AURIOL  or The Elixir of Life  William Harrison Ainsworth  With Illustrations by H .  K .  Browne  Prologue  1599  Dr. Lamb  The Sixteenth Century drew to a close .  It was the last day of the last year , and two hours only were wanting to the birth of another year and of another century .  The night was solemn and beautiful .  Myriads of stars paved the deep vault of heaven ; the crescent moon hung like a silver lamp in the midst of them ; a stream of rosy and quivering light , issuing from the north , traversed the sky , like the tail of some stupendous comet ; while from its point of effluence broke forth , ever and anon , coruscations rivalling in splendour and variety of hue the most brilliant discharge of fireworks .  A sharp frost prevailed ; but the atmosphere was clear and dry , and neither wind nor snow aggravated the wholesome rigour of the season .  The water lay in thick congealed masses around the conduits and wells , and the buckets were frozen on their stands .  The thoroughfares were sheeted with ice , and dangerous to horsemen and vehicles ; but the footways were firm and pleasant to the tread .  Here and there , a fire was lighted in the streets , round which ragged urchins and mendicants were collected , roasting fragments of meat stuck upon iron prongs , or quaffing deep draughts of metheglin and ale out of leathern cups .  Crowds were collected in the open places , watching the wonders in the heavens , and drawing auguries from them , chiefly sinister , for most of the beholders thought the signs portended the speedy death of the queen , and the advent of a new monarch from the north — a safe and easy interpretation , considering the advanced age and declining health of the illustrious Elizabeth , together with the known appointment of her successor , James of Scotland .  Notwithstanding the early habits of the times , few persons had retired to rest , an universal wish prevailing among the citizens to see the new year in , and welcome the century accompanying it .  Lights glimmered in most windows , revealing the holly-sprigs and laurel-leaves stuck thickly in their diamond panes ; while , whenever a door was opened , a ruddy gleam burst across the street , and a glance inside the dwelling showed its inmates either gathered round the glowing hearth , occupied in mirthful sports — fox-i’-th’-hole , blind-man’s buff , or shoe-the-mare — or seated at the ample board groaning with Christmas cheer .  Music and singing were heard at every corner , and bands of comely damsels , escorted by their sweethearts , went from house to house , bearing huge brown bowls dressed with ribands and rosemary , and filled with a drink called “ lamb’s-wool , ” composed of sturdy ale , sweetened with sugar , spiced with nutmeg , and having toasts and burnt crabs floating within it — a draught from which seldom brought its pretty bearers less than a groat , and occasionally a more valuable coin .  Such was the vigil of the year sixteen hundred .  On this night , and at the tenth hour , a man of striking and venerable appearance was seen to emerge upon a small wooden balcony , projecting from a bay-window near the top of a picturesque structure situated at the southern extremity of London Bridge .  The old man’s beard and hair were as white as snow — the former descending almost to his girdle ; so were the thick , overhanging brows that shaded his still piercing eyes .  His forehead was high , bald , and ploughed by innumerable wrinkles .  His countenance , despite its death-like paleness , had a noble and majestic cast ; and his figure , though worn to the bone by a life of the severest study , and bent by the weight of years , must have been once lofty and commanding .  His dress consisted of a doublet and hose of sad-coloured cloth , over which he wore a loose gown of black silk .  His head was covered by a square black cap , from beneath which his silver locks strayed over his shoulders .  Known by the name of Doctor Lamb , and addicted to alchemical and philosophical pursuits , this venerable personage was esteemed by the vulgar as little better than a wizard .  Strange tales were reported and believed of him .  Amongst others , it was said that he possessed a familiar , because he chanced to employ a deformed , crack-brained dwarf , who assisted him in his operations , and whom he appropriately enough denominated Flapdragon .  Doctor Lamb’s gaze was fixed intently upon the heavens , and he seamed to be noting the position of the moon with reference to some particular star .  After remaining in this posture for a few minutes , he was about to retire , when a loud crash arrested him , and he turned to see whence it proceeded .  Immediately before him stood the Southwark Gateway — a square stone building , with a round , embattled turret at each corner , and a flat leaden roof , planted with a forest of poles , fifteen or sixteen feet high , garnished with human heads .  To his surprise , the doctor perceived that two of these poles had just been overthrown by a tall man , who was in the act of stripping them of their grisly burdens .  Having accomplished his object , the mysterious plunderer thrust his spoil into a leathern bag with which he was provided , tied its mouth , and was about to take his departure by means of a rope-ladder attached to the battlements , when his retreat was suddenly cut off by the gatekeeper , armed with a halberd , and bearing a lantern , who issued from a door opening upon the leads .  The baffled marauder looked round , and remarking the open window at which Doctor Lamb was stationed , hurled the sack and its contents through it .  He then tried to gain the ladder , but was intercepted by the gatekeeper , who dealt him a severe blow on the head with his halberd .  The plunderer uttered a loud cry , and attempted to draw his sword ; but before he could do so , he received a thrust in the side from his opponent .  He then fell , and the gatekeeper would have repeated the blow , if the doctor had not called to him to desist .  “ Do not kill him , good Baldred , ” he cried .  “ The attempt may not be so criminal as it appears .  Doubtless , the mutilated remains which the poor wretch has attempted to carry off are those of his kindred , and horror at their exposure must have led him to commit the offence .  ”  “ It may be , doctor , ” replied Baldred ; “ and if so I shall be sorry I have hurt him .  But I am responsible for the safe custody of these traitorous relics , and it is as much as my own head is worth to permit their removal .  ”  “ I know it , ” replied Doctor Lamb ; “ and you are fully justified in what you have done .  It may throw some light upon the matter , to know whose miserable remains have been disturbed .  ”  “ They were the heads of two rank papists , ” replied Baldred , “ who were decapitated on Tower Hill , on Saint Nicholas’s Day , three weeks ago , for conspiring against the queen .  ”  “ But their names ?  ” demanded the doctor .  “ How were they called ?  ”  “ They were father and son , ” replied Baldred — “ Sir Simon Darcy and Master Reginald Darcy .  Perchance they were known to your worship ?  ”  “ Too well — too well !  ” replied Doctor Lamb , in a voice of emotion that startled his hearer .  “ They were near kinsmen of mine own .  What is he like who has made this strange attempt ?  ”  “ Of a verity , a fair youth , ” replied Baldred , holding down the lantern .  “ Heaven grant I have not wounded him to the death !  No , his heart still beats .  Ha !  here are his tablets , ” he added , taking a small book from his doublet ; “ these may give the information you seek .  You were right in your conjecture , doctor .  The name herein inscribed is the same as that borne by the others — Auriol Darcy .  ”  “ I see it all , ” cried Lamb .  “ It was a pious and praiseworthy deed .  Bring the unfortunate youth to my dwelling , Baldred , and you shall be well rewarded .  Use despatch , I pray you .  ”  As the gatekeeper essayed to comply , the wounded man groaned deeply , as if in great pain .  “ Fling me the weapon with which you smote him , ” cried Doctor Lamb , in accents of commiseration , “ and I will anoint it with the powder of sympathy .  His anguish will be speedily abated .  ”  “ I know your worship can accomplish wonders , ” cried Baldred , throwing the halberd into the balcony .  “ I will do my part as gently as I can .  ”  And as the alchemist took up the weapon , and disappeared through the window , the gatekeeper lifted the wounded man by the shoulders , and conveyed him down a narrow , winding staircase to a lower chamber .  Though he proceeded carefully , the sufferer was put to excruciating pain ; and when Baldred placed him on a wooden bench , and held a lamp towards him , he perceived that his features were darkened and distorted .  “ I fear it’s all over with him , ” murmured the gatekeeper ; “ I shall have a dead body to take to Doctor Lamb .  It would be a charity to knock him on the head , rather than let him suffer thus .  The doctor passes for a cunning man , but if he can cure this poor youth without seeing him , by the help of his sympathetic ointment , I shall begin to believe , what some folks avouch , that he has relations with the devil .  ”  While Baldred was ruminating in this manner , a sudden and extraordinary change took place in the sufferer .  As if by magic , the contraction of the muscles subsided ; the features assumed a wholesome hue , and the respiration was no longer laborious .  Baldred stared as if a miracle had been wrought .  Now that the countenance of the youth had regained its original expression , the gatekeeper could not help being struck by its extreme beauty .  The face was a perfect oval , with regular and delicate features .  A short silken moustache covered the upper lip , which was short and proud , and a pointed beard terminated the chin .  The hair was black , glossy , and cut short , so as to disclose a highly intellectual expanse of brow .  The youth’s figure was slight , but admirably proportioned .  His attire consisted of a black satin doublet , slashed with white , hose of black silk , and a short velvet mantle .  His eyes were still closed , and it was difficult to say what effect they might give to the face when they lighted it up ; but notwithstanding its beauty , it was impossible not to admit that a strange , sinister , and almost demoniacal expression pervaded the countenance .  