bear by the paw, when an
apparition appeared that instantly quelled the riot.

We have heard of a story of the devil obtruding himself on a company
playing at cards on a Sunday morning, and petrifying the
Sabbath-breakers by the sight of his club foot; or we might imagine
Jove silencing the stormy contentions of Olympus by his nod; but
neither of these had a greater effect than had the blue physog. of a
police sergeant showing his awe-inspiring self in at the door.

Down crouched the vagabonds; every tongue was hushed as if Silence had
stilled their throats with his finger. Some took their pipes, affected
to appear tranquil, but smoked very confusedly, and a slight tremor
might be observed in their fingers. As for Harlequin, he stood with
his naked form, and his jacket flung over his arm, with a look as
condemned as if the cap was about to be placed upon him.

The policeman never once opened his lips, but moved forward, with all
the commanding importance of office, as he held his lantern from one
ruffian's face to another. The landlord came in, and apologized for
the noise, and promised that there should be no more disturbance. The
guardian of the night nodded, and walked out.

The lodgers were then entertained with a lecture, with threats of
turning out, and sending to the station-house. Three or four of the
most unruly were dragged away to bed and the rest left, with strong
injunctions to enjoy nothing but harmless mirth.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XII.

ONE NOISE SUBSTITUTED FOR ANOTHER.--THE CLAMOURS OF STRIFE EXCHANGED
FOR THE SONGS OF PEACE.

"Music soothes the savage breast."

It was now two o'clock in the morning, and the streets of St. Giles's
were as lively as the other back parts of the metropolis are at eleven
at night. The several lodging houses round about were sending forth
their various sounds, and an occasional meeting, at the doors, between
two friends, with an interchange of blows, tended to keep the
policeman from being weary on his duty.

Our company had been too strongly excited, notwithstanding the little
check they had received, to sink into anything like sober chat. As
soon as this profligate crew were left to themselves, they began to
recover their spirits, by whistling and singing--beating time, with
their hands upon the tables, and their heels upon the floor, so that
one noise was substituted for another and the clamours of strife
exchanged for the songs of peace.

[Illus