The Revolution in Tanner's Lane

ntional

ng certified as dropsy. Death did not diminish the number of her disciples, for they took refuge in the hope of her resurrection. "The arm of the Lord is not shortened," they truly affirmed; and even to this day there are people who are waiting for the fulfilment of Joanna's prophecies and the appearance of the "second Shiloh." Zachariah had been frequently twitted in joke by his profane companions in the printing-office upon his supposed belief in the delusion. It was their delight to assume tha

land was many

e tyranny to

many a wringi

s wantonness

ut and frequen

th for blood

ly very bitter to be obliged to believe that the men whom we want to help do not themselves wish to be helped. To work hard for those who will thank us, to head a majority against oppressors, is a brave thing; but far more honour is due to the Maitlands, Caillauds, Colemans, and others of that stamp who strove for thirty years from the outbreak of the French revolution onwards, not merely to rend the chains of the prisoners, but had to achieve the more difficult task of convincing them that they would be happier if they were free. These heroes are forgotten, or nearly so. Who remembers the poor creatures who met in the early mornings on the Lancashire moors or were shot by the yeomanry? They sleep in graves over which stands no tombstone, or probably their bodies have been carted away to make room for a railway which has been driven through their resting-place. They saw the truth before those whom the world delights to honour as its political redeemers; but they have perished utterl

had probably detained him. A constable came by, but never showed himself in the least degree inquisitive; although it was odd that anybody should select Carter's Rents for a stroll. Presently Mr. Secretary came in sight, a trifle, but not much, the worse for liquor. It was odd, also, that he took no notice of the blue cloak and cigar, but went straight to his own lodging. The other, after a few moments followed; and it was a third time odd

, what do you wa

ou know, I suppose.

think I am going to split,

ere's nothing to split about. I can tel

ou come h

carelessly in his pocket, a movement which was followed by a me

bserved that he

believe I am

hout saying a word, produced two mugs and a jug of water. The brandy was mixed by

we propose not to hurt them, but to take care of them a bit, you understand? And if, the next time, he and the others will be there-we have been looking for the Major

out without my he

tormy discussion. I hope your

d a twist on one side, as if he meant

for rushing into extremities. Why don't they try and redress their grievances,

t noisy and insubordinate, the Major had been obliged to rule him out of order

they are going to ride over us. By God, they are mistaken though! They are the chaps who do all t

t. I do believe that if it were not for the

d, and the brandy inflamed it. He also began to think that it would not be a bad thing for him if he c

is to persuade us poor devils to get up the row, while they direct it

awake, I s

for the Bank of England, and they are to s

oke. You might run your heads a long while against that

itary man." He was getting rather stupid now, and repeated the phrase each of

Mr. Secretary took up the five sovereigns which had found their way to the table and put them in his pocket. His visitor picked his way downstairs. The constable was still pacing up and

with that of his colleagues, at the place of meeting, not only to save trouble, but because it would look better. Mr. Hardy had

the Secretary, who has already been acquainted." There was no signature, and he did not know the handwriting. He reflected for a little while, and then determined to consult Caillaud and Coleman, who were his informal Cabinet. He had no difficulty

somewhat confused brain that he had to attend the meeting. At half-past seven he accordingly took his departure. Meanwhile the Major and Zachariah had determined to post themselves in Red Lion Street, to intercept those of their comrades with whom they had not been able to communicate, and also to see what was going to happen. At a quarter to eight the Secretary turned out of Holborn, and when he came a little nearer, Zachariah saw that at a distance of fifty yards there was a constable following him. He came on slow

fools. Pack up your things and be off.

ed Zachariah;

!" and sh

was light, a Secretary of State's warrant, backed by sufficient force, was presented at the lodgings of Caillaud and Zachariah. The birds had flown, and not a soul could tell what had become of them. In Zachariah's street, which was ra