You would be safer amid a horde of robbers than amidst these men." "And it is to such persons you commit yourself ?" cried Chetham, reproachfully.

"Oh! be warned by me, ere it is too late! Abandon them!" "It is too late, already," replied Viviana.

"The die is cast." "Then I can only lament it," returned Chetham, sadly.

"Suffer me, at least, to accompany you to some place near their retreat, that you may summon me in case of need." "There can be no objection to that, Viviana," observed Oldcorne; "provided Humphrey Chetham will promise not to follow us." "Readily," replied the young merchant.
"I am unwilling to expose him to further risk on my account," said Viviana.

"But be it as you will." It was then agreed, that they should not set out till nightfall, but proceed, as soon as it grew dark, to Lambeth, where Humphrey Chetham undertook to procure a boat for their conveyance across the river.
The hour of departure at length arrived.