Ah,' said the hangman, in a tone of deep disgust, 'it makes
me blush for my feller creeturs. I wish I had been born a ox, I do!'
'You'd have been quite as agreeable a character if you had been, I
think,' returned Simon Tappertit, going out in a lofty manner.
'Don't be too sure of that,' rejoined the hangman, calling after him;
'if I was a horned animal at the present moment, with the smallest
grain of sense, I'd toss every man in this company, excepting them two,'
meaning Hugh and Barnaby, 'for his manner of conducting himself this
day.'
With which mournful review of their proceedings, Mr Dennis sought
consolation in cold boiled beef and beer; but without at all relaxing
the grim and dissatisfied expression of his face, the gloom of which was
rather deepened than dissipated by their grateful influence.
The company who were thus libelled might have retaliated by strong
words, if not by blows, but they were dispirited and worn out. The
greater part of them had fasted since morning; all had suffered
extremely from the excessive heat; and between the day's shouting,
exertion, and excitement, many had quite lost their voices, and so much
of their strength that they could hardly stand.
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