“By Jupiter!” cried Fledgeby. “That one, is it? I thought it might be the other, but I never dreamt of that one! I shouldn’t object to your baulking either of the pair, dodger, for they are both conceited enough; but that one is as cool a customer as ever I met with. Got a beard besides, and presumes upon it. Well done, old ’un! Go on and prosper!”

Brightened by this unexpected commendation, Riah asked were there more instructions for him?

“No,” said Fledgeby, “you may toddle now, Judah, and grope about on the orders you have got.” Dismissed with those pleasing words, the old man took his broad hat and staff, and left the great presence: more as if he were some superior creature benignantly blessing Mr. Fledgeby, than the poor dependent on whom he set his foot. Left alone, Mr. Fledgeby locked his outer door, and came back to his fire.