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There was no doubt respecting the particular amusement in which these heedless spirits were indulging, for even in the close and stifling atmosphere of the vault, the noise sounded like distant thunder. It certainly appeared, at first sight, a singular spot to choose, for that or any other purpose of relaxation, if the other cellars answered to the one in which this brief colloquy took place; for the floors were of sodden earth, the walls and roof of damp bare brick tapestried with the tracks of snails and slugs; the air was sickening, tainted, and offensive. It seemed, from one strong flavour which was uppermost among the various odours of the place, that it had, at no very distant period, been used as a storehouse for cheeses; a circumstance which, while it accounted for the greasy moisture that hung about it, was agreeably suggestive of rats. It was naturally damp besides, and little trees of fungus sprung from every mouldering corner. The proprietor of this charming retreat, and owner of the ragged head before mentionedfor he wore an old tie-wig as bare and frowzy as a stunted hearth-broomhad by this time joined them; and stood a little apart, rubbing his hands, wagging his hoary bristled chin, and smiling in silence. His eyes were closed; but had they been wide open, it would have been easy to tell, from the attentive expression of the face he turned towards thempale and unwholesome as might be expected in one of his underground existenceand from a certain anxious raising and quivering of the lids, that he was blind. Even Stagg hath been asleep, said the long comrade, nodding towards this person. Sound, captain, sound! cried the blind man; what does my noble captain drinkis it brandy, rum, usquebaugh? Is it soaked gunpowder, or blazing oil? Give it a name, heart of oak, and wed get it for you, if it was wine from a bishops cellar, or melted gold from King Georges mint. See, said Mr Tappertit haughtily, that its something strong, and comes quick; and so long as you take care of that, you may bring it from the devils cellar, if you like. Boldly said, noble captain! rejoined the blind man. Spoken like the Prentices Glory. Ha, ha! From the devils cellar! A brave joke! The captain joketh. Ha, ha, ha! Ill tell you what, my fine feller, said Mr Tappertit, eyeing the host over as he walked to a closet, and took out a bottle and glass as carelessly as if he had been in full possession of his sight, if you make that row, youll find that the captains very far from joking, and so I tell you. Hes got his eyes on me! cried Stagg, stopping short on his way back, and affecting to screen his face with the bottle. I feel em though I cant see em. Take em off, noble captain. Remove em, for they pierce like gimlets. Mr Tappertit smiled grimly at his comrade; and twisting out one more looka kind of ocular screwunder the influence of which the blind man feigned to undergo great anguish and torture, bade him, in a softened tone, approach, and hold his peace. I obey you, captain, cried Stagg, drawing close to him and filling out a bumper without spilling a drop, by reason that he held his little finger at the brim of the glass, and stopped at the instant the liquor touched it, drink, noble governor. Death to all masters, life to all prentices, and love to all fair damsels. Drink, brave general, and warm your gallant heart! Mr Tappertit condescended to take the glass from his outstretched hand. Stagg then dropped on one knee, and gently smoothed the calves of his legs, with an air of humble admiration. That I had but eyes! he cried, to behold my captains symmetrical proportions! That I had but eyes, to look upon these twin invaders of domestic peace! Get out! said Mr Tappertit, glancing downward at his favourite limbs. Go along, will you, Stagg! |
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