Now they were enjoined to
disperse in order and depart in peace. The band sounded a
triumphant retreat; the leaders had descended from the Druid's
Altar; the multitude were melting away, bearing back to the
town their high resolves and panting thoughts, and echoing in
many quarters the suggestive appeals of those who had
addressed them. Dandy Mick and Devilsdust departed together;
the business of their night had not yet commenced, and it was
an important one.
They took their way to that suburb whither Gerard and Morley
repaired the evening of their return from Marney Abbey; but it
was not on this occasion to pay a visit to Chaffing Jack and
his brilliant saloon. Winding through many obscure lanes,
Mick and his friend at length turned into a passage which
ended in a square court of a not inconsiderable size, and
which was surrounded by high buildings that had the appearance
of warehouses. Entering one of these, and taking up a dim
lamp that was placed on the stone of an empty hearth,
Devilsdust led his friend through several unoccupied and
unfurnished rooms, until he came to one in which there were
some signs of occupation.
"Now, Mick," said he, in a very earnest, almost solemn tone,
"are you firm?"
"All right, my hearty," replied his friend, though not without
some affectation of ease.
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