I dont like those remarks, thought Harry to himself. Ought I to go with this man?
He very often had thought as much, and yet had followed Sleechs lead. The days work was over. Harry had thought of proposing to walk home with Mr Kyffin, but he went out, and had no opportunity afterwards of speaking to him. Was Roger Kyffin pleased with his ward? Not altogether. He thought that he spent too much time in going to places of public amusement. He might more frequently have offered to go out to Hampstead. Still he did not like to lecture the young man.
When I was young I should not have been contented with what now pleases me. Harry will soon have had enough of this sort of life, and then will take to more useful pastimes.
Come, Harry, lets be off, said Mr Sleech, taking him by the arm.
Harry did not resist. Mr Sleech gave him a capital dinner at the Blue Posts, and looked in afterwards at the Pearl Drinkers Club.
Come now, he said, we will steer for the Saracens Head, Gerard Street, Soho. I will introduce you there to some liberal-minded men, who will make you open your eyes a little.
Mr Sleech was a rapid walker, and they quickly got over the ground. Giving his name, they were admitted into a large room, already full of persons. A considerable number were young men, but there were some already advanced in life. In address and appearance the greater number had imitated the French Republicans, while all, as a sign of their liberality, kept on their hats. A young man was on his legs, his hair escaping from under his hat, hanging over his shoulders. His eyes rolled wildly, while he flung his arms about in every direction, every now and then bringing his doubled fist down upon the palm of his other hand. His oratory was fluent and bold.
The past must be buried in oblivion! he exclaimed. We dare not look at it. A hideous system of the domination of one class over the souls and minds and bodies of the vast majority. A new era must be organised, but before a better system can be raised up, the ancient must be levelled with the dust. On a new foundation the whole of the people we must build up a glorious temple, a superb superstructure, in which people of all nations, united in the bonds of fraternity, must come and worship together the great Goddess of Reason.
Chapter Twelve. In Dangerous Company
It would have been surprising had Harry not felt somewhat of the enthusiasm of the speakers. Silas Sleech only once or twice took a part in the debates, and on these occasions he advocated the most extreme measures; and although the assassination of the King of England was not mentioned, the regicides of the first Charles were lauded to the skies, as among the truest patriots of which history makes note.
I wonder what your old mentor would say, if he heard of your attending our meetings, said Sleech, as they were walking home. However, its your own fault if he finds out. To-morrow well play a different sort of game. I am sadly in want of a few hundred pounds, and I have an idea that I shall get them; if you will stand by me, Harry, I will explain matters you by-and-bye.
The next evening Silas led Harry to one of the haunts which they had of late frequented. They entered in the same cautious way as before. At that time the police were actively engaged in endeavouring to destroy the numerous gambling-houses, not improperly known as hells, in London. Harry knew very well that he had no business to be there, and nearly every day he persuaded himself that he would refuse to go again; but as the evening came round, the tempters persuasion overcame his scruples. On this occasion a considerable number of well-dressed men were present, many of them evidently men of rank and position. If they went, why should not he? He had hitherto been wonderfully successful, and he had made up his mind not to stake more than he had won. There was an abundance
of sparkling wine and other refreshments on the sideboard. The room also was brilliantly lighted with wax candles, and Harry felt himself in remarkably good spirits. Silas was already playing, and placing somewhat heavy stakes on the table. Harry approached him, and followed the example of his friend. Fortune seemed to have turned against him. He lost stake after stake. Still Silas signed to him to go on; a strange infatuation seized him. He lost still more. Suddenly he looked up, when he saw the countenance of young Gilby, who was watching him narrowly. The young man came round to him, and placed his hand on his shoulder.
Still waters run deep, old boy. I thought so, he whispered. I am glad to see you are not such a muff as I took you for. I dont know what our friends in Broad Street would say to you, if they saw you here. However, mums the word with me. Go on and prosper.
Harry felt himself abashed. He could make no reply.
If one or two hundred pounds are of any use to you, you are welcome to them, young one, said Gilby, in a tone which he intended to be good-natured.
No, thank you, said Harry; I dont intend to lose more than my purse can bear.