The hearth was swept clean, the fire burnt bright and clear, the curtains were let down, and the light excluded. Our three adventurers and their room, seemed the picture of comfort. So thought Mr. Pepper, for, glancing round the chamber, and putting his feet upon the fender, he said,
"Were my portrait to be taken, Gentlemen; it is just as I am now that I would be drawn!"
"And," said Tomlinson, cracking his filberts—Tomlinson was fond of filberts—"were I to choose a home, it is in such a home as this that I would be always quartered."
"Ah! Gentlemen," said Clifford, who had been for some time silent, "it is more than probable that both your wishes may be heard, and that ye may be drawn, quartered, and something else, too, in the very place of your desert!"
"Well!" said Tomlinson, smiling gently, "I am happy to hear you jest again, Captain, though it be at our expense."
"Expense!" echoed Ned, "Ay! there's the rub! Who the deuce is to pay the expense of our dinner?"
