Mrs. Peachem.
Sure the captain's the finest gentleman on the road.
---Beggar's Opera.
Jack1 Palmer was a good-humored, good-looking man, with immense bushy, red whiskers, a freckled2, florid complexion3, and sandy hair, rather inclined to scantiness4 towards the scalp of the head, which garnished5 the nape of his neck with a ruff of crisp little curls, like the ring on a monk's shaven crown. Notwithstanding this tendency to baldness, Jack could not be more than thirty, though his looks were some five years in advance. His face was one of those inexplicable7 countenances8, which appear to be proper to a peculiar9 class of men--a regular Newmarket physiognomy--compounded chiefly of cunning and assurance; not low cunning, nor vulgar assurance, but crafty11 sporting subtlety12, careless as to results, indifferent to obstacles, ever on the alert for the main chance, game and turf all over, eager, yet easy, keen, yet quiet. He was somewhat showily dressed, in such wise that he looked half like a fine gentleman of that day, half like a jockey of our own. His nether13 man appeared in well-fitting, well-worn buckskins, and boots with tops, not unconscious of the saddle; while the airy extravagance of his broad-skirted, sky-blue riding coat, the richness of his vest--the pockets of which were beautifully exuberant16, according to the mode of 1737--the smart luxuriance of his cravat17, and a certain curious taste in the size and style of his buttons, proclaimed that, in his own esteem18 at least, his person did not appear altogether unworthy of decoration; nor, in justice to Jack, can we allow that he was in error. He was a model of a man for five feet ten; square, compact, capitally built in every particular, excepting that his legs were slightly imbowed, which defect probably arose from his being almost constantly on horseback; a sort of exercise in which Jack greatly delighted, and was accounted a superb rider. It was, indeed, his daring horsemanship, upon one particular occasion, when he had outstripped20 a whole field, that had procured21 him the honor of an invitation to Rookwood. Who he was, or whence he came, was a question not easily answered--Jack, himself, evading22 all solution to the inquiry23. Sir Piers24 never troubled his head about the matter: he was a "deuced good fellow--rode well, and stood on no sort of ceremony;" that was enough for him. Nobody else knew anything about him, save that he was a capital judge of horseflesh, kept a famous black mare26, and attended every hunt in the West Riding--that he could sing a good song, was a choice companion, and could drink three bottles without feeling the worse for them.
Sensible of the indecorum that might attach to his appearance, Dr. Small had hastily laid down his pipe, and arranged his wig27. But when he saw who was the intruder, with a grunt28 of defiance29 he resumed his occupation, without returning the bow of the latter, or bestowing30 further notice upon him. Nothing discomposed at the churchman's displeasure, Jack greeted Titus cordially, and carelessly saluting31 Mr. Coates, threw himself into a chair. He next filled a tumbler of claret, and drained it at a draught32.
"Some dozen miles," replied Palmer; "and that, on such a sultry afternoon as the present, makes one feel thirstyish. I'm as dry as a sandbed. Famous wine this--beautiful tipple--better than all your red fustian36. Ah, how poor Sir Piers used to like it! Well, that's all over--a glass like this might do him good in his present quarters! I'm afraid I'm intruding37. But the fact is, I wanted a little information about the order of the procession, and missing you below, came hither in search of you. You're to be chief mourner, I suppose, Titus--rehearsing your part, eh?"
"Come, come, Jack, no joking," replied Titus; "the subject's too serious. I am to be chief mourner--and I expect you to be a mourner--and everybody else to be mourners. We must all mourn at the proper time. There'll be a power of people at the church."
"There are a power of people here already," returned Jack, "if they all attend."
"And they all will attend, or what is the eating and drinking to go for? I sha'n't leave a soul in the house."
"Excepting one," said Jack, archly. "Lady Rookwood won't attend, I think."
"Ay, excepting her ladyship and her ladyship's abigail. All the rest go with me, and form part of the procession. You go too."
"Of course. At what time do you start?"
"Twelve precisely38. As the clock strikes, we set out--all in a line, and a long line we'll make. I'm waiting for that ould coffin39-faced rascal40, Peter Bradley, to arrange the order."
"How long will it all occupy, think you?" asked Jack, carelessly.
"That I can't say," returned Titus; "possibly an hour, more or less. But we shall start to the minute--that is, if we can get all together, so don't be out of the way. And hark ye, Jack, you must contrive41 to change your toggery. That sky-blue coat won't do. It's not the thing at all, at all."
"Never fear that," replied Palmer. "But who were those in the carriages?"
"Is it the last carriage you mean? Squire42 Forester and his sons. They're dining with the other gentlefolk, in the great room up-stairs, to be out of the way. Oh, we'll have a grand berrin'. And, by St. Patrick! I must be looking after it."
"Stay a minute," said Jack; "let's have a cool bottle first. They are all taking care of themselves below, and Peter Bradley has not made his appearance, so you need be in no hurry. I'll go with you presently. Shall I ring for the claret?"
"By all means," replied Titus.
Jack accordingly arose; and a butler answering the summons, a long-necked bottle was soon placed before them.
"You heard of the affray last night, I presume?" said Jack, renewing the conversation.
"With the poachers? To be sure I did. Wasn't I called in to examine Hugh Badger's wounds the first thing this morning; and a deep cut there was, just over the eye, besides other bruises44."
"Is the wound dangerous?" inquired Palmer.
"Not exactly mortal, if you mean that," replied the Irishman; "dangerous, certainly."
"Humph!" exclaimed Jack; "they'd a pretty hardish bout25 of it, I understand. Anything been heard of the body?"
"What body?" inquired Small, who was half-dozing.
"The body of the drowned poacher," replied Jack; "they were off to search for it this morning."
"Found it--not they!" exclaimed Titus. "Ha, ha!--I can't help laughing, for the life and sowl of me; a capital trick he played 'em,--capital--ha, ha! What do you think the fellow did? Ha, ha!--after leading 'em the devil's dance, all around the park, killing45 a hound as savage46 as a wolf, and breaking Hugh Badger's head, which is as hard and thick as a butcher's block, what does the fellow do but dive into a pool, with a great rock hanging over it, and make his way to the other side, through a subterranean47 cavern48, which nobody knew anything about, till they came to drag it, thinking him snugly49 drowned all the while--ha, ha!"
"Ha, ha, ha!" chorused Jack; "bravo! he's a lad of the right sort--ha, ha!"
"He! who?" inquired the attorney.
"Why, the poacher, to be sure," replied Jack; "who else were we talking about?"
"Beg pardon," returned Coates; "I thought you might have heard some intelligence. We've got an eye upon him. We know who it was."
