Page:Paul Clifford Vol 1.djvu/236

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206
PAUL CLIFFORD.

other abode in the vicinity. It was of curious and grotesque shape, painted white, with a gothic chimney, a Chinese sign post, (on which was depicted a gentleman fishing, with the words, "The Jolly Angler," written beneath,) and a porch that would have been Grecian, if it had not been Dutch. It stood in a little field, with a hedge behind it, and the common in front! Augustus stopped at the door, and, while he paused, bursts of laughter rang cheerily within.

"Ah, the merry boys!" he muttered: "I long to be with them!" and then with his clenched fist he knocked four times on the door. There was a sudden silence, which lasted about a minute, and was broken by a voice within, asking who was there. Tomlinson answered by some cabalistic word; the door was opened, and a little boy presented himself.

"Well, my lad," said Augustus, "and how is your master? stout and hearty, if I may judge by his voice."

"Ay, Master Tommy, ay, he's boosing away at a fine rate in the back-parlour, with Mr. Pepper and fighting Attie, and half a score more of