Charles Dickens: Our Mutual Friend

BOOK THE FIRST: THE CUP AND THE LIP Chapter 13: Tracking the Bird of Prey (continued)

'Not empty?'

'Yes, empty. And what's more,--adrift. And what's more,--with one scull gone. And what's more,--with t'other scull jammed in the thowels and broke short off. And what's more,--the boat's drove tight by the tide 'atwixt two tiers of barges. And what's more,--he's in luck again, by George if he ain't!'