ladies of easy virtue.

~149~~and rushed forward to the spot, where they witnessed the devouring
ravages of the yet unquenched element, consuming with resistless force
all that came in its way.

"Button up," said Tom, "and let us keep together, for upon these
occasions,

"The Scamps,{1} the Pads,{2} the Divers,{3} are all upon the lay."{4}

The Flash Molishers,{5} in the vicinity of Drury Lane, were out in
parties, and it was reasonable to suppose, that where there was so much
heat, considerable thirst must also prevail; consequently the Sluiceries
were all in high request, every one of those in the neighbourhood being
able to boast of overflowing Houses, without any imputation upon their
veracity. We say nothing of elegant genteel, or enlightened audiences,
so frequently introduced in the Bills from other houses in the
neighbourhood; even the door-ways were block'd up with the collectors
and imparters of information. Prognostications as to how and where it
began, how it would end, and the property that would be consumed, were
to be met at every corner--Snuffy Tabbies, and Boosy Kids, some giving
way to jocularity, and others indulging in lamentations.

"Hot, hot, hot, all hot," said a Black man, as he pushed in and out
among the crowd; with "Hoot awa', the de'il tak your soul, mon, don't
you think we are all hot eneugh?--gin ye bring more hot here I'll crack
your croon--I've been roasting alive for the last half hoor, an' want to
be ganging, but I can't get out."

"Hot, hot, hot, all hot, Ladies and Gentlemen," said the dingy dealer
in delicacies, and almost as soon disappeared among the crowd, where he
found better opportunities for vending his rarities.

"Lumps of pudding," said Tom, jerking Tallyho by the arm, "what do you
think of a slice? here's accommodation for you--all hot, ready dress'd,
and well done."

"Egad!" said Bob, "I think we shall be well done ourselves presently."

"Keep your hands out of my pockets, you lousy beggar,"

1 Scamps--Highwaymen.

2 Pads--Foot-pads.

3 Divers--Pickpockets.

4 The Lay--Upon the look-out for opportunities for the
exercise of their profession.

5 Flash Molishers--a term given to low Prostitutes.

~150~~said a tall man standing near them, "or b---- me if I don't mill
you."

"You mill me, vhy you don't know how to go about it, Mr. Bully Brag, and
I doesn't care half a farden for you--you go for to say as how I--"

"Take th