Ah! Q, thank you. That's a reference I haven't seen. I must take a look there. If the "stuck in the mud" line is there it will be another later reference -- a puzzle-piece none-the-less.
Coppin and Cowell both used "William Barlow" at times -- especially when they were being pompous.
Off to look at the book. Alice, Alice. Lookee here!
Cheers, Joy