WYLDER'S HAJVD.
429
a direct observation. So getting one seat nearer, he said:—
"Wonderful place Shillingsworth, sir; one does not
really, until one has visited it two or three times over, at
all comprehend its wealth and importance; and how just-
ly high it deserves to hold its head amongst the provincial
emporia of our productive industry."
The shapeless traveler in the corner touched his ear
with his pudgy dog-skin fingers, and shook his hand and
head a little, in token either that he was deaf, or the noise
such as to prevent his hearing, and in the next moment
the glittering eyes closed, and the pantomimist appeared
to be asleep.
And now, again, the train subsided to a stand-still, and
"Shillingsworth," resounded through the night air; and
Larkin scrambled forward to the window, by which sat the
enveloped gentleman, and called the porter, and, with
many unheeded apologies, pulled out his various proper-
ties, close by the knees of the tranquil traveler.
So Mr. Larkin was on the platform, and his belongings
stowed away against the wall of the station-house.
He made an enquiry of the guard, with whom he was
acquainted, about his companion; but the guard knew
nothing of the "party," neither did the porter, to whom
the guard put a similar question.
So, as Larkin walked down the platform, the whistle
sounded, and the train glided forward, and as it passed him,
the gentleman in the cloak and queer hat was looking out.
A lamp shone full on him. Mr. Larkin's heart stood still
for a moment, and then bounded up as if it would choke
him.
"It's him, by —!" and Mr. Larkin, forgetting syntax,
and propriety, and religion, all together, and making a
frantic race to keep up with the train, shouted —
"Stop it, stop it — hollo ! —stop — stop — ho, stop!"