take the pledge—take an oath not to consume alcoholic beverages.
sheriff’s man—a revenue and debt collector.
favourites and outsiders—likely and less-likely winners in a horse race.
handy with the mitts—(slang) a good figher.
corn-factor’s—an agent for the sale of corn.
short twelve—noon mass.
sit—(slang) situation.
screw—(British slang) salary.
pier-glass—a tall mirror set in the pier, or section, between windows.
Reynold’s Newspaper—a London newspaper that reported on scandalous events.
a certain fame—a bad reputation.
combing-jacket—a bathrobe.
return-room—a room, usually small, added to the wall of a house.
