The String of Pearls (1850), p. 602

yet. All I have got to say is, that you had better look out, for they gave let Todd get out of Newgate."
"Escaped?"
"Exactly so."
"Now that is too bad. One would really have thought they would have taken care of such a fellow as that. How in the name of all that's abominable is it, that if any one escapes from Newgate, it is sure to be some notorious rascal who ought by all means to be the most carefully kept in it."
"Ah! that I don't know, but I quite agree with you that it is a fact nevertheless."
"It's a very awkward thing, and I am particularly obliged to you for coming to let me know."
"Why, the fact is, colonel, my opinion of Todd is just this: that now he has lost all his money he is just like a wild beast, and that revenge against all and every one who has been instrumental in bringing him to his present condition, will be the dominant feeling in his breast."
"Not a doubt of it."
"Then by awaking you to a sense of this danger both to yourself and to your protege, young Tobias, I am doing my duty. It is not courage that will protect any one from Sweeney Todd. If that had been the case, this is the last house."
"I should have dreamt of coming to with a warning; but it will be only by the
greatest circumspection that his attempt to assassinate may be avoided, and the
villain foiled."
"I thank you with all my heart, and feel the truth of your observation. I will not mention the matter to poor Tobias, for I feel that it would drive him half mad with terror; but I will take care to keep such a watch upon him, that no harm can come to him from Todd, now that I know that there is danger he may, of course, hear of the affair from other sources, but he shall not from me."
"That is right. Mind you, colonel, I don't think this state of alarm must last long, and as regards Tobias, I am in hope that at the same time he hears of Todd's escape, he may hear of his recapture, for I am going to set about that as soon as I possibly can, after I have warned every one interested to keep themselves on the look-out concerning the rascal."
"You think you will have him again?"
"Oh, yes. He must be without resources, or, at all events, comparatively so; and under such circumstances, we shall soon trace him. Besides, he is rather a remarkable man, and one who, once seen, is not only easily know again, but easily described; so that when I set all the agencies on foot which I have at my command to find him out, he cannot for long elude me."
"I sincerely wish you every success."
"Thank you, colonel, for 1 must now be off, for I have to get to Chelsea to warn the Ingestries of the possible, if not the probable danger of Todd trying some delectable scheme of revenge against them, for he is most furious I know against Johanna."
"Off with you, Sir Richard, at once. D© not let me detain you, when you are upon such an errand. I would not have any harm come to Mrs. Ingestrie for worlds."
"Nor I. Good morning."
The magistrate mounted his horse again, and waving his hand to the colonel, he again started at a good round trot, and made the best of his way by the nearest possible route he could to Chelsea, where Mr. and Mrs. Ingestrie had set up housekeeping in Cheyne Walk.
That portion of Chelsea was then very fashionable, and from the appearance of the houses even now, it is very easy to see that it must have been a very
desirable place at one time. All the evidences of wealthy ease meet you on every hand as you look at these broad, well-put together, aristocratic residences, with
their pretty bit of highly cultivated garden in front of them, and their massive doorways.