"Indeed!" exclaimed Jack; "and who was it?"
"A fellow known by the name of Luke Bradley."
"Zounds!" cried Titus, "you don't say it was he? Murder in Irish! that bates everything; why, he was Sir Piers's----"
"Natural son," replied the attorney; "he has not been heard of for some time--shockingly incorrigible50 rascal--impossible to do anything with him."
"You don't say so?" observed Jack. "I've heard Sir Piers speak of the lad; and, by his account, he's as fine a fellow as ever crossed tit's back; only a little wildish and unreasonable51, as the best of us may be; wants breaking, that's all. Your skittish52 colt makes the best horse, and so would he. To speak the truth, I'm glad he escaped."
"So am I," rejoined Titus; "for, in the first place, I've a foolish partiality for poachers, and am sorry when any of 'em come to hurt; and, in the second, I'd be mighty54 displeased55 if any ill had happened to one of Sir Piers's flesh and blood, as this young chap appears to be."
"Appears to be!" repeated Palmer; "there's no appearing in the case, I take it. This Bradley's an undoubted offshoot of the old squire. His mother was a servant-maid at the hall, I rather think. You sir," continued he, addressing Coates, "perhaps, can inform us of the real facts of the case."
"She was something better than a servant," replied the attorney, with a slight cough and a knowing wink56. "I remember her quite well, though I was but a boy then; a lovely creature, and so taking, I don't wonder that Sir Piers was smitten57 with her. He was mad after the women in those days, and pretty Sue Bradley above all others. She lived with him quite like his lady."
"So I've heard," returned Jack; "and she remained with him till her death. Let me see, wasn't there something rather odd in the way in which she died, rather suddenish and unexpected,--a noise made about it at the time, eh?"
"Not that I ever heard," replied Coates, shaking his head, and appearing to be afflicted58 with an instantaneous ignorance; while Titus affected59 not to hear the remark, but occupied himself with his wine-glass. Small snored audibly. "I was too young, then, to pay any attention to idle rumors," continued Coates. "It's a long time ago. May I ask the reason of your inquiry?"
"Nothing further than simple curiosity," replied Jack, enjoying the consternation60 of his companions. "It is, as you say, a long while since. But it's singular how that sort of thing is remembered. One would think people had something else to do than talk of one's private affairs for ever. For my part, I despise such tattle. But there are persons in the neighborhood who still say it was an awkward business. Amongst others, I've heard that this very Luke Bradley talks in pretty plain terms about it."
"Does he, indeed?" said Coates. "So much the worse for him. Let me once lay hands upon him, and I'll put a gag in his mouth that shall spoil his talking in the future."
"That's precisely the point I desire to arrive at," replied Jack; "and I advise you by all means to accomplish that, for the sake of the family. Nobody likes his friends to be talked about. So I'd settle the matter amicably61, were I you. Just let the fellow go his way; he won't return here again in a hurry, I'll be bound. As to clapping him in quod, he might prattle--turn stag."
"Turn stag!" replied Coates, "what the deuce is that? In my opinion, he has 'turned stag' already. At all events, he'll pay deer for his night's sport, you may depend upon it. What signifies it what he says? Let me lay hands upon him, that's all."
"Well, well," said Jack, "no offence. I only meant to offer a suggestion. I thought the family, young Sir Ranulph, I mean, mightn't like the story to be revived. As to Lady Rookwood, she don't, I suppose, care much about idle reports. Indeed, if I've been rightly informed, she bears this youngster no particular good-will to begin with, and has tried hard to get him out of the country. But, as you say, what does it signify what he says? he can only talk. Sir Piers is dead and gone."
"But it does seem a little hard, that a lad should swing for killing a bit of venison in his own father's park."
"Which he'd a nat'ral right to do," cried Titus.
"He had no natural right to bruise43, violently assault, and endanger the life of his father's, or anybody else's gamekeeper," retorted Coates. "I tell you, sir, he's committed a capital offence, and if he's taken----"
"No chance of that, I hope," interrupted Jack.
"That's a wish I can't help wishing myself," said Titus: "on my conscience, these poachers are fine boys, when all's said and done."
"The finest of all boys," exclaimed Jack, with a kindred enthusiasm, "are those birds of the night, and minions64 of the moon, whom we call, most unjustly, poachers. They are, after all, only professional sportsmen, making a business of what we make a pleasure; a nightly pursuit of what is to us a daily relaxation65; there's the main distinction. As to the rest, it's all in idea; they merely thin an overstocked park, as you would reduce a plethoric66 patient, doctor; or as you would work a moneyed client, if you got him into Chancery, Mister Attorney. And then how much more scientifically and systematically67 they set to work than we amateurs do! how noiselessly they bag a hare, smoke a pheasant, or knock a buck14 down with an air-gun! how independent are they of any license68, except that of a good eye, and a swift pair of legs! how unnecessary is it for them to ask permission to shoot over Mr. So-and-so's grounds, or my Lord That's preserves! they are free of every cover, and indifferent to any alteration69 in the game laws. I've some thoughts, when everything else fails, of taking to poaching myself. In my opinion, a poacher's a highly respectable character. What say you, Mr. Coates?" turning very gravely to that gentleman.
"Such a question, sir," replied Coates, bridling70 up, "scarcely deserves a serious answer. I make no doubt you will next maintain that a highwayman is a gentleman."
