Mr Swiveller drew back and nodded likewise, then drew a little further back and nodded again, and so on.

By these means he in time reached the door, where he gave a great cough to attract the dwarf's attention and gain an opportunity of expressing in dumb show, the closest confidence and most inviolable secrecy.

Having performed the serious pantomime that was necessary for the due conveyance of these idea, he cast himself upon his friend's track, and vanished.
'Humph!' said the dwarf with a sour look and a shrug of his shoulders, 'so much for dear relations.

Thank God I acknowledge none! Nor need you either,' he added, turning to the old man, 'if you were not as weak as a reed, and nearly as senseless.' 'What would you have me do ?' he retorted in a kind of helpless desperation.

'It is easy to talk and sneer.