They landed at a critical time, and fortunately for
themselves at the right moment. For, coming into
Fleet Street, they found it in an unusual stir; and
inquiring the cause, were told that a body of Horse
Guards had just galloped past, and that they were
escorting some rioters whom they had made prisoners,
to Newgate for safety. Not at all ill-pleased
to have so narrowly escaped the cavalcade, they lost
no more time in asking questions, but hurried to The
Boot with as much speed as Hugh considered it prudent
to make, without appearing singular or attracting an
inconvenient share of public notice.
They were among the first to reach the tavern, but
they had not been there many minutes, when several
groups of men who had formed part of the crowd, came
straggling in. Among them were Simon Tappertit
and Mr Dennis; both of whom, but especially the latter,
greeted Barnaby with the utmost warmth, and paid him
many compliments on the prowess he had shown.
‘Which,’ said Dennis, with an oath, as
he rested his bludgeon in a corner with his hat upon
it, and took his seat at the same table with them,
’it does me good to think of. There was
a opportunity! But it led to nothing. For
my part, I don’t know what would. There’s
no spirit among the people in these here times.
Bring something to eat and drink here. I’m
disgusted with humanity.’
‘On what account?’ asked Mr Tappertit,
who had been quenching his fiery face in a half-gallon
can. ’Don’t you consider this a good
beginning, mister?’
‘Give me security that it an’t a ending,’
rejoined the hangman. ’When that soldier
went down, we might have made London ours; but no;—we
stand, and gape, and look on—the justice
(I wish he had had a bullet in each eye, as he would
have had, if we’d gone to work my way) says,
“My lads, if you’ll give me your word to
disperse, I’ll order off the military,”
our people sets up a hurrah, throws up the game with
the winning cards in their hands, and skulks away
like a pack of tame curs as they are. Ah,’
said the hangman, in a tone of deep disgust, ’it
makes me blush for my feller creeturs. I wish
I had been born a ox, I do!’
’You’d have been quite as agreeable a
character if you had been, I think,’ returned
Simon Tappertit, going out in a lofty manner.
‘Don’t be too sure of that,’ rejoined
the hangman, calling after him; ’if I was a
horned animal at the present moment, with the smallest
grain of sense, I’d toss every man in this company,
excepting them two,’ meaning Hugh and Barnaby,
’for his manner of conducting himself this day.’
With which mournful review of their proceedings, Mr
Dennis sought consolation in cold boiled beef and
beer; but without at all relaxing the grim and dissatisfied
expression of his face, the gloom of which was rather
deepened than dissipated by their grateful influence.
