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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Jack Sheppard, by William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Jack Sheppard
+       A Romance
+
+Author: William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+Release Date: July 6, 2005 [EBook #16215]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JACK SHEPPARD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jason Isbell, Ben Beasley and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcribers Note: Obvious typesetter errors from the original
+corrected in this etext. If they are not obvious errors, they are left as
+in the original.
+
+Throughout this text you will see words or phrases with _ (underscore)
+on either side, such as _this_. These were in italics in the original,
+but as ascii does not allow for formatting italics, they have been
+changed in this version.
+
+---------------------------------
+
+English Library
+
+_VOL. XII_
+
+JACK SHEPPARD A Romance
+
+BY W. Harrison Ainsworth
+
+Internationale Bibliothek G M B H Berlin
+
+1922
+
+"Upon my word, friend," said I, "you have almost made me long to try
+what a robber I should make." "There is a great art in it, if you did,"
+quoth he. "Ah! but," said I, "there's a great deal in being hanged."
+
+_Life and Actions of Guzman d'Alfarache._
+
+Printed In Germany
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+EPOCH THE FIRST, 1703.
+JONATHAN WILD.
+
+CHAPTER I. The Widow and her Child             1
+       II. The Old Mint                       13
+      III. The Master of the Mint             28
+       IV. The Roof and the Window            34
+        V. The Denunciation                   42
+       VI. The Storm                          51
+      VII. Old London Bridge                  63
+
+
+EPOCH THE SECOND, 1715.
+THAMES DARRELL.
+
+CHAPTER I. The Idle Apprentice                75
+       II. Thames Darrell                     88
+      III. The Jacobite                       95
+       IV. Mr. Kneebone and his Friends       99
+        V. Hawk and Buzzard                  103
+       VI. The first Step towards the Ladder 119
+      VII. Brother and Sister                131
+     VIII. Miching Mallecho                  135
+       IX. Consequences of the Theft         147
+        X. Mother and Son                    154
+       XI. The Mohocks                       160
+      XII. Saint Giles's Round-house         167
+     XIII. The Magdalene                     177
+      XIV. The Flash Ken                     191
+       XV. The Robbery in Willesden Church   198
+      XVI. Jonathan Wild's House in the Old  201
+              Bailey
+     XVII. The Night-Cellar                  211
+    XVIII. How Jack Sheppard broke out of    218
+              the Cage at Willesden
+      XIX. Good and Evil                     224
+
+
+EPOCH THE THIRD, 1724.
+THE PRISON-BREAKER.
+
+CHAPTER I. The Return                        231
+       II. The Burglary at Dollis Hill       249
+      III. Jack Sheppard's Quarrel with      254
+              Jonathan Wild
+       IV. Jack Sheppard's Escape from the   258
+              New Prison
+        V. The Disguise                      261
+       VI. Winifred receives two Proposals   278
+      VII. Jack Sheppard warns Thames        284
+              Darrell
+     VIII. Old Bedlam                        291
+       IX. Old Newgate                       302
+        X. How Jack Sheppard got out of the  310
+              Condemned Hold
+       XI. Dollis Hill revisited             324
+      XII. The Well Hole                     336
+     XIII. The Supper at Mr. Kneebone's      346
+      XIV. How Jack Sheppard was again       367
+              captured
+       XV. How Blueskin underwent the Peine  377
+              Forte et Dure
+      XVI. How Jack Sheppard's Portrait was  385
+              painted
+     XVII. The Iron Bar                      397
+    XVIII. The Bed Room                      400
+      XIX. The Chapel                        401
+       XX. The Leads                         405
+      XXI. What befell Jack Sheppard in the  408
+              Turner's House
+     XXII. Fast and Loose                    415
+    XXIII. The last Meeting between Jack     419
+              Sheppard and his Mother
+     XXIV. The Pursuit                       425
+      XXV. How Jack Sheppard got rid of his  429
+              Irons
+     XXVI. How Jack Sheppard attended his    435
+              Mother's Funeral
+    XXVII. How Jack Sheppard was brought     441
+              back to Newgate
+   XXVIII. What happened at Dollis Hill      449
+     XXIX. How Jack Sheppard was taken to    454
+              Westminster Hall
+      XXX. How Jonathan Wild's House was     458
+              burnt down
+     XXXI. The Procession to Tyburn          462
+    XXXII. The Closing Scene                 472
+
+
+
+
+EPOCH THE FIRST.
+
+1703.
+
+JONATHAN WILD.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+JACK SHEPPARD.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+The Widow and her Child.
+
+
+On the night of Friday, the 26th of November, 1703, and at the hour of
+eleven, the door of a miserable habitation, situated in an obscure
+quarter of the Borough of Southwark, known as the Old Mint, was opened;
+and a man, with a lantern in his hand, appeared at the threshold. This
+person, whose age might be about forty, was attired in a brown
+double-breasted frieze coat, with very wide skirts, and a very narrow
+collar; a light drugget waistcoat, with pockets reaching to the knees;
+black plush breeches; grey worsted hose; and shoes with round toes,
+wooden heels, and high quarters, fastened by small silver buckles. He
+wore a three-cornered hat, a sandy-coloured scratch wig, and had a thick
+woollen wrapper folded round his throat. His clothes had evidently seen
+some service, and were plentifully begrimed with the dust of the
+workshop. Still he had a decent look, and decidedly the air of one
+well-to-do in the world. In stature, he was short and stumpy; in person,
+corpulent; and in countenance, sleek, snub-nosed, and demure.
+
+Immediately behind this individual, came a pale, poverty-stricken woman,
+whose forlorn aspect contrasted strongly with his plump and comfortable
+physiognomy. She was dressed in a tattered black stuff gown, discoloured
+by various stains, and intended, it would seem, from the remnants of
+rusty crape with which it was here and there tricked out, to represent
+the garb of widowhood, and held in her arms a sleeping infant, swathed
+in the folds of a linsey-woolsey shawl.
+
+Notwithstanding her emaciation, her features still retained something
+of a pleasing expression, and might have been termed beautiful, had it
+not been for that repulsive freshness of lip denoting the habitual
+dram-drinker; a freshness in her case rendered the more shocking from
+the almost livid hue of the rest of her complexion. She could not be
+more than twenty; and though want and other suffering had done the work
+of time, had wasted her frame, and robbed her cheek of its bloom and
+roundness, they had not extinguished the lustre of her eyes, nor thinned
+her raven hair. Checking an ominous cough, that, ever and anon,
+convulsed her lungs, the poor woman addressed a few parting words to her
+companion, who lingered at the doorway as if he had something on his
+mind, which he did not very well know how to communicate.
+
+"Well, good night, Mr. Wood," said she, in the deep, hoarse accents of
+consumption; "and may God Almighty bless and reward you for your
+kindness! You were always the best of masters to my poor husband; and
+now you've proved the best of friends to his widow and orphan boy."
+
+"Poh! poh! say no more about it," rejoined the man hastily. "I've done
+no more than my duty, Mrs. Sheppard, and neither deserve nor desire your
+thanks. 'Whoso giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord;' that's my
+comfort. And such slight relief as I can afford should have been offered
+earlier, if I'd known where you'd taken refuge after your unfortunate
+husband's--"
+
+"Execution, you would say, Sir," added Mrs. Sheppard, with a deep sigh,
+perceiving that her benefactor hesitated to pronounce the word. "You
+show more consideration to the feelings of a hempen widow, than there is
+any need to show. I'm used to insult as I am to misfortune, and am grown
+callous to both; but I'm _not_ used to compassion, and know not how to
+take it. My heart would speak if it could, for it is very full. There
+was a time, long, long ago, when the tears would have rushed to my eyes
+unbidden at the bare mention of generosity like yours, Mr. Wood; but
+they never come now. I have never wept since that day."
+
+"And I trust you will never have occasion to weep again, my poor soul,"
+replied Wood, setting down his lantern, and brushing a few drops from
+his eyes, "unless it be tears of joy. Pshaw!" added he, making an effort
+to subdue his emotion, "I can't leave you in this way. I must stay a
+minute longer, if only to see you smile."
+
+So saying, he re-entered the house, closed the door, and, followed by
+the widow, proceeded to the fire-place, where a handful of chips,
+apparently just lighted, crackled within the rusty grate.
+
+The room in which this interview took place had a sordid and miserable
+look. Rotten, and covered with a thick coat of dirt, the boards of the
+floor presented a very insecure footing; the bare walls were scored all
+over with grotesque designs, the chief of which represented the
+punishment of Nebuchadnezzar. The rest were hieroglyphic characters,
+executed in red chalk and charcoal. The ceiling had, in many places,
+given way; the laths had been removed; and, where any plaster remained,
+it was either mapped and blistered with damps, or festooned with dusty
+cobwebs. Over an old crazy bedstead was thrown a squalid, patchwork
+counterpane; and upon the counterpane lay a black hood and scarf, a pair
+of bodice of the cumbrous form in vogue at the beginning of the last
+century, and some other articles of female attire. On a small shelf near
+the foot of the bed stood a couple of empty phials, a cracked ewer and
+basin, a brown jug without a handle, a small tin coffee-pot without a
+spout, a saucer of rouge, a fragment of looking-glass, and a flask,
+labelled "_Rosa Solis_." Broken pipes littered the floor, if that can be
+said to be littered, which, in the first instance, was a mass of squalor
+and filth.
+
+Over the chimney-piece was pasted a handbill, purporting to be "_The
+last Dying Speech and Confession of_ TOM SHEPPARD, _the Notorious
+Housebreaker, who suffered at Tyburn on the 25th of February, 1703._"
+This placard was adorned with a rude wood-cut, representing the unhappy
+malefactor at the place of execution. On one side of the handbill a
+print of the reigning sovereign, Anne, had been pinned over the portrait
+of William the Third, whose aquiline nose, keen eyes, and luxuriant wig,
+were just visible above the diadem of the queen. On the other a wretched
+engraving of the Chevalier de Saint George, or, as he was styled in the
+label attached to the portrait, James the Third, raised a suspicion that
+the inmate of the house was not altogether free from some tincture of
+Jacobitism.
+
+Beneath these prints, a cluster of hobnails, driven into the wall,
+formed certain letters, which, if properly deciphered, produced the
+words, "_Paul Groves, cobler;_" and under the name, traced in charcoal,
+appeared the following record of the poor fellow's fate, "_Hung himsel
+in this rum for luv off licker;_" accompanied by a graphic sketch of the
+unhappy suicide dangling from a beam. A farthing candle, stuck in a
+bottle neck, shed its feeble light upon the table, which, owing to the
+provident kindness of Mr. Wood, was much better furnished with eatables
+than might have been expected, and boasted a loaf, a knuckle of ham, a
+meat-pie, and a flask of wine.
+
+"You've but a sorry lodging, Mrs. Sheppard," said Wood, glancing round
+the chamber, as he expanded his palms before the scanty flame.
+
+"It's wretched enough, indeed, Sir," rejoined the widow; "but, poor as
+it is, it's better than the cold stones and open streets."
+
+"Of course--of course," returned Wood, hastily; "anything's better than
+that. But take a drop of wine," urged he, filling a drinking-horn and
+presenting it to her; "it's choice canary, and'll do you good. And now,
+come and sit by me, my dear, and let's have a little quiet chat
+together. When things are at the worst, they'll mend. Take my word for
+it, your troubles are over."
+
+"I hope they are, Sir," answered Mrs. Sheppard, with a faint smile and a
+doubtful shake of the head, as Wood drew her to a seat beside him, "for
+I've had my full share of misery. But I don't look for peace on this
+side the grave."
+
+"Nonsense!" cried Wood; "while there's life there's hope. Never be
+down-hearted. Besides," added he, opening the shawl in which the infant
+was wrapped, and throwing the light of the candle full upon its sickly,
+but placid features, "it's sinful to repine while you've a child like
+this to comfort you. Lord help him! he's the very image of his father.
+Like carpenter, like chips."
+
+"That likeness is the chief cause of my misery," replied the widow,
+shuddering. "Were it not for that, he would indeed be a blessing and a
+comfort to me. He never cries nor frets, as children generally do, but
+lies at my bosom, or on my knee, as quiet and as gentle as you see him
+now. But, when I look upon his innocent face, and see how like he is to
+his father,--when I think of that father's shameful ending, and
+recollect how free from guilt _he_ once was,--at such times, Mr. Wood,
+despair will come over me; and, dear as this babe is to me, far dearer
+than my own wretched life, which I would lay down for him any minute, I
+have prayed to Heaven to remove him, rather than he should grow up to be
+a man, and be exposed to his father's temptations--rather than he should
+live as wickedly and die as disgracefully as his father. And, when I
+have seen him pining away before my eyes, getting thinner and thinner
+every day, I have sometimes thought my prayers were heard."
+
+"Marriage and hanging go by destiny," observed Wood, after a pause; "but
+I trust your child is reserved for a better fate than either, Mrs.
+Sheppard."
+
+The latter part of this speech was delivered with so much significance
+of manner, that a bystander might have inferred that Mr. Wood was not
+particularly fortunate in his own matrimonial connections.
+
+"Goodness only knows what he's reserved for," rejoined the widow in a
+desponding tone; "but if Mynheer Van Galgebrok, whom I met last night at
+the Cross Shovels, spoke the truth, little Jack will never die in his
+bed."
+
+"Save us!" exclaimed Wood. "And who is this Van Gal--Gal--what's his
+outlandish name?"
+
+"Van Galgebrok," replied the widow. "He's the famous Dutch conjuror who
+foretold King William's accident and death, last February but one, a
+month before either event happened, and gave out that another prince
+over the water would soon enjoy his own again; for which he was
+committed to Newgate, and whipped at the cart's tail. He went by another
+name then,--Rykhart Scherprechter I think he called himself. His
+fellow-prisoners nicknamed him the gallows-provider, from a habit he had
+of picking out all those who were destined to the gibbet. He was never
+known to err, and was as much dreaded as the jail-fever in consequence.
+He singled out my poor husband from a crowd of other felons; and you
+know how right he was in that case, Sir."
+
+"Ay, marry," replied Wood, with a look that seemed to say that he did
+not think it required any surprising skill in the art of divination to
+predict the doom of the individual in question; but whatever opinion he
+might entertain, he contented himself with inquiring into the grounds of
+the conjuror's evil augury respecting the infant. "What did the old
+fellow judge from, eh, Joan?" asked he.
+
+"From a black mole under the child's right ear, shaped like a coffin,
+which is a bad sign; and a deep line just above the middle of the left
+thumb, meeting round about in the form of a noose, which is a worse,"
+replied Mrs. Sheppard. "To be sure, it's not surprising the poor little
+thing should be so marked; for, when I lay in the women-felons' ward in
+Newgate, where he first saw the light, or at least such light as ever
+finds entrance into that gloomy place, I had nothing, whether sleeping
+or waking, but halters, and gibbets, and coffins, and such like horrible
+visions, for ever dancing round me! And then, you know, Sir--but,
+perhaps, you don't know that little Jack was born, a month before his
+time, on the very day his poor father suffered."
+
+"Lord bless us!" ejaculated Wood, "how shocking! No, I did _not_ know
+that."
+
+"You may see the marks on the child yourself, if you choose, Sir,"
+urged the widow.
+
+"See the devil!--not I," cried Wood impatiently. "I didn't think you'd
+been so easily fooled, Joan."
+
+"Fooled or not," returned Mrs. Sheppard mysteriously, "old Van told me
+_one_ thing which has come true already."
+
+"What's that?" asked Wood with some curiosity.
+
+"He said, by way of comfort, I suppose, after the fright he gave me at
+first, that the child would find a friend within twenty-four hours, who
+would stand by him through life."
+
+"A friend is not so soon gained as lost," replied Wood; "but how has the
+prediction been fulfilled, Joan, eh?"
+
+"I thought you would have guessed, Sir," replied the widow, timidly.
+"I'm sure little Jack has but one friend beside myself, in the world,
+and that's more than I would have ventured to say for him yesterday.
+However, I've not told you all; for old Van _did_ say something about
+the child saving his new-found friend's life at the time of meeting; but
+how that's to happen, I'm sure I can't guess."
+
+"Nor any one else in his senses," rejoined Wood, with a laugh. "It's not
+very likely that a babby of nine months old will save _my_ life, if I'm
+to be his friend, as you seem to say, Mrs. Sheppard. But I've not
+promised to stand by him yet; nor will I, unless he turns out an honest
+lad,--mind that. Of all crafts,--and it was the only craft his poor
+father, who, to do him justice, was one of the best workmen that ever
+handled a saw or drove a nail, could never understand,--of all crafts, I
+say, to be an honest man is the master-craft. As long as your son
+observes that precept I'll befriend him, but no longer."
+
+"I don't desire it, Sir," replied Mrs. Sheppard, meekly.
+
+"There's an old proverb," continued Wood, rising and walking towards the
+fire, "which says,--'Put another man's child in your bosom, and he'll
+creep out at your elbow.' But I don't value that, because I think it
+applies to one who marries a widow with encumbrances; and that's not my
+case, you know."
+
+"Well, Sir," gasped Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"Well, my dear, I've a proposal to make in regard to this babby of
+yours, which may, or may not, be agreeable. All I can say is, it's well
+meant; and I may add, I'd have made it five minutes ago, if you'd given
+me the opportunity."
+
+"Pray come to the point, Sir," said Mrs. Sheppard, somewhat alarmed by
+this preamble.
+
+"I _am_ coming to the point, Joan. The more haste, the worse
+speed--better the feet slip than the tongue. However, to cut a long
+matter short, my proposal's this:--I've taken a fancy to your bantling,
+and, as I've no son of my own, if it meets with your concurrence and
+that of Mrs. Wood, (for I never do anything without consulting my better
+half,) I'll take the boy, educate him, and bring him up to my own
+business of a carpenter."
+
+The poor widow hung her head, and pressed her child closer to her
+breast.
+
+"Well, Joan," said the benevolent mechanic, after he had looked at her
+steadfastly for a few moments, "what say you?--silence gives consent,
+eh?"
+
+Mrs. Sheppard made an effort to speak, but her voice was choked by
+emotion.
+
+"Shall I take the babby home with me!" persisted Wood, in a tone between
+jest and earnest.
+
+"I cannot part with him," replied the widow, bursting into tears;
+"indeed, indeed, I cannot."
+
+"So I've found out the way to move her," thought the carpenter; "those
+tears will do her some good, at all events. Not part with him!" added he
+aloud. "Why you wouldn't stand in the way of his good fortune sure_ly_?
+I'll be a second father to him, I tell you. Remember what the conjuror
+said."
+
+"I _do_ remember it, Sir," replied Mrs. Sheppard, "and am most grateful
+for your offer. But I dare not accept it."
+
+"Dare not!" echoed the carpenter; "I don't understand you, Joan."
+
+"I mean to say, Sir," answered Mrs. Sheppard in a troubled voice, "that
+if I lost my child, I should lose all I have left in the world. I have
+neither father, mother, brother, sister, nor husband--I have only
+_him_."
+
+"If I ask you to part with him, my good woman, it's to better his
+condition, I suppose, ain't it?" rejoined Wood angrily; for, though he
+had no serious intention of carrying his proposal into effect, he was
+rather offended at having it declined. "It's not an offer," continued
+he, "that I'm likely to make, or you're likely to receive every day in
+the year."
+
+And muttering some remarks, which we do not care to repeat, reflecting
+upon the consistency of the sex, he was preparing once more to depart,
+when Mrs. Sheppard stopped him.
+
+"Give me till to-morrow," implored she, "and if I _can_ bring myself to
+part with him, you shall have him without another word."
+
+"Take time to consider of it," replied Wood sulkily, "there's no hurry."
+
+"Don't be angry with me, Sir," cried the widow, sobbing bitterly, "pray
+don't. I know I am undeserving of your bounty; but if I were to tell you
+what hardships I have undergone--to what frightful extremities I have
+been reduced--and to what infamy I have submitted, to earn a scanty
+subsistence for this child's sake,--if you could feel what it is to
+stand alone in the world as I do, bereft of all who have ever loved me,
+and shunned by all who have ever known me, except the worthless and the
+wretched,--if you knew (and Heaven grant you may be spared the
+knowledge!) how much affliction sharpens love, and how much more dear to
+me my child has become for every sacrifice I have made for him,--if you
+were told all this, you would, I am sure, pity rather than reproach me,
+because I cannot at once consent to a separation, which I feel would
+break my heart. But give me till to-morrow--only till to-morrow--I may
+be able to part with him then."
+
+The worthy carpenter was now far more angry with himself than he had
+previously been with Mrs. Sheppard; and, as soon as he could command his
+feelings, which were considerably excited by the mention of her
+distresses, he squeezed her hand warmly, bestowed a hearty execration
+upon his own inhumanity, and swore he would neither separate her from
+her child, nor suffer any one else to separate them.
+
+"Plague on't!" added he: "I never meant to take your babby from you. But
+I'd a mind to try whether you really loved him as much as you pretended.
+I was to blame to carry the matter so far. However, confession of a
+fault makes half amends for it. A time _may_ come when this little chap
+will need my aid, and, depend upon it, he shall never want a friend in
+Owen Wood."
+
+As he said this, the carpenter patted the cheek of the little object of
+his benevolent professions, and, in so doing, unintentionally aroused
+him from his slumbers. Opening a pair of large black eyes, the child
+fixed them for an instant upon Wood, and then, alarmed by the light,
+uttered a low and melancholy cry, which, however, was speedily stilled
+by the caresses of his mother, towards whom he extended his tiny arms,
+as if imploring protection.
+
+"I don't think he would leave me, even if I could part with him,"
+observed Mrs. Sheppard, smiling through her tears.
+
+"I don't think he would," acquiesced the carpenter. "No friend like the
+mother, for the babby knows no other."
+
+"And that's true," rejoined Mrs. Sheppard; "for if I had _not_ been a
+mother, I would not have survived the day on which I became a widow."
+
+"You mustn't think of that, Mrs. Sheppard," said Wood in a soothing
+tone.
+
+"I can't help thinking of it, Sir," answered the widow. "I can never get
+poor Tom's last look out of my head, as he stood in the Stone-Hall at
+Newgate, after his irons had been knocked off, unless I manage to
+stupify myself somehow. The dismal tolling of St. Sepulchre's bell is
+for ever ringing in my ears--oh!"
+
+"If that's the case," observed Wood, "I'm surprised you should like to
+have such a frightful picture constantly in view as that over the
+chimney-piece."
+
+"I'd good reasons for placing it there, Sir; but don't question me
+about them now, or you'll drive me mad," returned Mrs. Sheppard wildly.
+
+"Well, well, we'll say no more about it," replied Wood; "and, by way of
+changing the subject, let me advise you on no account to fly to strong
+waters for consolation, Joan. One nail drives out another, it's true;
+but the worst nail you can employ is a coffin-nail. Gin Lane's the
+nearest road to the churchyard."
+
+"It may be; but if it shortens the distance and lightens the journey, I
+care not," retorted the widow, who seemed by this reproach to be roused
+into sudden eloquence. "To those who, like me, have never been able to
+get out of the dark and dreary paths of life, the grave is indeed a
+refuge, and the sooner they reach it the better. The spirit I drink may
+be poison,--it may kill me,--perhaps it _is_ killing me:--but so would
+hunger, cold, misery,--so would my own thoughts. I should have gone mad
+without it. Gin is the poor man's friend,--his sole set-off against the
+rich man's luxury. It comforts him when he is most forlorn. It may be
+treacherous, it may lay up a store of future woe; but it insures present
+happiness, and that is sufficient. When I have traversed the streets a
+houseless wanderer, driven with curses from every door where I have
+solicited alms, and with blows from every gateway where I have sought
+shelter,--when I have crept into some deserted building, and stretched
+my wearied limbs upon a bulk, in the vain hope of repose,--or, worse
+than all, when, frenzied with want, I have yielded to horrible
+temptation, and earned a meal in the only way I could earn one,--when I
+have felt, at times like these, my heart sink within me, I have drank of
+this drink, and have at once forgotten my cares, my poverty, my guilt.
+Old thoughts, old feelings, old faces, and old scenes have returned to
+me, and I have fancied myself happy,--as happy as I am now." And she
+burst into a wild hysterical laugh.
+
+"Poor creature!" ejaculated Wood. "Do you call this frantic glee
+happiness?"
+
+"It's all the happiness I have known for years," returned the widow,
+becoming suddenly calm, "and it's short-lived enough, as you perceive. I
+tell you what, Mr. Wood," added she in a hollow voice, and with a
+ghastly look, "gin may bring ruin; but as long as poverty, vice, and
+ill-usage exist, it will be drunk."
+
+"God forbid!" exclaimed Wood, fervently; and, as if afraid of prolonging
+the interview, he added, with some precipitation, "But I must be going:
+I've stayed here too long already. You shall hear from me to-morrow."
+
+"Stay!" said Mrs. Sheppard, again arresting his departure. "I've just
+recollected that my husband left a key with me, which he charged me to
+give you when I could find an opportunity."
+
+"A key!" exclaimed Wood eagerly. "I lost a very valuable one some time
+ago. What's it like, Joan?"
+
+"It's a small key, with curiously-fashioned wards."
+
+"It's mine, I'll be sworn," rejoined Wood. "Well, who'd have thought of
+finding it in this unexpected way!"
+
+"Don't be too sure till you see it," said the widow. "Shall I fetch it
+for you, Sir?"
+
+"By all means."
+
+"I must trouble you to hold the child, then, for a minute, while I run
+up to the garret, where I've hidden it for safety," said Mrs. Sheppard.
+"I think I _may_ trust him with you, Sir," added she, taking up the
+candle.
+
+"Don't leave him, if you're at all fearful, my dear," replied Wood,
+receiving the little burthen with a laugh. "Poor thing!" muttered he, as
+the widow departed on her errand, "she's seen better days and better
+circumstances than she'll ever see again, I'm sure. Strange, I could
+never learn her history. Tom Sheppard was always a close file, and would
+never tell whom he married. Of this I'm certain, however, she was much
+too good for him, and was never meant to be a journeyman carpenter's
+wife, still less what is she now. Her heart's in the right place, at all
+events; and, since that's the case, the rest may perhaps come
+round,--that is, if she gets through her present illness. A dry cough's
+the trumpeter of death. If that's true, she's not long for this world.
+As to this little fellow, in spite of the Dutchman, who, in my opinion,
+is more of a Jacobite than a conjurer, and more of a knave than either,
+he shall never mount a horse foaled by an acorn, if I can help it."
+
+The course of the carpenter's meditations was here interrupted by a loud
+note of lamentation from the child, who, disturbed by the transfer, and
+not receiving the gentle solace to which he was ordinarily accustomed,
+raised his voice to the utmost, and exerted his feeble strength to
+escape. For a few moments Mr. Wood dandled his little charge to and fro,
+after the most approved nursery fashion, essaying at the same time the
+soothing influence of an infantine melody proper to the occasion; but,
+failing in his design, he soon lost all patience, and being, as we have
+before hinted, rather irritable, though extremely well-meaning, he
+lifted the unhappy bantling in the air, and shook him with so much good
+will, that he had well-nigh silenced him most effectually. A brief calm
+succeeded. But with returning breath came returning vociferations; and
+the carpenter, with a faint hope of lessening the clamour by change of
+scene, took up his lantern, opened the door, and walked out.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+The Old Mint.
+
+
+Mrs. Sheppard's habitation terminated a row of old ruinous buildings,
+called Wheeler's Rents; a dirty thoroughfare, part street, and part
+lane, running from Mint Street, through a variety of turnings, and along
+the brink of a deep kennel, skirted by a number of petty and neglected
+gardens in the direction of Saint George's Fields. The neighbouring
+houses were tenanted by the lowest order of insolvent traders, thieves,
+mendicants, and other worthless and nefarious characters, who fled
+thither to escape from their creditors, or to avoid the punishment due
+to their different offenses; for we may observe that the Old Mint,
+although it had been divested of some of its privileges as a sanctuary
+by a recent statute passed in the reign of William the Third, still
+presented a safe asylum to the debtor, and even continued to do so until
+the middle of the reign of George the First, when the crying nature of
+the evil called loudly for a remedy, and another and more sweeping
+enactment entirely took away its immunities. In consequence of the
+encouragement thus offered to dishonesty, and the security afforded to
+crime, this quarter of the Borough of Southwark was accounted (at the
+period of our narrative) the grand receptacle of the superfluous
+villainy of the metropolis. Infested by every description of vagabond
+and miscreant, it was, perhaps, a few degrees worse than the rookery
+near Saint Giles's and the desperate neighbourhood of Saffron Hill in
+our own time. And yet, on the very site of the sordid tenements and
+squalid courts we have mentioned, where the felon openly made his
+dwelling, and the fraudulent debtor laughed the object of his knavery to
+scorn--on this spot, not two centuries ago, stood the princely residence
+of Charles Brandon, the chivalrous Duke of Suffolk, whose stout heart
+was a well of honour, and whose memory breathes of loyalty and valour.
+Suffolk House, as Brandon's palace was denominated, was subsequently
+converted into a mint by his royal brother-in-law, Henry the Eighth;
+and, after its demolition, and the removal of the place of coinage to
+the Tower, the name was still continued to the district in which it had
+been situated.
+
+Old and dilapidated, the widow's domicile looked the very picture of
+desolation and misery. Nothing more forlorn could be conceived. The roof
+was partially untiled; the chimneys were tottering; the side-walls
+bulged, and were supported by a piece of timber propped against the
+opposite house; the glass in most of the windows was broken, and its
+place supplied with paper; while, in some cases, the very frames of the
+windows had been destroyed, and the apertures were left free to the airs
+of heaven. On the groundfloor the shutters were closed, or, to speak
+more correctly, altogether nailed up, and presented a very singular
+appearance, being patched all over with the soles of old shoes, rusty
+hobnails, and bits of iron hoops, the ingenious device of the former
+occupant of the apartment, Paul Groves, the cobbler, to whom we have
+before alluded.
+
+It was owing to the untimely end of this poor fellow that Mrs. Sheppard
+was enabled to take possession of the premises. In a fit of despondency,
+superinduced by drunkenness, he made away with himself; and when the
+body was discovered, after a lapse of some months, such was the
+impression produced by the spectacle--such the alarm occasioned by the
+crazy state of the building, and, above all, by the terror inspired by
+strange and unearthly noises heard during the night, which were, of
+course, attributed to the spirit of the suicide, that the place speedily
+enjoyed the reputation of being haunted, and was, consequently, entirely
+abandoned. In this state Mrs. Sheppard found it; and, as no one opposed
+her, she at once took up her abode there; nor was she long in
+discovering that the dreaded sounds proceeded from the nocturnal gambols
+of a legion of rats.
+
+A narrow entry, formed by two low walls, communicated with the main
+thoroughfare; and in this passage, under the cover of a penthouse, stood
+Wood, with his little burthen, to whom we shall now return.
+
+As Mrs. Sheppard did not make her appearance quite so soon as he
+expected, the carpenter became a little fidgetty, and, having succeeded
+in tranquillizing the child, he thought proper to walk so far down the
+entry as would enable him to reconnoitre the upper windows of the house.
+A light was visible in the garret, feebly struggling through the damp
+atmosphere, for the night was raw and overcast. This light did not
+remain stationary, but could be seen at one moment glimmering through
+the rents in the roof, and at another shining through the cracks in the
+wall, or the broken panes of the casement. Wood was unable to discover
+the figure of the widow, but he recognised her dry, hacking cough, and
+was about to call her down, if she could not find the key, as he
+imagined must be the case, when a loud noise was heard, as though a
+chest, or some weighty substance, had fallen upon the floor.
+
+Before Wood had time to inquire into the cause of this sound, his
+attention was diverted by a man, who rushed past the entry with the
+swiftness of desperation. This individual apparently met with some
+impediment to his further progress; for he had not proceeded many steps
+when he turned suddenly about, and darted up the passage in which Wood
+stood.
+
+Uttering a few inarticulate ejaculations,--for he was completely out of
+breath,--the fugitive placed a bundle in the arms of the carpenter, and,
+regardless of the consternation he excited in the breast of that
+personage, who was almost stupified with astonishment, he began to
+divest himself of a heavy horseman's cloak, which he threw over Wood's
+shoulder, and, drawing his sword, seemed to listen intently for the
+approach of his pursuers.
+
+The appearance of the new-comer was extremely prepossessing; and, after
+his trepidation had a little subsided, Wood began to regard him with
+some degree of interest. Evidently in the flower of his age, he was
+scarcely less remarkable for symmetry of person than for comeliness of
+feature; and, though his attire was plain and unpretending, it was such
+as could be worn only by one belonging to the higher ranks of society.
+His figure was tall and commanding, and the expression of his
+countenance (though somewhat disturbed by his recent exertion) was
+resolute and stern.
+
+At this juncture, a cry burst from the child, who, nearly smothered by
+the weight imposed upon him, only recovered the use of his lungs as Wood
+altered the position of the bundle. The stranger turned his head at the
+sound.
+
+"By Heaven!" cried he in a tone of surprise, "you have an infant there?"
+
+"To be sure I have," replied Wood, angrily; for, finding that the
+intentions of the stranger were pacific, so far as he was concerned, he
+thought he might safely venture on a slight display of spirit. "It's
+very well you haven't crushed the poor little thing to death with this
+confounded clothes'-bag. But some people have no consideration."
+
+"That child may be the means of saving me," muttered the stranger, as if
+struck by a new idea: "I shall gain time by the expedient. Do you live
+here?"
+
+"Not exactly," answered the carpenter.
+
+"No matter. The door is open, so it is needless to ask leave to enter.
+Ha!" exclaimed the stranger, as shouts and other vociferations resounded
+at no great distance along the thoroughfare, "not a moment is to be
+lost. Give me that precious charge," he added, snatching the bundle from
+Wood. "If I escape, I will reward you. Your name?"
+
+"Owen Wood," replied the carpenter; "I've no reason to be ashamed of it.
+And now, a fair exchange, Sir. Yours?"
+
+The stranger hesitated. The shouts drew nearer, and lights were seen
+flashing ruddily against the sides and gables of the neighbouring
+houses.
+
+"My name is Darrell," said the fugitive hastily. "But, if you are
+discovered, answer no questions, as you value your life. Wrap yourself
+in my cloak, and keep it. Remember! not a word!"
+
+So saying, he huddled the mantle over Wood's shoulders, dashed the
+lantern to the ground, and extinguished the light. A moment afterwards,
+the door was closed and bolted, and the carpenter found himself alone.
+
+"Mercy on us!" cried he, as a thrill of apprehension ran through his
+frame. "The Dutchman was right, after all."
+
+This exclamation had scarcely escaped him, when the discharge of a
+pistol was heard, and a bullet whizzed past his ears.
+
+"I have him!" cried a voice in triumph.
+
+A man, then, rushed up the entry, and, seizing the unlucky carpenter by
+the collar, presented a drawn sword to his throat. This person was
+speedily followed by half a dozen others, some of whom carried
+flambeaux.
+
+"Mur--der!" roared Wood, struggling to free himself from his assailant,
+by whom he was half strangled.
+
+"Damnation!" exclaimed one of the leaders of the party in a furious
+tone, snatching a torch from an attendant, and throwing its light full
+upon the face of the carpenter; "this is not the villain, Sir Cecil."
+
+"So I find, Rowland," replied the other, in accents of deep
+disappointment, and at the same time relinquishing his grasp. "I could
+have sworn I saw him enter this passage. And how comes his cloak on this
+knave's shoulders?"
+
+"It is his cloak, of a surety," returned Rowland "Harkye, sirrah,"
+continued he, haughtily interrogating Wood; "where is the person from
+whom you received this mantle?"
+
+"Throttling a man isn't the way to make him answer questions," replied
+the carpenter, doggedly. "You'll get nothing out of me, I can promise
+you, unless you show a little more civility."
+
+"We waste time with this fellow," interposed Sir Cecil, "and may lose
+the object of our quest, who, beyond doubt, has taken refuge in this
+building. Let us search it."
+
+Just then, the infant began to sob piteously.
+
+"Hist!" cried Rowland, arresting his comrade. "Do you hear that! We are
+not wholly at fault. The dog-fox cannot be far off, since the cub is
+found."
+
+With these words, he tore the mantle from Wood's back, and, perceiving
+the child, endeavoured to seize it. In this attempt he was, however,
+foiled by the agility of the carpenter, who managed to retreat to the
+door, against which he placed his back, kicking the boards vigorously
+with his heel.
+
+"Joan! Joan!" vociferated he, "open the door, for God's sake, or I shall
+be murdered, and so will your babby! Open the door quickly, I say."
+
+"Knock him on the head," thundered Sir Cecil, "or we shall have the
+watch upon us."
+
+"No fear of that," rejoined Rowland: "such vermin never dare to show
+themselves in this privileged district. All we have to apprehend is a
+rescue."
+
+The hint was not lost upon Wood. He tried to raise an outcry, but his
+throat was again forcibly griped by Rowland.
+
+"Another such attempt," said the latter, "and you are a dead man. Yield
+up the babe, and I pledge my word you shall remain unmolested."
+
+"I will yield it to no one but its mother," answered Wood.
+
+"'Sdeath! do you trifle with me, sirrah?" cried Rowland fiercely. "Give
+me the child, or--"
+
+As he spoke the door was thrown open, and Mrs. Sheppard staggered
+forward. She looked paler than ever; but her countenance, though
+bewildered, did not exhibit the alarm which might naturally have been
+anticipated from the strange and perplexing scene presented to her view.
+
+"Take it," cried Wood, holding the infant towards her; "take it, and
+fly."
+
+Mrs. Sheppard put out her arms mechanically. But before the child could
+be committed to her care, it was wrested from the carpenter by Rowland.
+
+"These people are all in league with him," cried the latter. "But don't
+wait for me, Sir Cecil. Enter the house with your men. I'll dispose of
+the brat."
+
+This injunction was instantly obeyed. The knight and his followers
+crossed the threshold, leaving one of the torch-bearers behind them.
+
+"Davies," said Rowland, delivering the babe, with a meaning look, to his
+attendant.
+
+"I understand, Sir," replied Davies, drawing a little aside. And,
+setting down the link, he proceeded deliberately to untie his cravat.
+
+"My God! will you see your child strangled before your eyes, and not so
+much as scream for help?" said Wood, staring at the widow with a look of
+surprise and horror. "Woman, your wits are fled!"
+
+And so it seemed; for all the answer she could make was to murmur
+distractedly, "I can't find the key."
+
+"Devil take the key!" ejaculated Wood. "They're about to murder your
+child--_your_ child, I tell you! Do you comprehend what I say, Joan?"
+
+"I've hurt my head," replied Mrs. Sheppard, pressing her hand to her
+temples.
+
+And then, for the first time, Wood noticed a small stream of blood
+coursing slowly down her cheek.
+
+At this moment, Davies, who had completed his preparations, extinguished
+the torch.
+
+"It's all over," groaned Wood, "and perhaps it's as well her senses are
+gone. However, I'll make a last effort to save the poor little creature,
+if it costs me my life."
+
+And, with this generous resolve, he shouted at the top of his voice,
+"Arrest! arrest! help! help!" seconding the words with a shrill and
+peculiar cry, well known at the time to the inhabitants of the quarter
+in which it was uttered.
+
+In reply to this summons a horn was instantly blown at the corner of the
+street.
+
+"Arrest!" vociferated Wood. "Mint! Mint!"
+
+"Death and hell!" cried Rowland, making a furious pass at the carpenter,
+who fortunately avoided the thrust in the darkness; "will nothing
+silence you?"
+
+"Help!" ejaculated Wood, renewing his cries. "Arrest!"
+
+"Jigger closed!" shouted a hoarse voice in reply. "All's bowman, my
+covey. Fear nothing. We'll be upon the ban-dogs before they can shake
+their trotters!"
+
+And the alarm was sounded more loudly than ever.
+
+Another horn now resounded from the further extremity of the
+thoroughfare; this was answered by a third; and presently a fourth, and
+more remote blast, took up the note of alarm. The whole neighbourhood
+was disturbed. A garrison called to arms at dead of night on the sudden
+approach of the enemy, could not have been more expeditiously, or
+effectually aroused. Rattles were sprung; lanterns lighted, and hoisted
+at the end of poles; windows thrown open; doors unbarred; and, as if by
+magic, the street was instantaneously filled with a crowd of persons of
+both sexes, armed with such weapons as came most readily to hand, and
+dressed in such garments as could be most easily slipped on. Hurrying in
+the direction of the supposed arrest, they encouraged each other with
+shouts, and threatened the offending parties with their vengeance.
+
+Regardless as the gentry of the Mint usually were (for, indeed, they had
+become habituated from their frequent occurrence to such scenes,) of any
+outrages committed in their streets; deaf, as they had been, to the
+recent scuffle before Mrs. Sheppard's door, they were always
+sufficiently on the alert to maintain their privileges, and to assist
+each other against the attacks of their common enemy--the sheriff's
+officer. It was only by the adoption of such a course (especially since
+the late act of suppression, to which we have alluded,) that the
+inviolability of the asylum could be preserved. Incursions were often
+made upon its territories by the functionaries of the law; sometimes
+attended with success, but more frequently with discomfiture; and it
+rarely happened, unless by stratagem or bribery, that (in the language
+of the gentlemen of the short staff) an important caption could be
+effected. In order to guard against accidents or surprises, watchmen, or
+scouts, (as they were styled,) were stationed at the three main outlets
+of the sanctuary ready to give the signal in the manner just described:
+bars were erected, which, in case of emergency; could be immediately
+stretched across the streets: doors were attached to the alleys; and
+were never opened without due precautions; gates were affixed to the
+courts, wickets to the gates, and bolts to the wickets. The back windows
+of the houses (where any such existed) were strongly barricaded, and
+kept constantly shut; and the fortress was, furthermore, defended by
+high walls and deep ditches in those quarters where it appeared most
+exposed. There was also a Maze, (the name is still retained in the
+district,) into which the debtor could run, and through the intricacies
+of which it was impossible for an officer to follow him, without a
+clue. Whoever chose to incur the risk of so doing might enter the Mint
+at any hour; but no one was suffered to depart without giving a
+satisfactory account of himself, or producing a pass from the Master. In
+short, every contrivance that ingenuity could devise was resorted to by
+this horde of reprobates to secure themselves from danger or
+molestation. Whitefriars had lost its privileges; Salisbury Court and
+the Savoy no longer offered places of refuge to the debtor; and it was,
+therefore, doubly requisite that the Island of Bermuda (as the Mint was
+termed by its occupants) should uphold its rights, as long as it was
+able to do so.
+
+Mr. Wood, meantime, had not remained idle. Aware that not a moment was
+to be lost, if he meant to render any effectual assistance to the child,
+he ceased shouting, and defending himself in the best way he could from
+the attacks of Rowland, by whom he was closely pressed, forced his way,
+in spite of all opposition, to Davies, and dealt him a blow on the head
+with such good will that, had it not been for the intervention of the
+wall, the ruffian must have been prostrated. Before he could recover
+from the stunning effects of the blow, Wood possessed himself of the
+child: and, untying the noose which had been slipped round its throat,
+had the satisfaction of hearing it cry lustily.
+
+At this juncture, Sir Cecil and his followers appeared at the threshold.
+
+"He has escaped!" exclaimed the knight; "we have searched every corner
+of the house without finding a trace of him."
+
+"Back!" cried Rowland. "Don't you hear those shouts? Yon fellow's
+clamour has brought the whole horde of jail-birds and cut-throats that
+infest this place about our ears. We shall be torn in pieces if we are
+discovered. Davies!" he added, calling to the attendant, who was
+menacing Wood with a severe retaliation, "don't heed him; but, if you
+value a whole skin, come into the house, and bring that woman with you.
+She may afford us some necessary information."
+
+Davies reluctantly complied. And, dragging Mrs. Sheppard, who made no
+resistance, along with him, entered the house, the door of which was
+instantly shut and barricaded.
+
+A moment afterwards, the street was illumined by a blaze of torchlight,
+and a tumultuous uproar, mixed with the clashing of weapons, and the
+braying of horns, announced the arrival of the first detachment of
+Minters.
+
+Mr. Wood rushed instantly to meet them.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted he, waving his hat triumphantly over his head.
+"Saved!"
+
+"Ay, ay, it's all bob, my covey! You're safe enough, that's certain!"
+responded the Minters, baying, yelping, leaping, and howling around him
+like a pack of hounds when the huntsman is beating cover; "but, where
+are the lurchers?"
+
+"Who?" asked Wood.
+
+"The traps!" responded a bystander.
+
+"The shoulder-clappers!" added a lady, who, in her anxiety to join the
+party, had unintentionally substituted her husband's nether habiliments
+for her own petticoats.
+
+"The ban-dogs!" thundered a tall man, whose stature and former
+avocations had procured him the nickname of "The long drover of the
+Borough market." "Where are they?"
+
+"Ay, where are they?" chorussed the mob, flourishing their various
+weapons, and flashing their torches in the air; "we'll starve 'em out."
+
+Mr. Wood trembled. He felt he had raised a storm which it would be very
+difficult, if not impossible, to allay. He knew not what to say, or what
+to do; and his confusion was increased by the threatening gestures and
+furious looks of the ruffians in his immediate vicinity.
+
+"I don't understand you, gentlemen," stammered he, at length.
+
+"What does he say?" roared the long drover.
+
+"He says he don't understand flash," replied the lady in gentleman's
+attire.
+
+"Cease your confounded clutter!" said a young man, whose swarthy visage,
+seen in the torchlight, struck Wood as being that of a Mulatto. "You
+frighten the cull out of his senses. It's plain he don't understand our
+lingo; as, how should he? Take pattern by me;" and as he said this he
+strode up to the carpenter, and, slapping him on the shoulder,
+propounded the following questions, accompanying each interrogation with
+a formidable contortion of countenance. "Curse you! Where are the
+bailiffs? Rot you! have you lost your tongue? Devil seize you! you could
+bawl loud enough a moment ago!"
+
+"Silence, Blueskin!" interposed an authoritative voice, immediately
+behind the ruffian. "Let me have a word with the cull!"
+
+"Ay! ay!" cried several of the bystanders, "let Jonathan kimbaw the
+cove. He's got the gift of the gab."
+
+The crowd accordingly drew aside, and the individual, in whose behalf
+the movement had been made immediately stepped forward. He was a young
+man of about two-and-twenty, who, without having anything remarkable
+either in dress or appearance, was yet a noticeable person, if only for
+the indescribable expression of cunning pervading his countenance. His
+eyes were small and grey; as far apart and as sly-looking as those of a
+fox. A physiognomist, indeed, would have likened him to that crafty
+animal, and it must be owned the general formation of his features
+favoured such a comparison. The nose was long and sharp, the chin
+pointed, the forehead broad and flat, and connected, without any
+intervening hollow, with the eyelid; the teeth when displayed, seemed to
+reach from ear to ear. Then his beard was of a reddish hue, and his
+complexion warm and sanguine. Those who had seen him slumbering, averred
+that he slept with his eyes open. But this might be merely a figurative
+mode of describing his customary vigilance. Certain it was, that the
+slightest sound aroused him. This astute personage was somewhat under
+the middle size, but fairly proportioned, inclining rather to strength
+than symmetry, and abounding more in muscle than in flesh.
+
+It would seem, from the attention which he evidently bestowed upon the
+hidden and complex machinery of the grand system of villany at work
+around him, that his chief object in taking up his quarters in the Mint,
+must have been to obtain some private information respecting the habits
+and practices of its inhabitants, to be turned to account hereafter.
+
+Advancing towards Wood, Jonathan fixed his keen gray eyes upon him, and
+demanded, in a stern tone whether the persons who had taken refuge in
+the adjoining house, were bailiffs.
+
+"Not that I know of," replied the carpenter, who had in some degree
+recovered his confidence.
+
+"Then I presume you've not been arrested?"
+
+"I have not," answered Wood firmly.
+
+"I guessed as much. Perhaps you'll next inform us why you have
+occasioned this disturbance."
+
+"Because this child's life was threatened by the persons you have
+mentioned," rejoined Wood.
+
+"An excellent reason, i' faith!" exclaimed Blueskin, with a roar of
+surprise and indignation, which was echoed by the whole assemblage. "And
+so we're to be summoned from our beds and snug firesides, because a kid
+happens to squall, eh? By the soul of my grandmother, but this is too
+good!"
+
+"Do you intend to claim the privileges of the Mint?" said Jonathan,
+calmly pursuing his interrogations amid the uproar. "Is your person in
+danger?"
+
+"Not from my creditors," replied Wood, significantly.
+
+"Will he post the cole? Will he come down with the dues? Ask him that?"
+cried Blueskin.
+
+"You hear," pursued Jonathan; "my friend desires to know if you are
+willing to pay your footing as a member of the ancient and respectable
+fraternity of debtors?"
+
+"I owe no man a farthing, and my name shall never appear in any such
+rascally list," replied Wood angrily. "I don't see why I should be
+obliged to pay for doing my duty. I tell you this child would have been
+strangled. The noose was at its throat when I called for help. I knew
+it was in vain to cry 'murder!' in the Mint, so I had recourse to
+stratagem."
+
+"Well, Sir, I must say you deserve some credit for your ingenuity, at
+all events," replied Jonathan, repressing a smile; "but, before you put
+out your foot so far, it would have been quite as prudent to consider
+how you were to draw it back again. For my own part, I don't see in what
+way it is to be accomplished, except by the payment of our customary
+fees. Do not imagine you can at one moment avail yourself of our
+excellent regulations (with which you seem sufficiently well
+acquainted), and the next break them with impunity. If you assume the
+character of a debtor for your own convenience, you must be content to
+maintain it for ours. If you have not been arrested, we have been
+disturbed; and it is but just and reasonable you should pay for
+occasioning such disturbance. By your own showing you are in easy
+circumstances,--for it is only natural to presume that a man who owes
+nothing must be in a condition to pay liberally,--and you cannot
+therefore feel the loss of such a trifle as ten guineas."
+
+However illogical and inconclusive these arguments might appear to Mr.
+Wood, and however he might dissent from the latter proposition, he did
+not deem it expedient to make any reply; and the orator proceeded with
+his harangue amid the general applause of the assemblage.
+
+"I am perhaps exceeding my authority in demanding so slight a sum,"
+continued Jonathan, modestly, "and the Master of the Mint may not be
+disposed to let you off so lightly. He will be here in a moment or so,
+and you will then learn his determination. In the mean time, let me
+advise you as a friend not to irritate him by a refusal, which would be
+as useless as vexatious. He has a very summary mode of dealing with
+refractory persons, I assure you. My best endeavours shall be used to
+bring you off, on the easy terms I have mentioned."
+
+"Do you call ten guineas easy terms?" cried Wood, with a look of dismay.
+"Why, I should expect to purchase the entire freehold of the Mint for
+less money."
+
+"Many a man has been glad to pay double the amount to get his head from
+under the Mint pump," observed Blueskin, gruffly.
+
+"Let the gentleman take his own course," said Jonathan, mildly. "I
+should be sorry to persuade him to do anything his calmer judgment might
+disapprove."
+
+"Exactly my sentiments," rejoined Blueskin. "I wouldn't force him for
+the world: but if he don't tip the stivers, may I be cursed if he don't
+get a taste of the _aqua pompaginis_. Let's have a look at the kinchen
+that _ought_ to have been throttled," added he, snatching the child from
+Wood. "My stars! here's a pretty lullaby-cheat to make a fuss about--ho!
+ho!"
+
+"Deal with me as you think proper, gentlemen," exclaimed Wood; "but, for
+mercy's sake don't harm the child! Let it be taken to its mother."
+
+"And who is its mother?" asked Jonathan, in an eager whisper. "Tell me
+frankly, and speak under your breath. Your own safety--the child's
+safety--depends upon your candour."
+
+While Mr. Wood underwent this examination, Blueskin felt a small and
+trembling hand placed upon his own, and, turning at the summons, beheld
+a young female, whose features were partially concealed by a loo, or
+half mask, standing beside him. Coarse as were the ruffian's notions of
+feminine beauty, he could not be insensible to the surpassing loveliness
+of the fair creature, who had thus solicited his attention. Her figure
+was, in some measure, hidden by a large scarf, and a deep hood drawn
+over the head contributed to her disguise; still it was evident, from
+her lofty bearing, that she had nothing in common, except an interest in
+their proceedings, with the crew by whom she was surrounded.
+
+Whence she came,--who she was,--and what she wanted,--were questions
+which naturally suggested themselves to Blueskin, and he was about to
+seek for some explanation, when his curiosity was checked by a gesture
+of silence from the lady.
+
+"Hush!" said she, in a low, but agitated voice; "would you earn this
+purse?"
+
+"I've no objection," replied Blueskin, in a tone intended to be gentle,
+but which sounded like the murmuring whine of a playful bear. "How much
+is there in it!"
+
+"It contains gold," replied the lady; "but I will add this ring."
+
+"What am I to do to earn it?" asked Blueskin, with a disgusting
+leer,--"cut a throat--or throw myself at your feet--eh, my dear?"
+
+"Give me that child," returned the lady, with difficulty overcoming the
+loathing inspired by the ruffian's familiarity.
+
+"Oh! I see!" replied Blueskin, winking significantly, "Come nearer, or
+they'll observe us. Don't be afraid--I won't hurt you. I'm always
+agreeable to the women, bless their kind hearts! Now! slip the purse
+into my hand. Bravo!--the best cly-faker of 'em all couldn't have done
+it better. And now for the fawney--the ring I mean. I'm no great judge
+of these articles, Ma'am; but I trust to your honour not to palm off
+paste upon me."
+
+"It is a diamond," said the lady, in an agony of distress,--"the child!"
+
+"A diamond! Here, take the kid," cried Blueskin, slipping the infant
+adroitly under her scarf. "And so this is a diamond," added he,
+contemplating the brilliant from the hollow of his hand: "it does
+sparkle almost as brightly as your ogles. By the by, my dear, I forgot
+to ask your name--perhaps you'll oblige me with it now? Hell and the
+devil!--gone!"
+
+He looked around in vain. The lady had disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+The Master of the Mint.
+
+
+Jonathan, meanwhile, having ascertained the parentage of the child from
+Wood, proceeded to question him in an under tone, as to the probable
+motives of the attempt upon its life; and, though he failed in obtaining
+any information on this point, he had little difficulty in eliciting
+such particulars of the mysterious transaction as have already been
+recounted. When the carpenter concluded his recital, Jonathan was for a
+moment lost in reflection.
+
+"Devilish strange!" thought he, chuckling to himself; "queer business!
+Capital trick of the cull in the cloak to make another person's brat
+stand the brunt for his own--capital! ha! ha! Won't do, though. He must
+be a sly fox to get out of the Mint without my knowledge. I've a shrewd
+guess where he's taken refuge; but I'll ferret him out. These bloods
+will pay well for his capture; if not, _he'll_ pay well to get out of
+their hands; so I'm safe either way--ha! ha! Blueskin," he added aloud,
+and motioning that worthy, "follow me."
+
+Upon which, he set off in the direction of the entry. His progress,
+however, was checked by loud acclamations, announcing the arrival of the
+Master of the Mint and his train.
+
+Baptist Kettleby (for so was the Master named) was a "goodly portly man,
+and a corpulent," whose fair round paunch bespoke the affection he
+entertained for good liquor and good living. He had a quick, shrewd,
+merry eye, and a look in which duplicity was agreeably veiled by good
+humour. It was easy to discover that he was a knave, but equally easy to
+perceive that he was a pleasant fellow; a combination of qualities by no
+means of rare occurrence. So far as regards his attire, Baptist was not
+seen to advantage. No great lover of state or state costume at any time,
+he was generally, towards the close of an evening, completely in
+dishabille, and in this condition he now presented himself to his
+subjects. His shirt was unfastened, his vest unbuttoned, his hose
+ungartered; his feet were stuck into a pair of pantoufles, his arms into
+a greasy flannel dressing-gown, his head into a thrum-cap, the cap into
+a tie-periwig, and the wig into a gold-edged hat. A white apron was tied
+round his waist, and into the apron was thrust a short thick truncheon,
+which looked very much like a rolling-pin.
+
+The Master of the Mint was accompanied by another gentleman almost as
+portly as himself, and quite as deliberate in his movements. The costume
+of this personage was somewhat singular, and might have passed for a
+masquerading habit, had not the imperturbable gravity of his demeanour
+forbidden any such supposition. It consisted of a close jerkin of brown
+frieze, ornamented with a triple row of brass buttons; loose Dutch
+slops, made very wide in the seat and very tight at the knees; red
+stockings with black clocks, and a fur cap. The owner of this dress had
+a broad weather-beaten face, small twinkling eyes, and a bushy, grizzled
+beard. Though he walked by the side of the governor, he seldom exchanged
+a word with him, but appeared wholly absorbed in the contemplations
+inspired by a broadbowled Dutch pipe.
+
+Behind the illustrious personages just described marched a troop of
+stalwart fellows, with white badges in their hats, quarterstaves, oaken
+cudgels, and links in their hands. These were the Master's body-guard.
+
+Advancing towards the Master, and claiming an audience, which was
+instantly granted, Jonathan, without much circumlocution, related the
+sum of the strange story he had just learnt from Wood, omitting nothing
+except a few trifling particulars, which he thought it politic to keep
+back; and, with this view, he said not a word of there being any
+probability of capturing the fugitive, but, on the contrary, roundly
+asserted that his informant had witnessed that person's escape.
+
+The Master listened, with becoming attention, to the narrative, and, at
+its conclusion, shook his head gravely, applied his thumb to the side of
+his nose, and, twirling his fingers significantly, winked at his
+phlegmatic companion. The gentleman appealed to shook his head in reply,
+coughed as only a Dutchman _can_ cough, and raising his hand from the
+bowl of his pipe, went through precisely the same mysterious ceremonial
+as the Master.
+
+Putting his own construction upon this mute interchange of opinions,
+Jonathan ventured to observe, that it certainly was a very perplexing
+case, but that he thought something _might_ be made of it, and, if left
+to him, he would undertake to manage the matter to the Master's entire
+satisfaction.
+
+"Ja, ja, Muntmeester," said the Dutchman, removing the pipe from his
+mouth, and speaking in a deep and guttural voice, "leave the affair to
+Johannes. He'll settle it bravely. And let ush go back to our brandewyn,
+and hollandsche genever. Dese ere not schouts, as you faind, but jonkers
+on a vrolyk; and if dey'd chanshed to keel de vrow Sheppard's pet lamb,
+dey'd have done her a servish, by shaving it from dat unpleasant
+complaint, de hempen fever, with which its laatter days are threatened,
+and of which its poor vader died. Myn Got! haanging runs in some
+families, Muntmeester. It's hereditary, like de jigt, vat you call
+it--gout--haw! haw!"
+
+"If the child _is_ destined to the gibbet, Van Galgebrok," replied the
+Master, joining in the laugh, "it'll never be choked by a footman's
+cravat, that's certain; but, in regard to going back empty-handed,"
+continued he, altering his tone, and assuming a dignified air, "it's
+quite out of the question. With Baptist Kettleby, to engage in a matter
+is to go through with it. Besides, this is an affair which no one but
+myself can settle. Common offences may be decided upon by deputy; but
+outrages perpetrated by men of rank, as these appear to be, must be
+judged by the Master of the Mint in person. These are the decrees of the
+Island of Bermuda, and I will never suffer its excellent laws to be
+violated. Gentlemen of the Mint," added he, pointing with his truncheon
+towards Mrs. Sheppard's house, "forward!"
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted the mob, and the whole phalanx was put in motion in
+that direction. At the same moment a martial flourish, proceeding from
+cow's horns, tin canisters filled with stones, bladders and cat-gut,
+with other sprightly, instruments, was struck up, and, enlivened by this
+harmonious accompaniment, the troop reached its destination in the best
+possible spirits for an encounter.
+
+"Let us in," said the Master, rapping his truncheon authoritatively
+against the boards, "or we'll force an entrance."
+
+But as no answer was returned to the summons, though it was again, and
+more peremptorily, repeated, Baptist seized a mallet from a bystander
+and burst open the door. Followed by Van Galgebrok and others of his
+retinue, he then rushed into the room, where Rowland, Sir Cecil, and
+their attendants, stood with drawn swords prepared to receive them.
+
+"Beat down their blades," cried the Master; "no bloodshed."
+
+"Beat out their brains, you mean," rejoined Blueskin with a tremendous
+imprecation; "no half measures now, Master."
+
+"Hadn't you better hold a moment's parley with the gentlemen before
+proceeding to extremities?" suggested Jonathan.
+
+"Agreed," responded the Master. "Surely," he added, staring at Rowland,
+"either I'm greatly mistaken, or it is--"
+
+"You are not mistaken, Baptist," returned Rowland with a gesture of
+silence; "it is your old friend. I'm glad to recognise you."
+
+"And I'm glad your worship's recognition doesn't come too late,"
+observed the Master. "But why didn't you make yourself known at once?"
+
+"I'd forgotten the office you hold in the Mint, Baptist," replied
+Rowland. "But clear the room of this rabble, if you have sufficient
+authority over them. I would speak with you."
+
+"There's but one way of clearing it, your worship," said the Master,
+archly.
+
+"I understand," replied Rowland. "Give them what you please. I'll repay
+you."
+
+"It's all right, pals," cried Baptist, in a loud tone; "the gentlemen
+and I have settled matters. No more scuffling."
+
+"What's the meaning of all this?" demanded Sir Cecil. "How have you
+contrived to still these troubled waters?"
+
+"I've chanced upon an old ally in the Master of the Mint," answered
+Rowland. "We may trust him," he added in a whisper; "he is a staunch
+friend of the good cause."
+
+"Blueskin, clear the room," cried the Master; "these gentlemen would be
+private. They've _paid_ for their lodging. Where's Jonathan?"
+
+Inquiries were instantly made after that individual, but he was nowhere
+to be found.
+
+"Strange!" observed the Master; "I thought he'd been at my elbow all
+this time. But it don't much matter--though he's a devilish shrewd
+fellow, and might have helped me out of a difficulty, had any occurred.
+Hark ye, Blueskin," continued he, addressing that personage, who, in
+obedience to his commands, had, with great promptitude, driven out the
+rabble, and again secured the door, "a word in your ear. What female
+entered the house with us?"
+
+"Blood and thunder!" exclaimed Blueskin, afraid, if he admitted having
+seen the lady, of being compelled to divide the plunder he had obtained
+from her among his companions, "how should I know? D'ye suppose I'm
+always thinking of the petticoats? I observed no female; but if any one
+_did_ join the assault, it must have been either Amazonian Kate, or
+Fighting Moll."
+
+"The woman I mean did not join the assault," rejoined the Master, "but
+rather seemed to shun observation; and, from the hasty glimpse I caught
+of her, she appeared to have a child in her arms."
+
+"Then, most probably, it was the widow Sheppard," answered Blueskin,
+sulkily.
+
+"Right," said the Master, "I didn't think of her. And now I've another
+job for you."
+
+"Propose it," returned Blueskin, inclining his head.
+
+"Square accounts with the rascal who got up the sham arrest; and, if he
+don't tip the cole without more ado, give him a taste of the pump,
+that's all."
+
+"He shall go through the whole course," replied Blueskin, with a
+ferocious grin, "unless he comes down to the last grig. We'll lather him
+with mud, shave him with a rusty razor, and drench him with _aqua
+pompaginis_. Master, your humble servant.--Gentlemen, your most
+obsequious trout."
+
+Having effected his object, which was to get rid of Blueskin, Baptist
+turned to Rowland and Sir Cecil, who had watched his proceedings with
+much impatience, and remarked, "Now, gentlemen, the coast's clear; we've
+nothing to interrupt us. I'm entirely at your service."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+The Roof and the Window.
+
+
+Leaving them to pursue their conference, we shall follow the footsteps
+of Jonathan, who, as the Master surmised, and, as we have intimated, had
+unquestionably entered the house. But at the beginning of the affray,
+when he thought every one was too much occupied with his own concerns to
+remark his absence, he slipped out of the room, not for the purpose of
+avoiding the engagement (for cowardice was not one of his failings), but
+because he had another object in view. Creeping stealthily up stairs,
+unmasking a dark lantern, and glancing into each room as he passed, he
+was startled in one of them by the appearance of Mrs. Sheppard, who
+seemed to be crouching upon the floor. Satisfied, however, that she did
+not notice him, Jonathan glided away as noiselessly as he came, and
+ascended another short flight of stairs leading to the garret. As he
+crossed this chamber, his foot struck against something on the floor,
+which nearly threw him down, and stooping to examine the object, he
+found it was a key. "Never throw away a chance," thought Jonathan. "Who
+knows but this key may open a golden lock one of these days?" And,
+picking it up, he thrust it into his pocket.
+
+Arrived beneath an aperture in the broken roof, he was preparing to pass
+through it, when he observed a little heap of tiles upon the floor,
+which appeared to have been recently dislodged. "He _has_ passed this
+way," cried Jonathan, exultingly; "I have him safe enough." He then
+closed the lantern, mounted without much difficulty upon the roof, and
+proceeded cautiously along the tiles.
+
+The night was now profoundly dark. Jonathan had to feel his way. A
+single false step might have precipitated him into the street; or, if he
+had trodden upon an unsound part of the roof, he must have fallen
+through it. He had nothing to guide him; for though the torches were
+blazing ruddily below, their gleam fell only on the side of the
+building. The venturous climber gazed for a moment at the assemblage
+beneath, to ascertain that he was not discovered; and, having satisfied
+himself in this particular, he stepped out more boldly. On gaining a
+stack of chimneys at the back of the house, he came to a pause, and
+again unmasked his lantern. Nothing, however, could be discerned, except
+the crumbling brickwork. "Confusion!" ejaculated Jonathan: "can he have
+escaped? No. The walls are too high, and the windows too stoutly
+barricaded in this quarter, to admit such a supposition. He can't be far
+off. I shall find him yet. Ah! I have it," he added, after a moment's
+deliberation; "he's there, I'll be sworn." And, once more enveloping
+himself in darkness, he pursued his course.
+
+He had now reached the adjoining house, and, scaling the roof,
+approached another building, which seemed to be, at least, one story
+loftier than its neighbours. Apparently, Jonathan was well acquainted
+with the premises; for, feeling about in the dark, he speedily
+discovered a ladder, up the steps of which he hurried. Drawing a pistol,
+and unclosing his lantern with the quickness of thought, he then burst
+through an open trap-door into a small loft.
+
+The light fell upon the fugitive, who stood before him in an attitude of
+defence, with the child in his arms.
+
+"Aha!" exclaimed Jonathan, acting upon the information he had obtained
+from Wood; "I have found you at last. Your servant, Mr. Darrell."
+
+"Who are you!" demanded the fugitive, sternly.
+
+"A friend," replied Jonathan, uncocking the pistol, and placing it in
+his pocket.
+
+"How do I know you are a friend?" asked Darrell.
+
+"What should I do here alone if I were an enemy? But, come, don't let us
+waste time in bandying words, when we might employ it so much more
+profitably. Your life, and that of your child, are in my power. What
+will you give me to save you from your pursuers?"
+
+"_Can_ you do so?" asked the other, doubtfully.
+
+"I can, and will. Now, the reward?"
+
+"I have but an ill-furnished purse. But if I escape, my gratitude--"
+
+"Pshaw!" interrupted Jonathan, scornfully. "Your gratitude will vanish
+with your danger. Pay fools with promises. I must have something in
+hand."
+
+"You shall have all I have about me," replied Darrell.
+
+"Well--well," grumbled Jonathan, "I suppose I must be content. An
+ill-lined purse is a poor recompense for the risk I have run. However,
+come along. I needn't tell you to tread carefully. You know the danger
+of this breakneck road as well as I do. The light would betray us." So
+saying, he closed the lantern.
+
+"Harkye, Sir," rejoined Darrell; "one word before I move. I know not who
+you are; and, as I cannot discern your face, I may be doing you an
+injustice. But there is something in your voice that makes me distrust
+you. If you attempt to play the traitor, you will do so at the hazard of
+your life."
+
+"I have already hazarded my life in this attempt to save you," returned
+Jonathan boldly, and with apparent frankness; "this ought to be
+sufficient answer to your doubts. Your pursuers are below. What was to
+hinder me, if I had been so inclined, from directing them to your
+retreat?"
+
+"Enough," replied Darrell. "Lead on!"
+
+Followed by Darrell, Jonathan retraced his dangerous path. As he
+approached the gable of Mrs. Sheppard's house, loud yells and
+vociferations reached his ears; and, looking downwards, he perceived a
+great stir amid the mob. The cause of this uproar was soon manifest.
+Blueskin and the Minters were dragging Wood to the pump. The unfortunate
+carpenter struggled violently, but ineffectually. His hat was placed
+upon one pole, his wig on another. His shouts for help were answered by
+roars of mockery and laughter. He continued alternately to be tossed in
+the air, or rolled in the kennel until he was borne out of sight. The
+spectacle seemed to afford as much amusement to Jonathan as to the
+actors engaged in it. He could not contain his satisfaction, but
+chuckled, and rubbed his hands with delight.
+
+"By Heaven!" cried Darrell, "it is the poor fellow whom I placed in such
+jeopardy a short time ago. I am the cause of his ill-usage."
+
+"To be sure you are," replied Jonathan, laughing. "But, what of that?
+It'll be a lesson to him in future, and will show him the folly of doing
+a good-natured action!"
+
+But perceiving that his companion did not relish his pleasantry and
+fearing that his sympathy for the carpenter's situation might betray him
+into some act of imprudence, Jonathan, without further remark, and by
+way of putting an end to the discussion, let himself drop through the
+roof. His example was followed by Darrell. But, though the latter was
+somewhat embarrassed by his burthen, he peremptorily declined Jonathan's
+offer of assistance. Both, however, having safely landed, they
+cautiously crossed the room, and passed down the first flight of steps
+in silence. At this moment, a door was opened below; lights gleamed on
+the walls; and the figures of Rowland and Sir Cecil were distinguished
+at the foot of the stairs.
+
+Darrell stopped, and drew his sword.
+
+"You have betrayed me," said he, in a deep whisper, to his companion;
+"but you shall reap the reward of your treachery."
+
+"Be still!" returned Jonathan, in the same under tone, and with great
+self-possession: "I can yet save you. And see!" he added, as the figures
+drew back, and the lights disappeared; "it's a false alarm. They have
+retired. However, not a moment is to be lost. Give me your hand."
+
+He then hurried Darrell down another short flight of steps, and entered
+a small chamber at the back of the house. Closing the door, Jonathan
+next produced his lantern, and, hastening towards the window, undrew a
+bolt by which it was fastened. A stout wooden shutter, opening inwardly,
+being removed, disclosed a grating of iron bars. This obstacle, which
+appeared to preclude the possibility of egress in that quarter, was
+speedily got rid of. Withdrawing another bolt, and unhooking a chain
+suspended from the top of the casement, Jonathan pushed the iron
+framework outwards. The bars dropped noiselessly and slowly down, till
+the chain tightened at the staple.
+
+"You are free," said he, "that grating forms a ladder, by which you may
+descend in safety. I learned the trick of the place from one Paul
+Groves, who used to live here, and who contrived the machine. He used to
+call it his fire-escape--ha! ha! I've often used the ladder for my own
+convenience, but I never expected to turn it to such good account. And
+now, Sir, have I kept faith with you?"
+
+"You have," replied Darrell. "Here is my purse; and I trust you will let
+me know to whom I am indebted for this important service."
+
+"It matters not who I am," replied Jonathan, taking the money. "As I
+said before, I have little reliance upon _professions_ of gratitude."
+
+"I know not how it is," sighed Darrell, "but I feel an unaccountable
+misgiving at quitting this place. Something tells me I am rushing on
+greater danger."
+
+"You know best," replied Jonathan, sneeringly; "but if I were in your
+place I would take the chance of a future and uncertain risk to avoid a
+present and certain peril."
+
+"You are right," replied Darrell; "the weakness is past. Which is the
+nearest way to the river?"
+
+"Why, it's an awkward road to direct you," returned Jonathan. "But if
+you turn to the right when you reach the ground, and keep close to the
+Mint wall, you'll speedily arrive at White Cross Street; White Cross
+Street, if you turn again to the right, will bring you into Queen
+Street; Queen Street, bearing to the left, will conduct you to Deadman's
+Place; and Deadman's Place to the water-side, not fifty yards from Saint
+Saviour's stairs, where you're sure to get a boat."
+
+"The very point I aim at," said Darrell as he passed through the outlet.
+
+"Stay!" said Jonathan, aiding his descent; "you had better take my
+lantern. It may be useful to you. Perhaps you'll give me in return some
+token, by which I may remind you of this occurrence, in case we meet
+again. Your glove will suffice."
+
+"There it is;" replied the other, tossing him the glove. "Are you sure
+these bars touch the ground?"
+
+"They come within a yard of it," answered Jonathan.
+
+"Safe!" shouted Darrell, as he effected a secure landing. "Good night!"
+
+"So," muttered Jonathan, "having started the hare, I'll now unleash the
+hounds."
+
+With this praiseworthy determination, he was hastening down stairs, with
+the utmost rapidity, when he encountered a female, whom he took, in the
+darkness, to be Mrs. Sheppard. The person caught hold of his arm, and,
+in spite of his efforts to disengage himself, detained him.
+
+"Where is he?" asked she, in an agitated whisper. "I heard his voice;
+but I saw them on the stairs, and durst not approach him, for fear of
+giving the alarm."
+
+"If you mean the fugitive, Darrell, he has escaped through the back
+window," replied Jonathan.
+
+"Thank Heaven!" she gasped.
+
+"Well, you women are forgiving creatures, I must say," observed
+Jonathan, sarcastically. "You thank Heaven for the escape of the man who
+did his best to get your child's neck twisted."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked the female, in astonishment.
+
+"I mean what I say," replied Jonathan. "Perhaps you don't know that
+this Darrell so contrived matters, that your child should be mistaken
+for his own; by which means it had a narrow escape from a tight cravat,
+I can assure you. However, the scheme answered well enough, for Darrell
+has got off with his own brat."
+
+"Then this is not my child?" exclaimed she, with increased astonishment.
+
+"If you have a child there, it certainly is not," answered Jonathan, a
+little surprised; "for I left your brat in the charge of Blueskin, who
+is still among the crowd in the street, unless, as is not unlikely, he's
+gone to see your other friend disciplined at the pump."
+
+"Merciful providence!" exclaimed the female. "Whose child can this be?"
+
+"How the devil should I know!" replied Jonathan gruffly. "I suppose it
+didn't drop through the ceiling, did it? Are you quite sure it's flesh
+and blood?" asked he, playfully pinching its arm till it cried out with
+pain.
+
+"My child! my child!" exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, rushing from the
+adjoining room. "Where is it?"
+
+"Are you the mother of this child?" inquired the person who had first
+spoken, addressing Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"I am--I am!" cried the widow, snatching the babe, and pressing it to
+her breast with rapturous delight "God be thanked, I have found it!"
+
+"We have both good reason to be grateful," added the lady, with great
+emotion.
+
+"'Sblood!" cried Jonathan, who had listened to the foregoing
+conversation with angry wonder, "I've been nicely done here. Fool that I
+was to part with my lantern! But I'll soon set myself straight. What ho!
+lights! lights!"
+
+And, shouting as he went, he flung himself down stairs.
+
+"Where shall I fly?" exclaimed the lady, bewildered with terror. "They
+will kill me, if they find me, as they would have killed my husband and
+child. Oh God! my limbs fail me."
+
+"Make an effort, Madam," cried Mrs. Sheppard, as a storm of furious
+voices resounded from below, and torches were seen mounting the stairs;
+"they are coming!--they are coming!--fly!--to the roof! to the roof."
+
+"No," cried the lady, "this room--I recollect--it has a back window."
+
+"It is shut," said Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"It is open," replied the lady, rushing towards it, and springing
+through the outlet.
+
+"Where is she?" thundered Jonathan, who at this moment reached Mrs.
+Sheppard.
+
+"She has flown up stairs," replied the widow.
+
+"You lie, hussy!" replied Jonathan, rudely pushing her aside, as she
+vainly endeavoured to oppose his entrance into the room; "she is here.
+Hist!" cried he, as a scream was heard from without. "By G--! she has
+missed her footing."
+
+There was a momentary and terrible silence, broken only by a few feeble
+groans.
+
+Sir Cecil, who with Rowland and some others had entered the room rushed
+to the window with a torch.
+
+He held down the light, and a moment afterwards beckoned, with a
+blanched cheek, to Rowland.
+
+"Your sister is dead," said he, in a deep whisper.
+
+"Her blood be upon her own head, then," replied Rowland, sternly. "Why
+came she here?"
+
+"She could not resist the hand of fate which drew her hither," replied
+Sir Cecil, mournfully.
+
+"Descend and take charge of the body," said Rowland, conquering his
+emotion by a great effort, "I will join you in a moment. This accident
+rather confirms than checks my purpose. The stain upon our family is
+only half effaced: I have sworn the death of the villain and his
+bastard, and I will keep my oath. Now, Sir," he added, turning to
+Jonathan, as Sir Cecil and his followers obeyed his injunctions, "you
+say you know the road which the person whom we seek has taken?"
+
+"I do," replied Jonathan. "But I give no information gratis!"
+
+"Speak, then," said Rowland, placing money in his hand.
+
+"You'll find him at St. Saviours's stairs," answered Jonathan. "He's
+about to cross the river. You'd better lose no time. He has got five
+minutes' start of you. But I sent him the longest way about."
+
+The words were scarcely pronounced, when Rowland disappeared.
+
+"And now to see the end of it," said Jonathan, shortly afterwards
+passing through the window. "Good night, Master."
+
+Three persons only were left in the room. These were the Master of the
+Mint, Van Galgebrok, and Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"A bad business this, Van," observed Baptist, with a prolonged shake of
+the head.
+
+"Ja, ja, Muntmeester," said the Hollander, shaking his head in
+reply;--"very bad--very."
+
+"But then they're staunch supporters of our friend over the water,"
+continued Baptist, winking significantly; "so we must e'en hush it up in
+the best way we can."
+
+"Ja," answered Van Galgebrok. "But--sapperment!--I wish they hadn't
+broken my pipe."
+
+"JONATHAN WILD promises well," observed the Master, after a pause:
+"he'll become a great man. Mind, I, Baptist Kettleby, say so."
+
+"He'll be hanged nevertheless," replied the Hollander, giving his collar
+an ugly jerk. "Mind, I, Rykhart Van Galgebrok predict it. And now let's
+go back to the Shovels, and finish our brandewyn and bier, Muntmeester."
+
+"Alas!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, relieved by their departure, and giving way
+to a passionate flood of tears; "were it not for my child, I should wish
+to be in the place of that unfortunate lady."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+The Denunciation.
+
+
+For a short space, Mrs. Sheppard remained dissolved in tears. She then
+dried her eyes, and laying her child gently upon the floor, knelt down
+beside him. "Open my heart, Father of Mercy!" she murmured, in a humble
+tone, and with downcast looks, "and make me sensible of the error of my
+ways. I have sinned deeply; but I have been sorely tried. Spare me yet a
+little while, Father! not for my own sake, but for the sake of this poor
+babe." Her utterance was here choked by sobs. "But if it is thy will to
+take me from him," she continued, as soon as her emotion permitted
+her,--"if he must be left an orphan amid strangers, implant, I beseech
+thee, a mother's feelings in some other bosom, and raise up a friend,
+who shall be to him what I would have been. Let him not bear the weight
+of my punishment. Spare him!--pity me!"
+
+With this she arose, and, taking up the infant, was about to proceed
+down stairs, when she was alarmed by hearing the street-door opened, and
+the sound of heavy footsteps entering the house.
+
+"Halloa, widow!" shouted a rough voice from below, "where the devil are
+you?"
+
+Mrs. Sheppard returned no answer.
+
+"I've got something to say to you," continued the speaker, rather less
+harshly; "something to your advantage; so come out o' your hiding-place,
+and let's have some supper, for I'm infernally hungry.--D'ye hear?"
+
+Still the widow remained silent.
+
+"Well, if you won't come, I shall help myself, and that's unsociable,"
+pursued the speaker, evidently, from the noise he made, suiting the
+action to the word. "Devilish nice ham you've got here!--capital
+pie!--and, as I live, a flask of excellent canary. You're in luck
+to-night, widow. Here's your health in a bumper, and wishing you a
+better husband than your first. It'll be your own fault if you don't
+soon get another and a proper young man into the bargain. Here's his
+health likewise. What! mum still. You're the first widow I ever heard of
+who could withstand that lure. I'll try the effect of a jolly stave."
+And he struck up the following ballad:--
+
+SAINT GILES'S BOWL.[A]
+
+[Music: Transcribers note See HTML version for music]
+
+    I.
+
+    Where Saint-Giles' church stands, once a la-zar-house
+    stood; And, chain'd to its gates, was a ves-sel of wood; A
+    broad-bottom'd bowl, from which all the fine fellows, Who
+    pass'd by that spot, on their way to the gallows, Might
+    tipple strong beer, Their spirits to cheer, And drown, in a
+    sea of good li-quor, all fear! For nothing the
+    tran-sit to Ty-burn beguiles, So well as a
+    draught from the Bowl of Saint Giles!
+
+
+    II.
+
+    By many a highwayman many a draught
+    Of nutty-brown ale at Saint Giles's was quaft,
+    Until the old lazar-house chanced to fall down,
+    And the broad-bottom'd bowl was removed to the Crown.
+        _Where the robber may cheer_
+        _His spirit with beer,_
+      _And drown in a sea of good liquor all fear!_
+      _For nothing the transit to Tyburn beguiles_
+      _So well as a draught from the Bowl of Saint Giles!_
+
+
+    III.
+
+    There MULSACK and SWIFTNECK, both prigs from their birth,
+    OLD MOB and TOM COX took their last draught on earth:
+    There RANDAL, and SHORTER, and WHITNEY pulled up,
+    And jolly JACK JOYCE drank his finishing cup!
+        _For a can of ale calms,_
+        _A highwayman's qualms,_
+      _And makes him sing blithely his dolorous psalms_
+      _And nothing the transit to Tyburn beguiles_
+      _So well as a draught from the Bowl of Saint Giles!_
+
+"Singing's dry work," observed the stranger, pausing to take a pull at
+the bottle. "And now, widow," he continued, "attend to the next verse,
+for it consarns a friend o' yours."
+
+
+    IV.
+
+    When gallant TOM SHEPPARD to Tyburn was led,--
+    "Stop the cart at the Crown--stop a moment," he said.
+    He was offered the Bowl, but he left it and smiled,
+    Crying, "Keep it till call'd for by JONATHAN WILD!
+        "_The rascal one day,_
+        "_Will pass by this way,_
+      "_And drink a full measure to moisten his clay!_
+      "_And never will Bowl of Saint Giles have beguiled_
+      "_Such a thorough-paced scoundrel as_ JONATHAN WILD!"
+
+
+    V.
+
+    Should it e'er be _my_ lot to ride backwards that way,
+    At the door of the Crown I will certainly stay;
+    I'll summon the landlord--I'll call for the Bowl,
+    And drink a deep draught to the health of my soul!
+        _Whatever may hap,_
+        _I'll taste of the tap,_
+      _To keep up my spirits when brought to the crap!_
+      _For nothing the transit to Tyburn beguiles_
+      _So well as a draught from the Bowl of St. Giles!_
+
+"Devil seize the woman!" growled the singer, as he brought his ditty to
+a close; "will nothing tempt her out? Widow Sheppard, I say," he added,
+rising, "don't be afraid. It's only a gentleman come to offer you his
+hand. 'He that woos a maid',--fol-de-rol--(hiccupping).--I'll soon find
+you out."
+
+Mrs. Sheppard, whose distress at the consumption of the provisions had
+been somewhat allayed by the anticipation of the intruder's departure
+after he had satisfied his appetite, was now terrified in the extreme by
+seeing a light approach, and hearing footsteps on the stairs. Her first
+impulse was to fly to the window; and she was about to pass through it,
+at the risk of sharing the fate of the unfortunate lady, when her arm
+was grasped by some one in the act of ascending the ladder from without.
+Uttering a faint scream, she sank backwards, and would have fallen, if
+it had not been for the interposition of Blueskin, who, at that moment,
+staggered into the room with a candle in one hand, and the bottle in the
+other.
+
+"Oh, you're here, are you?" said the ruffian, with an exulting laugh:
+"I've been looking for you everywhere."
+
+"Let me go," implored Mrs. Sheppard,--"pray let me go. You hurt the
+child. Don't you hear how you've made it cry?"
+
+"Throttle the kid!" rejoined Blueskin, fiercely. "If you don't stop its
+squalling, I will. I hate children. And, if I'd my own way, I'd drown
+'em all like a litter o' puppies."
+
+Well knowing the savage temper of the person she had to deal with, and
+how likely he was to put his threat into execution, Mrs. Sheppard did
+not dare to return any answer; but, disengaging herself from his
+embrace, endeavoured meekly to comply with his request.
+
+"And now, widow," continued the ruffian, setting down the candle, and
+applying his lips to the bottle neck as he flung his heavy frame upon a
+bench, "I've a piece o' good news for you."
+
+"Good news will be news to me. What is it?"
+
+"Guess," rejoined Blueskin, attempting to throw a gallant expression
+into his forbidding countenance.
+
+Mrs. Sheppard trembled violently; and though she understood his meaning
+too well, she answered,--"I can't guess."
+
+"Well, then," returned the ruffian, "to put you out o' suspense, as the
+topsman remarked to poor Tom Sheppard, afore he turned him off, I'm come
+to make you an honourable proposal o' marriage. You won't refuse me, I'm
+sure; so no more need be said about the matter. To-morrow, we'll go to
+the Fleet and get spliced. Don't shake so. What I said about your brat
+was all stuff. I didn't mean it. It's my way when I'm ruffled. I shall
+take to him as nat'ral as if he were my own flesh and blood afore
+long.--I'll give him the edication of a prig,--teach him the use of his
+forks betimes,--and make him, in the end, as clever a cracksman as his
+father."
+
+"Never!" shrieked Mrs. Sheppard; "never! never!"
+
+"Halloa! what's this?" demanded Blueskin, springing to his feet. "Do you
+mean to say that if I support your kid, I shan't bring him up how I
+please--eh?"
+
+"Don't question me, but leave me," replied the widow wildly; "you had
+better."
+
+"Leave you!" echoed the ruffian, with a contemptuous laugh; "--not just
+yet."
+
+"I am not unprotected," rejoined the poor woman; "there's some one at
+the window. Help! help!"
+
+But her cries were unheeded. And Blueskin, who, for a moment, had looked
+round distrustfully, concluding it was a feint, now laughed louder than
+ever.
+
+"It won't do, widow," said he, drawing near her, while she shrank from
+his approach, "so you may spare your breath. Come, come, be reasonable,
+and listen to me. Your kid has already brought me good luck, and may
+bring me still more if his edication's attended to. This purse," he
+added, chinking it in the air, "and this ring, were given me for him
+just now by the lady, who made a false step on leaving your house. If
+I'd been in the way, instead of Jonathan Wild, that accident wouldn't
+have happened."
+
+As he said this, a slight noise was heard without.
+
+"What's that?" ejaculated the ruffian, glancing uneasily towards the
+window. "Who's there?--Pshaw! it's only the wind."
+
+"It's Jonathan Wild," returned the widow, endeavouring to alarm him. "I
+told you I was not unprotected."
+
+"_He_ protect _you_," retorted Blueskin, maliciously; "you haven't a
+worse enemy on the face of the earth than Jonathan Wild. If you'd read
+your husband's dying speech, you'd know that he laid his death at
+Jonathan's door,--and with reason too, as I can testify."
+
+"Man!" screamed Mrs. Sheppard, with a vehemence that shook even the
+hardened wretch beside her, "begone, and tempt me not."
+
+"What should I tempt you to?" asked Blueskin, in surprise.
+
+"To--to--no matter what," returned the widow distractedly. "Go--go!"
+
+"I see what you mean," rejoined Blueskin, tossing a large case-knife,
+which he took from his pocket, in the air, and catching it dexterously
+by the haft as it fell; "you owe Jonathan a grudge;--so do I. He hanged
+your first husband. Just speak the word," he added, drawing the knife
+significantly across his throat, "and I'll put it out of his power to do
+the same by your second. But d--n him! let's talk o' something more
+agreeable. Look at this ring;--it's a diamond, and worth a mint o'
+money. It shall be your wedding ring. Look at it, I say. The lady's
+name's engraved inside, but so small I can scarcely read it.
+A-L-I-V-A--Aliva--T-R-E-N--Trencher that's it. Aliva Trencher."
+
+"Aliva Trenchard!" exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, hastily; "is that the
+name?"
+
+"Ay, ay, now I look again it _is_ Trenchard. How came you to know it?
+Have you heard the name before?"
+
+"I think I have--long, long ago, when I was a child," replied Mrs.
+Sheppard, passing her hand across her brow; "but my memory is
+gone--quite gone. Where _can_ I have heard it!"
+
+"Devil knows," rejoined Blueskin. "Let it pass. The ring's yours, and
+you're mine. Here, put it on your finger."
+
+Mrs. Sheppard snatched back her hand from his grasp, and exerted all her
+force to repel his advances.
+
+"Set down the kid," roared Blueskin, savagely.
+
+"Mercy!" screamed Mrs. Sheppard, struggling to escape, and holding the
+infant at arm's length; "have mercy on this helpless innocent!"
+
+And the child, alarmed by the strife, added its feeble cries to its
+mother's shrieks.
+
+"Set it down, I tell you," thundered Blueskin, "or I shall do it a
+mischief."
+
+"Never!" cried Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+Uttering a terrible imprecation, Blueskin placed the knife between his
+teeth, and endeavoured to seize the poor woman by the throat. In the
+struggle her cap fell off. The ruffian caught hold of her hair, and held
+her fast. The chamber rang with her shrieks. But her cries, instead of
+moving her assailant's compassion, only added to his fury. Planting his
+knee against her side, he pulled her towards him with one hand, while
+with the other he sought his knife. The child was now within reach; and,
+in another moment, he would have executed his deadly purpose, if an arm
+from behind had not felled him to the ground.
+
+When Mrs. Sheppard, who had been stricken down by the blow that
+prostrated her assailant, looked up, she perceived Jonathan Wild
+kneeling beside the body of Blueskin. He was holding the ring to the
+light, and narrowly examining the inscription.
+
+"Trenchard," he muttered; "Aliva Trenchard--they were right, then, as
+to the name. Well, if she survives the accident--as the blood, who
+styles himself Sir Cecil, fancies she may do--this ring will make my
+fortune by leading to the discovery of the chief parties concerned in
+this strange affair."
+
+"Is the poor lady alive?" asked Mrs. Sheppard, eagerly.
+
+"'Sblood!" exclaimed Jonathan, hastily thrusting the ring into his vest,
+and taking up a heavy horseman's pistol with which he had felled
+Blueskin,--"I thought you'd been senseless."
+
+"Is she alive?" repeated the widow.
+
+"What's that to you?" demanded Jonathan, gruffly.
+
+"Oh, nothing--nothing," returned Mrs. Sheppard. "But pray tell me if her
+husband has escaped?"
+
+"Her husband!" echoed Jonathan scornfully. "A _husband_ has little to
+fear from his wife's kinsfolk. Her _lover_, Darrell, has embarked upon
+the Thames, where, if he's not capsized by the squall, (for it's blowing
+like the devil,) he stands a good chance of getting his throat cut by
+his pursuers--ha! ha! I tracked 'em to the banks of the river, and
+should have followed to see it out, if the watermen hadn't refused to
+take me. However, as things have turned up, it's fortunate that I came
+back."
+
+"It is, indeed," replied Mrs. Sheppard; "most fortunate for me."
+
+"For _you_!" exclaimed Jonathan; "don't flatter yourself that I'm
+thinking of you. Blueskin might have butchered you and your brat before
+I'd have lifted a finger to prevent him, if it hadn't suited my purposes
+to do so, and _he_ hadn't incurred my displeasure. I never forgive an
+injury. Your husband could have told you that."
+
+"How had he offended you?" inquired the widow.
+
+"I'll tell you," answered Jonathan, sternly. "He thwarted my schemes
+twice. The first time, I overlooked the offence; but the second time,
+when I had planned to break open the house of his master, the fellow who
+visited you to-night,--Wood, the carpenter of Wych Street,--he betrayed
+me. I told him I would bring him to the gallows, and I was as good as my
+word."
+
+"You were so," replied Mrs Sheppard; "and for that wicked deed you will
+one day be brought to the gallows yourself."
+
+"Not before I have conducted your child thither," retorted Jonathan,
+with a withering look.
+
+"Ah!" ejaculated Mrs. Sheppard, paralysed by the threat.
+
+"If that sickly brat lives to be a man," continued Jonathan, rising,
+"I'll hang him upon the same tree as his father."
+
+"Pity!" shrieked the widow.
+
+"I'll be his evil genius!" vociferated Jonathan, who seemed to enjoy her
+torture.
+
+"Begone, wretch!" cried the mother, stung beyond endurance by his
+taunts; "or I will drive you hence with my curses."
+
+"Curse on, and welcome," jeered Wild.
+
+Mrs. Sheppard raised her hand, and the malediction trembled upon her
+tongue. But ere the words could find utterance, her maternal tenderness
+overcame her indignation; and, sinking upon her knees, she extended her
+arms over her child.
+
+"A mother's prayers--a mother's blessings," she cried, with the fervour
+almost of inspiration, "will avail against a fiend's malice."
+
+"We shall see," rejoined Jonathan, turning carelessly upon his heel.
+
+And, as he quitted the room, the poor widow fell with her face upon the
+floor.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote A: At the hospital of Saint Giles for Lazars, the prisoners
+conveyed from the City of London towards Tyburn, there to be executed
+for treasons, felonies, or other trespasses, were presented with a Bowl
+of Ale, thereof to drink, as their last refreshing in this
+life.--_Strype's Stow._ Book. IX. ch. III.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The Storm.
+
+
+As soon as he was liberated by his persecutors, Mr. Wood set off at full
+speed from the Mint, and, hurrying he scarce knew whither (for there was
+such a continual buzzing in his ears and dancing in his eyes, as almost
+to take away the power of reflection), he held on at a brisk pace till
+his strength completely failed him.
+
+On regaining his breath, he began to consider whither chance had led
+him; and, rubbing his eyes to clear his sight, he perceived a sombre
+pile, with a lofty tower and broad roof, immediately in front of him.
+This structure at once satisfied him as to where he stood. He knew it to
+be St. Saviour's Church. As he looked up at the massive tower, the clock
+tolled forth the hour of midnight. The solemn strokes were immediately
+answered by a multitude of chimes, sounding across the Thames, amongst
+which the deep note of Saint Paul's was plainly distinguishable. A
+feeling of inexplicable awe crept over the carpenter as the sounds died
+away. He trembled, not from any superstitious dread, but from an
+undefined sense of approaching danger. The peculiar appearance of the
+sky was not without some influence in awakening these terrors. Over one
+of the pinnacles of the tower a speck of pallid light marked the
+position of the moon, then newly born and newly risen. It was still
+profoundly dark; but the wind, which had begun to blow with some
+violence, chased the clouds rapidly across the heavens, and dispersed
+the vapours hanging nearer the earth. Sometimes the moon was totally
+eclipsed; at others, it shed a wan and ghastly glimmer over the masses
+rolling in the firmament. Not a star could be discerned, but, in their
+stead, streaks of lurid radiance, whence proceeding it was impossible to
+determine, shot ever and anon athwart the dusky vault, and added to the
+ominous and threatening appearance of the night.
+
+Alarmed by these prognostications of a storm, and feeling too much
+exhausted from his late severe treatment to proceed further on foot,
+Wood endeavoured to find a tavern where he might warm and otherwise
+refresh himself. With this view he struck off into a narrow street on
+the left, and soon entered a small alehouse, over the door of which hung
+the sign of the "Welsh Trumpeter."
+
+"Let me have a glass of brandy," said he, addressing the host.
+
+"Too late, master," replied the landlord of the Trumpeter, in a surly
+tone, for he did not much like the appearance of his customer; "just
+shut up shop."
+
+"Zounds! David Pugh, don't you know your old friend and countryman?"
+exclaimed the carpenter.
+
+"Ah! Owen Wood, is it you?" cried David in astonishment. "What the devil
+makes you out so late? And what has happened to you, man, eh?--you seem
+in a queer plight."
+
+"Give me the brandy, and I'll tell you," replied Wood.
+
+"Here, wife--hostess--fetch me that bottle from the second shelf in the
+corner cupboard.--There, Mr. Wood," cried David, pouring out a glass of
+the spirit, and offering it to the carpenter, "that'll warm the cockles
+of your heart. Don't be afraid, man,--off with it. It's right Nantz. I
+keep it for my own drinking," he added in a lower tone.
+
+Mr. Wood having disposed of the brandy, and pronounced himself much
+better, hurried close to the fire-side, and informed his friend in a few
+words of the inhospitable treatment he had experienced from the
+gentlemen of the Mint; whereupon Mr. Pugh, who, as well as the
+carpenter, was a descendant of Cadwallader, waxed extremely wrath; gave
+utterance to a number of fierce-sounding imprecations in the Welsh
+tongue; and was just beginning to express the greatest anxiety to catch
+some of the rascals at the Trumpeter, when Mr. Wood cut him short by
+stating his intention of crossing the river as soon as possible in order
+to avoid the storm.
+
+"A storm!" exclaimed the landlord. "Gadzooks! I thought something was
+coming on; for when I looked at the weather-glass an hour ago, it had
+sunk lower than I ever remember it."
+
+"We shall have a durty night on it, to a sartinty, landlord," observed
+an old one-eyed sailor, who sat smoking his pipe by the fire-side. "The
+glass never sinks in that way, d'ye see, without a hurricane follerin',
+I've knowed it often do so in the West Injees. Moreover, a souple o'
+porpusses came up with the tide this mornin', and ha' bin flounderin'
+about i' the Thames abuv Lunnun Bridge all day long; and them
+say-monsters, you know, always proves sure fore runners of a gale."
+
+"Then the sooner I'm off the better," cried Wood; "what's to pay,
+David?"
+
+"Don't affront me, Owen, by asking such a question," returned the
+landlord; "hadn't you better stop and finish the bottle?"
+
+"Not a drop more," replied Wood. "Enough's as good as a feast. Good
+night!"
+
+"Well, if you won't be persuaded, and must have a boat, Owen," observed
+the landlord, "there's a waterman asleep on that bench will help you to
+as tidy a craft as any on the Thames. Halloa, Ben!" cried he, shaking a
+broad-backed fellow, equipped in a short-skirted doublet, and having a
+badge upon his arm,--"scullers wanted."
+
+"Holloa! my hearty!" cried Ben, starting to his feet.
+
+"This gentleman wants a pair of oars," said the landlord.
+
+"Where to, master?" asked Ben, touching his woollen cap.
+
+"Arundel Stairs," replied Wood, "the nearest point to Wych Street."
+
+"Come along, master," said the waterman.
+
+"Hark 'ee, Ben," said the old sailor, knocking the ashes from his pipe
+upon the hob; "you may try, but dash my timbers if you'll ever cross the
+Thames to-night."
+
+"And why not, old saltwater?" inquired Ben, turning a quid in his mouth.
+
+"'Cos there's a gale a-getting up as'll perwent you, young freshwater,"
+replied the tar.
+
+"It must look sharp then, or I shall give it the slip," laughed Ben:
+"the gale never yet blowed as could perwent my crossing the Thames. The
+weather's been foul enough for the last fortnight, but I've never turned
+my back upon it."
+
+"May be not," replied the old sailor, drily; "but you'll find it too
+stiff for you to-night, anyhow. Howsomdever, if you _should_ reach
+t'other side, take an old feller's advice, and don't be foolhardy enough
+to venter back again."
+
+"I tell 'ee what, saltwater," said Ben, "I'll lay you my fare--and
+that'll be two shillin'--I'm back in an hour."
+
+"Done!" cried the old sailor. "But vere'll be the use o' vinnin'? you
+von't live to pay me."
+
+"Never fear," replied Ben, gravely; "dead or alive I'll pay you, if I
+lose. There's my thumb upon it. Come along, master."
+
+"I tell 'ee what, landlord," observed the old sailor, quietly
+replenishing his pipe from a huge pewter tobacco-box, as the waterman
+and Wood quitted the house, "you've said good-b'ye to your friend."
+
+"Odd's me! do you think so?" cried the host of the Trumpeter. "I'll run
+and bring him back. He's a Welshman, and I wouldn't for a trifle that
+any accident befel him."
+
+"Never mind," said the old sailor, taking up a piece of blazing coal
+with the tongs, and applying it to his pipe; "let 'em try. They'll be
+back soon enough--or not at all."
+
+Mr. Wood and the waterman, meanwhile, proceeded in the direction of St.
+Saviour's Stairs. Casting a hasty glance at the old and ruinous prison
+belonging to the liberty of the Bishop of Winchester (whose palace
+formerly adjoined the river), called the Clink, which gave its name to
+the street, along which he walked: and noticing, with some uneasiness,
+the melancholy manner in which the wind whistled through its barred
+casements, the carpenter followed his companion down an opening to the
+right, and presently arrived at the water-side.
+
+Moored to the steps, several wherries were dancing in the rushing
+current, as if impatient of restraint. Into one of these the waterman
+jumped, and, having assisted Mr. Wood to a seat within it, immediately
+pushed from land. Ben had scarcely adjusted his oars, when the gleam of
+a lantern was seen moving towards the bank. A shout was heard at a
+little distance, and, the next moment, a person rushed with breathless
+haste to the stair-head.
+
+"Boat there!" cried a voice, which Mr. Wood fancied he recognised.
+
+"You'll find a waterman asleep under his tilt in one of them ere craft,
+if you look about, Sir," replied Ben, backing water as he spoke.
+
+"Can't you take me with you?" urged the voice; "I'll make it well worth
+your while. I've a child here whom I wish to convey across the water
+without loss of time."
+
+"A child!" thought Wood; it must be the fugitive Darrell. "Hold hard,"
+cried he, addressing the waterman; "I'll give the gentleman a lift."
+
+"Unpossible, master," rejoined Ben; "the tide's running down like a
+mill-sluice, and the wind's right in our teeth. Old saltwater was right.
+We shall have a reg'lar squall afore we gets across. D'ye hear how the
+wanes creaks on old Winchester House? We shall have a touch on it
+ourselves presently. But I shall lose my wager if I stay a moment
+longer--so here goes." Upon which, he plunged his oars deeply into the
+stream, and the bark shot from the strand.
+
+Mr. Wood's anxiety respecting the fugitive was speedily relieved by
+hearing another waterman busy himself in preparation for starting; and,
+shortly after, the dip of a second pair of oars sounded upon the river.
+
+"Curse me, if I don't think all the world means to cross the Thames this
+fine night," observed Ben. "One'd think it rained fares, as well as
+blowed great guns. Why, there's another party on the stair-head
+inquiring arter scullers; and, by the mass! they appear in a greater
+hurry than any on us."
+
+His attention being thus drawn to the bank, the carpenter beheld three
+figures, one of whom bore a torch, leap into a wherry of a larger size
+than the others, which immediately put off from shore. Manned by a
+couple of watermen, who rowed with great swiftness, this wherry dashed
+through the current in the track of the fugitive, of whom it was
+evidently in pursuit, and upon whom it perceptibly gained. Mr. Wood
+strained his eyes to catch a glimpse of the flying skiff. But he could
+only discern a black and shapeless mass, floating upon the water at a
+little distance, which, to his bewildered fancy, appeared absolutely
+standing still. To the practised eye of the waterman matters wore a very
+different air. He perceived clearly enough, that the chase was moving
+quickly; and he was also aware, from the increased rapidity with which
+the oars were urged, that every exertion was made on board to get out of
+the reach of her pursuers. At one moment, it seemed as if the flying
+bark was about to put to shore. But this plan (probably from its danger)
+was instantly abandoned; not, however, before her momentary hesitation
+had been taken advantage of by her pursuers, who, redoubling their
+efforts at this juncture, materially lessened the distance between them.
+
+Ben watched these manoeuvres with great interest, and strained every
+sinew in his frame to keep ahead of the other boats.
+
+"Them's catchpoles, I s'pose, Sir, arter the gemman with a writ?" he
+observed.
+
+"Something worse, I fear," Wood replied.
+
+"Why, you don't think as how they're crimps, do you?" Ben inquired.
+
+"I don't know what I think," Wood answered sulkily; and he bent his eyes
+upon the water, as if he wished to avert his attention forcibly from the
+scene.
+
+There is something that inspires a feeling of inexpressible melancholy
+in sailing on a dark night upon the Thames. The sounds that reach the
+ear, and the objects that meet the eye, are all calculated to awaken a
+train of sad and serious contemplation. The ripple of the water against
+the boat, as its keel cleaves through the stream--the darkling current
+hurrying by--the indistinctly-seen craft, of all forms and all sizes,
+hovering around, and making their way in ghost-like silence, or warning
+each other of their approach by cries, that, heard from afar, have
+something doleful in their note--the solemn shadows cast by the
+bridges--the deeper gloom of the echoing arches--the lights glimmering
+from the banks--the red reflection thrown upon the waves by a fire
+kindled on some stationary barge--the tall and fantastic shapes of the
+houses, as discerned through the obscurity;--these, and other sights and
+sounds of the same character, give a sombre colour to the thoughts of
+one who may choose to indulge in meditation at such a time and in such a
+place.
+
+But it was otherwise with the carpenter. This was no night for the
+indulgence of dreamy musing. It was a night of storm and terror, which
+promised each moment to become more stormy and more terrible. Not a bark
+could be discerned on the river, except those already mentioned. The
+darkness was almost palpable; and the wind which, hitherto, had been
+blowing in gusts, was suddenly lulled. It was a dead calm. But this calm
+was more awful than the previous roaring of the blast.
+
+Amid this portentous hush, the report of a pistol reached the
+carpenter's ears; and, raising his head at the sound, he beheld a sight
+which filled him with fresh apprehensions.
+
+By the light of a torch borne at the stern of the hostile wherry, he saw
+that the pursuers had approached within a short distance of the object
+of their quest. The shot had taken effect upon the waterman who rowed
+the chase. He had abandoned his oars, and the boat was drifting with the
+stream towards the enemy. Escape was now impossible. Darrell stood erect
+in the bark, with his drawn sword in hand, prepared to repel the attack
+of his assailants, who, in their turn, seemed to await with impatience
+the moment which should deliver him into their power.
+
+They had not to tarry long. In another instant, the collision took
+place. The watermen, who manned the larger wherry, immediately shipped
+their oars, grappled with the drifting skiff, and held it fast. Wood,
+then, beheld two persons, one of whom he recognised as Rowland, spring
+on board the chase. A fierce struggle ensued. There was a shrill cry,
+instantly succeeded by a deep splash.
+
+"Put about, waterman, for God's sake!" cried Wood, whose humanity got
+the better of every personal consideration; "some one is overboard. Give
+way, and let us render what assistance we can to the poor wretch."
+
+"It's all over with him by this time, master," replied Ben, turning the
+head of his boat, and rowing swiftly towards the scene of strife; "but
+d--n him, he was the chap as hit poor Bill Thomson just now, and I don't
+much care if he should be food for fishes."
