In the manner described, the two parties pursued their way up the narrow space left by the crowds of shipping for the passage of vessels. The Tower was passed—that gloomy fortalice which has known sighs as full of anguish and hearts as oppressed with bitter woe as ever did the prisons of the Inquisition, or the dungeons of the Bastille. Then the Custom House was slowly left behind; and Billingsgate, world-renowned for its slang, was passed by the pursued and the pursuer. To avoid the arch of London Bridge the Buffer lowered his mast; and then midway between that and Southwark Bridge, his intentions became apparent. He was about to put in at a wharf on the Surrey side, where a large board on the building announced that lighters were bought or sold. "Pull alongside the _Fairy_," cried Markham: "we must board her before she touches the wharf, or our prey may escape." Benstead and Morcar plied the oars with a vigour which soon brought the boat within a few yards of the _Fairy_. The Buffer's attention was now attracted to it for the first time; but he did not immediately recognise the two rowers, because they had their backs turned towards the lighter. "I should know that man!" suddenly exclaimed Richard, as he contemplated the Buffer, who was standing at the tiller, and who had his eyes fixed with some anxiety upon the boat, which was evidently pulling towards him. "Who?" asked Benstead. "That man on board the lighter," was the reply. Benstead cast a glance behind him, and said, "He's the man that spoke to me." "I remember him—the villain!—I recollect him now!" cried Richard. "Yes—he is a companion in iniquity of Anthony Tidkins: it was he who brought me that false message concerning my brother, which nearly cost me my life at Twig Folly!" These words Richard spoke aloud; but they were unintelligible to his two companions, who were unacquainted with the incident referred to. They had no time to question him, nor had he leisure to explain his meaning to them; for at that moment the boat shot alongside of the lighter. "Markham!" cried the Buffer, in alarm, as he recognised our hero who immediately sprang upon the deck. "You know me?" said Richard: "and I have ample reason to remember you. But my present business regards _another_; and if you offer no resistance, I will not harm you." "Who do you want?" asked the Buffer, somewhat reassured by these words. "Your companion," replied Richard. "What! my wife?" ejaculated the Buffer, with a hoarse laugh. "Do you know this gen'leman, Moll?" "Cease this jesting," cried Richard sternly; "and remain where you are. Benstead, take care that he does not move from the deck: Morcar, come you with me." The Buffer cast looks of surprise and curiosity upon Richard's companions, who, having made the boat fast to the lighter, had leapt upon the deck. "What! you, my fine feller?" cried Wicks, addressing himself to Benstead. "I suppose, then, this is all a reg'lar plant;—and you're——"