Lee also looked at him, and I think that each one thought what a splendid specimen of his style the other was.

If they did not think so, "they ought to it," as the Londoners say.

But neither spoke a few minutes; then Tom said,-- "Lee, Will Lee, though you came to me a free man, and have served me twenty years, or thereabouts, as free man, I don't conceal from myself the fact that you have been convict.

Pish, man! don't let us mince matters now,--a lag." Lee looked him full in the face, without changing countenance, and nodded.
"Convicted more than once, too," continued Tom.
"Three times," said Lee.
"Ah!" said Tom.

"And if a piece of work was set before me to do, which required pluck, honesty, courage, and cunning, and one were to say to me, 'Who will you have to help you ?' I would answer out boldly, 'Give me Will Lee the lag; my old friend, who has served me so true and hearty these twenty years.'" "And you'd do right, sir," said Lee quietly.