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Why, what palavers this? asked Mr Dennis with supreme disdain. We ant got no sentimental members among us, I hope. Dont be uneasy, brother, cried Hugh, hes only talking of his mother. Of his what? said Mr Dennis with a strong oath. His mother. And have I combined myself with this here section, and turned out on this here memorable day, to hear men talk about their mothers! growled Mr Dennis with extreme disgust. The notion of a mans sweethearts bad enough, but a mans mother!and here his disgust was so extreme that he spat upon the ground, and could say no more. Barnabys right, cried Hugh with a grin, and I say it. Lookee, bold lad. If shes not here to see, its because Ive provided for her, and sent half-a-dozen gentlemen, every one of em with a blue flag (but not half as fine as yours), to take her, in state, to a grand house all hung round with gold and silver banners, and everything else you please, where shell wait till you come, and want for nothing. Ay! said Barnaby, his face beaming with delight: have you indeed? Thats a good hearing. Thats fine! Kind Hugh! But nothing to what will come, bless you, retorted Hugh, with a wink at Dennis, who regarded his new companion in arms with great astonishment. No, indeed? cried Barnaby. Nothing at all, said Hugh. Money, cocked hats and feathers, red coats and gold lace; all the fine things there are, ever were, or will be; will belong to us if we are true to that noble gentleman the best man in the worldcarry our flags for a few days, and keep em safe. Thats all weve got to do. Is that all? cried Barnaby with glistening eyes, as he clutched his pole the tighter; I warrant you I keep this one safe, then. You have put it in good hands. You know me, Hugh. Nobody shall wrest this flag away. Well said! cried Hugh. Ha ha! Nobly said! Thats the old stout Barnaby, that I have climbed and leaped with, many and many a dayI knew I was not mistaken in Barnaby.Dont you see, man, he added in a whisper, as he slipped to the other side of Dennis, that the lads a natural, and can be got to do anything, if you take him the right way? Letting alone the fun he is, hes worth a dozen men, in earnest, as youd find if you tried a fall with him. Leave him to me. You shall soon see whether hes of use or not. Mr Dennis received these explanatory remarks with many nods and winks, and softened his behaviour towards Barnaby from that moment. Hugh, laying his finger on his nose, stepped back into his former place, and they proceeded in silence. It was between two and three oclock in the afternoon when the three great parties met at Westminster, and, uniting into one huge mass, raised a tremendous shout. This was not only done in token of their presence, but as a signal to those on whom the task devolved, that it was time to take possession of the lobbies of both Houses, and of the various avenues of approach, and of the gallery stairs. To the last- named place, Hugh and Dennis, still with their pupil between them, rushed straightway; Barnaby having given his flag into the hands of one of their own party, who kept them at the outer door. Their followers pressing on behind, they were borne as on a great wave to the very doors of the gallery, whence it was impossible to retreat, even if they had been so inclined, by reason of the throng which choked up the passages. It is a familiar expression in describing a great crowd, that a person might have walked upon |
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