All at once , and with as much suddenness as his cure had been effected , the young man started , uttering a piercing cry , and placed his hand to his side .  “ Caitiff !  ” he cried , fixing his blazing eyes on the gatekeeper , “ why do you torture me thus ?  Finish me at once — Oh !  ”  And overcome by anguish , he sank back again .  “ I have not touched you , sir , ” replied Baldred .  “ I brought you here to succour you .  You will be easier anon .  Doctor Lamb must have wiped the halberd , ” he added to himself .  Another sudden change .  The pain fled from the sufferer’s countenance , and he became easy as before .  “ What have you done to me ?  ” he asked , with a look of gratitude ; “ the torture of my wound has suddenly ceased , and I feel as if a balm had been dropped into it .  Let me remain in this state if you have any pity — or despatch me , for my late agony was almost insupportable .  ”  “ You are cared for by one who has greater skill than any chirurgeon in London , ” replied Baldred .  “ If I can manage to transport you to his lodgings , he will speedily heal your wounds .  ”  “ Do not delay , then , ” replied Auriol faintly ; “ for though I am free from pain , I feel that my life is ebbing fast away .  ”  “ Press this handkerchief to your side , and lean on me , ” said Baldred .  “ Doctor Lamb’s dwelling is but a step from the gateway — in fact , the first house on the bridge .  By the way , the doctor declares he is your kinsman .  ”  “ It is the first I ever heard of him , ” replied Auriol faintly ; “ but take me to him quickly , or it will be too late .  ”  In another moment they were at the doctor’s door .  Baldred tapped against it , and the summons was instantly answered by a diminutive personage , clad in a jerkin of coarse grey serge , and having a leathern apron tied round his waist .  This was Flapdragon .  Blear-eyed , smoke-begrimed , lantern-jawed , the poor dwarf seemed as if his whole life had been spent over the furnace .  And so , in fact , it had been .  He had become little better than a pair of human bellows .  In his hand he held the halberd with which Auriol had been wounded .  “ So you have been playing the leech , Flapdragon , eh ?  ” cried Baldred .  “ Ay , marry have I , ” replied the dwarf , with a wild grin , and displaying a wolfish set of teeth .  “ My master ordered me to smear the halberd with the sympathetic ointment .  I obeyed him : rubbed the steel point , first on one side , then on the other ; next wiped it ; and then smeared it again .  ”  “ Whereby you put the patient to exquisite pain , ” replied Baldred ; “ but help me to transport him to the laboratory .  ”  “ I know not if the doctor will care to be disturbed , ” said Flapdragon .  “ He is busily engaged on a grand operation .  ”  “ I will take the risk on myself , ” said Baldred .  “ The youth will die if he remains here .  See , he has fainted already !  ”  Thus urged , the dwarf laid down the halberd , and between the two , Auriol was speedily conveyed up a wide oaken staircase to the laboratory .  Doctor Lamb was plying the bellows at the furnace , on which a large alembic was placed , and he was so engrossed by his task that he scarcely noticed the entrance of the others .  “ Place the youth on the ground , and rear his head against the chair , ” he cried , hastily , to the dwarf .  “ Bathe his brows with the decoction in that crucible .  I will attend to him anon .  Come to me on the morrow , Baldred , and I will repay thee for thy trouble .  I am busy now .  ”  “ These relics , doctor , ” cried the gatekeeper , glancing at the bag , which was lying on the ground , and from which a bald head protruded — “ I ought to take them back with me .  ”  “ Heed them not — they will be safe in my keeping , ” cried Doctor Lamb impatiently ; “ to-morrow — to-morrow .  ”  Casting a furtive glance round the laboratory , and shrugging his shoulders , Baldred departed ; and Flapdragon having bathed the sufferer’s temples with the decoction , in obedience to his master’s injunctions , turned to inquire what he should do next .  “ Begone !  ” cried the doctor , so fiercely that the dwarf darted out of the room , clapping the door after him .  Doctor Lamb then applied himself to his task with renewed ardour , and in a few seconds became wholly insensible of the presence of a stranger .  Revived by the stimulant , Auriol presently opened his eyes , and gazing round the room , thought he must be dreaming , so strange and fantastical did all appear .  The floor was covered with the implements used by the adept — bolt-heads , crucibles , cucurbites , and retorts , scattered about without any attempt at arrangement .  In one corner was a large terrestrial sphere : near it was an astrolabe , and near that a heap of disused glass vessels .  On the other side lay a black , mysterious-looking book , fastened with brazen clasps .  Around it were a ram’s horn , a pair of forceps , a roll of parchment , a pestle and mortar , and a large plate of copper , graven with the mysterious symbols of the Isaical table .  Near this was the leathern bag containing the two decapitated heads , one of which had burst forth .  On a table at the farther end of the room , stood a large open volume , with parchment leaves , covered with cabalistical characters , referring to the names of spirits .  Near it were two parchment scrolls , written in letters , respectively denominated by the Chaldaic sages , “ the Malachim , ” and “ the Passing of the River .  ” One of these scrolls was kept in its place by a skull .  An ancient and grotesque-looking brass lamp , with two snake-headed burners , lighted the room .  From the ceiling depended a huge scaly sea-monster , with outspread fins , open jaws garnished with tremendous teeth , and great goggling eyes .  Near it hung a celestial sphere .  The chimney-piece , which was curiously carved , and projected far into the room , was laden with various implements of hermetic science .  Above it were hung dried bats and flitter-mice , interspersed with the skulls of birds and apes .  Attached to the chimney-piece was a horary , sculptured in stone , near which hung a large starfish .  The fireplace was occupied by the furnace , on which , as has been stated , was placed an alembic , communicating by means of a long serpentine pipe with a receiver .  Within the room were two skeletons , one of which , placed behind a curtain in the deep embrasure of the window , where its polished bones glistened in the white moonlight , had a horrible effect .  The other enjoyed more comfortable quarters near the chimney , its fleshless feet dangling down in the smoke arising from the furnace .  Doctor Lamb , meanwhile , steadily pursued his task , though he ever and anon paused , to fling certain roots and drugs upon the charcoal .  As he did this , various-coloured flames broke forth — now blue , now green , now blood-red .  Tinged by these fires , the different objects in the chamber seemed to take other forms , and to become instinct with animation .  The gourd-shaped cucurbites were transformed into great bloated toads bursting with venom ; the long-necked bolt-heads became monstrous serpents ; the worm-like pipes turned into adders ; the alembics looked like plumed helmets ; the characters on the Isaical table , and those on the parchments , seemed traced in fire , and to be ever changing ; the sea-monster bellowed and roared , and , flapping his fins , tried to burst from his hook ; the skeletons wagged their jaws , and raised their fleshless fingers in mockery , while blue lights burnt in their eyeless sockets ; the bellows became a prodigious bat fanning the fire with its wings ; and the old alchemist assumed the appearance of the archfiend presiding over a witches’ sabbath .  Auriol’s brain reeled , and he pressed his hand to his eyes , to exclude these phantasms from his sight .  But even thus they pursued him ; and he imagined he could hear the infernal riot going on around him .  Suddenly , he was roused by a loud joyful cry , and , uncovering his eyes , he beheld Doctor Lamb pouring the contents of the matrass — a bright , transparent liquid — into a small phial .  Having carefully secured the bottle with a glass stopper , the old man held it towards the light , and gazed at it with rapture .  “ At length , ” he exclaimed aloud — “ at length , the great work is achieved .  With the birth of the century now expiring I first saw light , and the draught I hold in my hand shall enable me to see the opening of centuries and centuries to come .  Composed of the lunar stones , the solar stones , and the mercurial stones — prepared according to the instructions of the Rabbi Ben Lucca — namely , by the separation of the pure from the impure , the volatilisation of the fixed , and the fixing of the volatile — this elixir shall renew my youth , like that of the eagle , and give me length of days greater than any patriarch ever enjoyed .  ”  While thus speaking , he held up the sparkling liquid , and gazed at it like a Persian worshipping the sun .  “ To live for ever !  ” he cried , after a pause — “ to escape the jaws of death just when they are opening to devour me !  — to be free from all accidents !  — ’tis a glorious thought !  Ha !  I bethink me , the rabbi said there was one peril against which the elixir could not guard me — one vulnerable point , by which , like the heel of Achilles , death might reach me !  What is it !  — where can it lie ?  ”  And he relapsed into deep thought .  “ This uncertainty will poison all my happiness , ” he continued ; “ I shall live in constant dread , as of an invisible enemy .  But no matter !  Perpetual life !  — perpetual youth !  — what more need be desired ?  ”  “ What more , indeed !  ” cried Auriol .  “ Ha !  ” exclaimed the doctor , suddenly recollecting the wounded man , and concealing the phial beneath his gown .  “ Your caution is vain , doctor , ” said Auriol .  “ I have heard what you have uttered .  You fancy you have discovered the elixir vitæ .  ”  “ Fancy I have discovered it !  ” cried Doctor Lamb .  “ The matter is past all doubt .  I am the possessor of the wondrous secret , which the greatest philosophers of all ages have sought to discover — the miraculous preservative of the body against decay .  ”  “ The man who brought me hither told me you were my kinsman , ” said Auriol .  “ Is it so ?  ”  “ It is , ” replied the doctor , “ and you shall now learn the connection that subsists between us .  Look at that ghastly relic , ” he added , pointing to the head protruding from the bag : “ that was once my son Simon .  His son’s head is within the sack — your father’s head — so that four generations are brought together .  ”  “ Gracious Heaven !  ” exclaimed the young man , raising himself on his elbow .  “ You , then , are my great-grandsire .  My father supposed you had died in his infancy .  An old tale runs in the family that you were charged with sorcery , and fled to avoid the stake .  ”  “ It is true that I fled , and took the name I bear at present , ” replied the old man , “ but I need scarcely say that the charge brought against me was false .  I have devoted myself to abstrusest science , have held commune with the stars , and have wrested the most hidden secrets from Nature — but that is all .  Two crimes alone have stained my soul ; but both , I trust , have been expiated by repentance .  ”  “ Were they deeds of blood ?  ” asked Auriol .  “ One was so , ” replied Darcy , with a shudder .  “ It was a cowardly and treacherous deed , aggravated by the basest ingratitude .  Listen , and you shall hear how it chanced .  A Roman rabbi , named Ben Lucca , skilled in hermetic science , came to this city .  His fame reached me , and I sought him out , offering myself as his disciple .  For months , I remained with him in his laboratory — working at the furnace , and poring over mystic lore .  One night he showed me that volume , and , pointing to a page within it , said : ‘Those characters contain the secret of confecting the elixir of life .  I will now explain them to you , and afterwards we will proceed to the operation.’ With this , he unfolded the mystery ; but he bade me observe , that the menstruum was defective on one point .  Wherefore , he said , ‘there will still be peril from some hidden cause.’ Oh , with what greediness I drank in his words !  How I gazed at the mystic characters , as he explained their import !  What visions floated before me of perpetual youth and enjoyment .  At that moment a demon whispered in my ear , ‘This secret must be thine own .  No one else must possess it.’ ”  “ Ha !  ” exclaimed Auriol , starting .  “ The evil thought was no sooner conceived than acted upon , ” pursued Darcy .  “ Instantly drawing my poniard , I plunged it to the rabbi’s heart .  But mark what followed .  His blood fell upon the book , and obliterated the characters ; nor could I by any effort of memory recall the composition of the elixir .  ”  “ When did you regain the secret ?  ” asked Auriol curiously .  “ To-night , ” replied Darcy — “ within this hour .  For nigh fifty years after that fatal night I have been making fruitless experiments .  A film of blood has obscured my mental sight .  I have proceeded by calcitration , solution , putrefaction — have produced the oils which will fix crude mercury , and convert all bodies into sol and luna ; but I have ever failed in fermenting the stone into the true elixir .  To-night , it came into my head to wash the blood-stained page containing the secret with a subtle liquid .  I did so ; and doubting the efficacy of the experiment , left it to work , while I went forth to breathe the air at my window .  My eyes were cast upwards , and I was struck with the malignant aspect of my star .  How to reconcile this with the good fortune which has just befallen me , I know not — but so it was .  At this juncture , your rash but pious attempt occurred .  Having discovered our relationship , and enjoined the gatekeeper to bring you hither , I returned to my old laboratory .  On glancing towards the mystic volume , what was my surprise to see the page free from blood !  ”  Auriol uttered a slight exclamation , and gazed at the book with superstitious awe .  “ The sight was so surprising that I dropped the sack I had brought with me , ” pursued Darcy .  “ Fearful of again losing the secret , I nerved myself to the task , and placing fuel on the fire , dismissed my attendant with brief injunctions relative to you .  I then set to work .  How I have succeeded , you perceive .  I hold in my hand the treasure I have so long sought — so eagerly coveted .  The whole world’s wealth should not purchase it from me .  ”  Auriol gazed earnestly at his aged relative , but he said nothing .  “ In a few moments I shall be as full of vigour and activity as yourself , ” continued Darcy .  “ We shall be no longer the great-grandsire and his descendant , but friends — companions — equals , — equals in age , strength , activity , beauty , fortune — for youth is fortune — ha !  ha !  Methinks I am already young again !  ”  “ You spoke of two crimes with which your conscience was burdened , ” remarked Auriol .  “ You have mentioned but one .  ”  “ The other was not so foul as that I have described , ” replied Darcy , in an altered tone , “ inasmuch as it was unintentional , and occasioned by no base motive .  My wife , your ancestress , was a most lovely woman , and so passionately was I enamoured of her , that I tried by every art to heighten and preserve her beauty .  I fed her upon the flesh of capons , nourished with vipers ; caused her to steep her lovely limbs in baths distilled from roses and violets ; and had recourse to the most potent cosmetics .  At last I prepared a draught from poisons — yes , poisons — the effect of which , I imagined , would be wondrous .  She drank it , and expired horribly disfigured .  Conceive my despair at beholding the fair image of my idolatry destroyed — defaced by my hand .  In my frenzy I should have laid violent hands upon myself , if I had not been restrained .  Love may again rule my heart — beauty may again dazzle my eyes , but I shall never more feel the passion I entertained for my lost Amice — never more behold charms equal to hers .  ”  And he pressed his hand to his face .  “ The mistake you then committed should serve as a warning , ” said Auriol .  “ What if it be poison you have now confected ?  Try a few drops of it on some animal .  ”  “ No — no ; it is the true elixir , ” replied Darcy .  “ Not a drop must be wasted .  You will witness its effect anon .  Like the snake , I shall cast my slough , and come forth younger than I was at twenty .  ”  “ Meantime , I beseech you to render me some assistance , ” groaned Auriol , “ or , while you are preparing for immortality , I shall expire before your eyes .  ”  “ Be not afraid , ” replied Darcy ; “ you shall take no harm .  I will care for you presently ; and I understand leechcraft so well , that I will answer for your speedy and perfect recovery .  ”  “ Drink , then , to it !  ” cried Auriol .  “ I know not what stays my hand , ” said the old man , raising the phial ; “ but now that immortality is in my reach , I dare not grasp it .  ”  “ Give me the potion , then , ” cried Auriol .  “ Not for worlds , ” rejoined Darcy , hugging the phial to his breast .  “ No ; I will be young again — rich — happy .  I will go forth into the world — I will bask in the smiles of beauty — I will feast , revel , sing — life shall be one perpetual round of enjoyment .  Now for the trial — ha !  ” and , as he raised the potion towards his lips , a sudden pang shot across his heart .  “ What is this ?  ” he cried , staggering .  “ Can death assail me when I am just about to enter upon perpetual life ?  Help me , good grandson !  Place the phial to my lips .  Pour its contents down my throat — quick !  quick !  ”  “ I am too weak to stir , ” groaned Auriol .  “ You have delayed it too long .  ”  “ Oh , heavens !  we shall both perish , ” shrieked Darcy , vainly endeavouring to raise his palsied arm , — “ perish with the blissful shore in view .  ”  And he sank backwards , and would have fallen to the ground if he had not caught at the terrestrial sphere for support .  “ Help me — help me !  ” he screamed , fixing a glance of unutterable anguish on his relative .  “ It is worth the struggle , ” cried Auriol .  And , by a great effort , he raised himself , and staggered towards the old man .  “ Saved — saved !  ” shrieked Darcy .  “ Pour it down my throat .  An instant , and all will be well .  ”  “ Think you I have done this for you ?  ” cried Auriol , snatching the potion ; “ no — no. ”  And , supporting himself against the furnace , he placed the phial to his lips , and eagerly drained its contents .  The old man seemed paralysed by the action , but kept his eye fixed upon the youth till he had drained the elixir to the last drop .  He then uttered a piercing cry , threw up his arms , and fell heavily backwards .  Dead — dead !  Flashes of light passed before Auriol’s eyes , and strange noises smote his ears .  For a moment he was bewildered as with wine , and laughed and sang discordantly like a madman .  Every object reeled and danced around him .  The glass vessels and jars clashed their brittle sides together , yet remained uninjured ; the furnace breathed forth flames and mephitic vapours ; the spiral worm of the alembic became red hot , and seemed filled with molten lead ; the pipe of the bolt-head ran blood ; the sphere of the earth rolled along the floor , and rebounded from the wall as if impelled by a giant hand ; the skeletons grinned and gibbered ; so did the death’s-head on the table ; so did the skulls against the chimney ; the monstrous sea-fish belched forth fire and smoke ; the bald , decapitated head opened its eyes , and fixed them , with a stony glare , on the young man ; while the dead alchemist shook his hand menacingly at him .  Unable to bear these accumulated horrors , Auriol became , for a short space , insensible .  On recovering , all was still .  The lights within the lamp had expired ; but the bright moonlight , streaming through the window , fell upon the rigid features of the unfortunate alchemist , and on the cabalistic characters of the open volume beside him .  Eager to test the effect of the elixir , Auriol put his hand to his side .  All traces of the wound were gone ; nor did he experience the slightest pain in any other part of his body .  