; to think of it; to take some rest, and then determine.
    »I tell you,« said Mr. Tappertit, »that my mind is made up. My bleeding
country calls me and I go! Miggs, if you don't get out of the way, I'll pinch
you.«
    Miss Miggs, still clinging to the rebel, screamed once vociferously - but
whether in the distraction of her mind, or because of his having executed his
threat, is uncertain.
    »Release me,« said Simon, struggling to free himself from her chaste, but
spider-like embrace. »Let me go! I have made arrangements for you in an altered
state of society, and mean to provide for you comfortably in life - there! Will
that satisfy you?«
    »Oh Simmun!« cried Miss Miggs. »Oh my blessed Simmun! Oh mim! what are my
feelings at this conflicting moment!«
    Of a rather turbulent description, it would seem; for her nightcap had been
knocked off in the scuffle, and she was on her knees upon the floor, making a
strange revelation of blue and yellow curl-papers, straggling locks of hair,
tags of staylaces, and strings of it's impossible to say what; panting for
breath, clasping her hands, turning her eyes upwards, shedding abundance of
tears, and exhibiting various other symptoms of the acutest mental suffering.
    »I leave,« said Simon, turning to his master, with an utter disregard of
Miggs's maidenly affliction, »a box of things up-stairs. Do what you like with
'em. I don't want 'em. I'm never coming back here, any more. Provide yourself,
sir, with a journeyman; I'm my country's journeyman; henceforward that's my line
of business.«
    »Be what you like in two hours' time, but now go up to bed,« returned the
locksmith, planting himself in the doorway. »Do you hear me? Go to bed!«
    »I hear you, and defy you, Varden,« rejoined Simon Tappertit. »This night,
sir, I have been in the country, planning an expedition which shall fill your
bell-hanging soul with wonder and dismay. The plot demands my utmost energy. Let
me pass!«
    »I'll knock you down if you come near the door,« replied the locksmith. »You
had better go to bed!«
    Simon made no answer, but gathering himself up as straight as