He had no sooner succeeded in suppressing this emotion, than he slipped off his shoes, and creeping to the adjoining room where the prisoner was confined, turned the key, which was on the outside, and darting in, covered Smike's mouth with his huge hand before he could utter a sound.
'Ods-bobs, dost thee not know me, mun ?' whispered the Yorkshireman to the bewildered lad.

'Browdie.

Chap as met thee efther schoolmeasther was banged ?' 'Yes, yes,' cried Smike.

'Oh! help me.' 'Help thee!' replied John, stopping his mouth again, the instant he had said this much.

'Thee didn't need help, if thee warn't as silly yoongster as ever draw'd breath.