A couch was ready for him, and everything was made as simple and homelike as possible.

Jeffreys stayed long enough to help the boy into the civilised garments provided for him, and then quietly betook himself once more to Storr Alley.
The curiosity roused by the departure of `Black Sal's Forrester' in a cab was redoubled when, late that afternoon, Jeffreys was seen walking out of the alley with the baby in one arm and Tim holding onto the other.

He had considered it best to make no public announcement of his departure.

If he had, he might have found it more difficult than it was to take the important step.

As it was, he had to run a gauntlet of a score of inquisitive idlers, who were by no means satisfied with the assurance that he was going to give the children an airing.
The general opinion seemed to be that he was about to take the children to the workhouse, and a good deal of odium was worked up in consequence.
Some went so far as to say he was going to sell or drown the infants; and others, Driver's Alley refugees, promised him a warm reception if he returned without them! He neither returned with nor without them.