Philosophical

           Theywentbackintothebooth,Slearyshuttingthedoortokeepintrudersout.Bitzer,stillholdingtheparalysedculpritbythecollar,stoodintheRing,blinkingathisoldpatronthroughthedarknessofthetwilight.

           ‘Bitzer,’saidMr.Gradgrind,brokendown,andmiserablysubmissivetohim,‘haveyouaheart?’

           ‘Thecirculation,sir,’returnedBitzer,smilingattheoddityofthequestion,‘couldn’tbecarriedonwithoutone.Noman,sir,acquaintedwiththefactsestablishedbyHarveyrelatingtothecirculationoftheblood,candoubtthatIhaveaheart.’

           ‘Isitaccessible,’criedMr.Gradgrind,‘toanycompassionateinfluence?’

           ‘ItisaccessibletoReason,sir,’returnedtheexcellentyoungman.‘Andtonothingelse.’

           Theystoodlookingateachother;Mr.Gradgrind’sfaceaswhiteasthepursuer’s.

           ‘Whatmotive—evenwhatmotiveinreason—canyouhaveforpreventingtheescapeofthiswretchedyouth,’saidMr.Gradgrind,‘andcrushinghismiserablefather?Seehissisterhere.Pityus!’

           ‘Sir,’returnedBitzer,inaverybusiness-likeandlogicalmanner,‘sinceyouaskmewhatmotiveIhaveinreason,fortakingyoungMr.TombacktoCoketown,itisonlyreasonabletoletyouknow.IhavesuspectedyoungMr.Tomofthisbank-robberyfromthefirst.Ihadhadmyeyeuponhimbeforethattime,forIknewhisways.Ihavekeptmyobservationstomyself,butIhavemadethem;andIhavegotampleproofsagainsthimnow,besideshisrunningaway,andbesideshisownconfession,whichIwasjustintimetooverhear.