He who would cut the knot that does entwine
May have man's form; but at his birth, be sure on't,
Some devil thrust sweet nature's hand aside
Ere she had pour'd her balm within his breast,
To warm his gross and earthly mould with pity.
.......I know what 'tis
TOM and his Cousin were surprised the next morning by a visit from Mr. Mortimer and his friend Merrywell, whose dismal6 features and long visages plainly indicated some unpleasant disaster, and Tom began to fear blame would be attached to them for leaving his party at Darkhouse Lane.
“Pray,” said Merrywell, “can you tell me where to find your friend Sparkle?”
“Indeed,” replied Dashall, a little relieved by this question, “I am not Sparkle's keeper; but pray be seated—what is the matter, is it a duel7, do you want a second?—I know he is a good shot.”
“This levity8, Sir,” said Mortimer, “is not to be borne. The honour of a respectable family is at stake, and must be satisfied. No doubt you, as his very oldest friend, know where he is; and I desire you will immediately inform me, or———”
“Sir,” said Dashall, who was as averse9 as unused to be desired by any person—“do you know whom you address, and that I am in my own house? if you do, you have certainly discarded all propriety10 of conduct and language before you cross'd the threshold.”
“Gentlemen,” said Merrywell, “perhaps some explanation is really necessary here. My friend Mortimer speaks under agonized11 feelings, for which, I am sure, your good sense will make every allowance. Miss Mortimer———”
“Miss Mortimer,” exclaimed Dashall, rising from his [352] seat, “you interest me strongly, say, what of Miss Mortimer?”
“Alas12,” said Mortimer, evidently endeavouring to suppress emotions which appeared to agitate13 his whole frame, and absorb every mental faculty14, “we are unable to account for her absence, and strongly suspect she is in company with your friend Sparkle—can you give us any information relative to either of them?”
Dashall assured them he knew nothing of the fugitives16, but that he would certainly make every inquiry17 in his power, if possible to find out Sparkle. Upon which they departed, though not without hinting they expected Tom had the power of making a search more effectually than either Mortimer or Merrywell.
“Egad!” said Tom to Tallyho, “this absence of Sparkle means something more than I can at present conceive; and it appears that we must now venture forth18 in search of our guide. I hope he has taken a good direction himself.”
“Mortimer appears hurt,” continued Bob, “and I can scarcely wonder at it.”
“It is a trifle in high life now-a-days,” replied Dashall, “and my life for it we shall obtain some clue to his mode of operation before the day is out. Love is a species of madness, and oftentimes induces extraordinary movements. I have discovered its existence in his breast for some time past, and if he is really with the lady, I wonder myself that he has not given some sort of intimation; though I know he is very cautious in laying his plans, and very tenacious19 of admitting too many persons to know his intentions, for fear of some indiscreet friend unintentionally frustrating20 his designs.”
“It serves however,” continued Tom, “to diversify22 our peregrinations; and if it is his pleasure to be in love, we will endeavour to chase pleasure in pursuit of the Lover, and if guided by honourable23 motives24, which I cannot doubt, we will wish him all the success he can wish himself, only regretting that we are deprived of his agreeable company.
“Still free as air the active mind will rove,
And search out proper objects for its love;
But that once fix'd, 'tis past the pow'r of art
To chase the dear idea from the heart.
?Tis liberty of choice that sweetens life,
Makes the glad husband and the happy wife.”
[353] “But come, let us forth and see how the land lies; many persons obtain all their notoriety from an elopement; it makes a noise in the world, and even though frequently announced in our newspapers under fictitious26 titles, the parties soon become known and are recollected27 ever after; and some even acquire fame by the insertion of a paragraph announcing an elopement, in which they insinuate28 that themselves are parties; so that an elopement in high life may be considered as one of the sure roads to popularity.”
“But not always a safe one,” replied Bob.
“Life is full of casualties,” rejoined Dashall, “and you are by this time fully29 aware that it requires something almost beyond human foresight30 to continue in the line of safety, while you are in pursuit of Real Life in London. Though it may fairly be said, 'That all the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely passengers,' still they have their inside and their outside places, and each man in his time meets with strange adventures. It may also very properly be termed a Camera Obscura, reflecting not merely trees, sign-posts, houses, &c. but the human heart in all its folds, its feelings, its passions, and its motives. In it you may perceive conceit32 flirting33 its fan—arrogance adjusting its cravat—pedantry perverting35 its dictionary—vacuity humming a tune36—vanity humming his neighbour—cunning shutting his eyes while listening to a pedagogue—and credulity opening his eyes and ears, willing and anxious to be deceived and duped.”
“It is a strange world, indeed,” said Tallyho; “and of all that I have ever heard or seen, this London of your's is the most extraordinary part.”
“Yes,—
“This world is a well-cover'd table,
Where guests are promiscuously37 set;
We all eat as long as we're able,
answered his Cousin; “in fact, it is like every thing, and at the same time like nothing—[354]
“The world is all nonsense and noise,
Fantoccini, or Ombres Chinoises,
Puppet-show flummery;
A magical lantern, confounding the sight;
Like players or puppets, we move
On the wires of ambition and love;
?Till death drops the curtain
—all's over—good night!”
By this time they were at Long's, where, upon inquiry, all trace of Sparkle had been lost for two days. All was mystery and surprise, not so much that he should be absent, as that his servant could give no account of him, which was rather extraordinary. Tom ascertained43, however, that no suspicion appeared to have been excited as to Miss Mortimer, and, with commendable44 discretion45, avoided expressing a word which could create such an idea, merely observing, that most likely he had taken an unexpected trip into the country, and would be heard of before the day was out.
On leaving Long's however they were met again by Mortimer in breathless anxiety, evidently labouring under some new calamity46.
“I am glad I have found you,” said he, addressing himself to Dashall; “for I am left in this d———d wilderness47 of a place without a friend to speak to.”
“How,” inquired Ton, “what the d———l is the matter with you?”
“Why, you must know that Merry well is gone—”
“Gone—where to?”
“To—to—zounds, I've forgot the name of the people; but two genteel looking fellows just now very genteely told him he was wanted, and must come.”
“Indeed!”
“Yes, and he told me to find you out, and let you know that he must become a bencher; and, without more todo, walked away with his new friends, leaving me forlorn enough. My Sister run away, my Uncle run after her—Sparkle absent, and Merrywell—”
“In the hands of the Nab-men—I see it all clear enough; and you have given a very concise48, but comprehensive picture of your own situation; but don't despair, man, you will yet find all right, be assured; put yourself under my guidance, let the world wag as it will; it is useless to torment49 yourself with things you cannot prevent or cure.
“The right end of life is to live and be jolly.”
