~354~~pleasant witticisms which sparkled forth in endless variety among the choice spirits who frequented the _sanctum sanctorum_ of the _old Finish_. "There is yet, however, one more place worthy of notice," said Crony; "not for any amusement we shall derive from its frequenters, but, simply, that it is the most notorious place in London." Thither it was agreed we should adjourn; for Crony's description of _Madame and Messieurs_ the _Conducteurs_ was quite sufficient to produce excitement in the young and ardent minds by which he was then surrounded. I shall not pollute this work by a repetition of the circumstances connected with this place, as detailed by old Crony, lest humanity should start back with horror and disgust at the bare mention, and charity endeavour to throw discredit on the true, but black recital. The specious pretence of selling shell-fish and oysters is a mere trap for the inexperienced, as every description of expensive wines, liqueurs, coffee, and costly suppers are in more general request, and the wanton extravagance exhibited within its vortex is enough to strike the uninitiated and the moralist with the most appalling sentiments of horror and dismay. Yet within this _saloon (see plate)_ did we enter, at four o'clock in the morning, to view the depravity of human nature, and watch the operation of licentiousness upon the young and thoughtless. [Illustration: page354] A Newgate turnkey would, no doubt, recognize many old acquaintances; in the special hope of which, Bob Transit has faithfully delineated some of the most conspicuous characters, as they appeared on that occasion, lending their hearty assistance in the general scene of maddening uproar. It was past five o'clock in the morning ere we quitted this den of dreadful depravity, heartily tired out by the night's adventures, yet solacing ourselves with the reflection that we had seen much and suffered little either in respect to our purses or our persons. VISIT TO WESTMINSTER HALL. _Worthies thereof--Legal Sketches of the Long Robe--The Maiden Brief--An awkward Recognition--Visit to Banco Regis-- Surrey Collegians giving a Lift to a Limb of the Late, "Thus far shalt thou go and no farther"--Park Rangers--Visit to the Life Academy--R--A--ys of Genius reflecting on the true line of Beauty--Arrival of Bernard Black-mantle in London--Reads his Play and Farce in the Green Rooms of the two Theatres Royal, Drury Lane and Covent Garden--Sketches of Theatrical Character--The City Ball at the Mansion House-- The Squeeze--Civic Characters--Return to Alma Mater--The Wind-up--Term ends_.