"I am going out," said Sweeney Todd.
"You are going back; come back with me."
"I will not," said Todd. "You must be a better man than I am, if you make me; I'll do my best to resist your attack, if you intend one."
"That I do," replied the man; and he made a determined rush upon Sweeney, who was scarcely prepared for such a sudden onslaught, and was pushed back till he came to the head of the stairs, where a struggle took place, and both rolled down the steps. The door was thrown open, and every one rushed out to see what was the matter, but it was some moments before they could make it out.
"What does he do here?" said the first, as soon as he could speak, and pointing to Sweeney Todd.
"It's all right."
"All wrong, I say."
"He's a sham-pearl maker, and has shown us a string of sham pearls that are beautiful."
"Psha!"
"I will insist upon seeing them; give them to me," he said, "or you do not leave this place."