"Most undoubtedly," replied Palmer, in the same grave tone, which might have passed for banter71, had Jack ever bantered72. "I'll maintain and prove it. I don't see how he can be otherwise. It is as necessary for a man to be a gentleman before he can turn highwayman, as it is for a doctor to have his diploma, or an attorney his certificate. Some of the finest gentlemen of their day, as Captain Lovelace, Hind73, Hannum, and Dudley, were eminent74 on the road, and they set the fashion. Ever since their day a real highwayman would consider himself disgraced, if he did not conduct himself in every way like a gentleman. Of course, there are pretenders in this line, as in everything else. But these are only exceptions, and prove the rule. What are the distinguishing characteristics of a fine gentleman?--perfect knowledge of the world--perfect independence of character--notoriety--command of cash--and inordinate75 success with the women. You grant all these premises76? First, then, it is part of a highwayman's business to be thoroughly77 acquainted with the world. He is the easiest and pleasantest fellow going. There is Tom King, for example: he is the handsomest man about town, and the best-bred fellow on the road. Then whose inclinations78 are so uncontrolled as the highwayman's, so long as the mopuses last? who produces so great an effect by so few words?--'STAND AND DELIVER!' is sure to arrest attention. Every one is captivated by an address so taking. As to money, he wins a purse of a hundred guineas as easily as you would the same sum from the faro table. And wherein lies the difference? only in the name of the game. Who so little need of a banker as he? all he has to apprehend79 is a check--all he has to draw is a trigger. As to the women, they dote upon him: not even your red-coat is so successful. Look at a highwayman mounted on his flying steed, with his pistols in his holsters, and his mask upon his face. What can be a more gallant80 sight? The clatter81 of his horse's heels is like music to his ear--he is in full quest--he shouts to the fugitive82 horseman to stay--the other flies all the faster--what chase can be half so exciting as that? Suppose he overtakes his prey83, which ten to one he will, how readily his summons to deliver is obeyed! how satisfactory is the appropriation84 of a lusty purse or corpulent pocket-book!--getting the brush is nothing to it. How tranquilly85 he departs, takes off his hat to his accommodating acquaintance, wishes him a pleasant journey, and disappears across the heath! England, sir, has reason to be proud of her highwaymen. They are peculiar to her clime, and are as much before the brigand86 of Italy, the contrabandist87 of Spain, or the cut-purse of France--as her sailors are before all the rest of the world. The day will never come, I hope, when we shall degenerate88 into the footpad, and lose our Night Errantry. Even the French borrow from us--they have only one highwayman of eminence89, and he learnt and practised his art in England."
"And who was he, may I ask?" said Coates.
"Claude Du-Val," replied Jack; "and though a Frenchman, he was a deuced fine fellow in his day--quite a tip-top macaroni--he could skip and twirl like a figurant, warble like an opera-singer, and play the flageolet better than any man of his day--he always carried a lute90 in his pocket, along with his snappers. And then his dress--it was quite beautiful to see how smartly he was rigg'd out, all velvet91 and lace; and even with his vizard on his face, the ladies used to cry out to see him. Then he took a purse with the air and grace of a receiver-general. All the women adored him--and that, bless their pretty faces! was the best proof of his gentility. I wish he'd not been a Mounseer. The women never mistake. They can always discover the true gentlemen, and they were all, of every degree, from the countess to the kitchen-maid, over head and ears in love with him."
"But he was taken, I suppose?" asked Coates.
"Ay," responded Jack, "the women were his undoing92, as they've been many a brave fellow's before, and will be again." Touched by which reflection, Jack became for once in his life sentimental93, and sighed. "Poor Du-Val! he was seized at the Hole-in-the-Wall in Chandos-street by the bailiff of Westminster, when dead drunk, his liquor having been drugged by his dells--and was shortly afterwards hanged at Tyburn."
"It was thousand pities," said Mr. Coates, with a sneer94, "that so fine a gentleman should come to so ignominious95 an end!"
"Quite the contrary," returned Jack. "As his biographer, Doctor Pope, properly remarks, 'Who is there worthy19 of the name of man, that would not prefer such a death before a mean, solitary96, inglorious life?' By-the-by, Titus, as we're upon the subject, if you like I'll sing you a song about highwaymen."
"I should like it of all things," replied Titus, who entertained a very favorable opinion of Jack's vocal97 powers, and was by no means an indifferent performer; "only let it be in a minor98 key."
Jack required no further encouragement, but disregarding the hints and looks of Coates, sang with much unction the following ballad99 to a good old tune100, then very popular--the merit of which "nobody can deny."
A CHAPTER OF HIGHWAYMEN
Of every rascal of every kind,
The most notorious to my mind,
Was the Cavalier Captain, gay JEMMY HIND![7]
Which nobody can deny.
Was the galliard Frenchman, CLAUDE DU-VAL![8]
Which nobody can deny.
And Tobygloak never a coach could rob,
Could lighten a pocket, or empty a fob,
With a neater hand than OLD MOB, OLD MOB![9]
Which nobody can deny.
Nor did housebreaker ever deal harder knocks
On the stubborn lid of a good strong box,
Than that prince of good fellows, TOM COX, TOM COX![10]
Which nobody can deny.
A blither fellow on broad highway,
Did never with oath bid traveller stay,
Than devil-may-care WILL HOLLOWAY![11]
Which nobody can deny.
Of GETTINGS and GREY, and the five or six
Who trod in the steps of bold NEDDY WICKS![12]
Which nobody can deny.
Nor could any so handily break a lock
As SHEPPARD, who stood on the Newgate dock,
And nicknamed the jailers around him "his flock!"[13]
Which nobody can deny.
Nor did highwaymen ever before possess
Such a mare as DICK TURPIN'S Black Bess! Black Bess!
Which nobody can deny.
[Footnote 7: James Hind--the "Prince of Prigs"--a royalist captain of some distinction, was hanged, drawn106, and quartered, in 1652. Some good stories are told of him. He had the credit of robbing Cromwell, Bradshaw, and Peters. His discourse107 to Peters is particularly edifying108.
Footnote 8: See Du-Val's life by Doctor Pope, or Leigh Hunt's brilliant sketch109 of him in The Indicator110.
Footnote 9: We cannot say much in favor of this worthy, whose name was Thomas Simpson. The reason of his sobriquet111 does not appear. He was not particularly scrupulous112 as to his mode of appropriation. One of his sayings is, however, on record. He told a widow whom he robbed, "that the end of a woman's husband begins in tears, but the end of her tears is another husband." "Upon which," says his chronicler, "the gentlewoman gave him about fifty guineas."
Footnote 10: Tom was a sprightly113 fellow, and carried his sprightliness114 to the gallows115; for just before he was turned off he kicked Mr. Smith, the ordinary, and the hangman out of the cart--a piece of pleasantry which created, as may be supposed, no small sensation.
Footnote 11: Many agreeable stories are related of Holloway. His career, however, closed with a murder. He contrived116 to break out of Newgate but returned to witness the trial of one of his associates; when, upon the attempt of a turnkey, one Richard Spurling, to seize him, Will knocked him on the head in the presence of the whole court. For this offence he suffered the extreme penalty of the law in 1712.
Footnote 12: Wicks's adventures with Madame Toly are highly diverting. It was this hero--not Turpin, as has been erroneously stated--who stopped the celebrated117 Lord Mohun. Of Gettings and Grey, and "the five or six," the less said the better.
Footnote 13: One of Jack's recorded mots. When a Bible was pressed upon his acceptance by Mr. Wagstaff, the chaplain, Jack refused it, saying, "that in his situation one file would be worth all the Bibles in the world." A gentleman who visited Newgate asked him to dinner; Sheppard replied, "that he would take an early opportunity of waiting upon him." And we believe he kept his word.]
