r--

"Come, Bill, it is time to be off, it is getting rather
darkish." "Ah, very well (replied the other,) let us have
another quart, and then I am your man for a bit of a lark."
By this time they had learned that the Comedian was but
newly arrived in town; and he on the other hand was desirous
of seeing what they meant to be up to. After another quart
they were about to move, when, said one to the other, "As we
are only going to have a stroll and a bit of fun, perhaps
that there young man would like to join us."

"Ah, what say you, Sir? have you any objection? but perhaps
you have business on hand and are engaged--"

"No, I have nothing particular to do," was the reply. "Very
well, then if you like to go with us, we shall be glad of
your company."

"Well (said he,) I don't care if I do spend an hour with
you." And with that they sallied forth.

After rambling about for some time in the vicinity of
Tottenham Court Road, shewing him some of the Squares, &c.
describing the names of streets, squares, and buildings,
they approached St. Giles's, and leading him under a
gateway, "Stop, (said one) we must call upon Jack, you know,
for old acquaintance sake," and gave a loud knock at the
door; which being opened without a word, they all walked in,
and the door was instantly lock'd. He was now introduced to
a man of squalid appearance, with whom they all shook hands:
the mode of introduction was not however of so satis-factory
a description as had been expected, being very laconic, and
conveyed in the following language:--"We have got him."

"Yes, yes, it is all right--come, Jack, serve us out some
grog, and then to business."

The poor Comedian in the mean time was left in the utmost
anxiety and surprise to form an opinion of his situation;
for as he had heard something about trepanning, pressing,
&c. he could not help entertaining serious suspicion that he
should either be com-pelled to serve as a soldier or a
sailor; and as he had no intention "to gain a name in arms,"
they were neither of them suitable to his inclinations.

"Come," (said one) walk up stairs and sit down--Jack, bring
the lush "--and up stairs they went.

Upon entering a gloomy room, somewhat large, with only a
small candle, he had not much oppor