CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE “OLD ST. COLUMBKIL”—A TÊTE-À-TÊTE IN THE “ROYAL RAM”—THE TEMPTER.
The “Old Saint Columbkil” was a sort of low sporting tavern frequented chiefly by horse-jockeys, c**k-fighters, and dog-fanciers; it had its c**k-pits, and its badger-baits, and an unpretending little “hell” of its own; and, in short, was deficient in none of the attractions most potent in alluring such company as it was intended to receive.
As Ashwoode, preceded by his agreeable companion, made his way into the low-roofed and irregular chamber, his senses were assailed by the thick fumes of tobacco, the reek of spirits, and the heavy steams of the hot dainties which ministered to the refined palates of the patrons of the “Old Saint Columbkil;” and through the hazy atmosphere, seated at a table by himse
