'As to lying dead, there are those who will lie dead for twelve thousand years to come, or twelve million, for anything you or I know, who will tell strange tales at last!' 'What if I pay it for nothing ?' asked Monks, hesitating.
'You can easily take it away again,' replied the matron.

'I am but a woman; alone here; and unprotected.' 'Not alone, my dear, nor unprotected, neither,' submitted Mr.Bumble, in a voice tremulous with fear: '_I_ am here, my dear.

And besides,' said Mr.Bumble, his teeth chattering as he spoke, 'Mr.Monks is too much of a gentleman to attempt any violence on porochial persons.

Mr.
Monks is aware that I am not a young man, my dear, and also that I am a little run to seed, as I may say; bu he has heerd: I say I have no doubt Mr.Monks has heerd, my dear: that I am a very determined officer, with very uncommon strength, if I'm once roused.

I only want a little rousing; that's all.' As Mr.Bumble spoke, he made a melancholy feint of grasping his lantern with fierce determination; and plainly showed, by the alarmed expression of every feature, that he _did_ want a little rousing, and not a little, prior to making any very warlike demonstration: unless, indeed, against paupers, or other person or persons trained down for the purpose.
'You are a fool,' said Mrs.Bumble, in reply; 'and had better hold your tongue.' 'He had better have cut it out, before he came, if he can't speak in a lower tone,' said Monks, grimly.