[355] Mortimer scarcely knew how to relish50 this advice, and seemed to doubt within himself whether it was meant satirically or feelingly, till Dashall whispered in his ear a caution not to betray the circumstances that had transpired52, for his Sister's sake. “But,” continued he, “I never suffer these things, which are by no means uncommon53 in London, to interfere54 with my pursuits, though we are all somewhat at a loss. However, as the post is in by this time, some news may be expected, and we will call at home before we proceed any further.—Where do you think the Colonel is gone to?”
“Heaven only knows,” replied Mortimer; “the whole family is in an uproar55 of surmise56 and alarm,—what may be the end of it I know not.”
“A pretty breeze Master Sparkle has kick'd up, indeed,” continued Tom; “but I have for some time noticed an alteration57 in him. He always was a gay trump58, and whenever I find him seriously inclined, I suspect some mischief59 brewing60; for rapid transitions always wear portentous61 appearances, and your serious files are generally sly dogs. My life for it they have stolen a march upon your Uncle, queered some country Parson, and are by this time snugly62 stowed away in the harbour of matrimony. As for Merrywell, I dare be sworn his friends will take care of him.”
Expectation was on tiptoe as Dashall broke the seal of a letter that was handed to him on arrival at home. Mortimer was on the fidget, and Tallyho straining his neck upon the full stretch of anxiety to hear the news, when Dashall burst into a laugh, but in which neither of the others could join in consequence of not knowing the cause of it. In a few minutes however the mystery was in some degree explained.
“Here,” said Tom, “is news—extraordinary news—an official dispatch from head-quarters, but without any information as to where the tents are pitched. It is but a short epistle.” He then read aloud,
“Dear Dashall,
“Please inform the Mortimer family and friends that all's well.
Your's truly,
C. Sparkle.”
Then handing the laconic63 epistle to Mortimer—“I trust,” said he, “you will now be a little more at ease.”
[356] Mortimer eagerly examined the letter for the postmark, but was not able to make out from whence it came.
“I confess,” said he, “I am better satisfied than I was, but am yet at a loss to judge of the motives which have induced them to pursue so strange a course.”
“The motive25,” cried Tom, “that may be easily explained; and I doubt not but you will find, although it may at present appear a little mysterious, Sparkle will be fully able to shew cause and produce effect. He is however a man of honour and of property, and most likely we may by this time congratulate you upon the change of your Sister's name. What a blaze it will make, and she will now most certainly become a sparkling subject. Hang it, man, don't look so dull upon a bright occasion.
“To prove pleasure but pain, some have hit on a project,
We're duller the merrier we grow,
That talks of cold fire and warm snow.
For me, born by nature
Each muscle I twist it,
I cannot resist it,
A finger held up makes me laugh.
Should the subtlest casuist or sophist on earth
And boldly insist once for all,
That the only criterion of pleasure's to laugh,
And sing tol de rol, loi de rol lol.”
This mirth of Dash all's did not seem to be in consonance with the feelings of Mortimer, who hastily took his departure.
“Come,” said Tom to his Cousin, “having gained some information respecting one friend, we will now take a stroll through Temple Bar, and have a peep at Merrywell; he may perhaps want assistance in his present situation, though I will answer for it he is in a place of perfect security.”
“How,” said Bob—“what do you mean?”
“Mean, why the traps have nibbled69 him. He is arrested, and gone to a lock-up shop, a place of mere accommodation for gentlemen to take up their abode70, for the purpose of [357] arranging their affairs, and where they can uninterruptedly make up their minds whether to give bail71, put in appearance and defend the suit, or take a trip to Abbott's Priory; become a three months' student in the college of art, and undergo the fashionable ceremony of white-washing.”
“I begin to understand you now,” said Bob, “and the only difference between our two friends is, that one has willingly put on a chain for life—”
“And the other may in all probability (continued Tom,) have to chaff72 his time away with a chum—perhaps not quite so agreeable, though it really is possible to be very comfortable, if a man can reconcile himself to the loss of liberty, even in “durance vile73.”
“And marching without any cumbersome75 load,
They mark'd every singular sight on the road.”
“An old Bencher,” was the reply; “there you see all that is left of a man of haut ton, one who has moved in the highest circles; but alas! bad company and bad play have reduced him to what he now is. He has cut up and turn'd down very well among the usurers and attornies; but it is impossible to say of him, as of his sirloin of a wife (for she cannot be called a rib77, or at all events a spare rib) that there is any thing like cut and come again. The poor worn-out Exquisite78 tack'd himself to his Lady, to enable him to wipe out a long score, and she determined79 on taking him for better for worse, after a little rural felicity in a walk to have her fortune told by a gipsy at Norwood. He is now crippled in pocket and person, and wholly dependent upon bounty80 for the chance of prolonging a miserable81 existence. His game is up. But what is life but a game, at which every one is willing to play? one wins and another loses: why there have been as many moves among titled persons, Kings, Queens, Bishops82, Lords and Knights83, within the last century, as there are in a game at chess. Pawns85 have been taken and restored in all classes, from the Sovereign, who pawns or loses his crown, to the Lady whose reputation is in pawn84, and becomes at last not worth half a crown. Shuffling87, cutting, dealing88 out and [358] dealing in, double dealing and double faces, have long been the order of the day. Some men's cards are all trumps89, whilst others have carte blanche; some honours count, whilst others stand for nothing. For instance, did not the little man who cast up his final accounts a short time back at St. Helena, like a Corsican conjurer, shuffle90 and cut about among kings and queens, knaves and asses86, (aces I mean) dealing out honours when he liked, and taking trumps as he thought fit?—did he not deal and take up again almost as he pleased, having generally an honour in his sleeve to be played at command, or un roi dans le marche; by which cheating, it was scarcely possible for any one to get fair play with him, till, flushed by success, and not knowing how to bear his prosperity, he played too desperately91 and too long? The tables were turned upon him, and his enemies cheated him, first of his liberty, and ultimately of his life.”
At this moment Tallyho, who was listening in close attention to his Cousin, struck his foot against a brown paper parcel which rolled before him.—“Hallo!” exclaimed he, “what have we here?—somebody has dropped a prize.”
“It is mine, Sir,” said an old woman, dropping them a curtsey with a smile which shone through her features, though thickly begrimed with snuff.
“A bite,” said Tom.
“I dropp'd it from my pocket, Sir, just now.”
“And pray,” inquired Tom, “what does it contain?” picking it up.
“Snuff, Sir,” was the reply; “a kind, good-hearted Gentleman gave it to me—God bless him, and bless your Honour too!” with an additional smile, and a still lower curtsey.
