 being the
frailest member of our circle; and that our twins will follow next in order. So
be it! For myself, my Canterbury Pilgrimage has done much; imprisonment on civil
process, and want, will soon do more. I trust that the labour and hazard of an
investigation - of which the smallest results have been slowly pieced together,
in the pressure of arduous avocations, under grinding penurious apprehensions,
at rise of morn, at dewy eve, in the shadows of night, under the watchful eye of
one whom it were superfluous to call Demon - combined with the struggle of
parental Poverty to turn it, when completed, to the right account, may be as the
sprinkling of a few drops of sweet water on my funereal pyre. I ask no more. Let
it be, in justice, merely said of me, as of a gallant and eminent naval Hero,
with whom I have no pretensions to cope, that what I have done, I did, in
despite of mercenary and selfish objects,
 
For England, home, and Beauty.«
 
                »Remaining always, etc. etc., WILKINS MICAWBER.«
 
Much affected, but still intensely enjoying himself, Mr. Micawber folded up his
letter, and handed it with a bow to my aunt, as something she might like to
keep.
    There was, as I had noticed on my first visit long ago, an iron safe in the
room. The key was in it. A hasty suspicion seemed to strike Uriah; and, with a
glance at Mr. Micawber, he went to it, and threw the doors clanking open. It was
empty.
    »Where are the books?« he cried, with a frightful face. »Some thief has
stolen the books!«
    Mr. Micawber tapped himself with the ruler. »I did, when I got the key from
you as usual - but a little earlier - and opened it this morning.«
    »Don't be uneasy,« said Traddles. »They have come into my possession. I will
take care of them, under the authority I mentioned.«
    »You receive stolen goods, do you?« cried Uriah.
    »Under such circumstances,« answered Traddles, »yes.«
    What was my astonishment when I beheld my aunt, who had been profoundly
quiet and attentive, make a dart at Uriah Heep, and seize him by the collar with
both hands!
    »You know what I want?« said my aunt.
    »A strait-waistcoat,« said he.
    »No. My property!« returned my aunt.
