"Hold hard," cried he, addressing the waterman; "I'll give the gentleman a lift." "Unpossible, master," rejoined Ben; "the tide's running down like a mill-sluice, and the wind's right in our teeth.

Old saltwater was right.
We shall have a reg'lar squall afore we gets across.

D'ye hear how the wanes creaks on old Winchester House?
We shall have a touch on it ourselves presently.

But I shall lose my wager if I stay a moment longer--so here goes." Upon which, he plunged his oars deeply into the stream, and the bark shot from the strand.
Mr.Wood's anxiety respecting the fugitive was speedily relieved by hearing another waterman busy himself in preparation for starting; and, shortly after, the dip of a second pair of oars sounded upon the river.
"Curse me, if I don't think all the world means to cross the Thames this fine night," observed Ben.

"One'd think it rained fares, as well as blowed great guns.