"A capital song, by the powers!" cried Titus, as Jack's ditty came to a close. "But your English robbers are nothing at all, compared with our Tories[14] and Rapparees--nothing at all. They were the raal gentlemen--they were the boys to cut a throat aisily."
[Footnote 14: The word Tory, as here applied118, must not be confounded with the term of party distinction now in general use in the political world. It simply means a thief on a grand scale, something more than "a snapper-up of unconsidered trifles," or petty-larceny rascal. We have classical authority for this:--TORY: "An advocate for absolute monarchy119; also, an Irish vagabond, robber, or rapparee."--GROSE'S Dictionary.]
"Pshaw!" exclaimed Jack, in disgust, "the gentlemen I speak of never maltreated any one, except in self-defence."
"Maybe not," replied Titus; "I'll not dispute the point--but these Rapparees were true brothers of the blade, and gentlemen every inch. I'll just sing you a song I made about them myself. But meanwhile don't let's forget the bottle--talking's dry work. My service to you, doctor!" added he, winking120 at the somnolent121 Small. And tossing off his glass, Titus delivered himself with much joviality122 of the following ballad; the words of which he adapted to the tune of the Groves123 of the Pool:
THE RAPPAREES
Let the Englishman boast of his Turpins and Sheppards, as cocks of the walk,
His Mulsacks, and Cheneys, and Swiftnecks[15]--it's all botheration and talk;
Compared with the robbers of Ireland, they don't come within half a mile,
First and foremost comes REDMOND O'HANLON, allowed the first thief of the world,[16]
That o'er the broad province of Ulster the Rapparee banner unfurled;
Och! he was an elegant fellow, as ever you saw in your life,
At fingering the blunderbuss trigger, or handling the throat-cutting knife.
And then such a dare-devil squadron as that which composed REDMOND'S tail!
Meel, Mactigh, Jack Reilly, Shan Bernagh, Phil Galloge, and Arthur O'Neal;
Shure never were any boys like 'em for rows, agitations127, and sprees,
Not a rap did they leave in the country, and hence they were called Rapparees.[17]
Next comes POWER, the great Tory[18] of Munster, a gentleman born every inch,
And strong JACK MACPHERSON of Leinster, a horse-shoe who broke at a pinch;
The last was a fellow so lively, not death e'en his courage could damp,
For as he was led to the gallows, he played his own "march to the camp."[19]
PADDY FLEMING, DICK BALF, and MULHONI, I think are the next on my list,
JEMMY CARRICK must follow his leaders, ould PURNEY who put in a huff,
By dancing a hornpipe at Tyburn, and bothering the hangman for snuff.
And BILLY DELANEY, the "Songster,"[20] we never shall meet with his like;
For his neck by a witch was anointed, and warranted safe by her charm,
And devil a bit in the paddock, if CAHIR gets hould of his ear.
Then success to the Tories of Ireland, the generous, the gallant, the gay!
With them the best Rumpads[21] of England are not to be named the same day!
And were further proof wanting to show what precedence we take with our prigs,
[FOOTNOTES:
15: A trio of famous High-Tobygloaks. Swiftneck was a captain of Irish dragoons, by-the-bye.
16: REDMOND O'HANLON was the Rob Roy of Ireland, and his adventures, many of which are exceedingly curious, would furnish as rich materials for the novelist, as they have already done for the ballad-mongers: some of them are, however, sufficiently136 well narrated137 in a pleasant little tome, published at Belfast, entitled The History of the Rapparees. We are also in possession of a funeral discourse, preached at the obsequies of the "noble and renowned138" Henry St. John, Esq., who was unfortunately killed by the Tories--the Destructives of those days--in the induction139 to which we find some allusion140 to Redmond. After describing the thriving condition of the north of Ireland, about 1680, the Rev62. Lawrence Power, the author of the sermon, says, "One mischief141 there was, which indeed in a great measure destroyed all, and that was a pack of insolent142 bloody143 outlaws144, whom they here call Tories. These had so riveted146 themselves in these parts, that by the interest they had among the natives, and some English, too, to their shame be it spoken, they exercise a kind of separate sovereignty in three or four counties in the north of Ireland. REDMOND O'HANLON is their chief, and has been these many years; a cunning, dangerous fellow, who, though proclaimed an outlaw145 with the rest of his crew, and sums of money set upon their heads, yet he reigns147 still, and keeps all in subjection, so far that 'tis credibly148 reported he raises more in a year by contributions a-la-mode de France than the king's land taxes and chimney-money come to, and thereby149 is enabled to bribe150 clerks and officers, IF NOT THEIR MASTERS, (!) and makes all too much truckle to him." Agitation128, it seems, was not confined to our own days--but the "finest country in the world" has been, and ever will be, the same. The old game is played under a new color--the only difference being, that had Redmond lived in our time, he would, in all probability, not only have pillaged151 a county, but represented it in parliament. The spirit of the Rapparee is still abroad--though we fear there is little of the Tory left about it. We recommend this note to the serious consideration of the declaimers against the sufferings of the "six millions."
17: Here Titus was slightly in error. He mistook the cause for the effect. "They were called Rapparees," Mr. Malone says, "from being armed with a half-pike, called by the Irish a rapparee."--TODD'S JOHNSON.
18: Tory, so called from the Irish word Toree, give me your money.--TODD'S JOHNSON.
19: As he was carried to the gallows, Jack played a fine tune of his own composing on the bagpipe152, which retains the name of Macpherson's tune to this day.--History of the Rapparees.
20: "Notwithstanding he was so great a rogue, Delany was a handsome, portly man, extremely diverting in company, and could behave himself before gentlemen very agreeably. He had a political genius--not altogether surprising in so eminent a Tory--and would have made great proficiency153 in learning if he had rightly applied his time. He composed several songs, and put tunes154 to them; and by his skill in music gained the favor of some of the leading musicians in the country, who endeavored to get him reprieved155."--History of the Rapparees. The particulars of the Songster's execution are singular:--"When he was brought into court to receive sentence of death, the judge told him that he was informed he should say 'that there was not a rope in Ireland sufficient to hang him. But,' says he, 'I'll try if Kilkenny can't afford one strong enough to do your business; and if that will not do, you shall have another, and another.' Then he ordered the sheriff to choose a rope, and Delany was ordered for execution the next day. The sheriff having notice of his mother's boasting that no rope could hang her son--and pursuant to the judge's desire--provided two ropes, but Delany broke them one after the other! The sheriff was then in a rage, and went for three bed-cords, which he plaited threefold together, and they did his business! Yet the sheriff was afraid he was not dead; and in a passion, to make trial, stabbed him with his sword in the soles of his feet, and at last cut the rope. After he was cut down, his body was carried into the courthouse, where it remained in the coffin for two days, standing6 up, till the judge and all the spectators were fully15 satisfied that he was stiff and dead, and then permission was given to his friends to remove the corpse156 and bury it."-History of the Rapparees.
