well
as life, and the chances two to one against the adventurer," replied
Dashall.

"It may be so," said Merrywell; "I am not fly{1} to the subject
at present; perhaps Sparkle could by this time unravel some of its
mysteries, and give beneficial lessons to us all: however, time is
flying, we will just make one more turn, and then to dinner with what
appetite we may. Do you observe the pericranium topp'd with a Prussian
cap, and the wearer with a pipe in his mouth?"

1 Fit--To be up to any thing, to understand, to know, or be
awake.

"I was on the point of enquiry," said Bob; "Pray who is he?"

"That is another Captain."

"Who! One would almost think you have the whole army of Martyrs confined
here," said Tallyho; "at all events, your ranks are not deficient of
officers."

"But then," said Dashall, "they are out of commission and out of
practice."

"For want of command," continued Merrywell; "though Capt. S----,
although never made a Commander in Chief, has been an exalted character,
having once been made ~61~~inspector of the pavement,{1} or in other
words knapp'd the stoop; and, if report says true, he has also figured
away in other situations equally honourable--a flash turf man--a naval
character, and a smuggler. But come, I have given you a sort of index by
which you may read, mark, and learn more, when we are more at leisure.
It is now half past three o'clock, and punctuality is always my motto."

1 Inspector of the pavement, or knapp'd the stoop--Cant term
for the pillory.

"Humph," ejaculated Tom; "Cash down, and no grumbling."

"D----n severity," was the reply; "no more of that, or we cut: touch my
honour, and you touch my life."

"Dot and go one," cried Dashall. "Come along, Bob!" and catching his
Cousin by the arm, they followed Merrywell in silence to his apartment
in the State House.

On arrival, they found the dinner on table; and Hakewell, true to his
appointment, arrived before them. The keen air of Surrey, though
rather confined, had furnished them with good appetites. Apologies
were banished, and to it they went without "let, hinderance, or
molestation"--the viands were good, the wines exquisite and plentiful.
The cloth being removed, mirth and conviviality were the order of the
day.

Confusion to soft heads and hard hearts!--Parks and pleasure ground s
without priories! were drank in bumpers with enthusiastic applause. The
merriment and hilarity of Merrywell and