How he did so: whether he had a sign-board, Escapes
forwarded, apply within; what he charged for his services, or
whether they were gratuitous and charitable, were all matters of
which I was at once ignorant and extremely curious. Thanks to my
proficiency in English, and Mr. Romaine's bank-notes, I was getting
on swimmingly without him; but the trouble was that I could not be
easy till I had come to the bottom of these mysteries, and it was
my difficulty that I knew nothing of him beyond the name. I knew
not his trade beyond that of Forwarder of Escapes--whether he lived
in town or country, whether he were rich or poor, nor by what kind
of address I was to gain his confidence. It would have a very bad
appearance to go along the highwayside asking after a man of whom I
could give so scanty an account; and I should look like a fool,
indeed, if I were to present myself at his door and find the police
in occupation! The interest of the conundrum, however, tempted me,
and I turned aside from my direct road to pass by Wakefield; kept
my ears pricked, as I went, for any mention of his name, and relied
for the rest on my good fortune. If Luck (who must certainly be
feminine) favoured me as far as to throw me in the man's way, I
should owe the lady a candle; if not, I could very readily console
myself.
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