+
+As Ben spoke, they drew near the opposing parties. The contest was now
+carried on between Rowland and Darrell. The latter had delivered himself
+from one of his assailants, the attendant, Davies. Hurled over the sides
+of the skiff, the ruffian speedily found a watery grave. It was a
+spring-tide at half ebb; and the current, which was running fast and
+furiously, bore him instantly away. While the strife raged between the
+principals, the watermen in the larger wherry were occupied in stemming
+the force of the torrent, and endeavouring to keep the boats, they had
+lashed together, stationary. Owing to this circumstance, Mr. Wood's
+boat, impelled alike by oar and tide, shot past the mark at which it
+aimed; and before it could be again brought about, the struggle had
+terminated. For a few minutes, Darrell seemed to have the advantage in
+the conflict. Neither combatant could use his sword; and in strength the
+fugitive was evidently superior to his antagonist. The boat rocked
+violently with the struggle. Had it not been lashed to the adjoining
+wherry, it must have been upset, and have precipitated the opponents
+into the water. Rowland felt himself sinking beneath the powerful grasp
+of his enemy. He called to the other attendant, who held the torch.
+Understanding the appeal, the man snatched his master's sword from his
+grasp, and passed it through Darrell's body. The next moment, a heavy
+plunge told that the fugitive had been consigned to the waves.
+
+Darrell, however, rose again instantly; and though mortally wounded,
+made a desperate effort to regain the boat.
+
+"My child!" he groaned faintly.
+
+"Well reminded," answered Rowland, who had witnessed his struggles with
+a smile of gratified vengeance; "I had forgotten the accursed imp in
+this confusion. Take it," he cried, lifting the babe from the bottom of
+the boat, and flinging it towards its unfortunate father.
+
+The child fell within a short distance of Darrell, who, hearing the
+splash, struck out in that direction, and caught it before it sank. At
+this juncture, the sound of oars reached his ears, and he perceived Mr.
+Wood's boat bearing up towards him.
+
+"Here he is, waterman," exclaimed the benevolent carpenter. "I see
+him!--row for your life!"
+
+"That's the way to miss him, master," replied Ben coolly. "We must keep
+still. The tide'll bring him to us fast enough."
+
+Ben judged correctly. Borne along by the current, Darrell was instantly
+at the boat's side.
+
+"Seize this oar," vociferated the waterman.
+
+"First take the child," cried Darrell, holding up the infant, and
+clinging to the oar with a dying effort.
+
+"Give it me," returned the carpenter; "all's safe. Now lend me your own
+hand."
+
+"My strength fails me," gasped the fugitive. "I cannot climb the boat.
+Take my child to--it is--oh God!--I am sinking--take it--take it!"
+
+"Where?" shouted Wood.
+
+Darrell attempted to reply. But he could only utter an inarticulate
+exclamation. The next moment his grasp relaxed, and he sank to rise no
+more.
+
+Rowland, meantime, alarmed by the voices, snatched a torch from his
+attendant, and holding it over the side of the wherry, witnessed the
+incident just described.
+
+"Confusion!" cried he; "there is another boat in our wake. They have
+rescued the child. Loose the wherry, and stand to your oars--quick--quick!"
+
+These commands were promptly obeyed. The boat was set free, and the men
+resumed their seats. Rowland's purposes were, however, defeated in a
+manner as unexpected as appalling.
+
+During the foregoing occurrences a dead calm prevailed. But as Rowland
+sprang to the helm, and gave the signal for pursuit, a roar like a
+volley of ordnance was heard aloft, and the wind again burst its
+bondage. A moment before, the surface of the stream was black as ink. It
+was now whitening, hissing, and seething like an enormous cauldron. The
+blast once more swept over the agitated river: whirled off the sheets of
+foam, scattered them far and wide in rain-drops, and left the raging
+torrent blacker than before. The gale had become a hurricane: that
+hurricane was the most terrible that ever laid waste our city.
+Destruction everywhere marked its course. Steeples toppled, and towers
+reeled beneath its fury. Trees were torn up by the roots; many houses
+were levelled to the ground; others were unroofed; the leads on the
+churches were ripped off, and "shrivelled up like scrolls of parchment."
+Nothing on land or water was spared by the remorseless gale. Most of the
+vessels lying in the river were driven from their moorings, dashed
+tumultuously against each other, or blown ashore. All was darkness,
+horror, confusion, ruin. Men fled from their tottering habitations, and
+returned to them scared by greater dangers. The end of the world seemed
+at hand.
+
+At this time of universal havoc and despair,--when all London quaked at
+the voice of the storm,--the carpenter, who was exposed to its utmost
+fury, fared better than might have been anticipated. The boat in which
+he rode was not overset. Fortunately, her course had been shifted
+immediately after the rescue of the child; and, in consequence of this
+movement, she received the first shock of the hurricane, which blew from
+the southwest, upon her stern. Her head dipped deeply into the current,
+and she narrowly escaped being swamped. Righting, however, instantly
+afterwards, she scudded with the greatest rapidity over the boiling
+waves, to whose mercy she was now entirely abandoned. On this fresh
+outburst of the storm, Wood threw himself instinctively into the bottom
+of the boat, and clasping the little orphan to his breast, endeavoured
+to prepare himself to meet his fate.
+
+While he was thus occupied, he felt a rough grasp upon his arm, and
+presently afterwards Ben's lips approached close to his ear. The
+waterman sheltered his mouth with his hand while he spoke, or his voice
+would have been carried away by the violence of the blast.
+
+"It's all up, master," groaned Ben, "nothin' short of a merracle can
+save us. The boat's sure to run foul o' the bridge; and if she 'scapes
+stavin' above, she'll be swamped to a sartainty below. There'll be a
+fall of above twelve foot o' water, and think o' that on a night as 'ud
+blow a whole fleet to the devil."
+
+Mr. Wood _did_ think of it, and groaned aloud.
+
+"Heaven help us!" he exclaimed; "we were mad to neglect the old sailor's
+advice."
+
+"That's what troubles me," rejoined Ben. "I tell 'ee what, master, if
+you're more fortinate nor I am, and get ashore, give old saltwater your
+fare. I pledged my thumb that, dead or alive, I'd pay the wager if I
+lost; and I should like to be as good as my word."
+
+"I will--I will," replied Wood hastily. "Was that thunder?" he faltered,
+as a terrible clap was heard overhead.
+
+"No; it's only a fresh gale," Ben returned: "hark! now it comes."
+
+"Lord have mercy upon us, miserable sinners!" ejaculated Wood, as a
+fearful gust dashed the water over the side of the boat, deluging him
+with spray.
+
+The hurricane had now reached its climax. The blast shrieked, as if
+exulting in its wrathful mission. Stunning and continuous, the din
+seemed almost to take away the power of hearing. He, who had faced the
+gale, would have been instantly stifled. Piercing through every crevice
+in the clothes, it, in some cases, tore them from the wearer's limbs, or
+from his grasp. It penetrated the skin; benumbed the flesh; paralysed
+the faculties. The intense darkness added to the terror of the storm.
+The destroying angel hurried by, shrouded in his gloomiest apparel. None
+saw, though all felt, his presence, and heard the thunder of his voice.
+Imagination, coloured by the obscurity, peopled the air with phantoms.
+Ten thousand steeds appeared to be trampling aloft, charged with the
+work of devastation. Awful shapes seemed to flit by, borne on the wings
+of the tempest, animating and directing its fury. The actual danger was
+lost sight of in these wild apprehensions; and many timorous beings were
+scared beyond reason's verge by the excess of their fears.
+
+This had well nigh been the case with the carpenter. He was roused from
+the stupor of despair into which he had sunk by the voice of Ben, who
+roared in his ear, "The bridge!--the bridge!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Old London Bridge.
+
+
+London, at the period of this history, boasted only a single bridge. But
+that bridge was more remarkable than any the metropolis now possesses.
+Covered with houses, from one end to the other, this reverend and
+picturesque structure presented the appearance of a street across the
+Thames. It was as if Grace-church Street, with all its shops, its
+magazines, and ceaseless throng of passengers, were stretched from the
+Middlesex to the Surrey shore. The houses were older, the shops
+gloomier, and the thoroughfare narrower, it is true; but the bustle, the
+crowd, the street-like air was the same. Then the bridge had arched
+gateways, bristling with spikes, and garnished (as all ancient gateways
+ought to be) with the heads of traitors. In olden days it boasted a
+chapel, dedicated to Saint Thomas; beneath which there was a crypt
+curiously constructed amid the arches, where "was sepultured Peter the
+Chaplain of Colechurch, who began the Stone Bridge at London:" and it
+still boasted an edifice (though now in rather a tumbledown condition)
+which had once vied with a palace,--we mean Nonesuch House. The other
+buildings stood close together in rows; and so valuable was every inch
+of room accounted, that, in many cases, cellars, and even habitable
+apartments, were constructed in the solid masonry of the piers.
+
+Old London Bridge (the grandsire of the present erection) was supported
+on nineteen arches, each of which
+
+    Would a Rialto make for depth and height!
+
+The arches stood upon enormous piers; the piers on starlings, or
+jetties, built far out into the river to break the force of the tide.
+
+Roused by Ben's warning, the carpenter looked up and could just perceive
+the dusky outline of the bridge looming through the darkness, and
+rendered indistinctly visible by the many lights that twinkled from the
+windows of the lofty houses. As he gazed at these lights, they suddenly
+seemed to disappear, and a tremendous shock was felt throughout the
+frame of the boat. Wood started to his feet. He found that the skiff had
+been dashed against one of the buttresses of the bridge.
+
+"Jump!" cried Ben, in a voice of thunder.
+
+Wood obeyed. His fears supplied him with unwonted vigour. Though the
+starling was more than two feet above the level of the water, he
+alighted with his little charge--which he had never for an instant
+quitted--in safety upon it. Poor Ben was not so fortunate. Just as he
+was preparing to follow, the wherry containing Rowland and his men,
+which had drifted in their wake, was dashed against his boat. The
+violence of the collision nearly threw him backwards, and caused him to
+swerve as he sprang. His foot touched the rounded edge of the starling,
+and glanced off, precipitating him into the water. As he fell, he caught
+at the projecting masonry. But the stone was slippery; and the tide,
+which here began to feel the influence of the fall, was running with
+frightful velocity. He could not make good his hold. But, uttering a
+loud cry, he was swept away by the headlong torrent.
+
+Mr. Wood heard the cry. But his own situation was too perilous to admit
+of his rendering any assistance to the ill-fated waterman. He fancied,
+indeed, that he beheld a figure spring upon the starling at the moment
+when the boats came in contact; but, as he could perceive no one near
+him, he concluded he must have been mistaken.
+
+In order to make Mr. Wood's present position, and subsequent proceedings
+fully intelligible, it may be necessary to give some notion of the shape
+and structure of the platform on which he had taken refuge. It has been
+said, that the pier of each arch, or lock of Old London Bridge, was
+defended from the force of the tide by a huge projecting spur called a
+starling. These starlings varied in width, according to the bulk of the
+pier they surrounded. But they were all pretty nearly of the same
+length, and built somewhat after the model of a boat, having extremities
+as sharp and pointed as the keel of a canoe. Cased and ribbed with
+stone, and braced with horizontal beams of timber, the piles, which
+formed the foundation of these jetties, had resisted the strong
+encroachments of the current for centuries. Some of them are now buried
+at the bottom of the Thames. The starling, on which the carpenter stood,
+was the fourth from the Surrey shore. It might be three yards in width,
+and a few more in length; but it was covered with ooze and slime, and
+the waves continually broke over it. The transverse spars before
+mentioned were as slippery as ice; and the hollows between them were
+filled ankle-deep with water.
+
+The carpenter threw himself flat upon the starling to avoid the fury of
+the wind. But in this posture he fared worse than ever. If he ran less
+risk of being blown over, he stood a much greater chance of being washed
+off, or stifled. As he lay on his back, he fancied himself gradually
+slipping off the platform. Springing to his feet in an ecstasy of
+terror, he stumbled, and had well nigh realized his worst apprehensions.
+He, next, tried to clamber up the flying buttresses and soffits of the
+pier, in the hope of reaching some of the windows and other apertures
+with which, as a man-of-war is studded with port-holes, the sides of the
+bridge were pierced. But this wild scheme was speedily abandoned; and,
+nerved by despair, the carpenter resolved to hazard an attempt, from the
+execution, almost from the contemplation, of which he had hitherto
+shrunk. This was to pass under the arch, along the narrow ledge of the
+starling, and, if possible, attain the eastern platform, where,
+protected by the bridge, he would suffer less from the excessive
+violence of the gale.
+
+Assured, if he remained much longer where he was, he would inevitably
+perish, Wood recommended himself to the protection of Heaven, and began
+his perilous course. Carefully sustaining the child which, even in that
+terrible extremity, he had not the heart to abandon, he fell upon his
+knees, and, guiding himself with his right hand, crept slowly on. He had
+scarcely entered the arch, when the indraught was so violent, and the
+noise of the wind so dreadful and astounding, that he almost determined
+to relinquish the undertaking. But the love of life prevailed over his
+fears. He went on.
+
+The ledge, along which he crawled, was about a foot wide. In length the
+arch exceeded seventy feet. To the poor carpenter it seemed an endless
+distance. When, by slow and toilsome efforts, he had arrived midway,
+something obstructed his further progress. It was a huge stone placed
+there by some workmen occupied in repairing the structure. Cold drops
+stood upon Wood's brow, as he encountered this obstacle. To return was
+impossible,--to raise himself certain destruction. He glanced downwards
+at the impetuous torrent, which he could perceive shooting past him with
+lightning swiftness in the gloom. He listened to the thunder of the fall
+now mingling with the roar of the blast; and, driven almost frantic by
+what he heard and saw, he pushed with all his force against the stone.
+To his astonishment and delight it yielded to the pressure, toppled over
+the ledge, and sank. Such was the hubbub and tumult around him, that
+the carpenter could not hear its plunge into the flood. His course,
+however, was no longer interrupted, and he crept on.
+
+After encountering other dangers, and being twice, compelled to fling
+himself flat upon his face to avoid slipping from the wet and slimy
+pathway, he was at length about to emerge from the lock, when, to his
+inexpressible horror, he found he had lost the child!
+
+All the blood in his veins rushed to his heart, and he shook in every
+limb as he made this discovery. A species of vertigo seized him. His
+brain reeled. He fancied that the whole fabric of the bridge was
+cracking over head,--that the arch was tumbling upon him,--that the
+torrent was swelling around him, whirling him off, and about to bury him
+in the deafening abyss. He shrieked with agony, and clung with desperate
+tenacity to the roughened stones. But calmer thoughts quickly succeeded.
+On taxing his recollection, the whole circumstance rushed to mind with
+painful distinctness. He remembered that, before he attempted to
+dislodge the stone, he had placed the child in a cavity of the pier,
+which the granite mass had been intended to fill. This obstacle being
+removed, in his eagerness to proceed, he had forgotten to take his
+little charge with him. It was still possible the child might be in
+safety. And so bitterly did the carpenter reproach himself with his
+neglect, that he resolved, at all risks, to go back in search of it.
+Acting upon this humane determination, he impelled himself slowly
+backwards,--for he did not dare to face the blast,--and with incredible
+labour and fatigue reached the crevice. His perseverance was amply
+rewarded. The child was still safe. It lay undisturbed in the remotest
+corner of the recess.
+
+So overjoyed was the carpenter with the successful issue of his
+undertaking, that he scarcely paused a moment to recruit himself; but,
+securing the child, set out upon his return. Retracing his steps, he
+arrived, without further accident, at the eastern platform of the
+starling. As he anticipated, he was here comparatively screened from the
+fury of the wind; and when he gazed upon the roaring fall beneath him,
+visible through the darkness in a glistening sheet of foam, his heart
+overflowed with gratitude for his providential deliverance.
+
+As he moved about upon the starling, Mr. Wood became sensible that he
+was not alone. Some one was standing beside him. This, then, must be the
+person whom he had seen spring upon the western platform at the time of
+the collision between the boats. The carpenter well knew from the
+obstacle which had interfered with his own progress, that the unknown
+could not have passed through the same lock as himself. But he might
+have crept along the left side of the pier, and beneath the further
+arch; whereas, Wood, as we have seen, took his course upon the right.
+The darkness prevented the carpenter from discerning the features or
+figure of the stranger; and the ceaseless din precluded the possibility
+of holding any communication by words with him. Wood, however, made
+known his presence to the individual by laying his hand upon his
+shoulder. The stranger started at the touch, and spoke. But his words
+were borne away by the driving wind.
+
+Finding all attempts at conversation with his companion in misfortune in
+vain, Wood, in order to distract his thoughts, looked up at the gigantic
+structure standing, like a wall of solid darkness, before him. What was
+his transport on perceiving that a few yards above him a light was
+burning. The carpenter did not hesitate a moment. He took a handful of
+the gravelly mud, with which the platform was covered, and threw the
+small pebbles, one by one, towards the gleam. A pane of glass was
+shivered by each stone. The signal of distress was evidently understood.
+The light disappeared. The window was shortly after opened, and a rope
+ladder, with a lighted horn lantern attached to it, let down.
+
+Wood grasped his companion's arm to attract his attention to this
+unexpected means of escape. The ladder was now within reach. Both
+advanced towards it, when, by the light of the lantern, Wood beheld, in
+the countenance of the stranger, the well-remembered and stern features
+of Rowland.
+
+The carpenter trembled; for he perceived Rowland's gaze fixed first
+upon the infant, and then on himself.
+
+"It _is_ her child!" shrieked Rowland, in a voice heard above the
+howling of the tempest, "risen from this roaring abyss to torment me.
+Its parents have perished. And shall their wretched offspring live to
+blight my hopes, and blast my fame? Never!" And, with these words, he
+grasped Wood by the throat, and, despite his resistance, dragged him to
+the very verge of the platform.
+
+All this juncture, a thundering crash was heard against the side of the
+bridge. A stack of chimneys, on the house above them, had yielded to the
+storm, and descended in a shower of bricks and stones.
+
+When the carpenter a moment afterwards stretched out his hand, scarcely
+knowing whether he was alive or dead, he found himself alone. The fatal
+shower, from which he and his little charge escaped uninjured, had
+stricken his assailant and precipitated him into the boiling gulf.
+
+"It's an ill wind that blows nobody good," thought the carpenter,
+turning his attention to the child, whose feeble struggles and cries
+proclaimed that, as yet, life had not been extinguished by the hardships
+it had undergone. "Poor little creature!" he muttered, pressing it
+tenderly to his breast, as he grasped the rope and clambered up to the
+window: "if thou hast, indeed, lost both thy parents, as that terrible
+man said just now, thou art not wholly friendless and deserted, for I
+myself will be a father to thee! And in memory of this dreadful night,
+and the death from which I have, been the means of preserving thee, thou
+shalt bear the name of THAMES DARRELL."
+
+No sooner had Wood crept through the window, than nature gave way, and
+he fainted. On coming to himself, he found he had been wrapped in a
+blanket and put to bed with a couple of hot bricks to his feet. His
+first inquiries were concerning the child, and he was delighted to find
+that it still lived and was doing well. Every care had been taken of it,
+as well as of himself, by the humane inmates of the house in which he
+had sought shelter.
+
+About noon, next day, he was able to move; and the gale having abated,
+he set out homewards with his little charge.
+
+The city presented a terrible picture of devastation. London Bridge had
+suffered a degree less than most places. But it was almost choked up
+with fallen stacks of chimneys, broken beams of timber, and shattered
+tiles. The houses overhung in a frightful manner, and looked as if the
+next gust would precipitate them into the river. With great difficulty,
+Wood forced a path through the ruins. It was a work of no slight danger,
+for every instant a wall, or fragment of a building, came crashing to
+the ground. Thames Street was wholly impassable. Men were going hither
+and thither with barrows, and ladders and ropes, removing the rubbish,
+and trying to support the tottering habitations. Grace-church Street was
+entirely deserted, except by a few stragglers, whose curiosity got the
+better of their fears; or who, like the carpenter, were compelled to
+proceed along it. The tiles lay a foot thick in the road. In some cases
+they were ground almost to powder; in others, driven deeply into the
+earth, as if discharged from a piece of ordnance. The roofs and gables
+of many of the houses had been torn off. The signs of the shops were
+carried to incredible distances. Here and there, a building might be
+seen with the doors and windows driven in, and all access to it
+prevented by the heaps of bricks and tilesherds.
+
+Through this confusion the carpenter struggled on;--now ascending, now
+descending the different mountains of rubbish that beset his path, at
+the imminent peril of his life and limbs, until he arrived in Fleet
+Street. The hurricane appeared to have raged in this quarter with
+tenfold fury. Mr. Wood scarcely knew where he was. The old aspect of the
+place was gone. In lieu of the substantial habitations which he had
+gazed on overnight, he beheld a row of falling scaffoldings, for such
+they seemed.
+
+It was a dismal and depressing sight to see a great city thus suddenly
+overthrown; and the carpenter was deeply moved by the spectacle. As
+usual, however, on the occasion of any great calamity, a crowd was
+scouring the streets, whose sole object was plunder. While involved in
+this crowd, near Temple Bar,--where the thoroughfare was most dangerous
+from the masses of ruin that impeded it,--an individual, whose swarthy
+features recalled to the carpenter one of his tormentors of the previous
+night, collared him, and, with bitter imprecations accused him of
+stealing his child. In vain Wood protested his innocence. The ruffian's
+companions took his part. And the infant, in all probability, would have
+been snatched from its preserver, if a posse of the watch (sent out to
+maintain order and protect property) had not opportunely arrived, and by
+a vigorous application of their halberts dispersed his persecutors, and
+set him at liberty.
+
+Mr. Wood then took to his heels, and never once looked behind him till
+he reached his own dwelling in Wych Street. His wife met him at the
+door, and into her hands he delivered his little charge.
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST EPOCH.
+
+
+
+
+
+EPOCH THE SECOND.
+
+1715.
+
+THAMES DARRELL.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+The Idle Apprentice.
+
+
+Twelve years! How many events have occurred during that long interval!
+how many changes have taken place! The whole aspect of things is
+altered. The child has sprung into a youth; the youth has become a man;
+the man has already begun to feel the advances of age. Beauty has
+bloomed and faded. Fresh flowers of loveliness have budded, expanded,
+died. The fashions of the day have become antiquated. New customs have
+prevailed over the old. Parties, politics, and popular opinions have
+changed. The crown has passed from the brow of one monarch to that of
+another. Habits and tastes are no longer the same. We, ourselves, are
+scarcely the same we were twelve years ago.
+
+Twelve years ago! It is an awful retrospect. Dare we look back upon the
+darkened vista, and, in imagination retrace the path we have trod? With
+how many vain hopes is it shaded! with how many good resolutions, never
+fulfilled, is it paved! Where are the dreams of ambition in which,
+twelve years ago, we indulged? Where are the aspirations that fired
+us--the passions that consumed us then? Has our success in life been
+commensurate with our own desires--with the anticipations formed of us
+by others? Or, are we not blighted in heart, as in ambition? Has not the
+loved one been estranged by doubt, or snatched from us by the cold hand
+of death? Is not the goal, towards which we pressed, further off than
+ever--the prospect before us cheerless as the blank behind?--Enough of
+this. Let us proceed with our tale.
+
+Twelve years, then, have elapsed since the date of the occurrences
+detailed in the preceding division of this history. At that time, we
+were beneath the sway of Anne: we are now at the commencement of the
+reign of George the First. Passing at a glance over the whole of the
+intervening period; leaving in the words of the poet,
+
+    --The growth untried
+    Of that wide gap--
+
+we shall resume our narrative at the beginning of June, 1715.
+
+One Friday afternoon, in this pleasant month, it chanced that Mr. Wood,
+who had been absent on business during the greater part of the day,
+returned (perhaps not altogether undesignedly) at an earlier hour than
+was expected, to his dwelling in Wych Street, Drury Lane; and was about
+to enter his workshop, when, not hearing any sound of labour issue from
+within, he began to suspect that an apprentice, of whose habits of
+industry he entertained some doubt, was neglecting his employment.
+Impressed with this idea, he paused for a moment to listen. But finding
+all continue silent, he cautiously lifted the latch, and crept into the
+room, resolved to punish the offender in case his suspicions should
+prove correct.
+
+The chamber, into which he stole, like all carpenters' workshops, was
+crowded with the implements and materials of that ancient and honourable
+art. Saws, hammers, planes, axes, augers, adzes, chisels, gimblets, and
+an endless variety of tools were ranged, like a stand of martial weapons
+at an armoury, in racks against the walls. Over these hung levels,
+bevels, squares, and other instruments of measurement. Amid a litter of
+nails without heads, screws without worms, and locks without wards, lay
+a glue-pot and an oilstone, two articles which their owner was wont to
+term "his right hand and his left." On a shelf was placed a row of
+paint-jars; the contents of which had been daubed in rainbow streaks
+upon the adjacent closet and window sill. Divers plans and figures were
+chalked upon the walls; and the spaces between them were filled up with
+an almanack for the year; a godly ballad, adorned with a rude wood-cut,
+purporting to be "_The History of Chaste Susannah_;" an old print of the
+Seven Golden Candlesticks; an abstract of the various Acts of Parliament
+against drinking, swearing, and all manner of profaneness; and a view of
+the interior of Doctor Daniel Burgess's Presbyterian meeting-house in
+Russell Court, with portraits of the reverend gentleman and the
+principal members of his flock. The floor was thickly strewn with
+sawdust and shavings; and across the room ran a long and wide bench,
+furnished at one end with a powerful vice; next to which three nails
+driven into the boards served, it would appear from the lump of
+unconsumed tallow left in their custody, as a substitute for a
+candlestick. On the bench was set a quartern measure of gin, a crust of
+bread, and a slice of cheese. Attracted by the odour of the latter
+dainty, a hungry cat had contrived to scratch open the paper in which it
+was wrapped, displaying the following words in large characters:--"THE
+HISTORY OF THE FOUR KINGS, OR CHILD'S BEST GUIDE TO THE GALLOWS." And,
+as if to make the moral more obvious, a dirty pack of cards was
+scattered, underneath, upon the sawdust. Near the door stood a pile of
+deal planks, behind which the carpenter ensconced himself in order to
+reconnoitre, unobserved, the proceedings of his idle apprentice.
+
+Standing on tiptoe, on a joint-stool, placed upon the bench, with his
+back to the door, and a clasp-knife in his hand, this youngster, instead
+of executing his appointed task, was occupied in carving his name upon a
+beam, overhead. Boys, at the time of which we write, were attired like
+men of their own day, or certain charity-children of ours; and the
+stripling in question was dressed in black plush breeches, and a gray
+drugget waistcoat, with immoderately long pockets, both of which were
+evidently the cast-off clothes of some one considerably his senior.
+Coat, on the present occasion, he had none, it being more convenient, as
+well as agreeable to him, to pursue his avocations in his shirtsleeves;
+but, when fully equipped, he wore a large-cuffed, long-skirted garment,
+which had once been the property of his master.
+
+In concealing himself behind the timber, Mr. Wood could not avoid making
+a slight shuffling sound. The noise startled the apprentice, who
+instantly suspended his labour, and gazed anxiously in the direction
+whence he supposed it proceeded. His face was that of a quick,
+intelligent-looking boy, with fine hazel eyes, and a clear olive
+complexion. His figure was uncommonly slim even for his age, which could
+not be more than thirteen; and the looseness of his garb made him appear
+thinner than he was in reality. But if his frame was immature, his looks
+were not so. He seemed to possess a penetration and cunning beyond his
+years--to hide a man's judgment under a boy's mask. The glance, which he
+threw at the door, was singularly expressive of his character: it was a
+mixture of alarm, effrontery, and resolution. In the end, resolution
+triumphed, as it was sure to do, over the weaker emotions, and he
+laughed at his fears. The only part of his otherwise-interesting
+countenance, to which one could decidedly object, was the mouth; a
+feature that, more than any other, is conceived to betray the animal
+propensities of the possessor. If this is true, it must be owned that
+the boy's mouth showed a strong tendency on his part to coarse
+indulgence. The eyes, too, though large and bright, and shaded by long
+lashes, seemed to betoken, as hazel eyes generally do in men, a
+faithless and uncertain disposition. The cheek-bones were prominent: the
+nose slightly depressed, with rather wide nostrils; the chin narrow, but
+well-formed; the forehead broad and lofty; and he possessed such an
+extraordinary flexibility of muscle in this region, that he could
+elevate his eye-brows at pleasure up to the very verge of his sleek and
+shining black hair, which, being closely cropped, to admit of his
+occasionally wearing a wig, gave a singular bullet-shape to his head.
+Taken altogether, his physiognomy resembled one of those vagabond heads
+which Murillo delighted to paint, and for which Guzman d'Alfarache,
+Lazarillo de Tormes, or Estevanillo Gonzalez might have sat:--faces that
+almost make one in love with roguery, they seem so full of vivacity and
+enjoyment. There was all the knavery, and more than all the drollery of
+a Spanish picaroon in the laughing eyes of the English apprentice; and,
+with a little more warmth and sunniness of skin on the side of the
+latter, the resemblance between them would have been complete.
+
+Satisfied, as he thought, that he had nothing to apprehend, the boy
+resumed his task, chanting, as he plied his knife with redoubled
+assiduity, the following--not inappropriate strains:--
+
+    THE NEWGATE STONE.
+
+    When Claude Du Val was in Newgate thrown,
+    He carved his name on the dungeon stone;
+    Quoth a dubsman, who gazed on the shattered wall,
+    "You have carved your epitaph, Claude Du Val,
+        _With your chisel so fine, tra la_!"
+
+"This S wants a little deepening," mused the apprentice, retouching the
+letter in question; "ay, that's better."
+
+    Du Val was hang'd, and the next who came
+    On the selfsame stone inscribed his name:
+    "Aha!" quoth the dubsman, with devilish glee,
+    "Tom Waters _your_ doom is the triple tree!
+        _With your chisel so fine, tra la_!"
+
+"Tut, tut, tut," he cried, "what a fool I am to be sure! I ought to have
+cut John, not Jack. However, it don't signify. Nobody ever called me
+John, that I recollect. So I dare say I was christened Jack. Deuce take
+it! I was very near spelling my name with one P.
+
+    Within that dungeon lay Captain Bew,
+    Rumbold and Whitney--a jolly crew!
+    All carved their names on the stone, and all
+    Share the fate of the brave Du Val!
+        _With their chisels so fine, tra la_!
+
+"Save us!" continued the apprentice, "I hope this beam doesn't resemble
+the Newgate stone; or I may chance, like the great men the song speaks
+of, to swing on the Tyburn tree for my pains. No fear o' that.--Though
+if my name should become as famous as theirs, it wouldn't much matter.
+The prospect of the gallows would never deter me from taking to the
+road, if I were so inclined.
+
+    Full twenty highwaymen blithe and bold,
+    Rattled their chains in that dungeon old;
+    Of all that number there 'scaped not one
+    Who carved his name on the Newgate Stone.
+        _With his chisel so fine, tra la_!
+
+"There!" cried the boy, leaping from the stool, and drawing back a few
+paces on the bench to examine his performance,--"that'll do. Claude du
+Val himself couldn't have carved it better--ha! ha!"
+
+The name inscribed upon the beam (of which, as it has been carefully
+preserved by the subsequent owners of Mr. Wood's habitation in Wych
+Street, we are luckily enabled to furnish a facsimile) was
+
+[Illustration: Jack Sheppard (signature)]
+
+"I've half a mind to give old Wood the slip, and turn highwayman," cried
+Jack, as he closed the knife, and put it in his pocket.
+
+"The devil you have!" thundered a voice from behind, that filled the
+apprentice with dismay. "Come down, sirrah, and I'll teach you how to
+deface my walls in future. Come down, I say, instantly, or I'll make
+you." Upon which, Mr. Wood caught hold of Jack's leg, and dragged him
+off the bench.
+
+"And so you'll turn highwayman, will you, you young dog?" continued the
+carpenter, cuffing him soundly,--"rob the mails, like Jack Hall, I
+suppose."
+
+"Yes, I will," replied Jack sullenly, "if you beat me in that way."
+
+Amazed at the boy's assurance, Wood left off boxing his ears for a
+moment, and, looking at him steadfastly, said in a grave tone, "Jack,
+Jack, you'll come to be hanged!"
+
+"Better be hanged than hen-pecked," retorted the lad with a malicious
+grin.
+
+"What do you mean by that, sirrah?" cried Wood, reddening with anger.
+"Do you dare to insinuate that Mrs. Wood governs me?"
+
+"It's plain you can't govern yourself, at all events," replied Jack
+coolly; "but, be that as it may, I won't be struck for nothing."
+
+"Nothing," echoed Wood furiously. "Do you call neglecting your work, and
+singing flash songs nothing? Zounds! you incorrigible rascal, many a
+master would have taken you before a magistrate, and prayed for your
+solitary confinement in Bridewell for the least of these offences. But
+I'll be more lenient, and content myself with merely chastising you, on
+condition--"
+
+"You may do as you please, master," interrupted Jack, thrusting his hand
+into his pocket, as if in search of the knife; "but I wouldn't advise
+you to lay hands on me again."
+
+Mr. Wood glanced at the hardy offender, and not liking the expression of
+his countenance, thought it advisable to postpone the execution of his
+threats to a more favourable opportunity. So, by way of gaining time, he
+resolved to question him further.
+
+"Where did you learn the song I heard just now?" he demanded, in an
+authoritative tone.
+
+"At the Black Lion in our street," replied Jack, without hesitation.
+
+"The worst house in the neighbourhood--the constant haunt of reprobates
+and thieves," groaned Wood. "And who taught it you--the landlord, Joe
+Hind?"
+
+"No; one Blueskin, a fellow who frequents the Lion," answered Jack, with
+a degree of candour that astonished his master nearly as much as his
+confidence. "It was that song that put it into my head to cut my name on
+the beam."
+
+"A white wall is a fool's paper, Jack,--remember that," rejoined Wood.
+"Pretty company for an apprentice to keep!--pretty houses for an
+apprentice to frequent! Why, the rascal you mention is a notorious
+house-breaker. He was tried at the last Old Bailey sessions; and only
+escaped the gallows by impeaching his accomplices. Jonathan Wild brought
+him off."
+
+"Do you happen to know Jonathan Wild, master?" inquired Jack, altering
+his tone, and assuming a more respectful demeanour.
+
+"I've seen him some years ago, I believe," answered Wood; "and, though
+he must be much changed by this time, I dare say I should know him
+again."
+
+"A short man, isn't he, about your height, Sir,--with a yellow beard,
+and a face as sly as a fox's?"
+
+"Hem!" replied Wood, coughing slightly to conceal a smile; "the
+description's not amiss. But why do you ask?"
+
+"Because--" stammered the boy.
+
+"Speak out--don't be alarmed," said Wood, in a kind and encouraging
+tone. "If you've done wrong, confess it, and I'll forgive you!"
+
+"I don't deserve to be forgiven!" returned Jack, bursting into tears;
+"for I'm afraid I've done very wrong. Do you know this, Sir?" he added,
+taking a key from his pocket.
+
+"Where did you find it!" asked Wood.
+
+"It was given me by a man who was drinking t'other night with Blueskin
+at the Lion! and who, though he slouched his hat over his eyes, and
+muffled his chin in a handkerchief, must have been Jonathan Wild."
+
+"Where did _he_ get it?" inquired Wood, in surprise.
+
+"That I can't say. But he promised to give me a couple of guineas if I'd
+ascertain whether it fitted your locks."
+
+"Zounds!" exclaimed Wood; "it's my old master-key. This key," he added,
+taking it from the boy, "was purloined from me by your father, Jack.
+What he intended to do with it is of little consequence now. But before
+he suffered at Tyburn, he charged your mother to restore it. She lost it
+in the Mint. Jonathan Wild must have stolen it from her."
+
+"He must," exclaimed Jack, hastily; "but only let me have it till
+to-morrow, and if I don't entrap him in a snare from which, with all
+his cunning, he shall find it difficult to escape, my name's not Jack
+Sheppard."
+
+"I see through your design, Jack," returned the carpenter, gravely; "but
+I don't like under-hand work. Even when you've a knave to deal with, let
+your actions be plain, and above-board. That's my maxim; and it's the
+maxim of every honest man. It would be a great matter, I must own, to
+bring Jonathan Wild to justice. But I can't consent to the course you
+would pursue--at least, not till I've given it due consideration. In
+regard to yourself, you've had a very narrow escape. Wild's intention,
+doubtless, was to use you as far as he found necessary, and then to sell
+you. Let this be a caution to you in future--with whom, and about what
+you deal. We're told, that 'Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own
+soul.' Avoid taverns and bad company, and you may yet do well. You
+promise to become a first-rate workman. But you want one quality,
+without which all others are valueless. You want industry--you want
+steadiness. Idleness is the key of beggary, Jack. If you don't conquer
+this disgraceful propensity in time, you'll soon come to want; and then
+nothing can save you. Be warned by your father's fate. As you brew so
+must you drink. I've engaged to watch over you as a son, and I _will_ do
+so as far as I'm able; but if you neglect my advice, what chance have I
+of benefitting you? On one point I've made up my mind--you shall either
+obey me, or leave me. Please yourself. Here are your indentures, if you
+choose to seek another master."
+
+"I _will_ obey you, master,--indeed I will!" implored Jack, seriously
+alarmed at the carpenter's calm displeasure.
+
+"We shall see. Good words, without deeds, are rushes and reeds. And now
+take away those cards, and never let me see them again. Drive away the
+cat; throw that measure of gin through the window; and tell me why
+you've not so much as touched the packing-case for Lady Trafford, which
+I particularly desired you to complete against my return. It must be
+sent home this evening. She leaves town to-morrow."
+
+"It shall be ready in two hours," answered Jack, seizing a piece of wood
+and a plane; "it isn't more than four o'clock. I'll engage to get the
+job done by six. I didn't expect you home before that hour, Sir."
+
+"Ah, Jack," said Wood, shaking his head, "where there's a will there's a
+way. You can do anything you please. I wish I could get you to imitate
+Thames Darrell."
+
+"I'm sure I understand the business of a carpenter much better than he
+does," replied Jack, adroitly adjusting the board, and using the plane
+with the greatest rapidity.
+
+"Perhaps," replied Wood, doubtfully.
+
+"Thames was always your favourite," observed Jack, as he fastened
+another piece of wood on the teeth of the iron stopper.
+
+"I've made no distinction between you, hitherto," answered Wood; "nor
+shall I do so, unless I'm compelled."
+
+"I've had the hard work to do, at all events," rejoined Jack, "But I
+won't complain. I'd do anything for Thames Darrell."
+
+"And Thames Darrell would do anything for you, Jack," replied a blithe
+voice. "What's the matter, father!" continued the new-comer, addressing
+Wood. "Has Jack displeased you? If so, overlook his fault this once. I'm
+sure he'll do his best to content you. Won't you, Jack?"
+
+"That I will," answered Sheppard, eagerly.
+
+"When it thunders, the thief becomes honest," muttered Wood.
+
+"Can I help you, Jack?" asked Thames, taking up a plane.
+
+"No, no, let him alone," interposed Wood. "He has undertaken to finish
+this job by six o'clock, and I wish to see whether he'll be as good as
+his word."
+
+"He'll have hard work to do it by that time, father," remonstrated
+Thames; "you'd better let me help him."
+
+"On no account," rejoined Wood peremptorily. "A little extra exertion
+will teach him the advantage of diligence at the proper season. Lost
+ground must be regained. I need scarcely ask whether you've executed
+your appointed task, my dear? You're never behindhand."
+
+Thames turned away at the question, which he felt might be construed
+into a reproach. But Sheppard answered for him.
+
+"Darrell's job was done early this morning," he said; "and if I'd
+attended to his advice, the packing-case would have been finished at the
+same time."
+
+"You trusted too much to your own skill, Jack," rejoined Thames. "If I
+could work as fast as you, I might afford to be as idle. See how he gets
+on, father," he added, appealing to Wood: "the box seems to grow under
+his hands."
+
+"You're a noble-hearted little fellow, Thames," rejoined Wood, casting a
+look of pride and affection at his adopted son, whose head he gently
+patted; "and give promise of a glorious manhood."
+
+Thames Darrell was, indeed, a youth of whom a person of far greater
+worldly consequence than the worthy carpenter might have been justly
+proud. Though a few months younger than his companion Jack Sheppard, he
+was half a head taller, and much more robustly formed. The two friends
+contrasted strikingly with each other. In Darrell's open features,
+frankness and honour were written in legible characters; while, in
+Jack's physiognomy, cunning and knavery were as strongly imprinted. In
+all other respects they differed as materially. Jack could hardly be
+accounted good-looking: Thames, on the contrary, was one of the
+handsomest boys possible. Jack's complexion was that of a gipsy;
+Darrell's as fresh and bright as a rose. Jack's mouth was coarse and
+large; Darrell's small and exquisitely carved, with the short, proud
+upper lip, which belongs to the highest order of beauty. Jack's nose was
+broad and flat; Darrell's straight and fine as that of Antinous. The
+expression pervading the countenance of the one was vulgarity; of the
+other, that which is rarely found, except in persons of high birth.
+Darrell's eyes were of that clear gray which it is difficult to
+distinguish from blue by day and black at night; and his rich brown
+hair, which he could not consent to part with, even on the promise of a
+new and modish peruke from his adoptive father, fell in thick glossy
+ringlets upon his shoulders; whereas Jack's close black crop imparted
+the peculiar bullet-shape we have noticed, to his head.
+
+While Thames modestly expressed a hope that he might not belie the
+carpenter's favourable prediction, Jack Sheppard thought fit to mount a
+small ladder placed against the wall, and, springing with the agility of
+an ape upon a sort of frame, contrived to sustain short spars and blocks
+of timber, began to search about for a piece of wood required in the
+work on which he was engaged. Being in a great hurry, he took little
+heed where he set his feet; and a board giving way, he must have fallen,
+if he had not grasped a large plank laid upon the transverse beam
+immediately over his head.
+
+"Take care, Jack," shouted Thames, who witnessed the occurrence; "that
+plank isn't properly balanced. You'll have it down."
+
+But the caution came too late. Sheppard's weight had destroyed the
+equilibrium of the plank: it swerved, and slowly descended. Losing his
+presence of mind, Jack quitted his hold, and dropped upon the frame. The
+plank hung over his head. A moment more and he would have been crushed
+beneath the ponderous board, when a slight but strong arm arrested its
+descent.
+
+"Get from under it, Jack!" vociferated Thames. "I can't hold it much
+longer--it'll break my wrist. Down we come!" he exclaimed, letting go
+the plank, which fell with a crash, and leaping after Sheppard, who had
+rolled off the frame.
+
+All this was the work of a minute.
+
+"No bones broken, I hope," said Thames, laughing at Jack, who limped
+towards the bench, rubbing his shins as he went.
+
+"All right," replied Sheppard, with affected indifference.
+
+"It's a mercy you both escaped!" ejaculated Wood, only just finding his
+tongue. "I declare I'm all in a cold sweat. How came you, Sir," he
+continued, addressing Sheppard, "to venture upon that frame. I always
+told you some accident would happen."
+
+"Don't scold him, father," interposed Thames; "he's been frightened
+enough already."
+
+"Well, well, since you desire it, I'll say no more," returned Wood. "You
+hay'n't hurt your arm, I trust, my dear?" he added, anxiously.
+
+"Only sprained it a little, that's all," answered Thames; "the pain will
+go off presently."
+
+"Then you _are_ hurt," cried the carpenter in alarm. "Come down stairs
+directly, and let your mother look at your wrist. She has an excellent
+remedy for a sprain. And do you, Jack, attend to your work, and mind you
+don't get into further mischief."
+
+"Hadn't Jack better go with us?" said Thames. "His shin may need
+rubbing."
+
+"By no means," rejoined Wood, hastily. "A little suffering will do him
+good. I meant to give him a drubbing. That bruise will answer the same
+purpose."
+
+"Thames," said Sheppard in a low voice, as he threw a vindictive glance
+at the carpenter, "I shan't forget this. You've saved my life."
+
+"Pshaw! you'd do as much for me any day, and think no more about it.
+It'll be your turn to save mine next."
+
+"True, and I shan't be easy till my turn arrives."
+
+"I tell you what, Jack," whispered Thames, who had noticed Sheppard's
+menacing glance, and dreaded some further indiscretion on his part, "if
+you really wish to oblige me, you'll get that packing-case finished by
+six o'clock. You _can_ do it, if you will."
+
+"And I _will_, if I can, depend upon it," answered Sheppard, with a
+laugh.
+
+So saying, he manfully resumed his work; while Wood and Thames quitted
+the room, and went down stairs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+Thames Darrell.
+
+
+Thames Darrell's arm having been submitted to the scrutiny of Mrs. Wood,
+was pronounced by that lady to be very much sprained; and she,
+forthwith, proceeded to bathe it with a reddish-coloured lotion. During
+this operation, the carpenter underwent a severe catechism as to the
+cause of the accident; and, on learning that the mischance originated
+with Jack Sheppard, the indignation of his helpmate knew no bounds; and
+she was with difficulty prevented from flying to the workshop to inflict
+summary punishment on the offender.
+
+"I knew how it would be," she cried, in the shrill voice peculiar to a
+shrew, "when you brought that worthless hussy's worthless brat into the
+house. I told you no good would come of it. And every day's experience
+proves that I was right. But, like all your overbearing sex, you must
+have your own way. You'll never be guided by me--never!"
+
+"Indeed, my love, you're entirely mistaken," returned the carpenter,
+endeavouring to deprecate his wife's rising resentment by the softest
+looks, and the meekest deportment.
+
+So far, however, was this submission from producing the desired effect,
+that it seemed only to lend additional fuel to her displeasure.
+Forgetting her occupation in her anger, she left off bathing Darrell's
+wrist; and, squeezing his arm so tightly that the boy winced with pain,
+she clapped her right hand upon her hip, and turned, with flashing eyes
+and an inflamed countenance, towards her crest-fallen spouse.
+
+"What!" she exclaimed, almost choked with passion,--"_I_ advised you to
+burthen yourself with that idle and good-for-nothing pauper, who'm you
+ought rather to send to the workhouse than maintain at your own expense,
+did I! _I_ advised you to take him as an apprentice; and, so far from
+getting the regular fee with him, to give him a salary? _I_ advised you
+to feed him, and clothe him, and treat him like his betters; to put up
+with his insolence, and wink at his faults? _I_ counselled all this, I
+suppose. You'll tell me next, I dare say, that I recommended you to go
+and visit his mother so frequently under the plea of charity; to give
+her wine, and provisions, and money; to remove her from the only fit
+quarters for such people--the Mint; and to place her in a cottage at
+Willesden, of which you must needs pay the rent? Marry, come up! charity
+should begin at home. A discreet husband would leave the dispensation of
+his bounty, where women are concerned, to his wife. And for my part, if
+I were inclined to exercise my benevolence at all, it should be in
+favour of some more deserving object than that whining, hypocritical
+Magdalene."
+
+"It was the knowledge of this feeling on your part, my love, that made
+me act without your express sanction. I did all for the best, I'm sure.
+Mrs. Sheppard is--"
+
+"I know what Mrs. Sheppard is, without your information, Sir. I haven't
+forgotten her previous history. You've your own reasons, no doubt, for
+bringing up her son--perhaps, I ought rather to say _your_ son, Mr.
+Wood."
+
+"Really, my love, these accusations are most groundless--this violence
+is most unnecessary."
+
+"I can't endure the odious baggage. I hope I may never come near her."
+
+"I hope you never may, my love," humbly acquiesced the carpenter.
+
+"Is my house to be made a receptacle for all your natural children, Sir?
+Answer me that."
+
+"Winny," said Thames, whose glowing cheek attested the effect produced
+upon him by the insinuation; "Winny," said he, addressing a pretty
+little damsel of some twelve years of age, who stood by his side holding
+the bottle of embrocation, "help me on with my coat, please. This is no
+place for me."
+
+"Sit down, my dear, sit down," interposed Mrs. Wood, softening her
+asperity. "What I said about natural children doesn't apply to _you_.
+Don't suppose," she added, with a scornful glance at her helpmate,
+"that I would pay him the compliment of thinking he could possibly be
+the father of such a boy as you."
+
+Mr. Wood lifted up his hands in mute despair.
+
+"Owen, Owen," pursued Mrs. Wood, sinking into a chair, and fanning
+herself violently,--"what a fluster you have put me into with your
+violence, to be sure! And at the very time, too, when you know I'm
+expecting a visit from Mr. Kneebone, on his return from Manchester. I
+wouldn't have him see me in this state for the world. He'd never forgive
+you."
+
+"Poh, poh, my dear! Mr. Kneebone invariably takes part with me, when any
+trifling misunderstanding arises between us. I only wish he was not a
+Papist and a Jacobite."
+
+"Jacobite!" echoed Mrs. Wood. "Marry, come up! Mightn't he just as
+reasonably complain of your being a Hanoverian and a Presbyterian? It's
+all matter of opinion. And now, my love," she added, with a relenting
+look, "I'm content to make up our quarrel. But you must promise me not
+to go near that abandoned hussy at Willesden. One can't help being
+jealous, you know, even of an unworthy object."
+
+Glad to make peace on any terms, Mr. Wood gave the required promise,
+though he could not help thinking that if either of them had cause to be
+jealous he was the party.
+
+And here, we may be permitted to offer an observation upon the peculiar
+and unaccountable influence which ladies of a shrewish turn so
+frequently exercise over--we can scarcely, in this case, say--their
+lords and masters; an influence which seems not merely to extend to the
+will of the husband, but even to his inclinations. We do not remember to
+have met with a single individual, reported to be under petticoat
+government, who was not content with his lot,--nay, who so far from
+repining, did not exult in his servitude; and we see no way of
+accounting for this apparently inexplicable conduct--for which, among
+other phenomena of married life, various reasons have been assigned,
+though none entirely satisfactory to us--except upon the ground that
+these domineering dames possess some charm sufficiently strong to
+counteract the irritating effect of their tempers; some secret and
+attractive quality of which the world at large is in ignorance, and with
+which their husbands alone can be supposed to be acquainted. An
+influence of this description appeared to be exerted on the present
+occasion. The worthy carpenter was restored to instant good humour by a
+glance from his helpmate; and, notwithstanding the infliction he had
+just endured, he would have quarrelled with any one who had endeavoured
+to persuade him that he was not the happiest of men, and Mrs. Wood the
+best of wives.
+
+"Women must have their wills while they live, since they can make none
+when they die," observed Wood, as he imprinted a kiss of reconciliation
+on the plump hand of his consort;--a sentiment to the correctness of
+which the party chiefly interested graciously vouchsafed her assent.
+
+Lest the carpenter should be taxed with too much uxoriousness, it
+behoves us to ascertain whether the personal attractions of his helpmate
+would, in any degree, justify the devotion he displayed. In the first
+place, Mrs. Wood had the advantage of her husband in point of years,
+being on the sunny side of forty,--a period pronounced by competent
+judges to be the most fascinating, and, at the same time, most critical
+epoch of woman's existence,--whereas, he was on the shady side of
+fifty,--a term of life not generally conceived to have any special
+recommendation in female eyes. In the next place, she really had some
+pretensions to beauty. Accounted extremely pretty in her youth, her
+features and person expanded as she grew older, without much detriment
+to their original comeliness. Hers was beauty on a large scale no doubt;
+but it was beauty, nevertheless: and the carpenter thought her eyes as
+bright, her complexion as blooming, and her figure (if a little more
+buxom) quite as captivating as when he led her to the altar some twenty
+years ago.
+
+On the present occasion, in anticipation of Mr. Kneebone's visit, Mrs.
+Wood was dressed with more than ordinary care, and in more than ordinary
+finery. A dove-coloured kincob gown, embroidered with large trees, and
+made very low in front, displayed to the greatest possible advantage,
+the rounded proportions of her figure; while a high-heeled, red-leather
+shoe did not detract from the symmetry of a very neat ankle, and a very
+small foot. A stomacher, fastened by imitation-diamond buckles, girded
+that part of her person, which should have been a waist; a coral
+necklace encircled her throat, and a few black patches, or mouches, as
+they were termed, served as a foil to the bloom of her cheek and chin.
+Upon a table, where they had been hastily deposited, on the intelligence
+of Darrell's accident, lay a pair of pink kid gloves, bordered with
+lace, and an enormous fan; the latter, when opened, represented the
+metamorphosis and death of Actæon. From her stomacher, to which it was
+attached by a multitude of glittering steel chains, depended an immense
+turnip-shaped watch, in a pinchbeck case. Her hair was gathered up
+behind, in a sort of pad, according to the then prevailing mode; and she
+wore a muslin cap, and pinners with crow-foot edging. A black silk
+fur-belowed scarf covered her shoulders; and over the kincob gown hung a
+yellow satin apron, trimmed with white Persian.
+
+But, in spite of her attractions, we shall address ourselves to the
+younger, and more interesting couple.
+
+"I could almost find in my heart to quarrel with Jack Sheppard for
+occasioning you so much pain," observed little Winifred Wood, as, having
+completed her ministration to the best of her ability, she helped Thames
+on with his coat.
+
+"I don't think you could find in your heart to quarrel with any one,
+Winny; much less with a person whom I like so much as Jack Sheppard. My
+arm's nearly well again. And I've already told you the accident was not
+Jack's fault. So, let's think no more about it."
+
+"It's strange you should like Jack so much dear Thames. He doesn't
+resemble you at all."
+
+"The very reason why I like him, Winny. If he _did_ resemble me, I
+shouldn't care about him. And, whatever you may think, I assure you,
+Jack's a downright good-natured fellow."
+
+Good-natured fellows are always especial favourites with boys. And, in
+applying the term to his friend, Thames meant to pay him a high
+compliment. And so Winifred understood him.
+
+"Well," she said, in reply, "I may have done Jack an injustice. I'll try
+to think better of him in future."
+
+"And, if you want an additional inducement to do so, I can tell you
+there's no one--not even his mother--whom he loves so well as you."
+
+"Loves!" echoed Winifred, slightly colouring.
+
+"Yes, loves, Winny. Poor fellow! he sometimes indulges the hope of
+marrying you, when he grows old enough."
+
+"Thames!"
+
+"Have I said anything to offend you?"
+
+"Oh! no. But if you wouldn't have me positively dislike Jack Sheppard,
+you'll never mention such a subject again. Besides," she added, blushing
+yet more deeply, "it isn't a proper one to talk upon."
+
+"Well then, to change it," replied Thames, gravely, "suppose I should be
+obliged to leave you."
+
+Winifred looked as if she could not indulge such a supposition for a
+single moment.
+
+"Surely," she said, after a pause, "you don't attach any importance to
+what my mother has just said. _She_ has already forgotten it."
+
+"But _I_ never can forget it, Winny. I will no longer be a burthen to
+those upon whom I have no claim, but compassion."
+
+As he said this, in a low and mournful, but firm voice, the tears
+gathered thickly in Winifred's dark eyelashes.
+
+"If you are in earnest, Thames," she replied, with a look of gentle
+reproach, "you are very foolish; and, if in jest, very cruel. My mother,
+I'm sure, didn't intend to hurt your feelings. She loves you too well
+for that. And I'll answer for it, she'll never say a syllable to annoy
+you again."
+
+Thames tried to answer her, but his voice failed him.
+
+"Come! I see the storm has blown over," cried Winifred, brightening up.
+
+"You're mistaken, Winny. Nothing can alter my determination. I shall
+quit this roof to-morrow."
+
+The little girl's countenance fell.
+
+"Do nothing without consulting my father--_your_ father, Thames," she
+implored. "Promise me that."
+
+"Willingly. And what's more, I promise to abide by his decision."
+
+"Then, I'm quite easy," cried Winifred, joyfully.
+
+"I'm sure he won't attempt to prevent me," rejoined Thames.
+
+The slight smile that played upon Winifred's lips seemed to say that
+_she_ was not quite so sure. But she made no answer.
+
+"In case he should consent--"
+
+"He never will," interrupted Winifred.
+
+"In case he _should_, I say," continued Thames, "will _you_ promise to
+let Jack Sheppard take my place in your affections, Winny?"
+
+"Never!" replied the little damsel, "I can never love any one so much as
+you."
+
+"Excepting your father."
+
+Winifred was going to say "No," but she checked herself; and, with
+cheeks mantling with blushes, murmured, "I wish you wouldn't tease me
+about Jack Sheppard."
+
+The foregoing conversation, having been conducted throughout in a low
+tone, and apart, had not reached the ears of Mr. and Mrs. Wood, who
+were, furthermore, engaged in a little conjugal _tête-à-tête_ of their
+own. The last observation, however, caught the attention of the
+carpenter's wife.
+
+"What's that you're saying about Jack Sheppard?" she cried.
+
+"Thames was just observing--"
+
+"Thames!" echoed Mrs. Wood, glancing angrily at her husband. "There's
+another instance of your wilfulness and want of taste. Who but _you_
+would have dreamed of giving the boy such a name? Why, it's the name of
+a river, not a Christian. No gentleman was ever called Thames, and
+Darrell _is_ a gentleman, unless the whole story of his being found in
+the river is a fabrication!"
+
+"My dear, you forget--"
+
+"No, Mr. Wood, I forget nothing. I've an excellent memory, thank God!
+And I perfectly remember that everybody was drowned upon that
+occasion--except yourself and the child!"
+
+"My love you're beside yourself--"
+
+"I was beside myself to take charge of your--"
+
+"Mother?" interposed Winifred.
+
+"It's of no use," observed Thames quietly, but with a look that chilled
+the little damsel's heart;--"my resolution is taken."
+
+"You at least appear to forget that Mr. Kneebone is coming, my dear,"
+ventured Mr. Wood.
+
+"Good gracious! so I do," exclaimed his amiable consort. "But you _do_
+agitate me so much. Come into the parlour, Winifred, and dry your eyes
+directly, or I'll send you to bed. Mr. Wood, I desire you'll put on your
+best things, and join us as soon as possible. Thames, you needn't tidy
+yourself, as you've hurt your arm. Mr. Kneebone will excuse you. Dear
+me! if there isn't his knock. Oh! I'm in such a fluster!"
+
+Upon which, she snatched up her fan, cast a look into the glass,
+smoothed down her scarf, threw a soft expression into her features, and
+led the way into the next room, whither she was followed by her daughter
+and Thames Darrell.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+The Jacobite.
+
+
+Mr. William Kneebone was a woollen-draper of "credit and renown," whose
+place of business was held at the sign of the Angel (for, in those
+days, every shop had its sign), opposite Saint Clement's church in the
+Strand. A native of Manchester, he was the son of Kenelm Kneebone, a
+staunch Catholic, and a sergeant of dragoons, who lost his legs and his
+life while fighting for James the Second at the battle of the Boyne, and
+who had little to bequeath his son except his laurels and his loyalty to
+the house of Stuart.
+
+The gallant woollen-draper was now in his thirty-sixth year. He had a
+handsome, jolly-looking face; stood six feet two in his stockings; and
+measured more than a cloth-yard shaft across the shoulders--athletic
+proportions derived from his father the dragoon. And, if it had not been
+for a taste for plotting, which was continually getting him into
+scrapes, he might have been accounted a respectable member of society.
+
+Of late, however, his plotting had assumed a more dark and dangerous
+complexion. The times were such that, with the opinions he entertained,
+he could not remain idle. The spirit of disaffection was busy throughout
+the kingdom. It was on the eve of that memorable rebellion which broke
+forth, two months later, in Scotland. Since the accession of George the
+First to the throne in the preceding year, every effort had been made by
+the partisans of the Stuarts to shake the credit of the existing
+government, and to gain supporters to their cause. Disappointed in their
+hopes of the restoration of the fallen dynasty after the death of Anne,
+the adherents of the Chevalier de Saint George endeavoured, by sowing
+the seeds of dissension far and wide, to produce a general insurrection
+in his favour. No means were neglected to accomplish this end. Agents
+were dispersed in all directions--offers the most tempting held out to
+induce the wavering to join the Chevalier's standard. Plots were hatched
+in the provinces, where many of the old and wealthy Catholic families
+resided, whose zeal for the martyr of their religion (as the Chevalier
+was esteemed), sharpened by the persecutions they themselves endured,
+rendered them hearty and efficient allies. Arms, horses, and
+accoutrements were secretly purchased and distributed; and it is not
+improbable that, if the unfortunate prince, in whose behalf these
+exertions were made, and who was not deficient in courage, as he proved
+at the battle of Malplaquet, had boldly placed himself at the head of
+his party at an earlier period, he might have regained the crown of his
+ancestors. But the indecision, which had been fatal to his race, was
+fatal to him. He delayed the blow till the fortunate conjuncture was
+past. And when, at length, it _was_ struck, he wanted energy to pursue
+his advantages.
+
+But we must not anticipate the course of events. At the precise period
+of this history, the Jacobite party was full of hope and confidence.
+Louis the Fourteenth yet lived, and expectations were, therefore,
+indulged of assistance from France. The disgrace of the leaders of the
+late Tory administration had strengthened, rather than injured, their
+cause. Mobs were gathered together on the slightest possible pretext;
+and these tumultuous assemblages, while committing the most outrageous
+excesses, loudly proclaimed their hatred to the house of Hanover, and
+their determination to cut off the Protestant succession. The
+proceedings of this faction were narrowly watched by a vigilant and
+sagacious administration. The government was not deceived (indeed, every
+opportunity was sought by the Jacobites of parading their numbers,) as
+to the force of its enemies; and precautionary measures were taken to
+defeat their designs. On the very day of which we write, namely, the
+10th of June 1715, Bolingbroke and Oxford were impeached of high
+treason. The Committee of Secrecy--that English Council of Ten--were
+sitting, with Walpole at their head; and the most extraordinary
+discoveries were reported to be made. On the same day, moreover, which,
+by a curious coincidence, was the birthday of the Chevalier de Saint
+George, mobs were collected together in the streets, and the health of
+that prince was publicly drunk under the title of James the Third;
+while, in many country towns, the bells were rung, and rejoicings held,
+as if for a reigning monarch:--the cry of the populace almost
+universally being, "No King George, but a Stuart!"
+
+The adherents of the Chevalier de Saint George, we have said, were
+lavish in promises to their proselytes. Posts were offered to all who
+chose to accept them. Blank commissions, signed by the prince, to be
+filled up by the name of the person, who could raise a troop for his
+service, were liberally bestowed. Amongst others, Mr. Kneebone, whose
+interest was not inconsiderable with the leaders of his faction,
+obtained an appointment as captain in a regiment of infantry, on the
+conditions above specified. With a view to raise recruits for his corps,
+the warlike woollen-draper started for Lancashire, under the colour of a
+journey on business. He was pretty successful in Manchester,--a town
+which may be said to have been the head-quarters of the disaffected. On
+his return to London, he found that applications had been made from a
+somewhat doubtful quarter by two individuals, for the posts of
+subordinate officers in his troop. Mr. Kneebone, or, as he would have
+preferred being styled, Captain Kneebone, was not perfectly satisfied
+with the recommendations forwarded by the applicants. But this was not a
+season in which to be needlessly scrupulous. He resolved to judge for
+himself. Accordingly, he was introduced to the two military aspirants at
+the Cross Shovels in the Mint, by our old acquaintance, Baptist
+Kettleby. The Master of the Mint, with whom the Jacobite captain had
+often had transactions before, vouched for their being men of honour and
+loyalty; and Kneebone was so well satisfied with his representations,
+that he at once closed the matter by administering to the applicants the
+oath of allegiance and fidelity to King James the Third, and several
+other oaths besides, all of which those gentlemen took with as little
+hesitation as the sum of money, afterwards tendered, to make the compact
+binding. The party, then, sat down to a bowl of punch; and, at its
+conclusion, Captain Kneebone regretted that an engagement to spend the
+evening with Mrs. Wood, would preclude the possibility of his remaining
+with his new friends as long as his inclinations prompted. At this
+piece of information, the two subordinate officers were observed to
+exchange glances; and, after a little agreeable raillery on their
+captain's gallantry, they begged permission to accompany him in his
+visit. Kneebone, who had drained his glass to the restoration of the
+house of Stuart, and the downfall of the house of Hanover, more
+frequently than was consistent with prudence, consented; and the trio
+set out for Wych Street, where they arrived in the jolliest humour
+possible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Mr. Kneebone and his Friends.
+
+
+Mrs. Wood was scarcely seated before Mr. Kneebone made his appearance.
+To her great surprise and mortification he was not alone; but brought
+with him a couple of friends, whom he begged to introduce as Mr.
+Jeremiah Jackson, and Mr. Solomon Smith, chapmen, (or what in modern
+vulgar parlance would be termed bagmen) travelling to procure orders for
+the house of an eminent cloth manufacturer in Manchester. Neither the
+manners, the looks, nor the attire of these gentlemen prepossessed Mrs.
+Wood in their favour. Accordingly, on their presentation, Mr. Jeremiah
+Jackson and Mr. Solomon Smith received something very like a rebuff.
+Luckily, they were not easily discomposed. Two persons possessing a more
+comfortable stock of assurance could not be readily found. Imitating the
+example of Mr. Kneebone, who did not appear in the slightest degree
+disconcerted by his cool reception, each sank carelessly into a chair,
+and made himself at home in a moment. Both had very singular faces; very
+odd wigs, very much pulled over their brows; and very large cravats,
+very much raised above their chins. Besides this, each had a large black
+patch over his right eye, and a very queer twist at the left side of his
+mouth, so that if their object had been disguise, they could not have
+adopted better precautions. Mrs. Wood thought them both remarkably
+plain, but Mr. Smith decidedly the plainest of the two. His complexion
+was as blue as a sailor's jacket, and though Mr. Jackson had one of the
+ugliest countenances imaginable, he had a very fine set of teeth. That
+was something in his favour. One peculiarity she did not fail to notice.
+They were both dressed in every respect alike. In fact, Mr. Solomon
+Smith seemed to be Mr. Jeremiah Jackson's double. He talked in the same
+style, and pretty nearly in the same language; laughed in the same
+manner, and coughed, or sneezed at the same time. If Mr. Jackson took an
+accurate survey of the room with his one eye, Mr. Smith's solitary orb
+followed in the same direction. When Jeremiah admired the Compasses in
+the arms of the Carpenter's Company over the chimney-piece, or the
+portraits of the two eminent masters of the rule and plane, William
+Portington, and John Scott, Esquires, on either side of it, Solomon was
+lost in wonder. When Mr. Jackson noticed a fine service of old blue
+china in an open japan closet, Mr. Smith had never seen anything like
+it. And finally, when Jeremiah, having bestowed upon Mrs. Wood a very
+free-and-easy sort of stare, winked at Mr. Kneebone, his impertinence
+was copied to the letter by Solomon. All three, then, burst into an
+immoderate fit of laughter. Mrs. Wood's astonishment and displeasure
+momentarily increased. Such freedoms from such people were not to be
+endured. Her patience was waning fast. Still, in spite of her glances
+and gestures, Mr. Kneebone made no effort to check the unreasonable
+merriment of his companions, but rather seemed to encourage it. So Mrs.
+Wood went on fuming, and the trio went on laughing for some minutes,
+nobody knew why or wherefore, until the party was increased by Mr. Wood,
+in his Sunday habiliments and Sunday buckle. Without stopping to inquire
+into the cause of their mirth, or even to ask the names of his guests,
+the worthy carpenter shook hands with the one-eyed chapmen, slapped Mr.
+Kneebone cordially on the shoulder, and began to laugh as heartily as
+any of them.
+
+Mrs. Wood could stand it no longer.
+
+"I think you're all bewitched," she cried.
+
+"So we are, Ma'am, by your charms," returned Mr. Jackson, gallantly.
+
+"Quite captivated, Ma'am," added Mr. Smith, placing his hand on his
+breast.
+
+Mr. Kneebone and Mr. Wood laughed louder than ever.
+
+"Mr. Wood," said the lady bridling up, "my request may, perhaps, have
+some weight with _you_. I desire, Sir, you'll recollect yourself. Mr.
+Kneebone," she added, with a glance at that gentleman, which was meant
+to speak daggers, "will do as he pleases."
+
+Here the chapmen set up another boisterous peal.
+
+"No offence, I hope, my dear Mrs. W," said Mr. Kneebone in a
+conciliatory tone. "My friends, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Smith, may have
+rather odd ways with them; but--"
+
+"They _have_ very odd ways," interrupted Mrs. Wood, disdainfully.
+
+"Our worthy friend was going to observe, Ma'am, that we never fail in
+our devotion to the fair sex," said Mr. Jackson.
+
+"Never, Ma'am!" echoed Mr. Smith, "upon my conscience."
+
+"My dear," said the hospitable carpenter, "I dare say Mr. Kneebone and
+his friends would be glad of a little refreshment."
+
+"They shall have it, then," replied his better half, rising. "You base
+ingrate," she added, in a whisper, as she flounced past Mr. Kneebone on
+her way to the door, "how could you bring such creatures with you,
+especially on an occasion like this, when we haven't met for a
+fortnight!"
+
+"Couldn't help it, my life," returned the gentleman addressed, in the
+same tone; "but you little know who those individuals are."
+
+"Lord bless us! you alarm me. Who are they?"
+
+Mr. Kneebone assumed a mysterious air; and bringing his lips close to
+Mrs. Wood's ear, whispered, "secret agents from France--you
+understand--friends to the cause--hem!"
+
+"I see,--persons of rank!"
+
+Mr. Kneebone nodded.
+
+"Noblemen."
+
+Mr. Kneebone smiled assent.
+
+"Mercy on us! Well, I thought their manners quite out o' the common. And
+so, the invasion really is to take place after all; and the Chevalier de
+Saint George is to land at the Tower with fifty thousand Frenchmen; and
+the Hanoverian usurper's to be beheaded; and Doctor Sacheverel's to be
+made a bishop, and we're all to be--eh?"
+
+"All in good time," returned Kneebone, putting his finger to his lips;
+"don't let your imagination run away with you, my charmer. That boy," he
+added, looking at Thames, "has his eye upon us."
+
+Mrs. Wood, however, was too much excited to attend to the caution.
+
+"O, lud!" she cried; "French noblemen in disguise! and so rude as I was!
+I shall never recover it!"
+
+"A good supper will set all to rights," insinuated Kneebone. "But be
+prudent, my angel."
+
+"Never fear," replied the lady. "I'm prudence personified. You might
+trust me with the Chevalier himself,--I'd never betray him. But why
+didn't you let me know they were coming. I'd have got something nice. As
+it is, we've only a couple of ducks--and they were intended for you.
+Winny, my love, come with me. I shall want you.--Sorry to quit your
+lord--worships, I mean,--I don't know what I mean," she added, a little
+confused, and dropping a profound curtsey to the disguised noblemen,
+each of whom replied by a bow, worthy, in her opinion, of a prince of
+the blood at the least,--"but I've a few necessary orders to give
+below."
+
+"Don't mind us, Ma'am," said Mr. Jackson: "ha! ha!"
+
+"Not in the least, Ma'am," echoed Mr. Smith: "ho! ho!"
+
+"How condescending!" thought Mrs. Wood. "Not proud in the least, I
+declare. Well, I'd no idea," she continued, pursuing her ruminations as
+she left the room, "that people of quality laughed so. But it's French
+manners, I suppose."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+Hawk and Buzzard.
+
+
+Mrs. Wood's anxiety to please her distinguished guests speedily
+displayed itself in a very plentiful, if not very dainty repast. To the
+duckling, peas, and other delicacies, intended for Mr. Kneebone's
+special consumption, she added a few impromptu dishes, tossed off in her
+best style; such as lamb chops, broiled kidneys, fried ham and eggs, and
+toasted cheese. Side by side with the cheese (its never-failing
+accompaniment, in all seasons, at the carpenter's board) came a tankard
+of swig, and a toast. Besides these there was a warm gooseberry-tart,
+and a cold pigeon pie--the latter capacious enough, even allowing for
+its due complement of steak, to contain the whole produce of a dovecot;
+a couple of lobsters and the best part of a salmon swimming in a sea of
+vinegar, and shaded by a forest of fennel. While the cloth was laid, the
+host and Thames descended to the cellar, whence they returned, laden
+with a number of flasks of the same form, and apparently destined to the
+same use as those depicted in Hogarth's delectable print--the Modern
+Midnight Conversation.
+
+Mrs. Wood now re-appeared with a very red face; and, followed by
+Winifred, took her seat at the table. Operations then commenced. Mr.
+Wood carved the ducks; Mr. Kneebone helped to the pigeon-pie; while
+Thames unwired and uncorked a bottle of stout Carnarvonshire ale. The
+woollen-draper was no despicable trencherman in a general way; but his
+feats with the knife and fork were child's sport compared with those of
+Mr. Smith. The leg and wing of a duck were disposed of by this gentleman
+in a twinkling; a brace of pigeons and a pound of steak followed with
+equal celerity; and he had just begun to make a fierce assault upon the
+eggs and ham. His appetite was perfectly Gargantuan. Nor must it be
+imagined, that while he thus exercised his teeth, he neglected the
+flagon. On the contrary, his glass was never idle, and finding it not
+filled quite so frequently as he desired, he applied himself,
+notwithstanding the expressive looks and muttered remonstrances of Mr.
+Jackson, to the swig. The latter gentleman did full justice to the good
+things before him; but he drank sparingly, and was visibly annoyed by
+his companion's intemperance. As to Mr. Kneebone, what with flirting
+with Mrs. Wood, carving for his friends, and pledging the carpenter, he
+had his hands full. At this juncture, and just as a cuckoo-clock in the
+corner struck sis, Jack Sheppard walked into the room, with the
+packing-case under his arm.
+
+"I was in the right, you see, father," observed Thames, smiling; "Jack
+_has_ done his task."
+
+"So I perceive," replied Wood.
+
+"Where am I to take it to?" asked Sheppard.
+
+"I told you that before," rejoined Wood, testily. "You must take it to
+Sir Rowland Trenchard's in Southampton Fields. And, mind, it's for his
+sister, Lady Trafford."
+
+"Very well, Sir," replied Sheppard.
+
+"Wet your whistle before you start, Jack," said Kneebone, pouring out a
+glass of ale. "What's that you're taking to Sir Rowland Trenchard's?"
+
+"Only a box, Sir," answered Sheppard, emptying the glass.
+
+"It's an odd-shaped one," rejoined Kneebone, examining it attentively.
+"But I can guess what it's for. Sir Rowland is one of _us_," he added,
+winking at his companions, "and so was his brother-in-law, Sir Cecil
+Trafford. Old Lancashire families both. Strict Catholics, and loyal to
+the backbone. Fine woman, Lady Trafford--a little on the wane though."
+
+"Ah! you're so very particular," sighed Mrs. Wood.
+
+"Not in the least," returned Kneebone, slyly, "not in the least. Another
+glass, Jack."
+
+"Thank'ee, Sir," grinned Sheppard.
+
+"Off with it to the health of King James the Third, and confusion to his
+enemies!"
+
+"Hold!" interposed Wood; "that is treason. I'll have no such toast drunk
+at my table!"
+
+"It's the king's birthday," urged the woollen draper.
+
+"Not _my_ king's," returned Wood. "I quarrel with no man's political
+opinions, but I will have my own respected!"
+
+"Eh day!" exclaimed Mrs. Wood; "here's a pretty to-do about nothing.
+Marry, come up! I'll see who's to be obeyed. Drink the toast, Jack."
+
+"At your peril, sirrah!" cried Wood.
+
+"He was hanged that left his drink behind, you know, master," rejoined
+Sheppard. "Here's King James the Third, and confusion to his enemies!"
+
+"Very well," said the carpenter, sitting down amid the laughter of the
+company.
+
+"Jack!" cried Thames, in a loud voice, "you deserve to be hanged for a
+rebel as you are to your lawful king and your lawful master. But since
+we must have toasts," he added, snatching up a glass, "listen to mine:
+Here's King George the First! a long reign to him! and confusion to the
+Popish Pretender and his adherents!"
+
+"Bravely done!" said Wood, with tears in his eyes.
+
+"That's the kinchin as was to try the dub for us, ain't it?" muttered
+Smith to his companion as he stole a glance at Jack Sheppard.
+
+"Silence!" returned Jackson, in a deep whisper; "and don't muddle your
+brains with any more of that Pharaoh. You'll need all your strength to
+grab him."
+
+"What's the matter?" remarked Kneebone, addressing Sheppard, who, as he
+caught the single but piercing eye of Jackson fixed upon him, started
+and trembled.
+
+"What's the matter?" repeated Mrs. Wood in a sharp tone.
+
+"Ay, what's the matter, boy!" reiterated Jackson sternly. "Did you never
+see two gentlemen with only a couple of peepers between them before!"
+
+"Never, I'll be sworn!" said Smith, taking the opportunity of filling
+his glass while his comrade's back was turned; "we're a nat'ral
+cur'osity."
+
+"Can I have a word with you, master?" said Sheppard, approaching Wood.
+
+"Not a syllable!" answered the carpenter, angrily. "Get about your
+business!"
+
+"Thames!" cried Jack, beckoning to his friend.
+
+But Darrell averted his head.
+
+"Mistress!" said the apprentice, making a final appeal to Mrs. Wood.
+
+"Leave the room instantly, sirrah!" rejoined the lady, bouncing up, and
+giving him a slap on the cheek that made his eyes flash fire.
+
+"May I be cursed," muttered Sheppard, as he slunk away with (as the
+woollen-draper pleasantly observed) 'a couple of boxes in charge,' "if
+ever I try to be honest again!"
+
+"Take a little toasted cheese with the swig, Mr. Smith," observed Wood.
+"That's an incorrigible rascal," he added, as Sheppard closed the door;
+"it's only to-day that I discovered--"
+
+"What?" asked Jackson, pricking up his ears.
+
+"Don't speak ill of him behind his back, father," interposed Thames.
+
+"If _I_ were your father, young gentleman," returned Jackson, enraged at
+the interruption, "I'd teach _you_ not to speak till you were spoken
+to."
+
+Thames was about to reply, but a glance from Wood checked him.
+
+"The rebuke is just," said the carpenter; "at the same time, I'm not
+sorry to find you're a friend to fair play, which, as you seem to know,
+is a jewel. Open that bottle with a blue seal, my dear. Gentlemen! a
+glass of brandy will be no bad finish to our meal."
+
+This proposal giving general satisfaction, the bottle circulated
+swiftly; and Smith found the liquor so much to his taste, that he made
+it pay double toll on its passage.
+
+"Your son is a lad of spirit, Mr. Wood," observed Jackson, in a
+slightly-sarcastic tone.
+
+"He's not my son," rejoined the carpenter.
+
+"How, Sir?"
+
+"Except by adoption. Thames Darrell is--"
+
+"My husband nicknames him Thames," interrupted Mrs. Wood, "because he
+found him in the river!--ha! ha!"
+
+"Ha! ha!" echoed Smith, taking another bumper of brandy; "he'll set the
+Thames on fire one of these days, I'll warrant him!"
+
+"That's more than you'll ever do, you drunken fool!" growled Jackson, in
+an under tone: "be cautious, or you'll spoil all!"
+
+"Suppose we send for a bowl of punch," said Kneebone.
+
+"With all my heart!" replied Wood. And, turning to his daughter, he gave
+the necessary directions in a low tone.
+
+Winifred, accordingly, left the room, and a servant being despatched to
+the nearest tavern, soon afterwards returned with a crown bowl of the
+ambrosian fluid. The tables were then cleared. Bottles and glasses
+usurped the place of dishes and plates. Pipes were lighted; and Mr.
+Kneebone began to dispense the fragrant fluid; begging Mrs. Wood, in a
+whisper, as he filled a rummer to the brim, not to forget the health of
+the Chevalier de Saint George--a proposition to which the lady
+immediately responded by drinking the toast aloud.
+
+"The Chevalier shall hear of this," whispered the woollen-draper.
+
+"You don't say so!" replied Mrs. Wood, delighted at the idea.
+
+Mr. Kneebone assured her that he _did_ say so; and, as a further proof
+of his sincerity, squeezed her hand very warmly under the table.
+
+Mr. Smith, now, being more than half-seas over, became very uproarious,
+and, claiming the attention of the table, volunteered the following
+
+    DRINKING SONG.
+
+    I.
+
+    Jolly nose! the bright rubies that garnish thy tip
+      Are dug from the mines of canary;
+    And to keep up their lustre I moisten my lip
+      With hogsheads of claret and sherry.
+
+    II.
+
+    Jolly nose! he who sees thee across a broad glass
+      Beholds thee in all thy perfection;
+    And to the pale snout of a temperate ass
+      Entertains the profoundest objection.
+
+    III.
+
+    For a big-bellied glass is the palette I use,
+      And the choicest of wine is my colour;
+    And I find that my nose takes the mellowest hues
+      The fuller I fill it--the fuller!
+
+    IV.
+
+    Jolly nose! there are fools who say drink hurts the sight;
+      Such dullards know nothing about it.
+    'T is better, with wine, to extinguish the light,
+      Than live always, in darkness, without it!
+
+"How long may it be since that boy was found in the way Mrs. Wood
+mentions?" inquired Jackson, as soon as the clatter that succeeded Mr.
+Smith's melody had subsided.
+
+"Let me see," replied Wood; "exactly twelve years ago last November."
+
+"Why, that must be about the time of the Great Storm," rejoined Jackson.
+
+"Egad!" exclaimed Wood, "you've hit the right nail on the head, anyhow.
+It _was_ on the night of the Great Storm that I found him."
+
+"I should like to hear all particulars of the affair," said Jackson, "if
+it wouldn't be troubling you too much."
+
+Mr. Wood required little pressing. He took a sip of punch and commenced
+his relation. Though meant to produce a totally different effect, the
+narrative seemed to excite the risible propensities rather than the
+commiseration of his auditor; and when Mr. Wood wound it up by a
+description of the drenching he had undergone at the Mint pump, the
+other could hold out no longer, but, leaning back in his chair, gave
+free scope to his merriment.
+
+"I beg your pardon," he cried; "but really--ha! ha!--you must excuse
+me!--that is so uncommonly diverting--ha! ha! Do let me hear it
+again?--ha! ha! ha!"
+
+"Upon my word," rejoined Wood, "you seem vastly entertained by my
+misfortunes."
+
+"To be sure! Nothing entertains me so much. People always rejoice at
+the misfortunes of others--never at their own! The droll dogs! how
+_they_ must have enjoyed it!--ha! ha!"
+
+"I dare say they did. But _I_ found it no laughing matter, I can assure
+you. And, though it's a long time ago, I feel as sore on the subject as
+ever."
+
+"Quite natural! Never forgive an injury!--_I_ never do!--ha! ha!"
+
+"Really, Mr. Jackson, I could almost fancy we had met before. Your laugh
+reminds me of--of----"
+
+"Whose, Sir?" demanded Jackson, becoming suddenly grave.
+
+"You'll not be offended, I hope," returned Wood, drily, "if I say that
+your voice, your manner, and, above all, your very extraordinary way of
+laughing, put me strangely in mind of one of the 'droll dogs,' (as you
+term them,) who helped to perpetrate the outrage I've just described."
+
+"Whom do you mean?" demanded Jackson.
+
+"I allude to an individual, who has since acquired an infamous notoriety
+as a thief-taker; but who, in those days, was himself the associate of
+thieves."
+
+"Well, Sir, his name?"
+
+"Jonathan Wild."
+
+"'Sblood!" cried Jackson, rising, "I can't sit still and hear Mr. Wild,
+whom I believe to be as honest a gentleman as any in the kingdom,
+calumniated!"
+
+"Fire and fury!" exclaimed Smith, getting up with the brandy-bottle in
+his grasp; "no man shall abuse Mr. Wild in my presence! He's the
+right-hand of the community! We could do nothing without him!"
+
+"_We!_" repeated Wood, significantly.
+
+"Every honest man, Sir! He helps us to our own again."
+
+"Humph!" ejaculated the carpenter.
+
+"Surely," observed Thames, laughing, "to one who entertains so high an
+opinion of Jonathan Wild, as Mr. Jackson appears to do, it can't be very
+offensive to be told, that he's like him."
+
+"I don't object to the likeness, if any such exists, young Sir,"
+returned Jackson, darting an angry glance at Thames; "indeed I'm rather
+flattered by being thought to resemble a gentleman of Mr. Wild's figure.
+But I can't submit to hear the well-earned reputation of my friend
+termed an 'infamous notoriety.'"
+
+"No, we can't stand that," hiccupped Smith, scarcely able to keep his
+legs.
+
+"Well, gentlemen," rejoined Wood, mildly; "since Mr. Wild is a friend of
+yours, I'm sorry for what I said. I've no doubt he's as honest as either
+of you."
+
+"Enough," returned Jackson, extending his hand; "and if I've expressed
+myself warmly, I'm sorry for it likewise. But you must allow me to
+observe, my good Sir, that you're wholly in the wrong respecting my
+friend. Mr. Wild never was the associate of thieves."
+
+"Never," echoed Smith, emphatically, "upon my honour."
+
+"I'm satisfied with your assurance," replied the carpenter, drily.
+
+"It's more than I am," muttered Thames.
+
+"I was not aware that Jonathan Wild was an acquaintance of yours, Mr.
+Jackson," said Kneebone, whose assiduity to Mrs. Wood had prevented him
+from paying much attention to the previous scene.
+
+"I've known him all my life," replied the other.
+
+"The devil you have! Then, perhaps, you can tell me when he intends to
+put his threat into execution?"
+
+"What threat?" asked Jackson.
+
+"Why, of hanging the fellow who acts as his jackal; one Blake, or
+Blueskin, I think he's called."
+
+"You've been misinformed, Sir," interposed Smith. "Mr. Wild is incapable
+of such baseness."
+
+"Bah!" returned the woollen-draper. "I see you don't know him as well as
+you pretend. Jonathan is capable of anything. He has hanged twelve of
+his associates already. The moment they cease to be serviceable, or
+become dangerous he lodges an information, and the matter's settled. He
+has always plenty of evidence in reserve. Blueskin is booked. As sure as
+you're sitting there, Mr. Smith, he'll swing after next Old Bailey
+sessions. I wouldn't be in his skin for a trifle!"
+
+"But he may peach," said Smith casting an oblique glance at Jackson.
+
+"It would avail him little if he did," replied Kneebone. "Jonathan does
+what he pleases in the courts."
+
+"Very true," chuckled Jackson; "very true."
+
+"Blueskin's only chance would be to carry _his_ threat into effect,"
+pursued the woollen-draper.
+
+"Aha!" exclaimed Jackson. "_He_ threatens, does he?"
+
+"More than that," replied Kneebone; "I understand he drew a knife upon
+Jonathan, in a quarrel between them lately. And since then, he has
+openly avowed his determination of cutting his master's throat on the
+slightest inkling of treachery. But, perhaps Mr. Smith will tell you I'm
+misinformed, also, on that point."
+
+"On the contrary," rejoined Smith, looking askance at his companion, "I
+happen to _know_ you're in the right."
+
+"Well, Sir, I'm obliged to you," said Jackson; "I shall take care to put
+Mr. Wild on his guard against an assassin."
+
+"And I shall put Blueskin on the alert against the designs of a
+traitor," rejoined Smith, in a tone that sounded like a menace.
+
+"In my opinion," remarked Kneebone, "it doesn't matter how soon society
+is rid of two such scoundrels; and if Blueskin dies by the rope, and
+Jonathan by the hand of violence, they'll meet the fate they merit. Wild
+was formerly an agent to the Jacobite party, but, on the offer of a
+bribe from the opposite faction, he unhesitatingly deserted and betrayed
+his old employers. Of late, he has become the instrument of Walpole, and
+does all the dirty work for the Secret Committee. Several arrests of
+importance have been intrusted to him; but, forewarned, forearmed, we
+have constantly baffled his schemes;--ha! ha! Jonathan's a devilish
+clever fellow. But he can't have his eyes always about him, or he'd have
+been with us this morning at the Mint, eh, Mr. Jackson!"
+
+"So he would," replied the latter: "so he would."
+
+"With all his cunning, he may meet with his match," continued Kneebone,
+laughing. "I've set a trap for him."
+
+"Take care you don't fall into it yourself," returned Jackson, with a
+slight sneer.
+
+"Were I in your place," said Smith, "I should be apprehensive of Wild,
+because he's a declared enemy."
+
+"And were I in _yours_," rejoined the woollen-draper, "I should be
+doubly apprehensive, because he's a professed friend. But we're
+neglecting the punch all this time. A bumper round, gentlemen. Success
+to our enterprise!"
+
+"Success to our enterprise!" echoed the others, significantly.
+
+"May I ask whether you made any further inquiries into the mysterious
+affair about which we were speaking just now?" observed Jackson, turning
+to the carpenter.
+
+"I can't say I did," replied Wood, somewhat reluctantly; "what with the
+confusion incident to the storm, and the subsequent press of business, I
+put it off till it was too late. I've often regretted that I didn't
+investigate the matter. However, it doesn't much signify. All concerned
+in the dark transaction must have perished."
+
+"Are you sure of that," inquired Jackson.
+
+"As sure as one reasonably can be. I saw their boat swept away, and
+heard the roar of the fall beneath the bridge; and no one, who was
+present, could doubt the result. If the principal instigator of the
+crime, whom I afterwards encountered on the platform, and who was dashed
+into the raging flood by the shower of bricks, escaped, his preservation
+must have been indeed miraculous."
+
+"Your own was equally so," said Jackson ironically. "What if he _did_
+escape?"
+
+"My utmost efforts should be used to bring him to justice."
+
+"Hum!"
+
+"Have you any reason to suppose he survived the accident?" inquired
+Thames eagerly.
+
+Jackson smiled and put on the air of a man who knows more than he cares
+to tell.
+
+"I merely asked the question," he said, after he had enjoyed the boy's
+suspense for a moment.
+
+The hope that had been suddenly kindled in the youth's bosom was as
+suddenly extinguished.
+
+"If I thought he lived----" observed Wood.
+
+"_If_," interrupted Jackson, changing his tone: "he _does_ live. And it
+has been well for you that he imagines the child was drowned."
+
+"Who is he?" asked Thames impatiently.
+
+"You're inquisitive, young gentleman," replied Jackson, coldly. "When
+you're older, you'll know that secrets of importance are not disclosed
+gratuitously. Your adoptive father understands mankind better."
+
+"I'd give half I'm worth to hang the villain, and restore this boy to
+his rights," said Mr. Wood.
+
+"How do you know he _has_ any rights to be restored to?" returned
+Jackson, with a grin. "Judging from what you tell me, I've no doubt he's
+the illegitimate offspring of some handsome, but lowborn profligate; in
+which case, he'll neither have name, nor wealth for his inheritance. The
+assassination, as you call it, was, obviously, the vengeance of a
+kinsman of the injured lady, who no doubt was of good family, upon her
+seducer. The less said, therefore, on this point the better; because, as
+nothing is to be gained by it, it would only be trouble thrown away.
+But, if you have any particular fancy for hanging the gentleman, who
+chose to take the law into his own hands--and I think your motive
+extremely disinterested and praiseworthy--why, it's just possible, if
+you make it worth my while, that your desires may be gratified."
+
+"I don't see how this is to be effected, unless you yourself were
+present at the time," said Wood, glancing suspiciously at the speaker.
+
+"I had no hand in the affair," replied Jackson, bluntly; "but I know
+those who had; and could bring forward evidence, if you require it."
+
+"The best evidence would be afforded by an accomplice of the assassin,"
+rejoined Thames, who was greatly offended by the insinuation as to his
+parentage.
+
+"Perhaps you could point out such a party, Mr. Jackson?" said Wood,
+significantly.
+
+"I could," replied Thames.
+
+"Then you need no further information from me," rejoined Jackson,
+sternly.
+
+"Stay!" cried Wood, "this is a most perplexing business--if you really
+are privy to the affair----"
+
+"We'll talk of it to-morrow, Sir," returned Jackson, cutting him short.
+"In the mean time, with your permission, I'll just make a few minutes of
+our conversation."
+
+"As many as you please," replied Wood, walking towards the
+chimney-piece, and taking down a constable's, staff, which hung upon a
+nail.
+
+Jackson, mean time, produced a pocket-book; and, after deliberately
+sharpening the point of a pencil, began to write on a blank leaf. While
+he was thus occupied, Thames, prompted by an unaccountable feeling of
+curiosity, took up the penknife which the other had just used, and
+examined the haft. What he there noticed occasioned a marked change in
+his demeanour. He laid down the knife, and fixed a searching and
+distrustful gaze upon the writer, who continued his task, unconscious of
+anything having happened.
+
+"There," cried Jackson, closing the book and rising, "that'll do.
+To-morrow at twelve I'll be with you, Mr. Wood. Make up your mind as to
+the terms, and I'll engage to find the man."
+
+"Hold!" exclaimed the carpenter, in an authoritative voice: "we can't
+part thus. Thames, look the door." (An order which was promptly obeyed.)
+"Now, Sir, I must insist upon a full explanation of your mysterious
+hints, or, as I am headborough of the district, I shall at once take you
+into custody."
+
+Jackson treated this menace with a loud laugh of derision.
+
+"What ho!" he cried slapping Smith, who had fallen asleep with the
+brandy-bottle in his grasp, upon the shoulder. "It is time!"
+
+"For what?" grumbled the latter, rubbing his eyes.
+
+"For the caption!" replied Jackson, coolly drawing a brace of pistols
+from his pockets.
+
+"Ready!" answered Smith, shaking himself, and producing a similar pair
+of weapons.
+
+"In Heaven's name! what's all this?" cried Wood.
+
+"Be still, and you'll receive no injury," returned Jackson. "We're
+merely about to discharge our duty by apprehending a rebel. Captain
+Kneebone! we must trouble you to accompany us."
+
+"I've no intention of stirring," replied the woollen-draper, who was
+thus unceremoniously disturbed: "and I beg you'll sit down, Mr.
+Jackson."
+
+"Come, Sir!" thundered the latter, "no trifling! Perhaps," he added,
+opening a warrant, "you'll obey this mandate?"
+
+"A warrant!" ejaculated Kneebone, starting to his feet.
+
+"Ay, Sir, from the Secretary of State, for _your_ arrest! You're charged
+with high-treason."
+
+"By those who've conspired with me?"
+
+"No! by those who've entrapped you! You've long eluded our vigilance;
+but we've caught you at last!"
+
+"Damnation!" exclaimed the woollen-draper; "that I should be the dupe of
+such a miserable artifice!"
+
+"It's no use lamenting now, Captain! You ought rather to be obliged to
+us for allowing you to pay this visit. We could have secured you when
+you left the Mint. But we wished to ascertain whether Mrs. Wood's charms
+equalled your description."
+
+"Wretches!" screamed the lady; "don't dare to breathe your vile
+insinuations against me! Oh! Mr. Kneebone, are these your French
+noblemen?"
+
+"Don't upbraid me!" rejoined the woollen-draper.
+
+"Bring him along, Joe!" said Jackson, in a whisper to his comrade.
+
+Smith obeyed. But he had scarcely advanced a step, when he was felled
+to the ground by a blow from the powerful arm of Kneebone, who,
+instantly possessing himself of a pistol, levelled it at Jackson's head.
+
+"Begone! or I fire!" he cried.
+
+"Mr. Wood," returned Jackson, with the utmost composure; "you're a
+headborough, and a loyal subject of King George. I call upon you to
+assist me in the apprehension of this person. You'll be answerable for
+his escape."
+
+"Mr. Wood, I command you not to stir," vociferated the carpenter's
+better-half; "recollect you'll be answerable to me."
+
+"I declare I don't know what to do," said Wood, burned by conflicting
+emotions. "Mr. Kneebone! you would greatly oblige me by surrendering
+yourself."
+
+"Never!" replied the woollen-draper; "and if that treacherous rascal, by
+your side, doesn't make himself scarce quickly, I'll send a bullet
+through his brain."
+
+"My death will lie at your door," remarked Jackson to the carpenter.
+
+"Show me your warrant!" said Wood, almost driven to his wit's-end;
+"perhaps it isn't regular?"
+
+"Ask him who he is?" suggested Thames.
+
+"A good idea!" exclaimed the carpenter. "May I beg to know whom I've the
+pleasure of adressing? Jackson, I conclude, is merely an assumed name."
+
+"What does it signify?" returned the latter, angrily.
+
+"A great deal!" replied Thames. "If you won't disclose your name, I will
+for you! You are Jonathan Wild!"
+
+"Further concealment is needless," answered the other, pulling off his
+wig and black patch, and resuming his natural tone of voice; "I _am_
+Jonathan Wild!"
+
+"Say you so!" rejoined Kneebone; "then be this your passport to
+eternity."
+
+Upon which he drew the trigger of the pistol, which, luckily for the
+individual against whom it was aimed, flashed in the pan.
+
+"I might now send you on a similar journey!" replied Jonathan, with a
+bitter smile, and preserving the unmoved demeanour he had maintained
+throughout; "but I prefer conveying you, in the first instance, to
+Newgate. The Jacobite daws want a scarecrow."
+
+So saying, he sprang, with a bound like that of a tiger-cat, against the
+throat of the woollen-draper. And so sudden and well-directed was the
+assault, that he completely overthrew his gigantic antagonist.
+
+"Lend a hand with the ruffles, Blueskin!" he shouted, as that personage,
+who had just recovered from the stunning effects of the blow, contrived
+to pick himself up. "Look quick, d--n you, or we shall never master
+him!"
+
+"Murder!" shrieked Mrs. Wood, at the top of her voice.
+
+"Here's a pistol!" cried Thames, darting towards the undischarged weapon
+dropped by Blueskin in the scuffle, and pointing it at Jonathan. "Shall
+I shoot him?"
+
+"Yes! yes! put it to his ear!" cried Mrs. Wood; "that's the surest way!"
+
+"No! no! give it me!" vociferated Wood, snatching the pistol, and
+rushing to the door, against which he placed his back.
+
+"I'll soon settle this business. Jonathan Wild!" he added, in a loud
+voice, "I command you to release your prisoner."
+
+"So I will," replied Jonathan, who, with Blueskin's aid, had succeeded
+in slipping a pair of handcuffs over the woollen-draper's wrists, "when
+I've Mr. Walpole's order to that effect--but not before."
+
+"You'll take the consequences, then?"
+
+"Willingly."
+
+"In that case I arrest you, and your confederate, Joseph Blake, alias
+Blueskin, on a charge of felony," returned Wood, brandishing his staff;
+"resist my authority, if you dare."
+
+"A clever device," replied Jonathan; "but it won't serve your turn. Let
+us pass, Sir. Strike the gag, Blueskin."
+
+"You shall not stir a footstep. Open the window, Thames, and call for
+assistance."
+
+"Stop!" cried Jonathan, who did not care to push matters too far, "let
+me have a word with you, Mr. Wood."
+
+"I'll have no explanations whatever," replied the carpenter,
+disdainfully, "except before a magistrate."
+
+"At least state your charge. It is a serious accusation."
+
+"It _is_," answered Wood. "Do you recollect this key? Do you recollect
+to whom you gave it, and for what purpose? or shall I refresh your
+memory?"
+
+Wild appeared confounded.
+
+"Release your prisoner," continued Wood, "or the window is opened."
+
+"Mr. Wood," said Jonathan, advancing towards him, and speaking in a low
+tone, "the secret of your adopted son's birth is known to me. The name
+of his father's murderer is also known to me. I can help you to
+both,--nay, I _will_ help you to both, if you do not interfere with my
+plans. The arrest of this person is of consequence to me. Do not oppose
+it, and I will serve you. Thwart me, and I become your mortal enemy. I
+have but to give a hint of that boy's existence in the proper quarter,
+and his life will not be worth a day's purchase."
+
+"Don't listen to him, father," cried Thames, unconscious of what was
+passing; "there are plenty of people outside."
+
+"Make your choice," said Jonathan.
+
+"If you don't decide quickly, I'll scream," cried Mrs. Wood, popping her
+head through the window.
+
+"Set your prisoner free!" returned Wood.
+
+"Take off the ruffles, Blueskin," rejoined Wild. "You know my fixed
+determination," he added in a low tone, as he passed the carpenter.
+"Before to-morrow night that boy shall join his father."
+
+So saying, he unlocked the door and strode out of the room.
+
+"Here are some letters, which will let you see what a snake you've
+cherished in your bosom, you uxorious old dotard," said Blueskin,
+tossing a packet of papers to Wood, as he followed his leader.
+
+"'Odd's-my-life! what's this?" exclaimed the carpenter, looking at the
+superscription of one of them. "Why, this is your writing Dolly, and
+addressed to Mr. Kneebone."
+
+"My writing! no such thing!" ejaculated the lady, casting a look of
+alarm at the woollen-draper.
+
+"Confusion! the rascal must have picked my pocket of your letters,"
+whispered Kneebone, "What's to be done?"
+
+"What's to be done! Why, I'm undone! How imprudent in you not to burn
+them. But men _are_ so careless, there's no trusting anything to them!
+However, I must try to brazen it out.--Give me the letters, my love,"
+she added aloud, and in her most winning accents; "they're some wicked
+forgeries."
+
+"Excuse me, Madam," replied the carpenter, turning his back upon her,
+and sinking into a chair: "Thames, my love, bring me my spectacles. My
+heart misgives me. Fool that I was to marry for beauty! I ought to have
+remembered that a fair woman and a slashed gown always find some nail in
+the way."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The first Step towards the Ladder.
+
+
+If there is one thing on earth, more lovely than another, it is a fair
+girl of the tender age of Winifred Wood! Her beauty awakens no feeling
+beyond that of admiration. The charm of innocence breathes around her,
+as fragrance is diffused by the flower, sanctifying her lightest thought
+and action, and shielding her, like a spell, from the approach of evil.
+Beautiful is the girl of twelve,--who is neither child nor woman, but
+something between both, something more exquisite than either!
+
+Such was the fairy creature presented to Thames Darrell, under the
+following circumstances.
+
+Glad to escape from the scene of recrimination that ensued between his
+adopted parents, Thames seized the earliest opportunity of retiring, and
+took his way to a small chamber in the upper part of the house, where he
+and Jack were accustomed to spend most of their leisure in the
+amusements, or pursuits, proper to their years. He found the door ajar,
+and, to his surprise, perceived little Winifred seated at a table,
+busily engaged in tracing some design upon a sheet of paper. She did not
+hear his approach, but continued her occupation without raising her
+head.
+
+It was a charming sight to watch the motions of her tiny fingers as she
+pursued her task; and though the posture she adopted was not the most
+favourable that might have been chosen for the display of her sylphlike
+figure, there was something in her attitude, and the glow of her
+countenance, lighted up by the mellow radiance of the setting sun
+falling upon her through the panes of the little dormer-window, that
+seemed to the youth inexpressibly beautiful. Winifred's features would
+have been pretty, for they were regular and delicately formed, if they
+had not been slightly marked by the small-pox;--a disorder, that
+sometimes spares more than it destroys, and imparts an expression to be
+sought for in vain in the smoothest complexion. We have seen pitted
+cheeks, which we would not exchange for dimples and a satin skin.
+Winifred's face had a thoroughly amiable look. Her mouth was worthy of
+her face; with small, pearly-white teeth; lips glossy, rosy, and
+pouting; and the sweetest smile imaginable, playing constantly about
+them. Her eyes were soft and blue, arched over by dark brows, and
+fringed by long silken lashes. Her hair was of the darkest brown, and
+finest texture; and, when unloosed, hung down to her heels. She was
+dressed in a little white frock, with a very long body, and very short
+sleeves, which looked (from a certain fullness about the hips,) as if it
+was intended to be worn with a hoop. Her slender throat was encircled by
+a black riband, with a small locket attached to it; and upon the top of
+her head rested a diminutive lace cap.
+
+The room in which she sat was a portion of the garret, assigned, as we
+have just stated, by Mr. Wood as a play-room to the two boys; and, like
+most boy's playrooms, it exhibited a total absence of order, or
+neatness. Things were thrown here and there, to be taken up, or again
+cast aside, as the whim arose; while the broken-backed chairs and crazy
+table bore the marks of many a conflict. The characters of the youthful
+occupants of the room might be detected in every article it contained.
+Darell's peculiar bent of mind was exemplified in a rusty broadsword, a
+tall grenadier's cap, a musket without lock or ramrod, a belt and
+cartouch-box, with other matters evincing a decided military taste.
+Among his books, Plutarch's Lives, and the Histories of Great
+Commanders, appeared to have been frequently consulted; but the dust had
+gathered thickly upon the Carpenter's Manual, and a Treatise on
+Trigonometry and Geometry. Beneath the shelf, containing these books,
+hung the fine old ballad of '_St. George for England_' and a loyal
+ditty, then much in vogue, called '_True Protestant Gratitude, or,
+Britain's Thanksgiving for the First of August, Being the Day of His
+Majesty's Happy Accession to the Throne_.' Jack Sheppard's library
+consisted of a few ragged and well-thumbed volumes abstracted from the
+tremendous chronicles bequeathed to the world by those Froissarts and
+Holinsheds of crime--the Ordinaries of Newgate. His vocal collection
+comprised a couple of flash songs pasted against the wall, entitled
+'_The Thief-Catcher's Prophecy_,' and the '_Life and Death of the
+Darkman's Budge_;' while his extraordinary mechanical skill was
+displayed in what he termed (Jack had a supreme contempt for
+orthography,) a '_Moddle of his Ma^{s}. Jale off Newgate_;' another
+model of the pillory at Fleet Bridge; and a third of the permanent
+gibbet at Tyburn. The latter specimen, of his workmanship was adorned
+with a little scarecrow figure, intended to represent a housebreaking
+chimney-sweeper of the time, described in Sheppard's own hand-writing,
+as '_Jack Hall a-hanging_.' We must not omit to mention that a family
+group from the pencil of little Winifred, representing Mr. and Mrs.
+Wood in very characteristic attitudes, occupied a prominent place on the
+walls.
+
+For a few moments, Thames regarded the little girl through the
+half-opened door in silence. On a sudden, a change came over her
+countenance, which, up to this moment, had worn a smiling and satisfied
+expression. Throwing down the pencil, she snatched up a piece of
+India-rubber, and exclaiming,--"It isn't at all like him! it isn't half
+handsome enough!" was about to efface the sketch, when Thames darted
+into the room.
+
+"Who isn't it like?" he asked, endeavouring to gain possession of the
+drawing, which, af the sound of his footstep, she crushed between her
+fingers.
+
+"I can't tell you!" she replied, blushing deeply, and clinching her
+little hand as tightly as possible; "it's a secret!"
+
+"I'll soon find it out, then," he returned, playfully forcing the paper
+from her grasp.
+
+"Don't look at it, I entreat," she cried.
+
+But her request was unheeded. Thames unfolded the drawing, smoothed out
+its creases, and beheld a portrait of himself.
+
+"I've a good mind not to speak to you again, Sir!" cried Winifred, with
+difficulty repressing a tear of vexation; "you've acted unfairly."
+
+"I feel I have, dear Winny!" replied Thames, abashed at his own
+rudeness; "my conduct is inexcusable."
+
+"I'll excuse it nevertheless," returned the little damsel,
+affectionately extending her hand to him.
+
+"Why were you afraid to show me this picture, Winny?" asked the youth.
+
+"Because it's not like you," was her answer.
+
+"Well, like or not, I'm greatly pleased with it, and must beg it from
+you as a memorial----"
+
+"Of what?" she interrupted, startled by his change of manner.
+
+"Of yourself," he replied, in a mournful tone. "I shall value it highly,
+and will promise never to part with it. Winny, this is the last night I
+shall pass beneath your father's roof."
+
+"Have you told him so?" she inquired, reproachfully. "No; but I shall,
+before he retires to rest."
+
+"Then you _will_ stay!" she cried, clapping her hands joyfully, "for I'm
+sure he won't part with you. Oh! thank you--thank you! I'm so happy!"
+
+"Stop, Winny!" he answered, gravely; "I haven't promised yet."
+
+"But you will,--won't you?" she rejoined, looking him coaxingly in the
+face.
+
+Unable to withstand this appeal, Thames gave the required promise,
+adding,--"Oh! Winny, I wish Mr. Wood had been my father, as well as
+yours."
+
+"So do I!" she cried; "for then you would have been _really_ my brother.
+No, I don't, either; because----"
+
+"Well, Winny?"
+
+"I don't know what I was going to say," she added, in some confusion;
+"only I'm sorry you were born a gentleman."
