Part 95 (2/2)
1 The Jewel Office is shewn for 1s. each person in company; a single person pays 1s. 6d.: it may be seen separately, but not without a Warder.
a half in circ.u.mference; in the front is a rock ruby in its purely natural state, unpolished, three inches in length, the value of which cannot be estimated. Several other curiosities of state regalia--such as the golden eagle, the golden spur, the crown of Queen Mary, the cross of King William, and the diadem worn by the Queens Anne and Mary, were numbered among the valuable jewels contained in this office, together with abundance of curious old plate, the value of which, independent of several of the jewels, which are inestimable, is not less than two millions sterling.
~~294~~~ ”Now,” said Dashall, as they left the Jewel Office, ”we have taken a view of the inanimates, we must not leave the spot without a peep at the lions;{l} for though I believe there is nothing very extraordinary in the collection, more than may be seen at the menagerie at Exeter Change, it would be an unpardonable omission not to see the lions in the Tower.”
1 The wild beasts, &c. are shewn at 1s. each.
For this purpose they proceeded to the western entrance, where they were quickly introduced by the keeper to the various animals under his care, and who, in going round with them, explained, as usual, their several histories.
In examining these various curiosities, time had imperceptibly stolen a march upon them, and their original plan of proceeding to Greenwich was found to be impracticable; besides which, upon reaching the stairs where they had landed, the bluff old waterman was not to be found.
”Zounds,” said Dashall, ”this looks like a do. I wonder what's become of the old blade.”
Sparkle began to laugh, and Bob bit his lip. Tom made inquiry of a boy at the stairs, who informed him that Barney was gone to the suttling house to smoak a pipe.
”All right,” said Tom, ”then we will soon rouse him, and start.”
Upon this they moved back again into the Tower, and according to the directions they had received, they found Barney in the tap-room, puffing away care, and singing with Stentorian voice to the surrounding company--
”From Irongate to Limehouse Hole, You will not meet a kinder soul, While the Thames is flowing, Pull away ho--Pull away ho.”
~~295~~~ In search of real life and character, and at all times rather inclined to promote mirth than spoil sport, our friends immediately entered unperceived by Barney, and taking an opposite corner of the room, were quickly attended by the landlord, who received orders, and produced them supplies.
The song being over, and Barney rewarded for his exertions by the most enthusiastic applause of the room, he renewed his pipe, at the same time declaring to a soldier who sat near him, he thought ”he had miss'd fire, for he was d------d if he didn't think he'd lost his company, or his company had lost him--but that he had taken care to nibble the blunt, and upon that there score all was right--so landlord tip us another quart, and if they don't make their appearance by the time I've got through that, I'll tip them the toddle, shove off my boat, and disappear.--That's the time of day, an't it, boy.”
”Why aye, to be sure,” replied the soldier, ”you watermen leads a happy life; you are your own masters, you does just as you pleases, while a soldier dare as well be d------d as desert his post. But I say, Barney, mind what
you says,--nose--nose;” accompanying the last two words with a significant action of placing his finger on his nose, and winking his eye.
Upon this intimation, which appeared to be well understood by Barney, he puffed off an immoderate cloud of smoke, and looking round the room, perceived his customers in the corner.
”Be quiet,” said he, ”that's my fare--so it's all right again,--Do you want me, gentlemen; I am always ready, so that whenever you says the word, Barney's your boy.”
”Presently,” said Dashall, ”for it would be hard to make you start upon a full jorum.”
”Why I must say,” continued Barney, ”I never likes to leave a foaming quart behind me;” and catching hold of the pot of _heavy wet_, he roared out,--
”What a hearty blade am I,
Care can never touch my heart; Every trouble I defy, While I view the foaming quart.”
and taking a hearty drink, he handed it to his companion, filled his pipe afresh, lighted, and informed the gentlemen he was at their service; when in a few minutes all being ready, they were quickly on board.
~~296~~~ ”I don't like the looks of the weather, my masters, why we shall have a shower presently, where will you go to?”
”To Vauxhall,” was the reply.
”Very well, your Honour, then here goes; but if you don't get a sousing, my name an't Barney.”
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