[Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens]@TWC D-Link bookBarnaby Rudge CHAPTER 8 5/13
Take 'em off, noble captain.
Remove 'em, for they pierce like gimlets.' Mr Tappertit smiled grimly at his comrade; and twisting out one more look--a kind of ocular screw--under the influence of which the blind man feigned to undergo great anguish and torture, bade him, in a softened tone, approach, and hold his peace. 'I obey you, captain,' cried Stagg, drawing close to him and filling out a bumper without spilling a drop, by reason that he held his little finger at the brim of the glass, and stopped at the instant the liquor touched it, 'drink, noble governor.
Death to all masters, life to all 'prentices, and love to all fair damsels.
Drink, brave general, and warm your gallant heart!' Mr Tappertit condescended to take the glass from his outstretched hand. Stagg then dropped on one knee, and gently smoothed the calves of his legs, with an air of humble admiration. 'That I had but eyes!' he cried, 'to behold my captain's symmetrical proportions! That I had but eyes, to look upon these twin invaders of domestic peace!' 'Get out!' said Mr Tappertit, glancing downward at his favourite limbs. 'Go along, will you, Stagg!' 'When I touch my own afterwards,' cried the host, smiting them reproachfully, 'I hate 'em.
Comparatively speaking, they've no more shape than wooden legs, beside these models of my noble captain's.' 'Yours!' exclaimed Mr Tappertit.
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