The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens: to his signal, Mr Tappertit became impatient, and struck the
grating thrice again.
A further delay ensued, but it was not of long duration. The
ground seemed to open at his feet, and a ragged head appeared.
'Is that the captain?' said a voice as ragged as the head.
'Yes,' replied Mr Tappertit haughtily, descending as he spoke, 'who
should it be?'
'It's so late, we gave you up,' returned the voice, as its owner
stopped to shut and fasten the grating. 'You're late, sir.'
'Lead on,' said Mr Tappertit, with a gloomy majesty, 'and make
remarks when I require you. Forward!'
Barnaby Rudge |