On the contrary , he seemed endowed with preternatural strength .  His breast dilated with rapture , and he longed to expand his joy in active motion .  Striding over the body of his aged relative , he threw open the window .  As he did so , joyous peals burst from surrounding churches , announcing the arrival of the new year .  While listening to this clamour , Auriol gazed at the populous and picturesque city stretched out before him , and bathed in the moonlight .  “ A hundred years hence , ” he thought , “ and scarcely one soul of the thousands within those houses will be living , save myself .  A hundred years after that , and their children’s children will be gone to the grave .  But I shall live on — shall live through all changes — all customs — all time .  What revelations I shall then have to make , if I should dare to disclose them !  ”  As he ruminated thus , the skeleton hanging near him was swayed by the wind , and its bony fingers came in contact with his cheek .  A dread idea was suggested by the occurrence .  “ There is one peril to be avoided , ” he thought ; ” ONE PERIL !  — what is it ?  Pshaw !  I will think no more of it .  It may never arise .  I will be gone .  This place fevers me .  ”  With this , he left the laboratory , and hastily descending the stairs , at the foot of which he found Flapdragon , passed out of the house .  Chapter 1  The Ruined House in the Vauxhall Road  Late one night , in the spring of 1830 , two men issued from a low , obscurely situated public-house , near Millbank , and shaped their course apparently in the direction of Vauxhall Bridge .  Avoiding the footpath near the river , they moved stealthily along the farther side of the road , where the open ground offered them an easy means of flight , in case such a course should be found expedient .  So far as it could be discerned by the glimpses of the moon , which occasionally shone forth from a rack of heavy clouds , the appearance of these personages was not much in their favour .  Haggard features , stamped deeply with the characters of crime and debauchery ; fierce , restless eyes ; beards of several days’ growth ; wild , unkempt heads of hair , formed their chief personal characteristics ; while sordid and ragged clothes , shoes without soles , and old hats without crowns , constituted the sum of their apparel .  One of them was tall and gaunt , with large hands and feet ; but despite his meagreness , he evidently possessed great strength : the other was considerably shorter , but broad-shouldered , bow-legged , long-armed , and altogether a most formidable ruffian .  This fellow had high cheek-bones , a long aquiline nose , and a coarse mouth and chin , in which the animal greatly predominated .  He had a stubby red beard , with sandy hair , white brows and eyelashes .  The countenance of the other was dark and repulsive , and covered with blotches , the result of habitual intemperance .  His eyes had a leering and malignant look .  A handkerchief spotted with blood , and tied across his brow , contrasted strongly with his matted black hair , and increased his natural appearance of ferocity .  The shorter ruffian carried a mallet upon his shoulder , and his companion concealed something beneath the breast of his coat , which afterwards proved to be a dark lantern .  Not a word passed between them ; but keeping a vigilant look-out , they trudged on with quick , shambling steps .  A few sounds arose from the banks of the river , and there was now and then a plash in the water , or a distant cry , betokening some passing craft ; but generally all was profoundly still .  The quaint , Dutch-looking structures on the opposite bank , the line of coal-barges and lighters moored to the strand , the great timber-yards and coal-yards , the brewhouses , gasworks , and waterworks , could only be imperfectly discerned ; but the moonlight fell clear upon the ancient towers of Lambeth Palace , and on the neighbouring church .  The same glimmer also ran like a silver belt across the stream , and revealed the great , stern , fortress-like pile of the Penitentiary — perhaps the most dismal-looking structure in the whole metropolis .  The world of habitations beyond this melancholy prison was buried in darkness .  The two men , however , thought nothing of these things , and saw nothing of them ; but , on arriving within a couple of hundred yards of the bridge , suddenly , as if by previous concert , quitted the road , and , leaping a rail , ran across a field , and plunged into a hollow formed by a dried pit , where they came to a momentary halt .  “ You ain’t a-been a-gammonin’ me in this matter , Tinker ?  ” observed the shorter individual .  “ The cove’s sure to come ?  ”  “ Why , you can’t expect me to answer for another as I can for myself , Sandman , ” replied the other ; “ but if his own word’s to be taken for it , he’s sartin to be there .  I heerd him say , as plainly as I’m a speakin’ to you — ‘I’ll be here to-morrow night — at the same hour — — ’ ”  “ And that wos one o’clock ?  ” said the Sandman .  “ Thereabouts , ” replied the other .  “ And who did he say that to ?  ” demanded the Sandman .  “ To hisself , I s’pose , ” answered the Tinker ; “ for , as I told you afore , I could see no one vith him .  ”  “ Do you think he’s one of our perfession ?  ” inquired the Sandman .  “ Bless you !  no — that he ain’t , ” returned the Tinker .  “ He’s a reg’lar slap-up svell .  ”  “ That’s no reason at all , ” said the Sandman .  “ Many a first-rate svell practises in our line .  But he can’t be in his right mind to come to such a ken as that , and go on as you mentions .  ”  “ As to that I can’t say , ” replied the Tinker ; “ and it don’t much matter , as far as ve’re consarned .  ”  “ Devil a bit , ” rejoined the Sandman , “ except — you’re sure it worn’t a sperrit , Tinker .  I’ve heerd say that this crib is haanted , and though I don’t fear no livin’ man , a ghost’s a different sort of customer .  ”  “ Vell , you’ll find our svell raal flesh and blood , you may depend upon it , ” replied the Tinker .  “ So come along , and don’t let’s be frightenin’ ourselves vith ould vimen’s tales .  ”  With this they emerged from the pit , crossed the lower part of the field , and entered a narrow thoroughfare , skirted by a few detached houses , which brought them into the Vauxhall Bridge Road .  Here they kept on the side of the street most in shadow , and crossed over whenever they came to a lamp .  By-and-by , two watchmen were seen advancing from Belvoir Terrace , and , as the guardians of the night drew near , the ruffians crept into an alley to let them pass .  As soon as the coast was clear , they ventured forth , and quickening their pace , came to a row of deserted and dilapidated houses .  This was their destination .  The range of habitations in question , more than a dozen in number , were , in all probability , what is vulgarly called “ in Chancery , ” and shared the fate of most property similarly circumstanced .  They were in a sad ruinous state — unroofed , without windows and floors .  The bare walls were alone left standing , and these were in a very tumble-down condition .  These neglected dwellings served as receptacles for old iron , blocks of stone and wood , and other ponderous matters .  The aspect of the whole place was so dismal and suspicious , that it was generally avoided by passengers after nightfall .  Skulking along the blank and dreary walls , the Tinker , who was now a little in advance , stopped before a door , and pushing it open , entered the dwelling .  His companion followed him .  The extraordinary and incongruous assemblage of objects which met the gaze of the Sandman , coupled with the deserted appearance of the place , produced an effect upon his hardy but superstitious nature .  Looking round , he beheld huge mill-stones , enormous water-wheels , boilers of steam-engines , iron vats , cylinders , cranes , iron pumps of the strangest fashion , a gigantic pair of wooden scales , old iron safes , old boilers , old gas-pipes , old water-pipes , cracked old bells , old bird-cages , old plates of iron , old pulleys , ropes , and rusty chains , huddled and heaped together in the most fantastic disorder .  In the midst of the chaotic mass frowned the bearded and colossal head of Neptune , which had once decorated the forepart of a man-of-war .  Above it , on a sort of framework , lay the prostrate statue of a nymph , together with a bust of Fox , the nose of the latter being partly demolished , and the eyes knocked in .  Above these , three garden divinities laid their heads amicably together .  On the left stood a tall Grecian warrior , minus the head and right hand .  The whole was surmounted by an immense ventilator , stuck on the end of an iron rod , ascending , like a lightning-conductor , from the steam-engine pump .  Seen by the transient light of the moon , the various objects above enumerated produced a strange effect upon the beholder’s imagination .  There was a mixture of the grotesque and terrible about them .  Nor was the building itself devoid of a certain influence upon his mind .  The ragged brickwork , overgrown with weeds , took with him the semblance of a human face , and seemed to keep a wary eye on what was going forward below .  A means of crossing from one side of the building to the other , without descending into the vault beneath , was afforded by a couple of planks ; though as the wall on the farther side was some feet higher than that near at hand , and the planks were considerably bent , the passage appeared hazardous .  Glancing round for a moment , the Tinker leaped into the cellar , and , unmasking his lantern , showed a sort of hiding-place , between a bulk of timber and a boiler , to which he invited his companion .  The Sandman jumped down .  “ The ale I drank at the ‘Two Fighting Cocks’ has made me feel drowsy , Tinker , ” he remarked , stretching himself on the bulk ; “ I’ll just take a snooze .  Vake me up if I snore — or ven our sperrit appears .  ”  The Tinker replied in the affirmative ; and the other had just become lost to consciousness , when he received a nudge in the side , and his companion whispered — “ He’s here !  ”  “ Vhere — vhere ?  ” demanded the Sandman , in some trepidation .  “ Look up , and you’ll see him , ” replied the other .  