By the way, I may have misled you by using the word 'tea'. None of your wafer slices of bread-and-butter. We're good trencher-men, we of the Revolution. What we shall require will be something on the order of scrambled eggs, muffins, jam, ham, cake and sardines. Expect us at five sharp.""But, I say, I'm not quite sure - ""Yes, you are. Silly ass, don't you see that this is going to do you a bit of good when the Revolution breaks loose? When you see old Rowbotham sprinting up Piccadilly with a dripping knife in each hand, you'll be jolly thankful to be able to remind him that he once ate your tea and shrimps.
The passage humorously highlights the characters' expectations for a meal, emphasizing that they are not looking for a light snack but rather a substantial feast. The speaker insists on hearty food, detailing items like scrambled eggs and ham, which reflects the group's robust nature and readiness for their upcoming revolutionary activities. Their confidence about the meal directly ties to their belief that it will benefit them in future endeavors.
This playful dialogue also hints at a deeper camaraderie among the characters, as one reassures the other about the importance of preparedness for the impending chaos of the Revolution. The imagery of Rowbotham running with knives serves to exaggerate the urgency and excitement in their situation, suggesting that past kindnesses, like sharing a meal, could have unexpected significance in times of conflict. The blend of humor and camaraderie paints a lively picture of their interactions.
