e]uvre. He shook his old chum
cordially by the hand, saying, in a whisper, "What the devil brings you
here, Jerry?"

"I might retort, and ask you that question, Captain Turpin," replied
Jerry, _sotto voce_. "It is odd to see me here, certainly--quite out of
my element--lost amongst this _canaille_--this Canting Crew--all the
fault of a pair of gipsy eyes, bright as a diamond, dark as a sloe. You
comprehend--a little affair, ha! Liable to these things. Bring your ear
closer, my boy; be upon your guard--keep a sharp look out--there's a
devil of a reward upon your head--I won't answer for all those rascals."

"Thank you for the hint, Jerry," replied Dick, in the same tone. "I
calculated my chances pretty nicely when I came here. But if I should
perceive any symptoms of foul play--any attempt to snitch or nose,
amongst this pack of peddlers--I have a friend or two at hand, who won't
be silent upon the occasion. Rest assured I shall have my eye upon the
gnarling scoundrels. I won't be sold for nothing."

"Trust you for that," returned Juniper, with a wink. "Stay," added he;
"a thought strikes me. I have a scheme _in petto_ which may, perhaps,
afford you some fun, and will, at all events, insure your safety during
your stay."

"What is it?" asked Dick.

"Just amuse yourself with a flirtation for a moment or two with that
pretty damsel, who has been casting her ogles at you for the last five
minutes without success, while I effect a master-stroke."

And as Turpin, nothing loth, followed his advice, Jerry addressed
himself to Zoroaster. After a little conference, accompanied by that
worthy and the knight of Malta, the trio stepped forward from the line,
and approached Dick, when Juniper, assuming some such attitude as our
admirable Jones, the comedian, is wont to display, delivered himself of
the following address. Turpin listened with the gravity of one of the
distinguished persons alluded to, at the commencement of the present
chapter, upon their receiving the freedom of the city at the hands of a
mayor and corporation. Thus spoke Jerry:

"Highest of High-Tobymen! rummest of rum Padders, and most scampish of
Scampsmen! We, in the name of Barbara, our most tawny queen; in the name
of Zoroaster, our Upright Man, Dimber Damber, or Olli Campolli, by all
which titles his excellency is distinguished; in our own respective
names, as High Pads and Low Pads, Rum Gills and Queer Gills, Patricos,
Palliards, Priggers, Whip-Jacks,