Or a ticker deftly prig:-- [21]
But if ever a pal in limbo fell, [22]
He'd sooner be scragg'd at once than tell; [23]
Though the hum-box patterer talked of hell, [24]
And the beak wore his nattiest wig. [25]

[1: police spy; share of the booty]
[2: house was burgled]
[3: gentlemanly]
[4: police-officers]
[5: Old Bailey pleaders]
[6: prison]
[7: gunpowder, hand dextrous at thieving]
[8: thieves]
[9: double-barrelled gun]
[10: drink freely]
[11: brandy]
[12: depart]
[13: fire]
[14: transported]
[15: hanging [hearty choke]]
[16: burglary]
[17: houses]
[18: steal; handkerchief]
[19: skilful]
[20: pass false notes]
[21: watch]
[22: prison]
[24: parson]
[25: magistrate; handsomest]