Upon examining the paper, which had been broken by the kick, Tom perceived, that by some magic or other, the old woman's snuff had become sugar.
“Zounds!” said he, “they have played some trick upon you, and given you brimstone instead of snuff, or else you are throwing dust in our eyes.”
The parcel, which contained a sample of sugar, was carefully rolled up again and tied, then dropped to be found by any body else who chose to stoop for it.
“This,” said Dashall, “does not turn out to be what I first expected; for the practices of ring and money [359] dropping{1} have, at various times, been carried on with great success, and to the serious injury of the unsuspecting. The persons who generally apply themselves to this species of cheating are no other than gamblers who ingeniously contrive92, by dropping a purse or a ring, to draw in some customer with a view to induce him to play; and notwithstanding their arts have frequently been exposed, we every now and then hear of some flat being done by these sharps, and indeed there are constantly customers in London to be had one way or another.”
“Then you had an idea that that parcel was a bait of this kind,” rejoined Bob.
“I did,” replied his Cousin; “but it appears to be a legitimate93 letter from some industrious94 mechanic to his friend, and is a curious specimen95 of epistolary correspondence; and you perceive there was a person ready to claim it, which conspired96 rather to confirm my suspicions, being a little in the style of the gentry97 I have alluded98 to. They vary their mode of proceeding99 according to situation and circumstance. Your money-dropper contrives100 to find his own property, as if by chance. He picks up the purse with an exclamation101 of 'Hallo! what have we here?—Zounds! if here is not a prize—I'm in rare luck to-day—Ha, ha, ha, let's have a peep at it—it feels heavy, and no doubt is worth having.' While he is examining its contents, up comes his confederate, who claims a share on account of having been present at the finding. 'Nay102, nay,' replies the finder, 'you are not in it. This Gentleman is the only person that was near me—was not you, Sir? 'By this means the novice103 is induced to assent104, or perhaps assert his prior claim. The finder declares,
1 The practice of ring-dropping is not wholly confined to
London, as the following paragraph from the Glasgow Courier,
a very short time ago, will sufficiently105 prove:—'On Monday
at a distance from home in the harvest, were returning to
walked out a short way with them, 'till he picked up a pair
of ear-rings and a key for a watch. The fellow politely
informed the females that they should have half the value of
the articles, as they were in his company when they were
found. While they were examining them, another fellow came
up, who declared at once they were gold, and worth at least
thirty shillings. After some conversation, the women were
induced to give fifteen shillings for the articles, and came
and offered them to a watch-maker for sale, when they
learned to their mortification108 that they were not worth
eighteen pence!'
[360] that sooner than have any dispute about it, he will divide the contents in three parts; recommends an adjournment109 to a public-house in the neighbourhood, to wet the business and drink over their good luck. This being consented to, the leading points are accomplished110. The purse of course is found to contain counterfeit111 money—Flash-screens or Fleet-notes,{1} and the division cannot well be made without change can be procured112. Now comes the touch-stone. The Countryman, for such they generally contrive to inveigle113, is perhaps in cash, having sold his hay, or his cattle, tells them he can give change; which being understood, the draught-board, cards, or la bagatelle114, are introduced, and as the job is a good one, they can afford to sport some of their newly-acquired wealth in this way. They drink and play, and fill their grog again. The Countryman bets; if he loses, he is called upon to pay; if he wins, 'tis added to what is coming to him out of the purse.
“If, after an experiment or two, they find he has but little money, or fight shy, they bolt, that is, brush off in quick time, leaving him to answer for the reckoning. But if he is what they term well-breeched, and full of cash, they stick to him until he is cleaned out,{2} make him drunk, and, if he turns restive115, they mill him. If he should be an easy cove,{3} he perhaps give them change for their flash notes, or counterfeit coin, and they leave him as soon as possible, highly pleased with his fancied success, while they laugh in their sleeves at the dupe of their artifice116.”
“And is it possible?” inquired Tallyho—
“Can such things be, and overcome us
Like a summer's cloud?”
“Not without our special wonder,” continued Dashall; “but such things have been practised. Then again, your ring-droppers, or practisers of the fawney rig, are more cunning in their manoeuvres to turn their wares117 into the ready blunt.{4} The pretending to find a ring being one of the meanest and least profitable exercises of their ingenuity118, it forms a part of their art to find articles of much more
1 Flash-screens or Fleet-notes—Forged notes.
2 Cleaned out—Having lost all your money.
4 Ready blunt—Cash in hand.
[361] value, such as rich jewelry120, broaches121, ear-rings, necklaces set with diamonds, pearls, &c. sometimes made into a paper parcel, at others in a small neat red morocco case, in which is stuck a bill of parcels, giving a high-flown description of the articles, and with an extravagant122 price. Proceeding nearly in the same way as the money-droppers with the dupe, the finder proposes, as he is rather short of steeven,{1} to swap{2}his share for a comparatively small part of the value stated in the bill of parcels: and if he succeeds in obtaining one-tenth of that amount in hard cash, his triumph is complete; for, upon examination, the diamonds turn out to be nothing but paste—the pearls, fishes' eyes—and the gold is merely polished brass123 gilt124, and altogether of no value. But this cannot be discovered beforehand, because the bilk{3} is in a hurry, can't spare time to go to a shop to have the articles valued, but assures his intended victim, that, as they found together, he should like to smack125 the bit,{4 }without blowing the gap,{5} and so help him G—d, the thing wants no buttering up,{6} because he is willing to give his share for such a trifle.”
1 Steeven—A flash term for money.
another.
3 A swindler or cheat.
4 Smack the bit—To share the booty.
5 Blowing the gap—Making any thing known.
6 Buttering up—Praising or flattering.
This conversation was suddenly interrupted by a violent crash just behind them, as they passed Drury Lane Theatre in their way through Bussel Court; and Bob, upon turning to ascertain42 from whence such portentous sounds proceeded, discovered that he had brought all the Potentates127 of the Holy Alliance to his feet. The Alexanders, the Caesars, the Buonapartes, Shakespeares, Addisons and Popes, lay strewed128 upon the pavement, in one undistinguished heap, while a poor Italian lad with tears in his eyes gazed with indescribable anxiety on the shapeless ruin—' Vat34 shall me do?—dat man knock him down—all brokt—you pay—Oh! mine Godt, vat shall do! ' This appeal was made to Dashall and Tallyho, the latter of whom the poor Italian seemed to fix upon as the author of his misfortune in upsetting his board of plaster images; and although he was perfectly129 unconscious of the accident, the appeal of the vender130 of great personages had its desired effect upon them both; and [362] finding themselves quickly surrounded by spectators, they gave him some silver, and then pursued their way.
