'But come. The United B.'s expect me.
On!--What's the matter?'
'I quite forgot,' said Hugh, who had started at the striking of a
neighbouring clock. 'I have somebody to see to-night--I must turn back
directly. The drinking and singing put it out of my head. It's well I
remembered it!'
Mr Tappertit looked at him as though he were about to give utterance to
some very majestic sentiments in reference to this act of desertion, but
as it was clear, from Hugh's hasty manner, that the engagement was one
of a pressing nature, he graciously forbore, and gave him his permission
to depart immediately, which Hugh acknowledged with a roar of laughter.
'Good night, captain!' he cried. 'I am yours to the death, remember!'
'Farewell!' said Mr Tappertit, waving his hand. 'Be bold and vigilant!'
'No Popery, captain!' roared Hugh.
'England in blood first!' cried his desperate leader. Whereat Hugh
cheered and laughed, and ran off like a greyhound.
'That man will prove a credit to my corps,' said Simon, turning
thoughtfully upon his heel. 'And let me see. In an altered state of
society--which must ensue if we break out and are victorious--when the
locksmith's child is mine, Miggs must be got rid of somehow, or she'll
poison the tea-kettle one evening when I'm out.
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