21: Highwaymen, as contradistinguished from footpads.]
"Bravissimo!" cried Jack, drumming upon the table.
"Well," said Coates, "we've had enough about the Irish highwaymen, in all conscience. But there's a rascal on our side of the Channel, whom you have only incidentally mentioned, and who makes more noise than them all put together."
"Who's that?" asked Jack, with some curiosity.
"Dick Turpin," replied the attorney: "he seems to me quite as worthy of mention as any of the Hinds157, the Du-Vals, or the O'Hanlons, you have either of you enumerated158."
"I did not think of him," replied Palmer, smiling; "though, if I had, he scarcely deserves to be ranked with those illustrious heroes."
"Gads159 bobs!" cried Titus; "they tell me Turpin keeps the best nag126 in the United Kingdom, and can ride faster and further in a day than any other man in a week."
"So I've heard," said Palmer, with a glance of satisfaction. "I should like to try a run with him. I warrant me, I'd not be far behind."
"I should like to get a peep at him," quoth Titus.
"So should I," added Coates. "Vastly!"
"You may both of you be gratified, gentlemen," said Palmer. "Talking of Dick Turpin, they say, is like speaking of the devil, he's at your elbow ere the word's well out of your mouth. He may be within hearing at this moment, for anything we know to the contrary."
"Body o' me!" ejaculated Coates, "you don't say so? Turpin in Yorkshire! I thought he confined his exploits to the neighborhood of the metropolis160, and made Epping Forest his headquarters."
"So he did," replied Jack, "but the cave is all up now. The whole of the great North Road, from Tottenham Cross to York gates, comes within Dick's present range; and Saint Nicholas only knows in which part of it he is most likely to be found. He shifts his quarters as often and as readily as a Tartar; and he who looks for him may chance to catch a Tartar--ha!--ha!"
"It's a disgrace to the country that such a rascal should remain unhanged," returned Coates, peevishly. "Government ought to look to it. Is the whole kingdom to be kept in a state of agitation by a single highwayman?--Sir Robert Walpole should take the affair into his own hands."
"Fudge!" exclaimed Jack, emptying his glass.
"I have already addressed a letter to the editor of the Common Sense on the subject," said Coates, "in which I have spoken my mind pretty plainly: and I repeat, it is perfectly161 disgraceful that such a rascal should be suffered to remain at large."
"You don't happen to have that letter by you, I suppose," said Jack, "or I should beg the favor to hear it?--I am not acquainted with the newspaper to which you allude;--I read Fog's Journal."
"So I thought," replied Coates, with a sneer; "that's the reason you are so easily mystified. But luckily I have the paper in my pocket; and you are quite welcome to my opinions. Here it is," added he, drawing forth162 a newspaper. "I shall waive163 my preliminary remarks, and come to the point at once."
"By all means," said Jack.
"'I thank God,'" began Coates, in an authoritative164 tone, "'that I was born in a country that hath formerly165 emulated166 the Romans in their public spirit; as is evident from their conquests abroad, and their struggles for liberty at home.'"
"What has all this got to do with Turpin?" interposed Jack.
"You will hear," replied the attorney--"no interruptions if you please. 'But this noble principle,'" continued he, with great emphasis, "'though not utterly167 lost, I cannot think at present so active as it ought to be in a nation so jealous of her liberty.'"
"Good!" exclaimed Jack. "There is more than 'common sense' in that observation, Mr. Coates."
"'My suspicion,'" proceeded Coates, "'is founded on a late instance. I mean the flagrant, undisturbed success of the notorious TURPIN, who hath robb'd in a manner scarce ever known before for several years, and is grown so insolent and impudent168 as to threaten particular persons, and become openly dangerous to the lives as well as fortunes of the people of England.'"
"Better and better," shouted Jack, laughing immoderately. "Pray go on, sir."
"'That a fellow,'" continued Coates, "'who is known to be a thief by the whole kingdom, shall for so long a time continue to rob us, and not only rob us, but make a jest of us----'"
"Ha--ha--ha--capital! Excuse me, sir," roared Jack, laughing till the tears ran down his cheeks--"pray, pray, go on."
"I see nothing to laugh at," replied Coates, somewhat offended; "however, I will conclude my letter, since I have begun it--'not only rob us, but make a jest of us, shall defy the laws, and laugh at justice, argues a want of public spirit, which should make every particular member of the community sensible of the public calamity169, and ambitious of the honor of extirpating170 such a notorious highwayman from society, since he owes his long successes to no other cause than his immoderate impudence171, and the sloth172 and pusillanimity173 of those who ought to bring him to justice.' I will not deny," continued Coates, "that, professing174 myself, as I do, to be a staunch new Whig, I had not some covert175 political object in penning this epistle.[22] Nevertheless, setting aside my principles----"
[Footnote 22: Since Mr. Coates here avows176 himself the writer of this diatribe177 against Sir Robert Walpole, attacked under the guise178 of Turpin in the Common Sense of July 30, 1737, it is useless to inquire further into its authorship. And it remains179 only to refer the reader to the Gents. Mag., vol. vii. p. 438, for the article above quoted; and for a reply to it from the Daily Gazetteer180 contained in p. 499 of the same volume.]
"Right," observed Jack; "you Whigs, new or old, always set aside your principles."
"Setting aside any political feeling I may entertain," continued Coates, disregarding the interruption, "I repeat, I am ambitious of extirpating this modern Cacus--this Autolycus of the eighteenth century."
"And what course do you mean to pursue?" asked Jack, "for I suppose you do not expect to catch this 'ought-to-lick-us,' as you call him, by a line in the newspapers."
"I am in the habit of keeping my own counsel, sir," replied Coates, pettishly181; "and to be plain with you, I hope to finger all the reward myself."
"Oons, is there a reward offered for Turpin's apprehension182?" asked Titus.
"No less than two hundred pounds," answered Coates, "and that's no trifle, as you will both admit. Have you not seen the king's proclamation, Mr. Palmer?"
"Not I," replied Jack, with affected indifference183.
"Nor I," added Titus, with some appearance of curiosity; "do you happen to have that by you too?"