“These men,” said Dashall, “are generally an industrious and hard-living people; they walk many miles in the course of a day to find sale for their images, which they will rather sell at any price than carry back with them at night; and it is really wonderful how they can make a living by their traffic.”
“Ha, ha, ha,” said a coarse spoken fellow following—“how the Jarman Duck diddled the Dandies just now—did you twig131 how he queered the coves133 out of seven bob for what was not worth thrums.{1} The Yelper{2} did his duty well, and finger'd the white wool{3} in good style. I'm d———d if he was not up to slum, and he whiddied their wattles with the velvet134, and floored the town toddlers easy enough.”
“How do you mean?” said his companion.
“Why you know that foreign blade is an ould tyke about this quarter, and makes a good deal of money—many a twelver{4} does he get by buying up broken images of persons who sell them by wholesale135, and he of course gets them for little or nothing: then what does he do but dresses out his board, to give them the best appearance he can, and toddles136 into the streets, touting{5} for a good customer. The first genteel bit of flash he meets that he thinks will dub137 up the possibles,{6} he dashes down the board, breaks all the broken heads, and appeals in a pitiful way for remuneration for his loss; so that nine times out of ten he gets some Johnny-raw or other to stump138 up the rubbish.”
“Zounds!” said Dashall, “these fellows are smoking us; and, in the midst of my instructions to guard you against the abuses of the Metropolis139, we have ourselves become the dupes of an impostor.”
1 Thrums—A flash term for threepence.
2 The Yelper—A common term given to a poor fellow subject,
accidents.
3 White wool—Silver.
4 Twelver—A shilling.
5 Touting—Is to be upon the sharp look out.
6 To dub up the possibles—To stand the nonsense—are nearly
synonimous, and mean—will pay up any demand rather than be
detained.
[363] “Well,” said Tallyho, “it is no more than a practical illustration of your own observation, that it is scarcely possible for any person to be at all times secure from the arts and contrivances of your ingenious friends the Londoners; though I confess I was little in expectation of finding you, as an old practitioner141, so easily let in.”
“It is not much to be wondered at,” continued Tom, “for here we are in the midst of the very persons whose occupations, if such they may be termed, ought most to be avoided; for Covent Garden, and Drury Lane, with their neighbourhoods, are at all times infested142 with swindlers, sharpers, whores, thieves, and depredators of all descriptions, for ever on the look out. It is not long since a man was thrown from a two-pair of stairs window in Charles Street,{1} which is just by, having been decoyed into a house of ill fame by a Cyprian, and this in a situation within sight of the very Police Office itself in Bow Street!”
“Huzza! ha, ha, ha, there he goes,” vociferated by a variety of voices, now called their attention, and put an end to their conversation; and the appearance of a large concourse of people running up Drury Lane, engrossed143 their notice as they approached the other end of Russel Court.
On coming up with the crowd, they found the cause of the vast assemblage of persons to be no other than a Quaker{2} decorated with a tri-coloured cockade, who was
1 A circumstance of a truly alarming and distressing144 nature,
to which Dashall alluded in this place, was recently made
known to the public in the daily journals, and which should
serve as a lesson to similar adventurers.
It appeared that a young man had been induced to enter a
house of ill fame in Charles Street, Covent Garden, by one
for her to provide them with supper; that, upon her return,
he desired to have the difference between what he had given
peremptorily147 refused, he determined to leave the house. On
descending148 the stair-case for which purpose, he was met by
some men, with whom he had a violent struggle to escape;
threw him from a two-pair of stairs window into the street,
and in a state of insensibility. We believe all attempts
have hitherto proved fruitless to bring the actual
perpetrator or perpetrators of this diabolical151 deed to
punishment.
2 Bow-street.—Thursday morning an eccentric personage, who
has for some time been seen about the streets of the
Metropolis in the habit of a Quaker, and wearing the tri-
coloured cockade in his broad white hat, made his appearance
at the door of this office, and presenting a large packet to
one of the officers, desired him, in a tone of authority, to
lay it instantly before the Magistrate152. The Magistrate (G.
inquired for the person who brought it; and in the next
head, surmounted156 by a furious tri-coloured cockade, was
having placed himself very carefully directly in front of
the bench, smiled complacently158 upon his Worship, and the
Magistrate—Did you bring this letter?
Quaker—Thou hast said it.
Magistrate—-What is your object in bringing it?
Quaker—Merely to let thee know what is going on in the
world—and, moreover, being informed that if I came to thy
ascertain whether that information was true.
Magistrate—Then I certainly shall not gratify you by
ordering you into custody.
thee I have no inclination162 to occupy thy time longer than is
profitable to us, and therefore I will retire whenever thou
shalt signify that my stay is unpleasant to thee.
Magistrate—Why do you wear your hat?—are you a Quaker?
Quaker—Thou sayest it—but that is not my sole motive for
wearing it. To be plain with thee, I wear it because I chose
to do so. Canst thee tell me of any law which compels me
to take it off?
Magistrate—I'll tell you what, friend, I would seriously
recommend you to retire from this place as speedily as
possible.
Quaker—I take thy advice—farewell.
Thus ended this comical conversation, and the eccentric
friend immediately departed in peace.
The brother of the above person attended at the office on
Saturday, and stated that the Quaker is insane, that he was
proprietor163 of an extensive farm near Ryegate, in Surrey, for
some years; but that in May last his bodily health being
put under restraint, but recovered. Some time since he
discover him, until they saw the account of his eccen-
made his appearance again at the office, he should be
the Quaker, swore the brother to these facts. About three
o'clock the Quaker walked up Bow-street, when an officer
conducted him to the presence of the Magistrate, who
detained him, and at seven o'clock delivered him into the
care of his brother.
[365] very quietly walking with a Police Officer, and exhibiting a caricature of himself mounted on a velocipede, and riding over corruption169, &c. It was soon ascertained that he had accepted an invitation from one of the Magistrates170 of Bow Street to pay him a visit, as he had done the day before, and was at that moment going before him.
“I apprehend he is a little cracked,” said Tom; “but however that may be, he is a very harmless sort of person. But come, we have other game in view, and our way lies in a different direction to his.”
“Clothes, Sir, any clothes to-day?” said an importunate171 young fellow at the corner of one of the courts, who at the same time almost obstructed172 their passage.
Making their way as quickly as they could from this very pressing personage, who invited them to walk in.
