The sharp wind that scoured the streets, seemed to have cleared them of passengers, as of dust and mud, for few people were abroad, and they were to all appearance hastening fast home.

It blew from the right quarter for the Jew, however, and straight before it he went: trembling, and shivering, as every fresh gust drove him rudely on his way.
He had reached the corner of his own street, and was already fumbling in his pocket for the door-key, when a dark figure emerged from a projecting entrance which lay in deep shadow, and, crossing the road, glided up to him unperceived.
'Fagin!' whispered a voice close to his ear.
'Ah!' said the Jew, turning quickly round, 'is that--' 'Yes!' interrupted the stranger.

'I have been lingering here these two hours.

Where the devil have you been ?' 'On your business, my dear,' replied the Jew, glancing uneasily at his companion, and slackening his pace as he spoke.

'On your business all night.' 'Oh, of course!' said the stranger, with a sneer.