Part 20 (1/2)
”Oh,” said one of the party, who knew that a resurrection Doctor resided in the next street, ”I'll remove that nuisance, if that's all you have to complain of; only lend me a sack, and I'll sell him.”
A sack was produced, and the Baccha.n.a.lian, who almost appeared void of animation, was without much difficulty thrust into it. ”Give me a lift,” said the frolicsome blade, and away he went with the load. On arriving at the doctor's door, he pulled the night bell, when the a.s.sistant made his appearance, not un-accustomed to this sort of nocturnal visitant.
~153~~holding up a bag, ”and it was taken off his shoulder as he went along Mercer-street, so he can't say nothing at all.
”I have brought you a subject--all right.”
”Come in. What is it, a man or a woman?”
”A man.”
”Down with him--that corner. D----n it, I was fast asleep.
”Call for the sack in the morning, will you, for I want to get to bed.”
”With all my heart.”
Then going to a drawer, and bringing the customary fee, ”Here, (said he) be quick and be off.” This was exactly what the other wanted; and having secured the rubbish,{1} the door was shut upon him. This, however, was no sooner done, than the Boosy Kid in the sack, feeling a sudden internal turn of the contents of his stomach, which brought with it a heaving, fell, from the upright situation in which he had been placed, on the floor. This so alarmed the young Doctor, that he ran with all speed after the vender, and just coming up to him at the corner of the street.
”Why, (said he) you have left me a living man!”
”Never mind, (replied the other;) kill him when you want him.” And making good use of his heels he quickly disappeared.
A Comedian of some celebrity, but who is now too old for theatrical service, relates a circ.u.mstance which occurred to him upon his first arrival in town:--
Having entered into an engagement to appear upon the boards of one of the London Theatres, he sought the metropolis some short time before the opening of the House; and conceiving it necessary to his profession to study life--real life as it is,--he was accustomed to mingle promiscuously in almost all society. With this view he frequently entered the tap rooms of the lowest public houses, to enjoy his pipe and his pint, keeping the main object always in view--
”To catch the manners living as they rise.”
Calling one evening at one of these houses, not far from Drury Lane, he found some strapping fellows engaged in conversation, interlarded with much flash and low slang; but decently dressed, he mingled in a sort of general dialogue with them on the state of the weather, politics, &c.
After sitting some time in their company, and particularly noticing their persons and apparent character--
”Come, Bill, it is time to be off, it is getting rather darkish.” ”Ah, very well (replied the other,) let us have another quart, and then I am your man for a bit of a lark.”
By this time they had learned that the Comedian was but newly arrived in town; and he on the other hand was desirous of seeing what they meant to be up to. After another quart they were about to move, when, said one to the other, ”As we are only going to have a stroll and a bit of fun, perhaps that there young man would like to join us.”
”Ah, what say you, Sir? have you any objection? but perhaps you have business on hand and are engaged--”
”No, I have nothing particular to do,” was the reply. ”Very well, then if you like to go with us, we shall be glad of your company.”
”Well (said he,) I don't care if I do spend an hour with you.” And with that they sallied forth.
After rambling about for some time in the vicinity of Tottenham Court Road, shewing him some of the Squares, &c.
describing the names of streets, squares, and buildings, they approached St. Giles's, and leading him under a gateway, ”Stop, (said one) we must call upon Jack, you know, for old acquaintance sake,” and gave a loud knock at the door; which being opened without a word, they all walked in, and the door was instantly lock'd. He was now introduced to a man of squalid appearance, with whom they all shook hands: the mode of introduction was not however of so satis-factory a description as had been expected, being very laconic, and conveyed in the following language:--”We have got him.”
”Yes, yes, it is all right--come, Jack, serve us out some grog, and then to business.”
The poor Comedian in the mean time was left in the utmost anxiety and surprise to form an opinion of his situation; for as he had heard something about trepanning, pressing, &c. he could not help entertaining serious suspicion that he should either be com-pelled to serve as a soldier or a sailor; and as he had no intention ”to gain a name in arms,”
they were neither of them suitable to his inclinations.
”Come,” (said one) walk up stairs and sit down--Jack, bring the lush ”--and up stairs they went.