"From some words I overheard I believe that some of the ruffians over in the marshes are this evening going to make an attack upon a boat with a lady in it coming down the river.

We will be on the spot, and can give them a reception such as they do not expect." "Do you know who the lady is, Walter ?" "I have not the least idea.

I only caught a few words, and may be wrong; still, it will do no harm should I be mistaken." The tide was running down strongly, for there had been a good deal of rain during the preceding week, and all night it had poured heavily.

It was fine now, but the stream was running down thick and turbid, and it needed all the boys' efforts to force the wherry against it.

They rowed by turns; all were fairly expert at the exercise, for in those days the Thames was at once the great highway and playground of London.