+
+"Perhaps, I wasn't," returned Thames, gloomily, as the remembrance of
+Jonathan Wild's foul insinuation crossed him. "But never mind who, or
+what I am. Give me this picture. I'll keep it for your sake."
+
+"I'll give you something better worth keeping," she answered, detaching
+the ornament from her neck, and presenting it to him; "this contains a
+lock of my hair, and may remind you sometimes of your little sister. As
+to the picture, I'll keep it myself, though, if you _do_ go I shall need
+no memorial of _you_. I'd a good many things to say to you, besides--but
+you've put them all out of my head."
+
+With this, she burst into tears, and sank with her face upon his
+shoulder. Thames did not try to cheer her. His own heart was too full of
+melancholy foreboding. He felt that he might soon be separated--perhaps,
+for ever--from the fond little creature he held in his arms, whom he had
+always regarded with the warmest fraternal affection, and the thought of
+how much she would suffer from the separation so sensibly affected him,
+that he could not help joining in her grief.
+
+From this sorrowful state he was aroused by a loud derisive whistle,
+followed by a still louder laugh; and, looking up, he beheld the
+impudent countenance of Jack Sheppard immediately before him.
+
+"Aha!" exclaimed Jack, with a roguish wink, "I've caught you,--have I?"
+
+    The carpenter's daughter was fair and free--
+    Fair, and fickle, and false, was she!
+    She slighted the journeyman, (meaning _me!_)
+    And smiled on a gallant of high degree.
+                               Degree! degree!
+    She smiled on a gallant of high degree.
+    Ha! ha! ha!"
+
+
+"Jack!" exclaimed Thames, angrily.
+
+But Sheppard was not to be silenced. He went on with his song,
+accompanying it with the most ridiculous grimaces:
+
+    "When years were gone by, she began to rue
+    Her love for the gentleman, (meaning _you!_)
+    'I slighted the journeyman fond,' quoth she,
+    'But where is my gallant of high degree?
+                                Where! where!
+    Oh! where is my gallant of high degree?'
+    Ho! ho! ho!"
+
+"What are you doing here!" demanded Thames.
+
+"Oh! nothing at all," answered Jack, sneeringly, "though this room's as
+much mine as yours, for that matter. 'But I don't desire to spoil
+sport,--not I. And, if you'll give me such a smack of your sweet lips,
+Miss, as you've just given Thames, I'll take myself off in less than no
+time."
+
+The answer to this request was a "smack" of a very different
+description, bestowed upon Sheppard's outstretched face by the little
+damsel, as she ran out of the room.
+
+"'Odd's! bodikins!" cried Jack, rubbing his cheek, "I'm in luck to-day.
+However, I'd rather have a blow from the daughter than the mother. I
+know who hits hardest. I tell you what, Thames," he added, flinging
+himself carelessly into a chair, "I'd give my right hand,--and that's
+no light offer for a carpenter's 'prentice,--if that little minx were
+half as fond of me as she is of you."
+
+"That's not likely to be the case, if you go on in this way," replied
+Thames, sharply.
+
+"Why, what the devil would you have had me do!--make myself scarce, eh?
+You should have tipped me the wink."
+
+"No more of this," rejoined Thames, "or we shall quarrel."
+
+"Who cares if we do?" retorted Sheppard, with a look of defiance.
+
+"Jack," said the other, sternly; "don't provoke me further, or I'll give
+you a thrashing."
+
+"Two can play at that game, my blood," replied Sheppard, rising, and
+putting himself into a posture of defence.
+
+"Take care of yourself, then," rejoined Thames, doubling his fists, and
+advancing towards him: "though my right arm's stiff, I can use it, as
+you'll find."
+
+Sheppard was no match for his opponent, for, though he possessed more
+science, he was deficient in weight and strength; and, after a short
+round, in which he had decidedly the worst of it, a well-directed hit on
+the _nob_ stretched him at full length on the floor.
+
+"That'll teach you to keep a civil tongue in your head for the future,"
+observed Thames, as he helped Jack to his feet.
+
+"I didn't mean to give offence," replied Sheppard, sulkily. "But, let me
+tell you, it's not a pleasant sight to see the girl one likes in the
+arms of another."
+
+"You want another drubbing, I perceive," said Thames, frowning.
+
+"No, I don't. Enough's as good as a feast of the dainties you provide.
+I'll think no more about her. Save us!" he cried, as his glance
+accidentally alighted on the drawing, which Winifred had dropped in her
+agitation. "Is this _her_ work?"
+
+"It is," answered Thames. "Do you see any likeness?"
+
+"Don't I," returned Jack, bitterly. "Strange!" he continued, as if
+talking to himself. "How very like it is!"
+
+"Not so strange, surely," laughed Thames, "that a picture should
+resemble the person for whom it's intended."
+
+"Ay, but it _is_ strange how much it resembles somebody for whom it's
+_not_ intended. It's exactly like a miniature I have in my pocket."
+
+"A miniature! Of whom?"
+
+"That I can't say," replied Jack, mysteriously. "But, I half suspect, of
+your father."
+
+"My father!" exclaimed Thames, in the utmost astonishment; "let me see
+it!"
+
+"Here it is," returned Jack, producing a small picture in a case set
+with brilliants.
+
+Thames took it, and beheld the portrait of a young man,
+apparently--judging from his attire--of high rank, whose proud and
+patrician features certainly presented a very striking resemblance to
+his own.
+
+"You're right Jack," he said, after a pause, during which he
+contemplated the picture with the most fixed attention: "this must have
+been my father!"
+
+"No doubt of it," answered Sheppard; "only compare it with Winny's
+drawing, and you'll find they're as like as two peas in a pod."
+
+"Where did you get it?" inquired Thames.
+
+"From Lady Trafford's, where I took the box."
+
+"Surely, you haven't stolen it?"
+
+"Stolen's an awkward word. But, as you perceive, I brought it away with
+me."
+
+"It must be restored instantly,--be the consequences what they may."
+
+"You're not going to betray me!" cried Jack, in alarm.
+
+"I am not," replied Thames; "but I insist upon your taking it back at
+once."
+
+"Take it back yourself," retorted Jack, sullenly. "I shall do no such
+thing."
+
+"Very well," replied Thames, about to depart.
+
+"Stop!" exclaimed Jack, planting himself before the door; "do you want
+to get me sent across the water?"
+
+"I want to save you from disgrace and ruin," returned Thames.
+
+"Bah!" cried Jack, contemptuously; "nobody's disgraced and ruined
+unless he's found out. I'm safe enough if you hold your tongue. Give me
+that picture, or I'll make you!"
+
+"Hear me," said Thames, calmly; "you well know you're no match for me."
+
+"Not at fisticuffs, perhaps," interrupted Jack, fiercely; "but I've my
+knife."
+
+"You daren't use it."
+
+"Try to leave the room, and see whether I daren't," returned Jack,
+opening the blade.
+
+"I didn't expect this from you," rejoined Thames, resolutely. "But your
+threats won't prevent my leaving the room when I please, and as I
+please. Now, will you stand aside?"
+
+"I won't," answered Jack, obstinately.
+
+Thames said not another word, but marched boldly towards him, and seized
+him by the collar.
+
+"Leave go!" cried Jack, struggling violently, and raising his hand, "or
+I'll maul you for life."
+
+But Thames was not to be deterred from his purpose; and the strife might
+have terminated seriously, if a peace-maker had not appeared in the
+shape of little Winifred, who, alarmed by the noise, rushed suddenly
+into the room.
+
+"Ah!" she screamed, seeing the uplifted weapon in Sheppard's hand,
+"don't hurt Thames--don't, dear Jack! If you want to kill somebody, kill
+me, not him."
+
+And she flung herself between them.
+
+Jack dropped the knife, and walked sullenly aside.
+
+"What has caused this quarrel, Thames?" asked the little girl,
+anxiously.
+
+"You," answered Jack, abruptly.
+
+"No such thing," rejoined Thames. "I'll tell you all about it presently.
+But you must leave us now, dear Winny, Jack and I have something to
+settle between ourselves. Don't be afraid. Our quarrel's quite over."
+
+"Are you sure of that?" returned Winifred, looking uneasily at Jack.
+
+"Ay, ay," rejoined Sheppard; "he may do what he pleases,--hang me, if
+he thinks proper,--if _you_ wish it."
+
+With this assurance, and at the reiterated request of Thames, the little
+girl reluctantly withdrew.
+
+"Come, come, Jack," said Thames, walking up to Sheppard, and taking his
+hand, "have done with this. I tell you once more, I'll say and do
+nothing to get you into trouble. Best assured of that. But I'm resolved
+to see Lady Trafford. Perhaps, she may tell me whose picture this is."
+
+"So she may," returned Jack, brightening up; "it's a good idea. I'll go
+with you. But you must see her alone; and that'll be no easy matter to
+manage, for she's a great invalid, and has generally somebody with her.
+Above all, beware of Sir Rowland Trenchard. He's as savage and
+suspicious as the devil himself. I should never have noticed the
+miniature at all, if it hadn't been for him. He was standing by, rating
+her ladyship,--who can scarcely stir from the sofa,--while I was packing
+up her jewels in the case, and I observed that she tried to hide a small
+casket from him. His back was no sooner turned, than she slipped this
+casket into the box. The next minute, I contrived, without either of 'em
+perceiving me, to convey it into my own pocket. I was sorry for what I
+did afterwards; for, I don't know why, but, poor, lady! with her pale
+face, and black eyes, she reminded me of my mother."
+
+"That, alone, ought to have prevented you from acting as you did, Jack,"
+returned Thames, gravely.
+
+"I should never have acted as I did," rejoined Sheppard, bitterly; "if
+Mrs. Wood hadn't struck me. That blow made me a thief. And, if ever I'm
+brought to the gallows, I shall lay my death at her door."
+
+"Well, think no more about it," returned Thames. "Do better in future."
+
+"I will, when I've had my revenge," muttered Jack. "But, take my advice,
+and keep out of Sir Rowland's way, or you'll get the poor lady into
+trouble as well as me."
+
+"Never fear," replied Thames, taking up his hat. "Come, let's be off."
+
+The two boys, then, emerged upon the landing, and were about to descend
+the stairs, when the voices of Mr. and Mrs. Wood resounded from below.
+The storm appeared to have blown over, for they were conversing in a
+very amicable manner with Mr. Kneebone, who was on the point of
+departing.
+
+"Quite sorry, my good friend, there should have been any
+misunderstanding between us," observed the woollen-draper.
+
+"Don't mention it," returned Wood, in the conciliatory tone of one who
+admits he has been in the wrong; "your explanation is perfectly
+satisfactory."
+
+"We shall expect you to-morrow," insinuated Mrs. Wood; "and pray, don't
+bring anybody with you,--especially Jonathan Wild."
+
+"No fear of that," laughed Kneebone.--"Oh! about that boy, Thames
+Darrell. His safety must be looked to. Jonathan's threats are not to be
+sneezed at. The rascal will be at work before the morning. Keep your eye
+upon the lad. And mind he doesn't stir out of your sight, on any
+pretence whatever, till I call."
+
+"You hear that," whispered Jack.
+
+"I do," replied Thames, in the same tone; "we haven't a moment to lose."
+
+"Take care of yourself," said Mr. Wood, "and I'll take care of Thames.
+It's never a bad day that has a good ending. Good night! God bless you!"
+
+Upon this, there was a great shaking of hands, with renewed apologies
+and protestations of friendship on both sides; after which Mr. Kneebone
+took his leave.
+
+"And so, you really suspected me?" murmured Mrs. Wood, reproachfully, as
+they returned to the parlour. "Oh! you men! you men! Once get a thing
+into your head, and nothing will beat it out."
+
+"Why, my love," rejoined her husband, "appearances, you must allow, were
+a little against you. But since you assure me _you_ didn't write the
+letters, and Mr. Kneebone assures me _he_ didn't receive them, I can't
+do otherwise than believe you. And I've made up my mind that a husband
+ought to believe only half that he hears, and nothing that he sees."
+
+"An excellent maxim!" replied his wife, approvingly; "the best I ever
+heard you utter."
+
+"I must now go and look after Thames," observed the carpenter.
+
+"Oh! never mind him: he'll take no harm! Come with me into the parlour.
+I can't spare you at present. Heigho!"
+
+"Now for it!" cried Jack, as the couple entered the room: "the coast's
+clear."
+
+Thames was about to follow, when he felt a gentle grasp upon his arm. He
+turned, and beheld Winifred.
+
+"Where are you going?" she asked.
+
+"I shall be back presently," replied Thames, evasively.
+
+"Don't go, I beg of you!" she implored. "You're in danger. I overheard
+what Mr. Kneebone said, just now."
+
+"Death and the devil! what a cursed interruption!" cried Jack,
+impatiently. "If you loiter in this way, old Wood will catch us."
+
+"If you stir, I'll call him!" rejoined Winifred. "It's you, Jack, who
+are persuading my brother to do wrong. Thames," she urged, "the errand,
+on which you're going, can't be for any good, or you wouldn't be afraid
+of mentioning it to my father."
+
+"He's coming!" cried Jack, stamping his foot, with vexation. "Another
+moment, and it'll be too late."
+
+"Winny, I _must_ go!" said Thames, breaking from her.
+
+"Stay, dear Thames!--stay!" cried the little girl. "He hears me not!
+he's gone!" she added, as the door was opened and shut with violence;
+"something tells me I shall never see him again!"
+
+When her father, a moment afterwards, issued from the parlour to
+ascertain the cause of the noise, he found her seated on the stairs, in
+an agony of grief.
+
+"Where's Thames?" he hastily inquired.
+
+Winifred pointed to the door. She could not speak.
+
+"And Jack?"
+
+"Gone too," sobbed his daughter.
+
+Mr. Wood uttered something like an imprecation.
+
+"God forgive me for using such a word!" he cried, in a troubled tone;
+"if I hadn't yielded to my wife's silly request, this wouldn't have
+happened!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Brother and Sister.
+
+
+On the same evening, in a stately chamber of a noble old mansion of
+Elizabeth's time, situated in Southampton Fields, two persons were
+seated. One of these, a lady, evidently a confirmed invalid, and attired
+in deep mourning, reclined upon a sort of couch, or easy chair, set on
+wheels, with her head supported by cushions, and her feet resting upon a
+velvet footstool. A crutch, with a silver handle, stood by her side,
+proving the state of extreme debility to which she was reduced. It was
+no easy matter to determine her age, for, though she still retained a
+certain youthfulness of appearance, she had many marks in her
+countenance, usually indicating the decline of life, but which in her
+case were, no doubt, the result of constant and severe indisposition.
+Her complexion was wan and faded, except where it was tinged by a slight
+hectic flush, that made the want of colour more palpable; her eyes were
+large and black, but heavy and lustreless; her cheeks sunken; her frame
+emaciated; her dark hair thickly scattered with gray. When younger, and
+in better health, she must have been eminently lovely; and there were
+still the remains of great beauty about her. The expression, however,
+which would chiefly have interested a beholder, was that of settled and
+profound melancholy.
+
+Her companion was a person of no inferior condition. Indeed it was
+apparent, from the likeness between them, that they were nearly related.
+He had the same dark eyes, though lighted by a fierce flame; the same
+sallow complexion; the same tall, thin figure, and majestic demeanour;
+the same proud cast of features. But here the resemblance stopped. The
+expression was wholly different. He looked melancholy enough, it is
+true. But his gloom appeared to be occasioned by remorse, rather than
+sorrow. No sterner head was ever beheld beneath the cowl of a monk, or
+the bonnet of an inquisitor. He seemed inexorable, and inscrutable as
+fate itself.
+
+"Well, Lady Trafford," he said, fixing a severe look upon her. "You
+depart for Lancashire to-morrow. Have I your final answer?"
+
+"You have, Sir Rowland," she answered, in a feeble tone, but firmly.
+"You shall have the sum you require, but----"
+
+"But what, Madam!"
+
+"Do not misunderstand me," she proceeded. "I give it to King James--not
+so you: for the furtherance of a great and holy cause, not for the
+prosecution of wild and unprofitable schemes."
+
+Sir Rowland bit his lips to repress the answer that rose to them.
+
+"And the will?" he said, with forced calmness. "Do you still refuse to
+make one!"
+
+"I _have_ made one," replied Lady Trafford.
+
+"How?" cried her brother, starting.
+
+"Rowland," she rejoined, "you strive in vain to terrify me into
+compliance with your wishes. Nothing shall induce me to act contrary to
+the dictates of my conscience. My will is executed, and placed in safe
+custody."
+
+"In whose favour is it made?" he inquired, sternly.
+
+"In favour of my son."
+
+"You have no son," rejoined Sir Rowland, moodily.
+
+"I _had_ one," answered his sister, in a mournful voice; "and, perhaps,
+I have one still."
+
+"If I thought so--" cried the knight fiercely; "but this is idle," he
+added, suddenly checking himself. "Aliva, your child perished with its
+father."
+
+"And by whom were they both destroyed?" demanded his sister, raising
+herself by a painful effort, and regarding him with a searching glance.
+
+"By the avenger of his family's dishonour--by your brother," he replied,
+coolly.
+
+"Brother," cried Lady Trafford, her eye blazing with unnatural light,
+and her cheek suffused with a crimson stain: "Brother," she cried,
+lifting her thin fingers towards Heaven, "as God shall judge me, I was
+wedded to that murdered man!"
+
+"A lie!" ejaculated Sir Rowland, furiously; "a black, and damning lie!"
+
+"It is the truth," replied his sister, falling backwards upon the couch.
+"I will swear it upon the cross!"
+
+"His name, then?" demanded the knight. "Tell me that, and I will believe
+you."
+
+"Not now--not now!" she returned, with a shudder. "When I am dead you
+will learn it. Do not disquiet yourself. You will not have to wait long
+for the information. Rowland," she added, in an altered tone, "I am
+certain I shall not live many days. And if you treat me in this way, you
+will have my death to answer for, as well as the deaths of my husband
+and child. Let us part in peace. We shall take an eternal farewell of
+each other."
+
+"Be it so!" rejoined Sir Rowland, with concentrated fury; "but before we
+_do_ part, I am resolved to know the name of your pretended husband!"
+
+"Torture shall not wrest it from me," answered his sister, firmly.
+
+"What motive have you for concealment?" he demanded.
+
+"A vow," she answered,--"a vow to my dead husband."
+
+Sir Rowland looked at her for a moment, as if he meditated some terrible
+reply. He then arose, and, taking a few turns in the chamber, stopped
+suddenly before her.
+
+"What has put it into your head that your son yet lives?" he asked.
+
+"I have dreamed that I shall see him before I die," she rejoined.
+
+"Dreamed!" echoed the knight, with a ghastly smile. "Is that all? Then
+learn from me that your hopes are visionary as their foundation. Unless
+he can arise from the bottom of the Thames, where he and his abhorred
+father lie buried, you will never behold him again in this world."
+
+"Heaven have compassion on you, Rowland!" murmured his sister, crossing
+her hands and looking upwards; "you have none on me."
+
+"I _will_ have none till I have forced the villain's name from you!" he
+cried, stamping the floor with rage.
+
+"Rowland, your violence is killing me," she returned, in a plaintive
+tone.
+
+"His name, I say!--his name!" thundered the knight.
+
+And he unsheathed his sword.
+
+Lady Trafford uttered a prolonged scream, and fainted. When she came to
+herself, she found that her brother had quitted the room, leaving her to
+the care of a female attendant. Her first orders were to summon the rest
+of her servants to make immediate preparations for her departure for
+Lancashire.
+
+"To-night, your ladyship?" ventured an elderly domestic.
+
+"Instantly, Hobson," returned Lady Trafford; "as soon as the carriage
+can be brought round."
+
+"It shall be at the door in ten minutes. Has your ladyship any further
+commands?"
+
+"None whatever. Yet, stay! There is one thing I wish you to do. Take
+that box, and put it into the carriage yourself. Where is Sir Rowland?"
+
+"In the library, your ladyship. He has given orders that no one is to
+disturb him. But there's a person in the hall--a very odd sort of
+man--waiting to see him, who won't be sent away."
+
+"Very well. Lose not a moment, Hobson."
+
+The elderly domestic bowed, took up the case, and retired.
+
+"Your ladyship is far too unwell to travel," remarked the female
+attendant, assisting her to rise; "you'll never be able to reach
+Manchester."
+
+"It matters not, Norris," replied Lady Trafford: "I would rather die on
+the road, than be exposed to another such scene as I have just
+encountered."
+
+"Dear me!" sympathised Mrs. Norris. "I was afraid from the scream I
+heard, that something dreadful had happened, Sir Rowland has a terrible
+temper indeed--a shocking temper! I declare he frightens me out of my
+senses."
+
+"Sir Rowland is my brother," resumed Lady Trafford coldly.
+
+"Well that's no reason why he should treat your ladyship so shamefully,
+I'm sure. Ah! how I wish, poor dear Sir Cecil were alive! he'd keep him
+in order."
+
+Lady Trafford sighed deeply.
+
+"Your ladyship has never been well since you married Sir Cecil,"
+rejoined Mrs. Norris. "For my part, I don't think you ever quite got
+over the accident you met with on the night of the Great Storm."
+
+"Norris!" gasped Lady Trafford, trembling violently.
+
+"Mercy on us! what have I said!" cried the attendant, greatly alarmed by
+the agitation of her mistress; "do sit down, your ladyship, while I run
+for the ratifia and rosa solis."
+
+"It is past," rejoined Lady Trafford, recovering herself by a powerful
+effort; "but never allude to the circumstance again. Go and prepare for
+our departure."
+
+In less time than Hobson had mentioned, the carriage was announced. And
+Lady Trafford having been carried down stairs, and placed within it, the
+postboy drove off, at a rapid pace for Barnet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Miching Mallecho.
+
+
+Sir Rowland, meantime, paced his chamber with a quick and agitated step.
+He was ill at ease, though he would not have confessed his disquietude
+even to himself. Not conceiving that his sister--feeble as she was, and
+yielding as she had ever shown herself to his wishes, whether expressed
+or implied--would depart without consulting him, he was equally
+surprised and enraged to hear the servants busied in transporting her to
+the carriage. His pride, however, would not suffer him to interfere
+with their proceedings; much less could he bring himself to acknowledge
+that he had been in the wrong, and entreat Lady Trafford to remain,
+though he was well aware that her life might be endangered if she
+travelled by night. But, when the sound of the carriage-wheels died
+away, and he felt that she was actually gone, his resolution failed him,
+and he rang the bell violently.
+
+"My horses, Charcam," he said, as a servant appeared.
+
+The man lingered.
+
+"'Sdeath! why am I not obeyed?" exclaimed the knight, angrily. "I wish
+to overtake Lady Trafford. Use despatch!"
+
+"Her ladyship will not travel beyond Saint Alban's to-night, Sir
+Rowland, so Mrs. Norris informed me," returned Charcam, respectfully;
+"and there's a person without, anxious for an audience, whom, with
+submission, I think your honour would desire to see."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Sir Rowland, glancing significantly at Charcam, who was
+a confidant in his Jacobite schemes; "is it the messenger from
+Orchard-Windham, from Sir William?"
+
+"No, Sir Rowland."
+
+"From Mr. Corbet Kynaston, then? Sir John Packington's courier was here
+yesterday."
+
+"No, Sir Rowland."
+
+"Perhaps he is from Lord Derwentwater, or Mr. Forster? News _is_
+expected from Northumberland."
+
+"I can't exactly say, Sir Rowland. The gentleman didn't communicate his
+business to me. But I'm sure it's important."
+
+Charcam said this, not because he knew anything about the matter; but,
+having received a couple of guineas to deliver the message, he,
+naturally enough, estimated its importance by the amount of the
+gratuity.
+
+"Well, I will see him," replied the knight, after a moment's pause; "he
+may be from the Earl of Mar. But let the horses be in readiness. I shall
+ride to St. Alban's to-night."
+
+So saying, he threw himself into a chair. And Charcam, fearful of
+another charge in his master's present uncertain mood, disappeared.
+
+The person, shortly afterwards ushered into the room, seemed by the
+imperfect light,--for the evening was advancing, and the chamber
+darkened by heavy drapery,--to be a middle-sized middle-aged man, of
+rather vulgar appearance, but with a very shrewd aspect. He was plainly
+attired in a riding-dress and boots of the period, and wore a hanger by
+his side.
+
+"Your servant, Sir Rowland," said the stranger, ducking his head, as he
+advanced.
+
+"Your business, Sir?" returned the other, stiffly.
+
+The new-comer looked at Charcam. Sir Rowland waved his hand, and the
+attendant withdrew.
+
+"You don't recollect me, I presume?" premised the stranger, taking a
+seat.
+
+The knight, who could ill brook this familiarity, instantly arose.
+
+"Don't disturb yourself," continued the other, nowise disconcerted by
+the rebuke. "I never stand upon ceremony where I know I shall be
+welcome. We _have_ met before."
+
+"Indeed!" rejoined Sir Rowland, haughtily; "perhaps, you will refresh my
+memory as to the time, and place."
+
+"Let me see. The time was the 26th of November, 1703: the place, the
+Mint in Southwark. I have a good memory, you perceive, Sir Rowland."
+
+The knight staggered as if struck by a mortal wound. Speedily recovering
+himself, however, he rejoined, with forced calmness, "You are mistaken,
+Sir. I was in Lancashire, at our family seat, at the time you mention."
+
+The stranger smiled incredulously.
+
+"Well, Sir Rowland," he said, after a brief pause, during which the
+knight regarded him with a searching glance, as if endeavouring to
+recall his features, "I will not gainsay your words. You are in the
+right to be cautious, till you know with whom you have to deal; and,
+even then, you can't be too wary. 'Avow nothing, believe nothing, give
+nothing for nothing,' is my own motto. And it's a maxim of universal
+application: or, at least, of universal practice. I am not come here to
+play the part of your father-confessor. I am come to serve you."
+
+"In what way, Sir?" demanded Trenchard, in astonishment.
+
+"You will learn anon. You refuse me your confidence. I applaud your
+prudence: it is, however, needless. Your history, your actions, nay,
+your very thoughts are better known to me than to your spiritual
+adviser."
+
+"Make good your assertions," cried Trenchard, furiously, "or----"
+
+"To the proof," interrupted the stranger, calmly. "You are the son of
+Sir Montacute Trenchard, of Ashton-Hall, near Manchester. Sir Montacute
+had three children--two daughters and yourself. The eldest, Constance,
+was lost, by the carelessness of a servant, during her infancy, and has
+never since been heard of: the youngest, Aliva, is the present Lady
+Trafford. I merely mention these circumstances to show the accuracy of
+my information."
+
+"If this is the extent of it, Sir," returned the knight, ironically,
+"you may spare yourself further trouble. These particulars are familiar
+to all, who have any title to the knowledge."
+
+"Perhaps so," rejoined the stranger; "but I have others in reserve, not
+so generally known. With your permission, I will go on in my own way.
+Where I am in error, you can set me right.--Your father, Sir Montacute
+Trenchard, who had been a loyal subject of King James the Second, and
+borne arms in his service, on the abdication of that monarch, turned his
+back upon the Stuarts, and would never afterwards recognise their claims
+to the crown. It was said, that he received an affront from James, in
+the shape of a public reprimand, which his pride could not forgive. Be
+this as it may, though a Catholic, he died a friend to the Protestant
+succession."
+
+"So far you are correct," observed Trenchard; "still, this is no
+secret."
+
+"Suffer me to proceed," replied the stranger. "The opinions,
+entertained by the old knight, naturally induced him to view with
+displeasure the conduct of his son, who warmly espoused the cause he had
+deserted. Finding remonstrances of no avail, he had recourse to threats;
+and when threats failed, he adopted more decided measures."
+
+"Ha!" ejaculated Trenchard.
+
+"As yet," pursued the stranger, "Sir Montacute had placed no limit to
+his son's expenditure. He did not quarrel with Rowland's profusion, for
+his own revenues were ample; but he _did_ object to the large sums
+lavished by him in the service of a faction he was resolved not to
+support. Accordingly, the old knight reduced his son's allowance to a
+third of its previous amount; and, upon further provocation, he even
+went so far as to alter his will in favour of his daughter, Aliva, who
+was then betrothed to her cousin, Sir Cecil Trafford."
+
+"Proceed, Sir," said Trenchard, breathing hard.
+
+"Under these circumstances, Rowland did what any other sensible person
+would do. Aware of his father's inflexibility of purpose, he set his
+wits to work to defeat the design. He contrived to break off his
+sister's match; and this he accomplished so cleverly, that he maintained
+the strictest friendship with Sir Cecil. For two years he thought
+himself secure; and, secretly engaged in the Jacobite schemes of the
+time, in which, also, Sir Cecil was deeply involved, he began to relax
+in his watchfulness over Aliva. About this time,--namely, in November,
+1703--while young Trenchard was in Lancashire, and his sister in London,
+on a visit, he received a certain communication from his confidential
+servant, Davies, which, at once, destroyed his hopes. He learnt that his
+sister was privately married--the name or rank of her husband could not
+be ascertained--and living in retirement in an obscure dwelling in the
+Borough, where she had given birth to a son. Rowland's plans were
+quickly formed, and as quickly executed. Accompanied by Sir Cecil, who
+still continued passionately enamoured of his sister, and to whom he
+represented that she had fallen a victim to the arts of a seducer, he
+set off, at fiery speed, for the metropolis. Arrived there, their first
+object was to seek out Davies, by whom they were conducted to the lady's
+retreat,--a lone habitation, situated on the outskirts of Saint George's
+Fields in Southwark. Refused admittance, they broke open the door.
+Aliva's husband, who passed by the name of Darrell, confronted them
+sword in hand. For a few minutes he kept them at bay. But, urged by his
+wife's cries, who was more anxious for the preservation of her child's
+life than her own, he snatched up the infant, and made his escape from
+the back of the premises. Rowland and his companions instantly started
+in pursuit, leaving the lady to recover as she might. They tracked the
+fugitive to the Mint; but, like hounds at fault, they here lost all
+scent of their prey. Meantime, the lady had overtaken them; but,
+terrified by the menaces of her vindictive kinsmen, she did not dare to
+reveal herself to her husband, of whose concealment on the roof of the
+very house the party were searching she was aware. Aided by an
+individual, who was acquainted with a secret outlet from the tenement,
+Darrell escaped. Before his departure, he gave his assistant a glove.
+That glove is still preserved. In her endeavour to follow him, Aliva met
+with a severe fall, and was conveyed away, in a state of insensibility,
+by Sir Cecil. She was supposed to be lifeless; but she survived the
+accident, though she never regained her strength. Directed by the same
+individual, who had helped Darrell to steal a march upon him, Rowland,
+with Davies, and another attendant, continued the pursuit. Both the
+fugitive and his chasers embarked on the Thames. The elements were
+wrathful as their passions. The storm burst upon them in its fury.
+Unmindful of the terrors of the night, unscared by the danger that
+threatened him, Rowland consigned his sister's husband and his sister's
+child to the waves."
+
+"Bring your story to an end, Sir," said Trenchard who had listened to
+the recital with mingled emotions of rage and fear.
+
+"I have nearly done," replied the stranger.--"As Rowland's whole crew
+perished in the tempest, and he only escaped by miracle, he fancied
+himself free from detection. And for twelve years he has been so; until
+his long security, well-nigh obliterating remembrance of the deed, has
+bred almost a sense of innocence within his breast. During this period
+Sir Montacute has been gathered to his fathers. His title has descended
+to Rowland: his estates to Aliva. The latter has, since, been induced to
+unite herself to Sir Cecil, on terms originating with her brother, and
+which, however strange and unprecedented, were acquiesced in by the
+suitor."
+
+Sir Rowland looked bewildered with surprise.
+
+"The marriage was never consummated," continued the imperturbable
+stranger. "Sir Cecil is no more. Lady Trafford, supposed to be
+childless, broken in health and spirits, frail both in mind and body, is
+not likely to make another marriage. The estates must, ere long, revert
+to Sir Rowland."
+
+"Are you man, or fiend?" exclaimed Trenchard, staring at the stranger,
+as he concluded his narration.
+
+"You are complimentary, Sir Rowland," returned the other, with a grim
+smile.
+
+"If you _are_ human," rejoined Trenchard, with stern emphasis, "I insist
+upon knowing whence you derived your information?"
+
+"I might refuse to answer the question, Sir Rowland. But I am not
+indisposed to gratify you. Partly, from your confessor; partly, from
+other sources."
+
+"My confessor!" ejaculated the knight, in the extremity of surprise;
+"has _he_ betrayed his sacred trust?"
+
+"He has," replied the other, grinning; "and this will be a caution to
+you in future, how you confide a secret of consequence to a priest. I
+should as soon think of trusting a woman. Tickle the ears of their
+reverences with any idle nonsense you please: but tell them nothing you
+care to have repeated. I was once a disciple of Saint Peter myself, and
+speak from experience."
+
+"Who are you?" ejaculated Trenchard, scarcely able to credit his senses.
+
+"I'm surprised you've not asked that question before, Sir Rowland. It
+would have saved me much circumlocution, and you some suspense. My name
+is Wild--Jonathan Wild."
+
+And the great thief-taker indulged himself in a chuckle at the effect
+produced by this announcement. He was accustomed to such surprises, and
+enjoyed them.
+
+Sir Rowland laid his hand upon his sword.
+
+"Mr. Wild," he said, in a sarcastic tone, but with great firmness; "a
+person of your well-known sagacity must be aware that some secrets are
+dangerous to the possessor."
+
+"I am fully aware of it, Sir Rowland," replied Jonathan, coolly; "but I
+have nothing to fear; because, in the first place, it will be to your
+advantage not to molest me; and, in the second, I am provided against
+all contingencies. I never hunt the human tiger without being armed. My
+janizaries are without. One of them is furnished with a packet
+containing the heads of the statement I have just related, which, if I
+don't return at a certain time, will be laid before the proper
+authorities. I have calculated my chances, you perceive."
+
+"You have forgotten that you are in my power," returned the knight,
+sternly; "and that all your allies cannot save you from my resentment."
+
+"I can at least, protect myself," replied Wild, with, provoking
+calmness. "I am accounted a fair shot, as well as a tolerable swordsman,
+and I will give proof of my skill in both lines, should occasion require
+it. I have had a good many desperate engagements in my time, and have
+generally come off victorious. I bear the marks of some of them about me
+still," he continued, taking off his wig, and laying bare a bald skull,
+covered with cicatrices and plates of silver. "This gash," he added,
+pointing to one of the larger scars, "was a wipe from the hanger of Tom
+Thurland, whom I apprehended for the murder of Mrs. Knap. This wedge of
+silver," pointing to another, "which would mend a coffee-pot, serves to
+stop up a breach made by Will Colthurst, who robbed Mr. Hearl on
+Hounslow-Heath. I secured the dog after he had wounded me. This fracture
+was the handiwork of Jack Parrot (otherwise called Jack the Grinder),
+who broke into the palace of the Bishop of Norwich. Jack was a comical
+scoundrel, and made a little too free with his grace's best burgundy, as
+well as his grace's favourite housekeeper. The Bishop, however, to show
+him the danger of meddling with the church, gave him a dance at Tyburn
+for his pains. Not a scar but has its history. The only inconvenience I
+feel from my shattered noddle is an incapacity to drink. But that's an
+infirmity shared by a great many sounder heads than mine. The hardest
+bout I ever had was with a woman--Sally Wells, who was afterwards lagged
+for shoplifting. She attacked me with a carving-knife, and, when I had
+disarmed her, the jade bit off a couple of fingers from my left hand.
+Thus, you see, I've never hesitated and never _shall_ hesitate to expose
+my life where anything is to be gained. My profession has hardened me."
+
+And, with this, he coolly re-adjusted his peruke.
+
+"What do you expect to gain from this interview, Mr. Wild!" demanded
+Trenchard, as if he had formed a sudden resolution.
+
+"Ah! now we come to business," returned Jonathan, rubbing his hands,
+gleefully. "These are my terms, Sir Rowland," he added, taking a sheet
+of paper from his pocket, and pushing it towards the knight.
+
+Trenchard glanced at the document.
+
+"A thousand pounds," he observed, gloomily, "is a heavy price to pay for
+doubtful secrecy, when _certain silence_ might be so cheaply procured."
+
+"You would purchase it at the price of your head," replied Jonathan,
+knitting his brows. "Sir Rowland," he added, savagely, and with somewhat
+of the look of a bull-dog before he flies at his foe, "if it were my
+pleasure to do so, I could crush you with a breath. You are wholly in my
+power. Your name, with the fatal epithet of 'dangerous' attached to it,
+stands foremost on the list of Disaffected now before the Secret
+Committee. I hold a warrant from Mr. Walpole for your apprehension."
+
+"Arrested!" exclaimed Trenchard, drawing his sword.
+
+"Put up your blade, Sir Rowland," rejoined Jonathan, resuming his former
+calm demeanour, "King James the Third will need it. I have no intention
+of arresting you. I have a different game to play; and it'll be your own
+fault, if you don't come off the winner. I offer you my assistance on
+certain terms. The proposal is so far from being exorbitant, that it
+should be trebled if I had not a fellow-feeling in the cause. To be
+frank with you, I have an affront to requite, which can be settled at
+the same time, and in the same way with your affair. That's worth
+something to me; for I don't mind paying for revenge. After all a
+thousand pounds is a trifle to rid you of an upstart, who may chance to
+deprive you of tens of thousands."
+
+"Did I hear you aright?" asked Trenchard, with startling eagerness.
+
+"Certainly," replied Jonathan, with the most perfect _sangfroid_, "I'll
+undertake to free you from the boy. That's part of the bargain."
+
+"Is he alive!" vociferated Trenchard.
+
+"To be sure," returned Wild; "he's not only alive, but likely for life,
+if we don't clip the thread."
+
+Sir Rowland caught at a chair for support, and passed his hand across
+his brow, on which the damp had gathered thickly.
+
+"The intelligence seems new to you. I thought I'd been sufficiently
+explicit," continued Jonathan. "Most persons would have guessed my
+meaning."
+
+"Then it was _not_ a dream!" ejaculated Sir Rowland in a hollow voice,
+and as if speaking to himself. "I _did_ see them on the platform of the
+bridge--the child and his preserver! They were _not_ struck by the
+fallen ruin, nor whelmed in the roaring flood,--or, if they _were_, they
+escaped as I escaped. God! I have cheated myself into a belief that the
+boy perished! And now my worst fears are realized--he lives!"
+
+"As yet," returned Jonathan, with fearful emphasis.
+
+"I cannot--dare not injure him," rejoined Trenchard, with a haggard
+look, and sinking, as if paralysed, into a chair.
+
+Jonathan laughed scornfully.
+
+"Leave him to me," he said. "He shan't trouble you further."
+
+"No," replied Sir Rowland, who appeared completely prostrated. "I will
+struggle no longer with destiny. Too much blood has been shed already."
+
+"This comes of fine feelings!" muttered Jonathan, contemptuously. "Give
+me your thorough-paced villain. But I shan't let him off thus. I'll try
+a strong dose.--Am I to understand that you intend to plead guilty, Sir
+Rowland?" he added. "If so, I may as well execute my warrant."
+
+"Stand off, Sir!" exclaimed Trenchard, starting suddenly backwards.
+
+"I knew that would bring him to," thought Wild.
+
+"Where is the boy?" demanded Sir Rowland.
+
+"At present under the care of his preserver--one Owen Wood, a carpenter,
+by whom he was brought up."
+
+"Wood!" exclaimed Trenchard,--"of Wych Street?"
+
+"The same."
+
+"A boy from his shop was here a short time ago. Could it be him you
+mean?"
+
+"No. That boy was the carpenter's apprentice, Jack Sheppard. I've just
+left your nephew."
+
+At this moment Charcam entered the room.
+
+"Beg pardon, Sir Rowland," said the attendant, "but there's a boy from
+Mr. Wood, with a message for Lady Trafford."
+
+"From whom?" vociferated Trenchard.
+
+"From Mr. Wood the carpenter."
+
+"The same who was here just now?"
+
+"No, Sir Rowland, a much finer boy."
+
+"'Tis he, by Heaven!" cried Jonathan; "this is lucky. Sir Rowland," he
+added, in a deep whisper, "do you agree to my terms?"
+
+"I do," answered Trenchard, in the same tone.
+
+"Enough!" rejoined Wild; "he shall not return."
+
+"Have you acquainted him with Lady Trafford's departure?" said the
+knight, addressing Charcam, with as much composure as he could assume.
+
+"No, Sir Rowland," replied the attendant, "as you proposed to ride to
+Saint Albans to-night, I thought you might choose to see him yourself.
+Besides, there's something odd about the boy; for, though I questioned
+him pretty closely concerning his business, he declined answering my
+questions, and said he could only deliver his message to her ladyship. I
+thought it better not to send him away till I'd mentioned the
+circumstance to you."
+
+"You did right," returned Trenchard.
+
+"Where is he?" asked Jonathan.
+
+"In the hall," replied Charcam.
+
+"Alone?"
+
+"Not exactly, Sir. There's another lad at the gate waiting for him--the
+same who was here just now, that Sir Rowland was speaking of, who
+fastened up the jewel-case for her ladyship."
+
+"A jewel-case!" exclaimed Jonathan. "Ah, I see it all!" he cried, with a
+quick glance. "Jack Sheppard's fingers are lime-twigs. Was anything
+missed after the lad's departure, Sir Rowland?"
+
+"Not that I'm aware of," said the knight.--"Stay! something occurs to
+me." And he conferred apart with Jonathan.
+
+"That's it!" cried Wild when Trenchard concluded. "This young fool is
+come to restore the article--whatever it may be--which Lady Trafford was
+anxious to conceal, and which his companion purloined. It's precisely
+what such a simpleton would do. We have him as safe as a linnet in a
+cage; and could wring his neck round as easily. Oblige me by acting
+under my guidance in the matter, Sir Rowland. I'm an old hand at such
+things. Harkee," he added, "Mr. What's-your-name!"
+
+"Charcam," replied the attendant, bowing.
+
+"Very well, Mr. Charcoal, you may bring in the boy. But not a word to
+him of Lady Trafford's absence--mind that. A robbery has been committed,
+and your master suspects this lad as an accessory to the offence. He,
+therefore, desires to interrogate him. It will be necessary to secure
+his companion; and as you say he is not in the house, some caution must
+be used in approaching him, or he may chance to take to his heels, for
+he's a slippery little rascal. When you've seized him, cough thrice
+thus,--and two rough-looking gentlemen will make their appearance. Don't
+be alarmed by their manners, Mr. Charcoal. They're apt to be surly to
+strangers, but it soon wears off. The gentleman with the red beard will
+relieve you of your prisoner. The other must call a coach as quickly as
+he can."
+
+"For whom, Sir?" inquired Charcam. "For me--his master, Mr. Jonathan
+Wild."
+
+"Are you Mr. Jonathan Wild?" asked the attendant, in great trepidation.
+
+"I _am_, Charcoal. But don't let my name frighten you. Though," said the
+thief-taker, with a complacent smile, "all the world seems to tremble at
+it. Obey my orders, and you've nothing to fear. About them quickly. Lead
+the lad to suppose that he'll be introduced to Lady Trafford. You
+understand me, Charcoal."
+
+The attendant did _not_ understand him. He was confounded by the
+presence in which he found himself. But, not daring to confess his want
+of comprehension, he made a profound reverence, and retired.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Consequences of the Theft.
+
+
+"How do you mean to act, Sir?" inquired Trenchard, as soon as they were
+left alone.
+
+"As circumstances shall dictate, Sir Rowland," returned Jonathan.
+"Something is sure to arise in the course of the investigation, of which
+I can take advantage. If not, I'll convey him to St. Giles's round-house
+on my own responsibility."
+
+"Is this your notable scheme!" asked the knight, scornfully.
+
+"Once there," proceeded Wild, without noticing the interruption, "he's
+as good as in his grave. The constable, Sharples, is in my pay. I can
+remove the prisoner at any hour of the night I think fit: and I _will_
+remove him. You must, know, Sir Rowland--for I've no secrets from
+you--that, in the course of my business I've found it convenient to
+become the owner of a small Dutch sloop; by means of which I can
+transmit any light ware,--such as gold watches, rings, and plate, as
+well as occasionally a bank or goldsmith's note, which has been _spoken
+with_ by way of the mail,--you understand me?--to Holland or Flanders,
+and obtain a secure and ready market for them. This vessel is now in the
+river, off Wapping. Her cargo is nearly shipped. She will sail, at early
+dawn to-morrow, for Rotterdam. Her commander, Rykhart Van Galgebrok, is
+devoted to my interests. As soon as he gets into blue water, he'll think
+no more of pitching the boy overboard than of lighting his pipe. This
+will be safer than cutting his throat on shore. I've tried the plan, and
+found it answer. The Northern Ocean keeps a secret better than the
+Thames, Sir Rowland. Before midnight, your nephew shall be safe beneath
+the hatches of the Zeeslang."
+
+"Poor child!" muttered Trenchard, abstractedly; "the whole scene upon
+the river is passing before me. I hear the splash in the water--I see
+the white object floating like a sea-bird on the tide--it will not
+sink!"
+
+"'Sblood!" exclaimed Jonathan, in a tone of ill-disguised contempt; "it
+won't do to indulge those fancies now. Be seated, and calm yourself."
+
+"I have often conjured up some frightful vision of the dead," murmured
+the knight, "but I never dreamed of an interview with the living."
+
+"It'll be over in a few minutes," rejoined Jonathan, impatiently; "in
+fact, it'll be over too soon for me. I like such interviews. But we
+waste time. Have the goodness to affix your name to that memorandum, Sir
+Rowland. I require nothing, you see, till my share of the contract is
+fulfilled."
+
+Trenchard took up a pen.
+
+"It's the boy's death-warrant," observed Jonathan, with a sinister
+smile.
+
+"I cannot sign it," returned Trenchard.
+
+"Damnation!" exclaimed Wild with a snarl, that displayed his glistening
+fangs to the farthest extremity of his mouth, "I'm not to be trifled
+with thus. That paper _must_ be signed, or I take my departure."
+
+"Go, Sir," rejoined the knight, haughtily.
+
+"Ay, ay, I'll go, fast enough!" returned Jonathan, putting his hands
+into his pockets, "but not alone, Sir Rowland."
+
+At this juncture, the door was flung open, and Charcam entered, dragging
+in Thames, whom he held by the collar, and who struggled in vain to free
+himself from the grasp imposed upon him.
+
+"Here's one of the thieves, Sir Rowland!" cried the attendant. "I was
+only just in time. The young rascal had learnt from some of the
+women-servants that Lady Trafford was from home, and was in the very act
+of making off when I got down stairs. Come along, my Newgate bird!" he
+continued, shaking him with great violence.
+
+Jonathan gave utterance to a low whistle.
+
+"If things had gone smoothly," he thought, "I should have cursed the
+fellow's stupidity. As it is, I'm not sorry for the blunder."
+
+Trenchard, meanwhile, whose gaze was fixed upon the boy, became livid as
+death, but he moved not a muscle.
+
+"'T is he!" he mentally ejaculated.
+
+"What do you think of your nephew, Sir Rowland?" whispered Jonathan, who
+sat with his back towards Thames, so that his features were concealed
+from the youth's view. "It would be a thousand pities, wouldn't it, to
+put so promising a lad out of the way?"
+
+"Devil!" exclaimed the knight fiercely, "Give me the paper."
+
+Jonathan hastily picked up the pen, and presented it to Trenchard, who
+attached his signature to the document.
+
+"If I _am_ the devil," observed Wild, "as some folks assert, and I
+myself am not unwilling to believe, you'll find that I differ from the
+generally-received notions of the arch-fiend, and faithfully execute the
+commands of those who confide their souls to my custody."
+
+"Take hence this boy, then," rejoined Trenchard; "his looks unman me."
+
+"Of what am I accused?" asked Thames, who though a good deal alarmed at
+first, had now regained his courage.
+
+"Of robbery!" replied Jonathan in a thundering voice, and suddenly
+confronting him. "You've charged with assisting your comrade, Jack
+Sheppard, to purloin certain articles of value from a jewel-case
+belonging to Lady Trafford. Aha!" he continued, producing a short silver
+staff, which he carried constantly about with him, and uttering a
+terrible imprecation, "I see you're confounded. Down on your
+marrow-bones, sirrah! Confess your guilt, and Sir Rowland may yet save
+you from the gallows."
+
+"I've nothing to confess," replied Thames, boldly; "I've done no wrong.
+Are _you_ my accuser?"
+
+"I am," replied Wild; "have you anything to allege to the contrary?"
+
+"Only this," returned Thames: "that the charge is false, and malicious,
+and that _you_ know it to be so."
+
+"Is that all!" retorted Jonathan. "Come, I must search you my
+youngster!"
+
+"You shan't touch me," rejoined Thames; and, suddenly bursting from
+Charcam, he threw himself at the feet of Trenchard. "Hear me, Sir
+Rowland!" he cried. "I am innocent, f have stolen nothing. This
+person--this Jonathan Wild, whom I beheld for the first time, scarcely
+an hour ago, in Wych Street, is--I know not why--my enemy. He has sworn
+that he'll take away my life!"
+
+"Bah!" interrupted Jonathan. "You won't listen to this nonsense, Sir
+Rowland!"
+
+"If you _are_ innocent, boy," said the knight, controlling his emotion;
+"you have nothing to apprehend. But, what brought you here?"
+
+"Excuse me, Sir Rowland. I cannot answer that question. My business is
+with Lady Trafford."
+
+"Are you aware that I am her ladyship's brother?" returned the knight.
+"She has no secrets from me."
+
+"Possibly not," replied Thames, in some confusion; "but I am not at
+liberty to speak."
+
+"Your hesitation is not in your favour," observed Trenchard, sternly.
+
+"Will he consent, to be searched?" inquired Jonathan.
+
+"No," rejoined Thames, "I won't be treated like a common felon, if I can
+help it."
+
+"You shall be treated according to your deserts, then," said Jonathan,
+maliciously. And, in spite of the boy's resistance, he plunged his hands
+into his pockets, and drew forth the miniature.
+
+"Where did you get this from?" asked Wild, greatly surprised at the
+result of his investigation.
+
+Thames returned no answer.
+
+"I thought as much," continued Jonathan. "But we'll find a way to make
+you open your lips presently. Bring in his comrade," he added, in a
+whisper to Charcam; "I'll take care of him. And don't neglect my
+instructions this time." Upon which, with an assurance that he would not
+do so, the attendant departed.
+
+"You can, of course, identify this picture as Lady Trafford's property?"
+pursued Jonathan, with a meaning glance, as he handed it to the knight.
+
+"I can," replied Trenchard. "Ha!" he exclaimed, with a sudden start, as
+his glance fell upon the portrait; "how came this into your possession,
+boy?"
+
+"Why don't you answer, sirrah?" cried Wild, in a savage tone, and
+striking him with the silver staff. "Can't you speak?"
+
+"I don't choose," replied Thames, sturdily; "and your brutality shan't
+make me."
+
+"We'll see that," replied Jonathan, dealing him another and more violent
+blow.
+
+"Let him alone," said Trenchard authoritatively, "I have another
+question to propose. Do you know whoso portrait this is?"
+
+"I do not," replied Thames, repressing his tears, "but I believe it to
+be the portrait of my father."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed the knight, in astonishment. "Is your father alive?"
+
+"No," returned Thames; "he was assassinated while I was an infant."
+
+"Who told you this is his portrait?" demanded Trenchard.
+
+"My heart," rejoined Thames, firmly; "which now tells me I am in the
+presence of his murderer."
+
+"That's me," interposed Jonathan; "a thief-taker is always a murderer in
+the eyes of a thief. I'm almost sorry your suspicions are unfounded, if
+your father in any way resembled you, my youngster. But I can tell you
+who'll have the pleasure of hanging your father's son; and that's a
+person not a hundred miles distant from you at this moment--ha! ha!"
+
+As he said this, the door was opened, and Charcam entered, accompanied
+by a dwarfish, shabby-looking man, in a brown serge frock, with coarse
+Jewish features, and a long red beard. Between the Jew and the attendant
+came Jack Sheppard; while a crowd of servants, attracted by the news,
+that the investigation of a robbery was going forward, lingered at the
+doorway in hopes of catching something of the proceedings.
+
+When Jack was brought in, he cast a rapid glance around him, and
+perceiving Thames in the custody of Jonathan, instantly divined how
+matters stood. As he looked in this direction, Wild gave him a
+significant wink, the meaning of which he was not slow to comprehend.
+
+"Get it over quickly," said Trenchard, in a whisper to the thief-taker.
+
+Jonathan nodded assent.
+
+"What's your name?" he said, addressing the audacious lad, who was
+looking about him as coolly as if nothing material was going on.
+
+"Jack Sheppard," returned the boy, fixing his eyes upon a portrait of
+the Earl of Mar. "Who's that queer cove in the full-bottomed wig?"
+
+"Attend to me, sirrah," rejoined Wild, sternly. "Do you know this
+picture?" he added, with another significant look, and pointing to the
+miniature.
+
+"I do," replied Jack, carelessly.
+
+"That's well. Can you inform us whence it came?"
+
+"I should think so."
+
+"State the facts, then."
+
+"It came from Lady Trafford's jewel-box."
+
+Here a murmur of amazement arose from the assemblage outside.
+
+"Close the door!" commanded Trenchard, impatiently.
+
+"In my opinion, Sir Rowland," suggested Jonathan; "you'd better allow
+the court to remain open."
+
+"Be it so," replied the knight, who saw the force of this reasoning.
+"Continue the proceedings."
+
+"You say that the miniature was abstracted from Lady Trafford's
+jewel-box," said Jonathan, in a loud voice. "Who took it thence?"
+
+"Thames Darrell; the boy at your side."
+
+"Jack!" cried Thames, in indignant surprise.
+
+But Sheppard took no notice of the exclamation.
+
+A loud buzz of curiosity circulated among the domestics; some of
+whom--especially the females--leaned forward to obtain a peep at the
+culprit.
+
+"Si--lence!" vociferated Charcam, laying great emphasis on the last
+syllable.
+
+"Were you present at the time of the robbery?" pursued Jonathan.
+
+"I was," answered Sheppard.
+
+"And will swear to it?"
+
+"I will."
+
+"Liar!" ejaculated Thames.
+
+"Enough!" exclaimed Wild, triumphantly.
+
+"Close the court, Mr. Charcoal. They've heard quite enough for my
+purpose," he muttered, as his orders were obeyed, and the domestics
+excluded. "It's too late to carry 'em before a magistrate now, Sir
+Rowland; so, with your permission, I'll give 'em a night's lodging in
+Saint Giles's round-house. You, Jack Sheppard, have nothing to fear, as
+you've become evidence against your accomplice. To-morrow, I shall
+carry you before Justice Walters, who'll take your information; and I've
+no doubt but Thames Darrell will be fully committed. Now, for the cage,
+my pretty canary-bird. Before we start, I'll accommodate you with a pair
+of ruffles." And he proceeded to handcuff his captive.
+
+"Hear me!" cried Thames, bursting into tears. "I am innocent. I could
+not have committed this robbery. I have only just left Wych Street. Send
+for Mr. Wood, and you'll find that I've spoken the truth."
+
+"You'd better hold your peace, my lad," observed Jonathan, in a menacing
+tone.
+
+"Lady Trafford would not have thus condemned me!" cried Thames.
+
+"Away with him!" exclaimed Sir Rowland, impatiently.
+
+"Take the prisoners below, Nab," said Jonathan, addressing the dwarfish
+Jew; "I'll join you in an instant."
+
+The bearded miscreant seized Jack by the waist, and Thames by the nape
+of the neck, and marched off, like the ogre in the fairy tale, with a
+boy under each arm, while Charcam brought upt the rear.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+Mother and Son.
+
+
+They had scarcely been gone a moment, when a confused noise was heard
+without, and Charcam re-entered the room, with a countenance of the
+utmost bewilderment and alarm.
+
+"What's the matter with the man?" demanded Wild.
+
+"Her ladyship--" faltered the attendant.
+
+"What of her?" cried the knight. "Is she returned!"
+
+"Y--e--s, Sir Rowland," stammered Charcam.
+
+"The devil!" ejaculated Jonathan. "Here's a cross-bite."
+
+"But that's not all, your honour," continued Charcam; "Mrs. Norris says
+she's dying."
+
+"Dying!" echoed the knight.
+
+"Dying, Sir Rowland. She was taken dreadfully ill on the road, with
+spasms and short breath, and swoonings,--worse than ever she was before.
+And Mrs. Norris was so frightened that she ordered the postboys to drive
+back as fast as they could. She never expected to get her ladyship home
+alive."
+
+"My God!" cried Trenchard, stunned by the intelligence, "I have killed
+her."
+
+"No doubt," rejoined Wild, with a sneer; "but don't let all the world
+know it."
+
+"They're lifting her out of the carriage," interposed Charcam; "will it
+please your honour to send for some advice and the chaplain?"
+
+"Fly for both," returned Sir Rowland, in a tone of bitter anguish.
+
+"Stay!" interposed Jonathan. "Where are the boys?"
+
+"In the hall."
+
+"Her ladyship will pass through it?"
+
+"Of course; there's no other way."
+
+"Then, bring them into this room, the first thing--quick! They must not
+meet, Sir Rowland," he added, as Charcam hastened to obey his
+instructions.
+
+"Heaven has decreed it otherwise," replied the knight, dejectedly. "I
+yield to fate."
+
+"Yield to nothing," returned Wild, trying to re-assure him; "above all,
+when your designs prosper. Man's fate is in his own hands. You are your
+nephew's executioner, or he is yours. Cast off this weakness. The next
+hour makes, or mars you for ever. Go to your sister, and do not quit her
+till all is over. Leave the rest to me."
+
+Sir Rowland moved irresolutely towards the door, but recoiled before a
+sad spectacle. This was his sister, evidently in the last extremity.
+Borne in the arms of a couple of assistants, and preceded by Mrs.
+Norris, wringing her hands and wepping, the unfortunate lady was placed
+upon a couch. At the same time, Charcam, who seemed perfectly distracted
+by the recent occurrences, dragged in Thames, leaving Jack Sheppard
+outside in the custody of the dwarfish Jew.
+
+"Hell's curses!" muttered Jonathan between his teeth; "that fool will
+ruin all. Take him away," he added, striding up to Charcam.
+
+"Let him remain," interposed Trenchard.
+
+"As you please, Sir Rowland," returned Jonathan, with affected
+indifference; "but I'm not going to hunt the deer for another to eat the
+ven'son, depend on 't."
+
+But seeing that no notice was taken of the retort, he drew a little
+aside, and folded his arms, muttering, "This whim will soon be over. She
+can't last long. I can pull the strings of this stiff-necked puppet as I
+please."
+
+Sir Rowland, meantime, throw himself on his knees beside his sister,
+and, clasping her chilly fingers within his own, besought her
+forgiveness in the most passionate terms. For a few minutes, she
+appeared scarcely sensible of his presence. But, after some restoratives
+had been administered by Mrs. Norris, she revived a little.
+
+"Rowland," she said, in a faint voice, "I have not many minutes to live.
+Where is Father Spencer? I must have absolution. I have something that
+weighs heavily upon my mind."
+
+Sir Rowland's brow darkened.
+
+"I have sent for him," Aliva, he answered; "he will be here directly,
+with your medical advisers."
+
+"They are useless," she returned. "Medicine cannot save mo now."
+
+"Dear sister----"
+
+"I should die happy, if I could behold my child."
+
+"Comfort yourself, then, Aliva. You _shall_ behold him."
+
+"You are mocking me, Rowland. Jests are not for seasons like this."
+
+"I am not, by Heaven," returned the knight, solemnly. "Leave us, Mrs.
+Norris, and do not return till Father Spencer arrives."
+
+"Your ladyship----" hesitated Norris.
+
+"Go!" said Lady Trafford; "it is my last request."
+
+And her faithful attendant, drowned in tears, withdrew, followed by the
+two assistants.
+
+Jonathan stepped behind a curtain.
+
+"Rowland," said Lady Trafford, regarding him with a look of
+indescribable anxiety, "you have assured me that I shall behold my son.
+Where is he?"
+
+"Within this room," replied the knight.
+
+"Here!" shrieked Lady Trafford.
+
+"Here," repeated her brother. "But calm yourself, dear sister, or the
+interview will be too much for you."
+
+"I _am_ calm--quite calm, Rowland," she answered, with lips whose
+agitation belied her words. "Then, the story of his death was false. I
+knew it. I was sure you could not have the heart to slay a child--an
+innocent child. God forgive you!"
+
+"May He, indeed, forgive me!" returned Trenchard, crossing himself
+devoutly; "but my guilt is not the less heavy, because your child
+escaped. This hand consigned him to destruction, but another was
+stretched forth to save him. The infant was rescued from a watery-grave
+by an honest mechanic, who has since brought him up as his own son."
+
+"Blessings upon him!" cried Lady Trafford, fervently. "But trifle with
+mo no longer. Moments are ages now. Let me see my child, if he is really
+here?"
+
+"Behold him!" returned Trenchard, taking Thames (who had been a mute,
+but deeply-interested, witness of the scene) by the hand, and leading
+him towards her.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Lady Trafford, exerting all her strength. "My sight is
+failing me. Let me have more light, that I may behold him. Yes!" she
+screamed, "these are his father's features! It is--it is my son!"
+
+"Mother!" cried Thames; "are you, indeed, my mother?"
+
+"I am, indeed--my own sweet boy!" she sobbed, pressing him tenderly to
+her breast.
+
+"Oh!--to see you thus!" cried Thames, in an agony of affliction.
+
+"Don't weep, my love," replied the lady, straining him still more
+closely to her. "I am happy--quite happy now."
+
+During this touching interview, a change had come over Sir Rowland, and
+he half repented of what he had done.
+
+"You can no longer refuse to tell me the name of this youth's father,
+Aliva," he said.
+
+"I dare not, Rowland," she answered. "I cannot break my vow. I will
+confide it to Father Spencer, who will acquaint you with it when I am no
+more. Undraw the curtain, love," she added to Thames, "that I may look
+at you."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed her son, starting back, as he obeyed her, and disclosed
+Jonathan Wild.
+
+"Be silent," said Jonathan, in a menacing whisper.
+
+"What have you seen?" inquired Lady Trafford.
+
+"My enemy," replied her son.
+
+"Your enemy!" she returned imperfectly comprehending him. "Sir Rowland
+is your uncle--he will be your guardian--he will protect you. Will you
+not, brother?"
+
+"Promise," said a deep voice in Trenchard's ear.
+
+"He will kill me," cried Thames. "There is a man in this room who seeks
+my life."
+
+"Impossible!" rejoined his mother.
+
+"Look at these fetters," returned Thames, holding up his manacled
+wrists; "they were put on by my uncle's command."
+
+"Ah!" shrieked Lady Trafford.
+
+"Not a moment is to be lost," whispered Jonathan to Trenchard. "His
+life--or yours?"
+
+"No one shall harm you more, my dear," cried Lady Trafford. "Your uncle
+_must_ protect you. It will be his interest to do so. He will be
+dependent on you."
+
+"Do what you please with him," muttered Trenchard to Wild.
+
+"Take off these chains, Rowland," said Lady Trafford, "instantly, I
+command you."
+
+"_I_ will," replied Jonathan, advancing, and rudely seizing Thames.
+
+"Mother!" cried the son, "help!"
+
+"What is this?" shrieked Lady Trafford, raising herself on the couch,
+and extending her hands towards him. "Oh, God! would you take him from
+me?--would you murder him?"
+
+"His father's name?--and he is free," rejoined Rowland, holding her
+arms.
+
+"Release him first--and I will disclose it!" cried Lady Trafford; "on my
+soul, I will!"
+
+"Speak then!" returned Rowland.
+
+"Too late!" shrieked the lady, falling heavily backwards,--"too
+late!--oh!"
+
+Heedless of her cries, Jonathan passed a handkerchief tightly over her
+son's mouth, and forced him out of the room.
+
+When he returned, a moment or so afterwards, he found Sir Rowland
+standing by the lifeless body of his sister. His countenance was almost
+as white and rigid as that of the corpse by his side.
+
+"This is your work," said the knight, sternly.
+
+"Not entirely," replied Jonathan, calmly; "though I shouldn't be ashamed
+of it if it were. After all, you failed in obtaining the secret from
+her, Sir Rowland. Women are hypocrites to the last--true only to
+themselves."
+
+"Peace!" cried the knight, fiercely.
+
+"No offence," returned Jonathan. "I was merely about to observe that _I_
+am in possession of her secret."
+
+"You!"
+
+"Didn't I tell you that the fugitive Darrell gave me a glove! But we'll
+speak of this hereafter. You can _purchase_ the information from me
+whenever you're so disposed. I shan't drive a hard bargain. To the point
+however. I came back to say, that I've placed your nephew in a coach;
+and, if you'll be at my lock in the Old Bailey an hour after midnight,
+you shall hear the last tidings of him."
+
+"I will be there," answered Trenchard, gloomily.
+
+"You'll not forget the thousand, Sir Rowland--short accounts, you know."
+
+"Fear nothing. You shall have your reward."
+
+"Thank'ee,--thank'ee. My house is the next door to the Cooper's Arms, in
+the Old Bailey, opposite Newgate. You'll find me at supper."
+
+So saying, he bowed and departed.
+
+"That man should have been an Italian bravo," murmured the knight,
+sinking into a chair: "he has neither fear nor compunction. Would I
+could purchase his apathy as easily as I can procure his assistance."
+
+Soon after this Mrs. Norris entered the room, followed by Father
+Spencer. On approaching the couch, they found Sir Rowland senseless, and
+extended over the dead body of his unfortunate sister.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+The Mohocks.
+
+
+Jonathan Wild, meanwhile, had quitted the house. He found a coach at the
+door, with the blinds carefully drawn up, and ascertained from a tall,
+ill-looking, though tawdrily-dressed fellow, who held his horse by the
+bridle, and whom he addressed as Quilt Arnold, that the two boys were
+safe inside, in the custody of Abraham Mendez, the dwarfish Jew. As soon
+as he had delivered his instructions to Quilt, who, with Abraham,
+constituted his body-guard, or janizaries, as he termed them, Jonathan
+mounted his steed, and rode off at a gallop. Quilt was not long in
+following his example. Springing upon the box, he told the coachman to
+make the best of his way to Saint Giles's. Stimulated by the promise of
+something handsome to drink, the man acquitted himself to admiration in
+the management of his lazy cattle. Crack went the whip, and away
+floundered the heavy vehicle through the deep ruts of the ill-kept road,
+or rather lane, (for it was little better,) which, then, led across
+Southampton Fields. Skirting the noble gardens of Montague House, (now,
+we need scarcely say, the British Museum,) the party speedily reached
+Great Russell Street,--a quarter described by Strype, in his edition of
+old Stow's famous _Survey_, "as being graced with the best buildings in
+all Bloomsbury, and the best inhabited by the nobility and gentry,
+especially the north side, as having gardens behind the houses, and the
+prospect of the pleasant fields up to Hampstead and Highgate; insomuch
+that this place, by physicians, is esteemed the most healthful of any in
+London." Neither of the parties outside bestowed much attention upon
+these stately and salubriously-situated mansions; indeed, as it was now
+not far from ten o'clock, and quite dark, they could scarcely discern
+them. But, in spite of his general insensibility to such matters, Quilt
+could not help commenting upon the delicious perfume wafted from the
+numerous flower-beds past which they were driving. The coachman answered
+by a surly grunt, and, plying his whip with redoubled zeal, shaped his
+course down Dyot Street; traversed that part of Holborn, which is now
+called Broad Street, and where two ancient alms-houses were, then,
+standing in the middle of that great thoroughfare, exactly opposite the
+opening of Compston Street; and, diving under a wide gateway on the
+left, soon reached a more open space, surrounded by mean habitations,
+coach-houses and stables, called Kendrick Yard, at the further end of
+which Saint Giles's round-house was situated.
+
+No sooner did the vehicle turn the corner of this yard, than Quilt
+became aware, from the tumultuous sounds that reached his ears, as well
+as from the flashing of various lanterns at the door of the round-house,
+that some disturbance was going on; and, apprehensive of a rescue, if he
+drew up in the midst of the mob, he thought it prudent to come to a
+halt. Accordingly, he stopped the coach, dismounted, and hastened
+towards the assemblage, which, he was glad to find, consisted chiefly of
+a posse of watchmen and other guardians of the night. Quilt, who was an
+ardent lover of mischief, could not help laughing most heartily at the
+rueful appearance of these personages. Not one of them but bore the
+marks of having been engaged in a recent and severe conflict.
+Quarter-staves, bludgeons, brown-bills, lanterns, swords, and sconces
+were alike shivered; and, to judge from the sullied state of their
+habiliments, the claret must have been tapped pretty freely. Never was
+heard such a bawling as these unfortunate wights kept up. Oaths exploded
+like shells from a battery in full fire, accompanied by threats of
+direst vengeance against the individuals who had maltreated them. Here,
+might be seen a poor fellow whose teeth were knocked down his throat,
+spluttering out the most tremendous menaces, and gesticulating like a
+madman: there, another, whose nose was partially slit, vented
+imprecations and lamentations in the same breath. On the right, stood a
+bulky figure, with a broken rattle hanging out of his great-coat pocket,
+who held up a lantern to his battered countenance to prove to the
+spectators that both his orbs of vision were darkened: on the left, a
+meagre constable had divested himself of his shirt, to bind up with
+greater convenience a gaping cut in the arm.
+
+"So, the Mohocks have been at work, I perceive," remarked Quilt, as he
+drew near the group.
+
+"'Faith, an' you may say that," returned a watchman, who was wiping a
+ruddy stream from his brow; "they've broken the paice, and our pates
+into the bargain. But shurely I'd know that vice," he added, turning his
+lantern towards the janizary. "Ah! Quilt Arnold, my man, is it you? By
+the powers! I'm glad to see you. The sight o' your 'andsome phiz allys
+does me good."
+
+"I wish I could return the compliment, Terry. But your cracked skull is
+by no means a pleasing spectacle. How came you by the hurt, eh?"
+
+"How did I come by it?--that's a nate question. Why, honestly enouch. It
+was lent me by a countryman o' mine; but I paid him back in his own
+coin--ha! ha!"
+
+"A countryman of yours, Terry?"
+
+"Ay, and a noble one, too, Quilt--more's the pity! You've heard of the
+Marquis of Slaughterford, belike?"
+
+"Of course; who has not? He's the leader of the Mohocks, the general of
+the Scourers, the prince of rakes, the friend of the surgeons and
+glaziers, the terror of your tribe, and the idol of the girls!"
+
+"That's him to a hair?" cried Terence, rapturously. "Och! he's a broth
+of a boy!"
+
+"Why, I thought he'd broken your head, Terry?"
+
+"Phooh! that's nothing? A piece o' plaster'll set all to rights; and
+Terry O'Flaherty's not the boy to care for the stroke of a supple-jack.
+Besides, didn't I tell you that I giv' him as good as he brought--and
+better! I jist touched him with my 'Evenin' Star,' as I call this
+shillelah," said the watchman, flourishing an immense bludgeon, the knob
+of which appeared to be loaded with lead, "and, by Saint Patrick! down
+he cum'd like a bullock."
+
+"Zounds!" exclaimed Quilt, "did you kill him?"
+
+"Not quite," replied Terence, laughing; "but I brought him to his
+senses."
+
+"By depriving him of 'em, eh! But I'm sorry you hurt his lordship,
+Terry. Young noblemen ought to be indulged in their frolics. If they
+_do_, now and then, run away with a knocker, paint a sign, beat the
+watch, or huff a magistrate, they _pay_ for their pastime, and that's
+sufficient. What more could any reasonable man--especially a
+watchman--desire? Besides, the Marquis, is a devilish fine fellow, and a
+particular friend of mine. There's not his peer among the peerage."
+
+"Och! if he's a friend o' yours, my dear joy, there's no more to be
+said; and right sorry am I, I struck him. But, bloodan'-'ouns! man, if
+ould Nick himself were to hit me a blow, I'd be afther givin' him
+another."
+
+"Well, well--wait awhile," returned Quilt; "his lordship won't forget
+you. He's as generous as he's frolicsome."
+
+As he spoke, the door of the round-house was opened, and a stout man,
+with a lantern in his hand, presented himself at the threshold.
+
+"There's Sharples," cried Quilt.
+
+"Whist!" exclaimed Terence; "he elevates his glim. By Jasus! he's about
+to spake to us."
+
+"Gem'men o' the votch!" cried Sharples, as loudly as a wheezy cough
+would permit him, "my noble pris'ner--ough! ough;--the Markis o'
+Slaughterford----"
+
+Further speech was cut short by a volley of execrations from the angry
+guardians of the night.
+
+"No Mohocks! No Scourers!" cried the mob.
+
+"Hear! hear!" vociferated Quilt.
+
+"His lordship desires me to say--ough! ough!"
+
+Fresh groans and hisses.
+
+"Von't you hear me?--ough! ough!" demanded Sharples, after a pause.
+
+"By all means," rejoined Quilt.
+
+"Raise your vice, and lave off coughin'," added Terence.
+
+"The long and the short o' the matter's this then," returned Sharples
+with dignity, "the Markis begs your acceptance o' ten guineas to drink
+his health."
+
+The hooting was instantaneously changed to cheers.
+
+"And his lordship, furthermore, requests me to state," proceeded
+Sharples, in a hoarse tone, "that he'll be responsible for the doctors'
+bill of all such gem'men as have received broken pates, or been
+other_wise_ damaged in the fray--ough! ough!"
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted the mob.
+
+"We're all damaged--we've all got broken pates," cried a dozen voices.
+
+"Ay, good luck to him! so we have," rejoined Terence; "but we've no
+objection to take out the dochter's bill in drink."
+
+"None whatever," replied the mob.
+
+"Your answer, gem'men?" demanded Sharples.
+
+"Long life to the Markis, and we accept his honourable proposal,"
+responded the mob.
+
+"Long life to the Marquis!" reiterated Terence; "he's an honour to ould
+Ireland!"
+
+"Didn't I tell you how it would be?" remarked Quilt.
+
+"Troth, and so did you," returned the watchman; "but I couldn't belave
+it. In futur', I'll keep the 'Evenin' Star' for his lordship's enemies."
+
+"You'd better," replied Quilt. "But bring your glim this way. I've a
+couple of kinchens in yonder rattler, whom I wish to place under old
+Sharples's care."
+
+"Be handy, then," rejoined Terence, "or, I'll lose my share of the smart
+money."
+
+With the assistance of Terence, and a linkboy who volunteered his
+services, Quilt soon removed the prisoners from the coach, and leaving
+Sheppard to the custody of Abraham, proceeded to drag Thames towards the
+round-house. Not a word had been exchanged between the two boys on the
+road. Whenever Jack attempted to speak, he was checked by an angry growl
+from Abraham; and Thames, though his heart was full almost to bursting,
+felt no inclination to break the silence. His thoughts, indeed, were too
+painful for utterance, and so acute were his feelings, that, for some
+time, they quite overcame him. But his grief was of short duration. The
+elastic spirits of youth resumed their sway; and, before the coach
+stopped, his tears had ceased to flow. As to Jack Sheppard, he appeared
+utterly reckless and insensible, and did nothing but whistle and sing
+the whole way.
+
+While he was dragged along in the manner just described, Thames looked
+around to ascertain, if possible, where he was; for he did not put
+entire faith in Jonathan's threat of sending him to the round-house, and
+apprehensive of something even worse than imprisonment. The aspect of
+the place, so far as he could discern through the gloom, was strange to
+him; but chancing to raise his eyes above the level of the surrounding
+habitations, he beheld, relieved against the sombre sky, the tall
+steeple of Saint Giles's church, the precursor of the present structure,
+which was not erected till some fifteen years later. He recognised this
+object at once. Jonathan had not deceived him.
+
+"What's this here kinchen _in_ for?" asked Terence, as he and Quilt
+strode along, with Thames between them.
+
+"What for?" rejoined Quilt, evasively.
+
+"Oh! nothin' partickler--mere curossity," replied Terence. "By the
+powers!" he added, turning his lantern full upon the face of the
+captive, "he's a nice genn-teel-lookin' kiddy, I must say. Pity he's
+ta'en to bad ways so airly."
+
+"You may spare me your compassion, friend," observed Thames; "I am
+falsely detained."
+
+"Of course," rejoined Quilt, maliciously; "every thief is so. If we were
+to wait till a prig was rightfully nabbed, we might tarry till doomsday.
+We never supposed you helped yourself to a picture set with
+diamonds--not we!"
+
+"Is the guv'ner consarned in this job?" asked Terence, in a whisper.
+
+"He is," returned Quilt, significantly. "Zounds! what's that!" he cried,
+as the noise of a scuffle was heard behind them. "The other kid's given
+my partner the slip. Here, take this youngster, Terry; my legs are
+lighter than old Nab's." And, committing Thames to the care of the
+watchman, he darted after the fugitive.
+
+"Do you wish to earn a rich reward, my good friend?" said Thames to the
+watchman, as soon as they were left alone.
+
+"Is it by lettin' you go, my darlin', that I'm to airn it?" inquired
+Terence. "If so, it won't pay. You're Mister Wild's pris'ner, and worse
+luck to it!"
+
+"I don't ask you to liberate me," urged Thames; "but will you convey a
+message for me?"
+
+"Where to, honey?"
+
+"To Mr. Wood's, the carpenter in Wych Street. He lives near the Black
+Lion."
+
+"The Black Lion!" echoed Terence. "I know the house well; by the same
+token that it's a flash crib. Och! many a mug o' bubb have I drained wi'
+the landlord, Joe Hind. And so Misther Wudd lives near the Black Lion,
+eh?"
+
+"He does," replied Thames. "Tell him that I--his adopted son, Thames
+Darrell--am detained here by Jonathan Wild."
+
+"Thames Ditton--is that your name?"
+
+"No," replied the boy, impatiently; "Darrell--Thames Darrell."
+
+"I'll not forget it. It's a mighty quare 'un, though. I never yet heard
+of a Christians as was named after the Shannon or the Liffy; and the
+Thames is no better than a dhurty puddle, compared wi' them two noble
+strames. But then you're an adopted son, and that makes all the
+difference. People do call their unlawful children strange names. Are
+you quite shure you haven't another alyas, Masther Thames Ditton?"
+
+"Darrell, I tell you. Will you go? You'll be paid handsomely for your
+trouble."
+
+"I don't mind the throuble," hesitated Terence, who was really a
+good-hearted fellow at the bottom; "and I'd like to sarve you if I
+could, for you look like a gentleman's son, and that goes a great way
+wi' me. But if Misther Wild were to find out that I thwarted his
+schames----"
+
+"I'd not be in your skin for a trifle," interrupted Quilt, who having
+secured Sheppard, and delivered him to Abraham, now approached them
+unawares; "and it shan't be my fault if he don't hear of it."
+
+"'Ouns!" ejaculated Terence, in alarm, "would you turn snitch on your
+old pal, Quilt?"
+
+"Ay, if he plays a-cross," returned Quilt. "Come along, my sly shaver.
+With all your cunning, we're more than a match for you."
+
+"But not for me," growled Terence, in an under tone.
+
+"Remember!" cried Quilt, as he forced the captive along.
+
+"Remember the devil!" retorted Terence, who had recovered his natural
+audacity. "Do you think I'm afeard of a beggarly thief-taker and his
+myrmidons? Not I. Master Thames Ditton, I'll do your biddin'; and you,
+Misther Quilt Arnold, may do your worst, I defy you."
+
+"Dog!" exclaimed Quilt, turning fiercely upon him, "do you threaten?"
+
+But the watchman eluded his grasp, and, mingling with the crowd,
+disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+Saint Giles's Round-house.
+
+
+Saint Giles's Round-house was an old detached fabric, standing in an
+angle of Kendrick Yard. Originally built, as its name imports, in a
+cylindrical form, like a modern Martello tower, it had undergone, from
+time to time, so many alterations, that its symmetry was, in a great
+measure, destroyed. Bulging out more in the middle than at the two
+extremities, it resembled an enormous cask set on its end,--a sort of
+Heidelberg tun on a large scale,--and this resemblance was increased by
+the small circular aperture--it hardly deserved to be called a
+door--pierced, like the bung-hole of a barrell, through the side of the
+structure, at some distance from the ground, and approached by a flight
+of wooden steps. The prison was two stories high, with a flat roof
+surmounted by a gilt vane fashioned like a key; and, possessing
+considerable internal accommodation, it had, in its day, lodged some
+thousands of disorderly personages. The windows were small, and strongly
+grated, looking, in front, on Kendrick Yard, and, at the back, upon the
+spacious burial-ground of Saint Giles's Church. Lights gleamed from the
+lower rooms, and, on a nearer approach to the building, the sound of
+revelry might be heard from within.
+
+Warned of the approach of the prisoners by the increased clamour,
+Sharples, who was busied in distributing the Marquis's donation,
+affected to throw the remainder of the money among the crowd, though, in
+reality, he kept back a couple of guineas, which he slipped into his
+sleeve, and running hastily up the steps, unlocked the door. He was
+followed, more leisurely, by the prisoners; and, during their ascent,
+Jack Sheppard made a second attempt to escape by ducking suddenly down,
+and endeavouring to pass under his conductor's legs. The dress of the
+dwarfish Jew was not, however, favourable to this expedient. Jack was
+caught, as in a trap, by the pendant tails of Abraham's long frock; and,
+instead of obtaining his release by his ingenuity, he only got a sound
+thrashing.
+
+Sharples received them at the threshold, and holding his lantern towards
+the prisoners to acquaint himself with their features, nodded to Quilt,
+between whom and himself some secret understanding seemed to subsist,
+and then closed and barred the door.
+
+"Vell," he growled, addressing Quilt, "you know who's here, I suppose?"
+
+"To be sure I do," replied Quilt; "my noble friend, the Marquis of
+Slaughterford. What of that?"
+
+"Vot 'o that!" echoed Sharples, peevishly: "Everythin'. Vot am I to do
+vith these young imps, eh?"
+
+"What you generally do with your prisoners, Mr. Sharples," replied
+Quilt; "lock 'em up."
+
+"That's easily said. But, suppose I've no place to lock 'em up in, how
+then?"
+
+Quilt looked a little perplexed. He passed his arm under that of the
+constable, and drew him aside.
+
+"Vell, vell," growled Sharples, after he had listened to the other's
+remonstrances, "it shall be done. But it's confounded inconvenient. One
+don't often get sich a vindfal as the Markis----"
+
+"Or such a customer as Mr. Wild," edged in Quilt.
+
+"Now, then, Saint Giles!" interposed Sheppard, "are we to be kept here
+all night?"
+
+"Eh day!" exclaimed Sharples: "wot new-fledged bantam's this?"
+
+"One that wants to go to roost," replied Sheppard. "So, stir your
+stumps, Saint Giles; and, if you mean to lock us up, use despatch."
+
+"Comin'! comin'!" returned the constable, shuffling towards him.
+
+"Coming!--so is midnight--so is Jonathan Wild," retorted Jack, with a
+significant look at Thames.
+
+"Have you never an out-o-the-vay corner, into vich you could shtow these
+troublesome warmint?" observed Abraham. "The guv'ner'll be here afore
+midnight."
+
+Darrell's attention was drawn to the latter part of this speech by a
+slight pressure on his foot. And, turning at the touch, he perceived
+Sheppard's glance fixed meaningly upon him.
+
+"Stow it, Nab!" exclaimed Quilt, angrily; "the kinchen's awake."
+
+"Awake!--to be sure I am, my flash cove," replied Sheppard; "I'm down as
+a hammer."
+
+"I've just bethought me of a crib as'll serve their turn," interposed
+Sharples, "at any rate, they'll be out o' the vay, and as safe as two
+chicks in a coop."
+
+"Lead the way to it then, Saint Giles," said Jack, in a tone of mock
+authority.
+
+The place, in which they stood, was a small entrance-chamber, cut off,
+like the segment of a circle, from the main apartment, (of which it is
+needless to say it originally constituted a portion,) by a stout wooden
+partition. A door led to the inner room; and it was evident from the
+peals of merriment, and other noises, that, ever and anon, resounded
+from within, that this chamber was occupied by the Marquis and his
+friends. Against the walls hung an assortment of staves, brown-bills,
+(weapons then borne by the watch,) muskets, handcuffs, great-coats, and
+lanterns. In one angle of the room stood a disused fire-place, with a
+rusty grate and broken chimney-piece; in the other there was a sort of
+box, contrived between the wall and the boards, that looked like an
+apology for a cupboard. Towards this box Sharples directed his steps,
+and, unlocking a hatch in the door, disclosed a recess scarcely as
+large, and certainly not as clean, as a dog-kennel.
+
+"Vill this do?" demanded the constable, taking the candle from the
+lantern, the better to display the narrow limits of the hole. "I call
+this ere crib the Little-Ease, arter the runaway prentices' cells in
+Guildhall. I _have_ squeezed three kids into it afore now. To be sure,"
+he added, lowering his tone, "they wos little 'uns, and one on 'em was
+smothered--ough! ough!--how this cough chokes me!"
+
+Sheppard, meanwhile, whose hands were at liberty, managed to possess
+himself, unperceived, of the spike of a halbert, which was lying, apart
+from the pole, upon a bench near him. Having secured this implement, he
+burst from his conductor, and, leaping into the hatch, as clowns
+generally spring into the clock-faces, when in pursuit of harlequin in
+the pantomime,--that is, back foremost,--broke into a fit of loud and
+derisive laughter, kicking his heels merrily all the time against the
+boards. His mirth, however, received an unpleasant check; for Abraham,
+greatly incensed by his previous conduct, caught him by the legs, and
+pushed him with such violence into the hole that the point of the
+spike, which he had placed in his pocket, found its way through his
+clothes to the flesh, inflicting a slight, but painful wound. Jack, who
+had something of the Spartan in his composition, endured his martyrdom
+without flinching; and carried his stoical indifference so far, as even
+to make a mocking grimace in Sharples's face, while that amiable
+functionary thrust Thames into the recess beside him.
+
+"How go you like your quarters, sauce-box?" asked Sharples, in a jeering
+tone.
+
+"Better than your company, Saint Giles," replied Sheppard; "so, shut the
+door, and make yourself scarce."
+
+"That boy'll never rest till he finds his vay to Bridewell," observed
+Sharples.
+
+"Or the street," returned Jack: "mind my words, the prison's not built
+that can keep me."
+
+"We'll see that, young hempseed," replied Sharples, shutting the hatch
+furiously in his face, and locking it. "If you get out o' that cage,
+I'll forgive you. Now, come along, gem'men, and I'll show you some
+precious sport."
+
+The two janizaries followed him as far as the entrance to the inner
+room, when Abraham, raising his finger to his lips, and glancing
+significantly in the direction of the boys, to explain his intention to
+his companions, closed the door after them, and stole softly back again,
+planting himself near the recess.
+
+For a few minutes all was silent. At length Jack Sheppard
+observed:--"The coast's clear. They're gone into the next room."
+
+Darrell returned no answer.
+
+"Don't be angry with me, Thames," continued Sheppard, in a tone
+calculated, as he thought, to appease his companion's indignation. "I
+did all for the best, as I'll explain."
+
+"I won't reproach you, Jack," said the other, sternly. "I've done with
+you."
+
+"Not quite, I hope," rejoined Sheppard. "At all events, I've not done
+with you. If you owe your confinement to me, you shall owe your
+liberation to me, also."
+
+"I'd rather lie here for ever, than be indebted to _you_ for my
+freedom," returned Thames.
+
+"I've done nothing to offend you," persisted Jack. "Nothing!" echoed the
+other, scornfully. "You've perjured yourself."
+
+"That's my own concern," rejoined Sheppard. "An oath weighs little with
+me, compared with your safety."
+
+"No more of this," interrupted Thames, "you make the matter worse by
+these excuses."
+
+"Quarrel with me as much as you please, Thames, but hear me," returned
+Sheppard. "I took the course I pursued to serve you."
+
+"Tush!" cried Thames; "you accused me to skreen yourself."
+
+"On my soul, Thames, you wrong me!" replied Jack, passionately. "I'd lay
+down my life for yours."
+
+"And you expect me to believe you after what has passed?"
+
+"I do; and, more than that, I expect you to thank me."
+
+"For procuring my imprisonment?"
+
+"For saving your life."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Listen to me, Thames. You're in a more serious scrape than you imagine.
+I overheard Jonathan Wild's instructions to Quilt Arnold, and though he
+spoke in slang, and in an under tone, my quick ears, and acquaintance
+with the thieves' lingo, enabled me to make out every word he uttered.
+Jonathan is in league with Sir Rowland to make away with you. You are
+brought here that their designs may be carried into effect with greater
+security. Before morning, unless, we can effect an escape, you'll be
+kidnapped, or murdered, and your disappearance attributed to the
+negligence of the constable."
+
+"Are you sure of this?" asked Thames, who, though as brave a lad as need
+be, could not repress a shudder at the intelligence.
+
+"Certain. The moment I entered the room, and found you a prisoner in the
+hands of Jonathan Wild, I guessed how matters stood, and acted
+accordingly. Things haven't gone quite as smoothly as I anticipated;
+but they might have been worse. I _can_ save you, and _will_. But, say
+we're friends."
+
+"You're not deceiving me!" said Thames, doubtfully.
+
+"I am not, by Heaven!" replied Sheppard, firmly.
+
+"Don't swear, Jack, or I shall distrust you. I can't give you my hand;
+but you may take it."
+
+"Thank you! thank you!" faltered Jack, in a voice full of emotion. "I'll
+soon free you from these bracelets."
+
+"You needn't trouble yourself," replied Thames. "Mr. Wood will be here
+presently."
+
+"Mr. Wood!" exclaimed Jack, in surprise. "How have you managed to
+communicate with him?"
+
+Abraham, who had listened attentively to the foregoing
+conversation,--not a word of which escaped him,--now drew in his breath,
+and brought his ear closer to the boards.
+
+"By means of the watchman who had the charge of me," replied Thames.
+
+"Curse him!" muttered Abraham.
+
+"Hist!" exclaimed Jack. "I thought I heard a noise. Speak lower.
+Somebody may be on the watch--perhaps, that old ginger-hackled Jew."
+
+"I don't care if he is," rejoined Thames, boldly. "He'll learn that his
+plans will be defeated."
+
+"He may learn how to defeat yours," replied Jack.
+
+"So he may," rejoined Abraham, aloud, "so he may."
+
+"Death and fiends!" exclaimed Jack; "the old thief _is_ there. I knew
+it. You've betrayed yourself, Thames."
+
+"Vot o' that?" chuckled Abraham. "_You_ can shave him, you know."
+
+"I _can_," rejoined Jack; "and you, too, old Aaron, if I'd a razor."
+
+"How soon do you expect Mishter Vudd?" inquired the janizary,
+tauntingly.
+
+"What's that to you?" retorted Jack, surlily.
+
+"Because I shouldn't like to be out o' the vay ven he arrives," returned
+Abraham, in a jeering tone; "it vouldn't be vell bred."
+
+"Vouldn't it!" replied Jack, mimicking his snuffling voice; "then shtay
+vere you are, and be cursed to you."
+
+"It's all up," muttered Thames. "Mr. Wood will be intercepted. I've
+destroyed my only chance."
+
+"Not your _only_ chance, Thames," returned Jack, in the same undertone;
+"but your best. Never mind. We'll turn the tables upon 'em yet. Do you
+think we could manage that old clothesman between us, if we got out of
+this box?"
+
+"I'd manage him myself, if my arms were free," replied Thames, boldly.
+
+"Shpeak up, vill you?" cried Abraham, rapping his knuckles against the
+hatch. "I likes to hear vot you says. You _can_ have no shecrets from
+me."
+
+"Vy don't you talk to your partner, or Saint Giles, if you vant
+conversation, Aaron?" asked Jack, slyly.
+
+"Because they're in the next room, and the door's shut; that's vy, my
+jack-a-dandy!" replied Abraham, unsuspiciously.
+
+"Oh! they are--are they?" muttered Jack, triumphantly; "that'll do. Now
+for it, Thames! Make as great a row as you can to divert his attention."
+
+With this, he drew the spike from his pocket; and, drowning the sound of
+the operation by whistling, singing, shuffling, and other noises,
+contrived, in a few minutes, to liberate his companion from the
+handcuffs.
+
+"Now, Jack," cried Thames, warmly grasping Sheppard's hand, "you are my
+friend again. I freely forgive you."
+
+Sheppard cordially returned the pressure; and, cautioning Thames, "not
+to let the ruffles drop, or they might tell a tale," began to warble the
+following fragment of a robber melody:--
+
+    "Oh! give me a chisel, a knife, or a file,
+    And the dubsmen shall find that I'll do it in style!
+                                   _Tol-de-rol!_"
+
+"Vot the devil are you about, noisy?" inquired Abraham.
+
+"Practising singing, Aaron," replied Jack. "Vot are you?"
+
+"Practising patience," growled Abraham.
+
+"Not before it's needed," returned Jack, aloud; adding in a whisper,
+"get upon my shoulders, Thames. Now you're up, take this spike. Feel for
+the lock, and prize it open,--you don't need to be told _how_. When it's
+done, I'll push you through. Take care of the old clothesman, and leave
+the rest to me.
+
+    When the turnkey, next morning, stepp'd into his room,
+    The sight of the hole in the wall struck him dumb;
+    The sheriff's black bracelets lay strewn on the ground,
+    But the lad that had worn 'em could nowhere be found.
+                                           _Tol-de-rol!_"
+
+As Jack concluded his ditty, the door flew open with a crash, and Thames
+sprang through the aperture.
+
+This manoeuvre was so suddenly executed that it took Abraham completely
+by surprise. He was standing at the moment close to the hatch, with his
+ear at the keyhole, and received a severe blow in the face. He staggered
+back a few paces; and, before he could recover himself, Thames tripped
+up his heels, and, placing the point of the spike at his throat,
+threatened to stab him if he attempted to stir, or cry out. Nor had Jack
+been idle all this time. Clearing the recess the instant after his
+companion, he flew to the door of the inner room, and, locking it, took
+out the key. The policy of this step was immediately apparent. Alarmed
+by the noise of the scuffle, Quilt and Sharples rushed to the assistance
+of their comrade. But they were too late. The entrance was barred
+against them; and they had the additional mortification of hearing
+Sheppard's loud laughter at their discomfiture.
+
+"I told you the prison wasn't built that could hold me," cried Jack.
+
+"You're not out yet, you young hound," rejoined Quilt, striving
+ineffectually to burst open the door.
+
+"But I soon shall be," returned Jack; "take these," he added, flinging
+the handcuffs against the wooden partition, "and wear 'em yourself."
+
+"Halloo, Nab!" vociferated Quilt. "What the devil are you about! Will
+you allow yourself to be beaten by a couple of kids?"
+
+"Not if I can help it," returned Abraham, making a desperate effort to
+regain his feet. "By my shalvation, boy," he added, fiercely, "if you
+don't take your hande off my peard, I'll sthrangle you."
+
+"Help me, Jack!" shouted Thames, "or I shan't be able to keep the
+villain down."
+
+"Stick the spike into him, then," returned Sheppard, coolly, "while I
+unbar the outlet."
+
+But Thames had no intention of following his friend's advice. Contenting
+himself with brandishing the weapon in the Jew's eyes, he exerted all
+his force to prevent him from rising.
+
+While this took place, while Quilt thundered at the inner door, and Jack
+drew back the bolts of the outer, a deep, manly voice was heard
+chanting--as if in contempt of the general uproar--the following
+strain:--
+
+    With pipe and punch upon the board,
+      And smiling nymphs around us;
+    No tavern could more mirth afford
+      Than old Saint Giles's round-house!
+          _The round-house! the round-house!
+          The jolly--jolly round-house!_
+
+"The jolly, jolly round-house!" chorussed Sheppard, as the last bar
+yielded to his efforts. "Hurrah! come along, Thames; we're free."
+
+"Not sho fasht--not sho fasht!" cried Abraham, struggling with Thames,
+and detaining him; "if you go, you musht take me along vid you."
+
+"Save yourself, Jack!" shouted Thames, sinking beneath the superior
+weight and strength of his opponent; "leave me to my fate!"
+
+"Never," replied Jack, hurrying towards him. And, snatching the spike
+from Thames, he struck the janizary a severe blow on the head. "I'll
+make sure work this time," he added, about to repeat the blow.
+
+"Hold!" interposed Thames, "he can do no more mischief. Let us be gone."
+
+"As you please," returned Jack, leaping up; "but I feel devilishly
+inclined to finish him. However, it would only be robbing the hangman of
+his dues."
+
+With this, he was preparing to follow his friend, when their egress was
+prevented by the sudden appearance of Jonathan Wild and Blueskin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+The Magdalene.
+
+
+The household of the worthy carpenter, it may be conceived, was thrown
+into the utmost confusion and distress by the unaccountable
+disappearance of the two boys. As time wore on, and they did not return,
+Mr. Wood's anxiety grew so insupportable, that he seized his hat with
+the intention of sallying forth in search of them, though he did not
+know whither to bend his steps, when his departure was arrested by a
+gentle knock at the door.
+
+"There he is!" cried Winifred, starting up, joyfully, and proving by the
+exclamation that her thoughts were dwelling upon one subject only.
+"There he is!"
+
+"I fear not," said her father, with a doubtful shake of the head.
+"Thames would let himself in; and Jack generally finds an entrance
+through the backdoor or the shop-window, when he has been out at
+untimely hours. But, go and see who it is, love. Stay! I'll go myself."
+
+His daughter, however, anticipated him. She flew to the door, but
+returned the next minute, looking deeply disappointed, and bringing the
+intelligence that it was "only Mrs. Sheppard."
+
+"Who?" almost screamed Mrs. Wood.
+
+"Jack Sheppard's mother," answered the little girl, dejectedly; "she has
+brought a basket of eggs from Willesden, and some flowers for you."
+
+"For me!" vociferated Mrs. Wood, in indignant surprise. "Eggs for me!
+You mistake, child. They must be for your father."
+
+"No; I'm quite sure she said they're for you," replied Winifred; "but
+she _does_ want to see father."
+
+"I thought as much," sneered Mrs. Wood.
+
+"I'll go to her directly," said Wood, bustling towards the door. "I dare
+say she has called to inquire about Jack."
+
+"I dare say no such thing," interposed his better half, authoritatively;
+"remain where you are, Sir."
+
+"At all events, let me send her away, my dear," supplicated the
+carpenter, anxious to avert the impending storm.
+
+"Do you hear me?" cried the lady, with increasing vehemence. "Stir a
+foot, at your peril."
+
+"But, my love," still remonstrated Wood, "you know I'm going to look
+after the boys----"
+
+"After Mrs. Sheppard, you mean, Sir," interrupted his wife, ironically.
+"Don't think to deceive me by your false pretences. Marry, come up! I'm
+not so easily deluded. Sit down, I command you. Winny, show the person
+into this room. I'll see her myself; and that's more than she bargained
+for, I'll be sworn."
+
+Finding it useless to struggle further, Mr. Wood sank, submissively,
+into a chair, while his daughter hastened to execute her arbitrary
+parent's commission.
+
+"At length, I have my wish," continued Mrs. Wood, regarding her husband
+with a glance of vindictive triumph. "I shall behold the shameless
+hussy, face to face; and, if I find her as good-looking as she's
+represented, I don't know what I'll do in the end; but I'll begin by
+scratching her eyes out."
+
+In this temper, it will naturally be imagined, that Mrs. Wood's
+reception of the widow, who, at that moment, was ushered into the room
+by Winifred, was not particularly kind and encouraging. As she
+approached, the carpenter's wife eyed her from head to foot, in the hope
+of finding something in her person or apparel to quarrel with. But she
+was disappointed. Mrs. Sheppard's dress--extremely neat and clean, but
+simply fashioned, and of the plainest and most unpretending
+material,--offered nothing assailable; and her demeanour was so humble,
+and her looks so modest, that--if she had been ill-looking--she might,
+possibly, have escaped the shafts of malice preparing to be levelled
+against her. But, alas! she was beautiful--and beauty is a crime not to
+be forgiven by a jealous woman.
+
+As the lapse of time and change of circumstances have wrought a
+remarkable alteration in the appearance of the poor widow, it may not be
+improper to notice it here. When first brought under consideration, she
+was a miserable and forlorn object; squalid in attire, haggard in looks,
+and emaciated in frame. Now, she was the very reverse of all this. Her
+dress, it has just been said, was neatness and simplicity itself. Her
+figure, though slight, had all the fulness of health; and her
+complexion--still pale, but without its former sickly cast,--contrasted
+agreeably, by its extreme fairness, with the dark brows and darker
+lashes that shaded eyes which, if they had lost some of their original
+brilliancy, had gained infinitely more in the soft and chastened lustre
+that replaced it. One marked difference between the poor outcast, who,
+oppressed by poverty, and stung by shame, had sought temporary relief in
+the stupifying draught,--that worst "medicine of a mind diseased,"--and
+those of the same being, freed from her vices, and restored to comfort
+and contentment, if not to happiness, by a more prosperous course of
+events, was exhibited in the mouth. For the fresh and feverish hue of
+lip which years ago characterised this feature, was now substituted a
+pure and wholesome bloom, evincing a total change of habits; and, though
+the coarse character of the mouth remained, in some degree, unaltered,
+it was so modified in expression, that it could no longer be accounted a
+blemish. In fact, the whole face had undergone a transformation. All its
+better points were improved, while the less attractive ones (and they
+were few in comparison) were subdued, or removed. What was yet more
+worthy of note was, that the widow's countenance had an air of
+refinement about it, of which it was utterly destitute before, and which
+seemed to intimate that her true position in society was far above that
+wherein accident had placed her.
+
+"Well, Mrs. Sheppard," said the carpenter, advancing to meet her, and
+trying to look as cheerful and composed as he could; "what brings you to
+town, eh?--Nothing amiss, I trust?"
+
+"Nothing whatever, Sir," answered the widow. "A neighbour offered me a
+drive to Paddington; and, as I haven't heard of my son for some time, I
+couldn't resist the temptation of stepping on to inquire after him, and
+to thank you for your great goodness to us both, I've brought a little
+garden-stuff and a few new-laid eggs for you, Ma'am," she added turning
+to Mrs. Wood, who appeared to be collecting her energies for a terrible
+explosion, "in the hope that they may prove acceptable. Here's a nosegay
+for you, my love," she continued, opening her basket, and presenting a
+fragrant bunch of flowers to Winifred, "if your mother will allow me to
+give it you."
+
+"Don't touch it, Winny!" screamed Mrs. Wood, "it may be poisoned."
+
+"I'm not afraid, mother," said the little girl, smelling at the bouquet.
+"How sweet these roses are! Shall I put them into water?"
+
+"Put them where they came from," replied Mrs. Wood, severely, "and go to
+bed."
+
+"But, mother, mayn't I sit up to see whether Thames returns?" implored
+Winifred.
+
+"What can it matter to you whether he returns or not, child," rejoined
+Mrs. Wood, sharply. "I've spoken. And my word's law--with _you_, at
+least," she added, bestowing a cutting glance upon her husband.
+
+The little girl uttered no remonstrance; but, replacing the flowers in
+the basket, burst into tears, and withdrew.
+
+Mrs. Sheppard, who witnessed this occurrence with dismay, looked
+timorously at Wood, in expectation of some hint being given as to the
+course she had better pursue; but, receiving none, for the carpenter was
+too much agitated to attend to her, she ventured to express a fear that
+she was intruding.
+
+"Intruding!" echoed Mrs. Wood; "to be sure you are! I wonder how you
+dare show your face in this house, hussy!"
+
+"I thought you sent for me, Ma'am," replied the widow, humbly.
+
+"So I did," retorted Mrs. Wood; "and I did so to see how far your
+effrontery would carry you."
+
+"I'm sure I'm very sorry. I hope I haven't given any unintentional
+offence?" said the widow, again meekly appealing to Wood.
+
+"Don't exchange glances with him under my very nose, woman!" shrieked
+Mrs. Wood; "I'll not bear it. Look at me, and answer me one question.
+And, mind! no prevaricating--nothing but the truth will satisfy me."
+
+Mrs. Sheppard raised her eyes, and fixed them upon her interrogator.
+
+"Are you not that man's mistress?" demanded Mrs. Wood, with a look meant
+to reduce her supposed rival to the dust.
+
+"I am no man's mistress," answered the widow, crimsoning to her temples,
+but preserving her meek deportment, and humble tone.
+
+"That's false!" cried Mrs. Wood. "I'm too well acquainted with your
+proceedings, Madam, to believe that. Profligate women are never
+reclaimed. _He_ has told me sufficient of you--"
+
+"My dear," interposed Wood, "for goodness' sake--"
+
+"I _will_ speak," screamed his wife, totally disregarding the
+interruption; "I _will_ tell this worthless creature what I know about
+her,--and what I think of her."
+
+"Not now, my love--not now," entreated Wood.
+
+"Yes, _now_," rejoined the infuriated dame; "perhaps, I may never have
+another opportunity. She has contrived to keep out of my sight up to
+this time, and I've no doubt she'll keep out of it altogether for the
+future."
+
+"That was my doing, dearest," urged the carpenter; "I was afraid if you
+saw her that some such scene as this might occur."
+
+"Hear me, Madam, I beseech you," interposed Mrs. Sheppard, "and, if it
+please you to visit your indignation on any one let it be upon me, and
+not on your excellent husband, whose only fault is in having bestowed
+his charity upon so unworthy an object as myself."
+
+"Unworthy, indeed!" sneered Mrs. Wood.
+
+"To him I owe everything," continued the widow, "life itself--nay, more
+than life,--for without his assistance I should have perished, body and
+soul. He has been a father to me and my child."
+
+"I never doubted the latter point, I assure you, Madam," observed Mrs.
+Wood.
+
+"You have said," pursued the widow, "that she, who has once erred, is
+irreclaimable. Do not believe it, Madam. It is not so. The poor wretch,
+driven by desperation to the commission of a crime which her soul
+abhors, is no more beyond the hope of reformation than she is without
+the pale of mercy. I have suffered--I have sinned--I have repented. And,
+though neither peace nor innocence can be restored to my bosom; though
+tears cannot blot out my offences, nor sorrow drown my shame; yet,
+knowing that my penitence is sincere, I do not despair that my
+transgressions may be forgiven."
+
+"Mighty fine!" ejaculated Mrs. Wood, contemptuously.
+
+"You cannot understand me, Madam; and it is well you cannot. Blest with
+a fond husband, surrounded by every comfort, _you_ have never been
+assailed by the horrible temptations to which misery has exposed _me_.
+You have never known what it is to want food, raiment, shelter. You have
+never seen the child within your arms perishing from hunger, and no
+relief to be obtained. You have never felt the hearts of all hardened
+against you; have never heard the jeer or curse from every lip; nor
+endured the insult and the blow from every hand. I _have_ suffered all
+this. I could resist the tempter _now_, I am strong in health,--in mind.
+But _then_--Oh! Madam, there are moments--moments of darkness, which
+overshadow a whole existence--in the lives of the poor houseless
+wretches who traverse the streets, when reason is well-nigh benighted;
+when the horrible promptings of despair can, alone, be listened to; and
+when vice itself assumes the aspect of virtue. Pardon what I have said,
+Madam. I do not desire to extenuate my guilt--far less to defend it; but
+I would show you, and such as you--who, happily, are exempted from
+trials like mine--how much misery has to do with crime. And I affirm to
+you, on my own conviction, that she who falls, because she has not
+strength granted her to struggle with affliction, _may_ be
+reclaimed,--may repent, and be forgiven,--even as she, whose sins,
+'though many, were forgiven her'.
+
+"It gladdens me to hear you talk thus, Joan," said Wood, in a voice of
+much emotion, while his eyes filled with tears, "and more than repays me
+for all I have done for you."
