e a booze
together ere I depart, for I don't think my stay will be long in the
land of Egypt."

This suggestion of Turpin was so entirely consonant to the wishes of the
assemblage, that it met with universal approbation; and upon a sign from
Zoroaster, some of his followers departed in search of supplies for the
carousal. Zoroaster leaped from the table, and his example was followed
by Turpin, and more leisurely by the patrico.

It was rather early in the day for a drinking bout. But the Canting Crew
were not remarkably particular. The chairs were removed, and the
jingling of glasses announced the arrival of the preliminaries of the
matutine symposion. Poles, canvas, and cords were next brought; and in
almost as short a space of time as one scene is substituted for another
in a theatrical representation, a tent was erected. Benches, stools, and
chairs appeared with equal celerity, and the interior soon presented an
appearance like that of a booth at a fair. A keg of brandy was broached,
and the health of the new brother quaffed in brimmers.

Our highwayman returned thanks. Zoroaster was in the chair, the knight
of Malta acting as croupier. A second toast was proposed--the tawny
queen. This was drunk with a like enthusiasm, and with a like allowance
of the potent spirit; but as bumpers of brandy are not to be repeated
with impunity, it became evident to the president of the board that he
must not repeat his toasts quite so expeditiously. To create a
temporary diversion, therefore, he called for a song.

The dulcet notes of the fiddle now broke through the clamor; and, in
answer to the call, Jerry Juniper volunteered the following:

JERRY JUNIPER'S CHANT

In a box[37] of the stone jug[38] I was born,
Of a hempen widow[39] the kid forlorn.
_Fake away,_
And my father, as I've heard say,
_Fake away._
Was a merchant of capers[40] gay,
Who cut his last fling with great applause,
_Nix my doll pals, fake away._[41]

Who cut his last fling with great applause,[42]
To the tune of a "hearty choke with caper sauce."
_Fake away._
The knucks in quod[43] did my schoolmen play,
_Fake away,_
And put me up to the time of day;
Until at last there was none so knowing,
_Nix my doll pals, fake away.