“This,” said Tom, “is what we generally call a Barker. I believe the title originated with the Brokers173 in Moor-fields, where men of this description parade in the fronts of their employers' houses, incessantly174 pressing the passengers to walk in and buy household furniture, as they do clothes in Rosemary Lane, Seven Dials, Field Lane, Houndsditch, and several other parts of the town. Ladies' dresses also used to be barked in Cranbourn Alley175 and the neighbourhood of Leicester Fields; however, the nuisance has latterly in some measure abated177. The Shop-women in that part content themselves now-a-days by merely inviting178 strangers to look at their goods; but Barkers are still to be found, stationed at the doors of Mock Auctions179, who induce company to assemble, by bawling181 “Walk in, the auction180 is now on,” or “Just going to begin.” Of these mock auctions, there have been many opened of an evening, under the imposing182 glare of brilliant gas lights, which throws an unusual degree of lustre183 upon the articles put up for sale. It is not however very difficult to distinguish them from the real ones, notwithstanding they assume all the exterior184 appearances of genuineness, even up to advertisements in the newspapers, purporting185 to be held in the house of a person lately gone away under embarrassed circumstances, or deceased. They are denominated Mock Auctions, because no real intention exists on the part of the sellers to dispose of their articles under a certain price previously186 fixed187 upon, which, although it may not be high, is invariably more than they are actually worth: besides which, they may be easily discovered by the anxiety they evince to show the goods to strangers at
[366]the moment they enter, never failing to bestow188 over-strained panegyrics189 upon every lot they put up, and asking repeatedly—“What shall we say for this article? a better cannot be produced;” and promising190, if not approved of when purchased, to change it. The Auctioneer has a language suited to all companies, and, according to his view of a customer, can occasionally jest, bully191, or perplex him into a purchase.—“The goods must be sold at what they will fetch;” and he declares (notwithstanding among his confederates, who stand by as bidders192, they are run up beyond the real value, in order to catch a flat,) that “the present bidding can never have paid the manufacturer for his labour.”
In such places, various articles of silver, plate, glass and household furniture are exposed to sale, but generally made up of damaged materials, and slight workmanship of little intrinsic value, for the self-same purpose as the Razor-seller states—
As for the razors you have bought,
Upon my soul! I never thought
That they would shave.”
“Not shave!” quoth Hodge, with wond'ring eyes,
And voice not much unlike an Indian yell;
“What were they made for then, you dog?” he cries.
“Made! (quoth the fellow with a smile) to sell.”
Passing the end of White Horse Yard—“Here,” continued Tom, “in this yard and the various courts and alleys193 which lead into it, reside numerous Girls in the very lowest state of prostitution; and it is dangerous even in the day time to pass their habitations, at all events very dangerous to enter any one of them. Do you see the crowd of squalid, half-clad and half-starved creatures that surround the old woman at the corner?—Observe, that young thing without a stocking is stealing along with a bottle in one hand and a gown in the other; she is going to put the latter up the spout194{1} with her
1 Up the spout, or up the five—Are synonimous in their
import, and mean the act of pledging property with a
the practice of having a long spout, which reaches from the
top of the house of the Pawn-broker (where the goods are
where they are first received; through which a small bag is
dropped upon the ringing of a bell, which conveys the
tickets or duplicates to a person above stairs, who, upon
finding them, (unless too bulky) saves himself the trouble
and loss of time of coming down stairs, by more readily
conveying them down the spout.
[367] accommodating Uncle,{1} in order to obtain a little of the enlivening juice of the juniper to fill the former.”
1 Uncle, sometimes called the Ferrit, or the Flint—Cant
terms for Pawnbroker, though many of these gentlemen now
assume the more reputable appellation199 of Silversmiths. They
are willing to lend money upon all sorts of articles of
jewellery, &c. with a certainty of making a very handsome
profit upon the money so circulated.
thirty Pawnbrokers202, and in some cases they are a useful and
serviceable class of people; and although doubtless many of
them are honest and reputable persons, there are still among
them a class of sharpers and swindlers, who obtain licences
to carry on the business, and bring disgrace upon the
respectable part of the profession. Every species of fraud
which can add to the distresses203 of those who are compelled
to raise temporary supplies of money is resorted to, and for
which purpose there are abundance of opportunities. In many
instances however the utility of these persons, in
preventing a serious sacrifice of property, cannot be
denied; for, by advancing to tradesmen and mechanics
temporary loans upon articles of value at a period of
improved. Many of them however are receivers of stolen
good.s, and, under cover of their licence, do much harm to
the public. Indeed, the very easy mode of raising money by
means of the Pawnbrokers, operates as an inducement, or at
fraudulent tradesman by their means is enabled to raise
the property of his employer, and the idle or profligate207
mechanic to deposit his working tools, or his work in an
unfinished state. Many persons in London are in the habit of
night, when they are redeemed, in order to make a decent
appearance on the next day. In low neighbourhoods, and among
loose girls, much business is done by Pawnbrokers to good
of the town. The articles they offer to pledge are generally
are usually placed in the hands of an Uncle the next
their necessities, just lend what they please; by which
certainty of these articles never being redeemed.
The secresy with which a Pawnbroker's business is conducted,
though very proper for the protection of the honest and
well-meaning part of the population, to shield them from an
exposure which might perhaps prove fatal to their business or
credit, admits of great room for fraud on the part of the
Money-lender; more particularly as it respects the interest
allowed upon the pawns. Many persons are willing to pay any
charge made, rather than expose their necessities by
appearing before a Magistrate, and acknowledging they have
been concerned in such transactions.
Persons who are in the constant habit of pawning are
generally known by the Pawnbrokers, in most instances
governed by their will, and compelled to take and pay just
what they please. Again, much injury arises from the want of
care in the Pawnbroker to require a proper account, from the
Pledgers, of the manner in which the goods offered have been
obtained, as duplicates are commonly given upon fictitious
names and residences.
Notwithstanding the care and attention usually paid to the
examination of the articles received as pledges, these
gentlemen are sometimes to be duped by their customers. We
remember an instance of an elderly man, who was in the habit
of bringing a Dutch clock frequently to a Pawnbroker to
raise the wind, and for safety, generally left it in a large
clock and bag were often left without inspection213; and as it
was seldom deposited for long together, it was placed in
some handy nook of the shop in order to lie ready for
redemption. This system having been carried on for some
time, no suspicion was entertained of the old man. Upon one
he could by no means account—day after day passed, and no
every article in his shop, and if possible discover the
source of a nuisance which appeared rather to increase than
the old man's Dutch clock trans-formed into a sheep's head,
enclosed in a small box similar in shape and size to that of
the clock. It will scarcely be necessary to add, that, being
in the heat of summer, the sheep's head when turned out was
declared the old gentleman's works were out of repair, that
he himself was out of tune, and eventually pledged himself
never to be so taken in again. After all, however, it must
be acknowledged that my Uncle is a very accommodating man.
