Chapter 39

The applause which the performance of Hugh and his new friend elicited from the company at The Boot, had not yet subsided, and the two dancers were still panting from their exertions, which had been of a rather extreme and violent character, when the party was reinforced by the arrival of some more guests, who, being a detachment of United Bulldogs, were received with very flattering marks of distinction and respect.

The leader of this small partya€"for, including himself, they were but three in numbera€"was our old acquaintance, Mr Tappertit, who seemed, physically speaking, to have grown smaller with years (particularly as to his legs, which were stupendously little), but who, in a moral point of view, in personal dignity and self-esteem, had swelled into a giant. Nor was it by any means difficult for the most unobservant person to detect this state of feeling in the quondam a€™prentice, for it not only proclaimed itself impressively and beyond mistake in his majestic walk and kindling eye, but found a striking means of revelation in his turned-up nose, which scouted all things of earth with deep disdain, and sought communion with its kindred skies.

Mr Tappertit, as chief or captain of the Bulldogs, was attended by his two lieutenants; one, the tall comrade of his younger life; the other, a a€™Prentice Knight in days of yorea€"Mark Gilbert, bound in the olden time to Thomas Curzon of the Golden Fleece. These gentlemen, like himself, were now emancipated from their a€™prentice thraldom, and served as journeymen; but they were, in humble emulation of his great example, bold and daring spirits, and aspired to a distinguished state in great political events. Hence their connection with the Protestant Association of England, sanctioned by the name of Lord George Gordon; and hence their present visit to The Boot.

a€˜Gentlemen!a€™ said Mr Tappertit, taking off his hat as a great general might in addressing his troops. a€˜Well met. My lord does me and you the honour to send his compliments per self.a€™

a€˜Youa€™ve seen my lord too, have you?a€™ said Dennis. a€˜I see him this afternoon.a€™

a€˜My duty called me to the Lobby when our shop shut up; and I saw him there, sir,a€™ Mr Tappertit replied, as he and his lieutenants took their seats. a€˜How do you do?a€™

a€˜Lively, master, lively,a€™ said the fellow. a€˜Herea€™s a new brother, regularly put down in black and white by Muster Gashford; a credit to the cause; one of the stick-at-nothing sort; one arter my own heart. Da€™ye see him? Has he got the looks of a man thata€™ll do, do you think?a€™ he cried, as he slapped Hugh on the back.

a€˜Looks or no