+
+"If professions of repentance constitute a Magdalene, Mrs. Sheppard is
+one, no doubt," observed Mrs. Wood, ironically; "but I used to think it
+required something more than _mere words_ to prove that a person's
+character was abused."
+
+"Very right, my love," said Wood, "very sensibly remarked. So it does.
+Bu I can speak to that point. Mrs. Sheppard's conduct, from my own
+personal knowledge, has been unexceptionable for the last twelve years.
+During that period she has been a model of propriety."
+
+"Oh! of course," rejoined Mrs. Wood; "I can't for an instant question
+such distinterested testimony. Mrs. Sheppard, I'm sure, will say as much
+for you. He's a model of conjugal attachment and fidelity, a pattern to
+his family, and an example to his neighbours. Ain't he, Madam?'"
+
+"He is, indeed," replied the widow, fervently; "more--much more than
+that."
+
+"He's no such thing!" cried Mrs. Wood, furiously. "He's a base,
+deceitful, tyrannical, hoary-headed libertine--that's what he is. But,
+I'll expose him. I'll proclaim his misdoings to the world; and, then, we
+shall see where he'll stand. Marry, come up! I'll show him what an
+injured wife can do. If all wives were of my mind and my spirit,
+husbands would soon be taught their own insignificance. But a time
+_will_ come (and that before long,) when our sex will assert its
+superiority; and, when we have got the upper hand, let 'em try to subdue
+us if they can. But don't suppose, Madam, that anything I say has
+reference to you. I'm speaking of virtuous women--of WIVES, Madam.
+Mistresses neither deserve consideration nor commiseration."
+
+"I expect no commiseration," returned Mrs. Sheppard, gently, "nor do I
+need any. But, rather than be the cause of any further misunderstanding
+between you and my benefactor, I will leave London and its neighbourhood
+for ever."
+
+"Pray do so, Madam," retorted Mrs. Wood, "and take your son with you."
+
+"My son!" echoed the widow, trembling.
+
+"Yes, your son, Madam. If you can do any good with him, it's more than
+we can. The house will be well rid of him, for a more idle,
+good-for-nothing reprobate never crossed its threshold."
+
+"Is this true, Sir?" cried Mrs. Sheppard, with an agonized look at Wood.
+"I know you'll not deceive me. Is Jack what Mrs. Wood represents him?"
+
+"He's not exactly what I could desire him to be, Joan," replied the
+carpenter, reluctantly, "But a ragged colt sometimes makes the best
+horse. He'll mend, I hope."
+
+"Never," said Mrs. Wood,--"he'll never mend. He has taken more than one
+step towards the gallows already. Thieves and pickpockets are his
+constant companions."
+
+"Thieves!" exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, horror-stricken.
+
+"Jonathan Wild and Blueskin have got him into their hands," continued
+Mrs. Wood.
+
+"Impossible!" exclaimed the widow, wildly.
+
+"If you doubt my word, woman," replied the carpenter's wife, coldly,
+"ask Mr. Wood."
+
+"I know you'll contradict it, Sir," said the widow, looking at Wood as
+if she dreaded to have her fears confirmed,--"I know you will."
+
+"I wish I could, Joan," returned the carpenter, sadly.
+
+Mrs. Sheppard let fall her basket.
+
+"My son," she murmured, wringing her hands piteously--, "my son the
+companion of thieves! My son in Jonathan Wild's power! It cannot be."
+
+"Why not?" rejoined Mrs. Wood, in a taunting tone. "Your son's father
+was a thief; and Jonathan Wild (unless I'm misinformed,) was his
+friend,--so it's not unnatural he should show some partiality towards
+Jack."
+
+"Jonathan Wild was my husband's bitterest enemy," said Mrs. Sheppard.
+"He first seduced him from the paths of honesty, and then betrayed him
+to a shameful death, and he has sworn to do the same thing by my son.
+Oh, Heavens; that I should have ever indulged a hope of happiness while
+that terrible man lives!"
+
+"Compose yourself, Joan," said Wood; "all will yet be well."
+
+"Oh, no,--no," replied Mrs. Sheppard, distractedly. "All cannot be well,
+if this is true. Tell me, Sir," she added, with forced calmness, and
+grasping Wood's arm; "what has Jack done? Tell me in a word, that I may
+know the worst. I can bear anything but suspense."
+
+"You're agitating yourself unnecessarily, Joan," returned Wood, in a
+soothing voice. "Jack has been keeping bad company. That's the only
+fault I know of."
+
+"Thank God for that!" ejaculated Mrs. Sheppard, fervently. "Then it is
+not too late to save him. Where is he, Sir? Can I see him?"
+
+"No, that you can't," answered Mrs. Wood; "he has gone out without
+leave, and has taken Thames Darrell with him. If I were Mr. Wood, when
+he does return, I'd send him about his business. I wouldn't keep an
+apprentice to set my authority at defiance."
+
+Mr. Wood's reply, if he intended any, was cut short by a loud knocking
+at the door.
+
+"'Odd's-my-life!--what's that?" he cried, greatly alarmed.
+
+"It's Jonathan Wild come back with a troop of constables at his heels,
+to search the house," rejoined Mrs. Wood, in equal trepidation. "We
+shall all be murdered. Oh! that Mr. Kneebone were here to protect me!"
+
+"If it _is_ Jonathan," rejoined Wood, "it is very well for Mr. Kneebone
+he's not here. He'd have enough to do to protect himself, without
+attending to you. I declare I'm almost afraid to go to the door.
+Something, I'm convinced, has happened to the boys."
+
+"Has Jonathan Wild been here to-day?" asked Mrs. Sheppard, anxiously.
+
+"To be sure he has!" returned Mrs. Wood; "and Blueskin, too. They're
+only just gone, mercy on us! what a clatter," she added, as the knocking
+was repeated more violently than before.
+
+While the carpenter irresolutely quitted the room, with a strong
+presentiment of ill upon his mind, a light quick step was heard
+descending the stairs, and before he could call out to prevent it, a man
+was admitted into the passage.
+
+"Is this Misther Wudd's, my pretty miss?" demanded the rough voice of
+the Irish watchman.
+
+"It is", seplied Winifred; "have you brought any tidings of Thames
+Darrell!"
+
+"Troth have I!" replied Terence: "but, bless your angilic face, how did
+you contrive to guess that?"
+
+"Is he well?--is he safe?--is he coming back," cried the little girl,
+disregarding the question.
+
+"He's in St. Giles's round-house," answered Terence; "but tell Mr. Wudd
+I'm here, and have brought him a message from his unlawful son, and
+don't be detainin' me, my darlin', for there's not a minute to lose if
+the poor lad's to be recused from the clutches of that thief and
+thief-taker o' the wurld, Jonathan Wild."
+
+The carpenter, upon whom no part of this hurried dialogue had been lost,
+now made his appearance, and having obtained from Terence all the
+information which that personage could impart respecting the perilous
+situation of Thames, he declared himself ready to start to Saint Giles's
+at once, and ran back to the room for his hat and stick; expressing his
+firm determination, as he pocketed his constable's staff with which he
+thought it expedient to arm himself, of being direfully revenged upon
+the thief-taker: a determination in which he was strongly encouraged by
+his wife. Terence, meanwhile, who had followed him, did not remain
+silent, but recapitulated his story, for the benefit of Mrs. Sheppard.
+The poor widow was thrown into an agony of distress on learning that a
+robbery had been committed, in which her son (for she could not doubt
+that Jack was one of the boys,) was implicated; nor was her anxiety
+alleviated by Mrs. Wood, who maintained stoutly, that if Thames had been
+led to do wrong, it must be through the instrumentality of his worthless
+companion.
+
+"And there you're right, you may dipind, marm," observed Terence.
+"Master Thames Ditt--what's his blessed name?--has honesty written in
+his handsome phiz; but as to his companion, Jack Sheppard, I think you
+call him, he's a born and bred thief. Lord bless you marm! we sees
+plenty on 'em in our purfession. Them young prigs is all alike. I seed
+he was one,--and a sharp un, too,--at a glance."
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed the widow, covering her face with her hands.
+
+"Take a drop of brandy before we start, watchman," said Wood, pouring
+out a glass of spirit, and presenting it to Terence, who smacked his
+lips as he disposed of it. "Won't you be persuaded, Joan?" he added,
+making a similar offer to Mrs. Sheppard, which she gratefully declined.
+"If you mean to accompany us, you may need it."
+
+"You are very kind, Sir," returned the widow, "but I require no support.
+Nothing stronger than water has passed my lips for years."
+
+"We may believe as much of that as we please, I suppose," observed the
+carpenter's wife, with a sneer. "Mr. Wood," she continued, in an
+authoritative tone, seeing her husband ready to depart, "one word before
+you set out. If Jack Sheppard or his mother ever enter this house again,
+I leave it--that's all. Now, do what you please. You know _my_ fixed
+determination."
+
+Mr. Wood made no reply; but, hastily kissing his weeping daughter, and
+bidding her be of good cheer, hurried off. He was followed with equal
+celerity by Terence and the widow. Traversing what remained of Wych
+Street at a rapid pace, and speeding along Drury Lane, the trio soon
+found themselves in Kendrick Yard. When they came to the round-house,
+Terry's courage failed him. Such was the terror inspired by Wild's
+vindictive character, that few durst face him who had given him cause
+for displeasure. Aware that he should incur the thief-taker's bitterest
+animosity by what he had done, the watchman, whose wrath against Quilt
+Arnold had evaporated during the walk, thought it more prudent not to
+hazard a meeting with his master, till the storm had, in some measure,
+blown over. Accordingly, having given Wood such directions as he thought
+necessary for his guidance, and received a handsome gratuity in return
+for his services, he departed.
+
+It was not without considerable demur and delay on the part of Sharples
+that the carpenter and his companion could gain admittance to the
+round-house. Reconnoitring them through a small grated loophole, he
+refused to open the door till they had explained their business. This,
+Wood, acting upon Terry's caution, was most unwilling to do; but,
+finding he had no alternative, he reluctantly made known his errand and
+the bolts were undrawn. Once in, the constable's manner appeared totally
+changed. He was now as civil as he had just been insolent. Apologizing
+for their detention, he answered the questions put to him respecting the
+boys, by positively denying that any such prisoners had been entrusted
+to his charge, but offered to conduct him to every cell in the building
+to prove the truth of his assertion. He then barred and double-locked
+the door, took out the key, (a precautionary measure which, with a grim
+smile, he said he never omitted,) thrust it into his vest, and motioning
+the couple to follow him, led the way to the inner room. As Wood obeyed,
+his foot slipped; and, casting his eyes upon the floor, he perceived it
+splashed in several places with blood. From the freshness of the stains,
+which grew more frequent as they approached the adjoining chamber, it
+was evident some violence had been recently perpetrated, and the
+carpenter's own blood froze within his veins as he thought, with a
+thrill of horror, that, perhaps on this very spot, not many minutes
+before his arrival, his adopted son might have been inhumanly butchered.
+Nor was this impression removed as he stole a glance at Mrs. Sheppard,
+and saw from her terrified look that she had made the same alarming
+discovery as himself. But it was now too late to turn back, and, nerving
+himself for the shock he expected to encounter, he ventured after his
+conductor. No sooner had they entered the room than Sharples, who waited
+to usher them in, hastily retreated, closed the door, and turning the
+key, laughed loudly at the success of his stratagem. Vexation at his
+folly in suffering himself to be thus entrapped kept Wood for a short
+time silent. When he could find words, he tried by the most urgent
+solicitations to prevail upon the constable to let him out. But threats
+and entreaties--even promises were ineffectual; and the unlucky captive,
+after exhausting his powers of persuasion, was compelled to give up the
+point.
+
+The room in which he was detained--that lately occupied by the Mohocks,
+who, it appeared, had been allowed to depart,--was calculated to inspire
+additional apprehension and disgust. Strongly impregnated with the
+mingled odours of tobacco, ale, brandy, and other liquors, the
+atmosphere was almost stifling. The benches running round the room,
+though fastened to the walls by iron clamps, had been forcibly wrenched
+off; while the table, which was similarly secured to the boards, was
+upset, and its contents--bottles, jugs, glasses, and bowls were broken
+and scattered about in all directions. Everything proclaimed the
+mischievous propensities of the recent occupants of the chamber.
+
+Here lay a heap of knockers of all sizes, from the huge lion's head to
+the small brass rapper: there, a collection of sign-boards, with the
+names and calling of the owners utterly obliterated. On this side stood
+the instruments with which the latter piece of pleasantry had been
+effected,--namely, a bucket filled with paint and a brush: on that was
+erected a trophy, consisting of a watchman's rattle, a laced hat, with
+the crown knocked out, and its place supplied by a lantern, a campaign
+wig saturated with punch, a torn steen-kirk and ruffles, some half-dozen
+staves, and a broken sword.
+
+As the carpenter's gaze wandered over this scene of devastation, his
+attention was drawn by Mrs. Sheppard towards an appalling object in one
+corner. This was the body of a man, apparently lifeless, and stretched
+upon a mattress, with his head bound up in a linen cloth, through which
+the blood had oosed. Near the body, which, it will be surmised, was that
+of Abraham Mendez, two ruffianly personages were seated, quietly
+smoking, and bestowing no sort of attention upon the new-comers. Their
+conversation was conducted in the flash language, and, though
+unintelligible to Wood, was easily comprehended by this companion, who
+learnt, to her dismay, that the wounded man had received his hurt from
+her son, whose courage and dexterity formed the present subject of their
+discourse. From other obscure hints dropped by the speakers, Mrs.
+Sheppard ascertained that Thames Darrell had been carried off--where she
+could not make out--by Jonathan Wild and Quilt Arnold; and that Jack had
+been induced to accompany Blueskin to the Mint. This intelligence, which
+she instantly communicated to the carpenter, drove him almost frantic.
+He renewed his supplications to Sharples, but with no better success
+than heretofore; and the greater part of the night was passed by him and
+the poor widow, whose anxiety, if possible, exceeded his own, in the
+most miserable state imaginable.
+
+At length, about three o'clock, as the first glimmer of dawn became
+visible through the barred casements of the round-house, the rattling of
+bolts and chains at the outer door told that some one was admitted.
+Whoever this might be, the visit seemed to have some reference to the
+carpenter, for, shortly afterwards, Sharples made his appearance, and
+informed the captives they were free. Without waiting to have the
+information repeated, Wood rushed forth, determined as soon as he could
+procure assistance, to proceed to Jonathan Wild's house in the Old
+Bailey; while Mrs. Sheppard, whose maternal fears drew her in another
+direction, hurried off to the Mint.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+The Flash Ken.
+
+
+In an incredibly short space of time,--for her anxiety lent wings to her
+feet,--Mrs. Sheppard reached the debtor's garrison. From a scout
+stationed at the northern entrance, whom she addressed in the jargon of
+the place, with which long usage had formerly rendered her familiar, she
+ascertained that Blueskin, accompanied by a youth, whom she knew by the
+description must be her son, had arrived there about three hours before,
+and had proceeded to the Cross Shovels. This was enough for the poor
+widow. She felt she was now near her boy, and, nothing doubting her
+ability to rescue him from his perilous situation, she breathed a
+fervent prayer for his deliverance; and bending her steps towards the
+tavern in question, revolved within her mind as she walked along the
+best means of accomplishing her purpose. Aware of the cunning and
+desperate characters of the persons with whom she would have to
+deal,--aware, also, that she was in a quarter where no laws could be
+appealed to, nor assistance obtained, she felt the absolute necessity of
+caution. Accordingly, when she arrived at the Shovels, with which, as an
+old haunt in her bygone days of wretchedness she was well acquainted,
+instead of entering the principal apartment, which she saw at a glance
+was crowded with company of both sexes, she turned into a small room on
+the left of the bar, and, as an excuse for so doing, called for
+something to drink. The drawers at the moment were too busy to attend to
+her, and she would have seized the opportunity of examining,
+unperceived, the assemblage within, through a little curtained window
+that overlooked the adjoining chamber, if an impediment had not existed
+in the shape of Baptist Kettleby, whose portly person entirely obscured
+the view. The Master of the Mint, in the exercise of his two-fold office
+of governor and publican, was mounted upon a chair, and holding forth to
+his guests in a speech, to which Mrs. Sheppard was unwillingly compelled
+to listen.
+
+"Gentlemen of the Mint," said the orator, "when I was first called, some
+fifty years ago, to the important office I hold, there existed across
+the water three places of refuge for the oppressed and persecuted
+debtor."
+
+"We know it," cried several voices.
+
+"It happened, gentlemen," pursued the Master, "on a particular occasion,
+about the time I've mentioned, that the Archduke of Alsatia, the
+Sovereign of the Savoy, and the Satrap of Salisbury Court, met by
+accident at the Cross Shovels. A jolly night we made of it, as you may
+suppose; for four such monarchs don't often come together. Well, while
+we were smoking our pipes, and quaffing our punch, Alsatia turns to me
+and says, 'Mint,' says he, 'you're well off here.'--'Pretty well,' says
+I; 'you're not badly off at the Friars, for that matter.'--'Oh! yes we
+are,' says he.--'How so?' says I.--'It's all up with us,' says he;
+'they've taken away our charter.'--'They can't,' says I.--'They have,'
+says he.--'They can't, I tell you,' says I, in a bit of a passion; 'it's
+unconstitutional.'--'Unconstitutional or not,' says Salisbury Court and
+Savoy, speaking together, 'it's true. We shall become a prey to the
+Philistines, and must turn honest in self-defence.'--'No fear o' that,'
+thought I.--'I see how it'll be,' observed Alsatia, 'everybody'll pay
+his debts, and only think of such a state of things as that.'--'It's
+_not_ to be thought of,' says I, thumping the table till every glass on
+it jingled; 'and I know a way as'll prevent it.'--'What is it, Mint?'
+asked all three.--'Why, hang every bailiff that sets a foot in your
+territories, and you're safe,' says I.--'We'll do it,' said they,
+filling their glasses, and looking as fierce as King George's grenadier
+guards; 'here's your health, Mint.' But, gentlemen, though they talked
+so largely, and looked so fiercely, they did _not_ do it; they did _not_
+hang the bailiffs; and where are they?"
+
+"Ay, where are they?" echoed the company with indignant derision.
+
+"Gentlemen," returned the Master, solemnly, "it is a question easily
+answered--they are NOWHERE! Had they hanged the bailiffs, the bailiffs
+would not have hanged them. We ourselves have been similarly
+circumstanced. Attacked by an infamous and unconstitutional statute,
+passed in the reign of the late usurper, William of Orange, (for I may
+remark that, if the right king had been upon the throne, that illegal
+enactment would never have received the royal assent--the
+Stuarts--Heaven preserve 'em!--always siding with the debtors); attacked
+in this outrageous manner, I repeat, it has been all but '_up_' with US!
+But the vigorous resistance offered on that memorable occasion by the
+patriotic inhabitants of Bermuda to the aggressions of arbitrary power,
+secured and established their privileges on a firmer basis than
+heretofore; and, while their pusillanimous allies were crushed and
+annihilated, they became more prosperous than ever. Gentlemen, I am
+proud to say that _I_ originated--that _I_ directed those measures. I
+hope to see the day, when not Southwark alone, but London itself shall
+become one Mint,--when all men shall be debtors, and none
+creditors,--when imprisonment for debt shall be utterly abolished,--when
+highway-robbery shall be accounted a pleasant pastime, and forgery
+an accomplishment,--when Tyburn and its gibbets shall be
+overthrown,--capital punishments discontinued,--Newgate, Ludgate, the
+Gatehouse, and the Compters razed to the ground,--Bridewell and
+Clerkenwell destroyed,--the Fleet, the King's Bench, and the Marshalsea
+remembered only by name! But, in the mean time, as that day may possibly
+be farther off than I anticipate, we are bound to make the most of the
+present. Take care of yourselves, gentlemen, and your governor will take
+care of you. Before I sit down, I have a toast to propose, which I am
+sure will be received, as it deserves to be, with enthusiasm. It is the
+health of a stranger,--of Mr. John Sheppard. His father was one of my
+old customers, and I am happy to find his son treading in his steps. He
+couldn't be in better hands than those in which he has placed himself.
+Gentlemen,--Mr. Sheppard's good health, and success to him!"
+
+Baptist's toast was received with loud applause, and, as he sat down
+amid the cheers of the company, and a universal clatter of mugs and
+glasses, the widow's view was no longer obstructed. Her eye wandered
+quickly over that riotous and disorderly assemblage, until it settled
+upon one group more riotous and disorderly than the rest, of which her
+son formed the principal figure. The agonized mother could scarcely
+repress a scream at the spectacle that met her gaze. There sat Jack,
+evidently in the last stage of intoxication, with his collar opened, his
+dress disarranged, a pipe in his mouth, a bowl of punch and a
+half-emptied rummer before him,--there he sat, receiving and returning,
+or rather attempting to return,--for he was almost past
+consciousness,--the blandishments of a couple of females, one of whom
+had passed her arm round his neck, while the other leaned over the back
+of his chair and appeared from her gestures to be whispering soft
+nonsense into his ear.
+
+Both these ladies possessed considerable personal attractions. The
+younger of the two, who was seated next to Jack, and seemed to
+monopolize his attention, could not be more than seventeen, though her
+person had all the maturity of twenty. She had delicate oval features,
+light, laughing blue eyes, a pretty _nez retroussé_, (why have we not
+the term, since we have the best specimens of the feature?) teeth of
+pearly whiteness, and a brilliant complexion, set off by rich auburn
+hair, a very white neck and shoulders,--the latter, perhaps, a trifle
+too much exposed. The name of this damsel was Edgeworth Bess; and, as
+her fascinations will not, perhaps, be found to be without some
+influence upon the future fortunes of her boyish admirer, we have
+thought it worth while to be thus particular in describing them. The
+other _bona roba_, known amongst her companions as Mistress Poll Maggot,
+was a beauty on a much larger scale,--in fact, a perfect Amazon.
+Nevertheless though nearly six feet high, and correspondingly
+proportioned, she was a model of symmetry, and boasted, with the frame
+of a Thalestris or a Trulla, the regular lineaments of the Medicean
+Venus. A man's laced hat,--whether adopted from the caprice of the
+moment, or habitually worn, we are unable to state,--cocked knowingly on
+her head, harmonized with her masculine appearance. Mrs. Maggot, as well
+as her companion Edgeworth Bess, was showily dressed; nor did either of
+them disdain the aid supposed to be lent to a fair skin by the contents
+of the patchbox. On an empty cask, which served him for a chair, and
+opposite Jack Sheppard, whose rapid progress in depravity afforded him
+the highest satisfaction, sat Blueskin, encouraging the two women in
+their odious task, and plying his victim with the glass as often as he
+deemed it expedient to do so. By this time, he had apparently
+accomplished all he desired; for moving the bottle out of Jack's reach,
+he appropriated it entirely to his own use, leaving the devoted lad to
+the care of the females. Some few of the individuals seated at the other
+tables seemed to take an interest in the proceedings of Blueskin and his
+party, just as a bystander watches any other game; but, generally
+speaking, the company were too much occupied with their own concerns to
+pay attention to anything else. The assemblage was for the most part, if
+not altogether, composed of persons to whom vice in all its aspects was
+too familiar to present much of novelty, in whatever form it was
+exhibited. Nor was Jack by any means the only stripling in the room. Not
+far from him was a knot of lads drinking, swearing, and playing at dice
+as eagerly and as skilfully as any of the older hands. Near to these
+hopeful youths sat a fence, or receiver, bargaining with a clouter, or
+pickpocket, for a _suit_,--or, to speak in more intelligible language, a
+watch and seals, two _cloaks_, commonly called watch-cases, and a
+_wedge-lobb,_ otherwise known as a silver snuff-box. Next to the
+receiver was a gang of housebreakers, laughing over their exploits, and
+planning fresh depredations; and next to the housebreakers came two
+gallant-looking gentlemen in long periwigs and riding-dresses, and
+equipped in all other respects for the road, with a roast fowl and a
+bottle of wine before them. Amid this varied throng,--varied in
+appearance, but alike in character,--one object alone, we have said,
+rivetted Mrs. Sheppard's attention; and no sooner did she in some degree
+recover from the shock occasioned by the sight of her son's debased
+condition, than, regardless of any other consideration except his
+instant removal from the contaminating society by which he was
+surrounded, and utterly forgetting the more cautious plan she meant to
+have adopted, she rushed into the room, and summoned him to follow her.
+
+"Halloa!" cried Jack, looking round, and trying to fix his inebriate
+gaze upon the speaker,--"who's that?"
+
+"Your mother," replied Mrs. Sheppard. "Come home directly, Sir."
+
+"Mother be----!" returned Jack. "Who is it, Bess?"
+
+"How should I know?" replied Edgeworth Bess. "But if it _is_ your
+mother, send her about her business."
+
+"That I will," replied Jack, "in the twinkling of a bedpost."
+
+"Glad to see you once more in the Mint, Mrs. Sheppard," roared Blueskin,
+who anticipated some fun. "Come and sit down by me."
+
+"Take a glass of gin, Ma'am," cried Poll Maggot, holding up a bottle of
+spirit; "it used to be your favourite liquor, I've heard."
+
+"Jack, my love," cried Mrs. Sheppard, disregarding the taunt, "come
+away."
+
+"Not I," replied Jack; "I'm too comfortable where I am. Be off!"
+
+"Jack!" exclaimed his unhappy parent.
+
+"Mr. Sheppard, if you please, Ma'am," interrupted the lad; "I allow
+nobody to call me Jack. Do I, Bess, eh?"
+
+"Nobody whatever, love," replied Edgeworth Bess; "nobody but me, dear."
+
+"And me," insinuated Mrs. Maggot. "My little fancy man's quite as fond
+of me as of you, Bess. Ain't you, Jacky darling?"
+
+"Not quite, Poll," returned Mr. Sheppard; "but I love you next to her,
+and both of you better than _Her_," pointing with the pipe to his
+mother.
+
+"Oh, Heavens!" cried Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"Bravo!" shouted Blueskin. "Tom Sheppard never said a better thing than
+that--ho! ho!"
+
+"Jack," cried his mother, wringing her hands in distraction, "you'll
+break my heart!"
+
+"Poh! poh!" returned her son; "women don't so easily break their hearts.
+Do they, Bess?"
+
+"Certainly not," replied the young lady appealed to, "especially about
+their sons."
+
+"Wretch!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, bitterly.
+
+"I say," retorted Edgeworth Bess, with a very unfeminine imprecation, "I
+shan't stand any more of that nonsense. What do you mean by calling me
+wretch, Madam!" she added marching up to Mrs. Sheppard, and regarding
+her with an insolent and threatening glance.
+
+"Yes--what do you mean, Ma'am?" added Jack, staggering after her.
+
+"Come with me, my love, come--come," cried his mother, seizing his hand,
+and endeavouring to force him away.
+
+"He shan't go," cried Edgeworth Bess, holding him by the other hand.
+"Here, Poll, help me!"
+
+Thus exhorted, Mrs. Maggot lent her powerful aid, and, between the two,
+Jack was speedily relieved from all fears of being carried off against
+his will. Not content with this exhibition of her prowess, the Amazon
+lifted him up as easily as if he had been an infant, and placed him upon
+her shoulders, to the infinite delight of the company, and the increased
+distress of his mother.
+
+"Now, let's see who'll dare to take him down," she cried.
+
+"Nobody shall," cried Mr. Sheppard from his elevated position. "I'm my
+own master now, and I'll do as I please. I'll turn cracksman, like my
+father--rob old Wood--he has chests full of money, and I know where
+they're kept--I'll rob him, and give the swag to you, Poll--I'll--"
+
+Jack would have said more; but, losing his balance, he fell to the
+ground, and, when taken up, he was perfectly insensible. In this state,
+he was laid upon a bench, to sleep off his drunken fit, while his
+wretched mother, in spite of her passionate supplications and
+resistance, was, by Blueskin's command, forcibly ejected from the house,
+and driven out of the Mint.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+The Robbery in Willesden Church.
+
+
+During the whole of the next day and night, the poor widow hovered like
+a ghost about the precincts of the debtors' garrison,--for admission (by
+the Master's express orders,) was denied her. She could learn nothing of
+her son, and only obtained one solitary piece of information, which
+added to, rather than alleviated her misery,--namely, that Jonathan Wild
+had paid a secret visit to the Cross Shovels. At one time, she
+determined to go to Wych Street, and ask Mr. Wood's advice and
+assistance, but the thought of the reception she was likely to meet with
+from his wife deterred her from executing this resolution. Many other
+expedients occurred to her; but after making several ineffectual
+attempts to get into the Mint unobserved, they were all abandoned.
+
+At length, about an hour before dawn on the second day--Sunday--having
+spent the early part of the night in watching at the gates of the
+robbers' sanctuary, and being almost exhausted from want of rest, she
+set out homewards. It was a long walk she had to undertake, even if she
+had endured no previous fatigue, but feeble as she was, it was almost
+more than she could accomplish. Daybreak found her winding her painful
+way along the Harrow Road; and, in order to shorten the distance as much
+as possible, she took the nearest cut, and struck into the meadows on
+the right. Crossing several fields, newly mown, or filled with lines of
+tedded hay, she arrived, not without great exertion, at the summit of a
+hill. Here her strength completely failed her, and she was compelled to
+seek some repose. Making her couch upon a heap of hay, she sank at once
+into a deep and refreshing slumber.
+
+When she awoke, the sun was high in Heaven. It was a bright and
+beautiful day: _so_ bright, so beautiful, that even her sad heart was
+cheered by it. The air, perfumed with the delicious fragrance of the
+new-mown grass, was vocal with the melodies of the birds; the thick
+foliage of the trees was glistening in the sunshine; all nature seemed
+happy and rejoicing; but, above all, the serene Sabbath stillness
+reigning around communicated a calm to her wounded spirit.
+
+What a contrast did the lovely scene she now gazed upon present to the
+squalid neighbourhood she had recently quitted! On all sides, expanded
+prospects of country the most exquisite and most varied. Immediately
+beneath her lay Willesden,--the most charming and secluded village in
+the neighbourhood of the metropolis--with its scattered farm-houses, its
+noble granges, and its old grey church-tower just peeping above a grove
+of rook-haunted trees.
+
+Towards this spot Mrs. Sheppard now directed her steps. She speedily
+reached her own abode,--a little cottage, standing in the outskirts of
+the village. The first circumstance that struck her on her arrival
+seemed ominous. Her clock had stopped--stopped at the very hour on which
+she had quitted the Mint! She had not the heart to wind it up again.
+
+After partaking of some little refreshment, and changing her attire,
+Mrs. Sheppard prepared for church. By this time, she had so far
+succeeded in calming herself, that she answered the greetings of the
+neighbours whom she encountered on her way to the sacred edifice--if
+sorrowfully, still composedly.
+
+Every old country church is beautiful, but Willesden is the most
+beautiful country church we know; and in Mrs. Sheppard's time it was
+even more beautiful than at present, when the hand of improvement has
+proceeded a little too rashly with alterations and repairs. With one or
+two exceptions, there were no pews; and, as the intercourse with London
+was then but slight, the seats were occupied almost exclusively by the
+villagers. In one of these seats, at the end of the aisle farthest
+removed from the chancel, the widow took her place, and addressed
+herself fervently to her devotions.
+
+The service had not proceeded far, when she was greatly disturbed by the
+entrance of a person who placed himself opposite her, and sought to
+attract her attention by a number of little arts, surveying her, as he
+did so, with a very impudent and offensive stare. With this person--who
+was no other than Mr. Kneebone--she was too well acquainted; having,
+more than once, been obliged to repel his advances; and, though his
+impertinence would have given her little concern at another season, it
+now added considerably to her distraction. But a far greater affliction
+was in store for her.
+
+Just as the clergyman approached the altar, she perceived a boy steal
+quickly into the church, and ensconce himself behind the woollen-draper,
+who, in order to carry on his amatory pursuits with greater convenience,
+and at the same time display his figure (of which he was not a little
+vain) to the utmost advantage, preferred a standing to a sitting
+posture. Of this boy she had only caught a glimpse;--but that glimpse
+was sufficient to satisfy her it was her son,--and, if she could have
+questioned her own instinctive love, she could not question her
+antipathy, when she beheld, partly concealed by a pillar immediately in
+the rear of the woollen-draper, the dark figure and truculent features
+of Jonathan Wild. As she looked in this direction, the thief-taker
+raised his eyes--those gray, blood-thirsty eyes!--their glare froze the
+life-blood in her veins.
+
+As she averted her gaze, a terrible idea crossed her. Why was he there?
+why did the tempter dare to invade that sacred spot! She could not
+answer her own questions, but vague fearful suspicions passed through
+her mind. Meanwhile, the service proceeded; and the awful command,
+"_Thou shalt not steal_!" was solemnly uttered by the preacher, when
+Mrs. Sheppard, who had again looked round towards her son, beheld a hand
+glance along the side of the woollen-draper. She could not see what
+occurred, though she guessed it; but she saw Jonathan's devilish
+triumphing glance, and read in it,--"Your son has committed a
+robbery--here--in these holy walls--he is mine--mine for ever!"
+
+She uttered a loud scream, and fainted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Jonathan Wild's House in the Old Bailey.
+
+
+Just as St. Sepulchre's church struck one, on the eventful night of the
+10th of June, (to which it will not be necessary to recur,) a horseman,
+mounted on a powerful charger, and followed at a respectful distance by
+an attendant, galloped into the open space fronting Newgate, and
+directed his course towards a house in the Old Bailey. Before he could
+draw in the rein, his steed--startled apparently by some object
+undistinguishable by the rider,--swerved with such suddenness as to
+unseat him, and precipitate him on the ground. The next moment, however,
+he was picked up, and set upon his feet by a person who, having
+witnessed the accident, flew across the road to his assistance.
+
+"You're not hurt I hope, Sir Rowland?" inquired this individual.
+
+"Not materially, Mr. Wild," replied the other, "a little shaken, that's
+all. Curses light on the horse!" he added, seizing the bridle of his
+steed, who continued snorting and shivering, as if still under the
+influence of some unaccountable alarm; "what can ail him?"
+
+"_I_ know what ails him, your honour," rejoined the groom, riding up as
+he spoke; "he's seen somethin' not o' this world."
+
+"Most likely," observed Jonathan, with a slight sneer; "the ghost of
+some highwayman who has just breathed his last in Newgate, no doubt."
+
+"May be," returned the man gravely.
+
+"Take him home, Saunders," said Sir Rowland, resigning his faulty steed
+to the attendant's care, "I shall not require you further. Strange!" he
+added, as the groom departed; "Bay Stuart has carried me through a
+hundred dangers, but never played me such a trick before."
+
+"And never should again, were he mine," rejoined Jonathan. "If the best
+nag ever foaled were to throw me in this unlucky spot, I'd blow his
+brains out."
+
+"What do you mean, Sir?" asked Trenchard.
+
+"A fall against Newgate is accounted a sign of death by the halter,"
+replied Wild, with ill-disguised malignity.
+
+"Tush!" exclaimed Sir Rowland, angrily.
+
+"From that door," continued the thief-taker, pointing to the gloomy
+portal of the prison opposite which they were standing, "the condemned
+are taken to Tyburn. It's a bad omen to be thrown near that door."
+
+"I didn't suspect you of so much superstition, Mr. Wild," observed the
+knight, contemptuously.
+
+"Facts convince the most incredulous," answered Jonathan, drily. "I've
+known several cases where the ignominious doom I've mentioned has been
+foretold by such an accident as has just befallen you. There was Major
+Price--you must recollect him, Sir Rowland,--he stumbled as he was
+getting out of his chair at that very gate. Well, _he_ was executed for
+murder. Then there was Tom Jarrot, the hackney-coachman, who was pitched
+off the box against yonder curbstone, and broke his leg. It was a pity
+he didn't break his neck, for he was hanged within the year. Another
+instance was that of Toby Tanner--"
+
+"No more of this," interrupted Trenchard; "where is the boy?"
+
+"Not far hence," replied Wild. "After all our pains we were near losing
+him, Sir Rowland."
+
+"How so?" asked the other, distrustfully.
+
+"You shall hear," returned Jonathan. "With the help of his comrade, Jack
+Sheppard, the young rascal made a bold push to get out of the
+round-house, where my janizaries had lodged him, and would have
+succeeded too, if, by good luck,--for the devil never deserts so useful
+an agent as I am, Sir Rowland,--I hadn't arrived in time to prevent
+him. As it was, my oldest and trustiest setter, Abraham Mendez, received
+a blow on the head from one of the lads that will deprive me of his
+services for a week to come,--if, indeed it does not disable him
+altogether. However, if I've lost one servant, I've gained another,
+that's one comfort. Jack Sheppard is now wholly in my hands."
+
+"What is this to me, Sir?" said Trenchard, cutting him short.
+
+"Nothing whatever," rejoined the thief-taker, coldly. "But it is much to
+me. Jack Sheppard is to me what Thames Darrell is to you--an object of
+hatred. I owed his father a grudge: that I settled long ago. I owe his
+mother one, and will repay the debt, with interest, to her son. I could
+make away with him at once, as you are about to make away with your
+nephew, Sir Rowland,--but that wouldn't serve my turn. To be complete,
+my vengeance must be tardy. Certain of my prey, I can afford to wait for
+it. Besides, revenge is sweetened by delay; and I indulge too freely in
+the passion to rob it of any of its zest. I've watched this lad--this
+Sheppard--from infancy; and, though I have apparently concerned myself
+little about him, I have never lost sight of my purpose. I have suffered
+him to be brought up decently--honestly; because I would make his fall
+the greater, and deepen the wound I meant to inflict upon his mother.
+From this night I shall pursue a different course; from this night his
+ruin may be dated. He is in the care of those who will not leave
+the task assigned to them--the utter perversion of his
+principles--half-finished. And when I have steeped him to the lips in
+vice and depravity; when I have led him to the commission of every
+crime; when there is neither retreat nor advance for him; when he has
+plundered his benefactor, and broken the heart of his mother--then--but
+not till then, I will consign him to the fate to which I consigned his
+father. This I have sworn to do--this I will do."
+
+"Not unless your skull's bullet-proof," cried a voice at his elbow; and,
+as the words were uttered, a pistol was snapped at his head,
+which,--fortunately or unfortunately, as the reader pleases,--only burnt
+the priming. The blaze, however, was sufficient to reveal to the
+thief-taker the features of his intended assassin. They were those of
+the Irish watchman.
+
+"Ah! Terry O'Flaherty!" vociferated Jonathan, in a tone that betrayed
+hot the slightest discomposure. "Ah! Terry O'Flaherty!" he cried,
+shouting after the Irishman, who took to his heels as soon as he found
+his murderous attempt unsuccessful; "you may run, but you'll not get out
+of my reach. I'll put a brace of dogs on your track, who'll soon hunt
+you down. You shall swing for this after next sessions, or my name's not
+Jonathan Wild. I told you, Sir Rowland," he added, turning to the
+knight, and chuckling, "the devil never deserts me."
+
+"Conduct me to your dwelling, Sir, without further delay," said
+Trenchard, sternly,--"to the boy."
+
+"The boy's not at my house," replied Wild.
+
+"Where is he, then?" demanded the other, hastily.
+
+"At a place we call the Dark House at Queenhithe," answered Jonathan, "a
+sort of under-ground tavern or night-cellar, close to the river-side,
+and frequented by the crew of the Dutch skipper, to whose care he's to
+be committed. You need have no apprehensions about him, Sir Rowland.
+He's safe enough now. I left him in charge of Quilt Arnold and Rykhart
+Van Galgebrok--the skipper I spoke of--with strict orders to shoot him
+if he made any further attempt at escape; and they're not lads--the
+latter especially--to be trifled with. I deemed it more prudent to send
+him to the Dark House than to bring him here, in case of any search
+after him by his adoptive father--the carpenter Wood. If you choose, you
+can see him put on board the Zeeslang yourself, Sir Rowland. But,
+perhaps, you'll first accompany me to my dwelling for a moment, that we
+may arrange our accounts before we start. I've a few necessary
+directions to leave with my people, to put 'em on their guard against
+the chance of a surprise. Suffer me to precede you. This way, Sir
+Rowland."
+
+The thief-taker's residence was a large dismal-looking, habitation,
+separated from the street by a flagged court-yard, and defended from
+general approach by an iron railing. Even in the daylight, it had a
+sombre and suspicious air, and seemed to slink back from the adjoining
+houses, as if afraid of their society. In the obscurity in which it was
+now seen, it looked like a prison, and, indeed, it was Jonathan's fancy
+to make it resemble one as much as possible. The windows were grated,
+the doors barred; each room had the name as well as the appearance of a
+cell; and the very porter who stood at the gate, habited like a jailer,
+with his huge bunch of keys at his girdle, his forbidding countenance
+and surly demeanour seemed to be borrowed from Newgate. The clanking of
+chains, the grating of locks, and the rumbling of bolts must have been
+music in Jonathan's ears, so much pains did he take to subject himself
+to such sounds. The scanty furniture of the rooms corresponded with
+their dungeon-like aspect. The walls were bare, and painted in
+stone-colour; the floors, devoid of carpet; the beds, of hangings; the
+windows, of blinds; and, excepting in the thief-taker's own
+audience-chamber, there was not a chair or a table about the premises;
+the place of these conveniences being elsewhere supplied by benches, and
+deal-boards laid across joint-stools. Great stone staircases leading no
+one knew whither, and long gloomy passages, impressed the occasional
+visitor with the idea that he was traversing a building of vast extent;
+and, though this was not the case in reality, the deception was so
+cleverly contrived that it seldom failed of producing the intended
+effect. Scarcely any one entered Mr. Wild's dwelling without
+apprehension, or quitted it without satisfaction. More strange stories
+were told of it than of any other house in London. The garrets were said
+to be tenanted by coiners, and artists employed in altering watches and
+jewelry; the cellars to be used as a magazine for stolen goods. By some
+it was affirmed that a subterranean communication existed between the
+thief-taker's abode and Newgate, by means of which he was enabled to
+maintain a secret correspondence with the imprisoned felons: by others,
+that an under-ground passage led to extensive vaults, where such
+malefactors as he chose to screen from justice might lie concealed till
+the danger was blown over. Nothing, in short, was too extravagant to be
+related of it; and Jonathan, who delighted in investing himself and his
+residence with mystery, encouraged, and perhaps originated, these
+marvellous tales. However this may be, such was the ill report of the
+place that few passed along the Old Bailey without bestowing a glance of
+fearful curiosity at its dingy walls, and wondering what was going on
+inside them; while fewer still, of those who paused at the door, read,
+without some internal trepidation, the formidable name--inscribed in
+large letters on its bright brass-plate--of JONATHAN WILD.
+
+Arrived at his habitation, Jonathan knocked in a peculiar manner at the
+door, which was instantly opened by the grim-visaged porter just alluded
+to. No sooner had Trenchard crossed the threshold than a fierce barking
+was heard at the farther extremity of the passage, and, the next moment,
+a couple of mastiffs of the largest size rushed furiously towards him.
+The knight stood upon his defence; but he would unquestionably have been
+torn in pieces by the savage hounds, if a shower of oaths, seconded by a
+vigorous application of kicks and blows from their master, had not
+driven them growling off. Apologizing to Sir Rowland for this unpleasant
+reception, and swearing lustily at his servant for occasioning it by
+leaving the dogs at liberty, Jonathan ordered the man to light them to
+the audience-room. The command was sullenly obeyed, for the fellow did
+not appear to relish the rating. Ascending the stairs, and conducting
+them along a sombre gallery, in which Trenchard noticed that every door
+was painted black, and numbered, he stopped at the entrance of a
+chamber; and, selecting a key from the bunch at his girdle, unlocked it.
+Following his guide, Sir Rowland found himself in a large and lofty
+apartment, the extent of which he could not entirely discern until
+lights were set upon the table. He then looked around him with some
+curiosity; and, as the thief-taker was occupied in giving directions to
+his attendant in an undertone, ample leisure was allowed him for
+investigation. At the first glance, he imagined he must have stumbled
+upon a museum of rarities, there were so many glass-cases, so many open
+cabinets, ranged against the walls; but the next convinced him that if
+Jonathan was a virtuoso, his tastes did not run in the ordinary
+channels. Trenchard was tempted to examine the contents of some of these
+cases, but a closer inspection made him recoil from them in disgust. In
+the one he approached was gathered together a vast assortment of
+weapons, each of which, as appeared from the ticket attached to it, had
+been used as an instrument of destruction. On this side was a razor with
+which a son had murdered his father; the blade notched, the haft crusted
+with blood: on that, a bar of iron, bent, and partly broken, with which
+a husband had beaten out his wife's brains. As it is not, however, our
+intention to furnish a complete catalogue of these curiosities, we shall
+merely mention that in front of them lay a large and sharp knife, once
+the property of the public executioner, and used by him to dissever the
+limbs of those condemned to death for high-treason; together with an
+immense two-pronged flesh-fork, likewise employed by the same terrible
+functionary to plunge the quarters of his victims in the caldrons of
+boiling tar and oil. Every gibbet at Tyburn and Hounslow appeared to
+have been plundered of its charnel spoil to enrich the adjoining
+cabinet, so well was it stored with skulls and bones, all purporting to
+be the relics of highwaymen famous in their day. Halters, each of which
+had fulfilled its destiny, formed the attraction of the next
+compartment; while a fourth was occupied by an array of implements of
+housebreaking almost innumerable, and utterly indescribable. All these
+interesting objects were carefully arranged, classed, and, as we have
+said, labelled by the thief-taker. From this singular collection
+Trenchard turned to regard its possessor, who was standing at a little
+distance from him, still engaged in earnest discourse with his
+attendant, and, as he contemplated his ruthless countenance, on which
+duplicity and malignity had set their strongest seals, he could not help
+calling to mind all he had heard of Jonathan's perfidiousness to his
+employers, and deeply regretting that he had placed himself in the power
+of so unscrupulous a miscreant.
+
+Jonathan Wild, at this time, was on the high-road to the greatness which
+he subsequently, and not long afterwards, obtained. He was fast rising
+to an eminence that no one of his nefarious profession ever reached
+before him, nor, it is to be hoped, will ever reach again. He was the
+Napoleon of knavery, and established an uncontrolled empire over all the
+practitioners of crime. This was no light conquest; nor was it a
+government easily maintained. Resolution, severity, subtlety, were
+required for it; and these were qualities which Jonathan possessed in an
+extraordinary degree. The danger or difficulty of an exploit never
+appalled him. What his head conceived his hand executed. Professing to
+stand between the robber and the robbed, he himself plundered both. He
+it was who formed the grand design of a robber corporation, of which he
+should be the sole head and director, with the right of delivering those
+who concealed their booty, or refused to share it with him, to the
+gallows. He divided London into districts; appointed a gang to each
+district; and a leader to each gang, whom he held responsible to
+himself. The country was partitioned in a similar manner. Those whom he
+retained about his person, or placed in offices of trust, were for the
+most part convicted felons, who, having returned from transportation
+before their term had expired, constituted, in his opinion, the safest
+agents, inasmuch as they could neither be legal evidences against him,
+nor withhold any portion of the spoil of which he chose to deprive them.
+But the crowning glory of Jonathan, that which raised him above all his
+predecessors in iniquity, and clothed this name with undying
+notoriety--was to come. When in the plenitude of his power, he commenced
+a terrible trade, till then unknown--namely, a traffic in human blood.
+This he carried on by procuring witnesses to swear away the lives of
+those persons who had incurred his displeasure, or whom it might be
+necessary to remove.
+
+No wonder that Trenchard, as he gazed at this fearful being, should have
+some misgivings cross him.
+
+Apparently, Jonathan perceived he was an object of scrutiny; for,
+hastily dismissing his attendant, he walked towards the knight.
+
+"So, you're admiring my cabinet, Sir Rowland," he remarked, with a
+sinister smile; "it _is_ generally admired; and, sometimes by parties
+who afterwards contribute to the collection themselves,--ha! ha! This
+skull," he added, pointing to a fragment of mortality in the case beside
+them, "once belonged to Tom Sheppard, the father of the lad I spoke of
+just now. In the next box hangs the rope by which he suffered. When I've
+placed another skull and another halter beside them, I shall be
+contented."
+
+"To business, Sir!" said the knight, with a look of abhorrence.
+
+"Ay, to business," returned Jonathan, grinning, "the sooner the better."
+
+"Here is the sum you bargained for," rejoined Trenchard, flinging a
+pocket-book on the table; "count it."
+
+Jonathan's eyes glistened as he told over the notes.
+
+"You've given me more than the amount, Sir Rowland," he said, after he
+had twice counted them, "or I've missed my reckoning. There's a hundred
+pounds too much."
+
+"Keep it," said Trenchard, haughtily.
+
+"I'll place it to your account, Sir Rowland," answered the thief-taker,
+smiling significantly. "And now, shall we proceed to Queenhithe?"
+
+"Stay!" cried the other, taking a chair, "a word with you, Mr. Wild."
+
+"As many as you please, Sir Rowland," replied Jonathan, resuming his
+seat. "I'm quite at your disposal."
+
+"I have a question to propose to you," said Trenchard, "relating to--"
+and he hesitated.
+
+"Relating to the father of the boy--Thames Darrell," supplied Jonathan.
+"I guessed what was coming. You desire to know who he was, Sir Rowland.
+Well, you _shall_ know."
+
+"Without further fee?" inquired the knight.
+
+"Not exactly," answered Jonathan, drily. "A secret is too valuable a
+commodity to be thrown away. But I said I wouldn't drive a hard bargain
+with you, and I won't. We are alone, Sir Rowland," he added, snuffing
+the candles, glancing cautiously around, and lowering his tone, "and
+what you confide to me shall never transpire,--at least to your
+disadvantage."
+
+"I am at a loss to understand you Sir,", said Trenchard.
+
+"I'll make myself intelligible before I've done," rejoined Wild. "I need
+not remind you, Sir Rowland, that I am aware you are deeply implicated
+in the Jacobite plot which is now known to be hatching."
+
+"Ha!" ejaculated the other.
+
+"Of course, therefore," pursued Jonathan, "you are acquainted with all
+the leaders of the proposed insurrection,--nay, must be in
+correspondence with them."
+
+"What right have you to suppose this, Sir?" demanded Trenchard, sternly.
+
+"Have a moment's patience, Sir Rowland," returned Wild; "and you shall
+hear. If you will furnish me with a list of these rebels, and with
+proofs of their treason, I will not only insure your safety, but will
+acquaint you with the real name and rank of your sister Aliva's husband,
+as well as with some particulars which will never otherwise reach your
+ears, concerning your lost sister, Constance."
+
+"My sister Constance!" echoed the knight; "what of her?"
+
+"You agree to my proposal, then?" said Jonathan.
+
+"Do you take me for as great a villain as yourself, Sir?" said the
+knight, rising.
+
+"I took you for one who wouldn't hesitate to avail himself of any
+advantage chance might throw in his way," returned the thief-taker,
+coldly. "I find I was in error. No matter. A time _may_ come,--and that
+ere long,--when you will be glad to purchase my secrets, and your own
+safety, at a dearer price than the heads of your companions."
+
+"Are you ready?" said Trenchard, striding towards the door.
+
+"I am," replied Jonathan, following him, "and so," he added in an
+undertone, "are your captors."
+
+A moment afterwards, they quitted the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+The Night-Cellar.
+
+
+After a few minutes' rapid walking, during which neither party uttered a
+word, Jonathan Wild and his companion had passed Saint Paul's, dived
+down a thoroughfare on the right, and reached Thames Street.
+
+At the period of this history, the main streets of the metropolis were
+but imperfectly lighted, while the less-frequented avenues were left in
+total obscurity; but, even at the present time, the maze of courts and
+alleys into which Wild now plunged, would have perplexed any one, not
+familiar with their intricacies, to thread them on a dark night.
+Jonathan, however, was well acquainted with the road. Indeed, it was his
+boast that he could find his way through any part of London blindfolded;
+and by this time, it would seem, he had nearly arrived at his
+destination; for, grasping his companion's arm, he led him along a
+narrow entry which did not appear to have an outlet, and came to a halt.
+Cautioning the knight, if he valued his neck, to tread carefully,
+Jonathan then descended a steep flight of steps; and, having reached the
+bottom in safety, he pushed open a door, that swung back on its hinges
+as soon as it had admitted him; and, followed by Trenchard, entered the
+night-cellar.
+
+The vault, in which Sir Rowland found himself, resembled in some measure
+the cabin of a ship. It was long and narrow, with a ceiling supported
+by huge uncovered rafters, and so low as scarcely to allow a tall man
+like himself to stand erect beneath it. Notwithstanding the heat of the
+season,--which was not, however, found particularly inconvenient in this
+subterranean region,--a large heaped-up fire blazed ruddily in one
+corner, and lighted up a circle of as villanous countenances as ever
+flame shone upon.
+
+The guests congregated within the night-cellar were, in fact, little
+better than thieves; but thieves who confined their depredations almost
+exclusively to the vessels lying in the pool and docks of the river.
+They had as many designations as grades. There were game watermen and
+game lightermen, heavy horsemen and light horsemen, scuffle-hunters, and
+long-apron men, lumpers, journeymen coopers, mud-larks, badgers, and
+ratcatchers--a race of dangerous vermin recently, in a great measure,
+extirpated by the vigilance of the Thames Police, but at this period
+flourishing in vast numbers. Besides these plunderers, there were others
+with whom the disposal of their pillage necessarily brought them into
+contact, and who seldom failed to attend them during their hours of
+relaxation and festivity;--to wit, dealers in junk, old rags, and marine
+stores, purchasers of prize-money, crimps, and Jew receivers. The latter
+formed by far the most knavish-looking and unprepossessing portion of
+the assemblage. One or two of the tables were occupied by groups of fat
+frowzy women in flat caps, with rings on their thumbs, and baskets by
+their sides; and no one who had listened for a single moment to their
+coarse language and violent abuse of each other, would require to be
+told they were fish-wives from Billingsgate.
+
+The present divinity of the cellar was a comely middle-aged dame, almost
+as stout, and quite as shrill-voiced, as the Billingsgate fish-wives
+above-mentioned, Mrs. Spurling, for so was she named, had a warm
+nut-brown complexion, almost as dark as a Creole; and a moustache on her
+upper lip, that would have done no discredit to the oldest dragoon in
+the King's service. This lady was singularly lucky in her matrimonial
+connections. She had been married four times: three of her husbands died
+of hempen fevers; and the fourth, having been twice condemned, was saved
+from the noose by Jonathan Wild, who not only managed to bring him off,
+but to obtain for him the situation of under-turnkey in Newgate.
+
+On the appearance of the thief-taker, Mrs. Spurling was standing near
+the fire superintending some culinary preparation; but she no sooner
+perceived him, than hastily quitting her occupation, she elbowed a way
+for him and the knight through the crowd, and ushered them, with much
+ceremony, into an inner room, where they found the objects of their
+search, Quilt Arnold and Rykhart Van Galgebrok, seated at a small table,
+quietly smoking. This service rendered, without waiting for any farther
+order, she withdrew.
+
+Both the janizary and the skipper arose as the others entered the room.
+
+"This is the gentleman," observed Jonathan, introducing Trenchard to the
+Hollander, "who is about to intrust his young relation to your care."
+
+"De gentleman may rely on my showing his relation all de attention in my
+power," replied Van Galgebrok, bowing profoundly to the knight; "but if
+any unforseen accident--such as a slip overboard--should befal de jonker
+on de voyage, he mushn't lay de fault entirely on my shoulders--haw!
+haw!"
+
+"Where is he?" asked Sir Rowland, glancing uneasily around. "I do not
+see him."
+
+"De jonker. He's here," returned the skipper, pointing significantly
+downwards. "Bring him out, Quilt."
+
+So saying, he pushed aside the table, and the janizary stooping down,
+undrew a bolt and opened a trap-door.
+
+"Come out!" roared Quilt, looking into the aperture. "You're wanted."
+
+But as no answer was returned, he trust his arm up to the shoulder into
+the hole, and with some little difficulty and exertion of strength, drew
+forth Thames Darrell.
+
+The poor boy, whose hands were pinioned behind him, looked very pale,
+but neither trembled, nor exhibited any other symptom of alarm.
+
+"Why didn't you come out when I called you, you young dog?" cried Quilt
+in a savage tone.
+
+"Because I knew what you wanted me for!" answered Thames firmly.
+
+"Oh! you did, did you?" said the janizary. "And what do you suppose we
+mean to do with you, eh?"
+
+"You mean to kill me," replied Thames, "by my cruel uncle's command. Ah!
+there he stands!" he exclaimed as his eye fell for the first time upon
+Sir Rowland. "Where is my mother?" he added, regarding the knight with a
+searching glance.
+
+"Your mother is dead," interposed Wild, scowling.
+
+"Dead!" echoed the boy. "Oh no--no! You say this to terrify me--to try
+me. But I will not believe you. Inhuman as he is, he would not kill her.
+Tell me, Sir," he added, advancing towards the knight, "tell me has this
+man spoken falsely?--Tell me my mother is alive, and do what you please
+with me."
+
+"Tell him so, and have done with him, Sir Rowland," observed Jonathan
+coldly.
+
+"Tell me the truth, I implore you," cried Thames. "Is she alive?"
+
+"She is not," replied Trenchard, overcome by conflicting emotions, and
+unable to endure the boy's agonized look.
+
+"Are you answered?" said Jonathan, with a grin worthy of a demon.
+
+"My mother!--my poor mother!" ejaculated Thames, falling on his knees,
+and bursting into tears. "Shall I never see that sweet face
+again,--never feel the pressure of those kind hands more--nor listen to
+that gentle voice! Ah! yes, we shall meet again in Heaven, where I shall
+speedily join you. Now then," he added more calmly, "I am ready to die.
+The only mercy you can show me is to kill me."
+
+"Then we won't even show you that mercy," retorted the thief-taker
+brutally. "So get up, and leave off whimpering. Your time isn't come
+yet."
+
+"Mr. Wild," said Trenchard, "I shall proceed no further in this
+business. Set the boy free."
+
+"If I disobey you, Sir Rowland," replied the thief-taker, "you'll thank
+me for it hereafter. Gag him," he added, pushing Thames rudely toward
+Quilt Arnold, "and convey him to the boat."
+
+"A word," cried the boy, as the janizary was preparing to obey his
+master's orders. "What has become of Jack Sheppard?"
+
+"Devil knows!" answered Quilt; "but I believe he's in the hands of
+Blueskin, so there's no doubt he'll soon be on the high-road to Tyburn."
+
+"Poor Jack!" sighed Thames. "You needn't gag me," he added, "I'll not
+cry out."
+
+"We won't trust you, my youngster," answered the janizary. And,
+thrusting a piece of iron into his mouth, he forced him out of the room.
+
+Sir Rowland witnessed these proceedings like one stupified. He neither
+attempted to prevent his nephew's departure, nor to follow him.
+
+Jonathan kept his keen eye fixed upon him, as he addressed himself for a
+moment to the Hollander.
+
+"Is the case of watches on board?" he asked in an under tone.
+
+"Ja," replied the skipper.
+
+"And the rings?"
+
+"Ja."
+
+"That's well. You must dispose of the goldsmith's note I gave you
+yesterday, as soon as you arrive at Rotterdam. It'll be advertised
+to-morrow."
+
+"De duivel!" exclaimed Van Galgebrok, "Very well. It shall be done as
+you direct. But about dat jonker," he continued, lowering his voice;
+"have you anything to add consarnin' him? It's almosht a pity to put him
+onder de water."
+
+"Is the sloop ready to sail?" asked Wild, without noticing the skipper's
+remark.
+
+"Ja," answered Van; "at a minut's nodish."
+
+"Here are your despatches," said Jonathan with a significant look, and
+giving him a sealed packet. "Open them when you get on board--not
+before, and act as they direct you."
+
+"I ondershtand," replied the skipper, putting his finger to his nose;
+"it shall be done."
+
+"Sir Rowland," said Jonathan, turning to the knight, "will it please you
+to remain here till I return, or will you accompany us?"
+
+"I will go with you," answered Trenchard, who, by this time, had
+regained his composure, and with it all his relentlessness of purpose.
+
+"Come, then," said Wild, marching towards the door, "we've no time to
+lose."
+
+Quitting the night-cellar, the trio soon arrived at the riverside. Quilt
+Arnold was stationed at the stair-head, near which the boat containing
+the captive boy was moored. A few words passed between him and the
+thief-taker as the latter came up; after which, all the party--with the
+exception of Quilt, who was left on shore--embarked within the wherry,
+which was pushed from the strand and rowed swiftly along the stream--for
+the tide was in its favour--by a couple of watermen. Though scarcely two
+hours past midnight, it was perfectly light. The moon had arisen, and
+everything could be as plainly distinguished as during the day. A thin
+mist lay on the river, giving the few craft moving about in it a ghostly
+look. As they approached London Bridge, the thief-taker whispered Van
+Galgebrok, who acted as steersman, to make for a particular arch--near
+the Surrey shore. The skipper obeyed, and in another moment, they swept
+through the narrow lock. While the watermen were contending with the
+eddies occasioned by the fall below the bridge, Jonathan observed a
+perceptible shudder run through Trenchard's frame.
+
+"You remember that starling, Sir Rowland," he said maliciously, "and
+what occurred on it, twelve years ago?"
+
+"Too well," answered the knight, frowning. "Ah! what is that?" he cried,
+pointing to a dark object floating near them amid the boiling waves, and
+which presented a frightful resemblance to a human face.
+
+"We'll see," returned the thief-taker. And, stretching out his hand, he
+lifted the dark object from the flood.
+
+It proved to be a human head, though with scarcely a vestige of the
+features remaining. Here and there, patches of flesh adhered to the
+bones, and the dank dripping hair hanging about what had once been the
+face, gave it a ghastly appearance.
+
+"It's the skull of a _rebel_," said Jonathan, with marked emphasis on
+the word, "blown by the wind from a spike on the bridge above us. I
+don't know whose brainless head it may be, but it'll do for my
+collection." And he tossed it carelessly into the bottom of the boat.
+
+After this occurence, not a word was exchanged between them until they
+came in sight of the sloop, which was lying at anchor off Wapping.
+Arrived at her side, it was soon evident, from the throng of seamen in
+Dutch dresses that displayed themselves, that her crew were on the
+alert, and a rope having been thrown down to the skipper, he speedily
+hoisted himself on deck. Preparations were next made for taking Thames
+on board. Raising him in his arms, Jonathan passed the rope round his
+body, and in this way the poor boy was drawn up without difficulty.
+
+While he was swinging in mid air, Thames regarded his uncle with a stern
+look, and cried in a menacing voice, "We shall meet again."
+
+"Not in this world," returned Jonathan. "Weigh anchor, Van!" he shouted
+to the skipper, "and consult your despatches."
+
+"Ja--ja," returned the Hollander. And catching hold of Thames, he
+quitted the deck.
+
+Shortly afterwards, he re-appeared with the information that the captive
+was safe below; and giving the necessary directions to his crew, before
+many minutes had elapsed, the Zeeslang spread her canvass to the first
+breeze of morning.
+
+By the thief-taker's command, the boat was then rowed toward a muddy
+inlet, which has received in more recent times the name of Execution
+Dock. As soon as she reached this spot, Wild sprang ashore, and was
+joined by several persons,--among whom was Quilt Arnold, leading a
+horse by the bridle,--he hastened down the stairs to meet him. A coach
+was also in attendance, at a little distance.
+
+Sir Rowland, who had continued absorbed in thought, with his eyes fixed
+upon the sloop, as she made her way slowly down the river, disembarked
+more leisurely.
+
+"At length I am my own master," murmured the knight, as his foot touched
+the strand.
+
+"Not so, Sir Rowland," returned Jonathan; "you are my prisoner."
+
+"How!" ejaculated Trenchard, starting back and drawing his sword.
+
+"You are arrested for high treason," rejoined Wild, presenting a pistol
+at his head, while he drew forth a parchment,--"here is my warrant."
+
+"Traitor!" cried Sir Rowland--"damned--double-dyed traitor!"
+
+"Away with him," vociferated Jonathan to his myrmidons, who, having
+surrounded Trenchard, hurried him off to the coach before he could utter
+another word,--"first to Mr. Walpole, and then to Newgate. And now,
+Quilt," he continued, addressing the janizary, who approached him with
+the horse, "fly to St. Giles's round-house, and if, through the agency
+of that treacherous scoundrel, Terry O'Flaherty, whom I've put in my
+Black List, old Wood should have found his way there, and have been
+detained by Sharpies as I directed, you may release him. I don't care
+how soon he learns that he has lost his adopted son. When I've escorted
+you proud fool to his new quarters, I'll proceed to the Mint and look
+after Jack Sheppard."
+
+With this, he mounted his steed and rode off.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+How Jack Sheppard broke out of the Cage at Willesden.
+
+
+The heart-piercing scream uttered by Mrs. Sheppard after the commission
+of the robbery in Willesden church was productive of unfortunate
+consequences to her son. Luckily, she was bereft of consciousness, and
+was thus spared the additional misery of witnessing what afterwards
+befell him. Startled by the cry, as may be supposed, the attention of
+the whole congregation was drawn towards the quarter whence it
+proceeded. Amongst others, a person near the door, roused by the shriek,
+observed a man make his exit with the utmost precipitation. A boy
+attempted to follow; but as the suspicions of the lookers-on were roused
+by the previous circumstances, the younger fugitive was seized and
+detained. Meanwhile, Mr. Kneebone, having been alarmed by something in
+the widow's look before her feelings found vent in the manner above
+described, thrust his hand instinctively into his coat in search of his
+pocket-book,--about the security of which, as it contained several
+letters and documents implicating himself and others in the Jacobite
+plot, he was, not unnaturally, solicitous,--and finding it gone, he felt
+certain he had been robbed. Turning quickly round, in the hope of
+discovering the thief, he was no less surprised than distressed--for in
+spite of his faults, the woollen-draper was a good-natured fellow--to
+perceive Jack Sheppard in custody. The truth at once flashed across his
+mind. This, then, was the cause of the widow's wild inexplicable
+look,--of her sudden shriek! Explaining his suspicious in a whisper to
+Jack's captor, who proved to be a church-warden and a constable, by name
+John Dump,--Mr. Kneebone begged him to take the prisoner into the
+churchyard. Dump instantly complied, and as soon as Jack was removed
+from the sacred edifice, his person was searched from head to foot--but
+without success. Jack submitted to this scrutiny with a very bad grace,
+and vehemently protested his innocence. In vain did the woollen-draper
+offer to set him free if he would restore the stolen article, or give up
+his associate, to whom it was supposed he might have handed it. He
+answered with the greatest assurance, that he knew nothing whatever of
+the matter--had seen no pocket-book, and no associate to give up. Nor
+did he content himself with declaring his guiltlessness of the crime
+imputed to him, but began in his turn to menace his captor and accuser,
+loading the latter with the bitterest upbraidings. By this time, the
+churchyard was crowded with spectators, some of whom dispersed in
+different directions in quest of the other robber. But all that could be
+ascertained in the village was, that a man had ridden off a short time
+before in the direction of London. Of this man Kneebone resolved to go
+in pursuit; and leaving Jack in charge of the constable, he proceeded to
+the small inn,--which bore then, as it bears now, the name of the Six
+Bells,--where, summoning the hostler, his steed was instantly brought
+him, and, springing on its back, he rode away at full speed.
+
+Meanwhile, after a consultation between Mr. Dump and the village
+authorities, it was agreed to lock up the prisoner in the cage. As he
+was conveyed thither, an incident occurred that produced a considerable
+impression on the feelings of the youthful offender. Just as they
+reached the eastern outlet of the churchyard--where the tall elms cast a
+pleasant shade over the rustic graves--a momentary stoppage took place.
+At this gate two paths meet. Down that on the right the young culprit
+was dragged--along that on the left a fainting woman was borne in the
+arms of several females. It was his mother, and as he gazed on her
+pallid features and motionless frame, Jack's heart severely smote him.
+He urged his conductors to a quicker pace to get out of sight of the
+distressing spectacle, and even felt relieved when he was shut out from
+it and the execrations of the mob by the walls of the little prison.
+
+The cage at Willesden was, and is--for it is still standing--a small
+round building about eight feet high, with a pointed tiled roof, to
+which a number of boards, inscribed with the names of the parish
+officers, and charged with a multitude of admonitory notices to vagrants
+and other disorderly persons, are attached. Over these boards the two
+arms of a guide-post serve to direct the way-farer--on the right hand to
+the neighbouring villages of Neasdon and Kingsbury, and on the left to
+the Edgeware Road and the healthy heights of Hampstead. The cage has a
+strong door, with an iron grating at the top, and further secured by a
+stout bolt and padlock. It is picturesquely situated beneath a tree on
+the high road, not far from the little hostel before mentioned, and at
+no great distance from the church.
+
+For some time after he was locked up in this prison Jack continued in a
+very dejected state. Deserted by his older companion in iniquity, and
+instigator to crime, he did not know what might become of him; nor, as
+we have observed, was the sad spectacle he had just witnessed, without
+effect. Though within the last two days he had committed several heinous
+offences, and one of a darker dye than any with which the reader has
+been made acquainted, his breast was not yet so callous as to be wholly
+insensible to the stings of conscience. Wearied at length with thinking
+on the past, and terrified by the prospect of the future, he threw
+himself on the straw with which the cage was littered, and endeavoured
+to compose himself to slumber. When he awoke, it was late in the day;
+but though he heard voices outside, and now and then caught a glimpse of
+a face peeping at him through the iron grating over the door, no one
+entered the prison, or held any communication with him. Feeling rather
+exhausted, it occurred to him that possibly some provisions might have
+been left by the constable; and, looking about, he perceived a pitcher
+of water and a small brown loaf on the floor. He ate of the bread with
+great appetite, and having drunk as much as he chose of the water,
+poured the rest on the floor. His hunger satisfied, his spirits began to
+revive, and with this change of mood all his natural audacity returned.
+And here he was first visited by that genius which, in his subsequent
+career, prompted him to so many bold and successful attempts. Glancing
+around his prison, he began to think it possible he might effect an
+escape from it. The door was too strong, and too well secured, to break
+open,--the walls too thick: but the ceiling,--if he could reach
+it--there, he doubted not, he could make an outlet. While he was
+meditating flight in this way, and tossing about on the straw, he
+chanced upon an old broken and rusty fork. Here was an instrument which
+might be of the greatest service to him in accomplishing his design. He
+put it carefully aside, resolved to defer the attempt till night. Time
+wore on somewhat slowly with the prisoner, who had to control his
+impatience in the best way he could; but as the shades of evening were
+darkening, the door was unlocked, and Mr. Dump popped his head into the
+cage. He brought another small loaf, and a can with which he replenished
+the pitcher, recommending Jack to be careful, as he would get nothing
+further till morning. To this Jack replied, that he should be perfectly
+contented, provided he might have a small allowance of gin. The latter
+request, though treated with supreme contempt by Mr. Dump, made an
+impression on some one outside; for not long after the constable
+departed, Jack heard a tap at the door, and getting up at the summons,
+he perceived the tube of a pipe inserted between the bars. At once
+divining the meaning of this ingenious device, he applied his mouth to
+the tube, and sucked away, while the person outside poured spirit into
+the bowl. Having drunk as much as he thought prudent, and thanked his
+unknown friend for his attention, Jack again lay down on the straw, and
+indulged himself with another nap, intending to get up as soon as it was
+perfectly dark. The strong potation he had taken, combined with fatigue
+and anxiety he had previously undergone, made him oversleep himself, and
+when he awoke it was just beginning to grow light. Cursing himself for
+his inertness, Jack soon shook off this drowsiness, and set to work in
+earnest. Availing himself of certain inequalities in the door, he soon
+managed to climb up to the roof; and securing his feet against a slight
+projection in the wall, began to use the fork with great effect. Before
+many minutes elapsed, he had picked a large hole in the plaster, which
+showered down in a cloud of dust; and breaking off several laths, caught
+hold of a beam, by which he held with one hand, until with the other he
+succeeded, not without some difficulty, in forcing out one of the tiles.
+The rest was easy. In a few minutes more he had made a breach in the
+roof wide enough to allow him to pass through. Emerging from this
+aperture, he was about to descend, when he was alarmed by hearing the
+tramp of horses' feet swiftly approaching, and had only time to hide
+himself behind one of the largest sign-boards before alluded to when two
+horsemen rode up. Instead of passing on, as Jack expected, these persons
+stopped opposite the cage, when one of them, as he judged from the
+sound, for he did not dare to look out of his hiding place, dismounted.
+A noise was next heard, as if some instrument were applied to the door
+with the intent to force it open, and Jack's fears were at once
+dispelled, At first, he had imagined they were officers of justice, come
+to convey him to a stronger prison: but the voice of one of the parties,
+which he recognised, convinced him they were his friends.
+
+"Look quick, Blueskin, and be cursed to you!" was growled in the deep
+tones of Jonathan Wild. "We shall have the whole village upon us while
+you're striking the jigger. Use the gilt, man!"
+
+"There's no need of picklock or crow-bar, here, Mr. Wild," cried Jack,
+placing his hat on the right arm of the guide-post, and leaning over the
+board, "I've done the trick myself."
+
+"Why, what the devil's this?" vociferated Jonathan, looking up. "Have
+you broken out of the cage, Jack?"
+
+"Something like it," replied the lad carelessly.
+
+"Bravo!" cried the thief-taker approvingly.
+
+"Well, that beats all I ever heard of!" roared Blueskin.
+
+"But are you really there?"
+
+"No, I'm here," answered Jack, leaping down. "I tell you what, Mr.
+Wild," he added, laughing, "it must be a stronger prison than Willesden
+cage that can hold me."
+
+"Ay, ay," observed Jonathan, "you'll give the keepers of his Majesty's
+jails some trouble before you're many years older, I'll warrant you. But
+get up behind, Blueskin. Some one may observe us."
+
+"Come, jump up," cried Blueskin, mounting his steed, "and I'll soon wisk
+you to town. Edgeworth Bess and Poll Maggot are dying to see you. I
+thought Bess would have cried her pretty eyes out when she heard you was
+nabbed. You need give yourself no more concern about Kneebone. Mr. Wild
+has done his business."
+
+"Ay--ay," laughed Jonathan. "The pocket-book you prigged contained the
+letters I wanted. He's now in spring-ankle warehouse with Sir Rowland
+Trenchard. So get up, and let's be off."
+
+"Before I leave this place, I must see my mother."
+
+"Nonsense," returned Jonathan gruffly. "Would you expose yourself to
+fresh risk? If it hadn't been for her you wouldn't have been placed in
+your late jeopardy."
+
+"I don't care for that," replied Jack. "See her I _will_. Leave me
+behind: I'm not afraid. I'll be at the Cross Shovels in the course of
+the day."
+
+"Nay, if you're bent upon this folly," observed Wild, who appeared to
+have his own reasons for humouring the lad, "I shan't hinder you.
+Blueskin will take care of the horses, and I'll go with you."
+
+So saying, he dismounted; and flinging his bridle to his companion, and
+ordering him to ride off to a little distance, he followed Jack, who had
+quitted the main road, and struck into a narrow path opposite the cage.
+This path, bordered on each side by high privet hedges of the most
+beautiful green, soon brought them to a stile.
+
+"There's the house," said Jack, pointing to a pretty cottage, the small
+wooden porch of which was covered with roses and creepers, with a little
+trim garden in front of it. "I'll be back in a minute."
+
+"Don't hurry yourself," said Jonathan, "I'll wait for you here."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+Good and Evil.
+
+
+As Jack opened the gate, and crossed the little garden, which exhibited
+in every part the neatness and attention of its owner, he almost
+trembled at the idea of further disturbing her peace of mind. Pausing
+with the intention of turning back, he glanced in the direction of the
+village church, the tower of which could just be seen through the trees.
+The rooks were cawing amid the boughs, and all nature appeared awaking
+to happiness. From this peaceful scene Jack's eye fell upon Jonathan,
+who, seated upon the stile, under the shade of an elder tree, was
+evidently watching him. A sarcastic smile seemed to play upon the
+chief-taker's lips; and abashed at his own irresolution, the lad went
+on.
+
+After knocking for some time at the door without effect, he tried the
+latch, and to his surprise found it open. He stepped in with a heavy
+foreboding of calamity. A cat came and rubbed herself against him as he
+entered the house, and seemed by her mewing to ask him for food. That
+was the only sound he heard.
+
+Jack was almost afraid of speaking; but at length he summoned courage to
+call out "Mother!"
+
+"Who's there?" asked a faint voice from the bed.
+
+"Your son," answered the boy.
+
+"Jack," exclaimed the widow, starting up and drawing back the curtain.
+"Is it indeed you, or am I dreaming?"
+
+"You're not dreaming, mother," he answered. "I'm come to say good bye to
+you, and to assure you of my safety before I leave this place."
+
+"Where are you going?" asked his mother.
+
+"I hardly know," returned Jack; "but it's not safe for me to remain much
+longer here."
+
+"True," replied the widow, upon whom all the terrible recollections of
+the day before crowded, "I know it isn't. I won't keep you long. But
+tell me how have you escaped from the confinement in which you were
+placed--come and sit by me--here--upon the bed--give me your hand--and
+tell me all about it."
+
+Her son complied, and sat down upon the patch-work coverlet beside her.
+
+"Jack," said Mrs. Sheppard, clasping him with a hand that burnt with
+fever, "I have been ill--dreadfully ill--I believe delirious--I thought
+I should have died last night--I won't tell you what agony you have
+caused me--I won't reproach you. Only promise me to amend--to quit your
+vile companions--and I will forgive you--will bless you. Oh! my dear,
+dear son, be warned in time. You are in the hands of a wicked, a
+terrible man, who will not stop till he has completed your destruction.
+Listen to your mother's prayers, and do not let her die broken-hearted."
+
+"It is too late," returned Jack, sullenly; "I can't be honest if I
+would."
+
+"Oh! do not say so," replied his wretched parent. "It is never too late.
+I know you are in Jonathan Wild's power, for I saw him near you in the
+church; and if ever the enemy of mankind was permitted to take human
+form, I beheld him then. Beware of him, my son! Beware of him! You know
+not what villany he is capable of. Be honest, and you will be happy. You
+are yet a child; and though you have strayed from the right path, a
+stronger hand than your own has led you thence. Return, I implore of
+you, to your master,--to Mr. Wood. Acknowledge your faults. He is all
+kindness, and will overlook them for your poor father's sake--for mine.
+Return to him, I say--"
+
+"I can't," replied Jack, doggedly.
+
+"Can't!" repeated his mother. "Why not?"
+
+"_I'll_ tell you," cried a deep voice from the back of the bed. And
+immediately afterwards the curtain was drawn aside, and disclosed the
+Satanic countenance of Jonathan Wild, who had crept into the house
+unperceived, "I'll tell you, why he can't go back to his master," cried
+the thief-taker, with a malignant grin. "He has robbed him."
+
+"Robbed him!" screamed the widow. "Jack!"
+
+Her son averted his gaze.
+
+"Ay, robbed him," reiterated Jonathan. "The night before last, Mr.
+Wood's house was broken into and plundered. Your son was seen by the
+carpenter's wife in company with the robbers. Here," he added, throwing
+a handbill on the bed, "are the particulars of the burglary, with the
+reward for Jack's apprehension."
+
+"Ah!" ejaculated the widow, hiding her face.
+
+"Come," said Wild, turning authoritatively to Jack,--"you have
+overstayed your time."
+
+"Do not go with him, Jack!" shrieked his mother. "Do not--do not!"
+
+"He _must!_" thundered Jonathan, "or he goes to jail."
+
+"If you must go to prison, I will go with you," cried Mrs. Sheppard:
+"but avoid that man as you would a serpent."
+
+"Come along," thundered Jonathan.
+
+"Hear me, Jack!" shrieked his mother. "You know not what you do. The
+wretch you confide in has sworn to hang you. As I hope for mercy, I
+speak the truth!--let him deny it if he can."
+
+"Pshaw!" said Wild. "I could hang him now if I liked. But he may remain
+with you if he pleases: _I_ sha'n't hinder him."
+
+"You hear, my son," said the widow eagerly. "Choose between good and
+evil;--between him and me. And mind, your life,--more than your
+life--hangs upon your choice."
+
+"It does so," said Wild. "Choose, Jack."
+
+The lad made no answer, but left the room.
+
+"He is gone!" cried Mrs. Sheppard despairingly.
+
+"For ever!" said the thief-taker, preparing to follow.
+
+"Devil!" cried the widow, catching his arm, and gazing with frantic
+eagerness in his face, "how many years will you give my son before you
+execute your terrible threat?"
+
+"NINE!" answered Jonathan sternly.
+
+
+END OF THE SECOND EPOCH.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+EPOCH THE THIRD.
+
+1724
+
+THE PRISON-BREAKER.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+The Return.
+
+
+Nearly nine years after the events last recorded, and about the middle
+of May, 1724, a young man of remarkably prepossessing appearance took
+his way, one afternoon, along Wych Street; and, from the curiosity with
+which he regarded the houses on the left of the road, seemed to be in
+search of some particular habitation. The age of this individual could
+not be more than twenty-one; his figure was tall, robust, and gracefully
+proportioned; and his clear gray eye and open countenance bespoke a
+frank, generous, and resolute nature. His features were regular, and
+finely-formed; his complexion bright and blooming,--a little shaded,
+however, by travel and exposure to the sun; and, with a praiseworthy
+contempt for the universal and preposterous fashion then prevailing, of
+substituting a peruke for the natural covering of the head, he allowed
+his own dark-brown hair to fall over his shoulders in ringlets as
+luxuriant as those that distinguished the court gallant in Charles the
+Second's days--a fashion, which we do not despair of seeing revived in
+our own days. He wore a French military undress of the period, with high
+jack-boots, and a laced hat; and, though his attire indicated no
+particular rank, he had completely the air of a person of distinction.
+Such was the effect produced upon the passengers by his good looks and
+manly deportment, that few--especially of the gentler and more
+susceptible sex--failed to turn round and bestow a second glance upon
+the handsome stranger. Unconscious of the interest he excited, and
+entirely occupied by his own thoughts--which, if his bosom could have
+been examined, would have been found composed of mingled hopes and
+fears--the young man walked on till he came to an old house, with great
+projecting bay windows on the first floor, and situated as nearly as
+possible at the back of St. Clement's church. Here he halted; and,
+looking upwards, read, at the foot of an immense sign-board, displaying
+a gaudily-painted angel with expanded pinions and an olive-branch, not
+the name he expected to find, but that of WILLIAM KNEEBONE,
+WOOLLEN-DRAPER.
+
+Tears started to the young man's eyes on beholding the change, and it
+was with difficulty he could command himself sufficiently to make the
+inquiries he desired to do respecting the former owner of the house. As
+he entered the shop, a tall portly personage advanced to meet him, whom
+he at once recognised as the present proprietor. Mr. Kneebone was
+attired in the extremity of the mode. A full-curled wig descended
+half-way down his back and shoulders; a neckcloth of "right Mechlin" was
+twisted round his throat so tightly as almost to deprive him of breath,
+and threaten him with apoplexy; he had lace, also, at his wrists and
+bosom; gold clocks to his hose, and red heels to his shoes. A stiff,
+formally-cut coat of cinnamon-coloured cloth, with rows of plate
+buttons, each of the size of a crown piece, on the sleeves, pockets, and
+skirts, reached the middle of his legs; and his costume was completed by
+the silver-hilted sword at his side, and the laced hat under his left
+arm.
+
+Bowing to the stranger, the woollen-draper very politely requested to
+know his business.
+
+"I'm almost afraid to state it," faltered the other; "but, may I ask
+whether Mr. Wood, the carpenter, who formerly resided here, is still
+living?"
+
+"If you feel any anxiety on his account, Sir, I'm happy to be able to
+relieve it," answered Kneebone, readily. "My good friend, Owen
+Wood,--Heaven preserve him!--_is_ still living. And, for a man who'll
+never see sixty again, he's in excellent preservation, I assure you."
+
+"You delight me with the intelligence," said the stranger, entirely
+recovering his cheerfulness of look.
+
+"I began to fear, from his having quitted the old place, that some
+misfortune must have befallen him."
+
+"Quite the contrary," rejoined the woollen-draper, laughing
+good-humouredly. "Everything has prospered with him in an extraordinary
+manner. His business has thriven; legacies have unexpectedly dropped
+into his lap; and, to crown all, he has made a large fortune by a lucky
+speculation in South-Sea stock,--made it, too, where so many others have
+lost fortunes, your humble servant amongst the number--ha! ha! In a
+word, Sir, Mr. Wood is now in very affluent circumstances. He stuck to
+the shop as long as it was necessary, and longer, in my opinion. When he
+left these premises, three years ago, I took them from him; or
+rather--to deal frankly with you,--he placed me in them rent-free, for,
+I'm not ashamed to confess it, I've had losses, and heavy ones; and, if
+it hadn't been for him, I don't know where I should have been. Mr. Wood,
+Sir," he added, with much emotion, "is one of the best of men, and would
+be the happiest, were it not that--" and he hesitated.
+
+"Well, Sir?" cried the other, eagerly.
+
+"His wife is still living," returned Kneebone, drily.
+
+"I understand," replied the stranger, unable to repress a smile. "But,
+it strikes me, I've heard that Mrs. Wood was once a favourite of yours."
+
+"So she was," replied the woollen-draper, helping himself to an enormous
+pinch of snuff with the air of a man who does not dislike to be rallied
+about his gallantry,--"so she was. But those days are over--quite over.
+Since her husband has laid me under such a weight of obligation, I
+couldn't, in honour, continue--hem!" and he took another explanatory
+pinch. "Added to which, she is neither so young as she was, nor, is her
+temper by any means improved--hem!"
+
+"Say no more on the subject, Sir," observed the stranger, gravely; "but
+let us turn to a more agreeable one--her daughter."
+
+"That is a far more agreeable one, I must confess," returned Kneebone,
+with a self-sufficient smirk.
+
+The stranger looked at him as if strongly disposed to chastise his
+impertinence.
+
+"Is she married?" he asked, after a brief pause.
+
+"Married!--no--no," replied the woollen-draper. "Winifred Wood will
+never marry, unless the grave can give up its dead. When a mere child
+she fixed her affections upon a youth named Thames Darrell, whom her
+father brought up, and who perished, it is supposed, about nine years
+ago; and she has determined to remain faithful to his memory."
+
+"You astonish me," said the stranger, in a voice full of emotion.
+
+"Why it _is_ astonishing, certainly," remarked Kneebone, "to find any
+woman constant--especially to a girlish attachment; but such is the
+case. She has had offers innumerable; for where wealth and beauty are
+combined, as in her instance, suitors are seldom wanting. But she was
+not to be tempted."
+
+"She is a matchless creature!" exclaimed the young man.
+
+"So I think," replied Kneebone, again applying to the snuff-box, and by
+that means escaping the angry glance levelled at him by his companion.
+
+"I have one inquiry more to make of you, Sir," said the stranger, as
+soon as he had conquered his displeasure, "and I will then trouble you
+no further. You spoke just now of a youth whom Mr. Wood brought up. As
+far as I recollect, there were two. What has become of the other?"
+
+"Why, surely you don't mean Jack Sheppard?" cried the woollen-draper in
+surprise.
+
+"That was the lad's name," returned the stranger.
+
+"I guessed from your dress and manner, Sir, that you must have been long
+absent from your own country," said Kneebone; "and now I'm convinced of
+it, or you wouldn't have asked that question. Jack Sheppard is the talk
+and terror of the whole town. The ladies can't sleep in their beds for
+him; and as to the men, they daren't go to bed at all. He's the most
+daring and expert housebreaker that ever used a crow-bar. He laughs at
+locks and bolts; and the more carefully you guard your premises from
+him, the more likely are you to insure an attack. His exploits and
+escapes are in every body's mouth. He has been lodged in every
+round-house in the metropolis, and has broken out of them all, and
+boasts that no prison can hold him. We shall see. His skill has not been
+tried. At present, he is under the protection of Jonathan Wild."
+
+"Does that villain still maintain his power?" asked the stranger
+sternly.
+
+"He does," replied Kneebone, "and, what is more surprising, it seems to
+increase. Jonathan completely baffles and derides the ends of justice.
+It is useless to contend with him, even with right on your side. Some
+years ago, in 1715, just before the Rebellion, I was rash enough to
+league myself with the Jacobite party, and by Wild's machinations got
+clapped into Newgate, whence I was glad to escape with my head upon my
+shoulders. I charged the thief-taker, as was the fact, with having
+robbed me, by means of the lad Sheppard, whom he instigated to deed, of
+the very pocket-book he produced in evidence against me; but it was of
+no avail--I couldn't obtain a hearing. Mr. Wood fared still worse.
+Bribed by a certain Sir Rowland Trenchard, Jonathan kidnapped the
+carpenter's adopted son, Thames Darrell, and placed him in the hands of
+a Dutch Skipper, with orders to throw him overboard when he got out to
+sea; and though this was proved as clear as day, the rascal managed
+matters so adroitly, and gave such a different complexion to the whole
+affair, that he came off with flying colours. One reason, perhaps, of
+his success in this case might be, that having arrested his associate in
+the dark transaction, Sir Rowland Trenchard, on a charge of high
+treason, he was favoured by Walpole, who found his account in retaining
+such an agent. Be this as it may, Jonathan remained the victor; and
+shortly afterwards,--at the price of a third of his estate, it was
+whispered,--he procured Trenchard's liberation from confinement."
+
+At the mention of the latter occurrence, a dark cloud gathered upon the
+stranger's brow.
+
+"Do you know anything further of Sir Rowland?" he asked.
+
+"Nothing more than this," answered Kneebone,--"that after the failure of
+his projects, and the downfall of his party, he retired to his seat,
+Ashton Hall, near Manchester, and has remained there ever since,
+entirely secluded from the world."
+
+The stranger was for a moment lost in reflection.
+
+"And now, Sir," he said, preparing to take his departure, "will you add
+to the obligation already conferred by informing me where I can meet
+with Mr. Wood?"
+
+"With pleasure," replied the woollen-draper. "He lives at Dollis Hill, a
+beautiful spot near Willesden, about four or five miles from town, where
+he has taken a farm. If you ride out there, and the place is well worth
+a visit, for the magnificent view it commands of some of the finest
+country in the neighbourhood of London,--you are certain to meet with
+him. I saw him yesterday, and he told me he shouldn't stir from home for
+a week to come. He called here on his way back, after he had been to
+Bedlam to visit poor Mrs. Sheppard."
+
+"Jack's mother?" exclaimed the young man. "Gracious Heaven!--is she the
+inmate of a mad-house?"
+
+"She is, Sir," answered the woollen-draper, sadly, "driven there by her
+son's misconduct. Alas! that the punishment of his offences should fall
+on her head. Poor soul! she nearly died when she heard he had robbed his
+master; and it might have been well if she had done so, for she never
+afterwards recovered her reason. She rambles continually about Jack, and
+her husband, and that wretch Jonathan, to whom, as far as can be
+gathered from her wild ravings, she attributes all her misery. I pity
+her from the bottom of my heart. But, in the midst of all her
+affliction, she has found a steady friend in Mr. Wood, who looks after
+her comforts, and visits her constantly. Indeed, I've heard him say
+that, but for his wife, he would shelter her under his own roof. That,
+Sir, is what I call being a Good Samaritan."
+
+The stranger said nothing, but hastily brushed away a tear. Perceiving
+he was about to take leave, Kneebone ventured to ask whom he had had
+the honour of addressing.
+
+Before the question could be answered, a side-door was opened, and a
+very handsome woman of Amazonian proportions presented herself, and
+marched familiarly up to Mr. Kneebone. She was extremely showily
+dressed, and her large hooped petticoat gave additional effect to her
+lofty stature. As soon as she noticed the stranger, she honoured him
+with an extremely impudent stare, and scarcely endeavoured to disguise
+the admiration with which his good looks impressed her.
+
+"Don't you perceive, my dear Mrs. Maggot, that I'm engaged," said
+Kneebone, a little disconcerted.
+
+"Who've you got with you?" demanded the Amazon, boldly.
+
+"The gentleman is a stranger to me, Poll," replied the woollen-draper,
+with increased embarrassment. "I don't know his name." And he looked at
+the moment as if he had lost all desire to know it.
+
+"Well, he's a pretty fellow at all events," observed Mrs. Maggot, eyeing
+him from head to heel with evident satisfaction;--"a devilish pretty
+fellow!"
+
+"Upon my word, Poll," said Kneebone, becoming very red, "you might have
+a little more delicacy than to tell him so before my face."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Mrs. Maggot, drawing up her fine figure to its full
+height; "because I condescend to live with you, am I never to look at
+another man,--especially at one so much to my taste as this? Don't think
+it!"
+
+"You had better retire, Madam," said the woollen-draper, sharply, "if
+you can't conduct yourself with more propriety."
+
+"Order those who choose to obey you," rejoined the lady scornfully.
+"Though you lorded it over that fond fool, Mrs. Wood, you shan't lord it
+over me, I can promise you. That for you!" And she snapped her fingers
+in his face.
+
+"Zounds!" cried Kneebone, furiously. "Go to your own room, woman,
+directly, or I'll make you!"
+
+"Make me!" echoed Mrs. Maggot, bursting into a loud contemptuous laugh.
+"Try!"
+
+Enraged at the assurance of his mistress, the woollen-draper
+endeavoured to carry his threat into execution, but all his efforts to
+remove her were unavailing. At length, after he had given up the point
+from sheer exhaustion, the Amazon seized him by the throat, and pushed
+him backwards with such force that he rolled over the counter.
+
+"There!" she cried, laughing, "that'll teach you to lay hands upon me
+again. You should remember, before you try your strength against mine,
+that when I rescued you from the watch, and you induced me to come and
+live with you, I beat off four men, any of whom was a match for you--ha!
+ha!"
+
+"My dear Poll!" said Kneebone, picking himself up, "I entreat you to
+moderate yourself."
+
+"Entreat a fiddlestick!" retorted Mrs. Maggot: "I'm tired of you, and
+will go back to my old lover, Jack Sheppard. He's worth a dozen of you.
+Or, if this good-looking young fellow will only say the word, I'll go
+with him."
+
+"You may go, and welcome, Madam!" rejoined Kneebone, spitefully. "But, I
+should think, after the specimen you've just given of your amiable
+disposition, no person would be likely to saddle himself with such an
+incumbrance."
+
+"What say you, Sir?" said the Amazon, with an engaging leer at the
+stranger. "_You_ will find me tractable enough; and, with _me_ by, your
+side you need fear neither constable nor watchman. I've delivered Jack
+Sheppard from many an assault. I can wield a quarterstaff as well as a
+prize-fighter, and have beaten Figg himself at the broadsword. Will you
+take me?"
+
+However tempting Mrs. Maggot's offer may appear, the young man thought
+fit to decline it, and, after a few words of well-merited compliment on
+her extraordinary prowess, and renewed thanks to Mr. Kneebone, he took
+his departure.
+
+"Good bye!" cried Mrs. Maggot, kissing her hand to him. "I'll find you
+out. And now," she added, glancing contemptuously at the
+woollen-draper, "I'll go to Jack Sheppard."
+
+"You shall first go to Bridewell, you jade!" rejoined Kneebone. "Here,
+Tom," he added, calling to a shop-boy, "run and fetch a constable."
+
+"He had better bring half-a-dozen," said the Amazon, taking up a
+cloth-yard wand, and quietly seating herself; "one won't do."
+
+On leaving Mr. Kneebone's house, the young man hastened to a hotel in
+the neighbourhood of Covent Garden, where, having procured a horse, he
+shaped his course towards the west end of the town. Urging his steed
+along Oxford Road,--as that great approach to the metropolis was then
+termed,--he soon passed Marylebone Lane, beyond which, with the
+exception of a few scattered houses, the country was completely open on
+the right, and laid out in pleasant fields and gardens; nor did he draw
+in the rein until he arrived at Tyburn-gate, where, before he turned off
+upon the Edgeware Road, he halted for a moment, to glance at the place
+of execution. This "fatal retreat for the unfortunate brave" was marked
+by a low wooden railing, within which stood the triple tree. Opposite
+the gallows was an open gallery, or scaffolding, like the stand at a
+racecourse, which, on state occasions, was crowded with spectators.
+Without the inclosure were reared several lofty gibbets, with their
+ghastly burthens. Altogether, it was a hideous and revolting sight.
+Influenced, probably, by what he had heard from Mr. Kneebone, respecting
+the lawless career of Jack Sheppard, and struck with the probable fate
+that awaited him, the young man, as he contemplated this scene, fell
+into a gloomy reverie. While he was thus musing, two horsemen rode past
+him; and, proceeding to a little distance, stopped likewise. One of them
+was a stout square-built man, with a singularly swarthy complexion, and
+harsh forbidding features. He was well mounted, as was his companion;
+and had pistols in his holsters, and a hanger at his girdle. The other
+individual, who was a little in advance, was concealed from the
+stranger's view. Presently, however, a sudden movement occurred, and
+disclosed his features, which were those of a young man of nearly his
+own age. The dress of this person was excessively showy, and consisted
+of a scarlet riding-habit, lined and faced with blue, and bedizened with
+broad gold lace, a green silk-knit waistcoat, embroidered with silver,
+and decorated with a deep fringe, together with a hat tricked out in the
+same gaudy style. His figure was slight, but well-built; and, in stature
+he did not exceed five feet four. His complexion was pale; and there was
+something sinister in the expression of his large black eyes. His head
+was small and bullet-shaped, and he did not wear a wig, but had his
+sleek black hair cut off closely round his temples. A mutual recognition
+took place at the same instant between the stranger and this individual.
+Both started. The latter seemed inclined to advance and address the
+former; but suddenly changing his mind, he shouted to his companion in
+tones familiar to the stranger's ear; and, striking spurs into his
+steed, dashed off at full speed along the Edgeware Road. Impelled by a
+feeling, into which we shall not pause to inquire, the stranger started
+after them; but they were better mounted, and soon distanced him.
+Remarking that they struck off at a turning on the left, he took the
+same road, and soon found himself on Paddington-Green. A row of
+magnificent, and even then venerable, elms threw their broad arms over
+this pleasant spot. From a man, who was standing beneath the shade of
+one these noble trees, information was obtained that the horsemen had
+ridden along the Harrow Road. With a faint view of overtaking them
+the pursuer urged his steed to a quicker pace. Arrived at
+Westbourne-Green--then nothing more than a common covered with gorse and
+furzebushes, and boasting only a couple of cottages and an alehouse--he
+perceived through the hedges the objects of his search slowly ascending
+the gentle hill that rises from Kensall-Green.
+
+By the time he had reached the summit of this hill, he had lost all
+trace of them; and the ardour of the chase having in some measure
+subsided, he began to reproach himself for his folly, in having
+wandered--as he conceived--so far out of his course. Before retracing
+his steps, however, he allowed his gaze to range over the vast and
+beautiful prospect spread out beneath him, which is now hidden, from the
+traveller's view by the high walls of the General Cemetery, and can,
+consequently, only be commanded from the interior of that attractive
+place of burial,--and which, before it was intersected by canals and
+railroads, and portioned out into hippodromes, was exquisite indeed.
+After feasting his eye upon this superb panorama, he was about to
+return, when he ascertained from a farmer that his nearest road to
+Willesden would be down a lane a little further on, to the right.
+Following this direction, he opened a gate, and struck into one of the
+most beautiful green lanes imaginable; which, after various windings,
+conducted him into a more frequented road, and eventually brought him to
+the place he sought. Glancing at the finger-post over the cage, which
+has been described as situated at the outskirts of the village, and
+seeing no directions to Dollis Hill, he made fresh inquiries as to where
+it lay, from an elderly man, who was standing with another countryman
+near the little prison.
+
+"Whose house do you want, master?" said the man, touching his hat.
+
+"Mr. Wood's," was the reply.
+
+"There is Dollis Hill," said the man, pointing to a well-wooded eminence
+about a mile distant, "and there," he added, indicating the roof of a
+house just visible above a grove of trees "is Mr. Wood's. If you ride
+past the church, and mount the hill, you'll come to Neasdon and then
+you'll not have above half a mile to go."
+
+The young man thanked his informant, and was about to follow his
+instructions, when the other called after him----
+
+"I say, master, did you ever hear tell of Mr. Wood's famous 'prentice?"
+
+"What apprentice?" asked the stranger, in surprise.
+
+"Why, Jack Sheppard, the notorious house-breaker,--him as has robbed
+half Lunnun, to be sure. You must know, Sir, when he was a lad, the day
+after he broke into his master's house in Wych Street, he picked a
+gentleman's pocket in our church, during sarvice time,--that he did, the
+heathen. The gentleman catched him i' th' fact, and we shut him up for
+safety i' that pris'n. But," said the fellow, with a laugh, "he soon
+contrived to make his way out on it, though. Ever since he's become so
+famous, the folks about here ha' christened it Jack Sheppard's cage. His
+mother used to live i' this village, just down yonder; but when her son
+took to bad ways, she went distracted,--and now she's i' Bedlam, I've
+heerd."
+
+"I tell e'e what, John Dump," said the other fellow, who had hitherto
+preserved silence, "I don't know whether you talkin' o' Jack Sheppard
+has put him into my head or not; but I once had him pointed out to me,
+and if that _were_ him as I seed then, he's just now ridden past us, and
+put up at the Six Bells."
+
+"The deuce he has!" cried Dump. "If you were sure o' that we might seize
+him, and get the reward for his apprehension."
+
+"That 'ud be no such easy matter," replied the countryman. "Jack's a
+desperate fellow, and is always well armed; besides, he has a comrade
+with him. But I'll tell e'e what we _might_ do----"
+
+The young man heard no more. Taking the direction pointed out, he rode
+off. As he passed the Six Bells, he noticed the steeds of the two
+horsemen at the door; and glancing into the house, perceived the younger
+of the two in the passage. The latter no sooner beheld him than he
+dashed hastily into an adjoining room. After debating with himself
+whether he should further seek an interview, which, though, now in his
+power, was so sedulously shunned by the other party, he decided in the
+negative; and contenting himself with writing upon a slip of paper the
+hasty words,--"You are known by the villagers,--be upon your guard,"--he
+gave it to the ostler, with instructions to deliver it instantly to the
+owner of the horse he pointed out, and pursued his course.
+
+Passing the old rectory, and still older church, with its reverend
+screen of trees, and slowly ascending a hill side, from whence he
+obtained enchanting peeps of the spire and college of Harrow, he reached
+the cluster of well-built houses which constitute the village of
+Neasdon. From this spot a road, more resembling the drive through a park
+than a public thoroughfare, led him gradually to the brow of Dollis
+Hill. It was a serene and charming evening, and twilight was gently
+stealing over the face of the country. Bordered by fine timber, the road
+occasionally offered glimpses of a lovely valley, until a wider opening
+gave a full view of a delightful and varied prospect. On the left lay
+the heights of Hampstead, studded with villas, while farther off a hazy
+cloud marked the position of the metropolis. The stranger concluded he
+could not be far from his destination, and a turn in the road showed him
+the house.
+
+Beneath two tall elms, whose boughs completely overshadowed the roof,
+stood Mr. Wood's dwelling,--a plain, substantial, commodious farm-house.
+On a bench at the foot of the trees, with a pipe in his mouth, and a
+tankard by his side, sat the worthy carpenter, looking the picture of
+good-heartedness and benevolence. The progress of time was marked in Mr.
+Wood by increased corpulence and decreased powers of vision,--by deeper
+wrinkles and higher shoulders, by scantier breath and a fuller habit.
+Still he looked hale and hearty, and the country life he led had
+imparted a ruddier glow to his cheek. Around him were all the evidences
+of plenty. A world of haystacks, bean-stacks, and straw-ricks flanked
+the granges adjoining his habitation; the yard was crowded with poultry,
+pigeons were feeding at his feet, cattle were being driven towards the
+stall, horses led to the stable, a large mastiff was rattling his chain,
+and stalking majestically in front of his kennel, while a number of
+farming-men were passing and repassing about their various occupations.
+At the back of the house, on a bank, rose an old-fashioned
+terrace-garden, full of apple-trees and other fruit-trees in blossom,
+and lively with the delicious verdure of early spring.
+
+Hearing the approach of the rider, Mr. Wood turned to look at him. It
+was now getting dusk, and he could only imperfectly distinguish the
+features and figure of the stranger.
+
+"I need not ask whether this is Mr. Wood's," said the latter, "since I
+find him at his own gate."
+
+"You are right, Sir," said the worthy carpenter, rising. "I am Owen
+Wood, at your service."
+
+"You do not remember me, I dare say," observed the stranger.
+
+"I can't say I do," replied Wood. "Your voice seems familiar to
+me--and--but I'm getting a little deaf--and my eyes don't serve me quite
+so well as they used to do, especially by this light."
+
+"Never mind," returned the stranger, dismounting; "you'll recollect me
+by and by, I've no doubt. I bring you tidings of an old friend."
+
+"Then you're heartily welcome, Sir, whoever you are. Pray, walk in.
+Here, Jem, take the gentleman's horse to the stable--see him dressed and
+fed directly. Now, Sir, will you please to follow me?"
+
+Mr. Wood then led the way up a rather high and, according to modern
+notions, incommodious flight of steps, and introduced his guest to a
+neat parlour, the windows of which were darkened by pots of flowers and
+creepers. There was no light in the room; but, notwithstanding this, the
+young man did not fail to detect the buxom figure of Mrs. Wood, now more
+buxom and more gorgeously arrayed than ever,--as well as a young and
+beautiful female, in whom he was at no loss to recognise the carpenter's
+daughter.
+
+Winifred Wood was now in her twentieth year. Her features were still
+slightly marked by the disorder alluded to in the description of her as
+a child,--but that was the only drawback to her beauty. Their expression
+was so amiable, that it would have redeemed a countenance a thousand
+times plainer than hers. Her figure was perfect,--tall, graceful,
+rounded,--and, then, she had deep liquid blue eyes, that rivalled the
+stars in lustre. On the stranger's appearance, she was seated near the
+window busily occupied with her needle.
+
+"My wife and daughter, Sir," said the carpenter, introducing them to his
+guest.
+
+Mrs. Wood, whose admiration for masculine beauty was by no means abated,
+glanced at the well-proportioned figure of the young man, and made him a
+very civil salutation. Winifred's reception was kind, but more distant,
+and after the slight ceremonial she resumed her occupation.
+
+"This gentleman brings us tidings of an old friend, my dear," said the
+carpenter.
+
+"Ay, indeed! And who may that be?" inquired his wife.
+
+"One whom you may perhaps have forgotten," replied the stranger, "but
+who can never forget the kindness he experienced at your hands, or at
+those of your excellent husband."
+
+At the sound of his voice every vestige of colour fled from Winifred's
+cheeks, and the work upon which she was engaged fell from her hand.
+
+"I have a token to deliver to you," continued the stranger, addressing
+her.
+
+"To me?" gasped Winifred.
+
+"This locket," he said, taking a little ornament attached to a black
+ribband from his breast, and giving it her,--"do you remember it?"
+
+"I do--I do!" cried Winifred.
+
+"What's all this?" exclaimed Wood in amazement.
+
+"Do you not know me, father?" said the young man, advancing towards him,
+and warmly grasping his hand. "Have nine years so changed me, that there
+is no trace left of your adopted son?"
+
+"God bless me!" ejaculated the carpenter, rubbing his eyes, "can--can it
+be?"
+
+"Surely," screamed Mrs. Wood, joining the group, "it isn't Thames
+Darrell come to life again?"
+
+"It is--it is!" cried Winifred, rushing towards him, and flinging her
+arms round his neck,--"it is my dear--dear brother!"
+
+"Well, this is what I never expected to see," said the carpenter,
+wiping his eyes; "I hope I'm not dreaming! Thames, my dear boy, as soon
+as Winny has done with you, let me embrace you."