“My Uncle's the man, I've oft said it before,
Who is ready and willing to open his door;
Tho' some on the question may harbour a doubt,
He's a mill to grind money, which I call a spout.
Derry down.
He has three golden balls which hang over his door,
Which clearly denote that my Uncle's not poor;
He has money to lend, and he's always so kind,
He will lend it to such as leave something behind.
Derry down.
If to music inclin'd, there's no man can so soon
All his tickets are prizes most carefully book'd,
And your notes must be good, or you're presently hook'd.
Derry down.
Shirts, shoes, and flat-irons, hats, towels, and ruffs,
To him are the same as rich satins or stuffs;
From the pillows you lay on, chairs, tables, or sacks,
He'll take all you have, to the togs on your backs.
Derry down.
Who is ready and willing your fortunes to mend;
Tho' short in his speech, he can shell out short stuff.
Derry down.
To know that we have such an Uncle in town;
In all cases, degrees, in all places and stations,
?Tis a good thing to know we've such friendly relations.
Derry down.
[369] “They are not very blooming just now,” answered his Cousin—“you do not see her in a right light. It is impossible to contemplate225 the cases of these poor creatures without dropping a tear of pity. Originally seduced226 from a state of innocence227, and eventually abandoned by their seducers, as well as their well-disposed parents or friends, they are left at an early age at large upon the world; loathed228 and avoided by those who formerly229 held them in estimation, what are they to do?—It is said by Shakespeare, that
“Sin will pluck on sin.”
They seem to have no alternative, but that of continuing in the practice which they once too fatally begun, in which the major part of them end a short life of debauchery and wretchedness.
“Exposed to the rude insults of the inebriated230 and the vulgar—the impositions of brutal231 officers and watchmen—to the chilling blasts of the night during the most inclement232 weather, in thin apparel, partly in compliance233 with the fashion of the day, but more frequently from the
[370] Pawnbroker's shop rendering234 their necessary garments inaccessible235, diseases (where their unhappy vocation236 does not produce them) are thus generated.
“Many are the gradations from the highest degree of prostitution down to the trulls that parade the streets by day, and one or two more steps still include those who keep out all night. Some of the miserable inhabitants of this quarter are night-birds, who seldom leave their beds during the day, except to refresh themselves with a drop of Old Tom; but as the evening approaches, their business commences, when you will see them decked out like fine ladies, for there are coves of cases,{1} and others in the vicinity of the Theatres, who live by letting out dresses for the evening, where they may be accommodated from a camesa{2} to a richly embroidered237 full-dress court suit, under the care of spies, who are upon the look-out that they don't brush off with the stock. Others, again, are boarded and lodged238 by the owners of houses of ill-fame, kept as dirty and as ragged239 as beggars all day, but who,
“Dress'd out at night, cut a figure.”
It however not unfrequently happens to those unhappy Girls who have not been successful in their pursuits, and do not bring home with them the wages of their prostitution, that they are sent to bed without supper, and sometimes get a good beating into the bargain; besides which, the Mistress of the house takes care to search them immediately after they are left by their gallants, by which means they are deprived of every shilling.”
Approaching the City, they espied240 a crowd of persons assembled together round the door of Money the perfumer. Upon inquiring, a species of depreciation241 was exposed, which had not yet come under their view.
It appeared that a note, purporting to come from a gentleman at the Tavistock Hotel, desiring Mr. Money to wait on him to take measure of his cranium for a fashionable peruke, had drawn242 him from home, and that during his absence, a lad, in breathless haste, as if dispatched by the principal, entered the shop, stating that Sir. Money wanted a wig132 which was in the window, with some combs and hair-brushes, for the Gentleman's inspection, and also a pot of his Circassian cream. The bait took, the articles
1 Coves of cases—Keepers of houses of ill fame.
2 Camesa—A shirt or shift.
[371] were packed up, and the wily cheat had made good his retreat before the return of the coiffeur, who was not pleased with being seduced from his home by a hoaxing243 letter, and less satisfied to find that his property was diminished in his absence by the successful artifices244 of a designing villain245. This tale having got wind in the neighbourhood, persons were flocking round him to advise as to the mode of pursuit, and many were entertaining each other by relations of a similar nature; but our heroes having their friend Merrywell in view (or rather his interest) made the best of their way to the Lock-up-house.
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1
unison
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| n.步调一致，行动一致 | |
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2
knaves
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| n.恶棍，无赖( knave的名词复数 )；（纸牌中的）杰克 | |
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3
knave
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| n.流氓；（纸牌中的）杰克 | |
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4
bliss
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| n.狂喜，福佑，天赐的福 | |
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5
asunder
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| adj.分离的，化为碎片 | |
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6
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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7
duel
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| n./v.决斗；(双方的)斗争 | |
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8
levity
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| n.轻率，轻浮，不稳定，多变 | |
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9
averse
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| adj.厌恶的；反对的，不乐意的 | |
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10
propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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11
agonized
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| v.使（极度）痛苦，折磨( agonize的过去式和过去分词 )；苦斗；苦苦思索；感到极度痛苦 | |
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12
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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13
agitate
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| vi.(for,against)煽动，鼓动；vt.搅动 | |
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14
faculty
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| n.才能；学院，系；(学院或系的)全体教学人员 | |
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15
ass
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| n.驴；傻瓜，蠢笨的人 | |
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16
fugitives
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| n.亡命者，逃命者( fugitive的名词复数 ) | |
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17
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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18
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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19
tenacious
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| adj.顽强的，固执的，记忆力强的，粘的 | |
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20
frustrating
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| adj.产生挫折的，使人沮丧的，令人泄气的v.使不成功( frustrate的现在分词 )；挫败；使受挫折；令人沮丧 | |
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21
apprehend
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| vt.理解，领悟，逮捕，拘捕，忧虑 | |
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22
diversify
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| v.（使）不同，（使）变得多样化 | |
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23
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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24
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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25
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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26
fictitious
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| adj.虚构的，假设的；空头的 | |
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27
recollected
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| adj.冷静的；镇定的；被回忆起的；沉思默想的v.记起，想起( recollect的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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28
insinuate
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| vt.含沙射影地说，暗示 | |
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29
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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30
foresight
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| n.先见之明，深谋远虑 | |
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31
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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32
conceit
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| n.自负，自高自大 | |
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33
flirting
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| v.调情，打情骂俏( flirt的现在分词 ) | |
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34
vat
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| n.(=value added tax)增值税，大桶 | |
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35
perverting
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| v.滥用( pervert的现在分词 )；腐蚀；败坏；使堕落 | |
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36
tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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37
promiscuously
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| adv.杂乱地，混杂地 | |
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38
scramble
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| v.爬行，攀爬，杂乱蔓延，碎片，片段，废料 | |
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39
wittily
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| 机智地，机敏地 | |
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40
maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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41
prettily
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| adv.优美地；可爱地 | |
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42
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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43
ascertained
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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44
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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45
discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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46
calamity
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| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
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47
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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48
concise
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| adj.简洁的，简明的 | |
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49
torment
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| n.折磨；令人痛苦的东西(人)；vt.折磨；纠缠 | |
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50
relish
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| n.滋味，享受，爱好，调味品；vt.加调味料，享受，品味；vi.有滋味 | |
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51
vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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52
transpired
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| （事实，秘密等）被人知道( transpire的过去式和过去分词 )； 泄露； 显露； 发生 | |
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53
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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54
interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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55
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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56
surmise
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| v./n.猜想，推测 | |
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57
alteration
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| n.变更，改变；蚀变 | |
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58
trump
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| n.王牌，法宝；v.打出王牌，吹喇叭 | |
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59
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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60
