[11]. The ensuing glossary will explain these otherwise enigmatical entries:—
- Belcher—close striped handkerchief.
- Cream fancy—any pattern of handkerchief on a white ground.
- Randlesman—green handkerchief, with white spots.
- Blue billy—blue ground handkerchief, with white spots.
- Wedge-feeders—silver spoons.
- Yack—watch.
- Dee—pocket-book of small size.
- Shallow cove—a fellow dressed in a Guernsey jacket, and looking like a sailor.
- Roll of snow—piece of Irish linen.
- Snooze-cases—pillow-cases.
- Narps—calico shirts.
- Blood-red fancy—handkerchief all red.
- Spunk fencer—match-seller.
- Green King's-man—handkerchief of any pattern on a green ground.
- Watersman—sky-coloured handkerchief.
- Yellow fancy—yellow handkerchief, with white spots.
- Yellow-man—handkerchief all yellow.
- Kicksters—trousers.
- Fan—waistcoat.
- Dummie—pocket-book of large size.
- Cat—muff.
- Shakesters' crabs—ladies' shoes.
- Cule—reticule.
- Yack and onions—watch and seals.
- Snow-dropper—one who steals linen from hedges or drying grounds.
- Mill togs—linen shirts.
- Peterman—a robber who cuts trunks from the back of carriages.
- Busy-sack—carpet bag.
- Redge yack—gold watch.
- Togs—clothes.
- Mushroom faker—a man who goes about ostensibly to buy old umbrellas, but really to thieve.
- Lily benjamin—white upper coat.
- Crocus—an itinerant quack doctor.
- Smash—change.
- Double finnips—ten-pound notes.
- Highfly—genteel begging-letter impostor.
- Redge fawney—gold ring.
- Lunan—common woman.
- Single finnip—five-pound note.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE STORE-ROOMS.
The reader has already seen and heard enough to be fully aware that Thomas Rainford was a man of undaunted courage: nor did he now tremble when he found himself immured, as it were, in that subterranean, along with a character so full of cunning and malignity as Old Death.
Although completely ignorant of the dark and gloomy locality to which he had been brought, and well aware that his companion was quite capable of the foulest treachery, the highwayman followed the old fence with so firm a step, and whistled away in a manner indicative of such utter recklessness of danger, that his guide was himself astonished at so much daring.
But Rainford was keenly observant of all the movements of his companion; and, resolutely as he walked, he was nevertheless careful in following as precisely as possible in the steps of Old Death, so that he might not be entrapped by any pitfall in that gloomy place.
On his part, Old Death proceeded at a somewhat rapid pace, shading the light with his hand so as to protect it from the strong current of air which rushed through the passage.
This passage, or long subterranean vault, was about ten feet wide and six high. It was walled and arched with rough stone, and paved with huge flags. The masonry at the sides and overhead was green with the damp; and, even by the fitful light of the candle, Rainford could perceive that this strange place must have been in existence for many—many years.
Here and there he observed little niches in the wall; and in one there was the remnant of an image of the Saviour on the cross. It instantly flashed to the mind of the highwayman that this sinister-looking subterranean had once been connected with some monastic establishment; and his imagination suggested that he was probably treading on the very place where the victims of ancient Popish tyranny had been confined and left to perish through famine.