'There,' he said, looking mournfully at John Willet, who displayed no
more emotion in his bonds than he had shown out of them. 'That's what I
call pretty and workmanlike. He's quite a picter now. But, brother, just
a word with you--now that he's ready trussed, as one may say, wouldn't
it be better for all parties if we was to work him off? It would read
uncommon well in the newspapers, it would indeed. The public would think
a great deal more on us!'
Hugh, inferring what his companion meant, rather from his gestures than
his technical mode of expressing himself (to which, as he was ignorant
of his calling, he wanted the clue), rejected this proposition for the
second time, and gave the word 'Forward!' which was echoed by a hundred
voices from without.
'To the Warren!' shouted Dennis as he ran out, followed by the rest. 'A
witness's house, my lads!'
A loud yell followed, and the whole throng hurried off, mad for pillage
and destruction. Hugh lingered behind for a few moments to stimulate
himself with more drink, and to set all the taps running, a few of which
had accidentally been spared; then, glancing round the despoiled and
plundered room, through whose shattered window the rioters had thrust
the Maypole itself,--for even that had been sawn down,--lighted a torch,
clapped the mute and motionless John Willet on the back, and waving his
light above his head, and uttering a fierce shout, hastened after his
companions.
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