+
+"My turn comes before yours, Sir," interposed his better half. "Come to
+my arms, Thames! Oh! dear! Oh! dear!"
+
+To repeat the questions and congratulations which now ensued, or
+describe the extravagant joy of the carpenter, who, after he had hugged
+his adopted son to his breast with such warmth as almost to squeeze the
+breath from his body, capered around the room, threw his wig into the
+empty fire-grate, and committed various other fantastic actions, in
+order to get rid of his superfluous satisfaction--to describe the
+scarcely less extravagant raptures of his spouse, or the more subdued,
+but not less heartfelt delight of Winifred, would be a needless task, as
+it must occur to every one's imagination. Supper was quickly served; the
+oldest bottle of wine was brought from the cellar; the strongest barrel
+of ale was tapped; but not one of the party could eat or drink--their
+hearts were too full.
+
+Thames sat with Winifred's hand clasped in his own, and commenced a
+recital of his adventures, which may be briefly told. Carried out to sea
+by Van Galgebrok, and thrown overboard, while struggling with the waves,
+he had been picked up by a French fishing-boat, and carried to Ostend.
+After encountering various hardships and privations for a long time,
+during which he had no means of communicating with England, he, at
+length, found his way to Paris, where he was taken notice of by Cardinal
+Dubois, who employed him as one of his secretaries, and subsequently
+advanced to the service of Philip of Orleans, from whom he received a
+commission. On the death of his royal patron, he resolved to return to
+his own country; and, after various delays, which had postponed it to
+the present time, he had succeeded in accomplishing his object.
+
+Winifred listened to his narration with the profoundest attention; and,
+when it concluded, her tearful eye and throbbing bosom told how deeply
+her feelings had been interested.
+
+The discourse, then, turned to Darrell's old playmate, Jack Sheppard;
+and Mr. Wood, in deploring his wild career, adverted to the melancholy
+condition to which it had reduced his mother.
+
+"For my part, it's only what I expected of him," observed Mrs. Wood,
+"and I'm sorry and surprised he hasn't swung for his crimes before this.
+The gallows has groaned for him for years. As to his mother, I've no
+pity for her. She deserves what has befallen her."
+
+"Dear mother, don't say so," returned Winifred. "One of the consequences
+of criminal conduct, is the shame and disgrace which--worse than any
+punishment the evil-doer can suffer--is brought by it upon the innocent
+relatives; and, if Jack had considered this, perhaps he would not have
+acted as he has done, and have entailed so much misery on his unhappy
+parent."
+
+"I always detested Mrs. Sheppard," cried the carpenter's wife bitterly;
+"and, I repeat, Bedlam's too good for her."
+
+"My dear," observed Wood, "you should be more charitable--"
+
+"Charitable!" repeated his wife, "that's your constant cry. Marry, come
+up! I've been a great deal too charitable. Here's Winny always urging
+you to go and visit Mrs. Sheppard in the asylum, and take her this, and
+send her that;--and I've never prevented you, though such mistaken
+liberality's enough to provoke a saint. And, then, forsooth, she must
+needs prevent your hanging Jack Sheppard after the robbery in Wych
+Street, when you might have done so. Perhaps you'll call that charity:
+_I_ call it defeating the ends of justice. See what a horrible rascal
+you've let loose upon the world!"
+
+"I'm sure, mother," rejoined Winifred, "if any one was likely to feel
+resentment, I was; for no one could be more frightened. But I was sorry
+for poor Jack--as I am still, and hoped he would mend."
+
+"Mend!" echoed Mrs. Wood, contemptuously, "he'll never mend till he
+comes to Tyburn."
+
+"At least, I will hope so," returned Winifred. "But, as I was saying, I
+was most dreadfully frightened on the night of the robbery! Though so
+young at the time, I remember every circumstance distinctly. I was
+sitting up, lamenting your departure, dear Thames, when, hearing an odd
+noise, I went to the landing, and, by the light of a dark lantern, saw
+Jack Sheppard, stealing up stairs, followed by two men with crape on
+their faces. I'm ashamed to say that I was too much terrified to scream
+out--but ran and hid myself."
+
+"Hold your tongue!" cried Mrs. Wood. "I declare you throw me into an
+ague. Do you think _I_ forget it? Didn't they help themselves to all the
+plate and the money--to several of my best dresses, and amongst others,
+to my favourite kincob gown; and I've never been able to get another
+like it! Marry, come up! I'd hang 'em all, if I could. Were such a thing
+to happen again, I'd never let Mr. Wood rest till he brought the
+villains to justice."
+
+"I hope such a thing never _will_ happen again, my dear," observed Wood,
+mildly, "but, when it does, it will be time to consider what course we
+ought to pursue."
+
+"Let them attempt it, if they dare!" cried Mrs. Wood, who had worked
+herself into a passion; "and, I'll warrant 'em, the boldest robber among
+'em shall repent it, if he comes across me."
+
+"No doubt, my dear," acquiesced the carpenter, "no doubt."
+
+Thames, who had been more than once on the point of mentioning his
+accidental rencounter with Jack Sheppard, not being altogether without
+apprehension, from the fact of his being in the neighbourhood,--now
+judged it more prudent to say nothing on the subject, from a fear of
+increasing Mrs. Wood's displeasure; and he was the more readily induced
+to do this, as the conversation began to turn upon his own affairs. Mr.
+Wood could give him no further information respecting Sir Rowland
+Trenchard than what he had obtained from Kneebone; but begged him to
+defer the further consideration of the line of conduct he meant to
+pursue until the morrow, when he hoped to have a plan to lay before
+him, of which he would approve.
+
+The night was now advancing, and the party began to think of separating.
+As Mrs. Wood, who had recovered her good humour, quitted the room she
+bestowed a hearty embrace on Thames, and she told him laughingly, that
+she would "defer all _she_ had to propose to him until to-morrow."
+
+To-morrow! She never beheld it.
+
+After an affectionate parting with Winifred, Thames was conducted by the
+carpenter to his sleeping apartment--a comfortable cosy chamber; such a
+one, in short, as can only be met with in the country, with its
+dimity-curtained bed, its sheets fragrant of lavender, its clean white
+furniture, and an atmosphere breathing of freshness. Left to himself, he
+took a survey of the room, and his heart leaped as he beheld over the,
+chimney-piece, a portrait of himself. It was a copy of the pencil sketch
+taken of him nine years ago by Winifred, and awakened a thousand tender
+recollections.
+
+When about to retire to rest, the rencounter with Jack Sheppard again
+recurred to him, and he half blamed himself for not acquainting Mr. Wood
+with the circumstances, and putting him upon his guard against the
+possibility of an attack. On weighing the matter over, he grew so uneasy
+that he resolved to descend, and inform him of his misgivings. But, when
+he got to the door with this intention, he became ashamed of his fears;
+and feeling convinced that Jack--bad as he might be--was not capable of
+such atrocious conduct as to plunder his benefactor twice, he contented
+himself with looking to the priming of his pistols, and placing them
+near him, to be ready in case of need, he threw himself on the bed and
+speedily fell asleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+The Burglary at Dollis Hill.
+
+
+Thames Darrell's fears were not, however, groundless. Danger, in the
+form he apprehended, was lurking outside: nor was he destined to enjoy
+long repose. On receiving the warning note from the ostler, Jack
+Sheppard and his companion left Willesden, and taking--as a blind--the
+direction of Harrow, returned at night-fall by a by-lane to Neasdon, and
+put up at a little public-house called the Spotted Dog. Here they
+remained till midnight when, calling for their reckoning and their
+steeds, they left the house.
+
+It was a night well-fitted to their enterprise, calm, still, and
+profoundly dark. As they passed beneath the thick trees that shade the
+road to Dollis Hill, the gloom was almost impenetrable. The robbers
+proceeded singly, and kept on the grass skirting the road, so that no
+noise was made by their horses' feet.
+
+As they neared the house, Jack Sheppard, who led the way, halted and
+addressed his companion in a low voice:--
+
+"I don't half like this job, Blueskin," he said; "it always went against
+the grain. But, since I've seen the friend and companion of my
+childhood, Thames Darrell, I've no heart for it. Shall we turn back?"
+
+"And disappoint Mr. Wild, Captain?" remonstrated the other, in a
+deferential tone. "You know this is a pet project. It might be dangerous
+to thwart him."
+
+"Pish!" cried Jack: "I don't value his anger a straw. All our fraternity
+are afraid of him; but _I_ laugh at his threats. He daren't quarrel with
+me: and if he does, let him look to himself. I've my own reasons for
+disliking this job."
+
+"Well, you know I always act under your orders, Captain," returned
+Blueskin; "and if you give the word to retreat, I shall obey, of course:
+but I know what Edgeworth Bess will say when we go home empty-handed."
+
+"Why what will she say?" inquired Sheppard.
+
+"That we were afraid," replied the other; "but never mind her."
+
+"Ay; but I do mind her," cried Jack upon whom his comrade's observation
+had produced the desired effect. "We'll do it."
+
+"That's right, Captain," rejoined Blueskin. "You pledged yourself to
+Mr. Wild--"
+
+"I did," interrupted Jack; "and I never yet broke an engagement. Though
+a thief, Jack Sheppard is a man of his word."
+
+"To be sure he is," acquiesced Blueskin. "I should like to meet the man
+who would dare to gainsay it."
+
+"One word before we begin, Blueskin," said Jack, authoritatively; "in
+case the family should be alarmed--mind, no violence. There's one person
+in the house whom I wouldn't frighten for the world."
+
+"Wood's daughter, I suppose?" observed the other.
+
+"You've hit it," answered Sheppard.
+
+"What say you to carrying her off, Captain?" suggested Blueskin. "If
+you've a fancy for the girl, we might do it."
+
+"No--no," laughed Jack. "Bess wouldn't bear a rival. But if you wish to
+do old Wood a friendly turn, you may bring his wife."
+
+"I shouldn't mind ridding him of her," said Blueskin, gruffly; "and if
+she comes in my way, may the devil seize me if I don't make short work
+with her!"
+
+"You forget," rejoined Jack, sternly, "I've just said I'll have no
+violence--mind that."
+
+With this, they dismounted; and fastening their horses to a tree,
+proceeded towards the house. It was still so dark, that nothing could be
+distinguished except the heavy masses of timber by which the premises
+were surrounded; but as they advanced, lights were visible in some of
+the windows. Presently they came to a wall, on the other side of which
+the dog began to bark violently; but Blueskin tossed him a piece of
+prepared meat, and uttering a low growl, he became silent. They then
+clambered over a hedge, and scaling another wall, got into the garden at
+the back of the house. Treading with noiseless step over the soft mould,
+they soon reached the building. Arrived there, Jack felt about for a
+particular window; and having discovered the object of his search, and
+received the necessary implements from his companion, he instantly
+commenced operations. In a few seconds, the shutter flew open,--then
+the window,--and they were in the room. Jack now carefully closed the
+shutters, while Blueskin struck a light, with which he set fire to a
+candle. The room they were in was a sort of closet, with the door locked
+outside; but this was only a moment's obstacle to Jack, who with a
+chisel forced back the bolt. The operation was effected with so much
+rapidity and so little noise, that even if any one had been on the
+alert, he could scarcely have detected it. They then took off their
+boots, and crept stealthily up stairs, treading upon the point of their
+toes so cautiously, that not a board creaked beneath their weight.
+Pausing at each door on the landing, Jack placed his ear to the keyhole,
+and listened intently. Having ascertained by the breathing which room
+Thames occupied, he speedily contrived to fasten him in. He then tried
+the door of Mr. Wood's bed-chamber--it was locked, with the key left in
+it. This occasioned a little delay; but Jack, whose skill as a workman
+in the particular line he had chosen was unequalled, and who laughed at
+difficulties, speedily cut out a panel by means of a centre-bit and
+knife, took the key from the other side, and unlocked the door. Covering
+his face with a crape mask, and taking the candle from his associate,
+Jack entered the room; and, pistol in hand, stepped up to the bed, and
+approached the light to the eyes of the sleepers. The loud noise
+proceeding from the couch proved that their slumbers were deep and real;
+and unconscious of the danger in which she stood, Mrs. Wood turned over
+to obtain a more comfortable position. During this movement, Jack
+grasped the barrel of his pistol, held in his breath, and motioned to
+Blueskin, who bared a long knife, to keep still. The momentary alarm
+over, he threw a piece of-wash leather over a bureau, so as to deaden
+the sound, and instantly broke it open with a small crow-bar. While he
+was filling his pockets with golden coin from this store, Blueskin had
+pulled the plate-chest from under the bed, and having forced it open,
+began filling a canvass bag with its contents,--silver coffee-pots,
+chocolate-dishes, waiters trays, tankards, goblets, and candlesticks.
+It might be supposed that these articles, when thrust together into the
+bag, would have jingled; but these skilful practitioners managed matters
+so well that no noise was made. After rifling the room of everything
+portable, including some of Mrs. Wood's ornaments and wearing apparel,
+they prepared to depart. Jack then intimated his intention of visiting
+Winifred's chamber, in which several articles of value were known to be
+kept; but as, notwithstanding his reckless character, he still retained
+a feeling of respect for the object of his boyish affections, he would
+not suffer Blueskin to accompany him, so he commanded him to keep watch
+over the sleepers--strictly enjoining him, however, to do them no
+injury. Again having recourse to the centre-bit,--for Winifred's door
+was locked,--Jack had nearly cut out a panel, when a sudden outcry was
+raised in the carpenter's chamber. The next moment, a struggle was
+heard, and Blueskin appeared at the door, followed by Mrs. Wood.
+
+Jack instandly extinguished the light, and called to his comrade to come
+after him.
+
+But Blueskin found it impossible to make off,--at least with the
+spoil,--Mrs. Wood having laid hold of the canvass-bag.
+
+"Give back the things!" cried the, lady. "Help!--help, Mr. Wood!"
+
+"Leave go!" thundered Blueskin--"leave go--you'd better!"--and he held
+the sack as firmly as he could with one hand, while with the other he
+searched for his knife.
+
+"No, I won't leave go!" screamed Mrs. Wood.
+"Fire!--murder--thieves!--I've got one of 'em!"
+
+"Come along," cried Jack.
+
+"I can't," answered Blueskin. "This she-devil has got hold of the sack.
+Leave go, I tell you!" and he forced open the knife with his teeth.
+
+"Help!--murder!--thieves!" screamed Mrs. Wood;--"Owen--Owen!--Thames,
+help!"
+
+"Coming!" cried Mr. Wood, leaping from the bed. "Where are you?"
+
+"Here," replied Mrs. Wood. "Help--I'll hold him!"
+
+"Leave her," cried Jack, darting down stairs, amid a furious ringing of
+bells,--"the house is alarmed,--follow me!"
+
+"Curses light on you!" cried Blueskin, savagely; "since you won't be
+advised, take your fate."
+
+And seizing her by the hair, he pulled back her head, and drew the knife
+with all his force across her throat. There was a dreadful stifled
+groan, and she fell heavily upon the landing.
+
+The screams of the unfortunate woman had aroused Thames from his
+slumbers. Snatching-up his pistols, he rushed to the door, but to his
+horror found it fastened. He heard the struggle on the landing, the fall
+of the heavy body, the groan,--and excited almost to frenzy by his
+fears, he succeeded in forcing open the door. By this time, several of
+the terrified domestics appeared with lights. A terrible spectacle was
+presented to the young man's gaze:--the floor deluged with blood--the
+mangled and lifeless body of Mrs. Wood,--Winifred fainted in the arms of
+a female attendant,--and Wood standing beside them almost in a state of
+distraction. Thus, in a few minutes, had this happy family been plunged
+into the depths of misery. At this juncture, a cry was raised by a
+servant from below, that the robbers were flying through the garden.
+Darting to a window looking in that direction, Thames threw it up, and
+discharged both his pistols, but without effect. In another minute, the
+tramp of horses' feet told that the perpetrators of the outrage had
+effected their escape.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Jack Sheppard's Quarrel with Jonathan Wild.
+
+
+Scarcely an hour after the horrible occurrence just related, as Jonathan
+Wild was seated in the audience-chamber of his residence at the Old
+Bailey, occupied, like Peachum, (for whose portrait he sat,) with his
+account-books and registers, he was interrupted by the sudden entrance
+of Quilt Arnold, who announced Jack Sheppard and Blueskin.
+
+"Ah!" cried Wild, laying down his pen and looking up with a smile of
+satisfaction. "I was just thinking of you Jack. What news. Have you done
+the trick at Dollis Hill?--brought off the swag--eh?"
+
+"No," answered Jack, flinging himself sullenly into a chair, "I've not."
+
+"Why how's this?" exclaimed Jonathan. "Jack Sheppard failed! I'd not
+believe it, if any one but himself told me so."
+
+"I'v not failed," returned Jack, angrily; "but we've done too much."
+
+"I'm no reader of riddles," said Jonathan. "Speak plainly."
+
+"Let this speak for me," said Sheppard, tossing a heavy bag of money
+towards him. "You can generally understand that language. There's more
+than I undertook to bring. It has been purchased by blood!"
+
+"What! have you cut old Wood's throat?" asked Wild, with great
+unconcern, as he took up the bag.
+
+"If I _had_, you'd not have seen me here," replied Jack, sullenly. "The
+blood that has been spilt is that of his wife."
+
+"It was her own fault," observed Blueskin, moodily. "She wouldn't let me
+go. I did it in self-defence."
+
+"I care not why you did it," said Jack, sternly. "We work together no
+more."
+
+"Come, come, Captain," remonstrated Blueskin. "I thought you'd have got
+rid of your ill-humour by this time. You know as well as I do that it
+was accident."
+
+"Accident or not," rejoined Sheppard; "you're no longer pall of mine."
+
+"And so this is my reward for having made you the tip-top cracksman you
+are," muttered Blueskin;--"to be turned off at a moment's notice,
+because I silenced a noisy woman. It's too hard. Think better of it."
+
+"My mind's made up," rejoined Jack, coldly,--"we part to-night."
+
+"I'll not go," answered the other. "I love you like a son, and will
+follow you like a dog. You'd not know what to do without me, and shan't
+drive me off."
+
+"Well!" remarked Jonathan, who had paid little attention to the latter
+part of the conversation: "this is an awkward business certainly: but we
+must do the best we can in it. You must keep out of the way till it's
+blown over. I can accommodate you below."
+
+"I don't require it," returned Sheppard. "I'm tired of the life I'm
+leading. I shall quit it and go abroad."
+
+"I'll go with you," said Blueskin.
+
+"Before either of you go, you will ask my permission," said Jonathan,
+coolly.
+
+"How!" exclaimed Sheppard. "Do you mean to say you will interfere--"
+
+"I mean to say this," interrupted Wild, with contemptuous calmness,
+"that I'll neither allow you to leave England nor the profession you've
+engaged in. I wouldn't allow you to be honest even if you could be
+so,--which I doubt. You are my slave--and such you shall continue.'"
+
+"Slave?" echoed Jack.
+
+"Dare to disobey," continued Jonathan: "neglect my orders, and I will
+hang you."
+
+Sheppard started to his feet.
+
+"Hear me," he cried, restraining himself with difficulty. "It is time
+you should know whom you have to deal with. Henceforth, I utterly throw
+off the yoke you have laid upon me. I will neither stir hand nor foot
+for you more. Attempt to molest me, and I split. You are more in my
+power than I am in yours. Jack Sheppard is a match for Jonathan Wild,
+any day."
+
+"That he is," added Blueskin, approvingly.
+
+Jonathan smiled contemptuously.
+
+"One motive alone shall induce me to go on with you," said Jack.
+
+"What's that?" asked Wild.
+
+"The youth whom you delivered to Van Galgebrok,--Thames Darrell, is
+returned."
+
+"Impossible!" cried Jonathan. "He was thrown overboard, and perished at
+sea."
+
+"He is alive," replied Jack, "I have seen him, and might have conversed
+with him if I had chosen. Now, I know you can restore him to his rights,
+if you choose. Do so; and I am yours as heretofore."
+
+"Humph!" exclaimed Jonathan.
+
+"Your answer!" cried Sheppard. "Yes, or no?"
+
+"I will make no terms with you," rejoined Wild, sternly. "You have
+defied me, and shall feel my power. You have been useful to me, or I
+would not have spared you thus long. I swore to hang you two years ago,
+but I deferred my purpose."
+
+"Deferred!" echoed Sheppard.
+
+"Hear me out," said Jonathan. "You came hither under my protection, and
+you shall depart freely,--nay, more, you shall have an hour's grace.
+After that time, I shall place my setters on your heels."
+
+"You cannot prevent my departure," replied Jack, dauntlessly, "and
+therefore your offer is no favour. But I tell you in return, I shall
+take no pains to hide myself. If you want me, you know where to find
+me."
+
+"An hour," said Jonathan, looking at his watch,--"remember!"
+
+"If you send for me to the Cross Shovels in the Mint, where I'm going
+with Blueskin, I will surrender myself without resistance," returned
+Jack.
+
+"You will spare the officers a labour then," rejoined Jonathan.
+
+"Can't I settle this business, Captain," muttered Blueskin, drawing a
+pistol.
+
+"Don't harm him," said Jack, carelessly: "he dares not do it."
+
+So saying, he left the room.
+
+"Blueskin," said Jonathan, as that worthy was about to follow, "I advise
+you to remain with me."
+
+"No," answered the ruffian, moodily. "If you arrest him, you must arrest
+me also."
+
+"As you will," said Jonathan, seating himself.
+
+Jack and his comrade went to the Mint, where he was joined by Edgeworth
+Bess, with whom he sat down most unconcernedly to supper. His revelry,
+however, was put an end at the expiration of the time mentioned by
+Jonathan, by the entrance of a posse of constables with Quilt Arnold and
+Abraham Mendez at their head. Jack, to the surprise of all his
+companions, at once surrendered himself: but Blueskin would have made a
+fierce resistance, and attempted a rescue if he had not been ordered by
+his leader to desist. He then made off. Edgeworth Bess, who passed for
+Sheppard's wife, was secured. They were hurried before a magistrate, and
+charged by Jonathan Wild with various robberies; but, as Jack Sheppard
+stated that he had most important disclosures to make, as well as
+charges to bring forward against his accuser, he was committed with his
+female companion to the New Prison in Clerkenwell for further
+examination.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Jack Sheppard's Escape from the New Prison.
+
+
+In consequence of Jack Sheppard's desperate character, it was judged
+expedient by the keeper of the New Prison to load him with fetters of
+unusual weight, and to place him in a cell which, from its strength and
+security, was called the Newgate Ward. The ward in which he was
+confined, was about six yards in length, and three in width, and in
+height, might be about twelve feet. The windows which were about nine
+feet from the floor, had no glass; but were secured by thick iron bars,
+and an oaken beam. Along the floor ran an iron bar to which Jack's chain
+was attached, so that he could move along it from one end of the chamber
+to the other. No prisoner except Edgeworth Bess was placed in the same
+cell with him. Jack was in excellent spirits; and by his wit, drollery
+and agreeable demeanour, speedily became a great favourite with the
+turnkey, who allowed him every indulgence consistent with his situation.
+The report of his detention caused an immense sensation. Numberless
+charges were preferred against him, amongst others, information was
+lodged of the robbery at Dollis Hill, and murder of Mrs. Wood, and a
+large reward offered for the apprehension of Blueskin; and as, in
+addition to this, Jack had threatened to impeach Wild, his next
+examination was looked forward to with the greatest interest.
+
+The day before this examination was appointed to take place--the third
+of the prisoner's detention--an old man, respectably dressed, requested
+permission to see him. Jack's friends were allowed to visit him,; but as
+he had openly avowed his intention of attempting an escape, their
+proceedings were narrowly watched. The old man was conducted to Jack's
+cell by the turnkey, who remained near him during their interview. He
+appeared to be a stranger to the prisoner, and the sole motive of his
+visit, curiosity. After a brief conversation, which Sheppard sustained
+with his accustomed liveliness, the old man turned to Bess and addressed
+a few words of common-place gallantry to her. While this was going on,
+Jack suddenly made a movement which attracted the turnkey's attention;
+and during that interval the old man slipped some articles wrapped in a
+handkerchief into Bess's hands, who instantly secreted them in her
+bosom. The turnkey looked round the next moment, but the manoeuvre
+escaped his observation. After a little further discourse the old man
+took his departure.
+
+Left alone with Edgeworth Bess, Jack burst into a loud laugh of
+exultation.
+
+"Blueskin's a friend in need," he said. "His disguise was capital; but I
+detected it in a moment. Has he given you the tools?"
+
+"He has," replied Bess, producing the handkerchief.
+
+"Bravo," cried Sheppard, examining its contents, which proved to be a
+file, a chisel, two or three gimblets, and a piercer. "Jonathan Wild
+shall find it's not easy to detain me. As sure as he is now living, I'll
+pay him a visit in the Old Bailey before morning. And then I'll pay off
+old scores. It's almost worth while being sent to prison to have the
+pleasure of escaping. I shall now be able to test my skill." And running
+on in this way, he carefully concealed the tools.
+
+Whether the turnkey entertained any suspicion of the old man, Jack could
+not tell, but that night he was more than usually rigorous in his
+search; and having carefully examined the prisoners and finding nothing
+to excite his suspicions, he departed tolerably satisfied.
+
+As soon as he was certain he should be disturbed no more, Jack set to
+work, and with the aid of the file in less than an hour had freed
+himself from his fetters. With Bess's assistance he then climbed up to
+the window, which, as has just been stated, was secured by iron bars of
+great thickness crossed by a stout beam of oak. The very sight of these
+impediments, would have appalled a less courageous spirit than
+Sheppard's--but nothing could daunt him. To work then he went, and with
+wonderful industry filed off two of the iron bars. Just as he completed
+this operation, the file broke. The oaken beam, nine inches in
+thickness, was now the sole but most formidable obstacle to his flight.
+With his gimblet he contrived to bore a number of holes so close
+together that at last one end of the bar, being completely pierced
+through, yielded; and pursuing the same with the other extremity, it
+fell out altogether.
+
+This last operation was so fatiguing, that for a short time he was
+obliged to pause to recover the use of his fingers. He then descended;
+and having induced Bess to take off some part of her clothing, he tore
+the gown and petticoat into shreds and twisted them into a sort of rope
+which he fastened to the lower bars of the window. With some difficulty
+he contrived to raise her to the window, and with still greater
+difficulty to squeeze her through it--her bulk being much greater than
+his own. He then made a sort of running noose, passed it over her body,
+and taking firmly hold of the bars, prepared to guide her descent. But
+Bess could scarcely summon resolution enough to hazard the experiment;
+and it was only on Jack's urgent intreaties, and even threats, that she
+could be prevailed on to trust herself to the frail tenure of the rope
+he had prepared. At length, however, she threw herself off; and Jack
+carefully guiding the rope she landed in safety.
+
+The next moment he was by her side.
+
+But the great point was still unaccomplished. They had escaped from the
+New Prison, it is true; but the wall of Clerkenwell Bridewell, by which
+that jail was formerly surrounded, and which was more than twenty feet
+high, and protected by formidable and bristling _chevaux de frise_,
+remained to be scaled. Jack, however, had an expedient for mastering
+this difficulty. He ventured to the great gates, and by inserting his
+gimblets into the wood at intervals, so as to form points upon which he
+could rest his foot, he contrived, to ascend them; and when at the top,
+having fastened a portion of his dress to the spikes, he managed, not
+without considerable risk, to draw up his female companion. Once over
+the iron spikes, Bess exhibited no reluctance to be let down on the
+other side of the wall. Having seen his mistress safe down, Jack
+instantly descended, leaving the best part of his clothes, as a memorial
+of his flight, to the jailor.
+
+And thus he effected his escape from the New Prison.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+The Disguise.
+
+
+In a hollow in the meadows behind the prison whence Jack Sheppard had
+escaped,--for, at this time, the whole of the now thickly-peopled
+district north of Clerkenwell Bridewell was open country, stretching out
+in fertile fields in the direction of Islington--and about a quarter of
+a mile off, stood a solitary hovel, known as Black Mary's Hole. This
+spot, which still retains its name, acquired the appellation from an old
+crone who lived there, and who, in addition to a very equivocal
+character for honesty, enjoyed the reputation of being a witch. Without
+inquiring into the correctness of the latter part of the story, it may
+be sufficient to state, that Black Mary was a person in whom Jack
+Sheppard thought he could confide, and, as Edgeworth Bess was incapable
+of much further exertion, he determined to leave her in the old woman's
+care till the following night, while he shifted for himself and
+fulfilled his design--for, however rash or hazardous a project might be,
+if once conceived, Jack always executed it,--of visiting Jonathan Wild
+at his house in the Old Bailey.
+
+It was precisely two o'clock on the morning of Whit-monday, the 25th of
+May 1724, when the remarkable escape before detailed was completed: and,
+though it wanted full two hours to daybreak, the glimmer of a waning
+moon prevented it from being totally dark. Casting a hasty glance, as he
+was about to turn an angle of the wall, at the great gates and upper
+windows of the prison, and perceiving no symptoms of pursuit, Jack
+proceeded towards the hovel at a very deliberate pace, carefully
+assisting his female companion over every obstacle in the road, and
+bearing her in his arms when, as was more than once the case, she sank
+from fright and exhaustion. In this way he crossed one or two public
+gardens and a bowling-green,--the neighbourhood of Clerkenwell then
+abounded in such places of amusement,--passed the noted Ducking Pond,
+where Black Mary had been frequently immersed; and, striking off to the
+left across the fields, arrived in a few minutes at his destination.
+
+Descending the hollow, or rather excavation,--for it was an old disused
+clay-pit, at the bottom of which the cottage was situated,--he speedily
+succeeded in arousing the ancient sibyl, and having committed Edgeworth
+Bess to her care, with a promise of an abundant reward in case she
+watched diligently over her safety, and attended to her comforts till
+his return,--to all which Black Mary readily agreed,--he departed with a
+heart lightened of half its load.
+
+Jack's first object was to seek out Blueskin, whom he had no doubt he
+should find at the New Mint, at Wapping, for the Old Mint no longer
+afforded a secure retreat to the robber; and, with this view, he
+made the best of his way along a bye-lane leading towards
+Hockley-in-the-Hole. He had not proceeded far when he was alarmed by the
+tramp of a horse, which seemed to be rapidly approaching, and he had
+scarcely time to leap the hedge and conceal himself behind a tree, when
+a tall man, enveloped in an ample cloak, with his hat pulled over his
+brows, rode by at full speed. Another horseman followed quickly at the
+heels of the first; but just as he passed the spot where Jack stood, his
+steed missed its footing, and fell. Either ignorant of the accident, or
+heedless of it, the foremost horseman pursued his way without even
+turning his head.
+
+Conceiving the opportunity too favourable to be lost, Jack sprang
+suddenly over the hedge, and before the man, who was floundering on the
+ground with one foot in the stirrup, could extricate himself from his
+embarrassing position, secured his pistols, which he drew from the
+holsters, and held them to his head. The fellow swore lustily, in a
+voice which Jack instantly recognised as that of Quilt Arnold, and
+vainly attempted to rise and draw his sword.
+
+"Dog!" thundered Sheppard, putting the muzzle of the pistol so close to
+the janizary's ear, that the touch of the cold iron made him start,
+"don't you know me?"
+
+"Blood and thunder!" exclaimed Quilt, opening his eyes with
+astonishment. "It can't be Captain Sheppard!"
+
+"It _is_," replied Jack; "and you had better have met the devil on your
+road than me. Do you remember what I said when you took me at the Mint
+four days ago? I told you my turn would come. It _has_ come,--and sooner
+than you expected."
+
+"So I find, Captain," rejoined Quilt, submissively; "but you're too
+noble-hearted to take advantage of my situation. Besides, I acted for
+others, and not for myself."
+
+"I know it," replied Sheppard, "and therefore I spare your life."
+
+"I was sure you wouldn't injure me, Captain," remarked Quilt, in a
+wheedling tone, while he felt about for his sword; "you're far too brave
+to strike a fallen man."
+
+"Ah! traitor!" cried Jack, who had noticed the movement; "make such
+another attempt, and it shall cost you your life." So saying, he
+unbuckled the belt to which the janizary's hanger was attached, and
+fastened it to his own girdle.
+
+"And now," he continued, sternly, "was it your master who has just
+ridden by?"
+
+"No," answered Quilt, sullenly.
+
+"Who, then?" demanded Jack. "Speak, or I fire!"
+
+"Well, if you _will_ have it, it's Sir Rowland Trenchard."
+
+"Sir Rowland Trenchard!" echoed Jack, in amazement. "What are you doing
+with him?"
+
+"It's a long story, Captain, and I've no breath to tell it,--unless you
+choose to release me," rejoined Quilt.
+
+"Get up, then," said Jack, freeing his foot from the stirrup.
+"Now--begin."
+
+Quilt, however, seemed unwilling to speak.
+
+"I should be sorry to proceed to extremities," continued Sheppard, again
+raising the pistol.
+
+"Well, since you force me to betray my master's secrets," replied Quilt,
+sullenly, "I've ridden express to Manchester to deliver a message to Sir
+Rowland."
+
+"Respecting Thames Darrell?" observed Jack.
+
+"Why, how the devil did you happen to guess that?" cried the janizary.
+
+"No matter," replied Sheppard. "I'm glad to find I'm right. You informed
+Sir Rowland that Thames Darrell was returned?"
+
+"Exactly so," replied Quilt, "and he instantly decided upon returning to
+London with me. We've ridden post all the way, and I'm horribly tired,
+or you wouldn't have mastered me so easily."
+
+"Perhaps not," replied Jack, to whom an idea had suddenly occurred.
+"Now, Sir, I'll trouble you for your coat. I've left mine on the spikes
+of the New Prison, and must borrow yours."
+
+"Why, surely you can't be in earnest, Captain. You wouldn't rob Mr.
+Wild's chief janizary?"
+
+"I'd rob Mr. Wild himself if I met him," retorted Jack. "Come, off with
+it, sirrah, or I'll blow out your brains, in the first place, and strip
+you afterwards."
+
+"Well, rather than you should commit so great a crime, Captain, here it
+is," replied Quilt, handing him the garment in question. "Anything
+else?"
+
+"Your waistcoat."
+
+"'Zounds! Captain, I shall get my death of cold. I was in hopes you'd be
+content with my hat and wig."
+
+"I shall require them as well," rejoined Sheppard; "and your boots."
+
+"My boots! Fire and fury! They won't fit you; they are too large.
+Besides, how am I to ride home without them?"
+
+"Don't distress yourself," returned Jack, "you shall walk. Now," he
+added, as his commands were reluctantly obeyed, "help me on with them."
+
+Quilt knelt down, as if he meant to comply; but, watching his
+opportunity, he made a sudden grasp at Sheppard's leg, with the
+intention of overthrowing him.
+
+But Jack was too nimble for him. Striking out his foot, he knocked half
+a dozen teeth down the janizary's throat; and, seconding the kick with a
+blow on the head from the butt-end of the pistol, stretched him,
+senseless and bleeding on the ground.
+
+"Like master like man," observed Jack as he rolled the inanimate body to
+the side of the road. "From Jonathan Wild's confidential servant what
+could be expected but treachery?"
+
+With this, he proceeded to dress himself in Quilt Arnold's clothes,
+pulled the wig over his face and eyes so as completely to conceal his
+features, slouched the hat over his brows, drew the huge boots above his
+knees, and muffled himself up in the best way he could. On searching the
+coat, he found, amongst other matters, a mask, a key, and a pocket-book.
+The latter appeared to contain several papers, which Jack carefully put
+by, in the hope that they might turn out of importance in a scheme of
+vengeance which he meditated against the thief-taker. He then mounted
+the jaded hack, which had long since regained its legs, and was quietly
+browsing the grass at the road-side, and, striking spurs into its side,
+rode off. He had not proceeded far when he encountered Sir Rowland, who,
+having missed his attendant, had returned to look after him.
+
+"What has delayed you?" demanded the knight impatiently.
+
+"My horse has had a fall," replied Jack, assuming to perfection--for he
+was a capital mimic,--the tones of Quilt Arnold. "It was some time
+before I could get him to move."
+
+"I fancied I heard voices," rejoined Sir Rowland.
+
+"So did I," answered Jack; "we had better move on. This is a noted place
+for highwaymen."
+
+"I thought you told me that the rascal who has so long been the terror
+of the town--Jack Sheppard--was in custody."
+
+"So he is," returned Jack; "but there's no saying how long he may remain
+so. Besides, there are greater rascals than Jack Sheppard at liberty,
+Sir Rowland."
+
+Sir Rowland made no reply, but angrily quickened his pace. The pair then
+descended Saffron-hill, threaded Field-lane, and, entering Holborn,
+passed over the little bridge which then crossed the muddy waters of
+Fleet-ditch, mounted Snow-hill, and soon drew in the bridle before
+Jonathan Wild's door. Aware of Quilt Arnold's mode of proceeding, Jack
+instantly dismounted, and, instead of knocking, opened the door with the
+pass-key. The porter instantly made his appearance, and Sheppard ordered
+him to take care of the horses.
+
+"Well, what sort of journey have you had, Quilt?" asked the man as he
+hastened to assist Sir Rowland to dismount.
+
+"Oh! we've lost no time, as you perceive," replied Jack. "Is the
+governor within?"
+
+"Yes; you'll find him in the audience-chamber. He has got Blueskin with
+him."
+
+"Ah! indeed! what's he doing here?" inquired Jack.
+
+"Come to buy off Jack Sheppard, I suppose," replied the fellow. "But it
+won't do. Mr. Wild has made up his mind, and, when that's the case, all
+the persuasion on earth won't turn him. Jack will be tried to-morrow;
+and, as sure as my name's Obadiah Lemon he'll take up his quarters at
+the King's-Head," pointing to Newgate, "over the way."
+
+"Well, we shall see," replied Jack. "Look to the horses, Obadiah. This
+way, Sir Rowland."
+
+As familiar as Quilt Arnold himself with every part of Wild's mysterious
+abode, as well as with the ways of its inmates, Jack, without a
+moment's hesitation, took up a lamp which was burning in the hall, and
+led his companion up the great stone stairs. Arrived at the
+audience-chamber, he set down the light upon a stand, threw open the
+door, and announced in a loud voice, but with the perfect intonation of
+the person he represented,--"Sir Rowland Trenchard."
+
+Jonathan, who was engaged in conversation with Blueskin, instantly
+arose, and bowed with cringing ceremoniousness to the knight. The latter
+haughtily returned his salutation, and flung himself, as if exhausted,
+into a chair.
+
+"You've arrived sooner than I expected, Sir Rowland," observed the
+thief-taker. "Lost no time on the road--eh!--I didn't expect you till
+to-morrow at the earliest. Excuse me an instant while I dismiss this
+person.--You've your answer, Blueskin," he added, pushing that
+individual, who seemed unwilling to depart, towards the door; "it's
+useless to urge the matter further. Jack is registered in the Black
+Book."
+
+"One word before I go," urged Blueskin.
+
+"Not a syllable," replied Wild. "If you talk as long as an Old Bailey
+counsel, you'll not alter my determination."
+
+"Won't my life do as well as his?" supplicated the other.
+
+"Humph!" exclaimed Jonathan, doubtfully. "And you would surrender
+yourself--eh?"
+
+"I'll surrender myself at once, if you'll engage to bring him off; and
+you'll get the reward from old Wood. It's two hundred pounds. Recollect
+that."
+
+"Faithful fellow!" murmured Jack. "I forgive him his disobedience."
+
+"Will you do it?" persisted Blueskin.
+
+"No," replied Wild; "and I've only listened to your absurd proposal to
+see how far your insane attachment to this lad would carry you."
+
+"I _do_ love him," cried Blueskin, "and that's the long and short of it.
+I've taught him all he can do; and there isn't his fellow, and never
+will be again. I've seen many a clever cracksman, but never one like
+him. If you hang Jack Sheppard, you'll cut off the flower o' the
+purfession. But I'll not believe it of you. It's all very well to read
+him a lesson, and teach him obedience; but you've gone far enough for
+that."
+
+"Not quite," rejoined the thief-taker, significantly.
+
+"Well," growled Blueskin, "you've had my offer."
+
+"And you my warning," retorted Wild. "Good night!"
+
+"Blueskin," whispered Jack, in his natural tones, as the other passed
+him, "wait without."
+
+"Power o' mercy!" cried Blueskin starting.
+
+"What's the matter?" demanded Jonathan, harshly.
+
+"Nothin'--nothin'," returned Blueskin; "only I thought--"
+
+"You saw the hangman, no doubt," said Jack. "Take courage, man; it is
+only Quilt Arnold. Come, make yourself scarce. Don't you see Mr. Wild's
+busy." And then he added, in an under tone, "Conceal yourself outside,
+and be within call."
+
+Blueskin nodded, and left the room. Jack affected to close the door, but
+left it slightly ajar.
+
+"What did you say to him?" inquired Jonathan, suspiciously.
+
+"I advised him not to trouble you farther about Jack Sheppard," answered
+the supposed janizary.
+
+"He seems infatuated about the lad," observed Wild. "I shall be obliged
+to hang him to keep him company. And now, Sir Rowland," he continued,
+turning to the knight, "to our own concerns. It's a long time since we
+met, eight years and more. I hope you've enjoyed your health. 'Slife!
+you are wonderfully altered. I should scarcely have known you."
+
+The knight was indeed greatly changed. Though not much passed the middle
+term of life, he seemed prematurely stricken with old age. His frame was
+wasted, and slightly bent; his eyes were hollow, his complexion haggard,
+and his beard, which had remained unshorn during his hasty journey, was
+perfectly white. His manner, however, was as stern and haughty as ever,
+and his glances retained their accustomed fire.
+
+"I did not come hither to consult you as to the state of my health,
+Sir," he observed, displeased by Jonathan's allusion to the alteration
+in his appearance.
+
+"True," replied Wild. "You were no doubt surprised by the unlooked-for
+intelligence I sent you of your nephew's return?"
+
+"Was it _unlooked-for_ on your part?" demanded the knight,
+distrustfully.
+
+"On my soul, yes," rejoined Jonathan. "I should as soon have expected
+the bones of Tom Sheppard to reunite themselves and walk out of that
+case, as Thames Darrell to return. The skipper, Van Galgebrok, affirmed
+to me,--nay, gave me the additional testimony of two of his crew,--that
+he was thrown overboard. But it appears he was picked up by fishermen,
+and carried to France, where he has remained ever since, and where it
+would have been well for him if he had remained altogether."
+
+"Have you seen him?" asked Trenchard.
+
+"I have," replied Wild; "and nothing but the evidence of my senses would
+have made me believe he was living, after the positive assurance I
+received to the contrary. He is at present with Mr. Wood,--the person
+whom you may remember adopted him,--at Dollis Hill, near Willesden; and
+it's a singular but fortunate circumstance, so far as we are concerned,
+that Mrs. Wood chanced to be murdered by Blueskin, the fellow who just
+left the room, on the very night of his return, as it has thrown the
+house into such confusion, and so distracted them, that he has had no
+time as yet for hostile movements."
+
+"And what course do you propose to pursue in reference to him?" asked
+Sir Rowland.
+
+"My plan is a very simple one," rejoined the thief-taker smiling
+bitterly. "I would treat him as you treated his father, Sir Rowland."
+
+"Murder him!" cried Trenchard shuddering.
+
+"Ay, murder him, if you like the term," returned Wild. "I should call it
+putting him out of the way. But no matter how you phrase it, the end is
+the same."
+
+"I cannot consent to it," replied Sir Rowland firmly. "Since the sea
+has spared him, I will spare him. It is in vain to struggle against the
+arm of fate. I will shed no more blood."
+
+"And perish upon the gibbet," rejoined Jonathan contemptuously.
+
+"Flight is still left me," replied Trenchard. "I can escape to France."
+
+"And do you think I'll allow you to depart," cried Jonathan in a
+menacing tone, "and compromise _my_ safety? No, no. We are linked
+together in this matter, and must go through with it. You cannot--shall
+not retreat."
+
+"Death and hell!" cried Sir Rowland, rising and drawing his sword; "do
+you think you can shackle my free will, villain?"
+
+"In this particular instance I do, Sir Rowland," replied Jonathan,
+calmly, "because you are wholly in my power. But be patient, I am your
+fast friend. Thames Darrell MUST die. Our mutual safety requires it.
+Leave the means to me."
+
+"More blood! more blood!" cried Trenchard, passing his hand with agony
+across his brow. "Shall I never banish those horrible phantoms from my
+couch--the father with his bleeding breast and dripping hair!--the
+mother with her wringing hands and looks of vengeance and reproach!--And
+must another be added to their number--their son! Horror!--let me be
+spared this new crime! And yet the gibbet--my name tarnished--my
+escutcheon blotted by the hangman!--No, I cannot submit to that."
+
+"I should think not," observed Jonathan, who had some practice in the
+knight's moods, and knew how to humour him. "It's a miserable weakness
+to be afraid of bloodshed.--The general who gives an order for wholesale
+carnage never sleeps a wink the less soundly for the midnight groans of
+his victims, and we should deride him as a coward if he did. And life is
+much the same, whether taken in battle, on the couch, or by the
+road-side. Besides those whom I've slain with my own hands, I've
+brought upwards of thirty persons to the gallows. Most of their relics
+are in yonder cases; but I don't remember that any of them have
+disturbed my rest. The mode of destruction makes no difference. It's
+precisely the same thing to me to bid my janizaries cut Thames Darrell's
+throat, as to order Jack Sheppard's execution."
+
+As Jonathan said this, Jack's hand involuntarily sought a pistol.
+
+"But to the point," continued Wild, unconscious of the peril in which
+the remark had placed him,--"to the point. On the terms that procured
+your liberation from Newgate, I will free you from this new danger."
+
+"Those terms were a third of my estate," observed Trenchard bitterly.
+
+"What of that," rejoined Jonathan. "Any price was better than your head.
+If Thames Darrell escapes, you will lose both life and property."
+
+"True, true," replied the knight, with an agonized look; "there is no
+alternative."
+
+"None whatever," rejoined Wild. "Is it a bargain?"
+
+"Take half of my estate--take all--my life, if you will--I am weary of
+it!" cried Trenchard passionately.
+
+"No," replied Jonathan, "I'll not take you at your word, as regards the
+latter proposition. We shall both, I hope, live to enjoy our
+shares--long after Thames Darrell is forgotten--ha! ha! A third of your
+estate I accept. And as these things should always be treated as matters
+of business, I'll just draw up a memorandum of our arrangement."
+
+And, as he spoke, he took up a sheet of paper, and hastily traced a few
+lines upon it.
+
+"Sign this," he said, pushing the document towards Sir Rowland.
+
+The knight mechanically complied with his request.
+
+"Enough!" cried Jonathan, eagerly pocketing the memorandum. "And now, in
+return for your liberality, I'll inform you of a secret with which it is
+important you should be acquainted."
+
+"A secret!" exclaimed Trenchard. "Concerning whom?"
+
+"Mrs. Sheppard," replied Jonathan, mysteriously.
+
+"Mrs. Sheppard!" echoed Jack, surprised out of his caution.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Wild, looking angrily towards his supposed attendant.
+
+"I beg pardon, Sir," replied Jack, with the accent and manner of the
+janizary; "I was betrayed into the exclamation by my surprise that
+anything in which Sir Rowland Trenchard was interested could have
+reference to so humble a person as Mrs. Sheppard."
+
+"Be pleased, then, in future not to let your surprise find vent in
+words," rejoined Jonathan, sternly. "My servants, like Eastern mutes,
+must have eyes, and ears,--and _hands_, if need be,--but no tongues. You
+understand me, sirrah?"
+
+"Perfectly," replied Jack. "I'm dumb."
+
+"Your secret?" demanded Trenchard, impatiently.
+
+"I need not remind you, Sir Rowland," replied Wild, "that you had two
+sisters--Aliva and Constance."
+
+"Both are dead," observed the knight, gloomily.
+
+"Not so;" answered Wild. "Constance is yet living."
+
+"Constance alive? Impossible!" ejaculated Trenchard.
+
+"I've proofs to the contrary," replied Jonathan.
+
+"If this is the case, where is she?"
+
+"In Bedlam," replied the thief-taker, with a Satanic grin.
+
+"Gracious Heaven!" exclaimed the knight, upon whom a light seemed
+suddenly to break. "You mentioned Mrs. Sheppard. What has she to with
+Constance Trenchard?"
+
+"Mrs. Sheppard _is_ Constance Trenchard," replied Jonathan, maliciously.
+
+Here Jack Sheppard was unable to repress an exclamation of astonishment.
+
+"Again," cried Jonathan, sternly: "beware!"
+
+"What!" vociferated Trenchard. "My sister the wife of one condemned
+felon! the parent of another! It cannot be."
+
+"It _is_ so, nevertheless," replied Wild. "Stolen by a gipsy when
+scarcely five years old, Constance Trenchard, after various
+vicissitudes, was carried to London, where she lived in great poverty,
+with the dregs of society. It is useless to trace out her miserable
+career; though I can easily do so if you require it. To preserve
+herself, however, from destitution, or what she considered worse, she
+wedded a journeyman carpenter, named Sheppard."
+
+"Alas! that one so highly born should submit to such a degradation?"
+groaned the knight.
+
+"I see nothing surprising in it," rejoined Jonathan. "In the first
+place, she had no knowledge of her birth; and, consequently, no false
+pride to get rid of. In the second, she was wretchedly poor, and
+assailed by temptations of which you can form no idea. Distress like
+hers might palliate far greater offences than she ever committed. With
+the same inducements we should all do the same thing. Poor girl! she was
+beautiful once; so beautiful as to make _me_, who care little for the
+allurements of women, fancy myself enamoured of her."
+
+Jack Sheppard again sought his pistol, and was only withheld from
+levelling it at the thief-taker's head, by the hope that he might gather
+some further information respecting his mother. And he had good reason
+before long to congratulate himself on his forbearance.
+
+"What proof have you of the truth of this story?" inquired Trenchard.
+
+"This," replied Jonathan, taking a paper from a portfolio, and handing
+it to the knight, "this written evidence, signed by Martha Cooper, the
+gipsy, by whom the girl was stolen, and who was afterwards executed for
+a similar crime. It is attested, you will observe, by the Reverend Mr.
+Purney, the present ordinary of Newgate."
+
+"I am acquainted with Mr. Purney's hand-writing," said Jack, advancing,
+"and can at once decide whether this is a forgery or not."
+
+"Look at it, then," said Wild, giving him the portfolio.
+
+"It's the ordinary's signature, undoubtedly," replied Jack.
+
+And as he gave back the portfolio to Sir Rowland he contrived,
+unobserved, to slip the precious document into his sleeve, and from
+thence into his pocket.
+
+"And, does any of our bright blood flow in the veins of a ruffianly
+housebreaker?" cried Trenchard, with a look of bewilderment. "I'll not
+believe it."
+
+"Others may, if you won't," muttered Jack, retiring. "Thank Heaven! I'm
+not basely born."
+
+"Now, mark me," said Jonathan, "and you'll find I don't do things by
+halves. By your father, Sir Montacute Trenchard's will, you are
+aware,--and, therefore, I need not repeat it, except for the special
+purpose I have in view,--you are aware, I say, that, by this will, in
+case your sister Aliva, died without issue, or, on the death of such
+issue, the property reverts to Constance and _her_ issue."
+
+"I hear," said Sir Rowland, moodily.
+
+"And I," muttered Jack.
+
+"Thames Darrell once destroyed," pursued Jonathan. "Constance--or,
+rather, Mrs. Sheppard--becomes entitled to the estates; which
+eventually--provided he escaped the gallows--would descend to her son."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Jack, drawing in his breath, and leaning forward with
+intense curiosity.
+
+"Well, Sir?" gasped Sir Rowland.
+
+"But this need give you no uneasiness," pursued Jonathan; "Mrs.
+Sheppard, as I told you, is in Bedlam, an incurable maniac; while her
+son is in the New Prison, whence he will only be removed to Newgate and
+Tyburn."
+
+"So you think," muttered Jack, between his ground teeth.
+
+"To make your mind perfectly easy on the score of Mrs. Sheppard,"
+continued Jonathan; "after we've disposed of Thames Darrell, I'll visit
+her in Bedlam; and, as I understand I form one of her chief terrors,
+I'll give her such a fright that I'll engage she shan't long survive
+it."
+
+"Devil!" muttered Jack, again grasping his pistol. But, feeling secure
+of vengeance, he determined to abide his time.
+
+"And now, having got rid of the minor obstacles," said Jonathan, "I'll
+submit a plan for the removal of the main difficulty. Thames Darrell,
+I've said, is at Mr. Wood's at Dollis Hill, wholly unsuspicious of any
+designs against him, and, in fact, entirely ignorant of your being
+acquainted with his return, or even of his existence. In this state, it
+will be easy to draw him into a snare. To-morrow night--or rather
+to-night, for we are fast verging on another day--I propose to lure him
+out of the house by a stratagem which I am sure will prove infallible;
+and, then, what so easy as to knock him on the head. To make sure work
+of it, I'll superintend the job myself. Before midnight, I'll answer for
+it, it shall be done. My janizaries shall go with me. You hear what I
+say, Quilt?" he added, looking at Jack.
+
+"I do," replied Sheppard.
+
+"Abraham Mendez will like the task,--for he has entertained a hatred to
+the memory of Thames Darrell ever since he received the wound in the
+head, when the two lads attempted to break out of St. Giles's
+round-house. I've despatched him to the New Prison. But I expect him
+back every minute."
+
+"The New Prison!" exclaimed Sheppard. "What is he gone there for?"
+
+"With a message to the turnkey to look after his prisoner," replied
+Wild, with a cunning smile. "Jack Sheppard had a visitor, I understand,
+yesterday, and may make an attempt to escape. It's as well to be on the
+safe side."
+
+"It is," replied Jack.
+
+At this moment, his quick ears detected the sound of footsteps on the
+stairs. He drew both his pistols, and prepared for a desperate
+encounter.
+
+"There is another mystery I would have solved," said Trenchard,
+addressing Wild; "you have told me much, but not enough."
+
+"What do you require further?" asked Jonathan.
+
+"The name and rank of Thames Darrell's father," said the knight.
+
+"Another time," replied the thief-taker, evasively.
+
+"I will have it now," rejoined Trenchard, "or our agreement is void."
+
+"You cannot help yourself, Sir Rowland," replied Jonathan,
+contemptuously.
+
+"Indeed!" replied the knight, drawing his sword, "the secret, villain,
+or I will force it from you."
+
+Before Wild could make any reply, the door was thrown violently open,
+and Abraham Mendez rushed into the room, with a face of the utmost
+consternation.
+
+"He hash eshcaped!" cried the Jew.
+
+"Who? Jack!" exclaimed Jonathan.
+
+"Yesh," replied Abraham. "I vent to de New Prish'n, and on wishitin' his
+shel vid de turnkey, vot should ve find but de shains on de ground, de
+vinder broken, and Jack and Agevorth Besh gone."
+
+"Damnation!" cried Jonathan, stamping his foot with uncontrollable rage.
+"I'd rather have given a thousand pounds than this had happened. But he
+might have broken out of prison, and yet not got over the wall of
+Clerkenwell Bridewell. Did you search the yard, fool?"
+
+"Ve did," replied Abraham; "and found his fine goat and ruffles torn to
+shtrips on de shpikes near de creat cate. It vosh plain he vent dat
+vay."
+
+Jonathan gave utterance to a torrent of imprecations.
+
+While he thus vented his rage, the door again opened, and Quilt Arnold
+rushed into the room, bleeding, and half-dressed.
+
+"'Sblood! what's this!" cried Jonathan, in the utmost surprise. "Quilt
+Arnold, is that you?"
+
+"It is, Sir," sputtered the janizary. "I've been robbed, maltreated, and
+nearly murdered by Jack Sheppard."
+
+"By Jack Sheppard!" exclaimed the thief-taker.
+
+"Yes; and I hope you'll take ample vengeance upon him," said Quilt.
+
+"I will, when I catch him, rely on it," rejoined Wild.
+
+"You needn't go far to do that," returned Quilt; "there he stands."
+
+"Ay, here I am," said Jack, throwing off his hat and wig, and marching
+towards the group, amongst whom there was a general movement of surprise
+at his audacity. "Sir Rowland, I salute you as your nephew."
+
+"Back, villain!" said the knight, haughtily. "I disown you. The whole
+story of your relationship is a fabrication."
+
+"Time will show," replied Jack with equal haughtiness. "But, however, it
+may turn out, I disown _you_."
+
+"Well, Jack," said Jonathan, who had looked at him with surprise not
+unmixed with admiration, "you are a bold and clever fellow, I must
+allow. Were I not Jonathan Wild, I'd be Jack Sheppard. I'm almost sorry
+I've sworn to hang you. But, it can't be helped. I'm a slave to my word.
+Were I to let you go, you'd say I feared you. Besides, you've secrets
+which must not be disclosed. Nab and Quilt to the door! Jack, you are my
+prisoner."
+
+"And you flatter yourself you can detain me?" laughed Jack.
+
+"At least I'll try," replied Jonathan, sarcastically. "You must be a
+cleverer lad than even _I_ take you for, if you get out of this place."
+
+"What ho! Blueskin!" shouted Jack.
+
+"Here I am, Captain," cried a voice from without. And the door was
+suddenly thrown open, and the two janizaries felled to the ground by the
+strong arm of the stalwart robber.
+
+"Your boast, you see, was a little premature, Mr. Wild," said Sheppard.
+"Adieu, my worthy uncle. Fortunately, I've secured the proof of my
+birth."
+
+"Confusion!" thundered Wild. "Close the doors below! Loose the dogs!
+Curses! they don't hear me! I'll ring the alarm-bell." And he raised his
+arm with the intention of executing his purpose, when a ball from Jack's
+pistol passed through the back of his hand, shattering the limb. "Aha!
+my lad!" he cried without appearing to regard the pain of the wound;
+"now I'll show you no quarter." And, with the uninjured hand he drew a
+pistol, which he fired, but without effect, at Jack.
+
+"Fly, Captain, fly!" vociferated Blueskin; "I shan't be able to keep
+these devils down. Fly! they shall knock me on the head--curse
+'em!--before they shall touch you."
+
+"Come along!" cried Jack, darting through the door. "The key's on the
+outside--quick! quick!"
+
+Instantly alive to this chance, Blueskin broke away. Two shots were
+fired at him by Jonathan; one of which passed through his hat, and the
+other through the fleshy part of his arm; but he made good his retreat.
+The door was closed--locked,--and the pair were heard descending the
+stairs.
+
+"Hell's curses!" roared Jonathan. "They'll escape. Not a moment is to be
+lost."
+
+So saying, he took hold of a ring in the floor, and disclosed a flight
+of steps, down which he hurried, followed by the janizaries. This means
+of communication instantly brought them to the lobby. But Jack and his
+companion were already gone.
+
+Jonathan threw open the street-door. Upon the pavement near the court
+lay the porter, who had been prostrated by a blow from the butt-end of a
+pistol. The man, who was just able to move, pointed towards
+Giltspur-street. Jonathan looked in that direction, and beheld the
+fugitives riding off in triumph.
+
+"To-night it is _their_ turn," said Jonathan, binding up his wounded
+fingers with a handkerchief. "To-morrow it will be _mine_."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Winifred receives two Proposals.
+
+
+The tragical affair at Dollis Hill, it need scarcely be said, was a
+dreadful blow to the family. Mr. Wood bore up with great fortitude
+against the shock, attended the inquest, delivered his evidence with
+composure, and gave directions afterwards for the funeral, which took
+place on the day but one following--Sunday. As soon, however, as the
+last solemn rites were over, and the remains of the unfortunate woman
+committed to their final resting-place in Willesden churchyard, his
+firmness completely deserted him, and he sank beneath the weight of his
+affliction. It was fortunate that by this time Winifred had so far
+recovered, as to be able to afford her father the best and only solace
+that, under the circumstances, he could have received,--her personal
+attentions.
+
+The necessity which had previously existed of leaving the ghastly
+evidence of the murderous deed undisturbed,--the presence of the mangled
+corpse,--the bustle of the inquest, at which her attendance was
+required,--all these circumstances produced a harrowing effect upon the
+young girl's imagination. But when all was over, a sorrowful calm
+succeeded, and, if not free from grief, she was tranquil. As to Thames,
+though deeply and painfully affected by the horrible occurrence that had
+marked his return to his old friends, he was yet able to control his
+feelings, and devote himself to the alleviation of the distress of the
+more immediate sufferers by the calamity.
+
+It was Sunday evening--a soft delicious evening, and, from the happy,
+_cheerful_ look of the house, none would have dreamed of the dismal
+tragedy so lately acted within its walls. The birds were singing
+blithely amid the trees,--the lowing of the cows resounded from the
+yard,--a delicious perfume from the garden was wafted through the open
+window,--at a distance, the church-bells of Willesden were heard tolling
+for evening service. All these things spoke of peace;--but there are
+seasons when the pleasantest external influences have a depressing
+effect on the mind, by painfully recalling past happiness. So, at least,
+thought one of two persons who were seated together in a small
+back-parlour of the house at Dollis Hill. She was a lovely girl, attired
+in deep mourning, and having an expression of profound sorrow on her
+charming features. Her companion was a portly handsome man, also dressed
+in a full suit of the deepest mourning, with the finest of lace at his
+bosom and wrists, and a sword in a black sheath by his side. These
+persons were Mr. Kneebone and Winifred.
+
+The funeral, it has just been said, took place on that day. Amongst
+others who attended the sad ceremony was Mr. Kneebone. Conceiving
+himself called upon, as the intimate friend of the deceased, to pay this
+last tribute of respect to her memory, he appeared as one of the chief
+mourners. Overcome by his affliction, Mr. Wood had retired to his own
+room, where he had just summoned Thames. Much to her annoyance,
+therefore, Winifred was left alone with the woollen-draper, who
+following up a maxim of his own, "that nothing was gained by too much
+bashfulness," determined to profit by the opportunity. He had only been
+prevented, indeed, by a fear of Mrs. Wood from pressing his suit long
+ago. This obstacle removed, he thought he might now make the attempt.
+Happen what might, he could not be in a worse position.
+
+"We have had a sad loss, my dear Winifred," he began,--"for I must use
+the privilege of an old friend, and address you by that familiar
+name,--we have had a sad loss in the death of your lamented parent,
+whose memory I shall for ever revere."
+
+Winifred's eyes filled with tears. This was not exactly what the
+woollen-draper desired. So he resolved to try another tack.
+
+"What a very remarkable thing it is," he observed, applying to his
+snuff-box, "that Thames Darrell, whom we all supposed dead,"--Kneebone
+in his heart sincerely wished he _had_ been so,--"should turn out to be
+alive after all. Strange, I shouldn't know him when he called on me."
+
+"It _is_ strange," replied Winifred, artlessly. "_I_ knew him at once."
+
+"Of course," rejoined Kneebone, a little maliciously, "but that's easily
+accounted for. May I be permitted, as a very old and very dear friend of
+your lamented parent, whose loss I shall ever deplore, to ask you one
+question?"
+
+"Undoubtedly," replied Winifred.
+
+"And you will answer it frankly?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Now for it," thought the woollen-draper, "I shall, at least, ascertain
+how the land lies.--Well, then, my dear," he added aloud, "do you still
+entertain the strong attachment you did to Captain Darrell?"
+
+Winifred's cheeks glowed with blushes, and fixing her eyes, which
+flashed with resentment, upon the questioner, she said:
+
+"I have promised to answer your question, and I will do so. I love him
+as a brother."
+
+"_Only_ as a brother?" persisted Kneebone.
+
+If Winifred remained silent, her looks would have disarmed a person of
+less assurance than the woollen-draper.
+
+"If you knew how much importance I attach to your answer," he continued
+passionately, "you would not refuse me one. Were Captain Darrell to
+offer you his hand, would you accept it?"
+
+"Your impertinence deserves very different treatment, Sir," said
+Winifred; "but, to put an end to this annoyance, I will tell you--I
+would not."
+
+"And why not?" asked Kneebone, eagerly.
+
+"I will not submit to be thus interrogated," said Winifred, angrily.
+
+"In the name of your lamented parent, whose memory I shall for ever
+revere, I implore you to answer me," urged Kneebone, "why--why would you
+not accept him?"
+
+"Because our positions are different," replied Winifred, who could not
+resist this appeal to her feelings.
+
+"You are a paragon of prudence and discretion," rejoined the
+woollen-draper, drawing his chair closer to hers. "Disparity of rank is
+ever productive of unhappiness in the married state. When Captain
+Darrell's birth is ascertained, I've no doubt he'll turn out a
+nobleman's son. At least, I hope so for his sake as well as my own," he
+added, mentally. "He has quite the air of one. And now, my angel, that I
+am acquainted with your sentiments on this subject, I shall readily
+fulfil a promise which I made to your lamented parent, whose loss I
+shall ever deplore."
+
+"A promise to my mother?" said Winifred, unsuspiciously.
+
+"Yes, my angel, to _her_--rest her soul! She extorted it from me, and
+bound me by a solemn oath to fulfil it."
+
+"Oh! name it."
+
+"You are a party concerned. Promise me that you will not disobey the
+injunctions of her whose memory we must both of us ever revere. Promise
+me."
+
+"If in my power--certainly. But, what is it! What _did_ you promise?"
+
+"To offer you my heart, my hand, my life," replied Kneebone, falling at
+her feet.
+
+"Sir!" exclaimed Winifred, rising.
+
+"Inequality of rank can be no bar to _our_ union," continued Kneebone.
+"Heaven be praised, _I_ am not the son of a nobleman."
+
+In spite of her displeasure, Winifred could not help smiling at the
+absurdity of this address. Taking this for encouragement, her suitor
+proceeded still more extravagantly. Seizing her hand he covered it with
+kisses.
+
+"Adorable girl!" he cried, in the most impassioned tone, and with the
+most impassioned look he could command. "Adorable girl, I have long
+loved you to desperation. Your lamented mother, whose loss I shall ever
+deplore, perceived my passion and encouraged it. Would she were alive to
+back my suit!"
+
+"This is beyond all endurance," said Winifred, striving to withdraw her
+hand. "Leave me, Sir; I insist."
+
+"Never!" rejoined Kneebone, with increased ardour,--"never, till I
+receive from your own lips the answer which is to make me the happiest
+or the most miserable of mankind. Hear me, adorable girl! You know not
+the extent of my devotion. No mercenary consideration influences me.
+Love--admiration for your matchless beauty alone sways me. Let your
+father--if he chooses, leave all his wealth to his adopted son. I care
+not. Possessed of _you_, I shall have a treasure such as kings could not
+boast."
+
+"Pray cease this nonsense," said Winifred, "and quit the room, or I will
+call for assistance."
+
+At this juncture, the door opened, and Thames entered the room. As the
+woollen-draper's back was towards him, he did not perceive him, but
+continued his passionate addresses.
+
+"Call as you please, beloved girl," he cried, "I will not stir till I am
+answered. You say that you only love Captain Darrell as a brother--"
+
+"Mr. Kneebone!"
+
+"That you would not accept him were he to offer--"
+
+"Be silent, Sir."
+
+"He then," continued the woollen-draper, "is no longer considered--"
+
+"How, Sir?" cried Thames, advancing, "what is the meaning of your
+reference to my name? Have you dared to insult this lady? If so--"
+
+"Insult her!" replied Kneebone, rising, and endeavouring to hide his
+embarrassment under a look of defiance. "Far from, it, Sir. I have made
+her an honourable proposal of marriage, in compliance with the request
+of her lamented parent, whose memory--"
+
+"Dare to utter that falsehood in my hearing again, scoundrel,"
+interrupted Thames fiercely, "and I will put it out of your power to
+repeat the offence. Leave the room! leave the house, Sir! and enter it
+again at your peril."
+
+"I shall do neither, Sir," replied Kneebone, "unless I am requested by
+this lady to withdraw,--in which case I shall comply with her request.
+And you have to thank her presence, hot-headed boy, that I do not
+chastise your insolence as it deserves."
+
+"Go, Mr. Kneebone,--pray go!" implored Winifred. "Thames, I entreat--"
+
+"Your wishes are my laws, beloved, girl," replied Kneebone, bowing
+profoundly. "Captain Darren," he added, sternly, "you shall hear from
+me."
+
+"When you please, Sir," said Thames, coldly.
+
+And the woollen-draper departed.
+
+"What is all this, dear Winny?" inquired Thames, as soon as they were
+alone.
+
+"Nothing--nothing," she answered, bursting into tears. "Don't ask me
+about it now."
+
+"Winny," said Thames, tenderly, "something which that self-sufficient
+fool has said has so far done me a service in enabling me to speak upon
+a subject which I have long had upon my lips, but have not had courage
+to utter."
+
+"Thames!"
+
+"You seem to doubt my love," he continued,--"you seem to think that
+change of circumstances may produce some change in my affections. Hear
+me then, now, before I take one step to establish my origin, or secure
+my rights. Whatever those rights may be, whoever I am, my heart is
+yours. Do you accept it?"
+
+"Dear Thames!"
+
+"Forgive this ill-timed avowal of my love. But, answer me. Am I
+mistaken? Is your heart mine?"
+
+"It is--it is; and has ever been," replied Winifred, falling upon his
+neck.
+
+Lovers' confidences should be respected. We close the chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Jack Sheppard warns Thames Darrell.
+
+
+On the following night--namely Monday,--the family assembled together,
+for the first time since the fatal event, in the chamber to which Thames
+had been introduced on his arrival at Dollis Hill. As this had been Mrs.
+Wood's favourite sitting-room, and her image was so intimately
+associated with it, neither the carpenter nor his daughter could muster
+courage to enter it before. Determined, however, to conquer the feeling
+as soon as possible, Wood had given orders to have the evening meal
+served there; but, notwithstanding all his good resolutions upon his
+first entrance, he had much ado to maintain his self-command. His wife's
+portrait had been removed from the walls, and the place it had occupied
+was only to be known by the cord by which it had been suspended. The
+very blank, however, affected him more deeply than if it had been left.
+Then a handkerchief was thrown over the cage, to prevent the bird from
+singing; it was _her_ favourite canary. The flowers upon the
+mantel-shelf were withered and drooping--_she_ had gathered them. All
+these circumstances,--slight in themselves, but powerful in their
+effect,--touched the heart of the widowed carpenter, and added to his
+depression.
+
+Supper was over. It had been discussed in silence. The cloth was
+removed, and Wood, drawing the table as near the window as possible--for
+it was getting dusk--put on his spectacles, and opened that sacred
+volume from which the best consolation in affliction is derived, and
+left the lovers--for such they may now be fairly termed--to their own
+conversation. Having already expressed our determination not to betray
+any confidences of this sort, which, however interesting to the parties
+concerned, could not possibly be so to others, we shall omit also the
+"love passages," and proceeding to such topics as may have general
+interest, take up the discourse at the point when Thames Darrell
+expressed his determination of starting for Manchester, as soon as Jack
+Sheppard's examination had taken place.
+
+"I am surprised we have received no summons for attendance to-day," he
+remarked; "perhaps the other robber may be secured."
+
+"Or Jack have escaped," remarked Winny.
+
+"I don't think that's likely. But, this sad affair disposed of, I will
+not rest till I have avenged my murdered parents."
+
+"'_The avenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer_'," said Wood,
+who was culling for himself certain texts from the scriptures.
+
+"It is the voice of inspiration," said Thames; "and I receive it as a
+solemn command. The villain has enjoyed his security too long."
+
+"'_Bloody and deceitful men shall not live half their days_'," said
+Wood, reading aloud another passage.
+
+"And yet, _he_ has been spared thus long; perhaps with a wise purpose,"
+rejoined Thames. "But, though the storm has spared him, _I_ will not."
+
+"'_No doubt_,'" said Wood, who had again turned over the leaves of the
+sacred volume--', "_no doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he
+escaped the seas, yet vengeance suffereth not to live_'."
+
+"No feelings of consanguinity shall stay my vengeance," said Thames,
+sternly. "I will have no satisfaction but his life."
+
+"'_Thou shalt take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer which is
+guilty of death, but he shall surely be put to death_'," said Wood
+referring to another text.
+
+"Do not steel your heart against him, dear Thames," interposed
+Winifred.
+
+"'_And thine eye shall not pity_,'" said her father, in a tone of
+rebuke, "'_but, life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth,
+hand for hand, foot for foot_.'"
+
+As these words were delivered by the carpenter with stern emphasis, a
+female servant entered the room, and stated that a gentleman was at the
+door, who wished to speak with Captain Darell on business of urgent
+importance.
+
+"With me?" said Thames. "Who is it?"
+
+"He didn't give his name, Sir," replied the maid; "but he's a young
+gentleman."
+
+"Don't go near him, dear Thames," said Winifred; "he may have some ill
+intention."
+
+"Pshaw!" cried Thames. "What! refuse to see a person who desires to
+speak with me. Say I will come to him."
+
+"Law! Miss," observed the maid, "there's nothing mischievous in the
+person's appearance, I'm sure. He's as nice and civil-spoken a gentleman
+as need be; by the same token," she added, in an under tone, "that he
+gave me a span new crown piece."
+
+"'_The thief cometh in the night, and the troop of robbers spoileth
+without_,'" said Wood, who had a text for every emergency.
+
+"Lor' ha' mussy, Sir!--how you _do_ talk," said the woman; "this is no
+robber, I'm sure. I should have known at a glance if it was. He's more
+like a lord than--"
+
+As she spoke, steps were heard approaching; the door was thrown open,
+and a young man marched boldly into the room.
+
+The intruder was handsomely, even richly, attired in a scarlet
+riding-suit, embroidered with gold; a broad belt, to which a hanger was
+attached, crossed his shoulders; his boots rose above his knee, and he
+carried a laced hat in his hand. Advancing to the middle of the chamber,
+he halted, drew himself up, and fixed his dark, expressive eyes, on
+Thames Darrell. His appearance excited the greatest astonishment and
+consternation amid the group. Winifred screamed. Thames sprang to his
+feet, and half drew his sword, while Wood, removing his spectacles to
+assure himself that his eyes did not deceive him, exclaimed in a tone
+and with a look that betrayed the extremity of surprise--"Jack
+Sheppard!"
+
+"Jack Sheppard!" echoed the maid. "Is this Jack Sheppard? Oh, la! I'm
+undone! We shall all have our throats cut! Oh! oh!" And she rushed,
+screaming, into the passage where she fell down in a fit.
+
+The occasion of all this confusion and dismay, meanwhile, remained
+perfectly motionless; his figure erect, and with somewhat of dignity in
+his demeanour. He kept his keen eyes steadily fixed on Thames, as if
+awaiting to be addressed.
+
+"Your audacity passes belief," cried the latter, as soon as his surprise
+would allow him utterance. "If you have contrived to break out of your
+confinement, villain, this is the last place where you ought to show
+yourself."
+
+"And, therefore, the first I would visit," replied Jack, boldly. "But,
+pardon my intrusion. I was _resolved_ to see you. And, fearing you might
+not come to me, I forced my way hither, even with certainty of
+discomposing your friends."
+
+"Well, villain!" replied Thames, "I know not the motive of your visit.
+But, if you have come to surrender yourself to justice, it is well. You
+cannot depart hence."
+
+"Cannot?" echoed Jack, a slight smile crossing his features. "But, let
+that pass. My motive in coming hither is to serve you, and save your
+life. If you choose to requite me by detaining me, you are at liberty to
+do so. I shall make no defence. That I am not ignorant of the reward
+offered for my capture this will show," he added, taking a large placard
+headed '_Murder_' from his pocket, and throwing it on the floor. "My
+demeanour ought to convince you that I came with no hostile intention.
+And, to show you that I have no intention of flying, I will myself close
+and lock the door. There is the key. Are you now satisfied?"
+
+"No," interposed Wood, furiously, "I shall never be satisfied till I
+see you hanged on the highest gibbet at Tyburn."
+
+"A time may come when you will be gratified, Mr. Wood," replied Jack,
+calmly.
+
+"May come!--it _will_ come!--it _shall_ come!" cried the carpenter,
+shaking his hand menacingly at him. "I have some difficulty in
+preventing myself from becoming your executioner. Oh! that I should have
+nursed such a viper!"
+
+"Hear me, Sir," said Jack.
+
+"No, I won't hear you, murderer," rejoined Wood.
+
+"I am no murderer," replied Sheppard. "I had no thought of injuring your
+wife, and would have died rather than commit so foul a crime."
+
+"Think not to delude me, audacious wretch," cried the carpenter. "Even
+if you are not a principal, you are an accessory. If you had not brought
+your companion here, it would not have happened. But you shall swing,
+rascal,--you shall swing."
+
+"My conscience acquits me of all share in the offence," replied Jack,
+humbly. "But the past is irremediable, and I did not come hither to
+exculpate myself, I came to save _your_ life," he added, turning to
+Thames.
+
+"I was not aware it was in danger," rejoined Darrell.
+
+"Then you ought to be thankful to me for the warning. You _are_ in
+danger."
+
+"From some of your associates?"
+
+"From your uncle, from _my_ uncle,--Sir Rowland Trenchard."
+
+"What means this idle boasting, villain?" said Thames. "_Your_ uncle,
+Sir Rowland?"
+
+"It is no idle boasting," replied the other. "You are cousin to the
+housebreaker, Jack Sheppard."
+
+"If it were so, he would have great reason to be proud of the
+relationship, truly," observed Wood, shrugging his shoulders.
+
+"It is easy to make an assertion like this," said Thames,
+contemptuously.
+
+"And equally easy to prove it," replied Jack, giving him the paper he
+had abstracted from Wild. "Read that."
+
+Thames hastily cast his eyes over it, and transferred it, with a look
+of incredulity, to Wood.
+
+"Gracious Heavens! this is more wonderful than all the rest," cried the
+carpenter, rubbing his eyes. "Thames, this is no forgery."
+
+"You believe it, father?"
+
+"From the bottom of my heart. I always thought Mrs. Sheppard superior to
+her station."
+
+"So did I," said Winifred. "Let me look at the paper."
+
+"Poor soul!--poor soul!" groaned Wood, brushing the tears from his
+vision. "Well, I'm glad she's spared this. Oh! Jack, Jack, you've much
+to answer for!"
+
+"I have, indeed," replied Sheppard, in a tone of contrition.
+
+"If this document is correct," continued Wood, "and I am persuaded it is
+so,--you are as unfortunate as wicked. See what your misconduct has
+deprived you of--see what you might have been. This is retribution."
+
+"I feel it," replied Jack, in a tone of agony, "and I feel it more on my
+poor mother's account than my own."
+
+"She has suffered enough for you," said Wood.
+
+"She has, she has," said Jack, in a broken voice.
+
+"Weep on, reprobate," cried the carpenter, a little softened. "Those
+tears will do you good."
+
+"Do not distress him, dear father," said Winifred; "he suffers deeply.
+Oh, Jack! repent, while it is yet time, of your evil conduct. I will
+pray for you."
+
+"I cannot repent,--I cannot pray," replied Jack, recovering his hardened
+demeanour. "I should never have been what I am, but for you."
+
+"How so?" inquired Winifred.
+
+"I loved you," replied Jack,--"don't start--it is over now--I loved you,
+I say, as a boy. _hopelessly_, and it made me desperate. And now I find,
+when it is too late, that I _might_ have deserved you--that I am as well
+born as Thames Darrell. But I mustn't think of these things, or I shall
+grow mad. I have said your life is in danger, Thames. Do not slight my
+warning. Sir Rowland Trenchard is aware of your return to England. I saw
+him last night at Jonathan Wild's, after my escape from the New Prison.
+He had just arrived from Manchester, whence he had been summoned by that
+treacherous thief-taker. I overheard them planning your assassination.
+It is to take place to-night."
+
+"O Heavens!" screamed Winifred, while her father lifted up his hands in
+silent horror.
+
+"And when I further tell you," continued Jack, "that, after yourself and
+my mother, _I_ am the next heir to the estates of my grandfather, Sir
+Montacute Trenchard, you will perhaps own that my caution is
+sufficiently disinterested."
+
+"Could I credit your wild story, I might do so," returned Thames, with a
+look of perplexity.
+
+"Here are Jonathan Wild's written instructions to Quilt Arnold,"
+rejoined Sheppard, producing the pocket-book he had found in the
+janizary's clothes. "This letter will vouch for me that a communication
+has taken place between your enemies."
+
+Thames glanced at the despatch, and, after a moment's reflection,
+inquired, "In what way is the attempt upon my life to be made?"
+
+"That I couldn't ascertain," replied Jack; "but I advise you to be upon
+your guard. For aught I know, they may be in the neighbourhood at this
+moment."
+
+"Here!" ejaculated Wood, with a look of alarm. "Oh lord! I hope not."
+
+"This I do know," continued Jack,--"Jonathan Wild superintends the
+attack."
+
+"Jonathan Wild!" repeated the carpenter, trembling. "Then it's all over
+with us. Oh dear!--how sorry I am I ever left Wych Street. We may be all
+murdered in this unprotected place, and nobody be the wiser."
+
+"There's some one in the garden at this moment," cried Jack; "I saw a
+face at the window."
+
+"Where--where?" cried Thames.
+
+"Don't stir," replied Jack. "I will at once convince you of the truth of
+my assertions, and ascertain whether the enemy really is at hand."
+
+So saying, he advanced towards the window, threw open the sash, and
+called out in the voice of Thames Darrell, "Who's there?"
+
+He was answered by a shot from a pistol. The ball passed over his head,
+and lodged in the ceiling.
+
+"I was right," replied Jack, returning as coolly as if nothing had
+happened. "It is Jonathan. Your uncle--_our_ uncle is with him. I saw
+them both."
+
+"May I trust you?" cried Thames, eagerly.
+
+"You may," replied Jack: "I'll fight for you to the last gasp."
+
+"Follow me, then," cried Thames, drawing his sword, and springing
+through the window.
+
+"To the world's end," answered Jack, darting after him.
+
+"Thames!--Thames!" cried Winifred, rushing to the window. "He will be
+murdered!--Help!"
+
+"My child!--my love!" cried Wood, dragging her forcibly back.
+
+Two shots were fired, and presently the clashing of swords was heard
+below.
+
+After some time, the scuffle grew more and more distant, until nothing
+could be heard.
+
+Wood, meanwhile, had summoned his men-servants, and having armed them
+with such weapons as could be found, they proceeded to the garden, where
+the first object they encountered was Thames Darrell, extended on the
+ground, and weltering in his blood. Of Jack Sheppard or the assailants
+they could not discover a single trace.
+
+As the body was borne to the house in the arms of the farming-men, Mr.
+Wood fancied he heard the exulting laugh of Jonathan Wild.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Old Bedlam.
+
+
+When Thames Darrell and Jack Sheppard sprang through the window, they
+were instantly assailed by Wild, Trenchard, and their attendants. Jack
+attacked Jonathan with such fury, that he drove him into a shrubbery,
+and might perhaps have come off the victor, if his foot had not slipped
+as he made a desperate lunge. In this state it would have been all over
+with him, as, being stunned by the fall, it was some moments before he
+could recover himself, if another party had not unexpectedly come to his
+rescue. This was Blueskin, who burst through the trees, and sword in
+hand assaulted the thief-taker. As soon as Jack gained his legs, he
+perceived Blueskin lying, as he thought, dead in the plantation, with a
+severe cut across his temples, and while he was stooping to assist him,
+he heard groans at a little distance. Hastening in the direction of the
+sound, he discovered Thames Darrell, stretched upon the ground.
+
+"Are you hurt, Thames?" asked Jack, anxiously.
+
+"Not dangerously, I hope," returned Thames; "but fly--save yourself."
+
+"Where are the assassins?" cried Sheppard.
+
+"Gone," replied the wounded man. "They imagine their work is done. But I
+may yet live to thwart them."
+
+"I will carry you to the house, or fetch Mr. Wood," urged Jack.
+
+"No, no," rejoined Thames; "fly--or I will not answer for your safety.
+If you desire to please me, you will go."
+
+"And leave you thus?" rejoined Jack. "I cannot do it."
+
+"Go, I insist," cried Thames, "or take the consequences upon yourself. I
+cannot protect you."
+
+Thus urged, Jack reluctantly departed. Hastening to the spot where he
+had tied his horse to a tree, he vaulted into the saddle, and rode off
+across the fields,--for he was fearful of encountering the hostile
+party,--till he reached the Edgeware Road. Arrived at Paddington, he
+struck across Marylebone Fields,--for as yet the New Road was undreamed
+of,--and never moderated his speed until he reached the city. His
+destination was the New Mint. At this place of refuge, situated in the
+heart of Wapping, near the river-side, he arrived in less than an hour,
+in a complete state of exhaustion.
+
+In consequence of the infamous abuse of its liberties, an act for the
+entire suppression of the Old Mint was passed in the ninth year of the
+reign of George the First, not many months before the date of the
+present epoch of this history; and as, after the destruction of
+Whitefriars, which took place in the reign of Charles the Second, owing
+to the protection afforded by its inmates to the Levellers and
+Fifth-monarchy-men, when the inhabitants of Alsatia crossed the water,
+and settled themselves in the borough of Southwark,--so now, driven out
+of their fastnesses, they again migrated, and recrossing the Thames,
+settled in Wapping, in a miserable quarter between Artichoke Lane and
+Nightingale Lane, which they termed the New Mint. Ousted from his old
+retreat, the Cross Shovels, Baptist Kettleby opened another tavern,
+conducted upon the same plan as the former, which he denominated the
+Seven Cities of Refuge. His subjects, however, were no longer entirely
+under his control; and, though he managed to enforce some little
+attention to his commands, it was evident his authority was waning fast.
+Aware that they would not be allowed to remain long unmolested, the New
+Minters conducted themselves so outrageously, and with such
+extraordinary insolence, that measures were at this time being taken for
+their effectual suppression.
+
+To the Seven Cities of Refuge Jack proceeded. Having disposed of his
+steed and swallowed a glass of brandy, without taking any other
+refreshment, he threw himself on a couch, where he sank at once into a
+heavy slumber. When he awoke it was late in the day, and he was
+surprised to find Blueskin seated by his bed-side, watching over him
+with a drawn sword on his knee, a pistol in each hand, and a
+blood-stained cloth bound across his brow.
+
+"Don't disturb yourself," said his follower, motioning him to keep
+still; "it's all right."
+
+"What time is it?" inquired Jack.
+
+"Past noon," replied Blueskin. "I didn't awake you, because you seemed
+tired."
+
+"How did you escape?" asked Sheppard, who, as he shook off his slumber,
+began to recall the events of the previous night.
+
+"Oh, easily enough," rejoined the other. "I suppose I must have been
+senseless for some time; for, on coming to myself, I found this gash in
+my head, and the ground covered with blood. However, no one had
+discovered me, so I contrived to drag myself to my horse. I thought if
+you were living, and not captured, I should find you here,--and I was
+right. I kept watch over you, for fear of a surprise on the part of
+Jonathan. But what's to be done?"
+
+"The first thing I do," replied Jack, "will be to visit my poor mother
+in Bedlam."
+
+"You'd better take care of your mother's son instead," rejoined
+Blueskin. "It's runnin' a great risk."
+
+"Risk, or no risk, I shall go," replied Jack. "Jonathan has threatened
+to do her some mischief. I am resolved to see her, without delay, and
+ascertain if it's possible to remove her."
+
+"It's a hopeless job," grumbled Blueskin, "and harm will come of it.
+What are you to do with a mad mother at a time when you need all your
+wits to take care of yourself?"
+
+"Don't concern yourself further about me," returned Jack. "Once for all,
+I shall go."
+
+"Won't you take me?"
+
+"No; you must await my return here."
+
+"Then I must wait a long time," grumbled Blueskin. "You'll never
+return."
+
+"We shall see," replied Jack. "But, if I should _not_ return, take this
+purse to Edgeworth Bess. You'll find her at Black Mary's Hole."
+
+And, having partaken of a hasty breakfast, he set out. Taking his way
+along East Smithfield, mounting Little Tower-hill, and threading the
+Minories and Hounsditch, he arrived without accident or molestation, at
+Moorfields.
+
+Old Bethlehem, or Bedlam,--every trace of which has been swept away, and
+the hospital for lunatics removed to Saint George's Field,--was a vast
+and magnificent structure. Erected in Moorfields in 1675, upon the model
+of the Tuileries, it is said that Louis the Fourteenth was so incensed
+at the insult offered to his palace, that he had a counterpart of St.
+James's built for offices of the meanest description. The size and
+grandeur of the edifice, indeed, drew down the ridicule of several of
+the wits of the age: by one of whom--the facetious Tom Brown--it was
+said, "Bedlam is a pleasant place, and abounds with amusements;--the
+first of which is the building, so stately a fabric for persons wholly
+insensible of the beauty and use of it: the outside being a perfect
+mockery of the inside, and admitting of two amusing queries,--Whether
+the persons that ordered the building of it, or those that inhabit it,
+were the maddest? and, whether the name and thing be not as disagreeable
+as harp and harrow." By another--the no less facetious Ned Ward--it was
+termed, "A costly college for a crack-brained society, raised in a mad
+age, when the chiefs of the city were in a great danger of losing their
+senses, and so contrived it the more noble for their own reception; or
+they would never have flung away so much money to so foolish a purpose."
+The cost of the building exceeded seventeen thousand pounds. However the
+taste of the architecture may be questioned, which was the formal French
+style of the period, the general effect was imposing. Including the
+wings, it presented a frontage of five hundred and forty feet. Each wing
+had a small cupola; and, in the centre of the pile rose a larger dome,
+surmounted by a gilded ball and vane. The asylum was approached by a
+broad gravel walk, leading through a garden edged on either side by a
+stone balustrade, and shaded by tufted trees. A wide terrace then led to
+large iron gates,' over which were placed the two celebrated figures of
+Raving and Melancholy Madness, executed by the elder Cibber, and
+commemorated by Pope in the Dunciad, in the well-known lines:--
+
+    "Close to those walls where Folly holds her throne,
+    And laughs to think Monroe would take her down,
+    Where, o'er the gates, by his famed father's hand,
+    _Great Cibber's brazen, brainless brothers stand_."
+
+Internally, it was divided by two long galleries, one over the other.
+These galleries were separated in the middle by iron grates. The wards
+on the right were occupied by male patients, on the left by the female.
+In the centre of the upper gallery was a spacious saloon, appropriated
+to the governors of the asylum. But the besetting evil of the place, and
+that which drew down the severest censures of the writers
+above-mentioned, was that this spot,--which of all others should have
+been most free from such intrusion--was made a public exhibition. There
+all the loose characters thronged, assignations were openly made, and
+the spectators diverted themselves with the vagaries of its miserable
+inhabitants.
+
+Entering the outer gate, and traversing the broad gravel walk
+before-mentioned, Jack ascended the steps, and was admitted, on feeing
+the porter, by another iron gate, into the hospital. Here he was almost
+stunned by the deafening clamour resounding on all sides. Some of the
+lunatics were rattling their chains; some shrieking; some singing; some
+beating with frantic violence against the doors. Altogether, it was the
+most dreadful noise he had ever heard. Amidst it all, however, there
+were several light-hearted and laughing groups walking from cell to cell
+to whom all this misery appeared matter of amusement. The doors of
+several of the wards were thrown open for these parties, and as Jack
+passed, he could not help glancing at the wretched inmates. Here was a
+poor half-naked creature, with a straw crown on his head, and a wooden
+sceptre in his hand, seated on the ground with all the dignity of a
+monarch on his throne. There was a mad musician, seemingly rapt in
+admiration of the notes he was extracting from a child's violin. Here
+was a terrific figure gnashing his teeth, and howling like a wild
+beast;--there a lover, with hands clasped together and eyes turned
+passionately upward. In this cell was a huntsman, who had fractured his
+skull while hunting, and was perpetually hallooing after the hounds;--in
+that, the most melancholy of all, the grinning gibbering lunatic, the
+realization of "moody madness, laughing wild."
+
+Hastening from this heart-rending spectacle, Jack soon reached the
+grating that divided the men's compartment from that appropriated to the
+women. Inquiring for Mrs. Sheppard, a matron offered to conduct him to
+her cell.
+
+"You'll find her quiet enough to-day, Sir," observed the woman, as they
+walked along; "but she has been very outrageous latterly. Her nurse says
+she may live some time; but she seems to me to be sinking fast."
+
+"Heaven help her!" sighed Jack. "I hope not."
+
+"Her release would be a mercy," pursued the matron. "Oh! Sir, if you'd
+seen her as I've seen her, you'd not wish her a continuance of misery."
+
+As Jack made no reply, the woman proceeded.
+
+"They say her son's taken at last, and is to be hanged. I'm glad of it,
+I'm sure; for it's all owing to him his poor mother's here. See what
+crime does, Sir. Those who act wickedly bring misery on all connected
+with them. And so gentle as the poor creature is, when she's not in her
+wild fits--it would melt a heart of stone to see her. She will cry for
+days and nights together. If Jack Sheppard could behold his mother in
+this state, he'd have a lesson he'd never forget--ay, and a severer one
+than even the hangman could read him. Hardened as he may be, that would
+touch him. But he has never been near her--never."
+
+Rambling in this way, the matron at length came to a halt, and taking
+out a key, pointed to a door and said, "This is Mrs. Sheppard's ward,
+Sir."
+
+"Leave us together, my good woman," said Jack, putting a guinea into her
+hand.
+
+"As long as you please, Sir," answered the matron, dropping a curtsey.
+"There, Sir," she added, unlocking the door, "you can go in. Don't be
+frightened of her. She's not mischievous--and besides she's chained, and
+can't reach you."
+
+So saying, she retired, and Jack entered the cell.
+
+Prepared as he was for a dreadful shock, and with his nerves strung to
+endure it, Jack absolutely recoiled before the appalling object that met
+his gaze. Cowering in a corner upon a heap of straw sat his unfortunate
+mother, the complete wreck of what she had been. Her eyes glistened in
+the darkness--for light was only admitted through a small grated
+window--like flames, and, as she fixed them on him, their glances seemed
+to penetrate his very soul. A piece of old blanket was fastened across
+her shoulders, and she had no other clothing except a petticoat. Her
+arms and feet were uncovered, and of almost skeleton thinness. Her
+features were meagre, and ghastly white, and had the fixed and horrible
+stamp of insanity. Her head had been shaved, and around it was swathed a
+piece of rag, in which a few straws were stuck. Her thin fingers were
+armed with nails as long as the talons of a bird. A chain, riveted to an
+iron belt encircling her waist, bound her to the wall. The cell in which
+she was confined was about six feet long and four wide; the walls were
+scored all over with fantastic designs, snatches of poetry, short
+sentences and names,--the work of its former occupants, and of its
+present inmate.
+
+When Jack entered the cell, she was talking to herself in the muttering
+unconnected way peculiar to her distracted condition; but, after her eye
+had rested on him some time, the fixed expression of her features
+relaxed, and a smile crossed them. This smile was more harrowing even
+than her former rigid look.
+
+"You are an angel," she cried, with a look beaming with delight.
+
+"Rather a devil," groaned her son, "to have done this."
+
+"You are an angel, I say," continued the poor maniac; "and my Jack would
+have been like you, if he had lived. But he died when he was a
+child--long ago--long ago--long ago."
+
+"Would he had done so!" cried Jack.
+
+"Old Van told me if he grew up he would be hanged. He showed me a black
+mark under his ear, where the noose would be tied. And so I'll tell you
+what I did--"
+
+And she burst into a laugh that froze Jack's blood in his veins.
+
+"What did you do?" he asked, in a broken voice.
+
+"I strangled him--ha! ha! ha!--strangled him while he was at my
+breast--ha! ha!"--And then with a sudden and fearful change of look, she
+added, "That's what has driven me mad, I killed my child to save him
+from the gallows--oh! oh! One man hanged in a family is enough. If I'd
+not gone mad, they would have hanged me."
+
+"Poor soul!" ejaculated her son.
+
+"I'll tell you a dream I had last night," continued the unfortunate
+being. "I was at Tyburn. There was a gallows erected, and a great mob
+round it--thousands of people, and all with white faces like corpses. In
+the midst of them there was a cart with a man in it--and that man was
+Jack--my son Jack--they were going to hang him. And opposite to him,
+with a book in his hand,--but it couldn't be a prayer-book,--sat
+Jonathan Wild, in a parson's cassock and band. I knew him in spite of
+his dress. And when they came to the gallows, Jack leaped out of the
+cart, and the hangman tied up Jonathan instead--ha! ha! How the mob
+shouted and huzzaed--and I shouted too--ha! ha! ha!"
+
+"Mother!" cried Jack, unable to endure this agonizing scene longer.
+"Don't you know me, mother?"
+
+"Ah!" shrieked Mrs. Sheppard. "What's that?--Jack's voice!"
+
+"It is," replied her son.
+
+"The ceiling is breaking! the floor is opening! he is coming to me!"
+cried the unhappy woman.
+
+"He stands before you," rejoined her son.
+
+"Where?" she cried. "I can't see him. Where is he?"
+
+"Here," answered Jack.
+
+"Are you his ghost, then?"
+
+"No--no," answered Jack. "I am your most unhappy son."
+
+"Let me touch you, then; let me feel if you are really flesh and blood,"
+cried the poor maniac, creeping towards him on all fours.
+
+Jack did not advance to meet her. He could not move; but stood like one
+stupified, with his hands clasped together, and eyes almost starting out
+of their sockets, fixed upon his unfortunate parent.
+
+"Come to me!" cried the poor maniac, who had crawled as far as the chain
+would permit her,--"come to me!" she cried, extending her thin arm
+towards him.
+
+Jack fell on his knees beside her.
+
+"Who are you?" inquired Mrs. Sheppard, passing her hands over his face,
+and gazing at him with a look that made him shudder.
+
+"Your son," replied Jack,--"your miserable, repentant son."
+
+"It is false," cried Mrs. Sheppard. "You are not. Jack was not half your
+age when he died. They buried him in Willesden churchyard after the
+robbery."
+
+"Oh, God!" cried Jack, "she does not know me. Mother--dear mother!" he
+added, clasping her in his arms, "Look at me again."
+
+"Off!" she exclaimed, breaking from his embrace with a scream. "Don't
+touch me. I'll be quiet. I'll not speak of Jack or Jonathan. I won't dig
+their graves with my nails. Don't strip me quite. Leave me my blanket!
+I'm very cold at night. Or, if you must take off my clothes, don't dash
+cold water on my head. It throbs cruelly."
+
+"Horror!" cried Jack.
+
+"Don't scourge me," she cried, trying to hide herself in the farthest
+corner of the cell. "The lash cuts to the bone. I can't bear it. Spare
+me, and I'll be quiet--quiet--quiet!"
+
+"Mother!" said Jack, advancing towards her.
+
+"Off!" she cried with a prolonged and piercing shriek. And she buried
+herself beneath the straw, which she tossed above her head with the
+wildest gestures.
+
+"I shall kill her if I stay longer," muttered her son, completely
+terrified.
+
+While he was considering what would be best to do, the poor maniac, over
+whose bewildered brain another change had come, raised her head from
+under the straw, and peeping round the room, asked in a low voice, "If
+they were gone?"
+
+"Who?" inquired Jack.
+
+"The nurses," she answered.
+
+"Do they treat you ill?" asked her son.
+
+"Hush!" she said, putting her lean fingers to her lips. "Hush!--come
+hither, and I'll tell you."
+
+Jack approached her.
+
+"Sit beside me," continued Mrs. Sheppard. "And, now I'll tell you what
+they do. Stop! we must shut the door, or they'll catch us. See!" she
+added, tearing the rag from her head,--"I had beautiful black hair once.
+But they cut it all off."
+
+"I shall go mad myself if I listen to her longer," said Jack, attempting
+to rise. "I must go."
+
+"Don't stir, or they'll chain you to the wall," said his mother
+detaining him. "Now, tell me why they brought you here?"
+
+"I came to see you, dear mother!" answered Jack.
+
+"Mother!" she echoed,--"mother! why do you call me by that name?"
+
+"Because you are my mother."
+
+"What!" she exclaimed, staring eagerly in his face. "Are you my son? Are
+you Jack?"
+
+"I am," replied Jack. "Heaven be praised she knows me at last."
+
+"Oh, Jack!" cried his mother, falling upon his neck, and covering him
+with kisses.
+
+"Mother--dear mother!" said Jack, bursting into tears.
+
+"You will never leave me," sobbed the poor woman, straining him to her
+breast.
+
+"Never--never!"
+
+The words were scarcely pronounced, when the door was violently thrown
+open, and two men appeared at it. They were Jonathan Wild and Quilt
+Arnold.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Jack, starting to his feet.
+
+"Just in time," said the thief-taker. "You are my prisoner, Jack."
+
+"You shall take my life first," rejoined Sheppard.
+
+And, as he was about to put himself into a posture of defence, his
+mother clasped him in her arms.
+
+"They shall not harm you, my love!" she exclaimed.
+
+The movement was fatal to her son. Taking advantage of his embarrassed
+position, Jonathan and his assistant rushed upon him, and disarmed him.
+
+"Thank you, Mrs. Sheppard," cried the thief-taker, as he slipped a pair
+of handcuffs over Jack's wrists, "for the help you have given us in
+capturing your son. Without you, we might have had some trouble."
+
+Aware apparently in some degree, of the mistake she had committed, the
+poor maniac sprang towards him with frantic violence, and planted her
+long nails in his cheek.
+
+"Keep off, you accursed jade!" roared Jonathan, "--off, I say, or--" And
+he struck her a violent blow with his clenched hand.
+
+The miserable woman staggered, uttered a deep groan, and fell senseless
+on the straw.
+
+"Devil!" cried Jack; "that blow shall cost you your life."
+
+"It'll not need to be repeated, at all events," rejoined Jonathan,
+looking with a smile of malignant satisfaction at the body. "And,
+now,--to Newgate."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Old Newgate.
+
+
+At the beginning of the twelfth century,--whether in the reign of Henry
+the First, or Stephen is uncertain,--a fifth gate was added to the four
+principal entrances of the city of London; then, it is almost needless
+to say, surrounded by ramparts, moats, and other defences. This gate,
+called _Newgate_, "as being latelier builded than the rest," continued,
+for upwards of three hundred years, to be used as a place of
+imprisonment for felons and trespassers; at the end of which time,
+having grown old, ruinous, and "horribly loathsome," it was rebuilt and
+enlarged by the executors of the renowned Sir Richard Whittington, the
+Lord Mayor of London: whence it afterwards obtained amongst a certain
+class of students, whose examinations were conducted with some
+strictness at the Old Bailey, and their highest degrees taken at
+Hyde-park-corner, the appellation of Whittington's College, or, more
+briefly, the Whit. It may here be mentioned that this gate, destined to
+bequeath its name--a name, which has since acquired a terrible
+significance,--to every successive structure erected upon its site, was
+granted, in 1400, by charter by Henry the Sixth to the citizens of
+London, in return for their royal services, and thenceforth became the
+common jail to that city and the county of Middlesex. Nothing material
+occurred to Newgate, until the memorable year 1666, when it was utterly
+destroyed by the Great Fire. It is with the building raised after this
+direful calamity that our history has to deal.
+
+Though by no means so extensive or commodious as the modern prison, Old
+Newgate was a large and strongly-built pile. The body of the edifice
+stood on the south side of Newgate Street, and projected at the western
+extremity far into the area opposite Saint Sepulchre's Church. One small
+wing lay at the north of the gate, where Giltspur Street Compter now
+stands; and the Press Yard, which was detached from the main building,
+was situated at the back of Phoenix Court. The south or principal front,
+looking, _down_ the Old Bailey, and not _upon it_, as is the case of the
+present structure, with its massive walls of roughened freestone,--in
+some places darkened by the smoke, in others blanched, by exposure to
+the weather,--its heavy projecting cornice, its unglazed doubly-grated
+windows, its gloomy porch decorated with fetters, and defended by an
+enormous iron door, had a stern and striking effect. Over the Lodge,
+upon a dial was inscribed the appropriate motto, "_Venio sicut fur_."
+The Gate, which crossed Newgate Street, had a wide arch for carriages,
+and a postern, on the north side, for foot-passengers. Its architecture
+was richly ornamental, and resembled the style of a triumphal entrance
+to a capital, rather than a dungeon having battlements and hexagonal
+towers, and being adorned on the western side with a triple range of
+pilasters of the Tuscan order, amid the intercolumniations of which were
+niches embellished with statues. The chief of these was a figure of
+Liberty, with a cat at her feet, in allusion to the supposed origin of
+the fortunes of its former founder, Sir Richard Whittington. On the
+right of the postern against the wall was affixed a small grating,
+sustaining the debtor's box; and any pleasure which the passer-by might
+derive from contemplating the splendid structure above described was
+damped at beholding the pale faces and squalid figures of the captives
+across the bars of its strongly-grated windows. Some years after the
+date of this history, an immense ventilator was placed at the top of the
+Gate, with the view of purifying the prison, which, owing to its
+insufficient space and constantly-crowded state, was never free from
+that dreadful and contagious disorder, now happily unknown, the
+jail-fever. So frightful, indeed, were the ravages of this malady, to
+which debtors and felons were alike exposed, that its miserable victims
+were frequently carried out by cart-loads, and thrown into a pit in the
+burial-ground of Christ-church, without ceremony.
+
+Old Newgate was divided into three separate prisons,--the Master's Side,
+the Common Side, and the Press Yard. The first of these, situated a the
+south of the building, with the exception of one ward over the gateway,
+was allotted to the better class of debtors, whose funds enabled them to
+defray their chamber-rent, fees, and garnish. The second, comprising the
+bulk of the jail, and by many degrees worse in point of accommodation,
+having several dismal and noisome wards under ground, was common both to
+debtors and malefactors,--an association little favourable to the morals
+or comforts of the former, who, if they were brought there with any
+notions of honesty, seldom left with untainted principles. The last,--in
+all respects the best and airiest of the three, standing, as has been
+before observed, in Phoenix Court, at the rear of the main fabric,--was
+reserved for state-offenders, and such persons as chose to submit to the
+extortionate demands of the keeper: from twenty to five hundred pounds
+premium, according to the rank and means of the applicant, in addition
+to a high weekly rent, being required for accommodation in this quarter.
+Some excuse for this rapacity may perhaps be found in the fact, that
+five thousand pounds was paid for the purchase of the Press Yard by Mr.
+Pitt, the then governor of Newgate. This gentleman, tried for high
+treason, in 1716, on suspicion of aiding Mr. Forster, the rebel
+general's escape, but acquitted, reaped a golden harvest during the
+occupation of his premises by the Preston rebels, when a larger sum was
+obtained for a single chamber than (in the words of a sufferer on the
+occasion) "would have paid the rent of the best house in Saint James's
+Square or Piccadilly for several years."
+
+Nor was this all. Other, and more serious impositions, inasmuch as they
+affected a poorer class of persons, were practised by the underlings of
+the jail. On his first entrance, a prisoner, if unable or unwilling to
+comply with the exactions of the turnkeys, was thrust into the Condemned
+Hold with the worst description of criminals, and terrified by threats
+into submission. By the old regulations, the free use of strong liquors
+not being interdicted, a tap-house was kept in the Lodge, and also in a
+cellar on the Common Side,--under the superintendence of Mrs. Spurling,
+formerly, it may be remembered, the hostess of the Dark House at
+Queenhithe,--whence wine, ale, and brandy of inferior quality were
+dispensed, in false measures, and at high prices, throughout the prison,
+which in noise and debauchery rivalled, if it did not surpass, the
+lowest tavern.
