending floor with ropes and pullies, so down I went and was rolled out into a room below and up went the bit of flooring again. I was very nearly startled a little."
"Nearly?"
"Reether, but here I is. I got out and crept up stairs as soon as I could, cos, says I, the governor will wonder what the deuce has become of me."
"I did, indeed."
"Just as I thought. Sir Richard, just listen to me! I've got a fancy for Todd."
"A fancy for Todd?"
"Yes, and I want to stay here a few hours—yes, go and let them as is outside know all's right, and leave me here, I think somehow I shall like to be in this crib alone with Todd for an hour or two. You have got other business to see to, you know, so just leave me here; and mind yer, if I don't get here by six in the morning, just consider as he's got the better of me."
"No, Crotchet, I cannot."
"Can't what?"