And then he added : `` I had better go with you , young man . '' And Tom had no objection , for such company was both respectable and safe ; so the truncheon coiled its thong neatly round its handle , to prevent tripping itself up -- for the thong had got loose in running -- and marched on by Tom 's side . `` Why have you no policeman to carry you ? '' asked Tom , after a while . `` Because we are not like those clumsy-made truncheons in the land - world , which can not go without having a whole man to carry them about . We do our own work for ourselves ; and do it very well , though I say it who should not . '' `` Then why have you a thong to your handle ? '' asked Tom . `` To hang ourselves up by , of course , when we are off duty . '' Tom had got his answer , and had no more to say , till they came up to the great iron door of the prison . And there the truncheon knocked twice , with its own head . A wicket in the door opened , and out looked a tremendous old brass blunderbuss charged up to the muzzle with slugs , who was the porter ; and Tom started back a little at the sight of him . `` What case is this ? '' he asked in a deep voice , out of his broad bell mouth . `` If you please , sir , it is no case ; only a young gentleman from her ladyship , who wants to see Grimes , the master-sweep . '' `` Grimes ? '' said the blunderbuss . And he pulled in his muzzle , perhaps to look over his prison-lists . `` Grimes is up chimney No. 345 , '' he said from inside . `` So the young gentleman had better go on to the roof . ''
Tom looked up at the enormous wall , which seemed at least ninety miles high , and wondered how he should ever get up : but , when he hinted that to the XXXXX , it settled the matter in a moment .
Grimes Tom answer blunderbuss gentleman ladyship master-sweep prison-lists truncheon truncheons