+
+The chief scene of these disgusting orgies,--the cellar, just referred
+to,--was a large low-roofed vault, about four feet below the level of
+the street, perfectly dark, unless when illumined by a roaring fire, and
+candles stuck in pyramidal lumps of clay, with a range of butts and
+barrels at one end, and benches and tables at the other, where the
+prisoners, debtors, and malefactors male and female, assembled as long
+as their money lasted, and consumed the time in drinking, smoking, and
+gaming with cards and dice. Above was a spacious hall, connected with it
+by a flight of stone steps, at the further end of which stood an immense
+grated door, called in the slang of the place "The Jigger," through the
+bars of which the felons in the upper wards were allowed to converse
+with their friends, or if they wished to enter the room, or join the
+revellers below, they were at liberty to do so, on payment of a small
+fine. Thus, the same system of plunder was everywhere carried on. The
+jailers robbed the prisoners: the prisoners robbed one another.
+
+Two large wards were situated in the Gate; one of which, the Stone Ward,
+appropriated to the master debtors, looked towards Holborn; the other
+called the Stone Hall, from a huge stone standing in the middle of it,
+upon which the irons of criminals under sentence of death were knocked
+off previously to their being taken to the place of execution, faced
+Newgate Street. Here the prisoners took exercise; and a quaint, but
+striking picture has been left of their appearance when so engaged, by
+the author of the English Rogue. "At my first being acquainted with the
+place," says this writer, in the 'Miseries of a Prison,' "the prisoners,
+methought, walking up and down the Stone Hall, looked like so many
+wrecks upon the sea. Here the ribs of a thousand pounds beating against
+the Needles--those dangerous rocks, credulity here floated, to and fro,
+silks, stuffs, camlets, and velvet, without giving place to each other,
+according to their dignity; here rolled so many pipes of canary, whose
+bungholes lying open, were so damaged that the merchant may go hoop for
+his money," A less picturesque, but more truthful, and, therefore, more
+melancholy description of the same scene, is furnished by the shrewd and
+satirical Ned Ward, who informs us, in the "Delectable History of
+Whittington's College," that "When the prisoners are disposed to
+recreate themselves with walking, they go up into a spacious room,
+called the Stone Hall; where, when you see them taking a turn together,
+it would puzzle one to know which is the gentleman, which the mechanic,
+and which the beggar, for they are all suited in the same garb of
+squalid poverty, making a spectacle of more pity than executions; only
+to be out at the elbows is in fashion here, and a great indecorum not to
+be threadbare."
+
+In an angle of the Stone Hall was the Iron Hold, a chamber containing a
+vast assortment of fetters and handcuffs of all weights and sizes. Four
+prisoners, termed "The Partners," had charge of this hold. Their duty
+was to see who came in, or went out; to lock up, and open the different
+wards; to fetter such prisoners as were ordered to be placed in irons;
+to distribute the allowances of provision; and to maintain some show of
+decorum; for which latter purpose they were allowed to carry whips and
+truncheons. When any violent outrage was committed,--and such matters
+were of daily, sometimes hourly, occurrence,--a bell, the rope of which
+descended into the hall, brought the whole of the turnkeys to their
+assistance. A narrow passage at the north of the Stone Hall led to the
+Bluebeard's room of this enchanted castle, a place shunned even by the
+reckless crew who were compelled to pass it. It was a sort of
+cooking-room, with an immense fire-place flanked by a couple of
+cauldrons, and was called Jack Ketch's Kitchen, because the quarters of
+persons executed for treason were there boiled by the hangman in oil,
+pitch, and tar, before they were affixed on the city gates, or on London
+Bridge. Above this revolting spot was the female debtor's ward; below it
+a gloomy cell, called Tangier; and, lower still, the Stone Hold, a most
+terrible and noisome dungeon, situated underground, and unvisited by a
+single ray of daylight. Built and paved with stone, without beds, or any
+other sort of protection from the cold, this dreadful hole, accounted
+the most dark and dismal in the prison, was made the receptacle of such
+miserable wretches as could not pay the customary fees. Adjoining it was
+the Lower Ward,--"Though, in what degree of latitude it was situated,"
+observes Ned Ward, "I cannot positively demonstrate, unless it lay
+ninety degrees beyond the North Pole; for, instead of being dark there
+but half a year, it is dark all the year round." It was only a shade
+better than the Stone Hold. Here were imprisoned the fines; and,
+"perhaps," adds the before-cited authority, "if he behaved himself, an
+outlawed person might creep in among them." Ascending the gate once more
+on the way back, we find over the Stone Hall another large room, called
+Debtors' Hall, facing Newgate Street, with "very good air and light." A
+little too much of the former, perhaps; as the windows being unglazed,
+the prisoners were subjected to severe annoyance from the weather and
+easterly winds.
+
+Of the women felons' rooms nothing has yet been said. There were two.
+One called Waterman's Hall, a horrible place adjoining the postern under
+the gate, whence, through a small barred aperture, they solicited alms
+from the passengers: the other, a large chamber, denominated My Lady's
+Hold, was situated in the highest part of the jail, at the northern
+extremity. Neither of these wards had beds, and the unfortunate inmates
+were obliged to take their rest on the oaken floor. The condition of the
+rooms was indescribably filthy and disgusting; nor were the habits of
+the occupants much more cleanly. In other respects, they were equally
+indecorous and offensive. "It is with no small concern," writes an
+anonymous historian of Newgate, "that I am obliged to observe that the
+women in every ward of this prison are exceedingly worse than the worst
+of the men not only in respect to their mode of living, but more
+especially as to their conversation, which, to their great shame, is as
+profane and wicked as hell itself can possibly be."
+
+There were two Condemned Holds,--one for each sex. That for the men lay
+near the Lodge, with which it was connected by a dark passage. It was a
+large room, about twenty feet long and fifteen broad, and had an arched
+stone roof. In fact, it had been anciently the right hand postern under
+the gate leading towards the city. The floor was planked with oak, and
+covered with iron staples, hooks, and ring-bolts, with heavy chains
+attached to them. There was only one small grated window in this hold,
+which admitted but little light.
+
+Over the gateway towards Snow Hill, were two strong wards, called the
+Castle and the Red Room. They will claim particular attention hereafter.
+
+Many other wards,--especially on the Master Debtor's side,--have been
+necessarily omitted in the foregoing hasty enumeration. But there were
+two places of punishment which merit some notice from their peculiarity.
+The first of these, the Press Room, a dark close chamber, near
+Waterman's Hall, obtained its name from an immense wooden machine kept
+in it, with which such prisoners as refused to plead to their
+indictments were pressed to death--a species of inquisitorial torture
+not discontinued until so lately as the early part of the reign of
+George the Third, when it was abolished by an express statute. Into the
+second, denominated the Bilbowes,--also a dismal place,--refractory
+prisoners were thrust, and placed in a kind of stocks, whence the name.
+
+The Chapel was situated in the south-east angle of the jail; the
+ordinary at the time of this history being the Reverend Thomas Purney;
+the deputy chaplain, Mr. Wagstaff.
+
+Much has been advanced by modern writers respecting the demoralising
+effect of prison society; and it has been asserted, that a youth once
+confined in Newgate, is certain to come out a confirmed thief. However
+this may be now, it was unquestionably true of old Newgate. It was the
+grand nursery of vice.--"A famous university," observes Ned Ward, in the
+London Spy, "where, if a man has a mind to educate a hopeful child in
+the daring science of padding; the light-fingered subtlety of
+shoplifting: the excellent use of jack and crow; for the silently
+drawing bolts, and forcing barricades; with the knack of sweetening; or
+the most ingenious dexterity of picking pockets; let him but enter in
+this college on the Common Side, and confine him close to his study but
+for three months; and if he does not come out qualified to take any
+degree of villainy, he must be the most honest dunce that ever had the
+advantage of such eminent tutors."
+
+To bring down this imperfect sketch of Newgate to the present time, it
+may be mentioned, that, being found inadequate to the purpose required,
+the old jail was pulled down in 1770. Just at the completion of the new
+jail, in 1780, it was assailed by the mob during the Gordon riots,
+fired, and greatly damaged. The devastations, however, were speedily
+made good, and, in two years more, it was finished.
+
+It is a cheering reflection, that in the present prison, with its clean,
+well-whitewashed, and well-ventilated wards, its airy courts, its
+infirmary, its improved regulations, and its humane and intelligent
+officers, many of the miseries of the old jail are removed. For these
+beneficial changes society is mainly indebted to the unremitting
+exertions of the philanthropic HOWARD.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+How Jack Sheppard got out of the Condemned Hold.
+
+
+Monday, the 31st of August 1724,--a day long afterwards remembered by
+the officers of Newgate,--was distinguished by an unusual influx of
+visitors to the Lodge. On that morning the death warrant had arrived
+from Windsor, ordering Sheppard for execution, (since his capture by
+Jonathan Wild in Bedlam, as related in a former chapter, Jack had been
+tried, convicted, and sentenced to death,) together with three other
+malefactors on the following Friday. Up to this moment, hopes had been
+entertained of a respite, strong representations in his favour having
+been made in the highest quarter; but now that his fate seemed sealed,
+the curiosity of the sight-seeing public to behold him was redoubled.
+The prison gates were besieged like the entrance of a booth at a fair;
+and the Condemned Hold where he was confined, and to which visitors were
+admitted at the moderate rate of a guinea a-head, had quite the
+appearance of a showroom. As the day wore on, the crowds
+diminished,--many who would not submit to the turnkey's demands were
+sent away ungratified,--and at five o'clock, only two strangers, Mr.
+Shotbolt, the head turnkey of Clerkenwell Prison, and Mr. Griffin, who
+held the same office in Westminster Gatehouse were left in the Lodge.
+Jack, who had formerly been in the custody of both these gentlemen, gave
+them a very cordial welcome; apologized for the sorry room he was
+compelled to receive them in; and when they took leave, insisted on
+treating them to a double bowl of punch, which they were now discussing
+with the upper jailer, Mr. Ireton, and his two satellites, Austin and
+Langley. At a little distance from the party, sat a tall,
+sinister-looking personage, with harsh inflexible features, a gaunt but
+muscular frame, and large bony hands. He was sipping a glass of cold gin
+and water, and smoking a short black pipe. His name was Marvel, and his
+avocation, which was as repulsive as his looks, was that of public
+executioner. By his side sat a remarkably stout dame, to whom he paid as
+much attention as it was in his iron nature to pay. She had a nut-brown
+skin, a swarthy upper lip, a merry black eye, a prominent bust, and a
+tun-like circumference of waist. A widow for the fourth time, Mrs.
+Spurling, (for she it was,) either by her attractions of purse or
+person, had succeeded in moving the stony heart of Mr. Marvel, who, as
+he had helped to deprive her of her former husbands, thought himself in
+duty bound to offer to supply their place. But the lady was not so
+easily won; and though she did not absolutely reject him, gave him very
+slight hopes. Mr. Marvel, therefore, remained on his probation. Behind
+Mrs. Spurling stood her negro attendant, Caliban; a hideous, misshapen,
+malicious monster, with broad hunched shoulders, a flat nose, and ears
+like those of a wild beast, a head too large for his body, and a body
+too long for his legs. This horrible piece of deformity, who acted as
+drawer and cellarman, and was a constant butt to the small wits of the
+jail, was nicknamed the Black Dog of Newgate.
+
+In the general survey of the prison, taken in the preceding chapter, but
+little was said of the Lodge. It may be well, therefore, before
+proceeding farther, to describe it more minutely. It was approached from
+the street by a flight of broad stone steps, leading to a ponderous
+door, plated with iron, and secured on the inner side by huge bolts, and
+a lock, with wards of a prodigious size. A little within stood a second
+door, or rather wicket, lower than the first, but of equal strength, and
+surmounted by a row of sharp spikes. As no apprehension was entertained
+of an escape by this outlet,--nothing of the kind having been attempted
+by the boldest felon ever incarcerated in Newgate,--both doors were
+generally left open during the daytime. At six o'clock, the wicket was
+shut; and at nine, the jail was altogether locked up. Not far from the
+entrance, on the left, was a sort of screen, or partition-wall, reaching
+from the floor to the ceiling, formed of thick oaken planks riveted
+together by iron bolts, and studded with broad-headed nails. In this
+screen, which masked the entrance of a dark passage communicating with
+the Condemned Hold, about five feet from the ground, was a hatch,
+protected by long spikes set six inches apart, and each of the thickness
+of an elephant's tusk. The spikes almost touched the upper part of the
+hatch: scarcely space enough for the passage of a hand being left
+between their points and the beam. Here, as has already been observed,
+condemned malefactors were allowed to converse with such of their guests
+as had not interest or money enough to procure admission to them in the
+hold. Beyond the hatch, an angle, formed by a projection in the wall of
+some three or four feet, served to hide a door conducting to the
+interior of the prison. At the farther end of the Lodge, the floor was
+raised to the height of a couple of steps; whence the whole place, with
+the exception of the remotest corner of the angle before-mentioned,
+could be commanded at a single glance. On this elevation a table was now
+placed, around which sat the turnkeys and their guests, regaling
+themselves on the fragrant beverage provided by the prisoner. A brief
+description will suffice for them. They were all stout ill-favoured men,
+attired in the regular jail-livery of scratch wig and snuff-coloured
+suit; and had all a strong family likeness to each other. The only
+difference between the officers of Newgate and their brethren was, that
+they had enormous bunches of keys at their girdles, while the latter had
+left their keys at home.
+
+"Well, I've seen many a gallant fellow in my time, Mr. Ireton," observed
+the chief turnkey of Westminster Gatehouse, as he helped himself to his
+third glass of punch; "but I never saw one like Jack Sheppard."
+
+"Nor I," returned Ireton, following his example: "and I've had some
+experience too. Ever since he came here, three months ago, he has been
+the life and soul of the place; and now the death warrant has arrived,
+instead of being cast down, as most men would be, and as all others
+_are_, he's gayer than ever. Well, _I_ shall be sorry to lose him, Mr.
+Griffin. We've made a pretty penny by him--sixty guineas this blessed
+day."
+
+"No more!" cried Griffin, incredulously; "I should have thought you must
+have made double that sum at least."
+
+"Not a farthing more, I assure you," rejoined Ireton, pettishly; "we're
+all on the square here. I took the money myself, and _ought_ to know."
+
+"Oh! certainly," answered Griffin; "certainly."
+
+"I offered Jack five guineas as his share," continued Ireton; "but he
+wouldn't take it himself, and gave it to the poor debtors and felons,
+who are now drinking it out in the cellar on the Common Side."
+
+"Jack's a noble fellow," exclaimed the head-jailer of Clerkenwell
+Prison, raising his glass; "and, though he played me a scurvy trick,
+I'll drink to his speedy deliverance."
+
+"At Tyburn, eh, Mr. Shotbolt?" rejoined the executioner. "I'll pledge
+you in that toast with all my heart."
+
+"Well, for my part," observed Mrs. Spurling, "I hope he may never see
+Tyburn. And, if I'd my own way with the Secretary of State, he never
+_should_. It's a thousand pities to hang so pretty a fellow. There
+haven't been so many ladies in the Lodge since the days of Claude Du
+Val, the gentleman highwayman; and they all declare it'll break their
+hearts if he's scragged."
+
+"Bah!" ejaculated Marvel, gruffly.
+
+"You think our sex has no feeling, I suppose, Sir," cried Mrs. Spurling,
+indignantly; "but I can tell you we have. And, what's more, I tell you,
+if Captain Sheppard _is_ hanged, you need never hope to call _me_ Mrs.
+Marvel."
+
+"'Zounds!" cried the executioner, in astonishment. "Do you know what you
+are talking about, Mrs. Spurling? Why, if Captain Sheppard should get
+off, it 'ud be fifty guineas out of my way. There's the grand laced
+coat he wore at his trial, which I intend for my wedding-dress."
+
+"Don't mention such a thing, Sir," interrupted the tapstress. "I
+couldn't bear to see you in it. Your speaking of the trial brings the
+whole scene to my mind. Ah! I shall never forget the figure Jack cut on
+that occasion. What a buzz of admiration ran round the court as he
+appeared! And, how handsome and composed he looked! Everybody wondered
+that such a stripling could commit such desperate robberies. His
+firmness never deserted him till his old master, Mr. Wood, was examined.
+Then he _did_ give way a bit. And when Mr. Wood's daughter,--to whom,
+I've heard tell, he was attached years ago,--was brought up, his courage
+forsook him altogether, and he trembled, and could scarcely stand. Poor
+young lady! _She_ trembled too, and was unable to give her evidence.
+When sentence was passed there wasn't a dry eye in the court."
+
+"Yes, there was one," observed Ireton.
+
+"I guess who you mean," rejoined Shotbolt. "Mr. Wild's."
+
+"Right," answered Ireton. "It's strange the antipathy he bears to
+Sheppard. I was standing near Jack at that awful moment, and beheld the
+look Wild fixed on him. It was like the grin of a fiend, and made my
+flesh creep on my bones. When the prisoner was removed from the dock, we
+met Jonathan as we passed through the yard. He stopped us, and,
+addressing Jack in a taunting tone, said, 'Well, I've been as good as my
+word!'--'True,' replied Sheppard; 'and I'll be as good as mine!' And so
+they parted."
+
+"And I hope he will, if it's anything to Jonathan's disadvantage,"
+muttered Mrs. Spurling, half aside.
+
+"I'm surprised Mr. Wild hasn't been to inquire after him to-day,"
+observed Langley; "it's the first time he's missed doing so since the
+trial."
+
+"He's gone to Enfield after Blueskin, who has so long eluded his
+vigilance," rejoined Austin. "Quilt Arnold called this morning to say
+so. Certain information, it seems, has been received from a female, that
+Blueskin would be at a flash-ken near the Chase at five o'clock to-day,
+and they're all set out in the expectation of nabbing him."
+
+"Mr. Wild had a narrow escape lately, in that affair of Captain
+Darrell," observed Shotbolt.
+
+"I don't exactly know the rights of that affair," rejoined Griffin, with
+some curiosity.
+
+"Nor any one else, I suspect," answered Ireton, winking significantly.
+"It's a mysterious transaction altogether. But, as much as is known is
+this: Captain Darrell, who resides with Mr. Wood at Dollis Hill, was
+assaulted and half-killed by a party of ruffians, headed, he swore, by
+Mr. Wild, and his uncle, Sir Rowland Trenchard. Mr. Wild, however,
+proved, on the evidence of his own servants, that he was at the Old
+Bailey at the time; and Sir Rowland proved that _he_ was in Manchester.
+So the charge was dismissed. Another charge was then brought against
+them by the Captain, who accused them of kidnapping him when a boy, and
+placing him in the hands of a Dutch skipper, named Van Galgebrok, with
+instructions to throw him overboard, which was done, though he
+afterwards escaped. But this accusation, for want of sufficient
+evidence, met with the same fate as the first, and Jonathan came off
+victorious. It was thought, however, if the skipper _could_ have been
+found, that the result of the case would have been materially different.
+This was rather too much to expect; for we all know, if Mr. Wild wishes
+to keep a man out of the way, he'll speedily find the means to do so."
+
+"Ay, ay," cried the jailers, laughing.
+
+"_I_ could have given awkward evidence in that case, if I'd been so
+inclined," said Mrs. Spurling, "ay and found Van Galgebrok too. But I
+never betray an old customer."
+
+"Mr. Wild is a great man," said the hangman, replenishing his pipe, "and
+we owe him much, and ought to support him. Were any thing to happen to
+him, Newgate wouldn't be what it is, nor Tyburn either."
+
+"Mr. Wild has given you some employment, Mr. Marvel," remarked Shotbolt.
+
+"A little, Sir," replied the executioner, with a grim smile.
+
+"Out of the twelve hundred subjects I've tucked up, I may safely place
+half to his account. If ever he requires my services, he shall find I'm
+not ungrateful. And though I say it that shouldn't say it, no man can
+tie a better knot. Mr. Wild, gentlemen, and the nubbin' cheat."
+
+"Fill your glasses, gentlemen," observed Ireton, "and I'll tell you a
+droll thing Jack said this morning. Amongst others who came to see him,
+was a Mr. Kneebone, a woollen-draper in Wych Street, with whose pockets,
+it appears, Jack, when a lad, made a little too free. As this gentleman
+was going away, he said to Jack in a jesting manner, 'that he should be
+glad to see him to-night at supper.' Upon which the other answered,
+'that he accepted his invitation with pleasure, and would make a point
+of waiting upon him,' Ha! ha! ha!"
+
+"_Did_ he say so?" cried Shotbolt. "Then I advise you to look sharply
+after him, Mr. Ireton; for may I be hanged myself if I don't believe
+he'll be as good as his word."
+
+At this juncture, two women, very smartly attired in silk hoods and
+cloaks, appeared at the door of the Lodge.
+
+"Ah! who have we here?" exclaimed Griffin.
+
+"Only Jack's two wives--Edgeworth Bess and Poll Maggot," replied Austin,
+laughing.
+
+"They can't go into the Condemned Hold," said Ireton, consequentially;
+"it's against Mr. Wild's orders. They must see the prisoner at the
+hatch."
+
+"Very well, Sir," replied Austin, rising and walking towards them.
+"Well, my pretty dears," he added, "--to see your husband, eh? You must
+make the most of your time. You won't have him long. You've heard the
+news, I suppose?"
+
+"That the death warrant's arrived," returned Edgeworth Bess, bursting
+into a flood of tears; "oh, yes! we've heard it."
+
+"How does Jack bear it?" inquired Mrs. Maggot.
+
+"Like a hero," answered Austin.
+
+"I knew he would," replied the Amazon. "Come Bess,--no whimpering. Don't
+unman him. Are we to see him here?"
+
+"Yes, my love."
+
+"Well, then, lose no time in bringing him to us," said Mrs. Maggot.
+"There's a guinea to drink our health," she added, slipping a piece of
+money into his hand.
+
+"Here, Caliban," shouted the under-turnkey, "unlock Captain Sheppard's
+padlock, and tell him his wives are in the Lodge waiting to see him."
+
+"Iss, Massa Austin," replied the black. And taking the keys, he departed
+on the errand.
+
+As soon as he was gone, the two women divested themselves of their hoods
+and cloaks, and threw them, as if inadvertently, into the farthest part
+of the angle in the wall. Their beautifully proportioned figures and
+rather over-displayed shoulders attracted the notice of Austin, who
+inquired of the chief turnkey "whether he should stand by them during
+the interview?"
+
+"Oh! never mind them," said Mrs. Spurling, who had been hastily
+compounding another bowl of punch. "Sit down, and enjoy yourself. I'll
+keep a look out that nothing happens."
+
+By this time Caliban had returned, and Jack appeared at the hatch. He
+was wrapped in a loose dressing-gown of light material, and stood near
+the corner where the women's dresses had just been thrown down, quite
+out of sight of all the party, except Mrs. Spurling, who sat on the
+right of the table.
+
+"Have you got Jonathan out of the way?" he asked, in an eager whisper.
+
+"Yes, yes," replied Edgeworth Bess. "Patience Kite has lured him to
+Enfield on a false scent after Blueskin. You need fear no interruption
+from him, or any of his myrmidons."
+
+"That's well!" cried Jack. "Now stand before me, Poll. I've got the
+watch-spring saw in my sleeve. Pretend to weep both of you as loudly as
+you can. This spike is more than half cut through. I was at work at it
+yesterday and the day before. Keep up the clamour for five minutes, and
+I'll finish it."
+
+Thus urged, the damsels began to raise their voices in loud lamentation.
+
+"What the devil are you howling about?" cried Langley. "Do you think we
+are to be disturbed in this way? Make less noise, hussies, or I'll turn
+you out of the Lodge."
+
+"For shame, Mr. Langley," rejoined Mrs. Spurling: "I blush for you, Sir!
+To call yourself a man, and interfere with the natural course of
+affection! Have you no feeling for the situation of those poor
+disconsolate creatures, about to be bereaved of all they hold dear? Is
+it nothing to part with a husband to the gallows? I've lost four in the
+same way, and know what it is." Here she began to blubber loudly for
+sympathy.
+
+"Comfort yourself, my charmer," said Mr. Marvel, in a tone intended to
+be consolatory. "I'll be their substitute."
+
+"_You!_" cried the tapstress, with a look of horror: "Never!"
+
+"Confusion!" muttered Jack, suddenly pausing in his task, "the saw has
+broken just as I am through the spike."
+
+"Can't we break it off?" replied Mrs. Maggot.
+
+"I fear not," replied Jack, despondingly.
+
+"Let's try, at all events," returned the Amazon.
+
+And grasping the thick iron rod, she pushed with all her force against
+it, while Jack seconded her efforts from within. After great exertions
+on both parts, the spike yielded to their combined strength, and snapped
+suddenly off.
+
+"Holloa--what's that?" cried Austin, starting up.
+
+"Only my darbies," returned Jack, clinking his chains.
+
+"Oh! that was all, was it?" said the turnkey, quietly reseating himself.
+
+"Now, give me the woollen cloth to tie round my fetters," whispered
+Sheppard. "Quick."
+
+"Here it is," replied Edgeworth Bess.
+
+"Give me your hand, Poll, to help me through," cried Jack, as he
+accomplished the operation. "Keep a sharp look out, Bess."
+
+"Stop!" interposed Edgeworth Bess; "Mr. Langley is getting up, and
+coming this way. We're lost."
+
+"Help me through at all hazards, Poll," cried Jack, straining towards
+the opening.
+
+"The danger's past," whispered Bess. "Mrs. Spurling has induced him to
+sit down again. Ah! she looks this way, and puts her finger to her lips.
+She comprehends what we're about. We're all safe!"
+
+"Don't lose a moment then," cried Jack, forcing himself into the
+aperture, while the Amazon, assisted by Bess, pulled him through it.
+
+"There!" cried Mrs. Maggot, as she placed him without noise upon the
+ground; "you're safe so far."
+
+"Come, my disconsolate darlings," cried Austin, "it only wants five
+minutes to six. I expect Mr. Wild here presently. Cut it as short as you
+can."
+
+"Only two minutes more, Sir," intreated Edgeworth Bess, advancing
+towards him in such a manner as to screen Jack, who crept into the
+farthest part of the angle,--"only two minutes, and we've done."
+
+"Well, well, I'm not within a minute," rejoined the turnkey.
+
+"We shall never be able to get you out unseen, Jack," whispered Poll
+Maggot. "You must make a bold push."
+
+"Impossible," replied Sheppard, in the same tone. "That would be certain
+destruction. I can't run in these heavy fetters. No: I must face it out.
+Tell Bess to slip out, and I'll put on her cloak and hood."
+
+Meanwhile, the party at the table continued drinking and chatting as
+merrily as before.
+
+"I can't help thinking of Jack Sheppard's speech to Mr. Kneebone,"
+observed Shotbolt, as he emptied his tenth tumbler; "I'm sure he's
+meditating an escape, and hopes to accomplish it to-night."
+
+"Poh! poh!" rejoined Ireton; "it was mere idle boasting. I examined the
+Condemned Hold myself carefully this morning, and didn't find a nail out
+of its place. Recollect, he's chained to the ground by a great
+horse-padlock, and is never unloosed except when he comes to that hatch.
+If he escapes at all, it must be before our faces."
+
+"It wouldn't surprise me if he did," remarked Griffin. "He's audacity
+enough for anything. He got out in much the same way from the
+Gatehouse,--stole the keys, and passed through a room where I was
+sitting half-asleep in a chair."
+
+"Caught you napping, eh?" rejoined Ireton, with a laugh. "Well, he won't
+do that here. I'll forgive him if he does."
+
+"And so will I," said Austin. "We're too wide awake for that. Ain't we,
+partner?" he added, appealing to Langley, whom punch had made rather
+dozy.
+
+"I should think so," responded the lethargic turnkey, with a yawn.
+
+During this colloquy, Jack had contrived unobserved to put on the hood
+and cloak, and being about the size of the rightful owner, presented a
+very tolerable resemblance to her. This done, Edgeworth Bess, who
+watched her opportunity, slipped out of the Lodge.
+
+"Halloa!" exclaimed Austin, who had caught a glimpse of her departing
+figure, "one of the women is gone!"
+
+"No--no," hastily interposed Mrs. Spurling; "they're both here. Don't
+you see they're putting on their cloaks?"
+
+"That's false!" rejoined Marvel, in a low tone; "I perceive what has
+taken place."
+
+"Oh! goodness!" ejaculated the tapstress, in alarm. "You won't betray
+him."
+
+"Say the word, and I'm mum," returned the executioner.
+
+"Will you be mine!"
+
+"It's a very unfair advantage to take--very," replied Mrs. Spurling;
+"however I consent."
+
+"Then I'll lend a helping hand. I shall lose my fees and the laced coat.
+But it's better to have the bride without the weddin' dress, than the
+weddin' dress without the bride."
+
+At this moment, Saint Sepulchre's clock struck six.
+
+"Close the wicket, Austin," vociferated Ireton, in an authoritative
+tone.
+
+"Good bye!" cried Jack, as if taking leave of his mistresses,
+"to-morrow, at the same time."
+
+"We'll be punctual," replied Mrs. Maggot. "Good bye, Jack! Keep up your
+spirits."
+
+"Now for it!--life or death!" exclaimed Jack, assuming the gait of a
+female, and stepping towards the door.
+
+As Austin rose to execute his principal's commands, and usher the women
+to the gate, Mrs. Spurling and Marvel rose too. The latter walked
+carelessly towards the hatch, and leaning his back against the place
+whence the spike had been removed, so as completely to hide it,
+continued smoking his pipe as coolly as if nothing had happened.
+
+Just as Jack gained the entrance, he heard a man's footstep behind him,
+and aware that the slightest indiscretion would betray him, he halted,
+uncertain what to do.
+
+"Stop a minute, my dear," cried Austin. "You forget that you promised me
+a kiss the last time you were here."
+
+"Won't one from me do as well?" interposed Mrs. Maggot.
+
+"Much better," said Mrs. Spurling, hastening to the rescue. "I want to
+speak to Edgeworth Bess myself."
+
+So saying, she planted herself between Jack and the turnkey. It was a
+moment of breathless interest to all engaged in the attempt.
+
+"Come--the kiss!" cried Austin, endeavouring to pass his arm familiarly
+round the Amazon's waist.
+
+"Hands off!" she exclaimed, "or you'll repent it."
+
+"Why, what'll you do?" demanded the turnkey.
+
+"Teach you to keep your distance!" retorted Mrs. Maggot, dealing him a
+buffet that sent him reeling several yards backwards.
+
+"There! off with you!" whispered Mrs. Spurling, squeezing Jack's arm,
+and pushing him towards the door, "and, don't come here again."
+
+Before Austin could recover himself, Jack and Mrs. Maggot had
+disappeared.
+
+"Bolt the wicket!" shouted Ireton, who, with the others, had been not a
+little entertained by the gallant turnkey's discomfiture.
+
+This was done, and Austin returned with a crest-fallen look to the
+table. Upon which Mrs. Spurling, and her now accepted suitor, resumed
+their seats.
+
+"You'll be as good as your word, my charmer," whispered the executioner.
+
+"Of course," responded the widow, heaving a deep sigh. "Oh! Jack!
+Jack!--you little know what a price I've paid for you!"
+
+"Well, I'm glad those women are gone," remarked Shotbolt. "Coupling
+their presence with Jack's speech, I couldn't help fearing some mischief
+might ensue."
+
+"That reminds me he's still at large," returned Ireton. "Here, Caliban,
+go and fasten his padlock."
+
+"Iss, Massa Ireton," replied the black.
+
+"Stop, Caliban," interposed Mrs. Spurling, who wished to protract the
+discovery of the escape as long as possible. "Before you go, bring me
+the bottle of pine-apple rum I opened yesterday. I should like Mr.
+Ireton and his friends to taste it. It is in the lower cupboard. Oh! you
+haven't got the key--then _I_ must have it, I suppose. How provoking!"
+she added, pretending to rummage her pockets; "one never _can_ find a
+thing when one wants it."
+
+"Never mind it, my dear Mrs. Spurling," rejoined Ireton; "we can taste
+the rum when he returns. We shall have Mr. Wild here presently, and I
+wouldn't for the world--Zounds!" he exclaimed, as the figure of the
+thief-taker appeared at the wicket, "here he is. Off with you, Caliban!
+Fly, you rascal!"
+
+"Mr. Wild here!" exclaimed Mrs. Spurling in alarm. "Oh gracious! he's
+lost."
+
+"Who's lost?" demanded Ireton.
+
+"The key," replied the widow.
+
+All the turnkeys rose to salute the thief-taker, whose habitually-sullen
+countenance looked gloomier than usual. Ireton rushed forward to open
+the wicket for him.
+
+"No Blueskin, I perceive, Sir," he observed, in a deferential tone, as
+Wild entered the Lodge.
+
+"No," replied Jonathan, moodily. "I've been deceived by false
+information. But the wench who tricked me shall bitterly repent it. I
+hope this is all. I begin to fear I might be purposely go out of the
+way. Nothing has gone wrong here?"
+
+"Nothing whatever," replied Ireton. "Jack is just gone back to the
+Condemned Hold. His two wives have been here."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Jonathan, with a sudden vehemence that electrified the
+chief turnkey; "what's this! a spike gone! 'Sdeath! the women, you say,
+have been here. He has escaped."
+
+"Impossible, Sir," replied Ireton, greatly alarmed.
+
+"Impossible!" echoed Wild, with a fearful imprecation. "No, Sir, it's
+quite possible--more than possible. It's certain. I'll lay my life he's
+gone. Come with me to the Condemned Hold directly, and, if I find my
+fears confirmed, I'll--"
+
+He was here interrupted by the sudden entrance of the black, who rushed
+precipitately into the room, letting fall the heavy bunch of keys in his
+fright.
+
+"O Massa Ireton! Massa Wild!" ejaculated Caliban, "Shack Sheppart gone!"
+
+"Gone? you black devil!--Gone?" cried Ireton.
+
+"Iss, Massa. Caliban sarch ebery hole in de place, but Shack no dere.
+Only him big hoss padlock--noting else."
+
+"I knew it," rejoined Wild, with concentrated rage; "and he escaped you
+all, in broad day, before your faces. You may well say it's impossible!
+His Majesty's jail of Newgate is admirably guarded, I must say. Ireton,
+you are in league with him."
+
+"Sir," said the chief turnkey, indignantly.
+
+"You _are_, Sir," thundered Jonathan; "and, unless you find him, you
+shan't hold your place a week. I don't threaten idly, as you know. And
+you, Austin; and you Langley, I say the same thing to you."
+
+"But, Mr. Wild," implored the turnkeys.
+
+"I've said it," rejoined Jonathan, peremptorily. "And you, Marvel, you
+must have been a party--"
+
+"I, Sir!"
+
+"If he's not found, I'll get a new hangman."
+
+"Zounds!" cried Marvel, "I--"
+
+"Hush!" whispered the tapstress, "or I retract my promise."
+
+"Mrs. Spurling," said Jonathan, who overheard the whisper, "you owe your
+situation to me. If you have aided Jack Sheppard's escape, you shall owe
+your discharge to me also."
+
+"As you please, Sir," replied the tapstress, coolly. "And the next time
+Captain Darrell wants a witness, I promise you he shan't look for one in
+vain."
+
+"Ha! hussy, dare you threaten?" cried Wild; but, checking himself, he
+turned to Ireton and asked, "How long have the women been gone?"
+
+"Scarcely five minutes," replied the latter.
+
+"One of you fly to the market," returned Jonathan; "another to the
+river; a third to the New Mint. Disperse in every direction. We'll have
+him yet. A hundred pounds to the man who takes him."
+
+So saying, he rushed out, followed by Ireton and Langley.
+
+"A hundred pounds!" exclaimed Shotbolt. "That's a glorious reward. Do
+you think he'll pay it?"
+
+"I'm sure of it," replied Austin.
+
+"Then I'll have it before to-morrow morning," said the keeper of the New
+Prison, to himself. "If Jack Sheppard sups with Mr. Kneebone, I'll make
+one of the party."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Dollis Hill revisited.
+
+
+About an hour after the occurrences at Newgate, the door of the small
+back-parlour already described at Dollis Hill was opened by Winifred,
+who, gliding noiselessly across the room, approached a couch, on which
+was extended a sleeping female, and, gazing anxiously at her pale
+careworn countenance, murmured,--"Heaven be praised! she still
+slumbers--slumbers peacefully. The opiate has done its duty. Poor thing!
+how beautiful she looks! but how like death!"
+
+Deathlike, indeed, was the repose of the sleeper,--deathlike and deep.
+Its very calmness was frightful. Her lips were apart, but no breath
+seemed to issue from them; and, but for a slight--very slight
+palpitation of the bosom, the vital principle might be supposed to be
+extinct. This lifeless appearance was heightened by the extreme
+sharpness of her features--especially the nose and chin,--and by the
+emaciation of her limbs, which was painfully distinct through her
+drapery. Her attenuated arms were crossed upon her breast; and her black
+brows and eyelashes contrasted fearfully with the livid whiteness of her
+skin. A few short, dark locks, escaping from beneath her head-dress,
+showed that her hair had been removed, and had only been recently
+allowed to grow again.
+
+"Poor Mrs. Sheppard!" sighed Winifred, as she contemplated the beautiful
+wreck before her,--"Poor Mrs. Sheppard! when I see her thus, and think
+of all she has endured, of all she may yet have to endure, I could
+almost pray for her release from trouble. I dare not reflect upon the
+effect that her son's fate,--if the efforts to save him are
+ineffectual,--may have upon her enfeebled frame, and still worse upon
+her mind. What a mercy that the blow aimed at her by the ruffian, Wild,
+though it brought her to the brink of the grave, should have restored
+her to reason! Ah! she stirs."
+
+As she said this, she drew a little aside, while Mrs. Sheppard heaved a
+deep sigh, and opened her eyes, which now looked larger, blacker, and
+more melancholy than ever.
+
+"Where am I?" she cried, passing her hand across her brow.
+
+"With your friends, dear Mrs. Sheppard," replied Winifred, advancing.
+
+"Ah! you are there, my dear young lady," said the widow, smiling
+faintly; "when I first waken, I'm always in dread of finding myself
+again in that horrible asylum."
+
+"You need never be afraid of that," returned Winifred, affectionately;
+"my father will take care you never leave him more."
+
+"Oh! how much I owe him!" said the widow, with fervour, "for bringing
+me here, and removing me from those dreadful sights and sounds, that
+would have driven me distracted, even if I had been in my right mind.
+And how much I owe _you_, too, dearest Winifred, for your kindness and
+attention. Without you I should never have recovered either health or
+reason. I can never be grateful enough. But, though _I_ cannot reward
+you, Heaven will."
+
+"Don't say anything about it, dear Mrs. Sheppard," rejoined Winifred,
+controlling her emotion, and speaking as cheerfully as she could; "I
+would do anything in the world for you, and so would my father, and so
+would Thames; but he _ought_, for he's your nephew, you know. We all
+love you dearly."
+
+"Bless you! bless you!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, averting her face to hide
+her tears.
+
+"I mustn't tell you what Thames means to do for you if ever he gains his
+rights," continued Winifred; "but I _may_ tell you what my father means
+to do."
+
+"He has done too much already," answered the widow. "I shall need little
+more."
+
+"But, _do_ hear what it is," rejoined Winifred; "you know I'm shortly to
+be united to your nephew,--that is," she added, blushing, "when he can
+be married by his right name, for my father won't consent to it before."
+
+"Your father will never oppose your happiness, my dear, I'm sure," said
+Mrs. Sheppard; "but, what has this to do with me?"
+
+"You shall hear," replied Winifred; "when this marriage takes place, you
+and I shall be closely allied, but my father wishes for a still closer
+alliance."
+
+"I don't unterstand you," returned Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"To be plain, then," said Winifred, "he has asked me whether I have any
+objection to you as a mother."
+
+"And what--what was your answer?" demanded the widow, eagerly.
+
+"Can't you guess?" returned Winifred, throwing her arms about her neck.
+"That he couldn't choose any one so agreeable to me."
+
+"Winifred," said Mrs. Sheppard, after a brief pause, during which she
+appeared overcome by her feelings,--she said, gently disengaging herself
+from the young girl's embrace, and speaking in a firm voice, "you must
+dissuade your father from this step."
+
+"How?" exclaimed the other. "Can you not love him?"
+
+"Love him!" echoed the widow. "The feeling is dead within my breast. My
+only love is for my poor lost son. I can esteem him, regard him; but,
+love him as he _ought_ to be loved--that I cannot do."
+
+"Your esteem is all he will require," urged Winifred.
+
+"He has it, and will ever have it," replied Mrs. Sheppard,
+passionately,--"he has my boundless gratitude, and devotion. But I am
+not worthy to be any man's wife--far less _his_ wife. Winifred, you are
+deceived in me. You know not what a wretched guilty thing I am. You know
+not in what dark places my life has been cast; with what crimes it has
+been stained. But the offences I _have_ committed are venial in
+comparison with what I should commit were I to wed your father. No--no,
+it must never be."
+
+"You paint yourself worse than you are, dear Mrs. Sheppard," rejoined
+Winifred kindly. "Your faults were the faults of circumstances."
+
+"Palliate them as you may," replied the widow, gravely, "they _were_
+faults; and as such, cannot be repaired by a greater wrong. If you love
+me, do not allude to this subject again."
+
+"I'm sorry I mentioned it at all, since it distresses you," returned
+Winifred; "but, as I knew my father intended to propose to you, if poor
+Jack should be respited--"
+
+"_If_ he should be respited?" repeated Mrs. Sheppard, with startling
+eagerness. "Does your father doubt it? Speak! tell me!"
+
+Winifred made no answer.
+
+"Your hesitation convinces me he does," replied the widow. "Is Thames
+returned from London?"
+
+"Not yet," replied the other; "but I expect him every minute. My
+father's chief fear, I must tell you, is from the baneful influence of
+Jonathan Wild."
+
+"That fiend is ever in my path," exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, with a look,
+the wildness of which greatly alarmed her companion. "I cannot scare him
+thence."
+
+"Hark!" cried Winifred, "Thames is arrived. I hear the sound of his
+horse's feet in the yard. Now you will learn the result."
+
+"Heaven support me!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, faintly.
+
+"Breathe at this phial," said Winifred.
+
+Shortly afterwards,--it seemed an age to the anxious mother,--Mr. Wood
+entered the room, followed by Thames. The latter looked very pale,
+either from the effect of his wound, which was not yet entirely healed,
+or from suppressed emotion,--partly, perhaps, from both causes,--and
+wore his left arm in a sling.
+
+"Well!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, raising herself, and looking at him as if
+her life depended upon the answer. "He is respited?"
+
+"Alas! no," replied Thames, sadly. "The warrant for his execution is
+arrived. There is no further hope."
+
+"My poor son!" groaned the widow, sinking backwards.
+
+"Heaven have mercy on his soul!" ejaculated Wood.
+
+"Poor Jack!" cried Winifred, burying her face in her lover's bosom.
+
+Not a word was uttered for some time, nor any sound heard except the
+stilled sobs of the unfortunate mother.
+
+At length, she suddenly started to her feet; and before Winifred could
+prevent her, staggered up to Thames.
+
+"When is he to suffer?" she demanded, fixing her large black eyes, which
+burnt with an insane gleam, upon him.
+
+"On Friday," he replied.
+
+"Friday!" echoed Mrs. Sheppard; "and to-day is Monday. He has three days
+to live. Only three days. Three short days. Horrible!"
+
+"Poor soul! her senses are going again," said Mr. Wood, terrified by
+the wildness of her looks. "I was afraid it would be so."
+
+"Only three days," reiterated the widow, "three short short days,--and
+then all is over. Jonathan's wicked threat is fulfilled at last. The
+gallows is in view--I see it with all its hideous apparatus!--ough!" and
+shuddering violently, she placed her hands before her, as if to exclude
+some frightful vision from her sight.
+
+"Do not despair, my sweet soul," said Wood, in a soothing tone.
+
+"Do not despair!" echoed Mrs. Sheppard, with a laugh that cut the ears
+of those who listened to it like a razor,--"Do not despair! And who or
+what shall give me comfort when my son is gone? I have wept till my eyes
+are dry,--suffered till my heart is broken,--prayed till the voice of
+prayer is dumb,--and all of no avail. He will be hanged--hanged--hanged.
+Ha! ha! What have I left but despair and madness? Promise me one thing,
+Mr. Wood," she continued, with a sudden change of tone, and convulsively
+clutching the carpenter's arm, "promise it me."
+
+"Anything, my dear," replied Wood, "What is it?"
+
+"Bury us together in one grave in Willesden churchyard. There is a small
+yew-tree west of the church. Beneath that tree let us lie. In one grave,
+mind. Do you promise to do this?"
+
+"Solemnly," rejoined the carpenter.
+
+"Enough," said the widow, gratefully. "I must see him to-night."
+
+"Impossible, dear Mrs. Sheppard," said Thames. "To-morrow I will take
+you to him."
+
+"To-morrow will be too late," replied the widow, in a hollow voice, "I
+feel it will. I must go to-night, or I shall never behold him again. I
+must bless him before I die. I have strength enough to drag myself
+there, and I do not want to return."
+
+"Be pacified, sweet soul," said Wood, looking meaningly at Thames; "you
+_shall_ go, and I will accompany you."
+
+"A mother's blessing on you," replied Mrs. Sheppard, fervently. "And
+now," she added, with somewhat more composure, "leave me, dear friends,
+I entreat, for a few minutes to collect my scattered thoughts--to
+prepare myself for what I have to go through--to pray for my son."
+
+"Shall we do so?" whispered Winifred to her father.
+
+"By all means," returned Wood; "don't delay an instant." And, followed
+by the young couple, who gazed wistfully at the poor sufferer, he
+hastily quitted the room, and locked the door after him.
+
+Mrs. Sheppard was no sooner alone than she fell upon her knees by the
+side of the couch, and poured forth her heart in prayer. So absorbed was
+she by her passionate supplications that she was insensible to anything
+passing around her, until she felt a touch upon her shoulder, and heard
+a well-known voice breathe in her ear--"Mother!"
+
+She started at the sound as if an apparition had called her, screamed,
+and fell into her son's outstretched arms. "Mother! dear mother!" cried
+Jack, folding her to his breast.
+
+"My son! my dear, dear son!" returned Mrs. Sheppard, returning his
+embrace with all a parent's tenderness.
+
+Jack was completely overcome. His chest heaved violently, and big tears
+coursed rapidly down his cheeks.
+
+"I don't deserve it," he said, at length; "but I would have risked a
+thousand deaths to enjoy this moment's happiness."
+
+"And you must have risked much to obtain it, my love. I have scarcely
+recovered from the shock of hearing of your condemnation, when I behold
+you free!"
+
+"Not two hours since," rejoined Jack, "I was chained down in the
+Condemned Hold in Newgate. With a small saw, conveyed to me a few days
+since by Thames Darrell, which I contrived to conceal upon my person, I
+removed a spike in the hatch, and, with the aid of some other friends,
+worked my way out. Having heard from Thames that you were better, and
+that your sole anxiety was about me, I came to give you the _first_
+intelligence of my escape."
+
+"Bless you for it. But you will stay here?"
+
+"I dare not. I must provide for my safety."
+
+"Mr. Wood will protect you," urged Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"He has not the power--perhaps not the will to do so. And if he would,
+_I_ would not subject him to the annoyance. The moment my escape is
+known, a large reward will be placed on my head. My dress, my person
+will be minutely described. Jonathan Wild and his bloodhounds, with a
+hundred others, incited by the reward, will be upon my track. Nay, for
+aught I know, some of them may even now have got scent of me."
+
+"You terrify me," cried Mrs. Sheppard. "Oh! if this is the case, do not
+stay an instant. Fly! fly!"
+
+"As soon as I can do so with safety, I will return, or send to you,"
+said Jack.
+
+"Do not endanger yourself on my account," rejoined his mother. "I am
+quite easy now; receive my blessing, my dear son; and if we never meet
+again, rest assured my last prayer shall be for you."
+
+"Do not talk thus, dear mother," returned Jack, gazing anxiously at her
+pale countenance, "or I shall not be able to quit you. You must live for
+me."
+
+"I will try to do so," replied the widow, forcing a smile. "One last
+embrace. I need not counsel you to avoid those fatal courses which have
+placed you in such fearful jeopardy."
+
+"You need not," replied Jack, in a tone of the deepest compunction.
+"And, oh! forgive me, though I can never forgive myself, for the misery
+I have caused you."
+
+"Forgive you!" echoed his mother, with a look radiant with delight. "I
+have nothing to forgive. Ah!" she screamed, with a sudden change of
+manner; and pointing to the window, which Jack had left open, and at
+which a dark figure was standing, "there is Jonathan Wild!"
+
+"Betrayed!" exclaimed Jack, glancing in the same direction. "The
+door!--the door!--death!" he added, as he tried the handle, "it is
+locked--and I am unarmed. Madman that I am to be so!"
+
+"Help!" shrieked Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"Be silent," said Jonathan, striding deliberately into the room; "these
+cries will avail you nothing. Whoever answers them must assist me to
+capture your son. Be silent, I say, if you value his safety."
+
+Awed by Jonathan's manner, Mrs. Sheppard repressed the scream that rose
+to her lips, and both mother and son gazed with apprehension at the
+heavy figure of the thief-taker, which, viewed in the twilight, seemed
+dilated to twice its natural size, and appeared almost to block up the
+window. In addition to his customary arms, Jonathan carried a bludgeon
+with a large heavy knob, suspended from his wrist by a loop; a favourite
+weapon, which he always took with him on dangerous expeditions, and
+which, if any information had been requisite, would have told Sheppard
+that the present was one of them.
+
+"Well, Jack," he said, after a pause, "are you disposed to go back
+quietly with me?"
+
+"You'll ascertain that when you attempt to touch me," rejoined Sheppard,
+resolutely.
+
+"My janizaries are within call," returned Wild. "I'm armed; you are
+not."
+
+"It matters not. You shall not take me alive."
+
+"Spare him! spare him!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, falling on her knees.
+
+"Get up, mother," cried Jack; "do not kneel to him. I wouldn't accept my
+life from him. I've foiled him hitherto, and will foil him yet. And,
+come what will, I'll balk him of the satisfaction of hanging me."
+
+Jonathan raised his bludgeon, but controlled himself by a powerful
+effort.
+
+"Fool!" he cried, "do you think I wouldn't have secured you before this
+if I hadn't some motive for my forbearance?"
+
+"And that motive is fear," replied Jack contemptuously.
+
+"Fear!" echoed Wild, in a terrible tone,--"fear! Repeat that word again,
+and nothing shall save you."
+
+"Don't anger him, my dear son," implored the poor widow, with a look of
+anguish at Jack. "Perhaps he means well."
+
+"Mad as you are, you're the more sensible of the two, I must say,"
+rejoined Jonathan.
+
+"Spare him!" cried Mrs, Sheppard, who fancied she had made some
+impression on the obdurate breast of the thief-taker,--"spare him! and I
+will forgive you, will thank you, bless you. Spare him! spare him!"
+
+"On one condition I _will_ spare him," returned Wild; "on one condition
+only."
+
+"What is it?" asked the poor woman.
+
+"Either he or you must return with me," answered Jonathan.
+
+"Take _me_, then," replied the widow. And she would have rushed to him,
+if she had not been forcibly withheld by her son.
+
+"Do not go near him, mother," cried Jack; "do not believe him. There is
+some deep treachery hidden beneath his words."
+
+"I _will_ go," said Mrs. Sheppard, struggling to get free.
+
+"Attend to me, Mrs. Sheppard," said Jonathan, looking calmly on at this
+distressing scene, "Attend to me, and do not heed him. I swear to you,
+solemnly swear to you, I will save your son's life, nay more, will
+befriend him, will place him out of the reach of his enemies, if you
+consent to become my wife."
+
+"Execrable villain!" exclaimed Jack.
+
+"You hear that," cried Mrs. Sheppard; "he swears to save you."
+
+"Well," replied her son; "and you spurn the proposal."
+
+"No; she accepts it," rejoined Jonathan, triumphantly. "Come along, Mrs.
+Sheppard. I've a carriage within call shall convey you swiftly to town.
+Come! come!"
+
+"Hear me, mother," cried Jack, "and I will explain to you _why_ the
+villain makes this strange and revolting proposal. He well knows that
+but two lives--those of Thames Darrell and Sir Rowland Trenchard,--stand
+between you and the vast possessions of the family. Those lives
+removed,--and Sir Rowland is completely in his power, the estates would
+be yours--HIS! if he were your husband. Now do you see his motive?"
+
+"I see nothing but your danger," replied his mother, tenderly.
+
+"Granted it were as you say, Jack," said Wild;--"and I sha'n't take the
+trouble to contradict you--the estates would be _yours_ hereafter."
+
+"Liar!" cried Jack. "Do you affect ignorance that I am a condemned
+felon, and can inherit nothing? But do not imagine that under any
+circumstances I would accept your terms. My mother shall never degrade
+herself by a connection with you."
+
+"Degrade herself," rejoined Jonathan, brutally. "Do you think I would
+take a harlot to my bed, if it didn't suit my purposes to do so?"
+
+"He says right," replied Mrs. Sheppard, distractedly. "I am only fit for
+such as him. Take me! take me!"
+
+"Before an hour you shall be mine," said Jonathan advancing towards her.
+
+"Back!" cried Jack fiercely: "lay a finger on her, and I will fell you
+to the ground. Mother! do you know what you do? Would you sell yourself
+to this fiend?"
+
+"I would sell myself, body and soul, to save you," rejoined his mother,
+bursting from his grasp.
+
+Jonathan caught her in his arms.
+
+"Come away!" he cried, with the roar of a demon.
+
+This laugh and his looks alarmed her.
+
+"It _is_ the fiend!" she exclaimed, recoiling. "Save me!--save me!"
+
+"Damnation!" vociferated Jonathan, savagely. "We've no time for any
+Bedlam scenes now. Come along, you mad jade. I'll teach you submission
+in time."
+
+With this, he endeavoured to force her off; but, before he could
+accomplish his purpose, he was arrested, and his throat seized by Jack.
+In the struggle, Mrs. Sheppard broke from him, and filled the room with
+her shrieks.
+
+"I'll now pay the debt I owe you," cried Jack, tightening his grip till
+the thief-taker blackened in the face.
+
+"Dog!" cried Wild, freeing himself by a powerful effort, and dealing
+Jack a violent blow with the heavy bludgeon, which knocked him
+backwards, "you are not yet a match for Jonathan Wild. Neither you nor
+your mother shall escape me. But I must summon my janizaries." So
+saying, he raised a whistle to his lips, and blew a loud call; and, as
+this was unanswered, another still louder. "Confusion!" he cried;
+"something has happened. But I won't be cheated of my prize."
+
+"Help! help!" shrieked Mrs. Sheppard, fleeing from him to the farthest
+corner of the room.
+
+But it was of no avail. Jonathan again seized her, when the door was
+thrown open, and Thames Darrell, followed by Mr. Wood and several
+serving-men, all well armed, rushed into the room. A glance sufficed to
+show the young man how matters stood. He flew to the window, and would
+have passed his sword through the thief-taker's body, if the latter had
+not quickly interposed the person of Mrs. Sheppard, so that if the blow
+had been stricken she must have received it.
+
+"Quilt!--Mendez!--Where are you?" vociferated Wild, sounding his whistle
+for the third time.
+
+"You call in vain," rejoined Thames. "Your assistants are in my power.
+Yield, villain!"
+
+"Never!" replied Jonathan.
+
+"Put down your burthen, monster!" shouted Wood, pointing an immense
+blunderbuss at him.
+
+"Take her," cried Jonathan; and, flinging the now inanimate body of the
+poor widow, who had fainted in the struggle, into the arms of Thames, he
+leapt through the window, and by the time the latter could consign her
+to Wood, and dart after him, he had disappeared.
+
+"Pursue him," cried Thames to the attendants, "and see that he does not
+escape."
+
+The order was promptly obeyed.
+
+"Jack," continued Thames, addressing Sheppard, who had only just
+recovered from the blow, and regained his feet, "I don't ask _how_ you
+came here, nor do I blame your rashness in doing so. Fortunately, ever
+since Wild's late murderous attack, the household has all been well
+armed. A post-chaise seen in the road first alarmed us. On searching
+the grounds, we found two suspicious-looking fellows in the garden, and
+had scarcely secured them, when your mother's cries summoned us hither,
+just in time to preserve her."
+
+"Your arrival was most providential," said Jack.
+
+"You must not remain here another instant," replied Thames. "My horse is
+at the door, saddled, with pistols in the holsters,--mount him and fly."
+
+"Thames, I have much to say," said Jack, "much that concerns your
+safety."
+
+"Not now," returned Thames, impatiently. "I cannot--will not suffer you
+to remain here."
+
+"I will go, if you will consent to meet me at midnight near the old
+house in Wych Street," replied Jack. "By that time, I shall have fully
+considered a plan which occurs to me for defeating the schemes of your
+enemies."
+
+"Before that time you will be captured, if you expose yourself thus,"
+rejoined Thames. "However, I will be there. Farewell."
+
+"Till midnight," replied Jack.
+
+And imprinting a kiss upon his mother's cold lips, he left the room. He
+found the horse where Thames told him he would find him, mounted, and
+rode off across the fields in the direction of town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+The Well Hole.
+
+
+Jonathan Wild's first object, as soon as he had made good his retreat,
+was to ascertain what had become of his janizaries, and, if possible, to
+release them. With this view, he hurried to the spot where he had left
+the post-chaise, and found it drawn up at the road-side, the postilion
+dismounted, and in charge of a couple of farming-men. Advancing towards
+them, sword in hand, Jonathan so terrified the hinds by his fierce looks
+and determined manner, that, after a slight show of resistance, they
+took to their heels, leaving him master of the field. He then threw
+open the door of the vehicle, in which he found his janizaries with
+their arms pinioned, and, leaping into it, ordered the man to drive off.
+The postilion obeyed, and dashed off as hard as his horses could gallop
+along the beautiful road leading to Neasdon and Willesden, just as the
+serving-men made their appearance. Arrived at the latter place,
+Jonathan, who, meanwhile, had contrived to liberate his attendants from
+their bonds, drew up at the Six Bells, and hiring a couple of horses,
+despatched his attendants in search of Jack Sheppard, while he proceeded
+to town. Dismissing the post-chaise at the Old Bailey, he walked to
+Newgate to ascertain what had occurred since the escape. It was just
+upon the stroke of nine as he entered the Lodge, and Mr. Austin was
+dismissing a host of inquirers who had been attracted thither by the
+news,--for it had already been extensively noised abroad. Some of these
+persons were examining the spot where the spike had been cut off; others
+the spike itself, now considered a remarkable object; and all were
+marvelling how Jack could have possibly squeezed himself through such a
+narrow aperture, until it was explained to them by Mr. Austin that the
+renowned housebreaker was of slender bodily conformation, and therefore
+able to achieve a feat, which he, Mr. Austin, or any man of similar
+dimensions, would have found wholly impossible. Affixed to the wall, in
+a conspicuous situation, was a large placard, which, after minutely
+describing Sheppard's appearance and attire, concluded thus:--"_Whoever
+will discover or apprehend the above_ JOHN SHEPPARD, _so that he be
+brought to justice, shall receive_ ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS REWARD, _to be
+paid by_ MR. PITT, _the keeper of Newgate_."
+
+This placard attracted universal attention. While Jonathan was
+conversing with Austin, from whom he took care to conceal the fact of
+his having seen Sheppard since his escape, Ireton entered the Lodge.
+
+"Altogether unsuccessful, Sir," said the chief turnkey, with a look of
+disappointment, not unmixed with apprehension, as he approached Wild.
+"I've been to all the flash cases in town, and can hear nothing of him
+or his wives. First, I went to Country Tom's, the Goat, in Long Lane.
+Tom swore he hadn't set eyes on him since the trial. I next proceeded to
+Jenny Bunch's, the Ship, in Trig Lane--there I got the same answer. Then
+to the Feathers, in Drury Lane. Then to the Golden Ball, in the same
+street. Then to Martin's brandy-shop, in Fleet Street. Then to Dan
+Ware's, in Hanging Sword Court. Then to the Dean's Head, in St. Martin's
+Le Grand. And, lastly, to the Seven Cities o' Refuge, in the New Mint.
+And nowhere could I obtain the slightest information."
+
+"Humph!" exclaimed Wild.
+
+"Have you been more successful, Sir?" ventured Ireton.
+
+Jonathan shook his head.
+
+"Mr. Shotbolt thinks he has a scheme that can't fail," interposed
+Austin; "but he wishes to know whether you'll be as good as your word,
+in respect to the great reward you offered for Jack's capture."
+
+"Have I ever broken my word in such matters, that he dares put the
+question?" rejoined Jonathan sternly. "Tell Mr. Shotbolt that if he, or
+any other person, takes Jack Sheppard before to-morrow morning, I'll
+double it. Do you hear?"
+
+"I do, Sir," replied Austin respectfully.
+
+"Two hundred pounds, if he's lodged in Newgate before to-morrow
+morning," continued Wild. "Make it known among your friends." And he
+strode out of the place.
+
+"Two hundred pounds!" exclaimed Ireton, "besides the governor's
+offer--that's three hundred. I must go to work again. Keep a sharp look
+out, Austin, and see that we lose no one else. I should be sorry if
+Shotbolt got the reward."
+
+"Devilish hard! I'm not allowed a chance," grumbled Austin, as he was
+left alone. "However, some one _must_ look after the jail; and they're
+all gone but me. It's fortunate we've no more Jack Sheppards, or I
+should stand but a poor chance. Well, I don't think they'll any of 'em
+nab him, that's one comfort."
+
+On quitting the Lodge, Wild repaired to his own habitation. Telling the
+porter that he would attend to the house himself, he bade him go in
+search of Jack Sheppard. There was something in Jonathan's manner, as he
+issued this command, that struck the man as singular, and he afterwards
+recalled it. He, however, made no remark at the time, but instantly
+prepared to set out. As soon as he was gone, Jonathan went up stairs to
+the audience-chamber; and, sitting down, appeared for some time buried
+in reflection. The dark and desperate thoughts that were passing through
+his mind at this time will presently be shown. After a while, he raised
+his eyes; and, if their glance could have been witnessed at the moment,
+it could not have been easily forgotten. Muttering something to himself,
+he appeared to be telling upon his fingers the advantages and
+disadvantages of some scheme he had in contemplation. That he had
+resolved upon its execution, whatever it might be, was evident from his
+saying aloud,--
+
+"I will do it. So good an opportunity may never occur again."
+
+Upon this he arose, and paced the room hastily backwards and forwards,
+as if further arranging his plans. He then unlocked a cabinet, opened a
+secret drawer, and, lifter ransacking its contents, discovered a paper
+he was in search of, and a glove. Laying these carefully aside, he
+restored the drawer to its place. His next occupation was to take out
+his pistols, examine the priming, and rub the flints. His sword then
+came in for his scrutiny: he felt at, and appeared satisfied with its
+edge. This employment seemed to afford him the highest satisfaction; for
+a diabolical grin--it cannot be called a smile--played upon his face all
+the time he was engaged in it. His sword done with, he took up the
+bludgeon; balanced it in his hand; upon the points of his fingers; and
+let it fall with a smash, intentionally, upon the table.
+
+"After all," he said, "this is the safest weapon. No instrument I've
+ever used has done me such good service. It _shall_ be the bludgeon." So
+saying, he slung it upon his wrist.
+
+Taking up a link, which was blazing beside him, he walked across the
+room; and touching a spring in the wall, a secret door flew open. Beyond
+was a narrow bridge, crossing a circular building, at the bottom of
+which lay a deep well. It was a dark mysterious place, and what it was
+used for no one exactly knew; but it was called by those who had seen it
+the Well Hole. The bridge was protected on either side by a railing with
+bannisters placed at wide intervals. Steps to aid the descent, which was
+too steep to be safe without them, led to, a door on the opposite side.
+This door, which was open, Jonathan locked and took out the key. As he
+stood upon the bridge, he held down the light, and looked into the
+profound abyss. The red glare fell upon the slimy brick-work, and tinged
+the inky waters below. A slight cough uttered by Jonathan at the moment
+awakened the echoes of the place, and was returned in hollow
+reverberations. "There'll be a louder echo here presently," thought
+Jonathan. Before leaving the place he looked upwards, and could just
+discern the blue vault and pale stars of Heaven through an iron grating
+at the top.
+
+On his return to the room, Jonathan purposely left the door of the Well
+Hole ajar. Unlocking a cupboard, he then took out some cold meat and
+other viands, with a flask of wine, and a bottle of brandy, and began to
+eat and drink voraciously. He had very nearly cleared the board, when a
+knock was heard below, and descending at the summons, he found his two
+janizaries. They had both been unsuccessful. As Jonathan scarcely
+expected a more satisfactory result, he made no comment; but, ordering
+Quilt to continue his search, and not to return until he had found the
+fugitive, called Abraham Mendez into the house, and shut the door.
+
+"I want you for the job I spoke of a short time ago, Nab," he said. "I
+mean to have no one but yourself in it. Come up stairs, and take a glass
+of brandy."
+
+Abraham grinned, and silently followed his master, who, as soon as they
+reached the audience-chamber, poured out a bumper of spirits, and
+presented it to him. The Jew swallowed it at a draught.
+
+"By my shoul!" he exclaimed, smacking his lips, "dat ish goot--very
+goot."
+
+"You shall finish the bottle when the job's done," replied Jonathan.
+
+"Vat ish it, Mishter Vild?" inquired Mendez. "Shir Rowland Trenchard's
+affair--eh?"
+
+"That's it," rejoined Jonathan; "I expect him here every minute. When
+you've admitted him, steal into the room, hide yourself, and don't move
+till I utter the words, 'You've a long journey before you.' That's your
+signal."
+
+"And a famoush goot shignal it ish," laughed Abraham. "He hash a long
+journey before him--ha! ha!"
+
+"Peace!" cried Jonathan. "There's his knock. Go, and let him in. And
+mind you don't arouse his suspicions."
+
+"Never fear--never fear," rejoined Abraham, as he took up the link, and
+left the room.
+
+Jonathan cast a hasty glance around, to see that all was properly
+arranged for his purpose; placed a chair with its back to the door;
+disposed the lights on the table so as to throw the entrance of the room
+more into shadow; and then flung himself into a seat to await Sir
+Rowland's arrival.
+
+He had not to wait long. Enveloped in a large cloak, Sir Rowland stalked
+into the room, and took the seat assigned him; while the Jew, who
+received a private signal from Jonathan, set down the link near the
+entrance of the Well Hole, and, having made fast the door, crept behind
+one of the cases.
+
+Fancying they were alone, Sir Rowland threw aside his cloak, and
+produced a heavy bag of money, which he flung upon the table; and, when
+Wild had feasted his greedy eyes sufficiently upon its golden contents,
+he handed him a pocket-book filled with notes.
+
+"You have behaved like a man of honour, Sir Rowland," said Wild, after
+he had twice told over the money. "Right to a farthing."
+
+"Give me an acquittance," said Trenchard.
+
+"It's scarcely necessary," replied Wild; "however, if you require it,
+certainly. There it is. 'Received from Sir Rowland Trenchard, 15,000
+£.--Jonathan Wild: August 31st, 1724.' Will that do?"
+
+"It will," replied Trenchard. "This is our last transaction together."
+
+"I hope not," replied Wild.
+
+"It is the last," continued the knight, sternly; "and I trust we may
+never meet again, I have paid you this large sum--not because you are
+entitled to it, for you have failed in what you undertook to do, but
+because I desire to be troubled with you no further. I have now settled
+my affairs, and made every preparation for my departure to France, where
+I shall spend the remainder of my days. And I have made such
+arrangements that at my decease tardy justice will be done my injured
+nephew."
+
+"You have made no such arrangements as will compromise me, I hope, Sir
+Rowland?" said Wild, hastily.
+
+"While I live you are safe," rejoined Trenchard; "after my death I can
+answer for nothing."
+
+"'Sblood!" exclaimed Wild, uneasily. "This alters the case materially.
+When were you last confessed, Sir Rowland?" he added abruptly.
+
+"Why do you ask?" rejoined the other haughtily.
+
+"Because--because I'm always distrustful of a priest," rejoined
+Jonathan.
+
+"I have just parted from one," said Trenchard.
+
+"So much the worse," replied Jonathan, rising and taking a turn, as if
+uncertain what to do.
+
+"So much the better," rejoined Sir Rowland. "He who stands on the verge
+of the grave, as I do, should never be unprepared."
+
+"You're strangely superstitious, Sir Rowland," said Jonathan, halting,
+and looking steadfastly at him.
+
+"If I were so, I should not be here," returned Trenchard.
+
+"How so?" asked Wild, curiously.
+
+"I had a terrible dream last night. I thought my sister and her murdered
+husband dragged me hither, to this very room, and commanded you to slay
+me."
+
+"A terrible dream, indeed," said Jonathan thoughtfully. "But you
+mustn't indulge these gloomy thoughts. Let me recommend a glass of
+wine."
+
+"My penance forbids it," said Trenchard, waving his hand. "I cannot
+remain here long."
+
+"You will remain longer than you anticipate," muttered Wild.
+
+"Before I go," continued Sir Rowland, "I must beg of you to disclose to
+me all you know relative to the parentage of Thames Darrell."
+
+"Willingly," replied Wild. "Thinking it likely you might desire to have
+this information, I prepared accordingly. First, look at this glove. It
+belonged to his father, and was worn by him on the night he was
+murdered. You will observe that a coronet is embroidered on it."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Trenchard, starting, "is he so highly born?"
+
+"This letter will inform you," replied Wild, placing a document in his
+hand.
+
+"What is this!" cried Sir Rowland. "I know the hand--ha! my friend! and
+I have murdered _him_! And my sister was thus nobly, thus illustriously
+wedded. O God! O God!"
+
+And he appeared convulsed with agony.
+
+"Oh! if I had known this," he exclaimed, "what guilt, what remorse might
+have been spared me!"
+
+"Repentance comes too late when the deed's done," returned Wild,
+bitterly.
+
+"It is not too late to repair the wrong I have done my nephew," cried
+Trenchard. "I will set about it instantly. He shall have the estates. I
+will return to Manchester at once."
+
+"You had better take some refreshment before you start," rejoined Wild.
+"'_You've a long journey before you._'"
+
+As the signal was given, the Jew, who had been some time in expectation
+of it, darted swiftly and silently behind Sir Rowland, and flung a cloth
+over his head, while Jonathan, rushing upon him in front, struck him
+several quick and violent blows in the face with the bludgeon. The
+white cloth was instantly dyed with crimson; but, regardless of this,
+Jonathan continued his murderous assault. The struggles of the wounded
+man were desperate--so desperate, that in his agony he overset the
+table, and, in the confusion, tore off the cloth, and disclosed a face
+horribly mutilated, and streaming with blood. So appalling was the
+sight, that even the murderers--familiar as they were with scenes of
+slaughter,--looked aghast at it.
+
+During this dreadful pause the wretched man felt for his sword. It had
+been removed from the scabbard by the Jew. He uttered a deep groan, but
+said nothing.
+
+"Despatch him!" roared Jonathan.
+
+Having no means of defence, Sir Rowland cleared the blood from his
+vision; and, turning to see whether there was any means of escape, he
+descried the open door behind him leading to the Well Hole, and
+instantly darted through it.
+
+"As I could wish!" cried Jonathan. "Bring the light, Nab."
+
+The Jew snatched up the link, and followed him.
+
+A struggle of the most terrific kind now ensued. The wounded man had
+descended the bridge, and dashed himself against the door beyond it;
+but, finding it impossible to force his way further, he turned to
+confront his assailants. Jonathan aimed a blow at him, which, if it had
+taken place, must have instantly terminated the strife; but, avoiding
+this, he sprang at the thief-taker, and grappled with him. Firmly built,
+as it was, the bridge creaked in such a manner with their contending
+efforts, that Abraham durst not venture beyond the door, where he stood,
+holding the light, a horrified spectator of the scene. The contest,
+however, though desperate, was brief. Disengaging his right arm,
+Jonathan struck his victim a tremendous blow on the head with the
+bludgeon, that fractured his skull; and, exerting all his strength,
+threw him over the rails, to which he clung with the tenacity of
+despair.
+
+"Spare me!" he groaned, looking upwards. "Spare me!"
+
+Jonathan, however, instead of answering him, searched for his knife,
+with the intention of severing his wrist. But not finding it, he had
+again recourse to the bludgeon, and began beating the hand fixed on the
+upper rail, until, by smashing the fingers, he forced it to relinquish
+its hold. He then stamped upon the hand on the lower bannister, until
+that also relaxed its gripe.
+
+Sir Rowland then fell.
+
+A hollow plunge, echoed and re-echoed by the walls, marked his descent
+into the water.
+
+"Give me the link," cried Jonathan.
+
+Holding down the light, he perceived that the wounded man had risen to
+the surface, and was trying to clamber up the slippery sides of the
+well.
+
+"Shoot him! shoot him! Put him out of hish mishery," cried the Jew.
+
+"What's the use of wasting a shot?" rejoined Jonathan, savagely. "He
+can't get out."
+
+After making several ineffectual attempts to keep himself above water,
+Sir Rowland sunk, and his groans, which had become gradually fainter and
+fainter, were heard no more.
+
+"All's over," muttered Jonathan.
+
+"Shall ve go back to de other room?" asked the Jew. "I shall breathe
+more freely dere. Oh! Christ! de door's shut! It musht have schwung to
+during de schuffle!"
+
+"Shut!" exclaimed Wild. "Then we're imprisoned. The spring can't be
+opened on this side."
+
+"Dere's de other door!" cried Mendez, in alarm.
+
+"It only leads to the fencing crib," replied Wild. "There's no outlet
+that way."
+
+"Can't ve call for asshistanche?"
+
+"And who'll find us, if we do?" rejoined Wild, fiercely. "But they
+_will_ find the evidences of slaughter in the other room,--the table
+upset,--the bloody cloth,--the dead man's sword,--the money,--and my
+memorandum, which I forgot to remove. Hell's curses! that after all my
+precautions I should be thus entrapped. It's all your fault, you shaking
+coward! and, but that I feel sure you'll swing for your carelessness,
+I'd throw you into the well, too."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+The Supper at Mr. Kneebone's.
+
+
+Persuaded that Jack Sheppard would keep his appointment with Mr.
+Kneebone, and feeling certain of capturing him if he did so, Shotbolt,
+on quitting Newgate, hurried to the New Prison to prepare for the
+enterprise. After debating with himself for some time whether he should
+employ an assistant, or make the attempt alone, his love of gain
+overcame his fears, and he decided upon the latter plan. Accordingly,
+having armed himself with various weapons, including a stout oaken staff
+then ordinarily borne by the watch, and put a coil of rope and a gag in
+his pocket, to be ready in case of need, he set out, about ten o'clock,
+on the expedition.
+
+Before proceeding to Wych Street, he called at the Lodge to see how
+matters were going on, and found Mrs. Spurling and Austin at their
+evening meal, with Caliban in attendance.
+
+"Well, Mr. Shotbolt," cried the turnkey, "I've good news for you. Mr.
+Wild has doubled his offer, and the governor has likewise proclaimed a
+reward of one hundred guineas for Jack's apprehension."
+
+"You don't say so!" exclaimed Shotbolt.
+
+"Read that," rejoined Austin, pointing to the placard. "I ought to tell
+you that Mr. Wild's reward is conditional upon Jack's being taken before
+to-morrow morning. So I fear there's little chance of any one getting
+it."
+
+"You think so, eh?" chuckled Shotbolt, who was eagerly perusing the
+reward, and congratulating himself upon his caution; "you think so--ha!
+ha! Well, don't go to bed, that's all."
+
+"What for?" demanded the turnkey.
+
+"Because the prisoner's arrival might disturb you--ha! ha!"
+
+"I'll lay you twenty guineas you don't take him to-night," rejoined
+Austin.
+
+"Done!" cried Shotbolt. "Mrs. Spurling, you're a witness to the bet.
+Twenty guineas, mind. I shan't let you off a farthing. Egad! I shall
+make a good thing of it."
+
+"Never count your chickens till they're hatched," observed Mrs.
+Spurling, drily.
+
+"_My_ chickens are hatched, or, at least, nearly so," replied Shotbolt,
+with increased merriment. "Get ready your heaviest irons, Austin. I'll
+send you word when I catch him."
+
+"You'd better send _him_," jeered the turnkey.
+
+"So I will," rejoined Shotbolt; "so I will. If I don't, you shall clap
+me in the Condemned Hold in his stead. Good-bye, for the pressent--ha!
+ha!" And, laughing loudly at his own facetiousness, he quitted the
+Lodge.
+
+"I'll lay my life he's gone on a fox-and-goose-chase to Mr. Kneebone's,"
+remarked Austin, rising to fasten the door.
+
+"I shouldn't wonder," replied Mrs. Spurling, as if struck by a sudden
+idea. And, while the turnkey was busy with the keys, she whispered to
+the black, "Follow him, Caliban. Take care he don't see you,--and bring
+me word where he goes, and what he does."
+
+"Iss, missis," grinned the black.
+
+"Be so good as to let Caliban out, Mr. Austin," continued the tapstress;
+"he's only going on an errand."
+
+Austin readily complied with her request. As he returned to the table,
+he put his finger to his nose; and, though he said nothing, he thought
+he had a much better chance of winning his wager.
+
+Unconscious that his movements were watched, Shotbolt, meanwhile,
+hastened towards Wych Street. On the way, he hired a chair with a couple
+of stout porters, and ordered them to follow him. Arrived within a short
+distance of his destination, he came to a halt, and pointing out a dark
+court nearly opposite the woollen-draper's abode, told the chairmen to
+wait there till they were summoned.
+
+"I'm a peace-officer," he added, "about to arrest a notorious criminal.
+He'll be brought out at this door, and may probably make some
+resistance. But you must get him into the chair as fast as you can, and
+hurry off to Newgate."
+
+"And what'll we get for the job, yer hon'r?" asked the foremost
+chairman, who, like most of his tribe at the time, was an Irishman.
+
+"Five guineas. Here's a couple in hand."
+
+"Faix, then we'll do it in style," cried the fellow. "Once in this
+chair, yer hon'r, and I'll warrant he'll not get out so aisily as Jack
+Sheppard did from the New Pris'n."
+
+"Hold your tongue, sirrah," rejoined Shotbolt, not over-pleased by the
+remark, "and mind what I tell you. Ah! what's that?" he exclaimed, as
+some one brushed hastily past him. "If I hadn't just left him, I could
+have sworn it was Mrs. Spurling's sooty imp, Caliban."
+
+Having seen the chairmen concealed in the entry, Shotbolt proceeded to
+Mr. Kneebone's habitation, the shutters of which were closed, and
+knocked at the door. The summons was instantly answered by a shop-boy.
+
+"Is your master at home?" inquired the jailer.
+
+"He is," replied a portly personage, arrayed in a gorgeous yellow
+brocade dressing-gown, lined with cherry-coloured satin, and having a
+crimson velvet cap, surmounted by a gold tassel, on his head. "My name
+is Kneebone," added the portly personage, stepping forward. "What do you
+want with me?"
+
+"A word in private," replied the other.
+
+"Stand aside, Tom," commanded Kneebone. "Now Sir," he added, glancing
+suspiciously at the applicant "your business?"
+
+"My business is to acquaint you that Jack Sheppard has escaped, Mr.
+Kneebone," returned Shotbolt.
+
+"The deuce he has! Why, it's only a few hours since I beheld him chained
+down with half a hundred weight of iron, in the strongest ward at
+Newgate. It's almost incredible. Are you sure you're not misinformed,
+Sir?"
+
+"I was in the Lodge at the time," replied the jailer.
+
+"Then, of course, you must know. Well, it's scarcely credible. When I
+gave him an invitation to supper, I little thought he'd accept it. But,
+egad! I believe he _will_."
+
+"I'm convinced of it," replied Shotbolt; "and it was on that very
+account I came here." And he proceeded to unfold his scheme to the
+woollen-draper.
+
+"Well, Sir," said Kneebone, when the other concluded, "I shall certainly
+not oppose his capture, but, at the same time, I'll lend you no
+assistance. If he keeps _his_ word, I'll keep _mine_. You must wait till
+supper's over."
+
+"As you please, Sir,--provided you don't let him off."
+
+"That I'll engage not to do. I've another reason for supposing he'll pay
+me a visit. I refused to sign a petition in his behalf to the Recorder;
+not from any ill-will to him, but because it was prepared by a person
+whom I particularly dislike--Captain Darrell."
+
+"A very sufficient reason," answered the jailer.
+
+"Tom," continued Kneebone, calling to the shop-boy, "don't go home. I
+may want you. Light the lantern. And, if you hear any odd noise in the
+parlour, don't mind it."
+
+"Not in the least, Sir," replied Tom, in a drowsy tone, and with a look
+seeming to imply that he was too much accustomed to odd noises at night
+to heed them.
+
+"Now, step this way, Mr. What's-your-name?"
+
+"Shotbolt, Sir," replied the jailer.
+
+"Very well, Mr. Slipshod; follow me." And he led the way to an inner
+room, in the middle of which stood a table, covered with a large white
+cloth.
+
+"Jack Sheppard knows this house, I believe, Sir," observed Shotbolt.
+
+"Every inch of it," replied the woollen-draper. "He _ought_ to do,
+seeing that he served his apprenticeship in it to Mr. Wood, by whom it
+was formerly occupied. His name is carved upon a beam up stairs."
+
+"Indeed!" said Shotbolt. "Where can I hide myself?" he added, glancing
+round the room in search of a closet.
+
+"Under the table. The cloth nearly touches the floor. Give me your
+staff. It'll be in your way."
+
+"Suppose he brings Blueskin, or some other ruffian with him," hesitated
+the jailer.
+
+"Suppose he does. In that case I'll help you. We shall be equally
+matched. You're not afraid, Mr. Shoplatch."
+
+"Not in the least," replied Shotbolt, creeping beneath the table;
+"there's my staff. Am I quite hidden?"
+
+"Not quite;--keep your feet in. Mind you don't stir till supper's over.
+I'll stamp twice when we've done."
+
+"I forgot to mention there's a trifling reward for his capture," cried
+Shotbolt, popping his head from under the cloth. "If we take him, I
+don't mind giving you a share--say a fourth--provided you lend a helping
+hand."
+
+"Curse your reward!" exclaimed Kneebone, angrily. "Do you take me for a
+thief-catcher, like Jonathan Wild, that you dare to affront me by such a
+proposal?"
+
+"No offence, Sir," rejoined the jailer, humbly. "I didn't imagine for a
+moment that you'd accept it, but I thought it right to make you the
+offer."
+
+"Be silent, and conceal yourself. I'm about to ring for supper."
+
+The woollen-draper's application to the bell was answered by a very
+pretty young woman, with dark Jewish features, roguish black eyes, sleek
+glossy hair, a trim waist, and a remarkably neat figure: the very model,
+in short, of a bachelor's housekeeper.
+
+"Rachel," said Mr. Kneebone, addressing his comely attendant; "put a few
+more plates on the table, and bring up whatever there is in the larder.
+I expect company."
+
+"Company!" echoed Rachel; "at this time of night?"
+
+"Company, child," repeated Kneebone. "I shall want a bottle or two of
+sack, and a flask of usquebaugh."
+
+"Anything else, Sir?"
+
+"No:--stay! you'd better not bring up any silver forks or spoons."
+
+"Why, surely you don't think your guests would steal them," observed
+Rachel, archly.
+
+"They shan't have the opportunity," replied Kneebone. And, by way of
+checking his housekeeper's familiarity, he pointed significantly to the
+table.
+
+"Who's there?" cried Rachel. "I'll see." And before she could be
+prevented, she lifted up the cloth, and disclosed Shotbolt. "Oh,
+Gemini!" she exclaimed. "A man!"
+
+"At your service, my dear," replied the jailer.
+
+"Now your curiosity's satisfied, child," continued Kneebone, "perhaps,
+you'll attend to my orders."
+
+Not a little perplexed by the mysterious object she had seen, Rachel
+left the room, and, shortly afterwards returned with the materials of a
+tolerably good supper;--to wit, a couple of cold fowls, a tongue, the
+best part of a sirloin of beef, a jar of pickles, and two small dishes
+of pastry. To these she added the wine and spirits directed, and when
+all was arranged looked inquisitively at her master.
+
+"I expect a very extraordinary person to supper, Rachel," he remarked.
+
+"The gentleman under the table," she answered. "He _does_ seem a very
+extraordinary person."
+
+"No; another still more extraordinary."
+
+"Indeed!--who is it?"
+
+"Jack Sheppard."
+
+"What! the famous housebreaker. I thought he was in Newgate."
+
+"He's let out for a few hours," laughed Kneebone; "but he's going back
+again after supper."
+
+"Oh, dear! how I should like to see him. I'm told he's so handsome."
+
+"I'm sorry I can't indulge you," replied her master, a little piqued. "I
+shall want nothing more. You had better go to bed."
+
+"It's no use going to bed," answered Rachel. "I shan't sleep a wink
+while Jack Sheppard's in the house."
+
+"Keep in your own room, at all events," rejoined Kneebone.
+
+"Very well," said Rachel, with a toss of her pretty head, "very well.
+I'll have a peep at him, if I die for it," she muttered, as she went
+out.
+
+Mr. Kneebone, then, sat down to await the arrival of his expected guest.
+Half an hour passed, but Jack did not make his appearance. The
+woollen-draper looked at his watch. It was eleven o'clock. Another long
+interval elapsed. The watch was again consulted. It was now a quarter
+past twelve. Mr. Kneebone, who began to feel sleepy, wound it up, and
+snuffed the candles.
+
+"I suspect our friend has thought better of it, and won't come," he
+remarked.
+
+"Have a little patience, Sir," rejoined the jailer.
+
+"How are you off there, Shoplatch?" inquired Kneebone. "Rather cramped,
+eh?"
+
+"Rather so, Sir," replied the other, altering his position. "I shall be
+able to stretch my limbs presently--ha! ha!"
+
+"Hush!" cried Kneebone, "I hear a noise without. He's coming."
+
+The caution was scarcely uttered, when the door opened, and Jack
+Sheppard presented himself. He was wrapped in a laced roquelaure, which
+he threw off on his entrance into the room. It has been already
+intimated that Jack had an excessive passion for finery; and it might
+have been added, that the chief part of his ill-gotten gains was devoted
+to the embellishment of his person. On the present occasion, he appeared
+to have bestowed more than ordinary attention on his toilette. His
+apparel was sumptuous in the extreme, and such as was only worn by
+persons of the highest distinction. It consisted of a full-dress coat of
+brown flowered velvet, laced with silver; a waistcoat of white satin,
+likewise richly embroidered; shoes with red heels, and large diamond
+buckles; pearl-coloured silk stockings with gold clocks; a muslin
+cravat, or steen-kirk, as it was termed, edged with the fine point lace;
+ruffles of the same material, and so ample as almost to hide the tips of
+his fingers; and a silver-hilted sword. This costume, though somewhat
+extravagant, displayed his slight, but perfectly-proportioned figure to
+the greatest advantage. The only departure which he made from the
+fashion of the period, was in respect to the peruke--an article he could
+never be induced to wear. In lieu of it, he still adhered to the sleek
+black crop, which, throughout life, formed a distinguishing feature in
+his appearance. Ever since the discovery of his relationship to the
+Trenchard family, a marked change had taken place in Jack's demeanour
+and looks, which were so much refined and improved that he could
+scarcely be recognised as the same person. Having only seen him in the
+gloom of a dungeon, and loaded with fetters, Kneebone had not noticed
+this alteration: but he was now greatly struck by it. Advancing towards
+him, he made him a formal salutation, which was coldly returned.
+
+"I am expected, I find," observed Jack, glancing at the well-covered
+board.
+
+"You are," replied Kneebone. "When I heard of your escape, I felt sure I
+should see you."
+
+"You judged rightly," rejoined Jack; "I never yet broke an engagement
+with friend or foe--and never will."
+
+"A bold resolution," said the woollen-draper. "You must have made some
+exertion to keep your present appointment. Few men could have done as
+much."
+
+"Perhaps not," replied Jack, carelessly. "I would have done more, if
+necessary."
+
+"Well, take a chair," rejoined Kneebone. "I've waited supper, you
+perceive."
+
+"First, let me introduce my friends," returned Jack, stepping to the
+door.
+
+"Friends!" echoed Kneebone, with a look of dismay. "My invitation did
+not extend to them."
+
+Further remonstrance, however, was cut short by the sudden entrance of
+Mrs. Maggot and Edgeworth Bess. Behind them stalked Blueskin, enveloped
+in a rough great-coat, called--appropriately enough in this instance,--a
+wrap-rascal. Folding his arms, he placed his back against the door, and
+burst into a loud laugh. The ladies were, as usual, very gaily dressed;
+and as usual, also, had resorted to art to heighten their attractions--
+
+    From patches, justly placed, they borrow'd graces,
+    And with vermilion lacquer'd o'er their faces.
+
+Edgeworth Bess wore a scarlet tabby negligée,--a sort of undress, or
+sack, then much in vogue,--which suited her to admiration, and upon her
+head had what was called a fly-cap, with richly-laced lappets. Mrs.
+Maggot was equipped in a light blue riding-habit, trimmed with silver, a
+hunting-cap and a flaxen peruke, and, instead of a whip, carried a stout
+cudgel.
+
+For a moment, Kneebone had hesitated about giving the signal to
+Shotbolt, but, thinking a more favourable opportunity might occur, he
+determined not to hazard matters by undue precipitation. Placing chairs,
+therefore, he invited the ladies to be seated, and, paying a similar
+attention to Jack, began to help to the various dishes, and otherwise
+fulfil the duties of a host. While this was going on, Blueskin, seeing
+no notice whatever taken of him, coughed loudly and repeatedly. But
+finding his hints totally disregarded, he, at length, swaggered up to
+the table, and thrust in a chair.
+
+"Excuse me," he said, plunging his fork into a fowl, and transferring it
+to his plate. "This tongue looks remarkably nice," he added, slicing off
+an immense wedge, "excuse me--ho! ho!"
+
+"You make yourself at home, I perceive," observed Kneebone, with a look
+of ineffable disgust.
+
+"I generally do," replied Blueskin, pouring out a bumper of sack. "Your
+health, Kneebone."
+
+"Allow me to offer you a glass of usquebaugh, my dear," said Kneebone,
+turning from him, and regarding Edgeworth Bess with a stare so
+impertinent, that even that not over-delicate young lady summoned up a
+blush.
+
+"With pleasure, Sir," replied Edgeworth Bess. "Dear me!" she added, as
+she pledged the amorous woollen-draper, "what a beautiful ring that is."
+
+"Do you think so?" replied Kneebone, taking it off, and placing it on
+her finger, which he took the opportunity of kissing at the same time;
+"wear it for my sake."
+
+"Oh, dear!" simpered Edgeworth Bess, endeavouring to hide her confusion
+by looking steadfastly at her plate.
+
+"You don't eat," continued Kneebone, addressing Jack, who had remained
+for some time thoughtful, and pre-occupied with his head upon his hand.
+
+"The Captain has seldom much appetite," replied Blueskin, who, having
+disposed of the fowl, was commencing a vigorous attack upon the sirloin.
+"I eat for both."
+
+"So it seems," observed the woollen-draper, "and for every one else,
+too."
+
+"I say, Kneebone," rejoined Blueskin, as he washed down an immense
+mouthful with another bumper, "do you recollect how nearly Mr. Wild and
+I were nabbing you in this very room, some nine years ago?"
+
+"I do," replied Kneebone; "and now," he added, aside, "the case is
+altered. I'm nearly nabbing _you_."
+
+"A good deal has occurred since then, eh, Captain!" said Blueskin,
+nudging Jack.
+
+"Much that I would willingly forget. Nothing that I desire to remember,"
+replied Sheppard, sternly. "On that night,--in this room,--in your
+presence, Blueskin,--in yours Mr. Kneebone, Mrs. Wood struck me a blow
+which made me a robber."
+
+"She has paid dearly for it," muttered Blueskin.
+
+"She has," rejoined Sheppard. "But I wish her hand had been as deadly as
+yours. On that night,--that fatal night,--Winifred crushed all the hopes
+that were rising in my heart. On that night, I surrendered myself to
+Jonathan Wild, and became--what I am."
+
+"On that night, you first met me, love," said Edgeworth Bess,
+endeavouring to take his hand, which he coldly withdrew.
+
+"And me," added Mrs. Maggot tenderly.
+
+"Would I had never seen either of you!" cried Jack, rising and pacing
+the apartment with a hurried step.
+
+"Well, I'm sure Winifred could never have loved you as well as I do,"
+said Mrs. Maggot.
+
+"_You_!" cried Jack, scornfully. "Do you compare _your_ love--a love
+which all may purchase--with _hers_? No one has ever loved me."
+
+"Except me, dear," insinuated Edgeworth Bess. "I've been always true to
+you."
+
+"Peace!" retorted Jack, with increased bitterness. "I'm your dupe no
+longer."
+
+"What the devil's in the wind now, Captain?" cried Blueskin, in
+astonishment.
+
+"I'll tell you," replied Jack, with forced calmness. "Within the last
+few minutes, all my guilty life has passed before me. Nine years ago, I
+was honest--was happy. Nine years ago, I worked in this very house--had
+a kind indulgent master, whom I robbed--twice robbed, at your
+instigation, villain; a mistress, whom you have murdered; a companion,
+whose friendship I have for ever forfeited; a mother, whose heart I have
+well-nigh broken. In this room was my ruin begun: in this room it should
+be ended."
+
+"Come, come, don't take on thus, Captain," cried Blueskin, rising and
+walking towards him. "If any one's to blame, it's me. I'm ready to bear
+it all."
+
+"Can you make me honest?" cried Jack. "Can you make me other than a
+condemned felon? Can you make me not Jack Sheppard?"
+
+"No," replied Blueskin; "and I wouldn't if I could."
+
+"Curse you!" cried Jack, furiously,--"curse you!--curse you!"
+
+"Swear away, Captain," rejoined Blueskin, coolly. "It'll ease your
+mind."
+
+"Do you mock me?" cried Jack, levelling a pistol at him.
+
+"Not I," replied Blueskin. "Take my life, if you're so disposed. You're
+welcome to it. And let's see if either of these women, who prate of
+their love for you, will do as much."
+
+"This is folly," cried Jack, controlling himself by a powerful effort.
+
+"The worst of folly," replied Blueskin, returning to the table, and
+taking up a glass; "and, to put an end to it, I shall drink the health
+of Jack Sheppard, the housebreaker, and success to him in all his
+enterprises. And now, let's see who'll refuse the pledge."
+
+"_I_ will," replied Sheppard, dashing the glass from his hand. "Sit
+down, fool!"
+
+"Jack," said Kneebone, who had been considerably interested by the
+foregoing scene, "are these regrets for your past life sincere?"
+
+"Suppose them so," rejoined Jack, "what then?"
+
+"Nothing--nothing," stammered Kneebone, his prudence getting the better
+of his sympathy. "I'm glad to hear it, that's all," he added, taking out
+his snuff-box, his never-failing resource in such emergencies. "It won't
+do to betray the officer," he muttered.
+
+"O lud! what an exquisite box!" cried Edgeworth Bess. "Is it gold?"
+
+"Pure gold," replied Kneebone. "It was given me by poor dear Mrs. Wood,
+whose loss I shall ever deplore."
+
+"Pray, let me have a pinch!" said Edgeworth Bess, with a captivating
+glance. "I am so excessively fond of snuff."
+
+The woollen-draper replied by gallantly handing her the box, which was
+instantly snatched from her by Blueskin, who, after helping himself to
+as much of its contents as he could conveniently squeeze between his
+thumb and finger, put it very coolly in his pocket.
+
+The action did not pass unnoticed by Sheppard.
+
+"Restore it," he cried, in an authoritative voice.
+
+"O'ons! Captain," cried Blueskin, as he grumblingly obeyed the command;
+"if you've left off business yourself, you needn't interfere with other
+people."
+
+"I should like a little of that plum-tart," said Mrs. Maggot; "but I
+don't see a spoon."
+
+"I'll ring for one," replied Kneebone, rising accordingly; "but I fear
+my servants are gone to bed."
+
+Blueskin, meanwhile, having drained and replenished his glass, commenced
+chaunting a snatch of a ballad:--
+
+    Once on a time, as I've heard tell.
+    In Wych Street Owen Wood did dwell;
+    A carpenter he was by trade,
+    And money, I believe, he made.
+        _With his foodle doo_!
+
+    This carpenter he had a wife,
+    The plague and torment of his life,
+    Who, though she did her husband scold,
+    Loved well a woollen-draper bold.
+        _With her foodle doo_!
+
+"I've a toast to propose," cried Sheppard, filling a bumper. "You won't
+refuse it, Mr. Kneebone?"
+
+"He'd better not," muttered Blueskin.
+
+"What is it?" demanded the woollen-draper, as he returned to the table,
+and took up a glass.
+
+"The speedy union of Thames Darrell with Winifred Wood," replied Jack.
+
+Kneebone's cheeks glowed with rage, and he set down the wine untasted,
+while Blueskin resumed his song.
+
+    Now Owen Wood had one fair child,
+    Unlike her mother, meek and mild;
+    Her love the draper strove to gain,
+    But she repaid him with disdain.
+        _With his foodle doo_!
+
+"Peace!" cried Jack.
+
+But Blueskin was not to be silenced. He continued his ditty, in spite of
+the angry glances of his leader.
+
+    In vain he fondly urged his suit,
+    And, all in vain, the question put;
+    She answered,--"Mr. William Kneebone,
+    Of me, Sir, you shall never be bone."
+        _With your foodle doo_!
+
+    "Thames Darrell has my heart alone,
+    A noble youth, e'en _you_ must own;
+    And, if from him my love could stir,
+    Jack Sheppard I should much prefer!"
+        _With his foodle doo_!
+
+"Do you refuse my toast?" cried Jack, impatiently.
+
+"I do," replied Kneebone.
+
+"Drink this, then," roared Blueskin. And pouring the contents of a small
+powder-flask into a bumper of brandy, he tendered him the mixture.
+
+At this juncture, the door was opened by Rachel.
+
+"What did you ring for, Sir?" she asked, eyeing the group with
+astonishment.
+
+"Your master wants a few table-spoons, child," said Mrs. Maggot.
+
+"Leave the room," interposed Kneebone, angrily.
+
+"No, I shan't," replied Rachel, saucily. "I came to see Jack Sheppard,
+and I won't go till you point him out to me. You told me he was going
+back to Newgate after supper, so I mayn't have another opportunity."
+
+"Oh! he told you that, did he?" said Blueskin, marching up to her, and
+chucking her under the chin. "I'll show you Captain Sheppard, my dear.
+There he stands. I'm his lieutenant,--Lieutenant Blueskin. We're two
+good-looking fellows, ain't we?"
+
+"Very good-looking," replied Rachel. "But, where's the strange gentleman
+I saw under the table?"
+
+"Under the table!" echoed Blueskin, winking at Jack. "When did you see
+him, my love?"
+
+"A short time ago," replied the housekeeper, unsuspiciously.
+
+"The plot's out!" cried Jack. And, without another word, he seized the
+table with both hands, and upset it; scattering plates, dishes, bottles,
+jugs, and glasses far and wide. The crash was tremendous. The lights
+rolled over, and were extinguished. And, if Rachel had not carried a
+candle, the room would have been plunged in total darkness. Amid the
+confusion, Shotbolt sprang to his feet, and levelling a pistol at Jack's
+head, commanded him to surrender; but, before any reply could be made,
+the jailer's arm was struck up by Blueskin, who, throwing himself upon
+him, dragged him to the ground. In the struggle the pistol went off, but
+without damage to either party. The conflict was of short duration; for
+Shotbolt was no match for his athletic antagonist. He was speedily
+disarmed; and the rope and gag being found upon him, were exultingly
+turned against him by his conqueror, who, after pinioning his arms
+tightly behind his back, forced open his mouth with the iron, and
+effectually prevented the utterance of any further outcries. While the
+strife was raging, Edgeworth Bess walked up to Rachel, and advised her,
+if she valued her life, not to scream or stir from the spot; a caution
+which the housekeeper, whose curiosity far outweighed her fears,
+received in very good part.
+
+In the interim, Jack advanced to the woollen-draper, and regarding him
+sternly, thus addressed him:
+
+"You have violated the laws of hospitality, Mr. Kneebone, I came hither
+as your guest. You have betrayed me."
+
+"What faith is to be kept with a felon?" replied the woollen-draper,
+disdainfully.
+
+"He who breaks faith with his benefactor may well justify himself thus,"
+answered Jack. "I have not trusted you. Others who have done, have found
+you false."
+
+"I don't understand you," replied Kneebone, in some confusion.
+
+"You soon shall," rejoined Sheppard. "Where are the packets committed to
+your charge by Sir Rowland Trenchard?"
+
+"The packets!" exclaimed Kneebone, in alarm.
+
+"It is useless to deny it," replied Jack. "You were watched to-night by
+Blueskin. You met Sir Rowland at the house of a Romisch priest, Father
+Spencer. Two packets were committed to your charge, which you undertook
+to deliver,--one to another priest, Sir Rowland's chaplain, at
+Manchester, the other to Mr. Wood. Produce them!"
+
+"Never!" replied Kneebone.
+
+"Then, by Heaven! you are a dead man!" replied Jack, cocking a pistol,
+and pointing it deliberately at his head. "I give you one minute for
+reflection. After that time nothing shall save you."
+
+There was a brief, breathless pause. Even Blueskin looked on with
+anxiety.
+
+"It is past," said Jack, placing his finger on the trigger.
+
+"Hold!" cried Kneebone, flinging down the packets; "they are nothing to
+me."
+
+"But they are everything to me," cried Jack, stooping to pick them up.
+"These packets will establish Thames Darrell's birth, win him his
+inheritance, and procure him the hand of Winifred Wood."
+
+"Don't be too sure of that," rejoined Kneebone, snatching up the staff,
+and aiming a blow at his head, which was fortunately warded off by Mrs.
+Maggot, who promptly interposed her cudgel.
+
+"Defend yourself!" cried Jack, drawing his sword.
+
+"Leave his punishment to me, Jack," said Mrs. Maggot. "I've the
+Bridewell account to settle."
+
+"Be it so," replied Jack, putting up his blade. "I've a good deal to do.
+Show him no quarter, Poll. He deserves none."
+
+"And shall find none," replied the Amazon. "Now, Mr. Kneebone," she
+added, drawing up her magnificent figure to its full height, and making
+the heavy cudgel whistle through the air, "look to yourself."
+
+"Stand off, Poll," rejoined the woollen-draper; "I don't want to hurt
+you. It shall never be said that I raised my arm willingly against a
+woman."
+
+"I'll forgive you all the harm you do me," rejoined the Amazon. "What!
+you still hesitate! Will that rouse you, coward?" And she gave him a
+smart rap on the head.
+
+"Coward!" cried Kneebone. "Neither man nor woman shall apply that term
+to me. If you forget your sex, jade, I must forget mine."
+
+With this, he attacked her vigorously in his turn.
+
+It was a curious sight to see how this extraordinary woman, who, it has
+been said, was not less remarkable for the extreme delicacy of her
+features, and the faultless symmetry of her figure, than for her
+wonderful strength and agility, conducted herself in the present
+encounter; with what dexterity she parried every blow aimed against her
+by her adversary, whose head and face, already marked by various ruddy
+streams, showed how successfully her own hits had been made;--how she
+drew him hither and thither, now leading him on, now driving him
+suddenly back; harassing and exhausting him in every possible way, and
+making it apparent that she could at any moment put an end to the fight,
+and only delayed the finishing stroke to make his punishment the more
+severe.
+
+Jack, meanwhile, with Blueskin's assistance, had set the table once more
+upon its legs, and placing writing materials, which he took from a
+shelf, upon it, made Shotbolt, who was still gagged, but whose arms were
+for the moment unbound, sit down before them.
+
+"Write as I dictate," he cried, placing a pen in the jailer's hand and a
+pistol to his ear.
+
+Shotbolt nodded in token of acquiescence, and emitted an odd guttural
+sound.
+
+"Write as follows," continued Jack. "'I have succeeded in capturing Jack
+Sheppard. The reward is mine. Get all ready for his reception. In a few
+minutes after the delivery of this note he will be in Newgate.' Sign
+it," he added, as, after some further threats, the letter was indited
+according to his dictation, "and direct it to Mr. Austin. That's well.
+And, now, to find a messenger."
+
+"Mr. Kneebone's man is in the shop," said Rachel; "he'll take it."
+
+"Can I trust him?" mused Jack. "Yes; he'll suspect nothing. Give him
+this letter, child, and bid him take it to the Lodge at Newgate without
+loss of time. Blueskin will go with you,--for fear of a mistake."
+
+"You might trust me," said Rachel, in an offended tone; "but never
+mind."
+
+And she left the room with Blueskin, who very politely offered her his
+arm.
+
+Meanwhile, the combat between Kneebone and Mrs. Maggot had been brought
+to a termination. When the woollen-draper was nearly worn out, the
+Amazon watched her opportunity, and hitting him on the arm, disabled it.
+
+"That's for Mrs. Wood," she cried, as the staff fell from his grasp.
+
+"I'm at your mercy, Poll," rejoined Kneebone, abjectly.
+
+"That's for Winifred," vociferated the Amazon, bringing the cudgel
+heavily upon his shoulder.
+
+"Damnation!" cried Kneebone.
+
+"That's for myself," rejoined Mrs. Maggot, dealing him a blow, which
+stretched him senseless on the floor.
+
+"Bravo, Poll!" cried Jack, who having again pinioned Shotbolt, was now
+tracing a few hasty lines on a sheet of paper. "You've given him a
+broken head, I perceive."
+
+"He'll scarcely need a plaister," replied Mrs. Maggot, laughing. "Here,
+Bess, give me the cord, and I'll tie him to this chest of drawers. I
+don't think he'll come to himself too soon. But it's best to be on the
+safe side."
+
+"Decidedly so," replied Edgeworth Bess; "and I'll take this opportunity,
+while Jack's back is turned,--for he's grown so strangely
+particular,--of easing him of his snuff-box. Perhaps," she added, in a
+whisper, as she appropriated the before-named article, "he has a
+pocket-book."
+
+"Hush!" replied Mrs. Maggot; "Jack will hear you. We'll come back for
+that by and by, and the dressing-gown."
+
+At this moment, Rachel and Blueskin returned. Their momentary absence
+seemed to have worked wonders; for now the most perfect understanding
+appeared to subsist between them.
+
+"Have you sent off the note?" inquired Jack.
+
+"We have, Captain," replied Blueskin. "I say _we_, because Miss Rachel
+and I have struck up a match. Shall I bring off anything?" he added,
+looking eagerly round.
+
+"No," replied Jack, peremptorily.
+
+Having now sealed his letter, Sheppard took a handkerchief, and tying it
+over Shotbolt's face, so as completely to conceal the features, clapped
+his hat upon his head, and pushed it over his brows. He, next, seized
+the unlucky jailer, and forced him along, while Blueskin expedited his
+movements by administering a few kicks behind.
+
+When they got to the door, Jack opened it, and, mimicking the voice of
+the jailer, shouted, "Now, my lads, all's ready?"
+
+"Here we are," cried the chairmen, hurrying out of the court with their
+swinging vehicle, "where is he?"
+
+"Here," replied Sheppard, dragging out Shotbolt by the collar, while
+Blueskin pushed him behind, and Mrs. Maggot held up a lantern, which she
+found in the shop. "In with him!"
+
+"Ay--ay, yer hon'r," cried the foremost chairman, lending a helping
+hand. "Get in wid ye, ye villin!"
+
+And, despite his resistance, Shotbolt was thrust into the chair, which
+was instantly fastened upon him.
+
+"There, he's as safe as Jack Sheppard in the Condemned Hould," laughed
+the man.
+
+"Off with you to Newgate!" cried Jack, "and don't let him out till you
+get inside the Lodge. There's a letter for the head turnkey, Mr.
