hank you, my friend," said Bob; "that will do very well," and the
landlord having by this time completed his cookery, produced the good
stuff, as Martlet termed it.

"Come, gentlemen, this is the real right sort, nothing but the bang-up
article, arn't it, my master? But as I always likes the landlord to
taste it first, by way of setting a good example, just be after telling
us what you think of it."

"With all my heart," said the landlord; who declared it was as prime a
pot of hot as he had made for the last fortnight. .

With this recommendation our friends tried it; and after tipping, took
their departure, under the positive assurance of Martlet, that he should
be very glad to see them again at any time.

They now pursued their way through other subterraneous passages, where
they met waggons, carts, and horses, apparently as actively and usefully
employed as those above ground.

"Come," said Tom, "we have suffered time to steal a inarch upon us," as
they reached the Strand; "we will therefore take the first" _rattler_
we can meet with, and make the best of our way for the City."--This
was soon accomplished, and jumping into the coach, the old _Jarvey_
was desired to drive them as expeditiously as possible to the corner of
King-street, Cheapside.~~209~~~

CHAPTER XVI

"How wretched those who tasteless live,
And say this world no joys can give:
Why tempts yon turtle sprawling,
Why smoaks the glorious haunch,
Are these not joys still calling
To bless our mortal paunch?
O 'tis merry in the Hall
When beards wag all,
What a noise and what a din;
How they glitter round the chin;
Give me fowl and give me fish,
Now for some of that nice dish;
Cut me this, Sir, cut me that,
Send me crust, and send me fat.
Some for tit bits pulling hauling,

Legs, wings, breast, head,--some for liquor, scolding, bawling,
Hock, port, white, red, here 'tis cramming, cutting, slashing,
There the grease and gravy splashing,
Look, Sir, look, Sir, what you've done,
Zounds, you've cut off the Alderman's thumb."

The Hon. Tom Dashall, who was fully aware that City appointments for
twelve o'clock mean one, was nevertheless anxious to arrive at their
place of destination some time before the commencement of the business
of the day; and fortunately meeting with