He paused, a little breathless with fighting through the throng, and with blows given and taken, and asked Mr. Sidney, whose splendour seemed to somewhat overawe him, if he had ever seen a pope-burning before.
"Never," smiled that gentleman; but the sailor added instantly—
"I have, many a time; 'tis the finest fun in the world."
The young man looked at him with the sharp suspicious curiosity of youth. He was quick to notice the difference between speech and dress, and his instant's glance further confused him. The strong light of the bonfire showed a resolute-looking man, dressed in the coarse worn clothes of a common sailor, but unmistakeably a gentleman. He seemed amused and interested. A pleasant smile lit his face, and his grey eyes were bright and self-contained.
"You were like to be clapt up if the watch caught you at this," he said.
The youth was gloriously scornful.
"The watch! Do you think we would disperse for a regiment?"
"Look out for the regiments then," smiled the sailor. "There are sixteen thousand men on Hounslow Heath."
"How many of 'em would take arms against the city?" was the instant retort. "They too are good Protestants."
"I perceive that you are something of a Politic," said Mr. Sidney; and then all further remark was cut short by the arrival of the procession carrying the Pope, at sight of which an almost solemn hush fell on the crowd, who stopped supplying the bonfire with squibs, oil, and tar, and drew back in close ranks before the steps of the church.