+Irreton. D'ye hear."
+
+"Yes, yer hon'r," replied the chairman, taking the note.
+
+"What are you waiting for?" asked Jack, impatiently.
+
+"The gen'l'man as hired us," replied the chairman.
+
+"Oh! he'll be after you directly. He's settling an account in the house.
+Lose no time. The letter will explain all."
+
+The chair was then rapidly put in motion, and speedily disappeared.
+
+"What's to be done next?" cried Blueskin, returning to Rachel, who was
+standing with Edgeworth Bess near the door.
+
+"I shall go back and finish my supper," said Mrs. Maggot.
+
+"And so shall I," replied Edgeworth Bess.
+
+"Stop a minute," cried Jack, detaining his mistresses. "Here we
+part,--perhaps for ever. I've already told you I'm about to take a long
+journey, and it's more than probable I shall never return."
+
+"Don't say so," cried Mrs. Maggot. "I should be perfectly miserable if
+_I_ thought you in earnest."
+
+"The very idea is dreadful," whimpered Edgeworth Bess.
+
+"Farewell!" cried Jack, embracing them. "Take this key to Baptist
+Kettleby. On seeing it, he'll deliver you a box, which it will unlock,
+and in which you'll find a matter of fifty guineas and a few trinkets.
+Divide the money between you, and wear the ornaments for my sake. But,
+if you've a spark of love for me, don't meddle with anything in that
+house."
+
+"Not for worlds!" exclaimed both ladies together.
+
+"Farewell!" cried Jack, breaking from them, and rushing down the street.
+
+"What shall we do, Poll?" hesitated Edgeworth Bess.
+
+"Go in, to be sure, simpleton," replied Mrs. Maggot, "and bring off all
+we can. I know where everything valuable is kept. Since Jack has left
+us, what does it matter whether he's pleased or not?"
+
+At this moment, a whistle was heard.
+
+"Coming!" cried Blueskin, who was still lingering with Rachel. "The
+Captain's in such a desperate hurry, that there's no time for
+love-making. Adieu! my charmer. You'll find those young ladies extremely
+agreeable acquaintances. Adieu!"
+
+And, snatching a hasty kiss, he darted after Jack.
+
+The chair, meanwhile, with its unhappy load, was transported at a brisk
+pace to Newgate. Arrived there, the porter thundered at the massive door
+of the Lodge, which was instantly opened--Shotbolt's note having been
+received just before. All the turnkeys were assembled. Ireton and
+Langley had returned from a second unsuccessful search; Marvel had come
+thither to bid good-night to Mrs. Spurling; Austin had never quitted his
+post. The tapstress was full of curiosity; but she appeared more easy
+than the others. Behind her stood Caliban, chuckling to himself, and
+grinning from ear to ear.
+
+"Well, who'd have thought of Shotbolt beating us all in this way!" said
+Ireton. "I'm sorry for old Newgate that another jail should have it.
+It's infernally provoking."
+
+"Infernally provoking!" echoed Langley.
+
+"Nobody has so much cause for complaint as me," growled Austin. "I've
+lost my wager."
+
+"Twenty pounds," rejoined Mrs. Spurling. "I witnessed the bet."
+
+"Here he is!" cried Ireton, as the knocking was heard without. "Get
+ready the irons, Caliban."
+
+"Wait a bit, massa," replied the grinning negro,--"lilly bit--see all
+right fust."
+
+By this time, the chair had been brought into the Lodge.
+
+"You've got him?" demanded Ireton.
+
+"Safe inside," replied the chairman, wiping the heat from his brow;
+"we've run all the way."
+
+"Where's Mr. Shotbolt?" asked Austin.
+
+"The gen'l'man'll be here directly. He was detained. T' other gen'l'man
+said the letter 'ud explain all."
+
+"Detained!" echoed Marvel. "That's odd. But, let's see the prisoner."
+
+The chair was then opened.
+
+"Shotbolt! by--" cried Austin, as the captive was dragged forth. "I've
+won, after all."
+
+Exclamations of wonder burst from all. Mrs. Spurling bit her lips to
+conceal her mirth. Caliban absolutely crowed with delight.
+
+"Hear the letter," said Ireton, breaking the seal. "'_This is the way in
+which I will serve all who attempt to apprehend me_.' It is signed JACK
+SHEPPARD."
+
+"And, so Jack Sheppard has sent back Shotbolt in this pickle," said
+Langley.
+
+"So it appears," replied Marvel. "Untie his arms, and take off that
+handkerchief. The poor fellow's half smothered."
+
+"I guess what share you've had in this," whispered Austin to Mrs.
+Spurling.
+
+"Never mind," replied the tapstress. "You've won your wager."
+
+Half an hour after this occurrence, when it had been sufficiently
+laughed at and discussed; when the wager had been settled, and the
+chairman dismissed with the remaining three guineas, which Shotbolt was
+compelled to pay; Ireton arose, and signified his intention of stepping
+across the street to inform Mr. Wild of the circumstance.
+
+"As it's getting late, and the porter may be gone to bed," he observed;
+"I'll take the pass-key, and let myself in. Mr. Wild is sure to be up.
+He never retires to rest till daybreak--if at all. Come with me,
+Langley, and bring the lantern."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+How Jack Sheppard was again captured.
+
+
+Jack Sheppard, after whistling to Blueskin, hurried down a short
+thoroughfare leading from Wych Street to the back of Saint Clement's
+Church, where he found Thames Darrell, who advanced to meet him.
+
+"I was just going," said Thames. "When I parted from you at Mr.
+Kneebone's door, you begged me to await your return here, assuring me
+you would not detain me five minutes. Instead of which, more than half
+an hour has elapsed."
+
+"You won't complain of the delay when I tell you what I've done,"
+answered Jack. "I've obtained two packets, containing letters from Sir
+Rowland Trenchard, which I've no doubt will establish your title to the
+estates. Take them, and may they prove as serviceable to you as I
+desire."
+
+"Jack," replied Thames, greatly moved, "I wish I could devise any means
+of brightening your own dark prospects."
+
+"That's impossible," replied Jack. "I am utterly lost."
+
+"Not utterly," rejoined the other.
+
+"Utterly," reiterated Jack, gloomily,--"as regards all I hold dear.
+Listen to me, Thames. I'm about to leave this country for ever. Having
+ascertained that a vessel sails for France from the river at daybreak
+to-morrow morning, I have secured a passage in her, and have already had
+the few effects I possess, conveyed on board. Blueskin goes with me. The
+faithful fellow will never leave me."
+
+"Never, while I've breath in my body, Captain," rejoined Blueskin, who
+had joined them. "England or France, London or Paris, it's all one to
+me, so I've you to command me."
+
+"Stand out of earshot," rejoined his leader. "I'll call you when you're
+wanted."
+
+And Blueskin withdrew.
+
+"I cannot but approve the course you are about to take, Jack," said
+Thames, "though on some accounts I regret it. In after years you can
+return to your own country--to your friends."
+
+"Never," replied Sheppard bitterly. "My friends need not fear my return.
+They shall hear of me no more. Under another name,--not my own hateful
+one,--I will strive to distinguish myself in some foreign service, and
+win myself a reputation, or perish honourably. But I will never--never
+return."
+
+"I will not attempt to combat your resolution, Jack," returned Thames,
+after a pause. "But I dread the effect your departure may have upon your
+poor mother. Her life hangs upon a thread, and this may snap it."
+
+"I wish you hadn't mentioned her," said Jack, in a broken voice, while
+his whole frame shook with emotion. "What I do is for the best, and I
+can only hope she may have strength to bear the separation. You must say
+farewell to her, for I cannot. I don't ask you to supply my place--for
+that is, perhaps, impossible. But, be like a son to her."
+
+"Do not doubt me," replied Thames, warmly pressing his hand.
+
+"And now, I've one further request," faltered Jack; "though I scarcely
+know how to make it. It is to set me right with Winifred. Do not let her
+think worse of me than I deserve,--or even so ill. Tell her, that more
+than once, when about to commit some desperate offence, I have been
+restrained by her gentle image. If hopeless love for her made me a
+robber, it has also saved me many a crime. Will you tell her that?"
+
+"I will," replied Thames, earnestly.
+
+"Enough," said Jack, recovering his composure. "And now, to your own
+concerns. Blueskin, who has been on the watch all night, has dogged Sir
+Rowland Trenchard to Jonathan Wild's house; and, from the mysterious
+manner in which he was admitted by the thief-taker's confidential
+servant, Abraham Mendez, and not by the regular porter, there is little
+doubt but they are alone, and probably making some arrangements prior to
+our uncle's departure from England."
+
+"Is he leaving England?" demanded Thames, in astonishment.
+
+"He sails to-morrow morning in the very vessel by which I start,"
+replied Jack. "Now, if as I suspect,--from the documents just placed in
+your possession,--Sir Rowland meditates doing you justice after his
+departure, it is possible his intentions may be frustrated by the
+machinations of Wild, whose interest is obviously to prevent such an
+occurrence, unless we can surprise them together, and, by proving to Sir
+Rowland that we possess the power of compelling a restitution of your
+rights, force the other treacherous villain into compliance. Jonathan,
+in all probability, knows nothing of these packets; and their production
+may serve to intimidate him. Will you venture?"
+
+"It is a hazardous experiment," said Thames, after a moment's
+reflection; "but I will make it. You must not, however, accompany me,
+Jack. The risk I run is nothing to yours."
+
+"I care for no risk, provided I can serve you," rejoined Sheppard.
+"Besides, you'll not be able to get in without me. It won't do to knock
+at the door, and Jonathan Wild's house is not quite so easy of entrance
+as Mr. Wood's."
+
+"I understand," replied Thames; "be it as you will."
+
+"Then, we'll lose no more time," returned Jack. "Come along, Blueskin."
+
+Starting at a rapid pace in the direction of the Old Bailey, and
+crossing Fleet Bridge, "for oyster tubs renowned," the trio skirted the
+right bank of the muddy stream until they reached Fleet Lane, up which
+they hurried. Turning off again on the left, down Seacoal Lane, they
+arrived at the mouth of a dark, narrow alley, into which they plunged;
+and, at the farther extremity found a small yard, overlooked by the
+blank walls of a large gloomy habitation. A door in this house opened
+upon the yard. Jack tried it, and found it locked.
+
+"If I had my old tools with me, we'd soon master this obstacle," he
+muttered. "We shall be obliged to force it."
+
+"Try the cellar, Captain," said Blueskin, stamping upon a large board
+in the ground. "Here's the door. This is the way the old thief brings in
+all his heavy plunder, which he stows in out-of-the-way holes in his
+infernal dwelling. I've seen him often do it."
+
+While making these remarks, Blueskin contrived, by means of a chisel
+which he chanced to have about him, to lift up the board, and,
+introducing his fingers beneath it, with Jack's assistance speedily
+opened it altogether, disclosing a dark hole, into which he leapt.
+
+"Follow me, Thames," cried Jack, dropping into the chasm.
+
+They were now in a sort of cellar, at one end of which was a door. It
+was fastened inside. But, taking the chisel from Blueskin, Jack quickly
+forced back the bolt.
+
+As they entered the room beyond, a fierce growl was heard.
+
+"Let me go first," said Blueskin; "the dogs know me. Soho! boys." And,
+walking up to the animals, which were chained to the wall, they
+instantly recognised him, and suffered the others to pass without
+barking.
+
+Groping their way through one or two dark and mouldy-smelling vaults,
+the party ascended a flight of steps, which brought them to the hall. As
+Jack conjectured, no one was there, and, though a lamp was burning on a
+stand, they decided upon proceeding without it. They then swiftly
+mounted the stairs, and stopped before the audience-chamber. Applying
+his ear to the keyhole, Jack listened, but could detect no sound. He,
+next cautiously tried the door, but found it fastened inside.
+
+"I fear we're too late," he whispered to Thames. "But, we'll soon see.
+Give me the chisel, Blueskin." And, dexterously applying the implement,
+he forced open the lock.
+
+They then entered the room, which was perfectly dark.
+
+"This is strange," said Jack, under his breath. "Sir Rowland must be
+gone. And, yet, I don't know. The key's in the lock, on the inner side.
+Be on your guard."
+
+"I am so," replied Thames, who had followed him closely.
+
+"Shall I fetch the light, Captain?" whispered Blueskin.
+
+"Yes," replied Jack. "I don't know how it is," he added in a low voice
+to Thames, as they were left alone, "but I've a strange foreboding of
+ill. My heart fails me. I almost wish we hadn't come."
+
+As he said this, he moved forward a few paces, when, finding his feet
+glued to the ground by some adhesive substance, he stooped to feel what
+it was, but instantly withdrew his hand, with an exclamation of horror.
+
+"God in Heaven!" he cried, "the floor is covered with blood. Some foul
+murder has been committed. The light!--the light!"
+
+Astounded at his cries, Thames sprang towards him. At this moment,
+Blueskin appeared with the lamp, and revealed a horrible spectacle,--the
+floor deluged with blood,--various articles of furniture upset,--papers
+scattered about,--the murdered man's cloak, trampled upon, and smeared
+with gore,--his hat, crushed and similarly stained,--his sword,--the
+ensanguined cloth,--with several other ghastly evidences of the
+slaughterous deed. Further on, there were impressions of bloody
+footsteps along the floor.
+
+"Sir Rowland is murdered!" cried Jack, as soon as he could find a
+tongue.
+
+"It is plain he has been destroyed by his perfidious accomplice,"
+rejoined Thames. "Oh God! how fearfully my father is avenged!"
+
+"True," replied Jack, sternly; "but we have our uncle to avenge. What's
+this?" he added, stooping to pick up a piece of paper lying at his
+feet--it was Jonathan's memorandum. "This is the explanation of the
+bloody deed."
+
+"Here's a pocket-book full of notes, and a heavy bag of gold," said
+Blueskin, examining the articles on the floor.
+
+"The sum which incited the villain to the murder," replied Jack. "But he
+can't be far off. He must be gone to dispose of the body. We shall have
+him on his return."
+
+"I'll see where these footsteps lead to," said Blueskin, holding the
+light to the floor. "Here are some more papers, Captain."
+
+"Give them to me," replied Jack. "Ah!" he exclaimed, "a letter,
+beginning 'dearest Aliva,'--that's your mother's name, Thames."
+
+"Let me see it," cried Thames, snatching it from him. "It _is_ addressed
+to my mother," he added, as his eye glanced rapidly over it, "and by my
+father. At length, I shall ascertain my name. Bring the light this
+way--quick! I cannot decipher the signature."
+
+Jack was about to comply with the request, when an unlooked-for
+interruption occurred. Having traced the footsteps to the wall, and
+perceiving no outlet, Blueskin elevated the lamp, and discovered marks
+of bloody fingers on the boards.
+
+"He must have gone this way," muttered Blueskin. "I've often heard of a
+secret door in this room, though I never saw it. It must be somewhere
+hereabouts. Ah!" he exclaimed, as his eye fell upon a small knob in the
+wall, "there's the spring!"
+
+He touched it, and the door flew open.
+
+The next moment, he was felled to the ground by Jonathan Wild, who
+sprang into the room, followed by Abraham bearing the link. A single
+glance served to show the thief-taker how matters stood. From the slight
+sounds that had reached him in his place of confinement, he was aware
+that some persons had found their way to the scene of slaughter, and in
+a state of the most intense anxiety awaited the result of their
+investigation, prepared for the worst. Hearing the spring touched, he
+dashed through on the instant, and struck down the person who presented
+himself, with his bludgeon. On beholding the intruders, his fears
+changed to exultation, and he uttered a roar of satisfaction as he
+glared at them, which could only be likened to the cry of some savage
+denizen of the plains.
+
+On his appearance, Jack levelled a pistol at his head. But his hand was
+withheld by Thames.
+
+"Don't fire," cried the latter. "It is important not to slay him. He
+shall expiate his offences on the gibbet. You are my prisoner,
+murderer."
+
+"_Your_ prisoner!" echoed Jonathan, derisively. "You mistake,--you are
+mine. And so is your companion,--the convict Sheppard."
+
+"Waste not another word with him, Thames," cried Jack. "Upon him!"
+
+"Yield, villain, or die!" shouted Thames, drawing his sword and
+springing towards him.
+
+"There's my answer!" rejoined Wild, hurling the bludgeon at him, with
+such fatal effect, that striking him on the head it brought him
+instantly to the ground.
+
+"Ah! traitor!" cried Jack, pulling the trigger of his pistol.
+
+Anticipating this, Wild avoided the shot by suddenly, ducking his head.
+He had a narrow escape, however; for, passing within an inch of him, the
+bullet burried itself deeply in the wall.
+
+Before he could fire a second shot, Jack had to defend himself from the
+thief-taker, who, with his drawn hanger, furiously assaulted him.
+Eluding the blow, Jack plucked his sword from the scabbard, and a
+desperate conflict began.
+
+"Pick up that blade, Nab," vociferated Wild, finding himself hotly
+pressed, "and stab him. I won't give him a chance."
+
+"Cowardly villain!" cried Jack, as the Jew, obeying the orders of his
+principal, snatched up the weapon of the murdered man, and assailed him.
+"But I'll yet disappoint you."
+
+And springing backwards, he darted suddenly through the door.
+
+"After him," cried Wild; "he mustn't escape. Dead or alive, I'll have
+him. Bring the link."
+
+And, followed by Abraham, he rushed out of the room.
+
+Just as Jack got half way down the stairs, and Wild and the Jew reached
+the upper landing, the street-door was opened by Langley and Ireton, the
+latter of whom carried a lantern.
+
+"Stop him!" shouted Jonathan from the stair-head, "stop him! It's Jack
+Sheppard!"
+
+"Give way!" cried Jack fiercely. "I'll cut down him who opposes me."
+
+The head turnkey, in all probability, would have obeyed. But, being
+pushed forward by his subordinate officer, he was compelled to make a
+stand.
+
+"You'd better surrender quietly, Jack," he cried; "you've no chance."'
+
+Instead of regarding him, Jack glanced over the iron bannisters, and
+measured the distance. But the fall was too great, and he abandoned the
+attempt.
+
+"We have him!" cried Jonathan, hurrying down the steps. "He can't
+escape."
+
+As this was said, Jack turned with the swiftness of thought, and
+shortening his sword, prepared to plunge it into the thief-taker's
+heart. Before he could make the thrust, however, he was seized behind by
+Ireton, who flung himself upon him.
+
+"Caught!" shouted the head-turnkey. "I give you joy of the capture, Mr.
+Wild," he added, as Jonathan came up, and assisted him to secure and
+disarm the prisoner. "I was coming to give you intelligence of a comical
+trick played by this rascal, when I find him here--the last place, I
+own, where I should have expected to find him."
+
+"You've arrived in the very nick of time," rejoined Jonathan; "and I'll
+take care your services are not overlooked."
+
+"Mr. Ireton," cried Jack, in accents of the most urgent entreaty,
+"before you take me hence, I implore you--if you would further the ends
+of justice--search this house. One of the most barbarous murders ever
+committed has just been perpetrated by the monster Wild. You will find
+proofs of the bloody deed in his room. But go thither at once, I beseech
+you, before he has time to remove them."
+
+"Mr. Ireton is welcome to search every room in my house if he pleases,"
+said Jonathan, in a tone of bravado. "As soon as we've conveyed you to
+Newgate, I'll accompany him."
+
+"Mr. Ireton will do no such thing," replied the head-turnkey. "Bless
+your soul! d'ye think I'm to be gammoned by such nonsense. Not I. I'm
+not quite such a greenhorn as Shotbolt, Jack, whatever you may think."
+
+"For mercy's sake go up stairs," implored Sheppard. "I have not told you
+half. There's a man dying--Captain Darrell. Take me with you. Place a
+pistol at my ear, and shoot me, if I've told you false."
+
+"And, what good would that do?" replied Ireton, sarcastically. "To shoot
+you would be to lose the reward. You act your part capitally, but it
+won't do."
+
+"Won't you go?" cried Jack passionately. "Mr. Langley, I appeal to you.
+Murder, I say, has been done! Another murder will be committed if you
+don't prevent it. The blood will rest on your head. Do you hear me, Sir?
+Won't you stir!"
+
+"Not a step," replied Langley, gruffly.
+
+"Off with him to Newgate!" cried Jonathan. "Ireton, as you captured him,
+the reward is yours. But I request that a third may be given to
+Langley."
+
+"It shall be, Sir," replied Ireton, bowing. "Now come along, Jack."
+
+"Miscreants!" cried Sheppard, almost driven frantic by the violence of
+his emotions; "you're all in league with him."
+
+"Away with him!" cried Jonathan. "I'll see him fettered myself. Remain
+at the door, Nab," he added, loitering for a moment behind the others,
+"and let no one in, or out."
+
+Jack, meanwhile, was carried to Newgate. Austin could scarcely credit
+his senses when he beheld him. Shotbolt, who had in some degree
+recovered from the effects of his previous mortification, was thrown
+into an ecstacy of delight, and could not sufficiently exult over the
+prisoner. Mrs. Spurling had retired for the night. Jack appealed to the
+new auditors, and again detailed his story, but with no better success
+than heretofore. His statement was treated with derision. Having seen
+him heavily ironed, and placed in the Condemned Hold, Jonathan recrossed
+the street.
+
+He found Abraham on guard as he had left him.
+
+"Has any one been here?" he asked.
+
+"No von," replied the Jew.
+
+"That's well," replied Wild, entering the house, and fastening the door.
+"And now to dispose of our dead. Why, Nab, you shake as if you'd got an
+ague?" he added, turning to the Jew, whose teeth chattered audibly.
+
+"I haven't quite recovered the fright I got in the Vell-Hole," replied
+Abraham.
+
+On returning to the audience-chamber, Jonathan found the inanimate body
+of Thames Darrell lying where he had left it; but, on examining it, he
+remarked that the pockets were turned inside out, and had evidently been
+rifled. Startled by this circumstance, he looked around, and perceived
+that the trap-door,--which has been mentioned as communicating with a
+secret staircase,--was open. He, next, discovered that Blueskin was
+gone; and, pursuing his scrutiny, found that he had carried off all the
+banknotes, gold, and letters,--including, what Jonathan himself was not
+aware of,--the two packets which he had abstracted from the person of
+Thames. Uttering a terrible imprecation, Jonathan snatched up the link,
+and hastily descended the stairs, leaving the Jew behind him. After a
+careful search below, he could detect no trace of Blueskin. But, finding
+the cellar-door open, concluded he had got out that way.
+
+Returning to the audience-chamber in a by-no-means enviable state of
+mind, he commanded the Jew to throw the body of Thames into the Well
+Hole.
+
+"You musht do dat shob yourself, Mishter Vild," rejoined Abraham,
+shaking his head. "No prize shall indushe me to enter dat horrid plashe
+again."
+
+"Fool!" cried Wild, taking up the body, "what are you afraid of? After
+all," he added, pausing, "he may be of more use to me alive than dead."
+
+Adhering to this change of plan, he ordered Abraham to follow him, and,
+descending the secret stairs once more, carried the wounded man into the
+lower part of the premises. Unlocking several doors, he came to a dark
+vault, that would have rivalled the gloomiest cell in Newgate, into
+which he thrust Thames, and fastened the door.
+
+"Go to the pump, Nab," he said, when this was done, "and fill a pail
+with water. We must wash out those stains up stairs, and burn the cloth.
+Blood, they say, won't come out. But I never found any truth in the
+saying. When I've had an hour's rest, I'll be after Blueskin."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+How Blueskin underwent the Peine Forte et Dure.
+
+
+As soon as it became known, through the medium of the public prints on
+the following day, that Jack Sheppard had broken out of prison, and had
+been again captured during the night, fresh curiosity was excited, and
+larger crowds than ever flocked to Newgate, in the hope of obtaining
+admission to his cell; but by the governor's express commands, Wild
+having privately counselled the step, no one was allowed to see him. A
+question next arose whether the prisoner could be executed under the
+existing warrant,--some inclining to one opinion, some to another. To
+settle the point, the governor started to Windsor, delegating his trust
+in the interim to Wild, who took advantage of his brief rule to adopt
+the harshest measures towards the prisoner. He had him removed from the
+Condemned Hold, stripped of his fine apparel, clothed in the most sordid
+rags, loaded with additional fetters, and thrust into the Stone
+Hold,--already described as the most noisome cell in the whole prison.
+Here, without a glimpse of daylight; visited by no one except Austin at
+stated intervals, who neither answered a question nor addressed a word
+to him; fed upon the worst diet, literally mouldy bread and ditch-water;
+surrounded by stone walls; with a flagged floor for his pillow, and
+without so much as a blanket to protect him from the death-like cold
+that pierced his frame,--Jack's stout heart was subdued, and he fell
+into the deepest dejection, ardently longing for the time when even a
+violent death should terminate his sufferings. But it was not so
+ordered. Mr. Pitt returned with intelligence that the warrant was
+delayed, and, on taking the opinion of two eminent lawyers of the day,
+Sir William Thomson and Mr. Serjeant Raby, it was decided that it must
+be proved in a regular and judicial manner that Sheppard was the
+identical person who had been convicted and had escaped, before a fresh
+order could be made for his execution; and that the matter must,
+therefore, stand over until the next sessions, to be held at the Old
+Bailey in October, when it could be brought before the court.
+
+The unfortunate prisoner, meanwhile, who was not informed of the
+respite, languished in his horrible dungeon, and, at the expiration of
+three weeks, became so seriously indisposed that it was feared he could
+not long survive. He refused his food,--and even when better provisions
+were offered him, rejected them. As his death was by no means what
+Jonathan desired, he resolved to remove him to a more airy ward, and
+afford him such slight comforts as might tend to his restoration, or at
+least keep him alive until the period of execution. With this view, Jack
+was carried--for he was no longer able to move without assistance--to a
+ward called the Castle, situated over the gateway on the western side,
+in what was considered the strongest part of the jail. The walls were of
+immense thickness; the small windows double-grated and unglazed; the
+fire-place was without a grate; and a barrack-bed, divided into two
+compartments, occupied one corner. It was about twelve feet high, nine
+wide, and fourteen long; and was approached by double doors each six
+inches thick. As Jack appeared to be sinking fast, his fetters were
+removed, his own clothes were returned to him, and he was allowed a
+mattress and a scanty supply of bed-linen. Mrs. Spurling attended him as
+his nurse, and, under her care, he speedily revived. As soon as he
+became convalescent, and all fears of his premature dissolution were at
+an end, Wild recommenced his rigorous treatment. The bedding was
+removed; Mrs. Spurling was no longer allowed to visit him; he was again
+loaded with irons; fastened by an enormous horse-padlock to a staple in
+the floor; and only allowed to take repose in a chair. A single blanket
+constituted his sole covering at night. In spite of all this, he grew
+daily better and stronger, and his spirits revived. Hitherto, no
+visiters had been permitted to see him. As the time when his identity
+had to be proved approached, this rigour was, in a trifling degree,
+relaxed, and a few persons were occasionally admitted to the ward, but
+only in the presence of Austin. From none of these could Jack ascertain
+what had become of Thames, or learn any particulars concerning the
+family at Dollis Hill, or of his mother. Austin, who had been evidently
+schooled by Wild, maintained a profound silence on this head. In this
+way, more than a month passed over. October arrived; and in another week
+the court would be sitting at the Old Bailey.
+
+One night, about this time, just as Austin was about to lock the great
+gate, Jonathan Wild and his two janizaries entered the Lodge with a
+prisoner bound hand and foot. It was Blueskin. On the cords being
+removed, he made a desperate spring at Wild, bore him to the ground,
+clutched at his throat, and would, infallibly, have strangled him, if
+the keepers had not all thrown themselves upon him, and by main force
+torn him off. His struggles were so violent, that, being a man of
+tremendous strength, it was some time before they could master him, and
+it required the combined efforts of all the four partners to put him
+into irons. It appeared from what he said that he had been captured when
+asleep,--that his liquor had been drugged,--otherwise, he would never
+have allowed himself to be taken alive. Wild, he asserted, had robbed
+him of a large sum of money, and till it was restored he would never
+plead.
+
+"We'll see that," replied Jonathan. "Take him to the bilbowes. Put him
+in the stocks, and there let him sleep off his drunken fit. Whether he
+pleads or not, he shall swing with his confederate, Jack Sheppard."
+
+At this allusion to his leader, a shudder passed through Blueskin's
+athletic frame.
+
+"Where is he?" he cried. "Let me see him. Let me have a word with him,
+and you may take all the money."
+
+Jonathan made no answer, but motioned the partners to take him away.
+
+As soon as Blueskin was removed, Wild intimated his intention of
+visiting the Castle. He was accompanied by Ireton and Austin. The
+massive door was unlocked, and they entered the cell. What was their
+surprise to find it vacant, and the prisoner gone! Jonathan, could
+scarcely believe his eyes. He looked fiercely and inquiringly from one
+to the other of his companions; but, though both of them were
+excessively frightened, neither appeared guilty. Before a word could be
+said, however, a slight noise was heard in the chimney, and Jack with
+his irons on descended from it. Without betraying the slightest
+confusion, or making a single remark, he quietly resumed his seat.
+
+"Amazement!" cried Wild. "How has he unfastened his padlock? Austin, it
+must be owing to your negligence."
+
+"My negligence, Mr. Wild," said the turnkey, trembling in every joint.
+"I assure you, Sir, when I left him an hour ago, it was locked. I tried
+it myself, Sir. I'm as much astonished as you. But I can't account for
+it!"
+
+"At all events, you shall answer for it," thundered Wild, with a bitter
+imprecation.
+
+"He's not to blame," said Jack, rising. "I opened the padlock with this
+crooked nail, which I found in the floor. If you had arrived ten minutes
+later, or if there hadn't been an iron bar in the chimney, that hindered
+my progress, I should have been beyond your reach."
+
+"You talk boldly," replied Wild. "Go to the Iron Hold, Austin, and tell
+two of the partners to bring another padlock of the largest size, and
+the heaviest handcuffs they can find. We'll try whether he'll get loose
+again."
+
+Sheppard said nothing, but a disdainful smile curled his lips.
+
+Austin departed, and presently afterwards returned with the two
+subordinate officers, each of whom wore a leathern apron round his
+waist, and carried a large hammer. As soon as the manacles were slipped
+over the prisoner's wrists, and the new padlock secured to the staple,
+they withdrew.
+
+"Leave me alone with him a moment," said Jonathan. And the jailers also
+retired.
+
+"Jack," said Wild, with a glance of malignant triumph, "I will now tell
+you what I have done. All my plans have succeeded. Before a month has
+elapsed, your mother will be mine. The Trenchard estates will likewise
+be mine, for Sir Rowland is no more, and the youth, Thames, will never
+again see daylight. Blueskin, who had evaded me with the papers and the
+money, is a prisoner here, and will perish on the same gallows as
+yourself. My vengeance is completely gratified."
+
+Without waiting for a reply, but darting a malevolent look at the
+prisoner, he quitted the cell, the door of which was instantly
+double-locked and bolted.
+
+"I've not quite done yet," said Jonathan, as he joined the turnkeys. "I
+should like to see whether Blueskin is a little more composed. I've a
+question to ask him. Give me the keys and the light. I'll go alone."
+
+So saying, he descended a short spiral staircase, and, entering a long
+stone gallery, from which several other passages branched, took one of
+them, and after various turnings--for he was familiar with all the
+intricacies of the prison--arrived at the cell of which he was in
+search. Selecting a key from the heavy bunch committed to him by Austin,
+he threw open the door, and beheld Blueskin seated at the back of the
+small chamber, handcuffed, and with his feet confined in a heavy pair of
+stocks. He was asleep when Jonathan entered, and growled at being
+disturbed. But, as soon as he perceived who it was, he roused himself,
+and glared fiercely at the intruder from under his bent brows.
+
+"What do you want?" he asked, in a gruff voice.
+
+"I want to know what you've done with the rest of the notes--with the
+gold--and the papers you took away from my room!" rejoined Wild.
+
+"Then you'll never know more than this," retorted Blueskin, with a grin
+of satisfaction;--"they're in a place of safety, where _you_'ll never
+find 'em, but where somebody else _will_, and that before long."
+
+"Hear me, Blueskin," said Jonathan, restraining his choler. "If you'll
+tell me where to look for these things, and I _do_ find them, I'll set
+you free. And you shall have a share of the gold for yourself."
+
+"I'll tell you what I'll do," rejoined the other. "Set Captain Sheppard
+free, and when I hear he's safe,--not before,--I'll put the money and
+papers into your possession, and some other matters, too, that you know
+nothing about."
+
+"Impracticable dolt!" exclaimed Jonathan, furiously. "Do you think I'd
+part with the sweetest morsel of revenge on those terms? No! But I'll
+have the secret out of you by other means."
+
+So saying, he violently shut and locked the door.
+
+About ten days after this interview, Blueskin, having been indicted by
+Wild for several robberies, and true bills found against him, was placed
+at the bar of the Old Bailey to be arraigned; when he declared that he
+would not plead to the indictment, unless the sum of five hundred
+pounds, taken from him by Jonathan Wild, was first restored to him. This
+sum, claimed by Wild under the statute 4th and 5th of William and Mary,
+entitled "_An act for encouraging the apprehending of Highwaymen_," was
+granted to him by the court.
+
+As Blueskin still continued obstinate, the judgment appointed to be
+executed upon such prisoners as stood mute, was then read. It was as
+follows, and, when uttered, produced a strong effect upon all who heard
+it, except the prisoner, who, in no respect, altered his sullen and
+dogged demeanour.
+
+"Prisoner at the bar," thus ran the sentence, "you shall be taken to the
+prison from whence you came, and put into a mean room, stopped from the
+light; and shall there be laid on the bare ground, without any litter,
+straw, or other covering, and without any garment. You shall lie upon
+your back; your head shall be covered; and your feet shall be bare. One
+of your arms shall be drawn to one side of the room, and the other arm
+to the other side, and your legs shall be served in the like manner.
+Then, there shall be laid upon your body as much iron, or stone as you
+can bear, and more. And the first day, you shall have three morsels of
+barley bread, without any drink; and the second day, you shall be
+allowed to drink as much as you can, at three times, of the water that
+is next to the prison-door, except running-water, without any bread. And
+this shall be your diet till you die."
+
+"Prisoner at the bar," continued the clerk of the court, "he against
+whom this judgment is given, forfeits his goods to the king."
+
+An awful silence prevailed throughout the court. Every eye was fixed
+upon the prisoner. But, as he made no answer, he was removed.
+
+Before the full sentence was carried into execution, he was taken into a
+small room adjoining the court. Here Marvel, the executioner, who was in
+attendance, was commanded by Wild to tie his thumbs together, which he
+did with whipcord so tightly, that the string cut to the bone. But, as
+this produced no effect, and did not even elicit a groan, the prisoner
+was carried back to Newgate.
+
+The Press Room, to which Blueskin was conveyed on his arrival at the
+jail, was a small square chamber, walled and paved with stone. In each
+corner stood a stout square post reaching to the ceiling. To these a
+heavy wooden apparatus was attached, which could be raised or lowered at
+pleasure by pullies. In the floor were set four ring-bolts, about nine
+feet apart. When the prisoner was brought into this room, he was again
+questioned; but, continuing contumacious, preparations were made for
+inflicting the torture. His great personal strength being so well known,
+it was deemed prudent by Marvel to have all the four partners, together
+with Caliban, in attendance. The prisoner, however, submitted more
+quietly than was anticipated. He allowed his irons and clothes to be
+taken off without resistance. But just as they were about to place him
+on the ground, he burst from their hold, and made a desperate spring at
+Jonathan, who was standing with his arms folded near the door watching
+the scene. The attempt was unsuccessful. He was instantly overpowered,
+and stretched upon the ground. The four men fell upon him, holding his
+arms and legs, while Caliban forced back his head. In this state, he
+contrived to get the poor black's hand into his mouth, and nearly bit
+off one of his fingers before the sufferer could be rescued. Meanwhile,
+the executioner had attached strong cords to his ankles and wrists, and
+fastened them tightly to the iron rings. This done, he unloosed the
+pulley, and the ponderous machine, which resembled a trough, slowly
+descended upon the prisoner's breast. Marvel, then, took two iron
+weights, each of a hundred pounds, and placed them in the press. As this
+seemed insufficient, after a lapse of five minutes, he added another
+hundred weight. The prisoner breathed with difficulty. Still, his robust
+frame enabled him to hold out. After he had endured this torture for an
+hour, at a sign from Wild another hundred weight was added. In a few
+minutes, an appalling change was perceptible. The veins in his throat
+and forehead swelled and blackened; his eyes protruded from their
+sockets, and stared wildly; a thick damp gathered on his brow: and blood
+gushed from his mouth, nostrils, and ears.
+
+"Water!" he gasped.
+
+The executioner shook his head.
+
+"Do you submit?" interrogated Wild.
+
+Blueskin answered by dashing his head violently against the flagged
+floor. His efforts at self-destruction were, however, prevented.
+
+"Try fifty pounds more," said Jonathan.
+
+"Stop!" groaned Blueskin.
+
+"Will you plead?" demanded Wild, harshly.
+
+"I will," answered the prisoner.
+
+"Release him," said Jonathan. "We have cured his obstinacy, you
+perceive," he added to Marvel.
+
+"I _will_ live," cried Blueskin, with a look of the deadliest hatred at
+Wild, "to be revenged on you."
+
+And, as the weights were removed, he fainted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+How Jack Sheppard's Portrait was painted.
+
+
+Early in the morning of Thursday, the 15th of October, 1724, the door of
+the Castle was opened by Austin, who, with a look of unusual importance,
+announced to the prisoner that four gentlemen were shortly coming up
+with the governor to see him,--"four _such_ gentlemen," he added, in a
+tone meant to impress his auditor with a due sense of the honour
+intended him, "as you don't meet every day."
+
+"Is Mr. Wood among them?" asked Jack, eagerly.
+
+"Mr. Wood!--no," replied the turnkey. "Do you think I'd take the trouble
+to announce _him_? These are persons of consequence, I tell you."
+
+"Who are they?" inquired Sheppard.
+
+"Why, first," rejoined Austin, "there's Sir James Thornhill, historical
+painter to his Majesty, and the greatest artist of the day. Those grand
+designs in the dome of St. Paul's are his work. So is the roof of the
+state-room at Hampton Court Palace, occupied by Queen Anne, and the
+Prince of Denmark. So is the chapel of All Souls at Oxford, and the
+great hall at Blenheim, and I don't know how many halls and chapels
+besides. He's now engaged on the hall at Greenwich Hospital."
+
+"I've heard of him," replied Jack, impatiently. "Who are the others?"
+
+"Let me see. There's a friend of Sir James--a young man, an engraver of
+masquerade tickets and caricatures,--his name I believe is Hogarth.
+Then, there's Mr. Gay, the poet, who wrote the 'Captives,' which was
+lately acted at Drury Lane, and was so much admired by the Princess of
+Wales. And, lastly, there's Mr. Figg, the noted prize-fighter, from the
+New Amphitheatre in Marylebone Fields."
+
+"Figg's an old friend of mine," rejoined Jack; "he was my instructor in
+the small sword and back sword exercise. I'm glad he's come to see me."
+
+"You don't inquire what brings Sir James Thornhill here?" said Austin.
+
+"Curiosity, I suppose," returned Jack, carelessly.
+
+"No such thing," rejoined the jailer; "he's coming on business."
+
+"On what business, in the name of wonder?" asked Sheppard.
+
+"To paint your portrait," answered the jailer.
+
+"My portrait!" echoed Jack.
+
+"By desire of his Majesty," said the jailer, consequentially. "He has
+heard of your wonderful escapes, and wishes to see what you're like.
+There's a feather in your cap! No house-breaker was ever so highly
+honoured before."
+
+"And have my escapes really made so much noise as to reach the ear of
+royalty?" mused Jack. "I have done nothing--nothing to what I _could_
+do--to what I _will_ do!"
+
+"You've done quite enough," rejoined Austin; "more than you'll ever do
+again."
+
+"And then to be taken thus, in these disgraceful bonds!" continued Jack,
+"to be held up as a sight for ever!"
+
+"Why, how else would you be taken?" exclaimed the jailer, with a coarse
+laugh. "It's very well Mr. Wild allowed you to have your fine clothes
+again, or you might have been taken in a still more disgraceful garb.
+For my part, I think those shackles extremely becoming. But, here they
+are."
+
+Voices being heard at the door, Austin flew to open it, and admitted Mr.
+Pitt, the governor, a tall pompous personage, who, in his turn, ushered
+in four other individuals. The first of these, whom he addressed as Mr.
+Gay, was a stout, good-looking, good-humoured man, about thirty-six,
+with a dark complexion, an oval face, fine black eyes, full of fire and
+sensibility, and twinkling with roguish humour--an expression fully
+borne out by the mouth, which had a very shrewd and sarcastic curl. The
+poet's appearance altogether was highly prepossessing. With a strong
+tendency to satire, but without a particle of malice or ill-nature in
+its display. Gay, by his strokes of pleasantry, whether in his writings
+or conversation, never lost a friend. On the contrary, he was a
+universal favourite, and numbered amongst his intimate acquaintances the
+choicest spirits of the time,--Pope, Swift, Arbuthnot, and "all the
+better brothers." His demeanour was polished; his manners singularly
+affable and gentle; and he was remarkable, for the generosity of his
+temper. In worldly matters Gay was not fortunate. Possessed, at one
+time, of a share in the South Sea stock, he conceived himself worth
+twenty thousand pounds. But, on the bursting of that bubble, his hopes
+vanished with it. Neither did his interest,--which was by no means
+inconsiderable,--nor his general popularity, procure him the preferment
+he desired. A constant attendant at court, he had the mortification to
+see every one promoted but himself, and thus bewails his ill-luck.
+
+    Places, I found, were daily given away,
+    And yet no friendly gazette mentioned Gay.
+
+The prodigious success of the "Beggars' Opera," which was produced about
+four years after the date of this history, rewarded him for all his
+previous disappointments, though it did not fully justify the well-known
+epigram, alluding to himself and the manager, and "make Gay _rich_, and
+Rich _gay_." At the time of his present introduction, his play of "The
+Captives," had just been produced at Drury Lane, and he was meditating
+his "Fables," which were published two years afterwards.
+
+Behind the poet came Sir James Thornhill. The eminent painter had
+handsome, expressive features, an aquiline nose, and a good deal of
+dignity in his manner. His age was not far from fifty. He was
+accompanied by a young man of about seven-and-twenty, who carried his
+easel, set it in its place, laid the canvass upon it, opened the paint
+box, took out the brushes and palette, and, in short, paid him the most
+assiduous attention. This young man, whose features, though rather plain
+and coarse, bore the strongest impress of genius, and who had a dark
+gray, penetrating eye, so quick in its glances that it seemed to survey
+twenty objects at once, and yet only to fasten upon one, bore the
+honoured name of William Hogarth. Why he paid so much attention to Sir
+James Thornhill may be explained anon.
+
+The rear of the party was brought up by a large, powerfully-built man,
+with a bluff, honest, but rugged countenance, slashed with many a cut
+and scar, and stamped with that surly, sturdy, bull-dog-like look, which
+an Englishman always delights to contemplate, because he conceives it to
+be characteristic of his countrymen. This formidable person, who was no
+other than the renowned Figg, the "Atlas of the sword," as he is termed
+by Captain Godfrey, had removed his hat and "skull covering," and was
+wiping the heat from his bepatched and close-shaven pate. His shirt also
+was unbuttoned, and disclosed a neck like that of an ox, and a chest
+which might have served as a model for a Hercules. He had a flattish,
+perhaps, it should be called, a _flattened_ nose, and a brown,
+leathern-looking hide, that seemed as if it had not unfrequently
+undergone the process of tanning. Under his arm he carried a thick,
+knotted crab-stick. The above description of
+
+   --the great Figg, by the prize-fighting swains
+    Sole monarch acknowledged of Mary'bone plains--
+
+may sound somewhat tame by the side of the glowing account given of him
+by his gallant biographer, who asserts that "there was a majesty shone
+in his countenance, and blazed in his actions, beyond all I ever saw;"
+but it may, possibly, convey a more accurate notion of his personal
+appearance. James Figg was the most perfect master of self-defence of
+his day. Seconded by his strength and temper, his skill rendered him
+invincible and he is reputed never to have lost a battle. His
+imperturbable demeanour in the fight has been well portrayed by Captain
+Godfrey, who here condescends to lay aside his stilts. "His right leg
+bold and firm, and his left, which could hardly ever be disturbed, gave
+him a surprising advantage, and struck his adversary with despair and
+panic. He had a peculiar way of stepping in, in a parry; knew his arm,
+and its just time of moving; put a firm faith in that, and never let his
+opponent escape. He was just as much a greater master than any other I
+ever saw, as he was a greater judge of time and measure." Figg's prowess
+in a combat with Button has been celebrated by Dr. Byrom,--a poet of
+whom his native town, Manchester, may be justly proud; and his features
+and figure have been preserved by the most illustrious of his companions
+on the present occasion,--Hogarth,--in the levée in the "Rake's
+Progress," and in "Southwark Fair."
+
+On the appearance of his visitors, Sheppard arose,--his gyves clanking
+heavily as he made the movement,--and folding his arms, so far as his
+manacles would permit him, upon his breast, steadily returned the
+glances fixed upon him.
+
+"This is the noted house-breaker and prison-breaker, gentlemen," said
+Mr. Pitt, pointing to the prisoner.
+
+"Odd's life!" cried Gay, in astonishment; "is this slight-made stripling
+Jack Sheppard? Why, I expected to see a man six foot high at the least,
+and as broad across the shoulders as our friend Figg. This is a mere
+boy. Are you sure you haven't mistaken the ward, Mr. Pitt?"
+
+"There is no mistake, Sir," rejoined the prisoner, drawing himself up,
+"I am Jack Sheppard."
+
+"Well, I never was more surprised in my life," said the poet,--"never!"
+
+"He's just the man _I_ expected to see," observed Hogarth, who, having
+arranged everything to Thornhill's satisfaction, had turned to look at
+the prisoner, and was now with his chin upon his wrist, and his elbow
+supported by the other hand, bending his keen gray eyes upon him, "just
+the man! Look at that light, lithe figure,--all muscle and activity,
+with not an ounce of superfluous flesh upon it. In my search after
+strange characters, Mr. Gay, I've been in many odd quarters of our
+city--have visited haunts frequented only by thieves--the Old Mint, the
+New Mint, the worst part of St. Giles's, and other places--but I've
+nowhere seen any one who came up so completely to my notion of a
+first-rate housebreaker as the individual before us. Wherever I saw him,
+I should pick him out as a man designed by nature to plan and
+accomplish the wonderful escapes he has effected."
+
+As he spoke, a smile crossed Sheppard's countenance.
+
+"He understands me, you perceive," said Hogarth.
+
+"Well, I won't dispute your judgment in such matters, Mr. Hogarth,"
+replied Gay. "But I appeal to you, Sir James, whether it isn't
+extraordinary that so very slight a person should be such a desperate
+robber as he is represented--so young, too, for such an _old_ offender.
+Why, he can scarcely be twenty."
+
+"I am one-and-twenty," observed Jack.
+
+"One-and-twenty, ah!" repeated Gay. "Well, I'm not far from the mark."
+
+"He is certainly extremely youthful-looking and very slightly made,"
+said Thornhill, who had been attentively studying Sheppard's
+countenance. "But I agree with Hogarth, that he is precisely the person
+to do what he has done. Like a thorough-bred racer, he would sustain
+twice as much fatigue as a person of heavier mould. Can I be
+accommodated with a seat, Mr. Pitt?"
+
+"Certainly, Sir James, certainly," replied the governor. "Get a chair,
+Austin."
+
+While this order was obeyed, Figg, who had been standing near the door,
+made his way to the prisoner, and offered him his huge hand, which Jack
+warmly grasped.
+
+"Well, Jack," said the prize-fighter, in a rough, but friendly voice,
+and with a cut-and-thrust abrupt manner peculiar to himself; "how are
+you, lad, eh? Sorry to see you here. Wouldn't take my advice. Told you
+how it would be. One mistress enough to ruin a man,--two, the devil.
+Laughed at me, then. Laugh on the wrong side of your mouth, now."
+
+"You're not come here to insult me, Mr. Figg?" said Jack, peevishly.
+
+"Insult you! not I;" returned Figg. "Heard of your escapes. Everybody
+talking of you. Wished to see you. Old pupil. Capital swordsman. Shortly
+to be executed. Come to take leave. Trifle useful?" he added, slipping a
+few gold pieces into Jack's hand.
+
+"You are very kind," said Jack, returning the money; "but I don't
+require assistance."
+
+"Too proud, eh?" rejoined the prize-fighter. "Won't be under an
+obligation."
+
+"There you're wrong, Mr. Figg," replied Jack, smiling; "for, before I'm
+taken to Tyburn, I mean to borrow a shirt for the occasion from you."
+
+"Have it, and welcome," rejoined Figg. "Always plenty to spare. Never
+bought a shirt in my life, Mr. Gay," he added, turning to the poet.
+"Sold a good many, though."
+
+"How do you manage that, Mr. Figg?" asked Gay.
+
+"Thus," replied the prize-fighter. "Proclaim a public fight. Challenge
+accepted. Fifty pupils. Day before, send round to each to borrow a
+shirt. Fifty sent home. All superfine holland. Wear one on the stage on
+the following day. Cut to pieces--slashed--bloodied. Each of my scholars
+thinks it his own shirt. Offer to return it to each in private. All make
+the same answer--'d--n you, keep it.'"
+
+"An ingenious device," laughed Gay.
+
+Sir James Thornhill's preparations being completed, Mr. Pitt desired to
+know if he wanted anything further, and being answered in the negative,
+he excused himself on the plea that his attendance was required in the
+court at the Old Bailey, which was then sitting, and withdrew.
+
+"Do me the favour to seat yourself, Jack," said Sir James. "Gentlemen, a
+little further off, if you please."
+
+Sheppard immediately complied with the painter's request; while Gay and
+Figg drew back on one side, and Hogarth on the other. The latter took
+from his pocket a small note-book and pencil.
+
+"I'll make a sketch, too," he said. "Jack Sheppard's face is well worth
+preserving."
+
+After narrowly examining the countenance of the sitter, and motioning
+him with his pencil into a particular attitude, Sir James Thornhill
+commenced operations; and, while he rapidly transferred his lineaments
+to the canvass, engaged him in conversation, in the course of which he
+artfully contrived to draw him into a recital of his adventures. The
+_ruse_ succeeded almost beyond his expectation. During the narration
+Jack's features lighted up, and an expression, which would have been in
+vain looked for in repose, was instantly caught and depicted by the
+skilful artist. All the party were greatly interested by Sheppard's
+history--especially Figg, who laughed loud and long at the escape from
+the Condemned Hold. When Jack came to speak of Jonathan Wild, his
+countenance fell.
+
+"We must change the subject," remarked Thornhill, pausing in his task;
+"this will never do."
+
+"Quite right, Sir James," said Austin. "We never suffer him to mention
+Mr. Wild's name. He never appears to so little advantage as when
+speaking of him."
+
+"I don't wonder at it," rejoined Gay.
+
+Here Hogarth received a private signal from Thornhill to attract
+Sheppard's attention.
+
+"And so you've given up all hope of escaping, eh, Jack?" remarked
+Hogarth.
+
+"That's scarcely a fair question, Mr. Hogarth, before the jailer,"
+replied Jack. "But I tell you frankly, and Mr. Austin, may repeat it if
+he pleases to his master, Jonathan Wild,--I have _not_."
+
+"Well said, Jack," cried Figg. "Never give in."
+
+"Well," observed Hogarth, "if, fettered as you are, you contrive to
+break out of this dungeon, you'll do what no man ever did before."
+
+A peculiar smile illuminated Jack's features.
+
+"There it is!" cried Sir James, eagerly. "There's the exact expression I
+want. For the love of Heaven, Jack, don't move!--Don't alter a muscle,
+if you can help it."
+
+And, with a few magical touches, he stamped the fleeting expression on
+the canvass.
+
+"I have it too!" exclaimed Hogarth, busily plying his pencil. "Gad! it's
+a devilish fine face when lit up."
+
+"As like as life, Sir," observed Austin, peeping over Thornhill's
+shoulder at the portrait. "As like as life."
+
+"The very face," exclaimed Gay, advancing to look at it;--"with all the
+escapes written in it."
+
+"You flatter me," smiled Sir James. "But, I own, I think it _is_ like."
+
+"What do you think of _my_ sketch, Jack?" said Hogarth, handing him the
+drawing.
+
+"It's like enough, I dare say," rejoined Sheppard. "But it wants
+something _here_." And he pointed significantly to the hand.
+
+"I see," rejoined Hogarth, rapidly sketching a file, which he placed in
+the hands of the picture. "Will that do?" he added, returning it.
+
+"It's better," observed Sheppard, meaningly. "But you've given me what I
+don't possess."
+
+"Hum!" said Hogarth, looking fixedly at him. "I don't see how I can
+improve it."
+
+"May I look at it, Sir!" said Austin, stepping towards him.
+
+"No," replied Hogarth, hastily effacing the sketch. "I'm never satisfied
+with a first attempt."
+
+"Egad, Jack," said Gay, "you should write your adventures. They would be
+quite as entertaining as the histories of Guzman D'Alfarache, Lazarillo
+de Tormes, Estevanillo Gonzalez, Meriton Latroon, or any of my favourite
+rogues,--and far more instructive."
+
+"You had better write them for me, Mr. Gay," rejoined Jack.
+
+"If you'll write them, I'll illustrate them," observed Hogarth.
+
+"An idea has just occurred to me," said Gay, "which Jack's narrative has
+suggested. I'll write an opera the scene of which shall be laid
+altogether in Newgate, and the principal character shall be a
+highmaywan. I'll not forget your two mistresses, Jack."
+
+"Nor Jonathan Wild, I hope," interposed Sheppard.
+
+"Certainly not," replied Gay. "I'll gibbet the rascal. But I forget," he
+added, glancing at Austin; "it's high treason to speak disrespectfully
+of Mr. Wild in his own domain."
+
+"I hear nothing, Sir," laughed Austin.
+
+"I was about to add," continued Gay, "that my opera shall have no music
+except the good old ballad tunes. And we'll see whether it won't put
+the Italian opera out of fashion, with Cutzoni, Senesino, and the
+'divine' Farinelli at its head."
+
+"You'll do a national service, then," said Hogarth. "The sums lavished
+upon those people are perfectly disgraceful, and I should be enchanted
+to see them hooted from the stage. But I've an idea as well as you,
+grounded in some measure upon Sheppard's story. I'll take two
+apprentices, and depict their career. One, by perseverance and industry
+shall obtain fortune, credit, and the highest honours; while the other
+by an opposite course, and dissolute habits, shall eventually arrive at
+Tyburn."
+
+"Your's will be nearer the truth, and have a deeper moral, Mr. Hogarth,"
+remarked Jack, dejectedly. "But if my career were truly exhibited, it
+must be as one long struggle against destiny in the shape of--"
+
+"Jonathan Wild," interposed Gay. "I knew it. By the by, Mr. Hogarth,
+didn't I see you last night at the ridotto with Lady Thornhill and her
+pretty daughter?"
+
+"Me!--no, Sir," stammered Hogarth, colouring. And he hazarded a wink at
+the poet over the paper on which he was sketching. Luckily, Sir James
+was so much engrossed by his own task, that both the remark and gesture
+escaped him.
+
+"I suppose I was mistaken," returned Gay. "You've been quizzing my
+friend Kent, I perceive, in your Burlington Gate."
+
+"A capital caricature that," remarked Thornhill, laughing. "What does
+Mr. Kent say to it?"
+
+"He thinks so highly of it, that he says if he had a daughter he would
+give her to the artist," answered Gay, a little maliciously.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Sir James.
+
+"'Sdeath!" cried Hogarth, aside to the poet. "You've ruined my hopes."
+
+"Advanced them rather," replied Gay, in the same tone. "Miss Thornhill's
+a charming girl. _I_ think a wife a needless incumbrance, and mean to
+die a bachelor. But, if I were in your place, I know what I'd do--"
+
+"What--what would you do?" asked Hogarth, eagerly.
+
+"Run away with her," replied Gay.
+
+"Pish!" exclaimed Hogarth. But he afterwards acted upon the suggestion.
+
+"Good-b'ye, Jack," said Figg, putting on his hat. "Rather in the way.
+Send you the shirt. Here, turnkey. Couple of guineas to drink Captain
+Sheppard's speedy escape. Thank him, not me, man. Give this fellow the
+slip, if you can, Jack. If not, keep up your spirits. Die game."
+
+"Never fear," replied Jack. "If I get free, I'll have a bout with you at
+all weapons. If not, I'll take a cheerful glass with you at the City of
+Oxford, on my way to Tyburn."
+
+"Give you the best I have in either case," replied Figg. "Good-b'ye!"
+And with a cordial shake of the hand he took his departure.
+
+Sir James Thornhill, then, rose.
+
+"I won't trouble you further, Jack," he remarked. "I've done all I can
+to the portrait here. I must finish it at home."
+
+"Permit me to see it, Sir James!" requested Jack. "Ah!" he exclaimed, as
+the painting was turned towards him. "What would my poor mother say to
+it?"
+
+"I was sorry to see that about your mother, Jack," observed Hogarth.
+
+"What of her?" exclaimed Jack, starting up. "Is she dead?"
+
+"No--no," answered Hogarth. "Don't alarm yourself. I saw it this morning
+in the Daily Journal--an advertisement, offering a reward--"
+
+"A reward!" echoed Jack. "For what?"
+
+"I had the paper with me. 'Sdeath! what can I have done with it? Oh!
+here it is," cried Hogarth, picking it from the ground. "I must have
+dropped it when I took out my note-book. There's the paragraph. '_Mrs.
+Sheppard left Mr. Wood's house at Dollis Hill on Tuesday_'--that's two
+days ago,--'_hasn't been heard of since_.'"
+
+"Let me see," cried Jack, snatching the paper, and eagerly perusing the
+advertisement. "Ah!" he exclaimed, in a tone of anguish. "She has fallen
+into the villain's hands."
+
+"What villain?" cried Hogarth.
+
+"Jonathan Wild, I'll be sworn," said Gay.
+
+"Right!--right!" cried Jack, striking his fettered hands against his
+breast. "She is in his power, and I am here, chained hand and foot,
+unable to assist her."
+
+"I could make a fine sketch of him now," whispered Hogarth to Gay.
+
+"I told you how it was, Sir James," said Austin, addressing the knight,
+who was preparing for his departure, "he attributes every misfortune
+that befals him to Mr. Wild."
+
+"And with some justice," replied Thornhill, drily.
+
+"Allow me to assist you, Sir James," said Hogarth.
+
+"Many thanks, Sir," replied Thornhill, with freezing politeness; "but Id
+not require assistance."
+
+"I tell you what, Jack," said Gay, "I've several urgent engagements this
+morning; but I'll return to-morrow, and hear the rest of your story.
+And, if I can render you any service, you may command me."
+
+"To-morrow will be too late," said Sheppard, moodily.
+
+The easel and palette having been packed up, and the canvass carefully
+removed by Austin, the party took leave of the prisoner, who was so much
+abstracted that he scarcely noticed their departure. Just as Hogarth got
+to the door, the turnkey stopped him.
+
+"You have forgotten your knife, Mr. Hogarth," he observed,
+significantly.
+
+"So I have," replied Hogarth, glancing at Sheppard.
+
+"I can do without it," muttered Jack.
+
+The door was then locked, and he was left alone.
+
+At three o'clock, on the same day, Austin brought up Jack's provisions,
+and, after carefully examining his fetters, and finding all secure, told
+him if he wanted anything further he must mention it, as he should not
+be able to return in the evening, his presence being required elsewhere.
+Jack replied in the negative, and it required all his mastery over
+himself to prevent the satisfaction which this announcement afforded
+him from being noticed by the jailer.
+
+With the usual precautions, Austin then departed.
+
+"And now," cried Jack, leaping up, "for an achievement, compared with
+which all I have yet done shall be as nothing!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+The Iron Bar.
+
+
+Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
+This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly
+between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as
+possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles. He next
+twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength,
+partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central
+link by which they were attached to the padlock. Taking off his
+stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied
+the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from
+clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
+
+Jack's former attempt to pass up the chimney, it may be remembered, was
+obstructed by an iron bar. To remove this obstacle it was necessary make
+an extensive breach in the wall. With the broken links of the chain,
+which served him in lieu of more efficient implements, he commenced
+operations just above the chimney-piece, and soon contrived to pick a
+hole in the plaster.
+
+He found the wall, as he suspected, solidly constructed of brick and
+stone; and with the slight and inadequate tools which he possessed, it
+was a work of infinite labour and skill to get out a single brick. That
+done, however, he was well aware the rest would be comparatively easy,
+and as he threw the brick to the ground, he exclaimed triumphantly, "The
+first step is taken--the main difficulty is overcome."
+
+Animated by this trifling success, he proceeded with fresh ardour, and
+the rapidity of his progress was proclaimed by the heap of bricks,
+stones, and mortar which before long covered the floor. At the
+expiration of an hour, by dint of unremitting exertion, he had made so
+large a breach in the chimney, that he could stand upright in it. He was
+now within a foot of the bar, and introducing himself into the hole,
+speedily worked his way to it.
+
+Regardless of the risk he incurred from some heavy stone dropping on his
+head or feet,--regardless also of the noise made by the falling rubbish,
+and of the imminent danger which he consequently ran of being
+interrupted by some of the jailers, should the sound reach their ears,
+he continued to pull down large masses of the wall, which he flung upon
+the floor of the cell.
+
+Having worked thus for another quarter of an hour without being sensible
+of fatigue, though he was half stifled by the clouds of dust which his
+exertions raised, he had made a hole about three feet wide, and six
+high, and uncovered the iron bar. Grasping it firmly with both hands, he
+quickly wrenched if from the stones in which it was mortised, and leapt
+to the ground. On examination it proved to be a flat bar of iron, nearly
+a yard in length, and more than an inch square. "A capital instrument
+for my purpose," thought Jack, shouldering it, "and worth all the
+trouble I have had in procuring it."
+
+While he was thus musing, he fancied he heard the lock tried. A chill
+ran through his frame, and, grasping the heavy weapon with which chance
+had provided him, prepared to strike down the first person who should
+enter the cell. After listening attentively for a short time without
+drawing breath, he became convinced that his apprehensions were
+groundless, and, greatly relieved, sat down upon the chair to rest
+himself and prepare for further efforts.
+
+Acquainted with every part of the jail, Jack well knew that his only
+chance of effecting an escape must be by the roof. To reach it would be
+a most difficult undertaking. Still it was possible, and the difficulty
+was only a fresh incitement.
+
+The mere enumeration of the obstacles that existed would have deterred
+any spirit less daring than Sheppard's from even hazarding the attempt.
+Independently of other risks, and of the chance of breaking his neck in
+the descent, he was aware that to reach the leads he should have to
+break open six of the strongest doors of the prison. Armed, however,
+with the implement he had so fortunately obtained, he did not despair of
+success.
+
+"My name will only be remembered as that of a robber," he mused; "but it
+shall be remembered as that of a bold one: and this night's achievement,
+if it does nothing else, shall prevent me from being classed with the
+common herd of depredators."
+
+Roused by this reflection, filled with the deepest anxiety for his
+mother, and burning to be avenged upon Jonathan Wild, he grasped the
+iron bar, which, when he sat down, he had laid upon his knees, and
+stepped quickly across the room. In doing so, he had to clamber up the
+immense heap of bricks and rubbish which now littered the floor,
+amounting almost to a car-load, and reaching up nearly to the top of the
+chimney-piece.
+
+"Austin will stare," thought Jack, "when he comes here in the morning.
+It will cost them something to repair their stronghold, and take them
+more time to build it up again than I have taken to pull it down."
+
+Before proceeding with his task, he considered whether it would be
+possible to barricade the door; but, reflecting that the bar would be an
+indispensable assistant in his further efforts, he abandoned the idea,
+and determined to rely implicitly on that good fortune which had
+hitherto attended him on similar occasions.
+
+Having once more got into the chimney, he climbed to a level with the
+ward above, and recommenced operations as vigorously as before. He was
+now aided with a powerful implement, with which he soon contrived to
+make a hole in the wall.
+
+"Every brick I take out," cried Jack, as fresh rubbish clattered down
+the chimney, "brings me nearer my mother."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+The Red Room.
+
+
+The ward into which Jack was endeavouring to break was called the Red
+Room, from the circumstance of its walls having once been painted in
+that colour; all traces of which had, however, long since disappeared.
+Like the Castle, which it resembled in all respects except that it was
+destitute even of a barrack-bedstead, the Red Room was reserved for
+state-prisoners, and had not been occupied since the year 1716, when the
+jail, as has before been mentioned, was crowded by the Preston rebels.
+
+Having made a hole in the wall sufficiently large to pass through, Jack
+first tossed the bar into the room and then crept after it. As soon as
+he had gained his feet, he glanced round the bare blank walls of the
+cell, and, oppressed by the musty, close atmosphere, exclaimed, "I'll
+let a little fresh air into this dungeon. They say it hasn't been opened
+for eight years--but I won't be eight years in getting out of it."
+
+In stepping across the room, some sharp point in the floor pierced his
+foot, and stooping to examine it, he found that the wound had been
+inflicted by a long rusty nail, which projected from the boards. Totally
+disregarding the pain, he picked up the nail, and reserved it for future
+use. Nor was he long in making it available.
+
+On examining the door, he found it secured by a large rusty lock, which
+he endeavoured to pick with the nail he had just acquired; but all his
+efforts proving ineffectual, he removed the plate that covered it with
+the bar, and with his fingers contrived to draw back the bolt.
+
+Opening the door he then stepped into a dark narrow passage leading, as
+he was well aware, to the chapel. On the left there were doors
+communicating with the King's Bench Ward and the Stone Ward, two large
+holds on the Master Debtors' side. But Jack was too well versed in the
+geography of the place to attempt either of them. Indeed, if he had been
+ignorant of it, the sound of voices which he could faintly distinguish,
+would have served as a caution to him.
+
+Hurrying on, his progress was soon checked by a strong door, several
+inches in thickness, and nearly as wide as the passage. Running his hand
+carefully over it in search of the lock, he perceived to his dismay that
+it was fastened on the other side. After several vain attempts to burst
+it open, he resolved, as a last alternative, to break through the wall
+in the part nearest to the lock. This was a much more serious task than
+he anticipated. The wall was of considerable thickness, and built
+altogether of stone; and the noise he was compelled to make in using the
+heavy bar, which brought sparks with every splinter he struck off, was
+so great, that he feared it must be heard by the prisoners on the
+Debtors' side. Heedless, however, of the consequences, he pursued his
+task.
+
+Half an hour's labour, during which he was obliged more than once to
+pause to regain breath, sufficed to make a hole wide enough to allow a
+passage for his arm up to the elbow. In this way he was able to force
+back a ponderous bolt from its socket; and to his unspeakable joy, found
+that the door instantly yielded.
+
+Once more cheered by daylight, he hastened forward, and entered the
+chapel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+The Chapel.
+
+
+Situated at the upper part of the south-east angle of the jail, the
+chapel of Old Newgate was divided on the north side into three grated
+compartments, or pens as they were termed, allotted to the common
+debtors and felons. In the north-west angle, there was a small pen for
+female offenders, and, on the south, a more commodious enclosure
+appropriated to the master-debtors and strangers. Immediately beneath
+the pulpit stood a large circular pew where malefactors under sentence
+of death sat to hear the condemned sermon delivered to them, and where
+they formed a public spectacle to the crowds, which curiosity generally
+attracted on those occasions.
+
+To return. Jack had got into one of the pens at the north side of the
+chapel. The enclosure by which it was surrounded was about twelve feet
+high; the under part being composed of taken planks, the upper of a
+strong iron grating, surmounted by sharp iron spikes. In the middle
+there was a gate. It was locked. But Jack speedily burst it open with
+the iron bar.
+
+Clearing the few impediments in his way, he soon reached the condemned
+pew, where it had once been his fate to sit; and extending himself on
+the seat endeavoured to snatch a moment's repose. It was denied him, for
+as he closed his eyes--though but for an instant--the whole scene of his
+former visit to the place rose before him. There he sat as before, with
+the heavy fetters on his limbs, and beside him sat his three companions,
+who had since expiated their offences on the gibbet. The chapel was
+again crowded with visitors, and every eye--even that of Jonathan Wild
+who had come thither to deride him,--was fixed upon him. So perfect was
+the illusion, that he could almost fancy he heard the solemn voice of
+the ordinary warning him that his race was nearly run, and imploring him
+to prepare for eternity. From this perturbed state he was roused by
+thoughts of his mother, and fancying he heard her gentle voice urging
+him on to fresh exertion, he started up.
+
+On one side of the chapel there was a large grated window, but, as it
+looked upon the interior of the jail, Jack preferred following the
+course he had originally decided upon to making any attempt in this
+quarter.
+
+Accordingly, he proceeded to a gate which stood upon the south, and
+guarded the passage communicating with the leads. It was grated and
+crested with spikes, like that he had just burst open, and thinking it a
+needless waste of time to force it, he broke off one of the spikes,
+which he carried with him for further purposes, and then climbed over
+it.
+
+A short flight of steps brought him to a dark passage, into which he
+plunged. Here he found another strong door, making the fifth he had
+encountered. Well aware that the doors in this passage were much
+stronger than those in the entry he had just quitted he was neither
+surprised nor dismayed to find it fastened by a lock of unusual size.
+After repeatedly trying to remove the plate, which was so firmly screwed
+down that it resisted all his efforts, and vainly attempting to pick it
+with the spike and nail; he, at length, after half an hour's ineffectual
+labour, wrenched off the box by means of the iron bar, and the door, as
+he laughingly expressed it, "became his humble servant."
+
+But this difficulty was only overcome to be succeeded by one still
+greater. Hastening along the passage he came to the sixth door. For this
+he was prepared; but he was not prepared for the almost insurmountable
+obstacles which it presented. Running his hand hastily over it, he was
+startled to find it one complicated mass of bolts and bars. It seemed as
+if all the precautions previously taken were here accumulated. Any one
+less courageous than himself would have abandoned the attempt from a
+conviction of its utter hopelessness; but, though it might for a moment
+damp his ardour, it could not deter him.
+
+Once again, he passed his hand over the surface and carefully noted all
+the obstacles. There was a lock, apparently more than a foot wide,
+strongly plated, and girded to the door with thick iron hoops. Below it
+a prodigiously large bolt was shot into the socket, and, in order to
+keep it there, was fastened by a hasp, and further protected by an
+immense padlock. Besides this, the door was crossed and recrossed by
+iron bars, clenched by broad-headed nails. An iron fillet secured the
+socket of the bolt and the box of the lock to the main post of the
+doorway.
+
+Nothing disheartened by this survey, Jack set to work upon the lock,
+which he attacked with all his implements;--now attempting to pick it
+with the nail;--now to wrench it off with the bar: but all without
+effect. He not only failed in making any impression, but seemed to
+increase the difficulties, for after an hour's toil he had broken the
+nail and slightly bent the iron bar.
+
+Completely overcome by fatigue, with strained muscles, and bruised
+hands; streaming with perspiration, and with lips so parched that he
+would gladly have parted with a treasure if he had possessed it for a
+draught of water; he sank against the wall, and while in this state was
+seized with, a sudden and strange alarm. He fancied that the turnkeys
+had discovered his flight and were in pursuit of him,--that they had
+climbed up the chimney,--entered the Red Room,--tracked him from door to
+door, and were now only detained by the gate which he had left unbroken
+in the chapel. He even thought he could detect the voice of Jonathan,
+urging and directing them.
+
+So strongly was he impressed with this idea, that grasping the iron bar
+with both hands, he dashed it furiously against the door, making the
+passage echo with the blows.
+
+By degrees, his fears vanished, and hearing nothing, he grew calmer. His
+spirits revived, and encouraging himself with the idea that the present
+impediment, though the greatest, was the last, he set himself seriously
+to consider how it might best be overcome.
+
+On reflection, it occurred to him that he might, perhaps, be able to
+loosen the iron fillet; a notion no sooner conceived than executed. With
+incredible labour, and by the aid of both spike and nail, he succeeded
+in getting the point of the bar beneath the fillet. Exerting all his
+energies, and using the bar as a lever, he forced off the iron band,
+which was full seven feet high, seven inches wide, and two thick, and
+which brought with it in its fall the box of the lock and the socket of
+the bolt, leaving no further hinderance.
+
+Overjoyed beyond measure at having vanquished this
+apparently-insurmountable obstacle, Jack darted through the door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+The Leads.
+
+
+Ascending a short flight of steps, Jack found at the summit a door,
+which being bolted in the inside he speedily opened.
+
+The fresh air, which blew in his face, greatly revived him. He had now
+reached what was called the Lower Leads,--a flat, covering a part of the
+prison contiguous to the gateway, and surrounded on all sides by walls
+about fourteen feet high. On the north stood the battlements of one of
+the towers of the gate. On this side a flight of wooden steps, protected
+by a hand-rail, led to a door opening upon the summit of the prison.
+This door was crested with spikes, and guarded on the right by a
+bristling semicircle of spikes. Hastily ascending these steps, Jack
+found the door, as he anticipated, locked. He could have easily forced
+it, but preferred a more expeditious mode of reaching the roof which
+suggested itself to him. Mounting the door he had last opened, he placed
+his hands on the wall above, and quickly drew himself up.
+
+Just as he got on the roof of the prison, St. Sepulchre's clock struck
+eight. It was instantly answered by the deep note of St. Paul's; and the
+concert was prolonged by other neighbouring churches. Jack had thus been
+six hours in accomplishing his arduous task.
+
+Though nearly dark, there was still light enough left to enable him to
+discern surrounding objects. Through the gloom he distinctly perceived
+the dome of St. Paul's, hanging like a black cloud in the air; and
+nearer to him he remarked the golden ball on the summit of the College
+of Physicians, compared by Garth to a "gilded pill." Other towers and
+spires--St. Martin's on Ludgate-hill, and Christchurch in Newgate
+Street, were also distinguishable. As he gazed down into the courts of
+the prison, he could not help shuddering, lest a false step might
+precipitate him below.
+
+To prevent the recurrence of any such escape as that just described, it
+was deemed expedient, in more recent times, to keep a watchman at the
+top of Newgate. Not many years ago, two men, employed on this duty,
+quarrelled during the night, and in the morning their bodies were found
+stretched upon the pavement of the yard beneath.
+
+Proceeding along the wall, Jack reached the southern tower, over the
+battlements of which he clambered, and crossing it, dropped upon the
+roof of the gate. He then scaled the northern tower, and made his way to
+the summit of that part of the prison which fronted Giltspur Street.
+Arrived at the extremity of the building, he found that it overlooked
+the flat-roof of a house which, as far as he could judge in the
+darkness, lay at a depth of about twenty feet below.
+
+Not choosing to hazard so great a fall, Jack turned to examine the
+building, to see whether any more favourable point of descent presented
+itself, but could discover nothing but steep walls, without a single
+available projection. As he looked around, he beheld an incessant stream
+of passengers hurrying on below. Lights glimmered in the windows of the
+different houses; and a lamp-lighter was running from post to post on
+his way to Snow Hill.
+
+Finding it impossible to descend on any side, without incurring serious
+risk, Jack resolved to return for his blanket, by the help of which he
+felt certain of accomplishing a safe landing on the roof of the house in
+Giltspur Street.
+
+Accordingly, he began to retrace his steps, and pursuing the course he
+had recently taken, scaling the two towers, and passing along the wall
+of the prison, he descended by means of the door upon the Lower Leads.
+Before he re-entered the prison, he hesitated from a doubt whether he
+was not fearfully increasing his risk of capture; but, convinced that he
+had no other alternative, he went on.
+
+During all this time, he had never quitted the iron bar, and he now
+grasped it with the firm determination of selling his life dearly, if he
+met with any opposition. A few seconds sufficed to clear the passage,
+through which it had previously cost him more than two hours to force
+his way. The floor was strewn with screws, nails, fragments of wood and
+stone, and across the passage lay the heavy iron fillet. He did not
+disturb any of this litter, but left it as a mark of his prowess.
+
+He was now at the entrance of the chapel, and striking the door over
+which he had previously climbed a violent blow with the bar, it flew
+open. To vault over the pews was the work of a moment; and having gained
+the entry leading to the Red Room he passed through the first door; his
+progress being only impeded by the pile of broken stones, which he
+himself had raised.
+
+Listening at one of the doors leading to the Master Debtors' side, he
+heard a loud voice chanting a Bacchanalian melody, and the boisterous
+laughter that accompanied the song, convinced him that no suspicion was
+entertained in this quarter. Entering the Red Room, he crept through the
+hole in the wall, descended the chimney, and arrived once more in his
+old place of captivity.
+
+How different were his present feelings compared with those he had
+experienced on quitting it. _Then_, though full of confidence, he half
+doubted his power of accomplishing his designs. _Now_, he _had_ achieved
+them, and felt assured of success. The vast heap of rubbish on the floor
+had been so materially increased by the bricks and plaster thrown down
+in his attack upon the wall of the Red Room, that it was with some
+difficulty he could find the blanket which was almost buried beneath the
+pile. He next searched for his stockings and shoes, and when found, put
+them on.
+
+While he was thus employed, his nerves underwent a severe shock. A few
+bricks, dislodged probably by his last descent, came clattering down the
+chimney, and as it was perfectly dark, gave him the notion that some one
+was endeavouring to force an entrance into the room.
+
+But these fears, like those he had recently experienced, speedily
+vanished, and he prepared to return to the roof, congratulating himself
+that owing to the opportune falling of the bricks, he had in all
+probability escaped serious injury.
+
+Throwing the blanket over his left arm and shouldering the iron bar, he
+again clambered up the chimney; regained the Red Room; hurried along the
+first passage; crossed the Chapel; threaded the entry to the Lower
+Leads; and, in less than ten minutes after quitting the Castle, had
+reached the northern extremity of the prison.
+
+Previously to his descent he had left the nail and spike on the wall,
+and with these he fastened the blanket to the stone coping. This done,
+he let himself carefully down by it, and having only a few feet to drop,
+alighted in safety.
+
+Having now fairly got out of Newgate for the second time, with a heart
+throbbing with exultation, he hastened to make good his escape. To his
+great joy he found a small garret-door in the roof of the opposite house
+open. He entered it; crossed the room, in which there was only a small
+truckle-bed, over which he stumbled; opened another door and gained the
+stair-head. As he was about to descend his chains slightly rattled. "Oh,
+lud! what's that?" exclaimed a female voice, from an adjoining room.
+"Only the dog," replied the rough tones of a man.
+
+Securing the chain in the best way he could, Jack then hurried down two
+pair of stairs, and had nearly reached the lobby, when a door suddenly
+opened, and two persons appeared, one of whom held a light. Retreating
+as quickly as he could, Jack opened the first door he came to, entered a
+room, and searching in the dark for some place of concealment,
+fortunately discovered a skreen, behind which he crept.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+What befell Jack Sheppard in the Turner's House.
+
+
+Jack was scarcely concealed when the door opened, and the two persons of
+whom he had caught a glimpse below entered the room. What was his
+astonishment to recognise in the few words they uttered the voices of
+Kneebone and Winifred! The latter was apparently in great distress, and
+the former seemed to be using his best efforts to relieve her anxiety.
+
+"How very fortunate it is," he observed, "that I happened to call upon
+Mr. Bird, the turner, to give him an order this evening. It was quite an
+unexpected pleasure to meet you and your worthy father."
+
+"Pray cease these compliments," returned Winifred, "and, if you have any
+communication to make, do not delay it. You told me just now that you
+wished to speak a few words to me in private, concerning Thames Darrell,
+and for that purpose I have left my father below with Mr. Bird and have
+come hither. What have you got to say?"
+
+"Too much," replied Kneebone, shaking his head; "sadly too much."
+
+"Do not needlessly alarm me, I beseech you," replied Winifred. "Whatever
+your intelligence may be I will strive to bear it. But do not awaken my
+apprehension, unless you have good cause for so doing.--What do you know
+of Thames?--Where is he?"
+
+"Don't agitate yourself, dearest girl," rejoined the woollen-draper; "or
+I shall never be able to commence my relation."
+
+"I am calm--perfectly calm," replied Winifred. "Pray, make no further
+mystery; but tell me all without reserve."
+
+"Since you require it, I must obey," replied Kneebone; "but prepare
+yourself for a terrible shock."
+
+"For mercy's sake, go on!" cried Winifred.
+
+"At all hazards then then you shall know the truth," replied the
+woollen-draper, in a tone of affected solicitude,--"but are you really
+prepared?"
+
+"Quite--quite!" replied Winifred. "This suspense is worse than torture."
+
+"I am almost afraid to utter it," said Kneebone; "but Thames Darrell is
+murdered."
+
+"Murdered!" ejaculated Winifred.
+
+"Basely and inhumanly murdered, by Jack Sheppard and Blueskin,"
+continued Kneebone.
+
+"Oh! no--no--no," cried Winifred, "I cannot believe it. You must be
+misinformed, Mr. Kneebone. Jack may be capable of much that is wicked,
+but he would never lift his hand against his friend,--of that I am
+assured."
+
+"Generous girl!" cried Jack from behind the skreen.
+
+"I have proofs to the contrary," replied Kneebone. "The murder was
+committed after the robbery of my house by Sheppard and his accomplices.
+I did not choose to mention my knowledge of this fact to your worthy
+father; but you may rely on its correctness."
+
+"You were right not to mention it to him," rejoined Winifred, "for he is
+in such a state of distress at the mysterious disappearance of Mrs.
+Sheppard, that I fear any further anxiety might prove fatal to him. And
+yet I know not--for the object of his visit here to-night was to serve
+Jack, who, if your statement is correct, which I cannot however for a
+moment believe, does not deserve his assistance."
+
+"You may rest assured he does not," rejoined Kneebone, emphatically,
+"but I am at a loss to understand in what way your father proposes to
+assist him."
+
+"Mr. Bird, the turner, who is an old friend of our's, has some
+acquaintance with the turnkeys of Newgate," replied Winifred, "and by
+his means my father hoped to convey some implements to Jack, by which he
+might effect another escape."
+
+"I see," remarked Kneebone. "This must be prevented," he added to
+himself.
+
+"Heaven grant you may have been wrongly informed with respect to
+Thames!" exclaimed Winifred; "but, I beseech you, on no account to
+mention what you have told me to my poor father. He is not in a state of
+mind to bear it."
+
+"Rely on me," rejoined Kneebone. "One word before we part, adorable
+girl--only one," he continued, detaining her. "I would not venture to
+renew my suit while Thames lived, because I well knew your affections
+were fixed upon him. But now that this bar is removed, I trust I may,
+without impropriety, urge it."
+
+"No more of this," said Winifred, angrily. "Is this a season to speak on
+such a subject?"
+
+"Perhaps not," rejoined the woollen-draper; "but the uncontrollable
+violence of my passion must plead my excuse. My whole life shall be
+devoted to you, beloved girl. And when you reflect how much at heart
+your poor mother, whose loss we must ever deplore, had our union, you
+will, I am persuaded, no longer refuse me."
+
+"Sir!" exclaimed Winifred.
+
+"You will make me the happiest of mankind," cried the woollen-draper,
+falling on his knees, and seizing her hand, which he devoured with
+kisses.
+
+"Let me go," cried Winifred. "I disbelieve the whole story you have told
+me."
+
+"By Heaven!" cried Kneebone, with increasing fervour, "it is true--as
+true as my affection for you."
+
+"I do not doubt it," retorted Winifred, scornfully; "because I attach
+credit neither to one nor the other. If Thames _is_ murdered, you are
+his assassin. Let me go, Sir."
+
+The woollen-draper made no answer, but hastily starting up, bolted the
+door.
+
+"What do you mean?" cried Winifred in alarm.
+
+"Nothing more than to obtain a favourable answer to my suit," replied
+Kneebone.
+
+"This is not the way to obtain it," said Winifred, endeavouring to reach
+the door.
+
+"You shall not go, adorable girl," cried Kneebone, catching her in his
+arms, "till you have answered me. You must--you shall be mine."
+
+"Never," replied Winifred. "Release me instantly, or I will call my
+father."
+
+"Do so," replied Kneebone; "but remember the door is locked."
+
+"Monster!" cried Winifred. "Help! help!"
+
+"You call in vain," returned Kneebone.
+
+"Not so," replied Jack, throwing down the skreen. "Release her
+instantly, villain!"
+
+Both Winifred and her suitor started at this sudden apparition. Jack,
+whose clothes were covered with dust, and whose face was deathly pale
+from his recent exertion, looked more like a phantom than a living
+person.
+
+"In the devil's name, is that you, Jack!" ejaculated Kneebone.
+
+"It is," replied Sheppard. "You have uttered a wilful and deliberate
+falsehood in asserting that I have murdered Thames, for whom you well
+know I would lay down my life. Retract your words instantly, or take the
+consequences."
+
+"What should I retract, villain?" cried the woollen-draper, who at the
+sound of Jack's voice had regained his confidence. "To the best of my
+belief, Thames Darrell has been murdered by you."
+
+"A lie!" exclaimed Jack in a terrible tone. And before Kneebone could
+draw his sword, he felled him to the ground with the iron bar.
+
+"You have killed him," cried Winifred in alarm.
+
+"No," answered Jack, approaching her, "though, if I had done so, he
+would have merited his fate. You do not believe his statement?"
+
+"I do not," replied Winifred. "I could not believe you capable of so
+foul a deed. But oh! by what wonderful chance have you come hither so
+seasonably?"
+
+"I have just escaped from Newgate," replied Jack; "and am more than
+repaid for the severe toil I have undergone, in being able to save you.
+But tell me," he added with much anxiety, "has nothing been heard of
+Thames since the night of my former escape?"
+
+"Nothing whatever," answered Winifred. "He left Dollis Hill at ten
+o'clock on that night, and has not since returned. My father has made
+every possible inquiry, and offered large rewards; but has not been able
+to discover the slightest trace of him. His suspicions at first fell
+upon you. But he has since acquitted you of any share in it."
+
+"Oh, Heaven!" exclaimed Jack.
+
+"He has been indefatigable in his search," continued Winifred, "and has
+even journeyed to Manchester. But though he visited Sir Rowland
+Trenchard's seat, Ashton Hall, he could gain no tidings of him, or of
+his uncle, Sir Rowland, who, it seems, has left the country."
+
+"Never to return," remarked Jack, gloomily. "Before to-morrow morning I
+will ascertain what has become of Thames, or perish in the attempt. And
+now tell me what has happened to my poor mother?"
+
+"Ever since your last capture, and Thames's mysterious disappearance,
+she has been dreadfully ill," replied Winifred; "so ill, that each day
+was expected to be her last. She has also been afflicted with occasional
+returns of her terrible malady. On Tuesday night, she was rather better,
+and I had left her for a short time, as I thought, asleep on the sofa in
+the little parlour of which she is so fond--"
+
+"Well," exclaimed Jack.
+
+"On my return, I found the window open, and the room vacant. She was
+gone."
+
+"Did you discover any trace of footsteps?" inquired Jack eagerly.
+
+"There were some marks near the window; but whether recently made or not
+could not be ascertained," replied Winifred.
+
+"Oh God!" exclaimed Jack, in a tone of the bitterest anguish. "My worst
+fears are realized. She is in Wild's power."
+
+"I ought to add," continued Winifred, "that one of her shoes was picked
+up in the garden, and that prints of her feet were discovered along the
+soft mould; whether made in flying from any one, or from rushing forth
+in distracted terror, it is impossible to say. My father thought the
+latter. He has had the whole country searched; but hitherto without
+success."
+
+"I know _where_ she will be found, and _how_," rejoined Jack with a
+shudder.
+
+"I have something further to tell you," pursued Winifred. "Shortly
+after your last visit to Dollis Hill, my father was one evening waylaid
+by a man, who informed him that he had something to communicate
+respecting Thames, and had a large sum of money, and some important
+documents to deliver to him, which would be given up, provided he would
+undertake to procure your liberation."
+
+"It was Blueskin," observed Jack.
+
+"So my father thought," replied Winifred; "and he therefore instantly
+fired upon him. But though the shot took effect, as was evident from the
+stains on the ground, the villain escaped."
+
+"Your father did right," replied Jack, with some bitterness. "But if he
+had not fired that shot, he might have saved Thames, and possessed
+himself of papers which would have established his birth, and his right
+to the estates of the Trenchard family."
+
+"Would you have had him spare my mother's murderer?" cried Winifred.
+
+"Ho, no," replied Jack. "And yet--but it is only part of the chain of
+ill-luck that seems wound around me. Listen to me, Winifred."
+
+And he hastily related the occurrences in Jonathan Wild's house.
+
+The account of the discovery of Sir Rowland's murder filled Winifred
+with alarm; but when she learnt what had befallen Thames--how he had
+been stricken down by the thief-taker's bludgeon, and left for dead, she
+uttered a piercing scream, fainted, and would have fallen, if Jack had
+not caught her in his arms.
+
+Jack had well-nigh fallen too. The idea that he held in his arms the
+girl whom he had once so passionately loved, and for whom he still
+retained an ardent but hopeless attachment, almost overcame him. Gazing
+at her with eyes blinded with tears, he imprinted one brotherly kiss
+upon her lips. It was the first--and the last!
+
+At this juncture, the handle of the door was tried, and the voice of Mr.
+Wood was heard without, angrily demanding admittance.
+
+"What's the matter?" he cried. "I thought I heard a scream. Why is the
+door fastened? Open it directly!"
+
+"Are you alone?" asked Jack, mimicking the voice of Kneebone.
+
+"What for?" demanded Wood. "Open the door, I say, or I'll burst it
+open."
+
+Carefully depositing Winifred on a sofa, Jack then extinguished the
+light, and, as he unfastened the door, crept behind it. In rushed Mr.
+Wood, with a candle in his hand, which Jack instantly blew out, and
+darted down stairs. He upset some one--probably Mr. Bird,--who was
+rushing up stairs, alarmed by Mr. Wood's cries: but, regardless of this,
+he darted along a passage, gained the shop, and passed through an open
+door into the street.
+
+And thus he was once more free, having effected one of the most
+wonderful escapes ever planned or accomplished.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+Fast and Loose.
+
+
+About seven o'clock on the same night, Jonathan Wild's two janizaries,
+who had been for some time in attendance in the hall of his dwelling at
+the Old Bailey, were summoned to the audience-chamber. A long and secret
+conference then took place between the thief-taker and his myrmidons,
+after which they were severally dismissed.
+
+Left alone, Jonathan lighted a lamp, and, opening the trap-door,
+descended the secret stairs. Taking the opposite course from that which
+he had hitherto pursued when it has been necessary to attend him in his
+visits to the lower part of his premises, he struck into a narrow
+passage on the right, which he tracked till he came to a small door,
+like the approach to a vault. Unlocking it, he entered the chamber,
+which by no means belied its external appearance.
+
+On a pallet in one corner lay a pale emaciated female. Holding the lamp
+over her rigid but beautiful features, Jonathan, with some anxiety,
+placed his hand upon her breast to ascertain whether the heart still
+beat. Satisfied with his scrutiny, he produced a pocket-flask, and
+taking off the silver cup with which it was mounted, filled it with the
+contents of the flask, and then seizing the thin arm of the sleeper,
+rudely shook it. Opening her large black eyes, she fixed them upon him
+for a moment with a mixture of terror and loathing, and then averted her
+gaze.
+
+"Drink this," cried Jonathan, handing her the cup. "You'll feel better
+after it."
+
+Mechanically raising the potion to her lips, the poor creature swallowed
+it without hesitation.
+
+"Is it poison?" she asked.
+
+"No," replied Jonathan, with a brutal laugh. "I'm not going to get rid
+of you just yet. It's gin--a liquor you used to like. You'll find the
+benefit of it by and by. You've a good deal to go through to-night."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, "are you come to renew your terrible
+proposals?"
+
+"I'm come to execute my threats," replied Wild. "To-night you shall be
+my wedded wife."
+
+"I will die first," replied Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"You may die _afterwards_ as soon as you please," retorted Jonathan;
+"but live till then you _shall_. I've sent for the priest."
+
+"Mercy!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, vainly trying to discover a gleam of
+compassion in the thief-taker's inexorable countenance,--"Mercy! mercy!"
+
+"Pshaw!" rejoined Jonathan. "You should be glad to be made an honest
+woman."
+
+"Oh! let me die," groaned the widow. "I have not many days,--perhaps,
+not many hours to live. But kill me rather than commit this outrage."
+
+"That wouldn't answer my purpose," replied Jonathan, savagely. "I didn't
+carry you off from old Wood to kill you, but to wed you."
+
+"What motive can you have for so vile a deed?" asked Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"You know my motive well enough," answered Jonathan. "However, I'll
+refresh your memory. I once might have married you for your beauty,--now
+I marry you for your wealth."
+
+"My wealth," replied Mrs. Sheppard. "I have nothing."
+
+"You are heiress to the Trenchard property," rejoined Jonathan, "one of
+the largest estates in Lancashire."
+
+"Not while Thames Darrell and Sir Rowland live."
+
+"Sir Rowland is dead," replied Jonathan, gloomily. "Thames Darrell only
+waits my mandate to follow him. Before our marriage there will be no
+life between you and the estates."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"Look here," cried Jonathan, stooping down and taking hold of a ring in
+the floor, with which by a great effort he raised up a flag. "In this
+pit," he added, pointing to the chasm below, "your brother is buried.
+Here your nephew will speedily be thrown."
+
+"Horrible!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, shuddering violently. "But your
+dreadful projects will recoil on your own head. Heaven will not permit
+the continuance of such wickedness as you practise."
+
+"I'll take my chance," replied Jonathan, with a sinister smile. "My
+schemes have succeeded tolerably well hitherto."
+
+"A day of retribution will assuredly arrive," rejoined Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"Till then, I shall remain content," returned Wild. "And now, Mrs.
+Sheppard, attend to what I'm about to say to you. Years ago, when you
+were a girl and in the bloom of your beauty, I loved you."
+
+"Loved me! _You_!"
+
+"I loved you," continued Jonathan, "and struck by your appearance, which
+seemed above your station, inquired your history, and found you had been
+stolen by a gipsy in Lancashire. I proceeded to Manchester, to
+investigate the matter further, and when there ascertained, beyond a
+doubt, that you were the eldest daughter of Sir Montacute Trenchard.
+This discovery made, I hastened back to London to offer you my hand, but
+found you had married in the mean time a smock-faced, smooth-tongued
+carpenter named Sheppard. The important secret remained locked in my
+breast, but I resolved to be avenged. I swore I would bring your husband
+to the gallows,--would plunge you in such want, such distress, that you
+should have no alternative but the last frightful resource of
+misery,--and I also swore, that if you had a son he should share the
+same fate as his father."
+
+"And terribly you have kept your vow," replied Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"I have," replied Jonathan. "But I am now coming to the point which most
+concerns you. Consent to become my wife, and do not compel me to have
+recourse to violence to effect my purpose, and I will spare your son."
+
+Mrs. Sheppard looked fixedly at him, as if she would penetrate the
+gloomy depth of his soul.
+
+"Swear that you will do this," she cried.
+
+"I swear it," rejoined Jonathan, readily.
+
+"But what is an oath to you!" cried the widow, distrustfully. "You will
+not hesitate to break it, if it suits your purpose. I have suffered too
+much from your treachery. I will not trust you."
+
+"As you please," replied Jonathan, sternly. "Recollect you are in my
+power. Jack's life hangs on your determination."
+
+"What shall I do?" cried Mrs. Sheppard, in a voice of agony.
+
+"Save him," replied Jonathan. "You _can_ do so."
+
+"Bring him here,--let me see him--let me embrace him--let me be assured
+that he is safe, and I am yours. I swear it."
+
+"Hum!" exclaimed Jonathan.
+
+"You hesitate--you are deceiving me."
+
+"By my soul, no," replied Jonathan, with affected sincerity. "You shall
+see him to-morrow."
+
+"Delay the marriage till then. I will never consent till I see him."
+
+"Yon ask impossibilities," replied Jonathan, sullenly. "All is prepared.
+The marriage cannot--shall not be delayed. Yon must be mine to-night."
+
+"Force shall not make me yours till Jack is free," replied the widow,
+resolutely.
+
+"An hour hence, I shall return with the priest," replied Jonathan,
+striding towards the door.
+
+And, with a glance of malignant exultation, he quitted the vault, and
+locked the door.
+
+"An hour hence, I shall be beyond your malice," said Mrs. Sheppard,
+sinking backwards upon the pallet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+The last Meeting between Jack Sheppard and his Mother.
+
+
+After escaping from the turner's house, Jack Sheppard skirted St.
+Sepulchre's church, and hurrying down Snow Hill, darted into the first
+turning on the left. Traversing Angel Court, and Green Arbour
+Court,--celebrated as one of Goldsmith's retreats,--he speedily reached
+Seacoal Lane, and pursuing the same course, which he and Thames had
+formerly taken, arrived at the yard at the back of Jonathan's
+habitation.
+
+A door, it may be remembered, opened from Wild's dwelling into this
+yard. Before he forced an entrance, Jack tried it, and, to his great
+surprise and delight, found it unfastened. Entering the house, he found
+himself in a narrow passage leading to the back stairs. He had not taken
+many steps when he perceived Quilt Arnold in the upper gallery, with a
+lamp in his hand. Hearing a noise below, Quilt called out, supposing it
+occasioned by the Jew. Jack hastily retreated, and taking the first
+means of concealment that occurred to him, descended the cellar steps.
+
+Quilt, meanwhile, came down, examined the door, and finding it unfastened,
+locked it with a bitter imprecation on his brother-janizary's carelessness.
+This done, he followed the course which Jack had just taken. As he
+crossed the cellar, he passed so near to Jack who had concealed himself
+behind a piece of furniture that he almost touched him. It was Jack's
+intention to have knocked him down with the iron bar; but he was so
+struck with the janizary's looks, that he determined to spare him till
+he had ascertained his purpose. With this view, he suffered him to pass
+on.
+
+Quilt's manner, indeed, was that of a man endeavouring to muster up
+sufficient resolution for the commission of some desperate crime. He
+halted,--looked fearfully around,--stopped again, and exclaimed aloud,
+"I don't like the job; and yet it must be done, or Mr. Wild will hang
+me." With this, he appeared to pluck up his courage, and stepped forward
+more boldly.
+
+"Some dreadful deed is about to be committed, which I may perhaps
+prevent," muttered Jack to himself. "Heaven grant I may not be too
+late!"
+
+Followed by Jack Sheppard, who kept sufficiently near him to watch his
+proceedings, and yet not expose himself, Quilt unlocked one or two doors
+which he left open, and after winding his way along a gloomy passage,
+arrived at the door of a vault. Here he set down the lamp, and took out
+a key, and as he did so the expression of his countenance was so
+atrocious, that Jack felt assured he was not wrong in his suspicions.
+
+By this time, the door was unlocked, and drawing his sword, Quilt
+entered the cell. The next moment, an exclamation was heard in the voice
+of Thames. Darting forward at this sound, Jack threw open the door, and
+beheld Quilt kneeling over Thames, who'se hands and feet were bound with
+cords, and about to plunge his sword into his breast. A blow from the
+iron bar instantly stretched the ruffian on the floor. Jack then
+proceeded to liberate the captive from his bondage.
+
+"Jack!" exclaimed Thames. "Is it you?"
+
+"It is," replied Sheppard, as he untied the cords. "I might return the
+question. Were it not for your voice, I don't think I should know you.
+You are greatly altered."
+
+Captivity had, indeed, produced a striking alteration in Thames. He
+looked like the shadow of himself--thin, feeble, hollow-eyed--his beard
+unshorn--nothing could be more miserable.
+
+"I have never been out of this horrible dungeon since we last met," he
+said; "though how long ago that is, I scarcely know. Night and day have
+been alike to me."
+
+"Six weeks have elapsed since that fatal night," replied Jack. "During
+the whole of that time I have been a close prisoner in Newgate, whence I
+have only just escaped."
+
+"Six weeks!" exclaimed Thames, in a melancholy tone. "It seems like six
+long months to me."
+
+"I do not doubt it," returned Jack; "none but those who have experienced
+it can understand the miseries of imprisonment."
+
+"Do not speak of it," rejoined Thames, with a look of horror. "Let us
+fly from this frightful place."
+
+"I will conduct you to the outlet," replied Jack; "but I cannot leave it
+till I have ascertained whether my mother also is a prisoner here."
+
+"I can answer that," replied Thames. "She is. The monster, Wild, when he
+visited my dungeon last night, told me, to add to my misery, that she
+occupied a cell near me."
+
+"Arm yourself with that ruffian's weapons," replied Jack, "and let us
+search for her."
+
+Thames complied. But he was so feeble, that it seemed scarcely possible
+he could offer any effectual resistance in case of an attack.
+
+"Lean on me," said Jack.
+
+Taking the light, they then proceeded along the passage. There was no
+other door in it, and Jack therefore struck into another entry which
+branched off to the right. They had not proceeded far when a low moan
+was heard.
+
+"She is here," cried Jack, darting forward.
+
+A few steps brought him to the door of the vault in which his mother was
+immured. It was locked. Jack had brought away the bunch of keys which he
+had taken from Quilt Arnold, but, none of them would open it. He was
+therefore obliged to use the iron bar, which he did with as much caution
+as circumstances would permit. At the first blow, Mrs. Sheppard uttered
+a piercing scream.
+
+"Wretch!" she cried, "you shall not force me to your hateful purpose. I
+will never wed you. I have a weapon--a knife--and if you attempt to open
+the door, will plunge it to my heart."
+
+"Oh God!" exclaimed Jack, paralysed by her cries. "What shall I do? If I
+persist, I shall destroy her."
+
+"Get hence," continued Mrs. Sheppard, with a frenzied laugh. "You shall
+never behold me alive."
+
+"Mother!" cried Jack, in a broken voice. "It is your son."
+
+"It is false," cried Mrs. Sheppard. "Think not to deceive me, monster. I
+know my son's voice too well. He is in Newgate. Hence!"
+
+"Mother! dear mother!" cried Jack, in a voice, the tones of which were
+altered by his very anxiety to make them distinct, "listen to me. I have
+broken from prison, and am come to save you."
+
+"It is _not_ Jack's voice," rejoined Mrs. Sheppard. "I am not to be
+deceived. The knife is at my breast. Stir a foot, and I strike."
+
+"Oh Heavens!" cried Jack, driven to his wits' end. "Mother--dear mother!
+Once again, I beseech you to listen to me. I am come to rescue you from
+Wild's violence. I must break open the door. Hold your hand for a
+moment."
+
+"You have heard my fixed determination, villain," cried Mrs. Sheppard.
+"I know my life is valuable to you, or you would not spare it. But I
+will disappoint you. Get you gone. Your purposes are defeated."
+
+"Footsteps are approaching," cried Thames. "Heed her not. It is but a
+wild threat."
+
+"I know not how to act," exclaimed Jack, almost driven to desperation.
+
+"I hear you plotting with your wicked associates," cried Mrs. Sheppard.
+"I have baffled you."
+
+"Force the door," said Thames, "or you will be too late."
+
+"Better she die by her own hand, than by that monster's," cried Jack,
+brandishing the bar. "Mother, I come to you."
+
+With this, he struck the door a heavy blow.
+
+He listened. There was a deep groan, and the sound of a fall within.
+
+"I have killed her," exclaimed Jack, dropping the bar,--"by your advice,
+Thames. Oh God! pardon me."
+
+"Do not delay," cried Thames. "She may yet be saved. I am too weak to
+aid you."
+
+Jack again seized the bar, and, dashing it furiously against the door,
+speedily burst it open.
+
+The unfortunate woman was stretched upon the floor, with a bloody knife
+in her hand.
+
+"Mother!" cried Jack, springing towards her.
+
+"Jack!" she cried, raising her head. "Is it you?"
+
+"It is," replied her son, "Oh! why would you not listen to me?"
+
+"I was distracted," replied Mrs. Sheppard, faintly.
+
+"I have killed you," cried Jack, endeavouring to staunch the effusion of
+blood from her breast. "Forgive--forgive me!"
+
+"I have nothing to forgive," replied Mrs. Sheppard. "I alone am to
+blame."
+
+"Can I not carry you where you can obtain help?" cried Jack in a agony
+of distress.
+
+"It is useless," replied Mrs. Sheppard: "nothing can save me. I die
+happy--quite happy in beholding you. Do not remain with me. You may fall
+into the hands of your enemy. Fly! fly!"
+
+"Do not think of me, mother, but of yourself," cried Jack, in an agony
+of tears.
+
+"You have always been, far dearer to me than myself," replied Mrs.
+Sheppard. "But I have one last request to make. Let me lie in Willesden
+churchyard."
+
+"You shall--you shall," answered Jack.
+
+"We shall meet again ere long, my son," cried Mrs. Sheppard, fixing her
+glazing eyes upon him.
+
+"Oh God! she is dying," exclaimed Jack in a voice suffocated by emotion.
+"Forgive me--oh, forgive me!"
+
+"Forgive you--bless you!" she gasped.
+
+A cold shiver ran through her frame, and her gentle spirit passed away
+for ever.
+
+"Oh, God! that I might die too," cried Jack, falling on his knees beside
+her.
+
+After the first violent outbreak of grief had in some degree subsided,
+Thames addressed him.
+
+"You must not remain here," he said. "You can render no further service
+to your poor mother."
+
+"I can avenge her," cried Jack in a terrible tone.
+
+"Be ruled by me," returned Thames. "You will act most in accordance with
+her wishes, could she dictate them, by compliance. Do not waste time in
+vain regrets, but let us remove the body, that we may fulfil her last
+injunctions."
+
+After some further arguments, Jack assented to this proposal.
+
+"Go on first with the light," he said. "I will bear the body." And he
+raised it in his arms.
+
+Just as they reached the end of the passage, they heard the voices of
+Jonathan and the Jew in Thames's late place of confinement. Wild had
+evidently discovered the body of Quilt Arnold, and was loudly expressing
+his anger and astonishment.
+
+"Extinguish the light," cried Jack; "turn to the left. Quick! Quick!"
+
+The order was only just given in time. They had scarcely gained the
+adjoining cellar when Jonathan and the Jew rushed past in the direction
+of the vault.
+
+"Not a moment is to be lost," cried Jack: "follow me."
+
+So saying, he hurried up stairs, opened the back door, and was quickly
+in the yard. Having ascertained that Thames was at his heels, he
+hurried with his ghastly burthen down Seacoal Lane.
+
+"Where are you going?" cried Thames, who, though wholly disencumbered,
+was scarcely able to keep up with him.
+
+"I know not--and care not," replied Jack.
+
+At this moment, a coach passed them, and was instantly hailed by Thames.
+
+"You had better let me convey her to Dollis Hill," he said.
+
+"Be it so," replied Jack.
+
+Luckily it was so dark, and there was no lamp near, that the man did not
+notice the condition of the body, which was placed in the vehicle by the
+two young men.
+
+"What will you do?" asked Thames.
+
+"Leave me to my fate," rejoined Jack. "Take care of your charge."
+
+"Doubt me not," replied Thames.
+
+"Bury her in Willesden churchyard, as she requested, on Sunday," said
+Jack. "I will be there at the time."
+
+So saying, he closed the door.
+
+The coachman having received his order, and being offered an extra fare
+if he drove quickly, set off at full speed.
+
+As Jack departed, a dark figure, emerging from behind a wall, rushed
+after him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+The Pursuit.
+
+
+After running to some distance down Seacoal Lane, Jack stopped to give a
+last look at the vehicle which was bearing away the remains of his
+beloved and ill-fated mother. It was scarcely out of sight, when two
+persons, whom, he instantly recognised as Jonathan and Abraham Mendez,
+turned the corner of the street, and made it evident from their shouts,
+that they likewise perceived him.
