`` I have none to give , '' the Ghost replied . `` It comes from other regions , Ebenezer Scrooge , and is conveyed by other ministers , to other kinds of men . Nor can I tell you what I would . A very little more is all permitted to me . I can not rest , I can not stay , I can not linger anywhere . My spirit never walked beyond our counting-house -- mark me ; -- in life my spirit never roved beyond the narrow limits of our money-changing hole ; and weary journeys lie before me ! '' It was a habit with Scrooge , whenever he became thoughtful , to put his hands in his breeches pockets . Pondering on what the Ghost had said , he did so now , but without lifting up his eyes , or getting off his knees . `` You must have been very slow about it , Jacob , '' Scrooge observed in a business-like manner , though with humility and deference . `` Slow ! '' the Ghost repeated . `` Seven years dead , '' mused Scrooge . `` And travelling all the time ? '' `` The whole time , '' said the Ghost . `` No rest , no peace . Incessant torture of remorse . '' `` You travel fast ? '' said Scrooge . `` On the wings of the wind , '' replied the Ghost . `` You might have got over a great quantity of ground in seven years , '' said Scrooge .
The Ghost , XXXXX hearing this , set up another cry , and clanked its chain so hideously in the dead silence of the night , that the Ward would have been justified in indicting it for a nuisance .
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