I touched him on the shoulder--at which he collared me and nearly knocked me down.
"Beg pardon, Mr.Phineas--hope I didn't hurt 'ee, sir ?" cried he, all but whimpering; for Jem, a big lad of fifteen, was the most tender-hearted fellow imaginable.

"I thought it were some of them folk that Mr.Halifax ha' gone among." "Where is Mr.Halifax ?" "Doan't know, sir--wish I did! wouldn't be long a finding out, though--on'y he says: 'Jem, you stop 'ere wi' they'" (pointing his thumb up the staircase).

"So, Master Phineas, I stop." And Jem settled himself with a doggedly obedient, but most dissatisfied air down by the fire-place.

It was evident nothing would move him thence: so he was as safe a guard over my poor old father's slumber as the mastiff in the tan-yard, who was as brave as a lion and as docile as a child.

My last lingering hesitation ended.
"Jem, lend me your coat and hat--I'm going out into the town." Jem was so astonished, that he stood with open mouth while I took the said garments from him, and unbolted the door.