"Then we understand each other," said the Resurrection Man, "without any farther wagging of the tollibon."[[2]]
"We cut the same lock that you do,[[3]] old feller," answered the Lully Prig; "and as long as we snack the bit[[4]] in a reg'lar manner, we're stanch to the back-bone."
"So far, so good," said the Resurrection Man. "But you're also aware that the swag must be taken up the river and put on board the Fairy, where it must stay some time till Swot can find a safe customer for it, because it's sure to be chanted on the leer."[[5]]
"We're fly to all that," said Long Bob. "But Swot promised us ten neds[[6]] each, if the thing succeeds to-night; so that we shan't object to waiting for the rest of our reg'lars till the swag is dinged."[[7]]
"Who knows that we shan't find some gobsticks,[[8]] clinks,[[9]] or other things of the same kind?" exclaimed the Lully Prig; "and, if so, they can soon be walked off to the melting-pot fence,[[10]] and the glanthem will be dropped[[11]] in no time."
"That's understood, my boys," exclaimed the Resurrection Man. "Now, give way with a will, and don't let's delay."
On went the boat with increased rapidity, the Lully Prig and Long Bob plying the oars with strength and skill. Then, when they were wearied, the Resurrection Man and the Buffer took their turns. Occasionally Tidkins handed round his flask, which he had taken good care to have replenished with rum at Woolwich; and at intervals the Buffer or the Lully Prig cheered their labours with a song.
In this manner Erith was reached and passed:—Greenhithe and Ingress Abbey, the front of which splendid mansion is built with the stones of old London Bridge, were in due course left behind;—and soon the antique windmill and the tall tower of Gravesend greeted the eyes of the river-pirates.
At the two piers of the town were numerous steam-packets;—there were large merchant-vessels riding at anchor in the middle of the river;—and, on the opposite side, Tilbury Fort commanded the expanse of water with its cannon.
"Since we're to meet Swot at the Lobster Tavern," said the Resurrection Man, "we may as well run down to that place at once."