"I always carry it about with me," replied Coates, "that I may refer to it in case of emergency. My father, Christopher, or Kit53 Coates, as he was familiarly called, was a celebrated thief-taker. He apprehended184 Spicket, and Child, and half a dozen others, and always kept their descriptions in his pocket. I endeavor to tread in my worthy father's footsteps. I hope to signalize myself by capturing a highwayman. By-the-by," added he, surveying Jack more narrowly, "it occurs to me that Turpin must be rather like you, Mr. Palmer?"
"Like me," said Jack, regarding Coates askance; "like me--how am I to understand you, sir, eh?"
"No offence; none whatever, sir. Ah! stay, you won't object to my comparing the description. That can do no harm. Nobody would take you for a highwayman--nobody whatever--ha! ha! Singular resemblance--he--he. These things do happen sometimes: not very often, though. But here is Turpin's description in the Gazette, June 28th, A.D. 1737:--'It having been represented to the King that Richard Turpin did, on Wednesday, the 4th of May last, rob on his Majesty185's highway Vavasour Mowbray, Esq., Major of the 2d troop of Horse Grenadiers'--that Major Mowbray, by-the-by, is a nephew of the late Sir Piers, and cousin of the present baronet--'and commit other notorious felonies and robberies near London, his Majesty is pleased to promise his most gracious pardon to any of his accomplices186, and a reward of two hundred pounds to any person or persons who shall discover him, so as he may be apprehended and convicted.'"
"Odsbodikins!" exclaimed Titus, "a noble reward! I should like to lay hands upon Turpin," added he, slapping Palmer's shoulder: "I wish he were in your place at this moment, Jack."
"Thank you!" replied Palmer, shifting his chair.
"'Turpin,'" continued Coates, "'was born at Thacksted, in Essex; is about thirty'--you, sir, I believe, are about thirty?" added he, addressing Palmer.
"Nothing--nothing at all," answered Coates; "suffer me, however, to proceed:--'Is by trade a butcher,'--you, sir, I believe, never had any dealings in that line?"
"I have some notion how to dispose of a troublesome calf," returned Jack. "But Turpin, though described as a butcher, is, I understand, a lineal descendant of a great French archbishop of the same name."
"Who wrote the chronicles of that royal robber Charlemagne; I know him," replied Coates--"a terrible liar10!--The modern Turpin 'is about five feet nine inches high'--exactly your height, sir--exactly!"
"I am five feet ten," answered Jack, standing bolt upright.
"You have an inch, then, in your favor," returned the unperturbed attorney, deliberately189 proceeding190 with his examination--"'he has a brown complexion, marked with the smallpox191.'"
"My complexion is florid--my face without a seam," quoth Jack.
"Those whiskers would conceal192 anything," replied Coates, with a grin. "Nobody wears whiskers nowadays, except a highwayman."
"Sir!" said Jack, sternly. "You are personal."
"I don't mean to be so," replied Coates; "but you must allow the description tallies193 with your own in a remarkable194 manner. Hear me out, however--'his cheek bones are broad--his face is thinner towards the bottom--his visage short--pretty upright--and broad about the shoulders.' Now I appeal to Mr. Tyrconnel if all this does not sound like a portrait of yourself."
"Don't appeal to me," said Titus, hastily, "upon such a delicate point. I can't say that I approve of a gentleman being likened to a highwayman. But if ever there was a highwayman I'd wish to resemble, it's either Redmond O'Hanlon or Richard Turpin; and may the devil burn me if I know which of the two is the greater rascal!"
"Well, Mr. Palmer," said Coates, "I repeat, I mean no offence. Likenesses are unaccountable. I am said to be like my Lord North; whether I am or not, the Lord knows. But if ever I meet with Turpin I shall bear you in mind--he--he! Ah! if ever I should have the good luck to stumble upon him, I've a plan for his capture which couldn't fail. Only let me get a glimpse of him, that's all. You shall see how I'll dispose of him."
"Well, sir, we shall see," observed Palmer. "And for your own sake, I wish you may never be nearer to him than you are at this moment. With his friends, they say Dick Turpin can be as gentle as a lamb; with his foes195, especially with a limb of the law like yourself, he's been found but an ugly customer. I once saw him at Newmarket, where he was collared by two constable196 culls197, one on each side. Shaking off one, and dealing188 the other a blow in the face with his heavy-handled whip, he stuck spurs into his mare, and though the whole field gave chase, he distanced them all, easily."
"And how came you not to try your pace with him, if you were there, as you boasted a short time ago?" asked Coates.
"So I did, and stuck closer to him than any one else. We were neck and neck. I was the only person who could have delivered him to the hands of justice, if I'd felt inclined."
"Zounds!" cried Coates; "If I had a similar opportunity, it should be neck or nothing. Either he or I should reach the scragging-post first. I'd take him, dead or alive."
"You take Turpin?" cried Jack, with a sneer.
"I'd engage to do it," replied Coates. "I'll bet you a hundred guineas I take him, if I ever have the same chance."
"Done!" exclaimed Jack, rapping the table at the same time, so that the glasses danced upon it.
"That's right," cried Titus. "I'll go you halves."
"A highwayman!" echoed Small. "Eh! what? there are none in the house, I hope."
"I hope not," answered Coates. "But this gentleman has taken up the defence of the notorious Dick Turpin in so singular a manner, that----"
"Quod factu f[oe]dum est, idem est et Dictu Turpe," returned Small. "The less said about that rascal the better."
"So I think," replied Jack. "The fact is as you say, sir--were Dick here, he would, I am sure, take the freedom to hide 'em."
Further discourse was cut short by the sudden opening of the door, followed by the abrupt200 entrance of a tall, slender young man, who hastily advanced towards the table, around which the company were seated. His appearance excited the utmost astonishment201 in the whole group: curiosity was exhibited in every countenance--the magnum remained poised202 midway in the hand of Palmer--Dr. Small scorched203 his thumb in the bowl of his pipe; and Mr. Coates was almost choked, by swallowing an inordinate whiff of vapor204.
"Young Sir Ranulph!" ejaculated he, as soon as the syncope would permit him.
"Sir Ranulph here?" echoed Palmer, rising.
"Angels and ministers!" exclaimed Small.
"Odsbodikins!" cried Titus, with a theatrical205 start; "this is more than I expected."
"Gentlemen," said Ranulph, "do not let my unexpected arrival here discompose you. Dr. Small, you will excuse the manner of my greeting; and you, Mr. Coates. One of the present party, I believe, was my father's medical attendant, Dr. Tyrconnel."
"I had that honor," replied the Irishman, bowing profoundly--"I am Dr. Tyrconnel, Sir Ranulph, at your service."
"When, and at what hour, did my father breathe his last, sir?" inquired Ranulph.
"Poor Sir Piers," answered Titus, again bowing, "departed this life on Thursday last."
