on it. But when I looks at this tail in my hand, I feel as if I could
still give her more. And if she be dead, I think the judge would not
hang me, if I showed him what I have lost. I'd rather have parted with
an arm or a leg any day of the week. There's been provocation enough, at
all events, if she be dead--a saint in heaven couldn't stand it."

During these remarks my mother gave no signs of returning animation, and
at last my father became seriously alarmed. "Jack," said he, "I must cut
my stick, or they may put me into limbo. As soon as I have cleared out,
do you run for a doctor to look at your mother; and mind you don't
forget to tell that old chap who was boozing with me last night
everything which has happened, and the people will say, come what will
on it, that I was aggravated sufficient; and, Jack, if there be a
crowner's inquest, mind you tell the truth. You know I didn't want to
kill the old woman, don't you, my boy? for didn't I say that I'd keep
the tail to give her another dose when I came back again?--that proves I
didn't intend that she should slip her wind, you know, boy. I said I'd
give her another dose, you know, Jack--and," continued my father, "so I
will, if I find her above ground when I comes back again."

My father then went downstairs. Little Virginia had fallen asleep again
on the sofa; my father kissed her softly, shook hands with me, and put a
crown in my hand. He then unlocked the door, and, thrusting the end of
his pigtail into his breast, coiled it, as it were, round his body,
hastened down the alley, and was soon out of sight.




CHAPTER EIGHT