brewing
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| n. 酿造, 一次酿造的量 动词brew的现在分词形式 | |
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61
portentous
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| adj.不祥的，可怕的，装腔作势的 | |
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62
snugly
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| adv.紧贴地；贴身地；暖和舒适地；安适地 | |
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63
laconic
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| adj.简洁的；精练的 | |
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64
logic
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| n.逻辑(学)；逻辑性 | |
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65
satire
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| n.讽刺，讽刺文学，讽刺作品 | |
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66
quaff
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| v.一饮而尽；痛饮 | |
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67
begets
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| v.为…之生父( beget的第三人称单数 )；产生，引起 | |
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68
calf
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| n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮 | |
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69
nibbled
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| v.啃，一点一点地咬（吃）( nibble的过去式和过去分词 )；啃出（洞），一点一点咬出（洞）；慢慢减少；小口咬 | |
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70
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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71
bail
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| v.舀（水），保释；n.保证金，保释，保释人 | |
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72
chaff
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| v.取笑，嘲笑；n.谷壳 | |
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73
vile
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| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
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74
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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75
cumbersome
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| adj.笨重的，不便携带的 | |
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76
waddling
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| v.（像鸭子一样）摇摇摆摆地走( waddle的现在分词 ) | |
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77
rib
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| n.肋骨，肋状物 | |
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78
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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79
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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80
bounty
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| n.慷慨的赠予物，奖金；慷慨，大方；施与 | |
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81
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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82
bishops
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| （基督教某些教派管辖大教区的）主教( bishop的名词复数 )； （国际象棋的）象 | |
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83
knights
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| 骑士； （中古时代的）武士( knight的名词复数 )； 骑士； 爵士； （国际象棋中）马 | |
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84
pawn
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| n.典当，抵押，小人物，走卒；v.典当，抵押 | |
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85
pawns
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| n.（国际象棋中的）兵( pawn的名词复数 )；卒；被人利用的人；小卒v.典当，抵押( pawn的第三人称单数 )；以（某事物）担保 | |
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86
asses
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| n. 驴，愚蠢的人，臀部 adv. (常用作后置)用于贬损或骂人 | |
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87
shuffling
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| adj. 慢慢移动的, 滑移的 动词shuffle的现在分词形式 | |
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88
dealing
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| n.经商方法，待人态度 | |
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89
trumps
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| abbr.trumpets 喇叭；小号；喇叭形状的东西；喇叭筒v.（牌戏）出王牌赢（一牌或一墩）( trump的过去式 )；吹号公告，吹号庆祝；吹喇叭；捏造 | |
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90
shuffle
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| n.拖著脚走，洗纸牌；v.拖曳，慢吞吞地走 | |
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91
desperately
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| adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地 | |
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92
contrive
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| vt.谋划，策划；设法做到；设计，想出 | |
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93
legitimate
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| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
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94
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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95
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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96
conspired
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| 密谋( conspire的过去式和过去分词 )； 搞阴谋； （事件等）巧合； 共同导致 | |
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97
gentry
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| n.绅士阶级，上层阶级 | |
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98
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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99
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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100
contrives
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| （不顾困难地）促成某事( contrive的第三人称单数 )； 巧妙地策划，精巧地制造（如机器）； 设法做到 | |
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101
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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102
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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103
novice
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| adj.新手的，生手的 | |
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104
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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105
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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106
highland
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| n.(pl.)高地，山地 | |
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107
accosted
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| v.走过去跟…讲话( accost的过去式和过去分词 )；跟…搭讪；（乞丐等）上前向…乞讨；（妓女等）勾搭 | |
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108
mortification
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| n.耻辱，屈辱 | |
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109
adjournment
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| 休会； 延期； 休会期； 休庭期 | |
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110
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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111
counterfeit
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| vt.伪造，仿造；adj.伪造的，假冒的 | |
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112
procured
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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113
inveigle
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| v.诱骗 | |
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114
bagatelle
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| n.琐事；小曲儿 | |
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115
restive
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| adj.不安宁的，不安静的 | |
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116
artifice
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| n.妙计，高明的手段；狡诈，诡计 | |
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117
wares
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| n. 货物, 商品 | |
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118
ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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119
gulling
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| v.欺骗某人( gull的现在分词 ) | |
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120
jewelry
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| n.（jewllery）（总称）珠宝 | |
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121
broaches
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| v.谈起( broach的第三人称单数 )；打开并开始用；用凿子扩大（或修光）；（在桶上）钻孔取液体 | |
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122
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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123
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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124
gilt
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| adj.镀金的；n.金边证券 | |
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125
smack
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| vt.拍，打，掴；咂嘴；vi.含有…意味；n.拍 | |
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126
barter
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| n.物物交换，以货易货，实物交易 | |
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127
potentates
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| n.君主，统治者( potentate的名词复数 )；有权势的人 | |
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128
strewed
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| v.撒在…上( strew的过去式和过去分词 )；散落于；点缀；撒满 | |
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129
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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130
vender
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| n.小贩 | |
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131
twig
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| n.小树枝，嫩枝；v.理解 | |
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132
wig
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| n.假发 | |
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133
coves
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| n.小海湾( cove的名词复数 )；家伙 | |
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134
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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135
wholesale
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| n.批发；adv.以批发方式；vt.批发，成批出售 | |
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136
toddles
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| v.（幼儿等）东倒西歪地走( toddle的第三人称单数 )；蹒跚行走；溜达；散步 | |
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137
dub
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| vt.（以某种称号）授予，给...起绰号，复制 | |
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138
stump
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| n.残株，烟蒂，讲演台；v.砍断，蹒跚而走 | |
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139
metropolis
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| n.首府；大城市 | |
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140
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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141
practitioner
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| n.实践者，从事者；(医生或律师等)开业者 | |
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142
infested
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| adj.为患的，大批滋生的（常与with搭配）v.害虫、野兽大批出没于( infest的过去式和过去分词 )；遍布于 | |
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143
engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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144
distressing
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| a.使人痛苦的 | |
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145
inmates
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| n.囚犯( inmate的名词复数 ) | |
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146
expended
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| v.花费( expend的过去式和过去分词 )；使用（钱等）做某事；用光；耗尽 | |
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147
peremptorily
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| adv.紧急地，不容分说地，专横地 | |
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148
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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149
bruised
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| [医]青肿的，瘀紫的 | |
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150
skull
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| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
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151
diabolical
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| adj.恶魔似的，凶暴的 | |
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152
magistrate