Slightly altering his position , the Sandman caught sight of a figure standing upon the planks above them .  It was that of a young man .  His hat was off , and his features , exposed to the full radiance of the moon , looked deathly pale , and though handsome , had a strange sinister expression .  He was tall , slight , and well-proportioned ; and the general cut of his attire , the tightly-buttoned , single-breasted coat , together with the moustache upon his lip , gave him a military air .  “ He seems a-valkin’ in his sleep , ” muttered the Sandman .  “ He’s a-speakin’ to some von unwisible .  ”  “ Hush — hush !  ” whispered the other .  “ Let’s hear wot he’s a-sayin’ .  ”  “ Why have you brought me here ?  ” cried the young man , in a voice so hollow that it thrilled his auditors .  “ What is to be done ?  ”  “ It makes my blood run cold to hear him , ” whispered the Sandman .  “ Vot d’ye think he sees ?  ”  “ Why do you not speak to me ?  ” cried the young man — “ why do you beckon me forward ?  Well , I obey .  I will follow you .  ”  And he moved slowly across the plank .  “ See , he’s a-goin’ through that door , ” cried the Tinker .  “ Let’s foller him .  ”  “ I don’t half like it , ” replied the Sandman , his teeth chattering with apprehension .  “ We shall see summat as’ll take avay our senses .  ”  “ Tut !  ” cried the Tinker ; “ it’s only a sleepy-valker .  Wot are you afeerd on ?  ”  With this he vaulted upon the planks , and peeping cautiously out of the open door to which they led , saw the object of his scrutiny enter the adjoining house through a broken window .  Making a sign to the Sandman , who was close at his heels , the Tinker crept forward on all fours , and , on reaching the window , raised himself just sufficiently to command the interior of the dwelling .  Unfortunately for him , the moon was at this moment obscured , and he could distinguish nothing except the dusky outline of the various objects with which the place was filled , and which were nearly of the same kind as those of the neighbouring habitation .  He listened intently , but not the slightest sound reached his ears .  After some time spent in this way , he began to fear the young man must have departed , when all at once a piercing scream resounded through the dwelling .  Some heavy matter was dislodged , with a thundering crash , and footsteps were heard approaching the window .  Hastily retreating to their former hiding-place , the Tinker and his companion had scarcely regained it , when the young man again appeared on the plank .  His demeanour had undergone a fearful change .  He staggered rather than walked , and his countenance was even paler than before .  Having crossed the plank , he took his way along the top of the broken wall towards the door .  “ Now , then , Sandman !  ” cried the Tinker ; “ now’s your time !  ”  The other nodded , and , grasping his mallet with a deadly and determined purpose , sprang noiselessly upon the wall , and overtook his intended victim just before he gained the door .  Hearing a sound behind him , the young man turned , and only just became conscious of the presence of the Sandman , when the mallet descended upon his head , and he fell crushed and senseless to the ground .  “ The vork’s done !  ” cried the Sandman to his companion , who instantly came up with the dark lantern ; “ let’s take him below , and strip him .  ”  “ Agreed , ” replied the Tinker ; “ but first let’s see wot he has got in his pockets .  ”  “ Vith all my ‘art , ” replied the Sandman , searching the clothes of the victim .  “ A reader !  — I hope it’s well lined .  Ve’ll examine it below .  The body ‘ud tell awkvard tales if any von should chance to peep in .  ”  “ Shall we strip him here ?  ” said the Tinker .  “ Now the darkey shines on ’em , you see what famous togs the cull has on .  ”  “ Do you vant to have us scragged , fool ?  ” cried the Sandman , springing into the vault .  “ Hoist him down here .  ”  With this , he placed the wounded man’s legs over his own shoulders , and , aided by his comrade , was in the act of heaving down the body , when the street-door suddenly flew open , and a stout individual , attended by a couple of watchmen , appeared at it .  “ There the villains are !  ” shouted the new-comer .  “ They have been murderin’ a gentleman .  Seize ’em — seize ’em !  ”  And , as he spoke , he discharged a pistol , the ball from which whistled past the ears of the Tinker .  Without waiting for another salute of the same kind , which might possibly be nearer its mark , the ruffian kicked the lantern into the vault , and sprang after the Sandman , who had already disappeared .  Acquainted with the intricacies of the place , the Tinker guided his companion through a hole into an adjoining vault , whence they scaled a wall , got into the next house , and passing through an open window , made good their retreat , while the watchmen were vainly searching for them under every bulk and piece of iron .  “ Here , watchmen !  ” cried the stout individual , who had acted as leader ; “ never mind the villains just now , but help me to convey this poor young gentleman to my house , where proper assistance can be rendered him .  He still breathes ; but he has received a terrible blow on the head .  I hope his skull ain’t broken .  ”  “ It is to be hoped it ain’t , Mr. Thorneycroft , ” replied the foremost watchman ; “ but them was two desperate characters as ever I see , and capable of any hatterosity .  ”  “ What a frightful scream I heard to be sure !  ” cried Mr. Thorneycroft .  “ I was certain somethin’ dreadful was goin’ on .  It was fortunate I wasn’t gone to bed ; and still more fortunate you happened to be comin’ up at the time .  But we mustn’t stand chatterin’ here .  Bring the poor young gentleman along .  ”  Preceded by Mr. Thorneycroft , the watchmen carried the wounded man across the road towards a small house , the door of which was held open by a female servant , with a candle in her hand .  The poor woman uttered a cry of horror as the body was brought in .  “ Don’t be cryin’ out in that way , Peggy , ” cried Mr. Thorneycroft , “ but go and get me some brandy .  Here , watchmen , lay the poor young gentleman down on the sofa — there , gently , gently .  And now , one of you run to Wheeler Street , and fetch Mr. Howell , the surgeon .  Less noise , Peggy — less noise , or you’ll waken Miss Ebba , and I wouldn’t have her disturbed for the world .  ”  With this , he snatched the bottle of brandy from the maid , filled a wine-glass with the spirit , and poured it down the throat of the wounded man .  A stifling sound followed , and after struggling violently for respiration for a few seconds , the patient opened his eyes .  Chapter 2  The Dog-fancier  The Rookery !  Who that has passed Saint Giles’s , on the way to the city , or coming from it , but has caught a glimpse , through some narrow opening , of its squalid habitations , and wretched and ruffianly occupants !  Who but must have been struck with amazement , that such a huge receptacle of vice and crime should be allowed to exist in the very heart of the metropolis , like an ulcerated spot , capable of tainting the whole system !  Of late , the progress of improvement has caused its removal ; but whether any less cogent motive would have abated the nuisance may be questioned .  For years the evil was felt and complained of , but no effort was made to remedy it , or to cleanse these worse than Augean stables .  As the place is now partially , if not altogether , swept away , and a wide and airy street passes through the midst of its foul recesses , a slight sketch may be given of its former appearance .  Entering a narrow street , guarded by posts and cross-bars , a few steps from the crowded thoroughfare brought you into a frightful region , the refuge , it was easy to perceive , of half the lawless characters infesting the metropolis .  The coarsest ribaldry assailed your ears , and noisome odours afflicted your sense of smell .  As you advanced , picking your way through kennels flowing with filth , or over putrescent heaps of rubbish and oyster-shells , all the repulsive and hideous features of the place were displayed before you .  There was something savagely picturesque in the aspect of the place , but its features were too loathsome to be regarded with any other feeling than disgust .  The houses looked as sordid , and as thickly crusted with the leprosy of vice , as their tenants .  Horrible habitations they were , in truth .  Many of them were without windows , and where the frames were left , brown paper or tin supplied the place of glass ; some even wanted doors , and no effort was made to conceal the squalor within .  On the contrary , it seemed to be intruded on observation .  Miserable rooms , almost destitute of furniture ; floors and walls caked with dirt , or decked with coarse flaring prints ; shameless and abandoned-looking women ; children without shoes and stockings , and with scarcely a rag to their backs : these were the chief objects that met the view .  Of men , few were visible — the majority being out on business , it is to be presumed ; but where a solitary straggler was seen , his sinister looks and mean attire were in perfect keeping with the spot .  So thickly inhabited were these wretched dwellings , that every chamber , from garret to cellar , swarmed with inmates .  As to the cellars , they looked like dismal caverns , which a wild beast would shun .  Clothes-lines were hung from house to house , festooned with every kind of garment .  Out of the main street branched several alleys and passages , all displaying the same degree of misery , or , if possible , worse , and teeming with occupants .  Personal security , however , forbade any attempt to track these labyrinths ; but imagination , after the specimen afforded , could easily picture them .  It was impossible to move a step without insult or annoyance .  Every human being seemed brutalised and degraded ; and the women appeared utterly lost to decency , and made the street ring with their cries , their quarrels , and their imprecations .  It was a positive relief to escape from this hotbed of crime to the world without , and breathe a purer atmosphere .  Such being the aspect of the Rookery in the daytime , what must it have been when crowded with its denizens at night !  