Part 27 (2/2)

”Here's the pony run right off his legs, and ed to cos besides other expenses,”

said Squeers; ”who's to pay for that, do you hear?”

Nicholas shrugged his shoulders and remained silent

”I'll have it out of somebody, I tell you,” said Squeers, his usual harsh, craftyvapourings here, Mr Puppy: but be off to your kennel, for it's past your bed-tiet out!”

Nicholas bit his lip and knit his hands involuntarily, for his finger ends tingled to avenge the insult; but re that the man was drunk, and that it could come to little but a noisy brawl, he contented hi a contemptuous look at the tyrant and walked, as majestically as he could, upstairs, and sternly resolved that the outstanding account between himself and Mr Squeers should be settled rather more speedily than the latter anticipated

Another day came, and Nicholas was scarcely ahen he heard the wheels of a chaise approaching the house It stopped The voice of Mrs

Squeers was heard, and in exultation, ordering a glass of spirits for so extraordinary had happened Nicholas hardly dared to look out of the ; but he did so, and the very first object that met his eyes was the wretched Sard and worn, and wild, that, but for his garht have been doubtful, even then, of his identity

”Lift him out,” said Squeers, after he had literally feasted his eyes in silence upon the culprit ”Bring hi him in!”

”Take care,” cried Mrs Squeers, as her husband proffered his assistance ”We tied his legs under the apron andus the slip again”

With hands treht, Squeers unloosed the cord; and Sht into the house and securely locked up in a cellar, until such time as Mr Squeers should deem it expedient to operate upon him, in the presence of the asseht and brought back in triury co On tiptoe it was destined to re refreshed hithened himself by an extra libation or so, made his appearance (accompanied by his amiable partner) with a countenance of portentous i, supple, wax-ended, and new--in short, purchased thatexpressly for the occasion

”Is every boy here?” asked Squeers, in a tremendous voice

Every boy was there, but every boy was afraid to speak; so Squeers glared along the lines to assure himself; and every eye dropped, and every head cowered down, as he did so

”Each boy keep his place,” said Squeers, ad with gloomy satisfaction the universal start it never failed to occasion

”Nickleby! to your desk, sir”

It was remarked by more than one small observer that there was a very curious and unusual expression in the usher's face; but he took his seat without opening his lips in reply Squeers, casting a triulance at his assistant and a look of most comprehensive despotism on the boys, left the roo Sment of his jacket which was nearest to the place where his collar would have been, had he boasted such a decoration

In any other place, the appearance of the wretched, jaded, spiritless object would have occasioned a murmur of compassion and remonstrance It had some effect even there; for the lookers-on moved uneasily in their seats; and a few of the boldest ventured to steal looks at each other, expressive of indignation and pity

They were lost on Squeers, however, whose gaze was fastened on the luckless S to custo to say for hi, I suppose?” said Squeers, with a diabolical grin

Slanced round, and his eyes rested for an instant on Nicholas, as if he had expected him to intercede; but his look was riveted on his desk

”Have you anything to say?” deht arm two or three flourishes to try its power and suppleness

”Stand a little out of the way, Mrs Squeers, h room”

”Spare me, sir!” cried Smike

”Oh! that's all, is it?” said Squeers ”Yes, I'll flog you within an inch of your life, and spare you that”

”Ha! ha! ha!” laughed Mrs Squeers, ”that's a good un!”