The rest of the time he had been on the Saw-Grinders' box, receiving relief, viz.: seven shillings and sixpence for his wife, and two shillings for each child; and every now and then he would be seen with three or four sovereigns in his possession.
The name of this masterful beggar, of this invalid in theory, who, in fact, could eat three pounds of steak at a sitting, was Biggs; but it is a peculiarity of Hillsborough to defy baptismal names, and substitute others deemed spicier.

Out of the parish register and the records of the police courts, the scamp was only known as Dan Tucker.
This Dan stood, with others, loitering about "The Cutlers' Arms." Presently out came Grotait, and surveyed the rascally lot.

He beckoned to Dan, and retired.
Dan went in after him.
"Drat his luck!" said one of the rejected candidates, "he always gets the job." The rest then dispersed.
Tucker was shown into a pitch-dark room, and there a bargain was struck between him and men unseen.

He and two more were to go to Cairnhope, and DO Little.

He was to avoid all those men who had lately stood at the door with him, and was to choose for his companions Simmons the grinder, and one Sam Cole, a smooth, plausible fellow, that had been in many a dark job, unsuspected even by his wife and family, who were respectable.
Thus instructed, Tucker went to the other men, and soon reported to Grotait that he had got Cole all right, but that Simmons looked coldly on the job.