"The hour?--the precise minute?" asked Ranulph, eagerly.
"Troth, Sir Ranulph, as nearly as I can recollect, it might be a few minutes before midnight."
"The very hour!" exclaimed Ranulph, striding towards the window. His steps were arrested as his eye fell upon the attire of his father, which, as we have before noticed, hung at that end of the room. A slight shudder206 passed over his frame. There was a momentary207 pause, during which Ranulph continued gazing intently at the apparel. "The very dress, too!" muttered he; then turning to the assembly, who were watching his movements with surprise; "Doctor," said he, addressing Small, "I have something for your private ear. Gentlemen, will you spare us the room for a few minutes?"
"On my conscience," said Tyrconnel to Jack Palmer, as they quitted the sanctum, "a mighty fine boy is this young Sir Ranulph!--and a chip of the ould block!--he'll be as good a fellow as his father."
"No doubt," replied Palmer, shutting the door. "But what the devil brought him back, just in the nick of it?"
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1
jack
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| n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克 | |
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freckled
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| adj.雀斑；斑点；晒斑；（使）生雀斑v.雀斑，斑点( freckle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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scantiness
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| n.缺乏 | |
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garnished
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| v.给（上餐桌的食物）加装饰( garnish的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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inexplicable
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| adj.无法解释的，难理解的 | |
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countenances
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| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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liar
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| n.说谎的人 | |
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crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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subtlety
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| n.微妙，敏锐，精巧；微妙之处，细微的区别 | |
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nether
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| adj.下部的，下面的；n.阴间；下层社会 | |
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buck
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| n.雄鹿，雄兔；v.马离地跳跃 | |
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15
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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exuberant
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| adj.充满活力的；（植物）繁茂的 | |
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cravat
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| n.领巾，领结；v.使穿有领结的服装，使结领结 | |
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esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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outstripped
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| v.做得比…更好，（在赛跑等中）超过( outstrip的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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21
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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22
evading
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| 逃避( evade的现在分词 )； 避开； 回避； 想不出 | |
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inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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24
piers
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| n.水上平台( pier的名词复数 )；（常设有娱乐场所的）突堤；柱子；墙墩 | |
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bout
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| n.侵袭，发作；一次(阵，回)；拳击等比赛 | |
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mare
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| n.母马，母驴 | |
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wig
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| n.假发 | |
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grunt
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| v.嘟哝；作呼噜声；n.呼噜声，嘟哝 | |
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defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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bestowing
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| 砖窑中砖堆上层已烧透的砖 | |
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saluting
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的现在分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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azure
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| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
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attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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doze
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| v.打瞌睡；n.打盹，假寐 | |
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fustian
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| n.浮夸的；厚粗棉布 | |
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intruding
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| v.侵入，侵扰，打扰( intrude的现在分词)；把…强加于 | |
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38
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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coffin
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| n.棺材，灵柩 | |
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40
rascal
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| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
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contrive
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| vt.谋划，策划；设法做到；设计，想出 | |
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42
squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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43
bruise
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| n.青肿，挫伤；伤痕；vt.打青；挫伤 | |
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44
bruises
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| n.瘀伤，伤痕，擦伤( bruise的名词复数 ) | |
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45
killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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47
subterranean
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| adj.地下的，地表下的 | |
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48
cavern
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| n.洞穴，大山洞 | |
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49
snugly
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| adv.紧贴地；贴身地；暖和舒适地；安适地 | |
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50
incorrigible
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| adj.难以纠正的，屡教不改的 | |
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51
unreasonable
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| adj.不讲道理的，不合情理的，过度的 | |
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52
skittish
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| adj.易激动的，轻佻的 | |
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53
kit
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| n.用具包，成套工具；随身携带物 | |
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54
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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55
displeased
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| a.不快的 | |
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56
wink
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| n.眨眼，使眼色，瞬间；v.眨眼，使眼色，闪烁 | |
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57
smitten
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| 猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去分词 ) | |
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58
afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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60
consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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61
amicably
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| adv.友善地 | |
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rev
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| v.发动机旋转，加快速度 | |
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peevishly
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| adv．暴躁地 | |
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minions
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| n.奴颜婢膝的仆从( minion的名词复数 )；走狗；宠儿；受人崇拜者 | |
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relaxation
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| n.松弛，放松；休息；消遣；娱乐 | |
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66
plethoric
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| adj.过多的，多血症的 | |
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systematically
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| adv.有系统地 | |
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68
license
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| n.执照，许可证，特许；v.许可，特许 | |
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alteration
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| n.变更，改变；蚀变 | |
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70
bridling
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| 给…套龙头( bridle的现在分词 )； 控制； 昂首表示轻蔑（或怨忿等）； 动怒，生气 | |
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71
banter
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| n.嘲弄，戏谑；v.取笑，逗弄，开玩笑 | |
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72
bantered
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| v.开玩笑，说笑，逗乐( banter的过去式和过去分词 )；（善意地）取笑，逗弄 | |
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73
hind
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| adj.后面的，后部的 | |
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74
eminent
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| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
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75
inordinate
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| adj.无节制的；过度的 | |
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76
premises
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| n.建筑物，房屋 | |
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77
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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78
inclinations
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| 倾向( inclination的名词复数 )； 倾斜； 爱好； 斜坡 | |
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79
apprehend
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| vt.理解，领悟，逮捕，拘捕，忧虑 | |
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80
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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81
clatter
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| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
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82
fugitive
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| adj.逃亡的，易逝的；n.逃犯，逃亡者 | |
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83
prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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84
appropriation
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| n.拨款，批准支出 | |
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85
tranquilly
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| adv. 宁静地 | |
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86
brigand
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| n.土匪，强盗 | |
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87
contrabandist
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| n.走私者 | |
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88
degenerate
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| v.退步，堕落；adj.退步的，堕落的；n.堕落者 | |
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89
eminence
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| n.卓越，显赫；高地，高处；名家 | |
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90
lute
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| n.琵琶，鲁特琴 | |
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91
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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92
undoing
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| n.毁灭的原因，祸根；破坏，毁灭 | |
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93
sentimental
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| adj.多愁善感的，感伤的 | |
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94
sneer
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| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
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95
ignominious
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|
| adj.可鄙的，不光彩的，耻辱的 | |
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96
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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97
vocal
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| adj.直言不讳的；嗓音的；n.[pl.]声乐节目 | |
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98
minor
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| adj.较小(少)的，较次要的；n.辅修学科；vi.辅修 | |
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99
ballad
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| n.歌谣，民谣，流行爱情歌曲 | |
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100
tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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101
coxcomb
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| n.花花公子 | |
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102
madrigal
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|
| n.牧歌；（流行于16和17世纪无乐器伴奏的）合唱歌曲 | |
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103
rogue
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| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
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104