Yet at such an hour it will now be necessary to enter its penetralia .  After escaping from the ruined house in the Vauxhall Road , the two ruffians shaped their course towards Saint Giles’s , running the greater part of the way , and reaching the Broadway just as the church clock struck two .  Darting into a narrow alley , and heedless of any obstructions they encountered in their path , they entered a somewhat wider cross-street , which they pursued for a short distance , and then struck into an entry , at the bottom of which was a swing-door that admitted them into a small court , where they found a dwarfish person wrapped in a tattered watchman’s greatcoat , seated on a stool with a horn lantern in his hand and a cutty in his mouth , the glow of which lighted up his hard , withered features .  This was the deputy-porter of the lodging-house they were about to enter .  Addressing him by the name of Old Parr , the ruffians passed on , and lifting the latch of another door , entered a sort of kitchen , at the farther end of which blazed a cheerful fire , with a large copper kettle boiling upon it .  On one side of the room was a deal table , round which several men of sinister aspect and sordid attire were collected , playing , at cards .  A smaller table of the same material stood near the fire , and opposite it was a staircase leading to the upper rooms .  The place was dingy and dirty in the extreme , the floors could not have been scoured for years , and the walls were begrimed with filth .  In one corner , with his head resting on a heap of coals and coke , lay a boy almost as black as a chimney-sweep , fast asleep .  He was the waiter .  The principal light was afforded by a candle stuck against the wall , with a tin reflector behind it .  Before the fire , with his back turned towards it , stood a noticeable individual , clad in a velveteen jacket with ivory buttons , a striped waistcoat , drab knees , a faded black silk neckcloth tied in a great bow , and a pair of ancient Wellingtons ascending half-way up his legs , which looked disproportionately thin when compared with the upper part of his square , robustious , and somewhat pursy frame .  His face was broad , jolly , and good-humoured , with a bottle-shaped nose , fleshy lips , and light grey eyes , glistening with cunning and roguery .  His hair , which dangled in long flakes over his ears and neck , was of a dunnish red , as were also his whiskers and beard .  A superannuated white castor , with a black hat-band round it , was cocked knowingly on one side of his head , and gave him a flashy and sporting look .  His particular vocation was made manifest by the number of dogs he had about him .  A beautiful black-and-tan spaniel , of Charles the Second’s breed , popped its short snubby nose and long silken ears out of each coat-pocket .  A pug was thrust into his breast , and he carried an exquisite Blenheim under either arm .  At his feet reposed an Isle of Skye terrier , and a partly cropped French poodle , of snowy whiteness , with a red worsted riband round his throat .  This person , it need scarcely be said , was a dog-fancier , or , in other words , a dealer in , and a stealer of , dogs , as well as a practiser of all the tricks connected with that nefarious trade .  His self-satisfied air made it evident he thought himself a smart , clever fellow , — and adroit and knavish he was , no doubt , — while his droll , plausible , and rather winning manners helped him materially to impose upon his customers .  His real name was Taylor , but he was known among his companions by the appellation of Ginger .  On the entrance of the Sandman and the Tinker , he nodded familiarly to them , and with a sly look inquired — “ Vell , my ‘arties — wot luck ?  ”  “ Oh , pretty middlin’ , ” replied the Sandman gruffly .  And seating himself at the table , near the fire , he kicked up the lad , who was lying fast asleep on the coals , and bade him fetch a pot of half-and-half .  The Tinker took a place beside him , and they waited in silence the arrival of the liquor , which , when it came , was disposed of at a couple of pulls ; while Mr. Ginger , seeing they were engaged , sauntered towards the card-table , attended by his four-footed companions .  “ And now , ” said the Sandman , unable to control his curiosity longer , and taking out his pocket-book , “ we’ll see what fortun’ has given us .  ”  So saying , he unclasped the pocket-book , while the Tinker bent over him in eager curiosity .  But their search for money was fruitless .  Not a single bank-note was forthcoming .  There were several memoranda and slips of paper , a few cards , and an almanac for the year — that was all .  It was a great disappointment .  “ So we’ve had all this trouble for nuffin’ , and nearly got shot into the bargain , ” cried the Sandman , slapping down the book on the table with an oath .  “ I vish I’d never undertaken the job .  ”  “ Don’t let’s give it up in sich an ‘urry , ” replied the Tinker ; “ summat may be made on it yet .  Let’s look over them papers .  ”  “ Look ’em over yourself , ” rejoined the Sandman , pushing the book towards him .  “ I’ve done wi’ ’em .  Here , lazy-bones , bring two glasses o’ rum-and-water — stiff , d’ye hear ?  ”  While the sleepy youth bestirred himself to obey these injunctions , the Tinker read over every memorandum in the pocket-book , and then proceeded carefully to examine the different scraps of paper with which it was filled .  Not content with one perusal , he looked them all over again , and then began to rub his hands with great glee .  “ Wot’s the matter ?  ” cried the Sandman , who had lighted a cutty , and was quietly smoking it .  “ Wot’s the row , eh ?  ”  “ Vy , this is it , ” replied the Tinker , unable to contain his satisfaction ; “ there’s secrets contained in this here pocket-book as’ll be worth a hundred pound and better to us .  We ha’n’t had our trouble for nuffin’ .  ”  “ Glad to hear it !  ” said the Sandman , looking hard at him .  “ Wot kind o’ secrets are they ?  ”  “ Vy , hangin’ secrets , ” replied the Tinker , with mysterious emphasis .  “ He seems to be a terrible chap , and to have committed murder wholesale .  ”  “ Wholesale !  ” echoed the Sandman , removing the pipe from his lips .  “ That sounds awful .  But what a precious donkey he must be to register his crimes i’ that way .  ”  “ He didn’t expect the pocket-book to fall into our hands , ” said the Tinker .  “ Werry likely not , ” replied the Sandman ; “ but somebody else might see it .  I repeat , he must be a fool .  S’pose we wos to make a entry of everythin’ we does .  Wot a nice balance there’d be agin us ven our accounts comed to be wound up !  ”  “ Ourn is a different bus’ness altogether , ” replied the Tinker .  “ This seems a werry mysterious sort o’ person .  Wot age should you take him to be ?  ”  “ Vy , five-an’-twenty at the outside , ” replied the Sandman .  “ Five-an’-sixty ‘ud be nearer the mark , ” replied the Tinker .  “ There’s dates as far back as that .  ”  “ Five-an’-sixty devils !  ” cried the Sandman ; “ there must be some mistake i’ the reckonin’ there .  ”  “ No , it’s all clear an’ reg’lar , ” rejoined the other ; “ and that doesn’t seem to be the end of it neither .  I looked over the papers twice , and one , dated 1780 , refers to some other dokiments .  ”  “ They must relate to his granddad , then , ” said the Sandman ; “ it’s impossible they can refer to him .  ”  “ But I tell ‘ee they do refer to him , ” said the Tinker , somewhat angrily , at having his assertion denied ; “ at least , if his own word’s to be taken .  Anyhow , these papers is waluable to us .  If no one else believes in ’em , it’s clear he believes in ’em hisself , and will be glad to buy ’em from us .  ”  “ That’s a view o’ the case worthy of an Old Bailey lawyer , ” replied the Sandman .  “ Wot’s the gemman’s name ?  ”  “ The name on the card is Auriol Darcy , ” replied the Tinker .  “ Any address ?  ” asked the Sandman .  The Tinker shook his head .  “ That’s unlucky agin , ” said the Sandman .  “ Ain’t there no sort o’ clue ?  ”  “ None votiver , as I can perceive , ” said the Tinker .  “ Vy , zounds , then , ve’re jist vere ve started from , ” cried the Sandman .  “ But it don’t matter .  There’s not much chance o’ makin’ a bargin vith him .  The crack o’ the skull I gave him has done his bus’ness .  ”  “ Nuffin’ o’ the kind , ” replied the Tinker .  “ He alvays recovers from every kind of accident .  ”  “ Alvays recovers !  ” exclaimed the Sandman , in amazement .  “ Wot a constitootion he must have !  ”  “ Surprisin’ !  ” replied the Tinker ; “ he never suffers from injuries — at least , not much ; never grows old ; and never expects to die ; for he mentions wot he intends doin’ a hundred years hence .  ”  “ Oh , he’s a lu-nattic !  ” exclaimed the Sandman , “ a downright lu-nattic ; and that accounts for his wisitin’ that ’ere ruined house , and a-fancyin’ he heerd some one talk to him .  He’s mad , depend upon it .  That is , if I ain’t cured him .  ”  “ I’m of a different opinion , ” said the Tinker .  “ And so am I , ” said Mr. Ginger , who had approached unobserved , and overheard the greater part of their discourse .  “ Vy , vot can you know about it , Ginger ?  ” said the Sandman , looking up , evidently rather annoyed .  “ I only know this , ” replied Ginger , “ that you’ve got a good case , and if you’ll let me into it , I’ll engage to make summat of it .  ”  “ Vell , I’m agreeable , ” said the Sandman .  “ And so am I , ” added the Tinker .  “ Not that I pays much regard to wot you’ve bin a readin’ in his papers , ” purused Ginger ; “ the gemman’s evidently half-cracked , if he ain’t cracked altogether — but he’s jist the person to work upon .  He fancies hisself immortal — eh ?  ”  “ Exactly so , ” replied the Tinker .  “ And he also fancies he’s committed a lot o’ murders ?  ” perused Ginger .  “ A desperate lot , ” replied the Tinker .  “ Then he’ll be glad to buy those papers at any price , ” said Ginger .  “ Ve’ll deal vith him in regard to the pocket-book , as I deals vith regard to a dog — ask a price for its restitootion .  ”  “ We must find him out first , ” said the Sandman .  “ There’s no difficulty in that , ” rejoined Ginger .  “ You must be constantly on the look-out .  