I wanted no other hint to leave my present situation.
"The ruffian cly thee, Guinea Pig, for stashing the lush," said Spider- shanks, helping himself out of the bowl, which was nearly empty.
"Stash the lush!" cried Mrs. Brimstone, "aye, and toddle off to Ruggins. Why, you would not be boosing till lightman's in a square crib like mine, as if you were in a flash panny."
"That's bang up, mort!" cried Fib. "A square crib, indeed! aye, square as Mr. Newman's courtyard—ding boys on three sides, and the crap on the fourth!"
This characteristic witticism was received with great applause; and Jonson, taking a candlestick from the fair fingers of the exasperated Mrs. Brimstone, the hand thus conveniently released, immediately transferred itself to Fib's cheeks, with so hearty a concussion, that it almost brought the rash jester to the ground. Jonson and I lost not a moment in taking advantage of the confusion this gentle remonstrance appeared to occasion; but instantly left the room and closed the door.
CHAPTER LXXXIII.
'Tis true that we are in great danger;
The greater, therefore, should our courage be.
—Shakspeare.
We proceeded a short way, when we were stopped by a door; this Job opened, and a narrow staircase, lighted from above, by a dim lamp, was before us. We ascended, and found ourselves in a sort of gallery; here hung another lamp, beneath which Job opened a closet.
"This is the place where Bess generally leaves the keys," said he, "we shall find them here, I hope."
So saying, Master Job entered, leaving me in the passage, but soon returned with a disappointed air.