Dressed as we are, it is not likely anyone would interfere with us in the hope of finding money on us, but they are not particular at all, at all, and a party of these rascals might try to roll us in the mire, just for fun.

So it is as well to be prepared." However, they met with no interruption, passed out through Holborn Bars, and soon arrived at the house where Mike had taken a lodging.

They were not sorry, however, that they were armed, for, several times, they heard outbursts of drunken shouting and the sound of frays.
Mike had hired two rooms.

In one of these were three straw beds, for the officers.

He himself slept on a blanket on the floor of the other room, which served as kitchen and sitting room.
Now, for the first time, they were able to talk freely.
"Mike, we have not said much to you, yet," Desmond began, "but I and these gentlemen are fully conscious that you have saved us from death, for we hear that Government is determined to push matters to the extremity, and to have all the officers captured condemned to be hanged." "Bad cess to them!" Mike exclaimed, indignantly.