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| n.地方行政官，地方法官，治安官 | |
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153
perused
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| v.读（某篇文字）( peruse的过去式和过去分词 )；（尤指）细阅；审阅；匆匆读或心不在焉地浏览（某篇文字） | |
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154
garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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155
beaver
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| n.海狸，河狸 | |
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156
surmounted
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| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
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157
anomalous
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| adj.反常的；不规则的 | |
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158
complacently
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| adv. 满足地, 自满地, 沾沾自喜地 | |
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159
colloquy
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| n.谈话，自由讨论 | |
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160
custody
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| n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留 | |
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161
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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162
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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163
proprietor
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| n.所有人；业主；经营者 | |
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164
impaired
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| adj.受损的；出毛病的；有（身体或智力）缺陷的v.损害，削弱( impair的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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165
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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166
absconded
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| v.（尤指逃避逮捕）潜逃，逃跑( abscond的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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167
squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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168
detention
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| n.滞留，停留；拘留，扣留；(教育)留下 | |
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169
corruption
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| n.腐败，堕落，贪污 | |
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170
magistrates
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| 地方法官，治安官( magistrate的名词复数 ) | |
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171
importunate
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| adj.强求的；纠缠不休的 | |
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172
obstructed
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| 阻塞( obstruct的过去式和过去分词 )； 堵塞； 阻碍； 阻止 | |
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173
brokers
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| n.（股票、外币等）经纪人( broker的名词复数 )；中间人；代理商；（订合同的）中人v.做掮客（或中人等）( broker的第三人称单数 )；作为权力经纪人进行谈判；以中间人等身份安排… | |
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174
incessantly
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| ad.不停地 | |
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175
alley
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| n.小巷，胡同；小径，小路 | |
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176
abate
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| vi.(风势，疼痛等)减弱，减轻，减退 | |
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177
abated
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| 减少( abate的过去式和过去分词 )； 减去； 降价； 撤消（诉讼） | |
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178
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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179
auctions
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| n.拍卖，拍卖方式( auction的名词复数 ) | |
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180
auction
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| n.拍卖；拍卖会；vt.拍卖 | |
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181
bawling
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| v.大叫，大喊( bawl的现在分词 )；放声大哭；大声叫出；叫卖（货物） | |
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182
imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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183
lustre
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| n.光亮，光泽；荣誉 | |
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184
exterior
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| adj.外部的，外在的；表面的 | |
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185
purporting
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| v.声称是…，（装得）像是…的样子( purport的现在分词 ) | |
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186
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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187
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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188
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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189
panegyrics
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| n.赞美( panegyric的名词复数 )；称颂；颂词；颂扬的演讲或文章 | |
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190
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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191
bully
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| n.恃强欺弱者，小流氓；vt.威胁，欺侮 | |
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192
bidders
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| n.出价者，投标人( bidder的名词复数 ) | |
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193
alleys
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| 胡同，小巷( alley的名词复数 )； 小径 | |
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194
spout
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| v.喷出，涌出；滔滔不绝地讲；n.喷管；水柱 | |
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195
pawnbroker
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| n.典当商，当铺老板 | |
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196
derive
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| v.取得；导出；引申；来自；源自；出自 | |
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197
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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198
redeemed
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| adj. 可赎回的，可救赎的 动词redeem的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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appellation
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| n.名称，称呼 | |
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linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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pawnbrokers
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| n.当铺老板( pawnbroker的名词复数 ) | |
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distresses
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| n.悲痛( distress的名词复数 )；痛苦；贫困；危险 | |
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204
redeeming
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| 补偿的，弥补的 | |
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exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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creditors
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| n.债权人，债主( creditor的名词复数 ) | |
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profligate
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| adj.行为不检的；n.放荡的人，浪子，肆意挥霍者 | |
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pawning
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| v.典当，抵押( pawn的现在分词 )；以（某事物）担保 | |
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emolument
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| n.报酬，薪水 | |
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costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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wary
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| adj.谨慎的，机警的，小心的 | |
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212
canvass
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| v.招徕顾客，兜售；游说；详细检查，讨论 | |
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inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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olfactory
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| adj.嗅觉的 | |
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saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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overhaul
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| v./n.大修，仔细检查 | |
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astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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218
putrid
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| adj.腐臭的；有毒的；已腐烂的；卑劣的 | |
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gamut
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| n.全音阶，(一领域的)全部知识 | |
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needy
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| adj.贫穷的，贫困的，生活艰苦的 | |
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rhino
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| n.犀牛，钱, 现金 | |
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222
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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renown
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| n.声誉，名望 | |
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224
inveigled
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| v.诱骗，引诱( inveigle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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contemplate
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| vt.盘算，计议；周密考虑；注视，凝视 | |
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seduced
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| 诱奸( seduce的过去式和过去分词 )； 勾引； 诱使堕落； 使入迷 | |
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227
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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228
loathed
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| v.憎恨，厌恶( loathe的过去式和过去分词 )；极不喜欢 | |
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formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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230
inebriated
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| adj.酒醉的 | |
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231
brutal
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| adj.残忍的，野蛮的，不讲理的 | |
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inclement
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| adj.严酷的，严厉的，恶劣的 | |
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compliance
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| n.顺从；服从；附和；屈从 | |
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234
rendering
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| n.表现，描写 | |
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235
inaccessible
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| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
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236
vocation
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| n.职业，行业 | |
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embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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238
lodged
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| v.存放( lodge的过去式和过去分词 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
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ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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240
espied
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| v.看到( espy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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241
depreciation
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| n.价值低落，贬值，蔑视，贬低 | |
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242
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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243
hoaxing
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| v.开玩笑骗某人，戏弄某人( hoax的现在分词 ) | |
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244
artifices
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| n.灵巧( artifice的名词复数 )；诡计；巧妙办法；虚伪行为 | |
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villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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