"You will have to leave the country, Tom; you must do it. And go somewhere over the seas."
"To Van Diemen's Land, perhaps," suggested Tom.
"Now, be quiet. The subject is too serious for jesting. I should think—perhaps—America. But I must have time to consider. Where do you mean to stay at present? Where are you going to-night?"
"I've been dodging about all day, not showing up much; but I'm going now to where I lodged last, down Blackfriars way. You remember?"
"Yes, I remember: it is not so long ago."
"It is as safe as any other quarter, for aught I can tell. Any way, I don't know of another."
"Are you well, Tom?" I asked. He was looking thin, and seemed to have a nasty cough upon him.
"I caught cold some time ago, and it hangs about me," he replied. "Oh, I shall be all right now I'm here," he added carelessly.
"You ought to take a good jorum of something hot when you get to bed to-night——"
Tom laughed. "I am likely to get anything of that sort in any lodging I stand a chance of to-night. Well done, Charley! I haven't old Leah to coddle me."