Mrs. Lovett did not much fancy the river excursion; but she considered that after all there would be a waterman in the boat, and that the river at that time of the day was populous, so she thought that Todd dared not attempt anything.
"Very well," she said; "so that we are quick, I care not."
"I am to the full," said Todd, "as anxious as you can be to get the job settled."
Mrs. Lovett thought that there was something ominous in the way in which he pronounced the word "job;" but then she thought perhaps she was too critical, and she followed him to the stairs by the side of the old bridge, certainly not without suspicions, but they were only general ones. The idea struck her, however, that she should be safer with two watermen, and she said—
"We will have two men, and by so doing we shall go quicker down the stream."
"So we shall," said Todd; "it is a good idea. Hilloa! first oars, here—first oars!"
"Here you are, sir," said a waterman.
"We want a couple of you," said Todd.
"Yes, your honour. Here we are—me and my mate. All's right, your honour. Now, Bill, look alive.—Mind the step, ma'am. That's yer sort. Where to, your honour?"
"To Pigs Quay."