The String of Pearls (1850), p. 39

You must have both, for we are not to be parted," he said, presenting his pistol at me; and then I had only time to escape from the effect of the shot. I struck the pistol up with my riding-whip, and the bullet passed by my temples, and almost stunned me. I cocked and fired; he did the same, but I hit him, and he fell. He fired, however, but missed me. I was down upon him; he begged hard for life."
"Did you give it him?"
"Yes; I dragged him to the side of the road, and then left him. Having done so much, L mounted my horse and came away as fast as I could, and then I made for London, and spent a merry day or two there."
"I can imagine you must enjoy your trips into the country, and then you must have still greater relish for the change when you come to London—the change is so great and so entire."
"So it is; but have you never any run of luck in your line? I should think you must at times succeed in tricking the public."
"Yes, yes," said Todd, "now and then we do—but I tell you it is only now and then; and I have been afraid of doing too much. In small sums I have been a gainer; but I want to do something grand. I tried it on, but at the same time I have failed.'
"That is bad; but you may have more opportunities by and by. Luck is all chance."
"Yes," said Todd, "that is true, but the sooner the better, for I am growing impatient."
Conversation now went on; each man speaking of his exploits, which were always some species of rascality and robbery, accompanied by violence generally; some were midnight robbers and breakers into people's houses; in fact, all the crimes that could be imagined. This place was, in fact, a complete house of rendezvous for thieves, cutpurses, highwaymen, footpads, and burglars of every grade and description—a formidable set of men of the most determined and desperate appearance. Sweeney Todd hardly knew how to rise and leave the place, though it was now growing very late, and he was most anxious to get safe out of the den he was in; but how to do that, was a problem yet to be solved.
"What is the time?" he muttered to the man next to him.
"Past midnight," was the reply.
"Then I must leave here," he answered, "for I have work that I must be at in a very short time, and I shall not have too much time."
So saying he watched his opportunity, and rising, walked up to the door, which he opened and went out; after that he walked up the five steps that led to the passage, and this latter had hardly been gained when the street-door opened, and another man came in at the same moment, and met him face to face.
"What do you do here ?"
"I am going out," said Sweeney Todd.
"You are going back; come back with me."
"I will not," said Todd. "You must be a better man than I am, if you make me; I'll do my best to resist your attack, if you intend one."
"That I do," replied the man; and he made a determined rush upon Sweeney, who was scarcely prepared for such a sudden onslaught, and was pushed back till he came to the head of the stairs, where a struggle took place, and both rolled down the steps. The door was thrown open, and every one rushed out to see what was the matter, but it was some moments before they could make it out.
"What does he do here ?" said the first, as soon as he could speak, and pointing to Sweeney Todd.
"It's all right."
"All wrong, I say."
"He's sham-pearl maker, and has shown us a string of sham pearls that are beautiful."
"Psha!"