"Good God! how shocking!" said Crauford to the foreman; but he was a most worthy man, and Providence could no longer spare him. The ways of Heaven are inscrutable! Oblige me with three copies of that precious tract termed the 'Divine Call.' I should like to be allowed permission to attend the funeral of so excellent a man. Good morning, sir. Alas! alas!" and, shaking his head piteously, Mr. Crauford left the shop. "Hurra!" said he, almost audibly, when he was once more in the street, "hurra! my victim is made; my game is won: death or the devil fights for me. But, hold: there are other booksellers in this monstrous city!--ay, but not above two or three in our philosopher's way. I must forestall him there,--so, so,--that is soon settled. Now, then, I must leave him a little while, undisturbed, to his fate. Perhaps my next visit may be to him in jail: your debtor's side of the Fleet is almost as good a pleader as an empty stomach,--he! he! He!--but the stroke must be made soon, for time presses, and this d--d business spreads so fast that if I don't have a speedy help, it will be too much for my hands, griping as they are. However, if it holds on a year longer, I will change my seat in the Lower House for one in the Upper; twenty thousand pounds to the minister may make a merchant a very pretty peer. O brave Richard Crauford, wise Richard Crauford, fortunate Richard Crauford, noble Richard Crauford! Why, if thou art ever hanged, it will be by a jury of peers. 'Gad, the rope would then have a dignity in it, instead of disgrace. But stay, here comes the Dean of ----; not orthodox, it is said,--rigid Calvinist! out with the 'Divine Call'!" When Mr. Richard Crauford repaired next to Glendower, what was his astonishment and dismay at hearing he had left his home, none knew whither nor could give the inquirer the slightest clew. "How long has he left?" said Crauford to the landlady. "Five days, sir." "And will he not return to settle any little debts he may have incurred?" said Crauford. "Oh, no, sir: he paid them all before he went. Poor gentleman,--for though he was poor, he was the finest and most thorough gentleman I ever saw!--my heart bled for him. They parted with all their valuables to discharge their debts: the books and instruments and busts,--all went; and what I saw, though he spoke so indifferently about it, hurt him the most,--he sold even the lady's picture. 'Mrs. Croftson,' said he, 'Mr. ----, the painter, will send for that picture the day after I leave you. See that he has it, and that the greatest care is taken of it in delivery.'" "And you cannot even guess where he has gone to?" "No, sir; a single porter was sufficient to convey his remaining goods, and he took him from some distant part of the town."