“And what have they quarrelled about?” inquired Dashall. “Jealousy, Sir, nothing else; that there man in the night-cap, with the red ruff round his neck, is Sail's fancy man, and he sometimes lets her have a cargo of fish for services done and performed, you understand--and so Sail she comes down this morning, and she finds Poll having a phililoo with him, that's all; but I wish they would go and have it out somewhere else, for it spoils all business--Nance, go and get us a quartern of Jacky, that I may ax these Gentlemen to drink, for its a cold morning, and perhaps they are not used to be up so early.” Tom saw the drift of this in a moment, and taking the hint, supplied the needful to Nance, who was dispatched for the heart-cheering beverage, which they could perceive was in high reputation by those around them. The effluvia of the fish, the fumes of tobacco, and the reviving scent of the gin-bottle, rendered their olfactory salutations truly delightful. Nor could they escape the Fish-wife without becoming participators in the half pint of blue ruin. “Come,” said Tom, “we will now stroll a little further, and take a survey of the street; but first we will give a look here. “This,” said he, “is the Custom House, a splendid building recently erected, in consequence of the old one being demolished by fire in 1814.” ~300~~ “It is, indeed,” replied Bob, admiring the south front, which is executed in Portland stone. “Do you observe,” continued Tom, “the central compartment, which comprises what is called the Long Room, and which we will visit presently, is quite plain, except the attic, which is elegantly ornamented?--that alto-relievo contains allegorical representations of the arts and sciences, as connected with and promoting the commerce and industry of the nation--that to the west, a representation of the costume and character of the various nations with whom we hold intercourse in our commercial relations--in the centre, under the large massive dial-plate, are inscribed in large bronze letters the names of the founders and the date of its erection--the figures which support the dial in a recumbent position are emblematical of industry and plenty--that bold projection in the centre, gives a suitable character to the King's warehouse, and forms an appropriate support to the imperial arms upheld by the attributes of Ocean and Commerce.” Bob gazed with admiration and delight on this truly admirable and extensive pile of national architecture; the gentle breeze from the river, the occasional dash of the oar, and the activity which appeared on board the different vessels; together with the view of London Bridge on one side, over which he could perceive pedestrians and vehicles of various kinds passing and repassing, and the Tower on the other, conspired to heighten and give a most imposing effect to the scene. “The designs,” said Tallyho, “are truly creditable to the taste and science of the architect.”