You’re sure to meet him some time or other .  ”  “ That’s true , ” replied the Sandman ; “ and there’s no fear of his knowin’ us , for the werry moment he looked round I knocked him on the head .  ”  “ Arter all , ” said the Tinker , “ there’s no branch o’ the perfession so safe as yours , Ginger .  The law is favourable to you , and the beaks is afeerd to touch you .  I think I shall turn dog-fancier myself .  ”  “ It’s a good business , ” replied Ginger , “ but it requires a hedication .  As I wos sayin’ , we gets a high price sometimes for restorin’ a favourite , especially ven ve’ve a soft-hearted lady to deal vith .  There’s some vimen as fond o’ dogs as o’ their own childer , and ven ve gets one o’ their precious pets , ve makes ’em ransom it as the brigands you see at the Adelphi or the Surrey sarves their prisoners , threatenin’ to send first an ear , and then a paw , or a tail , and so on .  I’ll tell you wot happened t’other day .  There wos a lady — a Miss Vite — as was desperate fond of her dog .  It wos a ugly warmint , but no matter for that — the creater had gained her heart .  Vell , she lost it ; and , somehow or other , I found it .  She vos in great trouble , and a friend o’ mine calls to say she can have the dog agin , but she must pay eight pound for it .  She thinks this dear , and a friend o’ her own adwises her to wait , sayin’ better terms will be offered ; so I sends vord by my friend that if she don’t come down at once the poor animal’s throat vill be cut that werry night .  ”  “ Ha !  — ha !  — ha !  ” laughed the others .  “ Vell , she sent four pound , and I put up with it , ” pursued Ginger ; “ but about a month arterwards she loses her favourite agin , and , strange to say , I finds it .  The same game is played over agin , and she comes down with another four pound .  But she takes care this time that I shan’t repeat the trick ; for no sooner does she obtain persession of her favourite than she embarks in the steamer for France , in the hope of keeping her dog safe there .  ”  “ Oh !  Miss Bailey , unfortinate Miss Bailey !  — Fol-de-riddle-tol-ol-lol — unfortinate Miss Bailey !  ” sang the Tinker .  “ But there’s dog-fanciers in France , ain’t there ?  ” asked the Sandman .  “ Lor’ bless ‘ee , yes , ” replied Ginger ; “ there’s as many fanciers i’ France as here .  Vy , ve drives a smartish trade wi’ them through them foreign steamers .  There’s scarcely a steamer as leaves the port o’ London but takes out a cargo o’ dogs .  Ve sells ’em to the stewards , stokers , and sailors — cheap — and no questins asked .  They goes to Ostend , Antverp , Rotterdam , Hamburg , and sometimes to Havre .  There’s a Mounseer Coqquilu as comes over to buy dogs , and ve takes ’em to him at a house near Billinsgit market .  ”  “ Then you’re alvays sure o’ a ready market somehow , ” observed the Sandman .  “ Sartin , ” replied Ginger , “ cos the law’s so kind to us .  Vy , bless you , a perliceman can’t detain us , even if he knows ve’ve a stolen dog in our persession , and ve svears it’s our own ; and yet he’d stop you in a minnit if he seed you with a suspicious-lookin’ bundle under your arm .  Now , jist to show you the difference atwixt the two perfessions : — I steals a dog — walue , maybe , fifty pound , or p’raps more .  Even if I’m catched i’ the fact I may get fined twenty pound , or have six months’ imprisonment ; vile , if you steals an old fogle , walue three fardens , you’ll get seven years abroad , to a dead certainty .  ”  “ That seems hard on us , ” observed the Sandman reflectively .  “ It’s the law !  ” exclaimed Ginger triumphantly .  “ Now , ve generally escapes by payin’ the fine , ‘cos our pals goes and steals more dogs to raise the money .  Ve alvays stands by each other .  There’s a reg’lar horganisation among us ; so ve can alvays bring vitnesses to svear vot ve likes , and ve so puzzles the beaks , that the case gets dismissed , and the constable says , ‘Vich party shall I give the dog to , your vorship ?  ’ Upon vich , the beak replies , a-shakin’ of his vise noddle , ‘Give it to the person in whose persession it was found .  I have nuffin’ more to do vith it.’ In course the dog is delivered up to us .  ”  “ The law seems made for dog-fanciers , ” remarked the Tinker .  “ Wot d’ye think o’ this ?  ” pursued Ginger .  “ I wos a-standin’ at the corner o’ Gray’s Inn Lane vith some o’ my pals near a coach-stand , ven a lady passes by vith this here dog — an’ a beauty it is , a real long-eared Charley — a follerin’ of her .  Vell , the moment I spies it , I unties my apron , whips up the dog , and covers it up in a trice .  Vell , the lady sees me , an’ gives me in charge to a perliceman .  But that si’nifies nuffin’ .  I brings six vitnesses to svear the dog vos mine , and I actually had it since it vos a blind little puppy ; and , wot’s more , I brings its mother , and that settles the pint .  So in course I’m discharged ; the dog is given up to me ; and the lady goes avay lamentin’ .  I then plays the amiable , an’ offers to sell it her for twenty guineas , seein’ as how she had taken a fancy to it ; but she von’t bite .  So if I don’t sell it next week , I shall send it to Mounseer Coqquilu .  The only vay you can go wrong is to steal a dog wi’ a collar on , for if you do , you may get seven years’ transportation for a bit o’ leather and a brass plate vorth a shillin’ , vile the animal , though vorth a hundred pound , can’t hurt you .  There’s law again — ha , ha !  ”  “ Dog-fancier’s law !  ” laughed the Sandman .  “ Some of the Fancy is given to cruelty , ” pursued Ginger , “ and crops a dog’s ears , or pulls out his teeth to disguise him ; but I’m too fond o’ the animal for that .  I may frighten old ladies sometimes , as I told you afore , but I never seriously hurts their pets .  Nor did I ever kill a dog for his skin , as some on ’em does .  ”  “ And you’re always sure o’ gettin’ a dog , if you vants it , I s’pose ?  ” inquired the Tinker .  “ Alvays , ” replied Ginger .  “ No man’s dog is safe .  I don’t care how he’s kept , ve’re sure to have him at last .  Ve feels our vay with the sarvents , and finds out from them the walley the master or missis sets on the dog , and soon after that the animal’s gone .  Vith a bit o’ liver , prepared in my partic’lar vay , I can tame the fiercest dog as ever barked , take him off his chain , an’ bring him arter me at a gallop .  ”  “ And do respectable parties ever buy dogs knowin’ they’re stolen ?  ” inquired the Tinker .  “ Ay , to be sure , ” replied Ginger ; “ sometimes first-rate nobs .  They put us up to it themselves ; they’ll say , ‘I’ve jist left my Lord So-and-So’s , and there I seed a couple o’ the finest pointers I ever clapped eyes on .  I vant you to get me jist sich another couple .’ Vell , ve understands in a minnit , an’ in doo time the identicle dogs finds their vay to our customer .  ”  “ Oh !  that’s how it’s done ?  ” remarked the Sandman .  “ Yes , that’s the vay , ” replied Ginger .  “ Sometimes a party’ll vant a couple o’ dogs for the shootin’ season ; and then ve asks , ‘Vich vay are you a-goin’ — into Surrey or Kent ?  ’ And accordin’ as the answer is given ve arranges our plans .  ”  “ Vell , yourn appears a profitable and safe employment , I must say , ” remarked the Sandman .  “ Perfectly so , ” replied Ginger .  “ Nothin’ can touch us till dogs is declared by statute to be property , and stealin’ ’em a misdemeanour .  And that won’t occur in my time .  ”  “ Let’s hope not , ” rejoined the other two .  “ To come back to the pint from vich we started , ” said the Tinker ; “ our gemman’s case is not so surprisin’ as it at first appears .  There are some persons as believe they never will die — and I myself am of the same opinion .  There’s our old deputy here — him as ve calls Old Parr — vy , he declares he lived in Queen Bess’s time , recollects King Charles bein’ beheaded perfectly vell , and remembers the Great Fire o’ London , as if it only occurred yesterday .  ”  “ Walker !  ” exclaimed Ginger , putting his finger to his nose .  “ You may larf , but it’s true , ” replied the Tinker .  “ I recollect an old man tellin’ me that he knew the deputy sixty years ago , and he looked jist the same then as now , — neither older nor younger .  ”  “ Humph !  ” exclaimed Ginger .  “ He don’t look so old now .  ”  “ That’s the cur’ousest part of it , ” said the Tinker .  “ He don’t like to talk of his age unless you can get him i’ the humour ; but he once told me he didn’t know why he lived so long , unless it were owin’ to a potion he’d swallowed , vich his master , who was a great conjurer in Queen Bess’s days , had brew’d .  ”  “ Pshaw !  ” exclaimed Ginger .  “ I thought you too knowin’ a cove , Tinker , to be gulled by such an old vife’s story as that .  ”  “ Let’s have the old fellow in and talk to him , ” replied the Tinker .  “ Here , lazy-bones , ” he added , rousing the sleeping youth , “ go an’ tell Old Parr ve vants his company over a glass o’ rum-an’-vater .  ”  Chapter 3  The Hand and the Cloak  A furious barking from Mr. Ginger’s dogs , shortly after the departure of the drowsy youth , announced the approach of a grotesque-looking little personage , whose shoulders barely reached to a level with the top of the table .  This was Old Parr .  The dwarfs head was much too large for his body , as is mostly the case with undersized persons , and was covered with a forest of rusty black hair , protected by a strangely shaped seal-skin cap. His hands and feet were equally disproportioned to his frame , and his arms were so long that he could touch his ankles while standing upright .  His spine was crookened , and his head appeared buried in his breast .  The general character of his face seemed to appertain to the middle period of life ; but a closer inspection enabled the beholder to detect in it marks of extreme old age .  The nose was broad and flat , like that of an ourang-outang ; the resemblance to which animal was heightened by a very long upper lip , projecting jaws , almost total absence of chin , and a retreating forehead .  The little old man’s complexion was dull and swarthy , but his eyes were keen and sparkling .  His attire was as singular as his person .  