naught
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| n.无，零 [=nought] | |
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105
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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106
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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107
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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108
edifying
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| adj.有教训意味的，教训性的，有益的v.开导，启发( edify的现在分词 ) | |
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109
sketch
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| n.草图；梗概；素描；v.素描；概述 | |
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110
indicator
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| n.指标；指示物，指示者；指示器 | |
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111
sobriquet
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| n.绰号 | |
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112
scrupulous
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| adj.审慎的，小心翼翼的，完全的，纯粹的 | |
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113
sprightly
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| adj.愉快的，活泼的 | |
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114
sprightliness
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| n.愉快，快活 | |
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115
gallows
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| n.绞刑架，绞台 | |
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116
contrived
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| adj.不自然的，做作的；虚构的 | |
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117
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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118
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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119
monarchy
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| n.君主，最高统治者；君主政体，君主国 | |
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120
winking
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| n.瞬眼，目语v.使眼色( wink的现在分词 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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121
somnolent
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|
| adj.想睡的，催眠的；adv.瞌睡地；昏昏欲睡地；使人瞌睡地 | |
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122
joviality
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| n.快活 | |
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123
groves
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| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
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124
rascals
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| 流氓( rascal的名词复数 )； 无赖； （开玩笑说法）淘气的人（尤指小孩）； 恶作剧的人 | |
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125
isle
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| n.小岛，岛 | |
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126
nag
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| v.(对…)不停地唠叨；n.爱唠叨的人 | |
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127
agitations
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| （液体等的）摇动( agitation的名词复数 )； 鼓动； 激烈争论； （情绪等的）纷乱 | |
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128
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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129
adepts
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| n.专家，能手( adept的名词复数 ) | |
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130
spike
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| n.长钉，钉鞋；v.以大钉钉牢，使...失效 | |
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131
hemp
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| n.大麻；纤维 | |
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132
throttle
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| n.节流阀，节气阀，喉咙；v.扼喉咙，使窒息，压 | |
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133
trot
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| n.疾走，慢跑；n.老太婆；现成译本；(复数）trots:腹泻（与the 连用）；v.小跑，快步走，赶紧 | |
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134
groom
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| vt.给（马、狗等）梳毛，照料，使...整洁 | |
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135
recollect
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|
| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
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136
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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137
narrated
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| v.故事( narrate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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138
renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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139
induction
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| n.感应，感应现象 | |
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140
allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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141
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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142
insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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143
bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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144
outlaws
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| 歹徒，亡命之徒( outlaw的名词复数 )； 逃犯 | |
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145
outlaw
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| n.歹徒，亡命之徒；vt.宣布…为不合法 | |
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146
riveted
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| 铆接( rivet的过去式和过去分词 )； 把…固定住； 吸引； 引起某人的注意 | |
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147
reigns
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| n.君主的统治( reign的名词复数 )；君主统治时期；任期；当政期 | |
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148
credibly
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| ad.可信地；可靠地 | |
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149
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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150
bribe
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|
| n.贿赂；v.向…行贿，买通 | |
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151
pillaged
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| v.抢劫，掠夺( pillage的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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152
bagpipe
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| n.风笛 | |
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153
proficiency
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| n.精通，熟练，精练 | |
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154
tunes
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| n.曲调，曲子( tune的名词复数 )v.调音( tune的第三人称单数 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
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155
reprieved
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| v.缓期执行（死刑）( reprieve的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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156
corpse
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| n.尸体，死尸 | |
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157
hinds
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| n.（常指动物腿）后面的( hind的名词复数 )；在后的；（通常与can或could连用）唠叨不停；滔滔不绝 | |
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158
enumerated
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| v.列举，枚举，数( enumerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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159
gads
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| v.闲逛( gad的第三人称单数 )；游荡；找乐子；用铁棒刺 | |
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160
metropolis
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| n.首府；大城市 | |
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161
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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162
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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163
waive
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| vt.放弃，不坚持(规定、要求、权力等) | |
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164
authoritative
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| adj.有权威的，可相信的；命令式的；官方的 | |
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165
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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166
emulated
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| v.与…竞争( emulate的过去式和过去分词 )；努力赶上；计算机程序等仿真；模仿 | |
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167
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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168
impudent
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| adj.鲁莽的，卑鄙的，厚颜无耻的 | |
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169
calamity
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| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
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170
extirpating
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| v.消灭，灭绝( extirpate的现在分词 )；根除 | |
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171
impudence
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| n.厚颜无耻；冒失；无礼 | |
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172
sloth
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| n.[动]树懒；懒惰，懒散 | |
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173
pusillanimity
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| n.无气力，胆怯 | |
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174
professing
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| 声称( profess的现在分词 )； 宣称； 公开表明； 信奉 | |
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175
covert
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| adj.隐藏的；暗地里的 | |
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176
avows
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| v.公开声明，承认( avow的第三人称单数 ) | |
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177
diatribe
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| n.抨击，抨击性演说 | |
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178
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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179
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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180
gazetteer
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| n.地名索引 | |
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181
pettishly
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182
apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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183
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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184
apprehended
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| 逮捕，拘押( apprehend的过去式和过去分词 )； 理解 | |
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185
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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186
accomplices
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| 从犯，帮凶，同谋( accomplice的名词复数 ) | |
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187
bluffly
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| 率直地，粗率地 | |
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188
dealing
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| n.经商方法，待人态度 | |
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189
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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190
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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191
smallpox
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| n.天花 | |
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192
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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193
tallies
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| n.账( tally的名词复数 )；符合；（计数的）签；标签v.计算，清点( tally的第三人称单数 )；加标签（或标记）于；（使）符合；（使）吻合 | |
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194
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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195
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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196
constable
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| n.(英国)警察，警官 | |
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197
culls
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| n.挑选，剔除( cull的名词复数 )v.挑选，剔除( cull的第三人称单数 ) | |
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198
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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199
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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200
abrupt
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| adj.突然的，意外的；唐突的，鲁莽的 | |
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201
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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202
poised
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| a.摆好姿势不动的 | |
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203
scorched
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| 烧焦，烤焦( scorch的过去式和过去分词 )； 使（植物）枯萎，把…晒枯； 高速行驶； 枯焦 | |
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204
vapor
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| n.蒸汽，雾气 | |
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205
theatrical
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| adj.剧场的，演戏的；做戏似的，做作的 | |
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206
shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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207
momentary
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| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
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