"No—no," said Todd, "sit down: business is business. Pray sit down. You don't know how disappointed I shall feel if I don't polish you off, now that you are here, sir."
"Could not think of it," said the other, in whom the reader has, no doubt, recognised one of Sir Richard Blunt's officers. "Could not for a moment think of it. Good day."
Before Todd could utter another remonstrance, he was out of the shop, and when he got about twelve paces off, he met Crotchet, who said—
"Well, what do yer bring it in now?"
"I must cut it. Todd is beginning to recollect me, and to think there is something odd going on."
Mr. Crotchet gave a slight whistle, and then said—
"Wery good; but did you leave a hindevidel in the shaving crib, to be done for?"
"Yes; but he said he was a private friend of Todd's."
"Good agin, that will do. He's safe enough, I dare say, and if he isn't, why he ought to be more petikler in a-dressing of his acquaintances. Do you know where the governor is?"
"No. I have not seen him; but will you tell him, Crotchet, why I think it's better for me to be scarce for a day or two?"