Having recently served as double to a famous demon-dwarf at the Surrey Theatre , he had become possessed of a cast-off pair of tawny tights , an elastic shirt of the same material and complexion , to the arms of which little green bat-like wings were attached , while a blood-red tunic with vandyke points was girded round his waist .  In this strange apparel his diminutive limbs were encased , while additional warmth was afforded by the greatcoat already mentioned , the tails of which swept the floor after him like a train .  Having silenced his dogs with some difficulty , Mr. Ginger burst into a roar of laughter , excited by the little old man’s grotesque appearance , in which he was joined by the Tinker ; but the Sandman never relaxed a muscle of his sullen countenance .  Their hilarity , however , was suddenly checked by an inquiry from the dwarf , in a shrill , odd tone , “ Whether they had sent for him only to laugh at him ?  ”  “ Sartainly not , deputy , ” replied the Tinker .  “ Here , lazy-bones , glasses o’ rum-an’-vater , all round .  ”  The drowsy youth bestirred himself to execute the command .  The spirit was brought ; water was procured from the boiling copper ; and the Tinker handed his guest a smoking rummer , accompanied with a polite request to make himself comfortable .  Opposite the table at which the party were seated , it has been said , was a staircase — old and crazy , and but imperfectly protected by a broken hand-rail .  Midway up it stood a door equally dilapidated , but secured by a chain and lock , of which Old Parr , as deputy-chamberlain , kept the key .  Beyond this point the staircase branched off on the right , and a row of stout wooden banisters , ranged like the feet of so many cattle , was visible from beneath .  Ultimately , the staircase reached a small gallery , if such a name can be applied to a narrow passage communicating with the bedrooms , the doors of which , as a matter of needful precaution , were locked outside ; and as the windows were grated , no one could leave his chamber without the knowledge of the landlord or his representative .  No lights were allowed in the bedrooms , nor in the passage adjoining them .  Conciliated by the Tinker’s offering , Old Parr mounted the staircase , and planting himself near the door , took off his greatcoat , and sat down upon it .  His impish garb being thus more fully displayed , he looked so unearthly and extraordinary that the dogs began to howl fearfully , and Ginger had enough to do to quiet them .  Silence being at length restored , the Tinker , winking slyly at his companions , opened the conversation .  “ I say , deputy , ” he observed , “ ve’ve bin havin’ a bit o’ a dispute vich you can settle for us .  ”  “ Well , let’s see , ” squeaked the dwarf .  “ What is it ?  ”  “ Vy , it’s relative to your age , ” rejoined the Tinker .  “ Ven wos you born ?  ”  “ It’s so long ago , I can’t recollect , ” returned Old Parr rather sulkily .  “ You must ha’ seen some changes in your time ?  ” resumed the Tinker , waiting till the little old man had made some progress with his grog .  “ I rayther think I have — a few , ” replied Old Parr , whose tongue the generous liquid had loosened .  “ I’ve seen this great city of London pulled down , and built up again — if that’s anything .  I’ve seen it grow , and grow , till it has reached its present size .  You’ll scarcely believe me , when I tell you , that I recollect this Rookery of ours — this foul vagabond neighbourhood — an open country field , with hedges round it , and trees .  And a lovely spot it was .  Broad Saint Giles’s , at the time I speak of , was a little country village , consisting of a few straggling houses standing by the roadside , and there wasn’t a single habitation between it and Convent Garden ( for so the present market was once called ) ; while that garden , which was fenced round with pales , like a park , extended from Saint Martin’s Lane to Drury House , a great mansion situated on the easterly side of Drury Lane , amid a grove of beautiful timber .  ”  “ My eyes !  ” cried Ginger , with a prolonged whistle ; “ the place must be preciously transmogrified indeed !  ”  “ If I were to describe the changes that have taken place in London since I’ve known it , I might go on talking for a month , ” pursued Old Parr .  “ The whole aspect of the place is altered .  The Thames itself is unlike the Thames of old .  Its waters were once as clear and bright above London Bridge as they are now at Kew or Richmond ; and its banks , from Whitefriars to Scotland Yard , were edged with gardens .  And then the thousand gay wherries and gilded barges that covered its bosom — all are gone — all are gone !  ”  “ Those must ha’ been nice times for the jolly young vatermen vich at Black friars wos used for to ply , ” chanted the Tinker ; “ but the steamers has put their noses out o’ joint .  ”  “ True , ” replied Old Parr ; “ and I , for one , am sorry for it .  Remembering , as I do , what the river used to be when enlightened by gay craft and merry company , I can’t help wishing its waters less muddy , and those ugly coal-barges , lighters , and steamers away .  London is a mighty city , wonderful to behold and examine , inexhaustible in its wealth and power ; but in point of beauty it is not to be compared with the city of Queen Bess’s days .  You should have seen the Strand then — a line of noblemen’s houses — and as to Lombard Street and Gracechurch Street , with their wealthy goldsmiths’ shops — but I don’t like to think of ’em .  ”  “ Vell , I’m content vith Lunnun as it is , ” replied the Tinker , “ ‘specially as there ain’t much chance o’ the ould city bein’ rewived .  ”  “ Not much , ” replied the dwarf , finishing his glass , which was replenished at a sign from the Tinker .  “ I s’pose , my wenerable , you’ve seen the king as bequeathed his name to these pretty creaters , ” said Ginger , raising his coat-pockets , so as to exhibit the heads of the two little black-and-tan spaniels .  “ What !  old Rowley ?  ” cried the dwarf — “ often .  I was page to his favourite mistress , the Duchess of Cleveland , and I have seen him a hundred times with a pack of dogs of that description at his heels .  ”  “ Old Rowley wos a king arter my own ‘art , ” said Ginger , rising and lighting a pipe at the fire .  “ He loved the femi- nine specious as well as the ca- nine specious .  Can you tell us anythin’ more about him ?  ”  “ Not now , ” replied Old Parr .  “ I’ve seen so much , and heard so much , that my brain is quite addled .  My memory sometimes deserts me altogether , and my past life appears like a dream .  Imagine what my feelings must be , to walk through streets , still called by the old names , but in other respects wholly changed .  Oh !  if you could but have a glimpse of Old London , you would not be able to endure the modern city .  The very atmosphere was different from that which we now breathe , charged with the smoke of myriads of sea-coal fires ; and the old picturesque houses had a charm about them , which the present habitations , however commodious , altogether want .  ”  “ You talk like one o’ them smart chaps they calls , and werry properly , penny-a-liars , ” observed Ginger .  “ But you make me long to ha’ lived i’ those times .  ”  “ If you had lived in them , you would have belonged to Paris Garden , or the bull-baiting and bear-baiting houses in Southwark , ” replied Old Parr .  “ I’ve seen fellows just like you at each of those places .  Strange , though times and fashions change , men continue the same .  I often meet a face that I can remember in James the First’s time .  But the old places are gone — clean gone !  ”  “ Accordin’ to your own showin’ , my wenerable friend , you must ha’ lived uppards o’ two hundred and seventy year , ” said Ginger , assuming a consequential manner .  “ Now , doorin’ all that time , have you never felt inclined to kick the bucket ?  ”  “ Not the least , ” replied Old Parr .  “ My bodily health has been excellent .  But , as I have just said , my intellects are a little impaired .  ”  “ Not a little , I should think , ” replied Ginger , hemming significantly .  “ I don’t know vether you’re a deceivin’ of us or yourself , my wenerable ; but von thing’s quite clear — you can’t have lived all that time .  It’s not in nater .  ”  “ Very well , then — I haven’t , ” said Old Parr .  And he finished his rum-and-water , and set down the glass , which was instantly filled again by the drowsy youth .  “ You’ve seen some picters o’ Old Lunnon , and they’ve haanted you in your dreams , till you’ve begun to fancy you lived in those times , ” said Ginger .  “ Very likely , ” replied Old Parr — “ very likely .  ”  There was something , however , in his manner calculated to pique the dog-fancier’s curiosity .  “ How comes it , ” he said , stretching out his legs , and arranging his neckcloth , — “ how comes it , if you’ve lived so long , that you ain’t higher up in the stirrups — better off , as folks say ?  ”  The dwarf made no reply , but covering his face with his hands , seemed a prey to deep emotion .  After a few moments’ pause , Ginger repeated the question .  “ If you won’t believe what I tell you , it’s useless to give an answer , ” said Old Parr , somewhat gruffly .  “ Oh yes , I believe you , deputy , ” observed the Tinker , “ and so does the Sandman .  ”  “ Well , then , ” replied the dwarf , “ I’ll tell you how it comes to pass .  Fate has been against me .  I’ve had plenty of chances , but I never could get on .  I’ve been in a hundred different walks of life , but they always led down hill .  It’s my destiny .  ”  “ That’s hard , ” rejoined the Tinker — “ werry hard .  But how d’ye account for livin’ so long ?  ” he added , winking as he spoke to the others .  “ I’ve already given you an explanation , ” replied the dwarf .  “ Av , but it’s a cur’ous story , and I vants my friends to hear it , ” said the Tinker , in a coaxing tone .  “ Well then , to oblige you , I’ll go through it again , ” rejoined the dwarf .  “ You must know I was for some time servant to Doctor Lamb , an old alchemist , who lived during the reign of good Queen Bess , and who used to pass all his time in trying to find out the secret of changing lead and copper into gold .  ”  “ I’ve known several indiwiduals as has found out that secret , wenerable , ” observed Ginger .  “ And ve calls ’em smashers , nowadays — not halchemists .  ”