+
+Starting off at a rapid pace, Jack dashed down Turnagain-lane, skirted
+the eastern bank of Fleet-ditch, crossed Holborn Bridge, and began to
+ascend the neighbouring hill. By the time he had reached St. Andrew's
+Church, his pursuers had gained the bridge, and the attention of such
+passengers as crowded the streets was attracted towards him by their
+vociferations. Amongst others, the watchman whose box was placed against
+the churchyard wall, near the entrance to Shoe-lane, rushed out and
+sprung his rattle, which was immediately answered by another rattle from
+Holborn-bars.
+
+Darting down Field-lane, Jack struck into a labyrinth of streets on the
+left; but though he ran as swiftly as he could, he was not unperceived.
+His course had been observed by the watchman, who directed Wild which
+way to take.
+
+"It is Jack Sheppard, the noted housebreaker," cried Jonathan, at the
+top of his sonorous voice. "He has just broken out of Newgate. After
+him! A hundred pounds to the man who takes him."
+
+Sheppard's name operated like magic on the crowd. The cry was echoed by
+twenty different voices. People ran out of their shops to join the
+pursuit; and, by the time Wild had got into Field-lane, he had a troop
+of fifty persons at his heels--all eager to assist in the capture.
+
+"Stop thief!" roared Jonathan, who perceived the fugitive hurrying along
+a street towards Hatton Garden. "It is Sheppard--Jack Sheppard--stop
+him!" And his shouts were reiterated by the pack of bloodhounds at his
+heels.
+
+Jack, meanwhile, heard, the shouts, and, though alarmed by them, held on
+a steady course. By various twistings and turnings, during all which
+time his pursuers, who were greatly increased in numbers, kept him in
+view, he reached Gray's-Inn-lane. Here he was hotly pursued. Fatigued by
+his previous exertions, and incumbered by his fetters, he was by no
+means--though ordinarily remarkably swift of foot--a match for his foes,
+who were fast gaining upon him.
+
+At the corner of Liquorpond Street stood the old Hampstead
+coach-office; and, on the night in question, a knot of hostlers,
+waggoners, drivers, and stable-boys was collected in the yard. Hearing
+the distant shouts, these fellows rushed down to the entrance of the
+court, and arrived there just as Jack passed it. "Stop thief!" roared
+Jonathan. "Stop thief!" clamoured the rabble behind.
+
+At no loss to comprehend that Jack was the individual pointed out by
+these outcries, two of the nearest of the group made a dash at him. But
+Jack eluded their grasp. A large dog was then set at him by a
+stable-boy; but, striking the animal with his faithful iron-bar, he
+speedily sent him yelping back. The two hostlers, however, kept close at
+his heels; and Jack, whose strength began to flag, feared he could not
+hold much longer. Determined, however, not be taken with life, he held
+on.
+
+Still keeping ahead of his pursuers, he ran along the direct road, till
+the houses disappeared and he got into the open country. Here he was
+preparing to leap over the hedge into the fields on the left, when he
+was intercepted by two horsemen, who, hearing the shouts, rode up and
+struck at him with the butt-ends of their heavy riding-whips. Warding
+off the blows as well as he could with the bar, Jack struck both the
+horses on the head, and the animals plunged so violently, that they not
+only prevented their riders from assailing him, but also kept off the
+hostlers; and, in the confusion that ensued, Jack managed to spring over
+the fence, and shaped his course across the field in the direction of
+Sir John Oldcastle's.
+
+The stoppage had materially lessened the distance between him and his
+pursuers, who now amounted to more than a hundred persons, many of whom
+carried lanterns and links. Ascertaining that it was Sheppard of whom
+this concourse was in pursuit, the two horsemen leapt the hedge, and
+were presently close upon him. Like a hare closely pressed, Jack
+attempted to double, but the device only brought him nearer his foes,
+who were crossing the field in every direction, and rending the air with
+their shouts. The uproar was tremendous--men yelling--dogs barking,--but
+above all was heard the stentorian voice of Jonathan, urging them on.
+Jack was so harrassed that he felt half inclined to stand at bay.
+
+While he was straining every sinew, his foot slipped, and he fell, head
+foremost, into a deep trench, which he had not observed in the dark.
+This fall saved him, for the horsemen passed over him. Creeping along
+quickly on his hands and knees, he found the entrance to a covered
+drain, into which he crept. He was scarcely concealed when he heard the
+horsemen, who perceived they had overshot their mark, ride back.
+
+By this time, Jonathan and the vast mob attending him, had come up, and
+the place was rendered almost as light as day by the links.
+
+"He must be somewhere hereabouts," cried one of the horsemen,
+dismounting. "We were close upon him when he suddenly disappeared."
+
+Jonathan made no answer, but snatching a torch from a bystander, jumped
+into the trench and commenced a diligent search. Just as he had arrived
+at the mouth of the drain, and Jack felt certain he must be discovered,
+a loud shout was raised from the further end of the field that the
+fugitive was caught. All the assemblage, accompanied by Jonathan, set
+off in this direction, when it turned out that the supposed housebreaker
+was a harmless beggar, who had been found asleep under a hedge.
+
+Jonathan's vexation at the disappointment was expressed in the bitterest
+imprecations, and he returned as speedily as he could to the trench. But
+he had now lost the precise spot; and thinking he had examined the
+drain, turned his attention to another quarter.
+
+Meanwhile, the excitement of the chase had in some degree subsided. The
+crowd dispersed in different directions, and most fortunately a heavy
+shower coming on, put them altogether to flight. Jonathan, however,
+still lingered. He seemed wholly insensible to the rain, though it
+presently descended in torrents, and continued his search as ardently as
+before.
+
+After occupying himself thus for the best part of an hour, he thought
+Jack must have given him the slip. Still, his suspicions were so strong,
+that he ordered Mendez to remain on guard near the spot all night, and,
+by the promise of a large reward induced two other men to keep him
+company.
+
+As he took his departure, he whispered to the Jew: "Take him dead or
+alive; but if we fail now, and you heard him aright in Seacoal Lane, we
+are sure of him at his mother's funeral on Sunday."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+How Jack Sheppard got rid of his Irons.
+
+
+About an hour after this, Jack ventured to emerge from his place of
+concealment. It was still raining heavily, and profoundly dark. Drenched
+to the skin,--in fact, he had been lying in a bed of muddy water,--and
+chilled to the very bone, he felt so stiff, that he could scarcely move.
+
+Listening attentively, he fancied he heard the breathing of some one
+near him, and moved cautiously in the opposite direction. In spite of
+his care, he came in contact with a man, who, endeavouring to grasp him,
+cried, in the voice of Mendez, "Who goes dere? Shpeak! or I fire!"
+
+No answer being returned, the Jew instantly discharged his pistol, and
+though the shot did no damage, the flash discovered Sheppard. But as the
+next moment all was profound darkness, Jack easily managed to break away
+from them.
+
+Without an idea where he was going, Jack pursued his way through the
+fields; and, as he proceeded, the numbness of his limbs in some degree
+wore off, and his confidence returned. He had need of all the
+inexhaustible energy of his character to support him through his
+toilsome walk over the wet grass, or along the slippery ploughed land.
+At last, he got into a lane, but had not proceeded far when he was again
+alarmed by the sound of a horse's tread.
+
+Once more breaking through the hedge he took to the fields. He was now
+almost driven to despair. Wet as he was, he felt if he lay down in the
+grass, he should perish with cold; while, if he sought a night's lodging
+in any asylum, his dress, stained with blood and covered with dirt,
+would infallibly cause him to be secured and delivered into the hands of
+justice. And then the fetters, which were still upon his legs:--how was
+he to get rid of them?
+
+Tired and dispirited, he still wandered on. Again returning to the main
+road, he passed through Clapton; and turning off on the left, arrived at
+the foot of Stamford Hill. He walked on for an hour longer, till he
+could scarcely drag one leg after another. At length, he fell down on
+the road, fully expecting each moment would prove his last.
+
+How long he continued thus he scarcely knew; but just before dawn, he
+managed to regain his legs, and, crawling up a bank, perceived he was
+within a quarter of a mile of Tottenham. A short way off in the fields
+he descried a sort of shed or cow-house, and thither he contrived to
+drag his weary limbs. Opening the door, he found it littered with straw,
+on which he threw himself, and instantly fell asleep.
+
+When he awoke it was late in the day, and raining heavily. For some time
+he could not stir, but felt sick and exhausted. His legs were dreadfully
+swelled; his hands bruised; and his fetters occasioned him intolerable
+pain. His bodily suffering, however, was nothing compared with his
+mental anguish. All the events of the previous day rushed to his
+recollection; and though he had been unintentionally the cause of his
+mother's death, he reproached himself as severely as if he had been her
+actual murderer.
+
+"Had I not been the guilty wretch I am," he cried, bursting into an
+agony of tears, "she would never have died thus."
+
+This strong feeling of remorse having found a natural vent, in some
+degree subsided, and he addressed himself to his present situation.
+Rousing himself, he went to the door. It had ceased raining, but the
+atmosphere was moist and chill, and the ground deluged by the recent
+showers. Taking up a couple of large stones which lay near, Jack tried
+to beat the round basils of the fetters into an oval form, so as to
+enable him to slip his heels through them.
+
+While he was thus employed a farming man came into the barn. Jack
+instantly started to his feet, and the man, alarmed at his appearance,
+ran off to a neighbouring house. Before he could return, Jack had made
+good his retreat; and, wandering about the lanes and hedges, kept out of
+sight as much as possible.
+
+On examining his pockets, he found about twenty guineas in gold, and
+some silver. But how to avail himself of it was the question, for in his
+present garb he was sure to be recognised. When night fell, he crept
+into the town of Tottenham. As he passed along the main thoroughfare, he
+heard his own name pronounced, and found that it was a hawker, crying a
+penny history of his escapes. A crowd was collected round the fellow,
+who was rapidly disposing of his stock.
+
+"Here's the full, true, and particular account of Jack Sheppard's last
+astonishing and never-to-be-forgotten escape from the Castle of
+Newgate," bawled the hawker, "with a print of him taken from the life,
+showing the manner, how he was shackled and handcuffed. Only one
+penny--two copies--two pence--thank you, Sir. Here's the----"
+
+"Let me have one," cried a servant maid, running across the street, and
+in her haste forgetting to shut the door,--"here's the money. Master and
+missis have been talking all day long about Jack Sheppard, and I'm dying
+to read his life."
+
+"Here you have it, my dear," returned the hawker. "Sold again!"
+
+"If you don't get back quickly, Lucy," observed a bystander, "Jack
+Sheppard will be in the house before you."
+
+This sally occasioned a general laugh.
+
+"If Jack would come to my house, I'd contrive to hide him," remarked a
+buxom dame. "Poor fellow! I'm glad he has escaped."
+
+"Jack seems to be a great favourite with the fair sex," observed a
+smirking grocer's apprentice.
+
+"Of course," rejoined the bystander, who had just spoken, and who was of
+a cynical turn,--"the greater the rascal, the better they like him."
+
+"Here's a particular account of Jack's many robberies and escapes,"
+roared the hawker,--"how he broke into the house of his master, Mr.
+Wood, at Dollis Hill--"
+
+"Let me have one," said a carpenter, who was passing by at the
+moment,--"Mr. Wood was an old friend of mine--and I recollect seeing
+Jack when he was bound 'prentice to him."
+
+"A penny, if you please, Sir," said the hawker.--"Sold again! Here you
+have the full, true, and particular account of the barbarous murder
+committed by Jack Sheppard and his associate, Joseph Blake, _alias_
+Blueskin, upon the body of Mrs. Wood--"
+
+"That's false!" cried a voice behind him.
+
+The man turned at the exclamation, and so did several of the bystanders;
+but they could not make out who had uttered it.
+
+Jack, who had been lingering near the group, now walked on.
+
+In the middle of the little town stood the shop of a Jew dealer in old
+clothes. The owner was at the door unhooking a few articles of wearing
+apparel which he had exposed outside for sale. Amongst other things, he
+had just brought down an old laced bavaroy, a species of surtout much
+worn at the period.
+
+"What do you want fot that coat, friend?" asked Jack, as he came up.
+
+"More than you'll pay for it, friend," snuffled the Jew.
+
+"How do you know that?" rejoined Jack. "Will you take a guinea for it?"
+
+"Double that sum might tempt me," replied the Jew; "it's a nobleman's
+coat, upon my shoul!"
+
+"Here's the money," replied Jack, taking the coat.
+
+"Shall I help you on with it, Sir?" replied the Jew, becoming suddenly
+respectful.
+
+"No," replied Jack.
+
+"I half suspect this is a highwayman," thought the Jew; "he's so ready
+with his cash. I've some other things inside, Sir, which you might wish
+to buy,--some pistols."
+
+Jack was about to comply; but not liking the man's manner, he walked on.
+
+Further on, there was a small chandler's shop, where Jack observed an
+old woman seated at the counter, attended by a little girl. Seeing
+provisions in the window, Jack ventured in and bought a loaf. Having
+secured this,--for he was almost famished,--he said that he had lost a
+hammer and wished to purchase one. The old woman told him she had no
+such article to dispose of, but recommended him to a neighbouring
+blacksmith.
+
+Guided by the glare of the forge, which threw a stream of ruddy light
+across the road, Jack soon found the place of which he was in search.
+Entering the workshop, he found the blacksmith occupied in heating the
+tire of a cart wheel. Suspending his labour on Jack's appearance, the
+man demanded his business. Making up a similar story to that which he
+had told the old woman, he said he wanted to purchase a hammer and a
+file.
+
+The man looked hard at him.
+
+"Answer me one question first?" he said; "I half suspect you're Jack
+Sheppard."
+
+"I am," replied Jack, without hesitation; for he felt assured from the
+man's manner that he might confide in him.
+
+"You're a bold fellow, Jack," rejoined the blacksmith. "But you've done
+well to trust me. I'll take off your irons--for I guess that's the
+reason why you want the hammer and file--on one condition."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"That you give 'em to me."
+
+"Readily."
+
+Taking Jack into a shed behind the workshop the smith in a short time
+freed him from his fetters. He not only did this, but supplied him with
+an ointment which allayed the swelling of his limbs, and crowned all by
+furnishing him with a jug of excellent ale.
+
+"I'm afraid, Jack, you'll come to the gallows," observed the smith;
+"buth if you do, I'll go to Tyburn to see you. But I'll never part with
+your irons."
+
+Noticing the draggled condition Jack was in, he then fetched him a
+bucket of water, with which Jack cleansed himself as well as he could,
+and thanking the honest smith, who would take nothing for his trouble,
+left the shop.
+
+Having made a tolerably good meal upon the loaf, overcome by fatigue,
+Jack turned into a barn in Stoke Newington, and slept till late in the
+day, when he awakened much refreshed. The swelling in his limbs had also
+subsided. It rained heavily all day, so he did not stir forth.
+
+Towards night, however, he ventured out, and walked on towards London.
+When he arrived at Hoxton, he found the walls covered with placards
+offering a reward for his apprehension, and he everywhere appeared to be
+the general subject of conversation. Prom a knot of idlers at a
+public-house, he learnt that Jonathan Wild had just ridden past, and
+that his setters were scouring the country in every direction.
+
+Entering London, he bent his way towards the west-end; and having some
+knowledge of a secondhand tailor's shop in Rupert Street, proceeded
+thither, and looked out a handsome suit of mourning, with a sword,
+cloak, and hat, and demanded the price. The man asked twelve guineas,
+but after a little bargaining, he came down to ten.
+
+Taking his new purchase under his arm, Jack proceeded to a small tavern
+in the same street, where, having ordered dinner, he went to a bed-room
+to attire himself. He had scarcely completed his toilet, when he was
+startled by a noise at the door, and heard his own name pronounced in no
+friendly accents. Fortunately, the window was not far from the ground;
+so opening it gently, he dropped into a backyard, and from thence got
+into the street.
+
+Hurrying down the Haymarket, he was arrested by a crowd who were
+collected round a street-singer. Jack paused for a moment, and found
+that his own adventures formed the subject of the ballad. Not daring,
+however, to listen to it, he ran on.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+How Jack Sheppard attended his Mother's Funeral.
+
+
+That night Jack walked to Paddington, and took up his quarters at a
+small tavern, called the Wheat-sheaf, near the green. On the next
+morning--Sunday--the day on which he expected his mother's funeral to
+take place, he set out along the Harrow Road.
+
+It was a clear, lovely, October morning. The air was sharp and bracing,
+and the leaves which had taken their autumnal tints were falling from
+the trees. The road which wound by Westbourne Green, gave him a full
+view of the hill of Hampstead with its church, its crest of houses, and
+its villas peeping from out the trees.
+
+Jack's heart was too full to allow him to derive any pleasure from this
+scene; so he strolled on without raising his eyes till he arrived at
+Kensal Green. Here he obtained some breakfast, and mounting the hill
+turned off into the fields on the right. Crossing them, he ascended an
+eminence, which, from its singular shape, seems to have been the site of
+a Roman encampment, and which commands a magnificent prospect.
+
+Leaning upon a gate he looked down into the valley. It was the very spot
+from which his poor mother had gazed after her vain attempt to rescue
+him at the Mint; but, though he was ignorant of this, her image was
+alone present to him. He beheld the grey tower of Willesden Church,
+embosomed in its grove of trees, now clothed, in all the glowing livery
+of autumn. There was the cottage she had inhabited for so many
+years,--in those fields she had rambled,--at that church she had prayed.
+And he had destroyed all this. But for him she might have been alive and
+happy. The recollection was too painful, and he burst into an agony of
+tears.
+
+Aroused by the sound of the church bells, he resolved, at whatever risk,
+to attend Divine service. With this view, he descended the hill and
+presently found a footpath leading to the church. But he was destined to
+have every tide of feeling awakened--every wound opened. The path he had
+selected conducted him to his mother's humble dwelling. When she
+occupied, it, it was neatness itself; the little porch was overrun with
+creepers--the garden trim and exquisitely kept. Now, it was a wilderness
+of weeds. The glass in the windows was broken--the roof unthatched--the
+walls dilapidated. Jack turned away with an aching heart. It seemed an
+emblem of the ruin he had caused.
+
+As he proceeded, other painful reminiscences were aroused. At every step
+he seemed to be haunted by the ghost of the past. There was the stile on
+which Jonathan had sat, and he recollected distinctly the effect of his
+mocking glance--how it had hardened his heart against his mother's
+prayer. "O God!" he exclaimed, "I am severely punished."
+
+He had now gained the high road. The villagers were thronging to church.
+Bounding the corner of a garden wall, he came upon his former place of
+imprisonment. Some rustic hand had written upon the door "JACK
+SHEPPARD'S CAGE;" and upon the wall was affixed a large placard
+describing his person, and offering a reward for his capture. Muffling
+up his face, Jack turned away; but he had not proceeded many steps when
+he heard a man reading aloud an account of his escapes from a newspaper.
+
+Hastening to the church, he entered it by the very door near which his
+first crime had been committed. His mother's scream seemed again to ring
+in his ears, and he was so deeply affected that, fearful of exciting
+attention, he was about to quit the sacred edifice, when he was stopped
+by the entrance of Thames, who looked pale as death, with Winifred
+leaning on his arm. They were followed by Mr. Wood in the deepest
+mourning.
+
+Shrinking involuntarily back into the farthest corner of the seat, Jack
+buried his face in his hands. The service began. Jack who had not been
+in a place of worship for many years was powerfully affected.
+Accidentally raising his eyes, he saw that he was perceived by the
+family from Dollis Hill, and that he was an object of the deepest
+interest to them.
+
+As soon as the service was over, Thames contrived to approach him, and
+whispered, "Be cautious,--the funeral will take place after evening
+service."
+
+Jack would not hazard a glance at Winifred; but, quitting the church,
+got into an adjoining meadow, and watched the party slowly ascending the
+road leading to Dollis Hill. At a turn in the road, he perceived
+Winifred looking anxiously towards him, and when she discovered him, she
+waved her hand.
+
+Returning to the churchyard, he walked round it; and on the western
+side, near a small yew-tree discovered a new-made grave.
+
+"Whose grave is this?" he inquired of a man who was standing near it.
+
+"I can't say," answered the fellow; "but I'll inquire from the sexton,
+William Morgan. Here, Peter," he added to a curly-headed lad, who was
+playing on one of the grassy tombs, "ask your father to step this way."
+
+The little urchin set off, and presently returned with the sexton.
+
+"It's Mrs. Sheppard's grave,--the mother of the famous housebreaker,"
+said Morgan, in answer to Jack's inquiry;--"and it's well they let her
+have Christian burial after all--for they say she destroyed herself for
+her son. The crowner's 'quest sat on her yesterday--and if she hadn't
+been proved out of her mind, she would have been buried at four
+lane-ends."
+
+Jack could stand no more. Placing a piece of money in Morgan's hands, he
+hurried out of the churchyard.
+
+"By my soul," said the sexton, "that's as like Jack Sheppard as any one
+I ever seed i' my born days."
+
+Hastening to the Six Bells, Jack ordered some refreshment, and engaged a
+private room, where he remained till the afternoon absorbed in grief.
+
+Meantime, a change had taken place in the weather. The day had become
+suddenly overcast. The wind blew in fitful gusts, and scattered the
+yellow leaves from the elms and horse-chestnuts. Roused by the bell
+tolling for evening service, Jack left the house. On reaching the
+churchyard, he perceived the melancholy procession descending the hill.
+Just then, a carriage drawn by four horses, drove furiously up to the
+Six Bells; but Jack was too much absorbed to take any notice of it.
+
+At this moment, the bell began to toll in a peculiar manner, announcing
+the approach of the corpse. The gate was opened; the coffin brought into
+the churchyard; and Jack, whose eyes were filled with tears, saw Mr.
+Wood and Thames pass him, and followed at a foot's pace behind them.
+
+Meanwhile, the clergyman, bare-headed and in his surplice, advanced to
+meet them. Having read the three first verses of the impressive service
+appointed for the burial of the dead, he returned to the church, whither
+the coffin was carried through the south-western door, and placed in the
+centre of the aisle--Mr. Wood and Thames taking their places on either
+side of it, and Jack at a little distance behind.
+
+Jack had been touched in the morning, but he was now completely
+prostrated. In the midst of the holy place, which he had formerly
+profaned, lay the body of his unfortunate mother, and he could not help
+looking upon her untimely end as the retributive vengeance of Heaven for
+the crime he had committed. His grief was so audible, that it attracted
+the notice of some of the bystanders, and Thames was obliged to beg him
+to control it. In doing this, he chanced to raise his eyes and half
+fancied he beheld, shaded by a pillar at the extremity of the western
+aisle, the horrible countenance of the thief-taker.
+
+Before the congregation separated, the clergyman descended from the
+pulpit; and, followed by the coffin-bearers and mourners, and by Jack at
+a respectful distance, entered the churchyard.
+
+The carriage, which it has been mentioned drove up to the Six Bells,
+contained four persons,--Jonathan Wild, his two janizaries, and his
+porter, Obadiah Lemon. As soon as they had got out, the vehicle was
+drawn up at the back of a tree near the cage. Having watched the funeral
+at some distance, Jonathan fancied he could discern the figure of Jack;
+but not being quite sure, he entered the church. He was daring enough to
+have seized and carried him off before the whole congregation, but he
+preferred waiting.
+
+Satisfied with his scrutiny, he returned, despatched Abraham and Obadiah
+to the northwest corner of the church, placed Quilt behind a buttress
+near the porch, and sheltered himself behind one of the mighty elms.
+
+The funeral procession had now approached the grave, around which many
+of the congregation, who were deeply interested by the sad ceremonial,
+had gathered. A slight rain fell at the time; and a few leaves, caught
+by the eddies, whirled around. Jonathan mixed with the group, and, sure
+of his prey, abided his time.
+
+The clergyman, meanwhile, proceeded with the service, while the coffin
+was deposited at the brink of the grave.
+
+Just as the attendants were preparing to lower the corpse into the
+earth, Jack fell on his knees beside the coffin, uttering the wildest
+exclamations of grief, reproaching himself with the murder of his
+mother, and invoking the vengeance of Heaven on his own head.
+
+A murmur ran through the assemblage, by several of whom Jack was
+recognised. But such was the violence of his grief,--such the
+compunction he exhibited, that all but one looked on with an eye of
+compassion. That person advanced towards him.
+
+"I have killed her," cried Jack.
+
+"You have," rejoined Jonathan, laying a forcible grasp on his shoulder.
+"You are my prisoner."
+
+Jack started to his feet; but before he could defend himself, his right
+arm was grasped by the Jew who had silently approached him.
+
+"Hell-hounds!" he cried; "release me!"
+
+At the same moment, Quilt Arnold rushed forward with such haste, that,
+stumbling over William Morgan, he precipitated him into the grave.
+
+"Wretch!" cried Jack. "Are you not content with the crimes you have
+committed,--but you must carry your villany to this point. Look at the
+poor victim at your feet."
+
+Jonathan made no reply, but ordered his myrmidons to drag the prisoner
+along.
+
+Thames, meanwhile, had drawn his sword, and was about to rush upon
+Jonathan; but he was withheld by Wood.
+
+"Do not shed more blood," cried the carpenter.
+
+Groans and hoots were now raised by the crowd, and there was an evident
+disposition to rescue. A small brickbat was thrown, which struck
+Jonathan in the face.
+
+"You shall not pass," cried several of the crowd.
+
+"I knew his poor mother, and for her sake I'll not see this done," cried
+John Dump.
+
+"Slip on the handcuffs," cried the thief-taker. "And now let's see
+who'll dare to oppose me. I am Jonathan Wild. I have arrested him in the
+King's name."
+
+A deep indignant groan followed.
+
+"Let me see the earth thrown over her," implored Jack; "and take me
+where you please."
+
+"No," thundered Wild.
+
+"Allow him that small grace," cried Wood.
+
+"No, I tell you," rejoined Jonathan, shouldering his way out of the
+crowd.
+
+"My mother,--my poor mother!" exclaimed Jack.
+
+But, in spite of his outcries and resistance, he was dragged along by
+Jonathan and his janizaries.
+
+At the eastern gate of the churchyard stood the carriage with the steps
+lowered. The mob pursued the thief-taker and his party all the way, and
+such missiles as could be collected were hurled at them. They even
+threatened to cut the traces and take off the wheels from the carriage.
+The Jew got in first. The prisoner was then thrust in by Quilt. Before
+Jonathan followed he turned to face his assailants.
+
+"Back!" he cried fiercely. "I am an officer in the execution of my duty.
+And he who opposes me in it shall feel the weight of my hand."
+
+He then sprung into the coach, the door of which was closed by Obadiah,
+who mounted the box.
+
+"To Newgate," cried Jonathan, putting his head out of the window.
+
+A deep roar followed this order, and several missiles were launched at
+the vehicle, which was driven off at a furious pace.
+
+And while her son was reconveyed to prison the body of the unfortunate
+Mrs. Sheppard was committed to the earth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+How Jack Sheppard was brought back to Newgate.
+
+
+Jack Sheppard's escape from Newgate on the night of the 15th of October
+was not discovered till the following morning; for although the
+intelligence was brought by several parties to the Lodge in the course
+of the night, Austin, who was the officer in attendance, paid no
+attention to them.
+
+After pursuing the fugitive as before related, Jonathan Wild returned to
+his own habitation, where he was occupied during the remainder of the
+night with Quilt Arnold and Obadiah Lemon in removing everything which,
+in case of a search, might tend to criminate him. Satisfied in this
+respect, he flung himself into a chair, for his iron frame seldom
+required the indulgence of a bed, and sought an hour's repose before he
+began the villanies of another day.
+
+He was aroused from his slumber, about six o'clock, by the return of
+Abraham Mendez, who not choosing to confess that Jack had eluded his
+vigilance, contended himself with stating that he had kept watch till
+daybreak, when he had carefully searched the field, and, finding no
+trace of him, had thought it better to return.
+
+This information was received by Jonathan with a lowering brow. He
+comforted himself, however, with the certainty which he felt of
+capturing his prey on the Sunday. His breakfast despatched, which he ate
+with a wolfish appetite, he walked over to Newgate, chuckling as he went
+at the consternation which his appearance would create amongst the
+turnkeys.
+
+Entering the Lodge, the first person he beheld was Austin, who was only
+just up, and whose toilette appeared scarcely completed. A glance
+satisfied Jonathan that the turnkey was not aware of the prisoner's
+escape; and he resolved not to destroy what he considered a good jest,
+by a premature disclosure of it.
+
+"You are out betimes this morning, Mr. Wild," observed Austin, as he put
+on his coat, and adjusted his minor bob. "Something fresh on hand, I
+suppose?"
+
+"I'm come to inquire after Jack Sheppard," returned Jonathan.
+
+"Don't alarm yourself about him, Sir," replied Austin. "He's safe
+enough, I assure you."
+
+"I should like to satisfy myself on that score," rejoined Wild, drily.
+
+"So you shall, Sir," replied Austin, who at this moment recollected,
+with some uneasiness, the applications at the lodge-door during the
+night. "I hope you don't imagine anything has gone wrong, Sir."
+
+"It matters not what I think," replied Wild. "Come with me to the
+Castle."
+
+"Instantly, Sir," replied Austin; "instantly. Here, Caliban, attend to
+the door, and keep the wicket locked till I return. D'ye hear. Now,
+Sir."
+
+Taking the keys, he led the way, followed by Jonathan, who chuckled
+internally at the shock that awaited the poor fellow.
+
+The door was opened, and Austin entered the cell, when he absolutely
+recoiled before the spectacle he beheld, and could scarcely have looked
+more alarmed if the prison had tumbled about his ears. Petrified and
+speechless, he turned an imploring look at Wild, who was himself filled
+with astonishment at the pile of rubbish lying before him.
+
+"'Sdeath!" cried Jonathan, staring at the breach in the wall. "Some one
+_must_ have assisted him. Unless he has dealings with the devil, he
+could never have done this alone."
+
+"I firmly believe he _has_ dealings with the devil," replied Austin,
+trembling from head to foot. "But, perhaps, he has not got beyond the
+room above. It's as strong, if not stronger, than this. I'll see."
+
+So saying, he scrambled over the rubbish, and got into the chimney. But
+though the breach was large enough to admit him below, he could not
+squeeze his bulky person through the aperture into the Red Room.
+
+"I believe he's gone," he said, returning to Jonathan. "The door's open,
+and the room empty."
+
+"You believe--you _know_ it," replied Jonathan, fixing one of his
+sternest and most searching glances upon him. "Nothing you can say to
+the contrary will convince me that you have not been accessory to his
+flight."
+
+"I, Sir!--I swear----"
+
+"Tush!" interrupted Jonathan, harshly. "I shall state my suspicions to
+the governor. Come down with me to the Lodge directly. All further
+examinations must be conducted in the presence of proper witnesses."
+
+With these words, he strode out of the room, darted down the stone
+stairs, and, on his arrival at the Lodge, seized the rope of the great
+bell communicating with the interior of the prison, which he rang
+violently. As this was never done, except in some case of great
+emergency, the application was instantly answered by all the other
+turnkeys, by Marvel, the four partners, and Mrs. Spurling. Nothing could
+exceed the dismay of these personages when they learnt why they had
+been summoned. All seemed infected with Austin's terrors except Mrs.
+Spurling, who did not dare to exhibit her satisfaction otherwise than by
+privately pinching the arm of her expected husband.
+
+Headed by Jonathan, all the turnkeys then repaired to the upper part of
+the jail, and, approaching the Red Room by a circuitous route, several
+doors were unlocked, and they came upon the scene of Jack's exploits.
+Stopping before each door, they took up the plates of the locks,
+examined the ponderous bolts, and were struck with the utmost
+astonishment at what they beheld.
+
+Arriving at the chapel, their wonder increased. All the jailers declared
+it utterly impossible he could have accomplished his astonishing task
+unaided; but who had lent him assistance was a question they were unable
+to answer. Proceeding to the entry to the Lower Leads, they came to the
+two strong doors, and their surprise was so great at Jack's marvellous
+performance, that they could scarcely persuade themselves that human
+ingenuity could have accomplished it.
+
+"Here's a door," remarked Ireton, when he got to that nearest the leads,
+"which I could have sworn would have resisted anything. I shall have no
+faith in future in bolts and bars."
+
+Mounting the roof of the prison, they traced the fugitive's course to
+the further extremity of the building, where they found his blanket
+attached to the spike proving that he escaped in that direction.
+
+After severely examining Austin, and finding it proved, on the testimony
+of his fellow-jailers, that he could not have aided Jack in his flight,
+Jonathan retracted his harsh sentence, and even went so far as to say
+that he would act as mediator between him and the governor.
+
+This was some satisfaction to the poor fellow, who was dreadfully
+frightened, as indeed he might well be, it being the opinion of the
+jailers and others who afterwards examined the place, that Jack had
+accomplished, single-handed, in a few hours, and, as far as it could be
+ascertained, with imperfect implements, what it would have taken half a
+dozen men several days, provided with proper tools, to effect. In their
+opinion a hundred pounds would not repair the damage done to the prison.
+
+As soon as Jack's escape became known, thousands of persons flocked to
+Newgate to behold his workmanship; and the jailers reaped am abundant
+harvest from their curiosity.
+
+Jonathan, meanwhile, maintained profound secrecy as to his hopes of
+capturing the fugitive; and when Jack was brought back to Newgate on the
+Sunday evening, his arrival was wholly unexpected.
+
+At a little after five, on that day, four horses dashed round the corner
+of the Old Bailey, and drew up before the door of the Lodge. Hearing the
+stoppage, Austin rushed out, and could scarcely believe his eyes when he
+beheld Jack Sheppard in the custody of Quilt Arnold and Abraham Mendez.
+
+Jack's recapture was speedily made known to all the officers of the
+jail, and the Lodge was instantly crowded. The delight of the turnkeys
+was beyond all bounds; but poor Mrs. Spurling was in a state of
+distraction and began to abuse Jonathan so violently that her future
+husband was obliged to lay forcible hands upon her and drag her away.
+
+By Wild's command the prisoner was taken to the Condemned Hold, whither
+he was followed by the whole posse of officers and by the partners; two
+of whom carried large hammers and two the fetters. There was only one
+prisoner in the ward. He was chained to the ground, but started up at
+their approach. It was Blueskin. When he beheld Jack he uttered a deep
+groan.
+
+"Captain," he cried, in a voice of the bitterest anguish, "have these
+dogs again hunted you down? If you hadn't been so unlucky, I should have
+been with you before to-morrow night."
+
+Jack made no answer, nor did he even cast his eyes upon his follower.
+But Jonathan, fixing a terrible look upon him, cried.
+
+"Ha! say you so? You must be looked to. My lads," he continued,
+addressing the partners; "when you've finished this job give that
+fellow a fresh set of darbies. I suspect he has been at work upon those
+he has on."
+
+"The link of the chain next the staple is sawn through," said Ireton,
+stooping to examine Blueskin's fetters.
+
+"Search him and iron him afresh;" commanded Jonathan. "But first let us
+secure Sheppard. We'll then remove them both to the Middle Stone Hold,
+where a watch shall be kept over them night and day till they're taken
+to Tyburn. As they're so fond of each other's society they shan't part
+company even on that occasion, but shall swing from the same tree."
+
+"You'll never live to see that day," cried Blueskin, fixing a menacing
+look upon him.
+
+"What weight are these irons?" asked Jonathan, coolly addressing one of
+the partners.
+
+"More than three hundred weight, Sir," replied the man. "They're the
+heaviest set we have,--and were forged expressly for Captain Sheppard."
+
+"They're not half heavy enough," replied Wild. "Let him be handcuffed,
+and doubly ironed on both legs; and when we get him into the Stone Ward,
+he shall not only be chained down to the ground, but shall have two
+additional fetters running through the main links, fastened on each side
+of him. We'll see whether he'll get rid of his new bonds?" he added with
+a brutal laugh, which was echoed by the bystanders.
+
+"Mark me," said Jack, sternly; "I have twice broken out of this prison
+in spite of all your precautions. And were you to load me with thrice
+the weight of iron you have ordered you should not prevent my escaping a
+third time."
+
+"That's right, Captain," cried Blueskin. "We'll give them the slip yet,
+and hang that butcherly thief-taker upon his own gibbet."
+
+"Be silent dog," cried Jonathan. And with his clenched hand he struck
+him a violent blow in the face.
+
+For the first time, perhaps, in his life, he repented of his brutality.
+The blow was scarcely dealt, when, with a bound like that of a tiger,
+Blueskin sprang upon him. The chain, which had been partially cut
+through, snapped near the staple. Before any assistance could be
+rendered by the jailers, who stood astounded, Blueskin had got Wild in
+his clutches. His strength has been described as prodigious; but now,
+heightened by his desire for vengeance, it was irresistible. Jonathan,
+though a very powerful man, was like an infant in his gripe. Catching
+hold of his chin, he bent back the neck, while with his left hand he
+pulled out a clasp knife, which he opened with his teeth, and grasping
+Wild's head with his arm, notwithstanding his resistance, cut deeply
+into his throat. The folds of a thick muslin neckcloth in some degree
+protected him, but the gash was desperate. Blueskin drew the knife
+across his throat a second time, widening and deepening the wound; and
+wrenching back the head to get it into a more favourable position, would
+infallibly have severed it from the trunk, if the officers, who by this
+time had recovered from their terror, had not thrown themselves upon
+him, and withheld him.
+
+"Now's your time," cried Blueskin, struggling desperately with his
+assailants and inflicting severe cuts with his knife. "Fly,
+Captain--fly!"
+
+Aroused to a sense of the possibility of escape, Jack, who had viewed
+the deadly assault with savage satisfaction, burst from his captors and
+made for the door. Blueskin fought his way towards it, and exerting all
+his strength, cutting right and left as he proceeded, reached it at the
+same time. Jack in all probability, would have escaped, if Langley, who
+was left in the Lodge, had not been alarmed at the noise and rushed
+thither. Seeing Jack at liberty, he instantly seized him, and a struggle
+commenced.
+
+At this moment, Blueskin came up, and kept off the officers with his
+knife. He used his utmost efforts to liberate Jack from Langley, but
+closely pressed on all sides, he was not able to render any effectual
+assistance.
+
+"Fly!" cried Jack; "escape if you can; don't mind me."
+
+Casting one look of anguish at his leader, Blueskin then darted down
+the passage.
+
+The only persons in the Lodge were Mrs. Spurling and Marvel. Hearing the
+noise of the scuffle, the tapstress, fancying it was Jack making an
+effort to escape, in spite of the remonstrances of the executioner,
+threw open the wicket. Blueskin therefore had nothing to stop him.
+Dashing through the open door, he crossed the Old Bailey, plunged into a
+narrow court on the opposite side of the way, and was out of sight in a
+minute, baffling all pursuit.
+
+On their return, the jailers raised up Jonathan, who was weltering in
+his blood, and who appeared to be dying. Efforts were made to staunch
+his wounds and surgical assistance sent for.
+
+"Has he escaped?" asked the thief-taker, faintly.
+
+"Blueskin," said Ireton.
+
+"No--Sheppard?" rejoined Wild.
+
+"No, no, Sir," replied Ireton. "He's here."
+
+"That's right," replied Wild, with a ghastly smile. "Remove him to the
+Middle Stone Hold,--watch over him night and day, do you mind?"
+
+"I do, Sir."
+
+"Irons--heavy irons--night and day."
+
+"Depend upon it, Sir."
+
+"Go with him to Tyburn,--never lose sight of him till the noose is tied.
+Where's Marvel?"
+
+"Here, Sir," replied the executioner.
+
+"A hundred guineas if you hang Jack Sheppard. I have it about me. Take
+it, if I die."
+
+"Never fear, Sir," replied Marvel.
+
+"Oh! that I could live to see it," gasped Jonathan. And with a hideous
+expression of pain, he fainted.
+
+"He's dead," exclaimed Austin.
+
+"I am content," said Jack. "My mother is avenged. Take me to the Stone
+Room. Blueskin, you are a true friend."
+
+The body of Jonathan was then conveyed to his own habitation, while Jack
+was taken to the Middle Stone Room, and ironed in the manner Wild had
+directed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+What happened at Dollis Hill.
+
+
+"At length this tragedy is at an end," said Mr. Wood, as, having seen
+the earth thrown over the remains of the unfortunate Mrs. Sheppard, he
+turned to quit the churchyard. "Let us hope that, like her who 'loved
+much,' her sins are forgiven her."
+
+Without another word, and accompanied by Thames, he then took his way to
+Dollis Hill in a state of the deepest depression. Thames did not attempt
+to offer him any consolation, for he was almost as much dejected. The
+weather harmonized with their feelings. It rained slightly, and a thick
+mist gathered in the air, and obscured the beautiful prospect.
+
+On his arrival at Dollis Hill, Mr. Wood was so much exhausted that he
+was obliged to retire to his own room, where he continued for some hours
+overpowered by grief. The two lovers sat together, and their sole
+discourse turned upon Jack and his ill-fated mother.
+
+As the night advanced, Mr. Wood again made his appearance in a more
+composed frame of mind, and, at his daughter's earnest solicitation, was
+induced to partake of some refreshment. An hour was then passed in
+conversation as to the possibility of rendering any assistance to Jack;
+in deploring his unhappy destiny; and in the consideration of the course
+to be pursued in reference to Jonathan Wild.
+
+While they were thus occupied, a maid-servant entered the room, and
+stated that a person was without who had a packet for Captain Darrell,
+which must be delivered into his own hands. Notwithstanding the
+remonstrances of Wood and Winifred, Thames instantly followed the
+domestic, and found a man, with his face muffled up, at the door, as she
+had described. Somewhat alarmed at his appearance, Thames laid his hand
+upon his sword.
+
+"Fear nothing, Sir," said the man, in a voice which Thames instantly
+recognised as that of Blueskin. "I am come to render you a service.
+There are the packets which my Captain hazarded his life to procure for
+you, and which he said would establish your right to the estates of the
+Trenchard family. There are also the letters which were scattered about
+Wild's room after the murder of Sir Rowland. And there," he added,
+placing in his hands a heavy bag of money, and a pocket-book, "is a sum
+little short of fifteen thousand pounds."
+
+"How have you procured these things?" asked Thames, in the utmost
+astonishment.
+
+"I carried them off on the fatal night when we got into Wild's house,
+and you were struck down," replied Blueskin. "They have ever since been
+deposited in a place of safety. You have nothing more to fear from
+Wild."
+
+"How so?" asked Thames.
+
+"I have saved the executioner a labour, by cutting his throat," replied
+Blueskin. "And, may I be cursed if I ever did anything in my whole life
+which gave me so much satisfaction."
+
+"Almighty God! is this possible?" exclaimed Thames.
+
+"You will find it true," replied Blueskin. "All I regret is, that I
+failed in liberating the Captain. If he had got off, they might have
+hanged me, and welcome."
+
+"What can be done for him?" cried Thames.
+
+"That's not an easy question to answer," rejoined Blueskin. "But I shall
+watch night and day about Newgate, in the hope of getting him out. He
+wouldn't require my aid, but before I stopped Jonathan's mouth, he had
+ordered him to be doubly-ironed, and constantly watched. And, though the
+villain can't see his orders executed, I've no doubt some one else
+will."
+
+"Poor Jack!" exclaimed Thames. "I would sacrifice all my fortune--all my
+hopes--to liberate him."
+
+"If you're in earnest," rejoined Blueskin, "give me that bag of gold. It
+contains a thousand pounds; and, if all other schemes fail, I'll engage
+to free him on the way to Tyburn."
+
+"May I trust you?" hesitated Thames.
+
+"Why did I not keep the money when I had it?" returned Blueskin,
+angrily. "Not a farthing of it shall be expended except in the Captain's
+service."
+
+"Take it," replied Thames.
+
+"You have saved his life," replied Blueskin. "And now, mark me. You owe
+what I have done for you, to him, not to me. Had I not known that you
+and your affianced bride are dearer to him than life I should have used
+this money to secure my own safety. Take it, and take the estates, in
+Captain Sheppard's name. Promise me one thing before I leave you."
+
+"What is it?" asked Thames.
+
+"If the Captain _is_ taken to Tyburn, be near the place of execution--at
+the end of the Edgeware Road."
+
+"I will."
+
+"In case of need you will lend a helping hand?"
+
+"Yes--yes."
+
+"Swear it!"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Enough!" rejoined Blueskin. And he departed, just as Wood, who had
+become alarmed by Thames's long absence, made his appearance with a
+blunderbuss in his hand.
+
+Hastily acquainting him with the treasures he had unexpectedly obtained,
+Thames returned to the room to apprize Winifred of his good fortune. The
+packets were hastily broken open; and, while Wood was absorbed in the
+perusal of the despatch addressed to him by Sir Rowland, Thames sought
+out, and found the letter which he had been prevented from finishing on
+the fatal night at Jonathan Wild's. As soon as he had read it, he let it
+fall from his grasp.
+
+Winifred instantly picked it up.
+
+"You are no longer Thames Darrell," she said, casting her eyes rapidly
+over it; "but the Marquis de Chatillon."
+
+"My father was of the blood-royal of France," exclaimed Thames.
+
+"Eh-day! what's this?" cried Wood, looking up from beneath his
+spectacles. "Who--who is the Marquis de Chatillon?"
+
+"Your adopted son, Thames Darrell," answered Winifred.
+
+"And the Marchioness is your daughter," added Thames.
+
+"O, Lord!" ejaculated Wood. "My head fairly turns round. So many
+distresses--so many joys coming at the same time are too much for me.
+Read that letter, Thames--my lord marquis, I mean. Read it, and you'll
+find that your unfortunate uncle, Sir Rowland, surrenders to you all the
+estates in Lancashire. You've nothing to do but to take possession."
+
+"What a strange history is mine!" said Thames. "Kidnapped, and sent to
+France by one uncle, it was my lot to fall into the hands of
+another,--my father's own brother, the Marshal Gaucher de Chatillon; to
+whom, and to the Cardinal Dubois, I owed all my good fortune."
+
+"The ways of Providence are inscrutable," observed Wood.
+
+"When in France, I heard from the Marshal that his brother had perished
+in London on the night of the Great Storm. It was supposed he was
+drowned in crossing the river, as his body had never been found. Little
+did I imagine at the time that it was my own father to whom he
+referred."
+
+"I think I remember reading something about your father in the papers,"
+observed Wood. "Wasn't he in some way connected with the Jacobite
+plots?"
+
+"He was," replied Thames. "He had been many years in this country before
+his assassination took place. In this letter, which is addressed to my
+ill-fated mother, he speaks of his friendship for Sir Rowland, whom it
+seems he had known abroad; but entreats her to keep the marriage secret
+for a time, for reasons which are not fully developed."
+
+"And so Sir Rowland murdered his friend," remarked Wood. "Crime upon
+crime."
+
+"Unconsciously, perhaps," replied Thames. "But be it as it may, he is
+now beyond the reach of earthly punishment."
+
+"But Wild still lives," cried Wood.
+
+"He; also, has paid the penalty of his offences," returned Thames. "He
+has fallen by the hand of Blueskin, who brought me these packets."
+
+"Thank God for that!" cried Wood, heartily. "I could almost forgive the
+wretch the injury he did me in depriving me of my poor dear wife--No,
+not quite _that_," he added, a little confused.
+
+"And now," said Thames, (for we must still preserve the name,) "you will
+no longer defer my happiness."
+
+"Hold!" interposed Winifred, gravely. "I release you from your promise.
+A carpenter's daughter is no fit match for a peer of France."
+
+"If my dignity must be purchased by the loss of you, I renounce it,"
+cried Thames. "You will not make it valueless in my eyes," he added,
+catching her in his arms, and pressing her to his breast.
+
+"Be it as you please," replied Winifred. "My lips would belie my heart
+were I to refuse you."
+
+"And now, father, your blessing--your consent!" cried Thames.
+
+"You have both," replied Wood, fervently. "I am too much honoured--too
+happy in the union. Oh! that I should live to be father-in-law to a peer
+of France! What would my poor wife say to it, if she could come to life
+again? Oh, Thames!--my lord marquis, I mean--you have made me the
+happiest--the proudest of mankind."
+
+Not many days after this event, on a bright October morning, the bells
+rang a merry peal from the old gray tower of Willesden church. All the
+village was assembled in the churchyard. Young and old were dressed in
+their gayest apparel; and it was evident from the smiles that lighted up
+every countenance, from the roguish looks of the younger swains, and the
+demure expression of several pretty rustic maidens, that a ceremony,
+which never fails to interest all classes,--a wedding,--was about to
+take place.
+
+At the gate opening upon the road leading to Dollis Hill were stationed
+William Morgan and John Dump. Presently, two carriages dashed down the
+hill, and drew up before it. From the first of these alighted Thames,
+or, as he must now be styled, the Marquis de Chatillon. From the second
+descended Mr. Wood--and after him came his daughter.
+
+The sun never shone upon a lovelier couple than now approached the
+altar. The church was crowded to excess by the numbers eager to witness
+the ceremony; and as soon as it was over the wedded pair were followed
+to the carriage, and the loudest benedictions uttered for their
+happiness.
+
+In spite of the tumultuous joy which agitated him, the bridegroom could
+not prevent the intrusion of some saddening thoughts, as he reflected
+upon the melancholy scene which he had so recently witnessed in the same
+place.
+
+The youthful couple had been seated in the carriage a few minutes when
+they were joined by Mr. Wood, who had merely absented himself to see
+that a public breakfast, which he had ordered at the Six Bells for all
+who chose to partake of it, was in readiness. He likewise gave
+directions that in the after part of the day a whole bullock should be
+roasted on the green and distributed, together with a barrel of the
+strongest ale.
+
+In the evening, a band of village musicians, accompanied by most of the
+young inhabitants of Willesden, strolled out to Dollis Hill, where they
+formed a rustic concert under the great elm before the door. Here they
+were regaled with another plentiful meal by the hospitable carpenter,
+who personally superintended the repast.
+
+These festivities, however, were not witnessed by the newly-married
+pair, who had departed immediately after the ceremony for Manchester.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+How Jack Sheppard was taken to Westminster Hall.
+
+
+Loaded with the heaviest fetters, and constantly watched by two of the
+jailers' assistants, who neither quitted him for a single moment, nor
+suffered any visitor to approach him, Jack Sheppard found all attempts
+to escape impracticable.
+
+He was confined in the Middle Stone Ward, a spacious apartment, with
+good light and air, situated over the gateway on the western side, and
+allotted to him, not for his own convenience, but for that of the
+keepers, who, if he had been placed in a gloomier or more incommodious
+dungeon, would have necessarily had to share it with him.
+
+Through this, his last trial, Jack's spirits never deserted him. He
+seemed resigned but cheerful, and held frequent and serious discourses
+with the ordinary, who felt satisfied of his sincere penitence. The only
+circumstance which served to awaken a darker feeling in his breast was,
+that his implacable foe Jonathan Wild had survived the wound inflicted
+by Blueskin, and was slowly recovering.
+
+As soon as he could be moved with safety, Jonathan had himself
+transported to Newgate, where he was carried into the Middle Ward, that
+he might feast his eyes upon his victim. Having seen every precaution
+taken to ensure his safe custody, he departed, muttering to himself, "I
+shall yet live to see him hanged--I shall live to see him hanged."
+
+Animated by his insatiate desire of vengeance, he seemed to gain
+strength daily,--so much so, that within a fortnight after receiving his
+wound he was able to stir abroad.
+
+On Thursday, the 12th of November, after having endured nearly a month's
+imprisonment, Jack Sheppard was conveyed from Newgate to Westminster
+Hall. He was placed in a coach, handcuffed, and heavily fettered, and
+guarded by a vast posse of officers to Temple Bar, where a fresh relay
+of constables escorted him to Westminster.
+
+By this time, Jack's reputation had risen to such a height with the
+populace,--his exploits having become the universal theme of discourse,
+that the streets were almost impassable for the crowds collected to
+obtain a view of him. The vast area in front of Westminster Hall was
+thronged with people, and it was only by a vigorous application of their
+staves that the constables could force a passage for the vehicle. At
+length, however, the prisoner was got out, when such was the rush of the
+multitude that several persons were trampled down, and received severe
+injuries.
+
+Arrived in the Hall, the prisoner's handcuffs were removed, and he was
+taken before the Court of King's Bench. The record of his conviction at
+the Old Bailey sessions was then read; and as no objection was offered
+to it, the Attorney-General moved that his execution might take place on
+Monday next. Upon this, Jack earnestly and eloquently addressed himself
+to the bench, and besought that a petition which he had prepared to be
+laid before the King might be read. This request, however, was refused;
+and he was told that the only way in which he could entitle himself to
+his Majesty's clemency would be by discovering who had abetted him in
+his last escape; the strongest suspicions being entertained that he had
+not affected it alone.
+
+Sheppard replied by a solemn assertion, "that he had received no
+assistance except from Heaven."--An answer for which he was immediately
+reprimanded by the court. It having been stated that it was wholly
+impossible he could have removed his irons in the way he represented, he
+offered, if his handcuffs were replaced, to take them off in the
+presence of the court. The proposal, however, was not acceded to; and
+the Chief Justice Powis, after enumerating his various offences and
+commenting upon their heinousness, awarded sentence of death against him
+for the following Monday.
+
+As Jack was removed, he noticed Jonathan Wild at a little distance from
+him, eyeing him with a look of the most savage satisfaction. The
+thief-taker's throat was bound up with thick folds of linen, and his
+face had a ghastly and cadaverous look, which communicated an
+undefinable and horrible expression to his glances.
+
+Meanwhile, the mob outside had prodigiously increased, and had begun to
+exhibit some disposition to riot. The coach in which the prisoner had
+been conveyed was already broken to pieces, and the driver was glad to
+escape with life. Terrific shouts were raised by the rabble, who
+threatened to tear Wild in pieces if he showed himself.
+
+Amid this tumult, several men armed with tremendous bludgeons, with
+their faces besmeared with grease and soot, and otherwise disguised,
+were observed to be urging the populace to attempt a rescue. They were
+headed by an athletic-looking, swarthy-featured man, who was armed with
+a cutlass, which he waved over his head to cheer on his companions.
+
+These desperadoes had been the most active in demolishing the coach, and
+now, being supported by the rabble, they audaciously approached the very
+portals of the ancient Hall. The shouts, yells, and groans which they
+uttered, and which were echoed by the concourse in the rear, were
+perfectly frightful.
+
+Jonathan, who with the other constables had reconnoitred this band, and
+recognised in its ring-leader, Blueskin, commanded the constables to
+follow him, and made a sally for the purpose of seizing him. Enfeebled
+by his wound, Wild had lost much of his strength, though nothing of his
+ferocity and energy,--and fiercely assailing Blueskin, he made a
+desperate but unsuccessful attempt to apprehend him.
+
+He was, however, instantly beaten back; and the fury of the mob was so
+great that it was with difficulty he could effect a retreat. The whole
+force of the constables, jailers and others was required to keep the
+crowd out of the Hall. The doors were closed and barricaded, and the mob
+threatened to burst them open if Jack was not delivered to them.
+
+Things now began to wear so serious a aspect that a messenger was
+secretly despatched to the Savoy for troops, and in half an hour a
+regiment of the guards arrived, who by dint of great exertion succeeded
+in partially dispersing the tumultuous assemblage. Another coach was
+then procured, in which the prisoner was placed.
+
+Jack's appearance was hailed with the loudest cheers, but when Jonathan
+followed and took a place beside him in the vehicle, determined, he
+said, never to lose sight of him, the abhorrence of the multitude was
+expressed by execrations, hoots, and yells of the most terrific kind. So
+dreadful were these shouts as to produce an effect upon the hardened
+feelings of Jonathan, who shrank out of sight.
+
+It was well for him that he had taken his place by Sheppard, as regard
+for the latter alone prevented the deadliest missiles being hurled at
+him. As it was, the mob went on alternately hooting and huzzaing as the
+names of Wild and Sheppard were pronounced, while some individuals,
+bolder than the rest, thrust their faces into the coach-window, and
+assured Jack that he should never be taken to Tyburn.
+
+"We'll see that, you yelping hounds!" rejoined Jonathan, glaring
+fiercely at them.
+
+In this way, Jack was brought back to Newgate, and again chained down in
+the Middle Ward.
+
+It was late before Jonathan ventured to his own house, where he remained
+up all night, and kept his janizaries and other assistants well armed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+How Jonathan Wild's House was burnt down.
+
+
+The day appointed for the execution was now close at hand, and the
+prisoner, who seemed to have abandoned all hopes of escape, turned his
+thoughts entirely from worldly considerations.
+
+On Sunday, he was conveyed to the chapel, through which he had passed on
+the occasion of his great escape, and once more took his seat in the
+Condemned Pew. The Rev. Mr. Purney, the ordinary, who had latterly
+conceived a great regard for Jack, addressed him in a discourse, which,
+while it tended to keep alive his feelings of penitence, was calculated
+to afford him much consolation. The chapel was crowded to excess. But
+here,--even here, the demon was suffered to intrude, and Jack's thoughts
+were distracted by Jonathan Wild, who stood at a little distance from
+him, and kept his bloodthirsty eyes fixed on him during the whole of the
+service.
+
+On that night, an extraordinary event occurred, which convinced the
+authorities that every precaution must be taken in conducting Jack to
+Tyburn,--a fact of which they had been previously made aware, though
+scarcely to the same extent, by the riotous proceedings near Westminster
+Hall. About nine o'clock, an immense mob collected before the Lodge at
+Newgate. It was quite dark; but as some of the assemblage carried links,
+it was soon ascertained to be headed by the same party who had mainly
+incited the former disturbance. Amongst the ring-leaders was Blueskin,
+whose swarthy features and athletic figure were easily distinguished.
+Another was Baptist Kettleby, and a third, in a Dutch dress, was
+recognised by his grizzled beard as the skipper, Van Galgebrok.
+
+Before an hour had elapsed, the concourse was fearfully increased. The
+area in front of the jail was completely filled. Attempts were made upon
+the door of the Lodge; but it was too strong to be forced. A cry was
+then raised by the leaders to attack Wild's house, and the fury of the
+mob was instantly directed to that quarter. Wrenched from their holds,
+the iron palisades in front of the thief-taker's dwelling were used as
+weapons to burst open the door.
+
+While this was passing, Jonathan opened one of the upper windows, and
+fired several shots upon the assailants. But though he made Blueskin and
+Kettleby his chief marks, he missed both. The sight of the thief-taker
+increased the fury of the mob to a fearful degree. Terrific yells rent
+the air. The heavy weapon thundered against the door; and it speedily
+yielded to their efforts.
+
+"Come on, my lads!" vociferated Blueskin, "we'll unkennel the old fox."
+
+As he spoke, several shots were fired from the upper part of the house,
+and two men fell mortally wounded. But this only incensed the assailing
+party the more. With a drawn cutlass in one hand and a cocked pistol in
+the other, Blueskin rushed up stairs. The landing was defended by Quilt
+Arnold and the Jew. The former was shot by Blueskin through the head,
+and his body fell over the bannisters. The Jew, who was paralysed by his
+companion's fate, offered no resistance, and was instantly seized.
+
+"Where is your accursed master?" demanded Blueskin, holding the sword to
+his throat.
+
+The Jew did not speak, but pointed to the audience-chamber. Committing
+him to the custody of the others, Blueskin, followed by a numerous band,
+darted in that direction. The door was locked; but, with the bars of
+iron, it was speedily burst open. Several of the assailants carried
+links, so that the room was a blaze of light. Jonathan, however, was
+nowhere to be seen.
+
+Rushing towards the entrance of the well-hole, Blueskin touched the
+secret spring. He was not there. Opening the trap-door, he then
+descended to the vaults--searched each cell, and every nook and corner
+separately. Wild had escaped.
+
+Robbed of their prey, the fury of the mob became ungovernable. At
+length, at the end of a passage, next to the cell where Mrs. Sheppard
+had been confined, Blueskin discovered a trap-door which he had not
+previously noticed. It was instantly burst open, when the horrible
+stench that issued from it convinced them that it must be a receptacle
+for the murdered victims of the thief-taker.
+
+Holding a link into the place, which had the appearance of a deep pit,
+Blueskin noticed a body richly dressed. He dragged it out, and
+perceiving, in spite of the decayed frame, that it was the body of Sir
+Rowland Trenchard, commanded his attendants to convey it up stairs--an
+order which was promptly obeyed.
+
+Returning to the audience-chamber, Blueskin had the Jew brought before
+him. The body of Sir Rowland was then laid on the large table. Opposite
+to it was placed the Jew. Seeing from the threatening looks of his
+captors, that they were about to wreak their vengeance upon him, the
+miserable wretch besought mercy in abject terms, and charged his master
+with the most atrocious crimes. His relation of the murder of Sir
+Rowland petrified even his fierce auditors.
+
+One of the cases in Jonathan's museum was now burst open, and a rope
+taken from it. In spite of his shrieks, the miserable Jew was then
+dragged into the well-hole, and the rope being tied round his neck, he
+was launched from the bridge.
+
+The vengeance of the assailants did not stop here. They broke open the
+entrance into Jonathan's store-room--plundered it of everything
+valuable--ransacked every closet, drawer, and secret hiding-place, and
+stripped them of their contents. Large hoards of money were discovered,
+gold and silver plate, cases of watches, and various precious articles.
+Nothing, in short, portable or valuable was left. Old implements of
+housebreaking were discovered; and the thief-taker's most hidden
+depositories were laid bare.
+
+The work of plunder over, that of destruction commenced. Straw and other
+combustibles being collected, were placed in the middle of the
+audience-chamber. On these were thrown all the horrible contents of
+Jonathan's museum, together with the body of Sir Rowland Trenchard. The
+whole was then fired, and in a few minutes the room was a blaze. Not
+content with this, the assailants set fire to the house in half-a-dozen
+other places; and the progress of the flames was rapid and destructive.
+
+Meanwhile, the object of all this fearful disturbance had made his
+escape to Newgate, from the roof of which he witnessed the destruction
+of his premises. He saw the flames burst from the windows, and perhaps
+in that maddening spectacle suffered torture equivalent to some of the
+crimes he had committed.
+
+While he was thus standing, the flames of his house, which made the
+whole street as light as day, and ruddily illumined the faces of the mob
+below, betrayed him to them, and he was speedily driven from his
+position by a shower of stones and other missiles.
+
+The mob now directed their attention to Newgate; and, from their
+threats, appeared determined to fire it. Ladders, paviour's rams,
+sledge-hammers, and other destructive implements were procured, and, in
+all probability, their purpose would have been effected, but for the
+opportune arrival of a detachment of the guards, who dispersed them, not
+without some loss of life.
+
+Several prisoners were taken, but the ring-leaders escaped. Engines
+were brought to play upon Wild's premises, and upon the adjoining
+houses. The latter were saved; but of the former nothing but the
+blackened stone walls were found standing on the morrow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+The Procession to Tyburn.
+
+
+The noise of this disturbance did not fail to reach the interior of the
+prison. In fact, the reflection of the flames lighted up the ward in
+which Jack Sheppard was confined.
+
+The night his execution was therefore passed in a most anxious state of
+mind; nor was his uneasiness allayed by the appearance of Jonathan Wild,
+who, after he had been driven from the roof of the jail, repaired to the
+Middle Stone Ward in a fit of ungovernable passion, to vent his rage
+upon the prisoner, whom he looked upon as the cause of the present
+calamity. Such was his fury, that if he had not been restrained by the
+presence of the two turnkeys, he might perhaps have anticipated the
+course of justice, by laying violent hands upon his victim.
+
+After venting his wrath in the wildest manner, and uttering the most
+dreadful execrations, Jonathan retired to another part of the prison,
+where he passed the night in consultation with the governor, as to the
+best means of conveying the prisoner securely to Tyburn. Mr. Pitt
+endeavoured to dissuade him from attending in person, representing the
+great risk he would incur from the mob, which was certain to be
+assembled. But Jonathan was not to be deterred.
+
+"I have sworn to see him hanged," he said, "and nothing shall keep me
+away--nothing, by----."
+
+By Wild's advice, the usual constabulary force was greatly augmented.
+Messengers were despatched to all the constables and head-boroughs to be
+in attendance,--to the sheriffs to have an extraordinary number of their
+officers in attendance,--and to the Savoy, to obtain the escort of a
+troop of grenadier-guards. In short, more preparations were made than if
+a state criminal was about to be executed.
+
+The morning of Monday the 16th of November 1724 at length dawned. It was
+a dull, foggy day, and the atmosphere was so thick and heavy, that, at
+eight o'clock, the curious who arrived near the prison could scarcely
+discern the tower of St. Sepulchre's church.
+
+By and by the tramp of horses' feet was heard slowly ascending Snow
+Hill, and presently a troop of grenadier guards rode into the area
+facing Newgate. These were presently joined by a regiment of foot. A
+large body of the constables of Westminster next made their appearance,
+the chief of whom entered the Lodge, where they were speedily joined by
+the civic authorities. At nine o'clock, the sheriffs arrived, followed
+by their officers and javelin-men.
+
+Meantime, the Stone Hall was crowded by all the inmates of the jail,
+debtors, felons, turnkeys, and officers who could obtain permission to
+witness the ceremony of the prisoner's irons being struck off. Caliban,
+who, through the interest of Mr. Ireton, was appointed to the office,
+stood with a hammer in one hand, and a punch in the other, near the
+great stone block, ready to fulfil his duty. Close behind him stood the
+tall gaunt figure of Marvel, with his large bony hands, his scraggy
+neck, and ill-favoured countenance. Next to the executioner stood his
+wife--the former Mrs. Spurling. Mrs. Marvel held her handkerchief to her
+eyes, and appeared in great distress. But her husband, whose deportment
+to her was considerably changed since the fatal knot had been tied, paid
+no attention whatever to her grief.
+
+At this moment, the bell of Newgate began to toll, and was answered by
+another bell from St. Sepulchre's. The great door of the Stone Hall was
+thrown open, and the sheriffs, preceded by the javelin-men, entered the
+room. They were followed by Jonathan, who carried a stout stick under
+his arm, and planted himself near the stone. Not a word was uttered by
+the assemblage; but a hush of expectation reigned throughout.
+
+Another door was next opened, and, preceded by the ordinary, with the
+sacred volume in his hand, the prisoner entered the room. Though
+encumbered by his irons, his step was firm, and his demeanour dignified.
+His countenance was pale as death, but not a muscle quivered; nor did he
+betray the slightest appearance of fear. On the contrary, it was
+impossible to look at him without perceiving that his resolution was
+unshaken.
+
+Advancing with a slow firm step to the stone-block he placed his left
+foot upon it, drew himself up to his full height, and fixed a look so
+stern upon Jonathan, that the thief-taker quailed before it.
+
+The black, meantime, began to ply his hammer, and speedily unriveted the
+chains. The first stroke appeared to arouse all the vindictive passions
+of Jonathan. Fixing a ferocious and exulting look upon Jack Sheppard, he
+exclaimed.
+
+"At length, my vengeance is complete."
+
+"Wretch!" cried Jack, raising his hand in a menacing manner, "your
+triumph will be short-lived. Before a year has expired, you will share
+the same fate."
+
+"If I do, I care not," rejoined Wild; "I shall have lived to see you
+hanged."
+
+"O Jack, dear, dear Jack!" cried Mrs. Marvel, who was now quite
+dissolved in tears, "I shall never survive this scene."
+
+"Hold your tongue, hussy!" cried her husband gruffly. "Women ought never
+to show themselves on these occasions, unless they can behave themselves
+properly."
+
+"Farewell, Jack," cried twenty voices.
+
+Sheppard looked round, and exchanged kindly glances with several of
+those who addressed him.
+
+"My limbs feel so light, now that my irons are removed," he observed
+with a smile, "that I am half inclined to dance."
+
+"You'll dance upon nothing, presently," rejoined Jonathan, brutally.
+
+"Farewell for ever," said Jack, extending his hand to Mrs. Marvel.
+
+"Farewell!" blubbered the executioner's wife, pressing his hand to her
+lips. "Here are a pair of gloves and a nosegay for you. Oh dear!--oh
+dear! Be careful of him," she added to her husband, "and get it over
+quickly, or never expect to see me again."
+
+"Peace, fool!" cried Marvel, angrily. "Do you think I don't know my own
+business?"
+
+Austin and Langley then advanced to the prisoner, and, twinning their
+arms round his, led him down to the Lodge, whither he was followed by
+the sheriffs, the ordinary, Wild, and the other officials.
+
+Meantime, every preparation had been made outside for his departure. At
+the end of two long lines of foot-guards stood the cart with a powerful
+black horse harnessed to it. At the head of the cart was placed the
+coffin. On the right were several mounted grenadiers: on the left, some
+half dozen javelin-men. Soldiers were stationed at different points of
+the street to keep off the mob, and others were riding backwards and
+forwards to maintain an open space for the passage of the procession.
+
+The assemblage which was gathered together was almost countless. Every
+house-top, every window, every wall, every projection, had its
+occupants. The wall of St. Sepulchre's church was covered--so was the
+tower. The concourse extended along Giltspur Street as far as
+Smithfield. No one was allowed to pass along Newgate Street, which was
+barricaded and protected by a strong constabulary force.
+
+The first person who issued from the Lodge was Mr. Marvel, who proceeded
+to the cart, and took his seat upon the coffin. The hangman is always an
+object of peculiar detestation to the mob, a tremendous hooting hailed
+his appearance, and both staves and swords were required to preserve
+order.
+
+A deep silence, however, now prevailed, broken only by the tolling of
+the bells of Newgate and St. Sepulchre's. The mighty concourse became
+for a moment still. Suddenly, such a shout as has seldom smitten human
+ears rent the air. "He comes!" cried a thousand voices, and the shout
+ascended to Smithfield, descended to Snow Hill, and told those who were
+assembled on Holborn Hill that Sheppard had left the prison.
+
+Between the two officers, with their arms linked in his, Jack Sheppard
+was conducted to the cart. He looked around, and as he heard that
+deafening shout,--as he felt the influence of those thousand eyes fixed
+upon him,--as he listened to the cheers, all his misgivings--if he had
+any--vanished, and he felt more as if he were marching to a triumph,
+than proceeding to a shameful death.
+
+Jack had no sooner taken his place in the cart, than he was followed by
+the ordinary, who seated himself beside him, and, opening the book of
+prayer, began to read aloud. Excited by the scene, Jack, however, could
+pay little attention to the good man's discourse, and was lost in a
+whirl of tumultuous emotions.
+
+The calvacade was now put slowly in motion. The horse-soldiers wheeled
+round and cleared a path: the foot closed in upon the cart. Then came
+the javelin-men, walking four abreast, and lastly, a long line of
+constables, marching in the same order.
+
+The procession had just got into line of march, when a dreadful groan,
+mixed with yells, hootings, and execrations, was heard. This was
+occasioned by Jonathan Wild, who was seen to mount his horse and join
+the train. Jonathan, however, paid no sort of attention to this
+demonstration of hatred. He had buckled on his hanger, and had two brace
+of pistols in his belt, as well as others in this holsters.
+
+By this time, the procession had reached the west end of the wall of St.
+Sepulchre's church, where, in compliance with an old custom, it halted.
+By the will of Mr. Robert Dow, merchant tailor, it was appointed that
+the sexton of St. Sepulchre's should pronounce a solemn exhortation upon
+every criminal on his way to Tyburn, for which office he was to receive
+a small stipend. As soon as the cavalcade stopped, the sexton advanced,
+and, ringing a handbell, pronounced the following admonition.
+
+"_All good people pray heartily unto God for this poor sinner, who is
+now going to take his death, for whom this great bell doth toll_.
+
+"_You who are condemned to die, repent with lamentable tears. Ask mercy
+of the Lord for the salvation of your own soul, through the merits of
+the death and passion of Jesus Christ, who now sits at the right hand of
+God, to make intercession for you, if you penitently return to him. The
+Lord have mercy upon you_!"
+
+This ceremony concluded, the calvacade was again put in motion.
+
+Slowly descending Snow Hill, the train passed on its way, attended by
+the same stunning vociferations, cheers, yells, and outcries, which had
+accompanied it on starting from Newgate. The guards had great difficulty
+in preserving a clear passage without resorting to severe measures, for
+the tide, which poured upon them behind, around, in front, and at all
+sides, was almost irresistible. The houses on Snow Hill were thronged,
+like those in Old Bailey. Every window, from the groundfloor to the
+garret had its occupant, and the roofs were covered with spectators.
+Words of encouragement and sympathy were addressed to Jack, who, as he
+looked around, beheld many a friendly glance fixed upon him.
+
+In this way, they reached Holborn Bridge. Here a little delay occurred.
+The passage was so narrow that there was only sufficient room for the
+cart to pass, with a single line of foot-soldiers on one side; and, as
+the walls of the bridge were covered with spectators, it was not deemed
+prudent to cross it till these persons were dislodged.
+
+While this was effected, intelligence was brought that a formidable mob
+was pouring down Field Lane, the end of which was barricaded. The
+advanced guard rode on to drive away any opposition, while the main body
+of the procession crossed the bridge, and slowly toiled up Holborn Hill.
+
+The entrance of Shoe Lane, and the whole line of the wall of St.
+Andrew's church, the bell of which was tolling, was covered with
+spectators. Upon the steps leading to the gates of the church stood two
+persons whom Jack instantly recognised. These were his mistresses, Poll
+Maggot and Edgeworth Bess. As soon as the latter beheld him, she uttered
+a loud scream, and fainted. She was caught by some of the bystanders,
+who offered by her every assistance in their power. As to Mrs. Maggot,
+whose nerves were more firmly strung, she contented herself with waving
+her hand affectionately to her lover, and encouraging him by her
+gestures.
+
+While this was taking place, another and more serious interruption
+occurred. The advanced guard had endeavoured to disperse the mob in
+Field Lane, but were not prepared to meet with the resistance they
+encountered. The pavement had been hastily picked up, and heaped across
+the end of the street, upon which planks, barrels, and other barricades,
+were laid. Most of the mob were armed with pikes, staves, swords,
+muskets, and other weapons, and offered a most desperate resistance to
+the soldiery, whom they drove back with a shower of paving-stones.
+
+The arrival of the cart at the end of Field Lane, appeared the signal
+for an attempt at rescue. With a loud shout, and headed by a
+powerfully-built man, with a face as black as that of a mulatto, and
+armed with a cutlass, the rabble leapt over the barricades, and rushed
+towards the vehicle. An immediate halt took place. The soldiers
+surrounded the cart, drew their swords, and by striking the rioters
+first with the blunt edge of their blades, and afterwards with the sharp
+points, succeeded in driving them back.
+
+Amid this skirmish Jonathan greatly distinguished himself. Drawing his
+hanger he rode amongst the crowd, trampled upon those most in advance,
+and made an attempt to seize their leader, in whom he recognised
+Blueskin.
+
+Baffled in their attempt, the mob uttered a roar, such as only a
+thousand angry voices can utter, and discharged a volley of missiles at
+the soldiery. Stones and brickbats were showered on all sides, and Mr.
+Marvel was almost dislodged from his seat on the coffin by a dead dog,
+which was hurled against him, and struck him in the face.
+
+At length, however, by dealing blows right and left with their swords,
+and even inflicting severe cuts on the foremost of the rabble, the
+soldiers managed to gain a clear course, and to drive back the
+assailants; who, as they retreated behind the barricades, shouted in
+tones of defiance, "To Tyburn! to Tyburn!"
+
+The object of all this tumult, meanwhile, never altered his position,
+but sat back in the cart, as if resolved not to make even a struggle to
+regain his liberty.
+
+The procession now wound its way, without further interruption, along
+Holborn. Like a river swollen by many currents, it gathered force from
+the various avenues that poured their streams into it. Fetter Lane, on
+the left, Gray's Inn, on the right, added their supplies. On all hands
+Jack was cheered, and Jonathan hooted.
+
+At length, the train approached St. Giles's. Here, according to another
+old custom, already alluded to, a criminal taken to execution was
+allowed to halt at a tavern, called the Crown, and take a draught from
+St. Giles's bowl, "as his last refreshment on earth." At the door of
+this tavern, which was situated on the left of the street, not more than
+a hundred yards distant from the church, the bell of which began to toll
+as soon as the procession came in sight, the cart drew up, and the whole
+cavalcade halted. A wooden balcony in one of the adjoining houses was
+thronged with ladies, all of whom appeared to take a lively interest in
+the scene, and to be full of commiseration for the criminal, not,
+perhaps, unmixed with admiration of his appearance. Every window in the
+public house was filled with guests; and, as in the case of St.
+Andrew's, the churchyard wall of St. Giles's was lined with spectators.
+
+A scene now ensued, highly characteristic of the age, and the occasion.
+The doleful procession at once assumed a festive character. Many of the
+soldiers dismounted, and called for drink. Their example was
+immediately imitated by the officers, constables, javelin men, and other
+attendants; and nothing was to be heard but shouts of laughter and
+jesting,--nothing seen but the passing of glasses, and the emptying of
+foaming jugs. Mr. Marvel, who had been a little discomposed by the
+treatment he had experienced on Holborn Hill, very composedly filled and
+lighted his pipe.
+
+One group at the door attracted Jack's attention, inasmuch as it was
+composed of several of his old acquaintances--Mr. Kneebone, Van
+Galgebrok, and Baptist Kettleby--all of whom greeted him cordially.
+Besides these, there was a sturdy-looking fellow, whom he instantly
+recognised as the honest blacksmith who had freed him from his irons at
+Tottenham.
+
+"I am here, you see," said the smith.
+
+"So I perceive," replied Jack.
+
+At this moment, the landlord of the Crown, a jovial-looking stout
+personage, with a white apron round his waist, issued from the house,
+bearing a large wooden bowl filled with ale, which he offered to Jack,
+who instantly rose to receive it. Raising the bowl in his right hand,
+Jack glanced towards the balcony, in which the group of ladies were
+seated, and begged to drink their healths; he then turned to Kneebone
+and the others, who extended their hands towards him, and raised it to
+his lips. Just as he was about to drain it, he encountered the basilisk
+glance of Jonathan Wild, and paused.
+
+"I leave this bowl for you," he cried, returning it to the landlord
+untasted.
+
+"Your father said so before you," replied Jonathan, malignantly; "and
+yet it has tarried thus long."
+
+"You will call for it before six months are passed," rejoined Jack,
+sternly.
+
+Once again the cavalcade was in motion, and winding its way by St.
+Giles's church, the bell of which continued tolling all the time, passed
+the pound, and entered Oxford Road, or, as it was then not unfrequently
+termed, Tyburn Road. After passing Tottenham Court Road, very few
+houses were to be seen on the right hand, opposite Wardour Street it was
+open country.
+
+The crowd now dispersed amongst the fields, and thousands of persons
+were seen hurrying towards Tyburn as fast as their legs could carry
+them, leaping over hedges, and breaking down every impediment in their
+course.
+
+Besides those who conducted themselves more peaceably, the conductors of
+the procession noticed with considerable uneasiness, large bands of men
+armed with staves, bludgeons, and other weapons, who were flying across
+the field in the same direction. As it was feared that some mischief
+would ensue, Wild volunteered, if he were allowed a small body of men,
+to ride forward to Tyburn, and keep the ground clear until the arrival
+of the prisoner.
+
+This suggestion being approved, was instantly acted upon, and the
+thief-taker, accompanied by a body of the grenadiers, rode forward.
+
+The train, meantime, had passed Marylebone Lane, when it again paused
+for a moment, at Jack's request, near the door of a public-house called
+the City of Oxford.
+
+Scarcely had it come to a halt, when a stalwart man shouldered his way,
+in spite of their opposition, through the lines of soldiery to the cart,
+and offered his large horny hand to the prisoner.
+
+"I told you I would call to bid you farewell, Mr. Figg," said Jack.
+
+"So you did," replied the prize-fighter. "Sorry you're obliged to keep
+your word. Heard of your last escape. Hoped you'd not be retaken. Never
+sent for the shirt."
+
+"I didn't want it," replied Jack; "but who are those gentlemen?"
+
+"Friends of yours," replied Figg; "come to see you;--Sir James
+Thornhill, Mr. Hogarth, and Mr. Gay. They send you every good wish."
+
+"Offer them my hearty thanks," replied Jack, waving his hand to the
+group, all of whom returned the salutation. "And now, farewell, Mr.
+Figg! In a few minutes, all will be over."
+
+Figg turned aside to hide the tears that started to his eyes,--for the
+stout prize-fighter, with a man's courage, had a woman's heart,--and the
+procession again set forward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+The Closing Scene.
+
+
+Tyburn was now at hand. Over the sea of heads arose a black and dismal
+object. It was the gallows. Jack, whose back was towards it, did not see
+it; but he heard, from the pitying exclamations of the crowd, that it
+was in view. This circumstance produced no further alteration in his
+demeanour except that he endeavoured to abstract himself from the
+surrounding scene, and bend his attention to the prayers which the
+ordinary was reciting.
+
+Just as he had succeeded in fixing his attention, it was again shaken,
+and he was almost unnerved by the sight of Mr. Wood, who was standing at
+the edge of a raised platform, anxiously waving his hand to him.
+
+Jack instantly sprang to his feet, and as his guards construed the
+motion into an attempt to escape, several of them drew their swords and
+motioned to him to sit down. But Jack did not heed them. His looks were
+fixed on his old benefactor.
+
+"God in Heaven bless you, unhappy boy!" cried. Wood, bursting into
+tears, "God bless you!"
+
+Jack extended his hand towards him, and looked anxiously for Thames; but
+he was nowhere to be seen. A severe pang shot through Jack's heart, and
+he would have given worlds if he possessed them to have seen his friend
+once more. The wish was vain: and, endeavouring to banish every earthly
+thought, he addressed himself deeply and sincerely to prayer.
+
+While this was passing, Jonathan had ridden back to Marvel to tell him
+that all was ready, and to give him his last instructions.
+
+"You'll lose no time," said the thief-taker. "A hundred pounds if you do
+it quickly."
+
+"Rely on me," rejoined the executioner, throwing away his pipe, which
+was just finished.
+
+A deep dread calm, like that which precedes a thunderstorm, now
+prevailed amongst the assemblage. The thousand voices which a few
+moments before had been so clamorous were now hushed. Not a breath was
+drawn. The troops had kept a large space clear around the gallows. The
+galleries adjoining it were crowded with spectators,--so was the roof of
+a large tavern, then the only house standing at the end of the Edgeware
+Road,--so were the trees,--the walls of Hyde Park,--a neighbouring barn,
+a shed,--in short, every available position.
+
+The cart, meantime, had approached the fatal tree. The guards, horse and
+foot, and constables formed a wide circle round it to keep off the mob.
+It was an awful moment--so awful, that every other feeling except deep
+interest in the scene seemed suspended.
+
+At this terrible juncture, Jack maintained his composure,--a smile
+played upon his face before the cap was drawn over it,--and the last
+words he uttered were, "My poor mother! I shall soon join her!" The rope
+was then adjusted, and the cart began to move.
+
+The next instant, he was launched into eternity!
+
+Scarcely had he been turned off a moment, when a man with swarthy
+features leapt into the cart with an open clasp-knife in his hand, and,
+before he could be prevented, severed the rope, and cut down the body.
+It was Blueskin. His assistance came too late. A ball from Wild's pistol
+passed through his heart, and a volley of musketry poured from the
+guards lodged several balls in the yet breathing body of his leader.
+
+Blueskin, however, was not unattended. A thousand eager assistants
+pressed behind him. Jack's body was caught, and passed from hand to hand
+over a thousand heads, till it was far from the fatal tree.
+
+The shouts of indignation--the frightful yells now raised baffle
+description. A furious attack was made on Jonathan, who, though he
+defended himself like a lion, was desperately wounded, and would
+inevitably have perished if he had not been protected by the guards,
+who were obliged to use both swords and fire-arms upon the mob in his
+defence. He was at length rescued from his assailants,--rescued to
+perish, seven months afterwards, with every ignominy, at the very gibbet
+to which he had brought his victim.
+
+The body of Jack Sheppard, meanwhile, was borne along by that tremendous
+host, which rose and fell like the waves of the ocean, until it
+approached the termination of the Edgeware Road.
+
+At this point a carriage with servants in sumptuous liveries was
+stationed. At the open door stood a young man in a rich garb with a mask
+on his face, who was encouraging the mob by words and gestures. At
+length, the body was brought towards him. Instantly seizing it, the
+young man placed it in the carriage, shut the door, and commanded his
+servants to drive off. The order was promptly obeyed, and the horses
+proceeded at a furious pace along the Edgeware Road.
+
+Half an hour afterwards the body of Jack was carefully examined. It had
+been cut down before life was extinct, but a ball from one of the
+soldiers had pierced his heart.
+
+Thus died Jack Sheppard.
+
+That night a grave was dug in Willesden churchyard, next to that in
+which Mrs. Sheppard had been interred. Two persons, besides the
+clergyman and sexton, alone attended the ceremony. They were a young man
+and an old one, and both appeared deeply affected. The coffin was
+lowered into the grave, and the mourners departed. A simple wooden
+monument was placed over the grave, but without any name or date. In
+after years, some pitying hand supplied the inscription, which ran
+thus--
+
+[Illustration: JACK SHEPPARD]
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Jack Sheppard, by William Harrison Ainsworth
+
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+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      JACK SHEPPARD A Romance, by W. Harrison Ainsworth.
+    </title>
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+
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Jack Sheppard, by William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Jack Sheppard
+       A Romance
+
+Author: William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+Release Date: July 6, 2005 [EBook #16215]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JACK SHEPPARD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jason Isbell, Ben Beasley and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<p>Transcribers Note: Obvious typesetter errors from the original
+corrected in this etext. If they are not obvious errors, they are left as
+in the original.</p>
+
+<hr /><p><a name="Page_-5" id="Page_-5"></a></p>
+
+<h3>English Library</h3>
+
+<h4><i>VOL. XII</i></h4>
+
+<h1>JACK SHEPPARD A Romance</h1>
+
+<h2>BY W. Harrison Ainsworth</h2>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 75px;">
+<img src="images/title.jpg" width="75" height="53" alt="Publishers Stamp" title="Publishers Stamp" />
+</div>
+
+<h6>Internationale Bibliothek G M B H Berlin</h6>
+
+<h6>1922</h6>
+<hr />
+<p><a name="Page_-4" id="Page_-4"></a>&quot;Upon my word, friend,&quot; said I, &quot;you have almost made me long to try
+what a robber I should make.&quot; &quot;There is a great art in it, if you did,&quot;
+quoth he. &quot;Ah! but,&quot; said I, &quot;there's a great deal in being hanged.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><i>Life and Actions of Guzman d'Alfarache.</i></p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><a name="Page_-3" id="Page_-3"></a></p>
+<p><a name="ToC" id="ToC"></a></p>
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Table of Contents">
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan='3' align='left'><b><a href="#EPOCH_THE_FIRST">EPOCH THE FIRST, 1703. JONATHAN WILD.</a></b></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>CHAPTER I.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_1_I">The Widow and her Child</a></td><td align='right'>1</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>II.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_1_II">The Old Mint</a></td><td align='right'>13</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>III.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_1_III">The Master of the Mint</a></td><td align='right'>28</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>IV.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_1_IV">The Roof and the Window</a></td><td align='right'>34</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>V.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_1_V">The Denunciation</a></td><td align='right'>42</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>VI.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_1_VI">The Storm</a></td><td align='right'>51</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>VII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_1_VII">Old London Bridge</a></td><td align='right'>63</td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan='3' align='left'><b><a href="#EPOCH_THE_SECOND">EPOCH THE SECOND, 1715. THAMES DARRELL.</a></b></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>CHAPTER I.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_I">The Idle Apprentice</a></td><td align='right'>75</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>II.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_II">Thames Darrell</a></td><td align='right'>88</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>III.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_III">The Jacobite</a></td><td align='right'>95</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>IV.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_IV">Mr. Kneebone and his Friends</a></td><td align='right'>99</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>V.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_V">Hawk and Buzzard</a></td><td align='right'>103</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>VI.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_VI">The first Step towards the Ladder</a></td><td align='right'>119</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>VII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_VII">Brother and Sister</a></td><td align='right'>131</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>VIII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_VIII">Miching Mallecho</a></td><td align='right'>135</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>IX.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_IX">Consequences of the Theft</a></td><td align='right'>147</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>X.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_X">Mother and Son</a></td><td align='right'>154</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XI.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_XI">The Mohocks</a></td><td align='right'>160</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_XII">Saint Giles's Round-house</a></td><td align='right'>167</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XIII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_XIII">The Magdalene</a></td><td align='right'>177</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XIV.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_XIV">The Flash Ken</a></td><td align='right'>191</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XV.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_XV">The Robbery in Willesden Church</a></td><td align='right'>198</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XVI.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_XVI">Jonathan Wild's House in the Old Bailey</a></td><td align='right'>201</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XVII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_XVII">The Night-Cellar</a></td><td align='right'>211</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XVIII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_XVIII">How Jack Sheppard broke out of the Cage at Willesden</a></td><td align='right'>218</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XIX.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_2_XIX">Good and Evil</a></td><td align='right'>224</td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td colspan='3' align='left'><b><a href="#EPOCH_THE_THIRD">EPOCH THE THIRD, 1724. THE PRISON-BREAKER.</a></b></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>CHAPTER I.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_I">The Return</a></td><td align='right'>231</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>II.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_II">The Burglary at Dollis Hill</a></td><td align='right'>249</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>III.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_III">Jack Sheppard's Quarrel with Jonathan Wild</a></td><td align='left'>254<a name="Page_-2" id="Page_-2"></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>IV.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_IV">Jack Sheppard's Escape from the New Prison</a></td><td align='right'>258</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>V.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_V">The Disguise</a></td><td align='right'>261</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>VI.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_VI">Winifred receives two Proposals</a></td><td align='right'>278</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>VII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_VII">Jack Sheppard warns Thames Darrell</a></td><td align='right'>284</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>VIII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_VIII">Old Bedlam</a></td><td align='right'>291</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>IX.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_IX">Old Newgate</a></td><td align='right'>302</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>X.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_X">How Jack Sheppard got out of the Condemned Hold</a></td><td align='right'>310</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XI.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XI">Dollis Hill revisited</a></td><td align='right'>324</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XII">The Well Hole</a></td><td align='right'>336</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XIII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XIII">The Supper at Mr. Kneebone's</a></td><td align='right'>346</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XIV.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XIV">How Jack Sheppard was again captured</a></td><td align='right'>367</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XV.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XV">How Blueskin underwent the Peine Forte et Dure</a></td><td align='right'>377</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XVI.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XVI">How Jack Sheppard's Portrait was painted</a></td><td align='right'>385</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XVII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XVII">The Iron Bar</a></td><td align='right'>397</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XVIII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XVIII">The Bed Room</a></td><td align='right'>400</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XIX.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XIX">The Chapel</a></td><td align='right'>401</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XX.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XX">The Leads</a></td><td align='right'>405</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XXI.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XXI">What befell Jack Sheppard in the Turner's House</a></td><td align='right'>408</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XXII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XXII">Fast and Loose</a></td><td align='right'>415</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XXIII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XXIII">The last Meeting between Jack Sheppard and his Mother</a></td><td align='right'>419</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XXIV.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XXIV">The Pursuit</a></td><td align='right'>425</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XXV.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XXV">How Jack Sheppard got rid of his Irons</a></td><td align='right'>429</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XXVI.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XXVI">How Jack Sheppard attended his Mother's Funeral</a></td><td align='right'>435</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XXVII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XXVII">How Jack Sheppard was brought back to Newgate</a></td><td align='right'>441</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XXVIII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XXVIII">What happened at Dollis Hill</a></td><td align='right'>449</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XXIX.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XXIX">How Jack Sheppard was taken to Westminster Hall</a></td><td align='right'>454</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XXX.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XXX">How Jonathan Wild's House was burnt down</a></td><td align='right'>458</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XXXI.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XXXI">The Procession to Tyburn</a></td><td align='right'>462</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='right'>XXXII.</td><td align='left'><a href="#CHAPTER_3_XXXII">The Closing Scene</a></td><td align='right'>472</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="EPOCH_THE_FIRST" id="EPOCH_THE_FIRST" /><a name="Page_-1" id="Page_-1"></a></p>
+<h2>EPOCH THE FIRST.</h2>
+
+<h3>1703.</h3>
+
+<h3>JONATHAN WILD.</h3>
+
+
+
+
+<p><a name="Page_0" id="Page_0"></a></p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="JACK_SHEPPARD" id="JACK_SHEPPARD" /><span class="pagenum">Page 1</span><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1"></a></p>
+<h2>JACK SHEPPARD.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_1_I" id="CHAPTER_1_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Widow and her Child.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+<p>On the night of Friday, the 26th of November, 1703, and at the hour of
+eleven, the door of a miserable habitation, situated in an obscure
+quarter of the Borough of Southwark, known as the Old Mint, was opened;
+and a man, with a lantern in his hand, appeared at the threshold. This
+person, whose age might be about forty, was attired in a brown
+double-breasted frieze coat, with very wide skirts, and a very narrow
+collar; a light drugget waistcoat, with pockets reaching to the knees;
+black plush breeches; grey worsted hose; and shoes with round toes,
+wooden heels, and high quarters, fastened by small silver buckles. He
+wore a three-cornered hat, a sandy-coloured scratch wig, and had a thick
+woollen wrapper folded round his throat. His clothes had evidently seen
+some service, and were plentifully begrimed with the dust of the
+workshop. Still he had a decent look, and decidedly the air of one
+well-to-do in the world. In stature, he was short and stumpy; in person,
+corpulent; and in countenance, sleek, snub-nosed, and demure.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately behind this individual, came a pale, poverty-stricken woman,
+whose forlorn aspect contrasted strongly with his plump and comfortable
+physiognomy. She was dressed in a tattered black stuff gown, discoloured
+by various stains, and intended, it would seem, from the remnants of
+rusty crape with which it was here and there tricked out, to represent
+the garb of widowhood, and held in her arms a sleeping infant, swathed
+in the folds of a linsey-woolsey shawl.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 2</span><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2"></a>Notwithstanding her emaciation, her features still retained something
+of a pleasing expression, and might have been termed beautiful, had it
+not been for that repulsive freshness of lip denoting the habitual
+dram-drinker; a freshness in her case rendered the more shocking from
+the almost livid hue of the rest of her complexion. She could not be
+more than twenty; and though want and other suffering had done the work
+of time, had wasted her frame, and robbed her cheek of its bloom and
+roundness, they had not extinguished the lustre of her eyes, nor thinned
+her raven hair. Checking an ominous cough, that, ever and anon,
+convulsed her lungs, the poor woman addressed a few parting words to her
+companion, who lingered at the doorway as if he had something on his
+mind, which he did not very well know how to communicate.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, good night, Mr. Wood,&quot; said she, in the deep, hoarse accents of
+consumption; &quot;and may God Almighty bless and reward you for your
+kindness! You were always the best of masters to my poor husband; and
+now you've proved the best of friends to his widow and orphan boy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poh! poh! say no more about it,&quot; rejoined the man hastily. &quot;I've done
+no more than my duty, Mrs. Sheppard, and neither deserve nor desire your
+thanks. 'Whoso giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord;' that's my
+comfort. And such slight relief as I can afford should have been offered
+earlier, if I'd known where you'd taken refuge after your unfortunate
+husband's&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Execution, you would say, Sir,&quot; added Mrs. Sheppard, with a deep sigh,
+perceiving that her benefactor hesitated to pronounce the word. &quot;You
+show more consideration to the feelings of a hempen widow, than there is
+any need to show. I'm used to insult as I am to misfortune, and am grown
+callous to both; but I'm <i>not</i> used to compassion, and know not how to
+take it. My heart would speak if it could, for it is very full. There
+was a time, long, long ago, when the tears would have rushed to my eyes
+unbidden at the bare mention of generosity <span class="pagenum">Page 3</span><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3"></a>like yours, Mr. Wood; but
+they never come now. I have never wept since that day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I trust you will never have occasion to weep again, my poor soul,&quot;
+replied Wood, setting down his lantern, and brushing a few drops from
+his eyes, &quot;unless it be tears of joy. Pshaw!&quot; added he, making an effort
+to subdue his emotion, &quot;I can't leave you in this way. I must stay a
+minute longer, if only to see you smile.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he re-entered the house, closed the door, and, followed by
+the widow, proceeded to the fire-place, where a handful of chips,
+apparently just lighted, crackled within the rusty grate.</p>
+
+<p>The room in which this interview took place had a sordid and miserable
+look. Rotten, and covered with a thick coat of dirt, the boards of the
+floor presented a very insecure footing; the bare walls were scored all
+over with grotesque designs, the chief of which represented the
+punishment of Nebuchadnezzar. The rest were hieroglyphic characters,
+executed in red chalk and charcoal. The ceiling had, in many places,
+given way; the laths had been removed; and, where any plaster remained,
+it was either mapped and blistered with damps, or festooned with dusty
+cobwebs. Over an old crazy bedstead was thrown a squalid, patchwork
+counterpane; and upon the counterpane lay a black hood and scarf, a pair
+of bodice of the cumbrous form in vogue at the beginning of the last
+century, and some other articles of female attire. On a small shelf near
+the foot of the bed stood a couple of empty phials, a cracked ewer and
+basin, a brown jug without a handle, a small tin coffee-pot without a
+spout, a saucer of rouge, a fragment of looking-glass, and a flask,
+labelled &quot;<i>Rosa Solis</i>.&quot; Broken pipes littered the floor, if that can be
+said to be littered, which, in the first instance, was a mass of squalor
+and filth.</p>
+
+<p>Over the chimney-piece was pasted a handbill, purporting to be &quot;<i>The
+last Dying Speech and Confession of</i> TOM SHEPPARD, <i>the Notorious
+Housebreaker, who suffered at Tyburn on the 25th of February, 1703.</i>&quot;
+This placard was adorned with a rude wood-cut, representing <span class="pagenum">Page 4</span><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4"></a>the unhappy
+malefactor at the place of execution. On one side of the handbill a
+print of the reigning sovereign, Anne, had been pinned over the portrait
+of William the Third, whose aquiline nose, keen eyes, and luxuriant wig,
+were just visible above the diadem of the queen. On the other a wretched
+engraving of the Chevalier de Saint George, or, as he was styled in the
+label attached to the portrait, James the Third, raised a suspicion that
+the inmate of the house was not altogether free from some tincture of
+Jacobitism.</p>
+
+<p>Beneath these prints, a cluster of hobnails, driven into the wall,
+formed certain letters, which, if properly deciphered, produced the
+words, &quot;<i>Paul Groves, cobler;</i>&quot; and under the name, traced in charcoal,
+appeared the following record of the poor fellow's fate, &quot;<i>Hung himsel
+in this rum for luv off licker;</i>&quot; accompanied by a graphic sketch of the
+unhappy suicide dangling from a beam. A farthing candle, stuck in a
+bottle neck, shed its feeble light upon the table, which, owing to the
+provident kindness of Mr. Wood, was much better furnished with eatables
+than might have been expected, and boasted a loaf, a knuckle of ham, a
+meat-pie, and a flask of wine.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You've but a sorry lodging, Mrs. Sheppard,&quot; said Wood, glancing round
+the chamber, as he expanded his palms before the scanty flame.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's wretched enough, indeed, Sir,&quot; rejoined the widow; &quot;but, poor as
+it is, it's better than the cold stones and open streets.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course&mdash;of course,&quot; returned Wood, hastily; &quot;anything's better than
+that. But take a drop of wine,&quot; urged he, filling a drinking-horn and
+presenting it to her; &quot;it's choice canary, and'll do you good. And now,
+come and sit by me, my dear, and let's have a little quiet chat
+together. When things are at the worst, they'll mend. Take my word for
+it, your troubles are over.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope they are, Sir,&quot; answered Mrs. Sheppard, with a faint smile and a
+doubtful shake of the head, as Wood drew her to a seat beside him, &quot;for
+I've had my full <span class="pagenum">Page 5</span><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5"></a>share of misery. But I don't look for peace on this
+side the grave.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nonsense!&quot; cried Wood; &quot;while there's life there's hope. Never be
+down-hearted. Besides,&quot; added he, opening the shawl in which the infant
+was wrapped, and throwing the light of the candle full upon its sickly,
+but placid features, &quot;it's sinful to repine while you've a child like
+this to comfort you. Lord help him! he's the very image of his father.
+Like carpenter, like chips.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That likeness is the chief cause of my misery,&quot; replied the widow,
+shuddering. &quot;Were it not for that, he would indeed be a blessing and a
+comfort to me. He never cries nor frets, as children generally do, but
+lies at my bosom, or on my knee, as quiet and as gentle as you see him
+now. But, when I look upon his innocent face, and see how like he is to
+his father,&mdash;when I think of that father's shameful ending, and
+recollect how free from guilt <i>he</i> once was,&mdash;at such times, Mr. Wood,
+despair will come over me; and, dear as this babe is to me, far dearer
+than my own wretched life, which I would lay down for him any minute, I
+have prayed to Heaven to remove him, rather than he should grow up to be
+a man, and be exposed to his father's temptations&mdash;rather than he should
+live as wickedly and die as disgracefully as his father. And, when I
+have seen him pining away before my eyes, getting thinner and thinner
+every day, I have sometimes thought my prayers were heard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Marriage and hanging go by destiny,&quot; observed Wood, after a pause; &quot;but
+I trust your child is reserved for a better fate than either, Mrs.
+Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The latter part of this speech was delivered with so much significance
+of manner, that a bystander might have inferred that Mr. Wood was not
+particularly fortunate in his own matrimonial connections.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Goodness only knows what he's reserved for,&quot; rejoined the widow in a
+desponding tone; &quot;but if Mynheer Van Galgebrok, whom I met last night at
+the Cross Shovels, spoke the truth, little Jack will never die in his
+bed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 6</span><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6"></a>Save us!&quot; exclaimed Wood. &quot;And who is this Van Gal&mdash;Gal&mdash;what's his
+outlandish name?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Van Galgebrok,&quot; replied the widow. &quot;He's the famous Dutch conjuror who
+foretold King William's accident and death, last February but one, a
+month before either event happened, and gave out that another prince
+over the water would soon enjoy his own again; for which he was
+committed to Newgate, and whipped at the cart's tail. He went by another
+name then,&mdash;Rykhart Scherprechter I think he called himself. His
+fellow-prisoners nicknamed him the gallows-provider, from a habit he had
+of picking out all those who were destined to the gibbet. He was never
+known to err, and was as much dreaded as the jail-fever in consequence.
+He singled out my poor husband from a crowd of other felons; and you
+know how right he was in that case, Sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, marry,&quot; replied Wood, with a look that seemed to say that he did
+not think it required any surprising skill in the art of divination to
+predict the doom of the individual in question; but whatever opinion he
+might entertain, he contented himself with inquiring into the grounds of
+the conjuror's evil augury respecting the infant. &quot;What did the old
+fellow judge from, eh, Joan?&quot; asked he.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From a black mole under the child's right ear, shaped like a coffin,
+which is a bad sign; and a deep line just above the middle of the left
+thumb, meeting round about in the form of a noose, which is a worse,&quot;
+replied Mrs. Sheppard. &quot;To be sure, it's not surprising the poor little
+thing should be so marked; for, when I lay in the women-felons' ward in
+Newgate, where he first saw the light, or at least such light as ever
+finds entrance into that gloomy place, I had nothing, whether sleeping
+or waking, but halters, and gibbets, and coffins, and such like horrible
+visions, for ever dancing round me! And then, you know, Sir&mdash;but,
+perhaps, you don't know that little Jack was born, a month before his
+time, on the very day his poor father suffered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lord bless us!&quot; ejaculated Wood, &quot;how shocking! No, I did <i>not</i> know
+that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 7</span><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7"></a>You may see the marks on the child yourself, if you choose, Sir,&quot;
+urged the widow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;See the devil!&mdash;not I,&quot; cried Wood impatiently. &quot;I didn't think you'd
+been so easily fooled, Joan.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fooled or not,&quot; returned Mrs. Sheppard mysteriously, &quot;old Van told me
+<i>one</i> thing which has come true already.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that?&quot; asked Wood with some curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He said, by way of comfort, I suppose, after the fright he gave me at
+first, that the child would find a friend within twenty-four hours, who
+would stand by him through life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A friend is not so soon gained as lost,&quot; replied Wood; &quot;but how has the
+prediction been fulfilled, Joan, eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I thought you would have guessed, Sir,&quot; replied the widow, timidly.
+&quot;I'm sure little Jack has but one friend beside myself, in the world,
+and that's more than I would have ventured to say for him yesterday.
+However, I've not told you all; for old Van <i>did</i> say something about
+the child saving his new-found friend's life at the time of meeting; but
+how that's to happen, I'm sure I can't guess.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor any one else in his senses,&quot; rejoined Wood, with a laugh. &quot;It's not
+very likely that a babby of nine months old will save <i>my</i> life, if I'm
+to be his friend, as you seem to say, Mrs. Sheppard. But I've not
+promised to stand by him yet; nor will I, unless he turns out an honest
+lad,&mdash;mind that. Of all crafts,&mdash;and it was the only craft his poor
+father, who, to do him justice, was one of the best workmen that ever
+handled a saw or drove a nail, could never understand,&mdash;of all crafts, I
+say, to be an honest man is the master-craft. As long as your son
+observes that precept I'll befriend him, but no longer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't desire it, Sir,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard, meekly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's an old proverb,&quot; continued Wood, rising and walking towards the
+fire, &quot;which says,&mdash;'Put another man's child in your bosom, and he'll
+creep out at your elbow.' But I don't value that, because I think it
+applies to one who marries a widow with encumbrances; and that's not my
+case, you know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 8</span><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8"></a>Well, Sir,&quot; gasped Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, my dear, I've a proposal to make in regard to this babby of
+yours, which may, or may not, be agreeable. All I can say is, it's well
+meant; and I may add, I'd have made it five minutes ago, if you'd given
+me the opportunity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pray come to the point, Sir,&quot; said Mrs. Sheppard, somewhat alarmed by
+this preamble.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>am</i> coming to the point, Joan. The more haste, the worse
+speed&mdash;better the feet slip than the tongue. However, to cut a long
+matter short, my proposal's this:&mdash;I've taken a fancy to your bantling,
+and, as I've no son of my own, if it meets with your concurrence and
+that of Mrs. Wood, (for I never do anything without consulting my better
+half,) I'll take the boy, educate him, and bring him up to my own
+business of a carpenter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The poor widow hung her head, and pressed her child closer to her
+breast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Joan,&quot; said the benevolent mechanic, after he had looked at her
+steadfastly for a few moments, &quot;what say you?&mdash;silence gives consent,
+eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard made an effort to speak, but her voice was choked by
+emotion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shall I take the babby home with me!&quot; persisted Wood, in a tone between
+jest and earnest.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I cannot part with him,&quot; replied the widow, bursting into tears;
+&quot;indeed, indeed, I cannot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I've found out the way to move her,&quot; thought the carpenter; &quot;those
+tears will do her some good, at all events. Not part with him!&quot; added he
+aloud. &quot;Why you wouldn't stand in the way of his good fortune sure<i>ly</i>?
+I'll be a second father to him, I tell you. Remember what the conjuror
+said.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>do</i> remember it, Sir,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard, &quot;and am most grateful
+for your offer. But I dare not accept it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dare not!&quot; echoed the carpenter; &quot;I don't understand you, Joan.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I mean to say, Sir,&quot; answered Mrs. Sheppard in a troubled voice, &quot;that
+if I lost my child, I should lose all <span class="pagenum">Page 9</span><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9"></a>I have left in the world. I have
+neither father, mother, brother, sister, nor husband&mdash;I have only
+<i>him</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If I ask you to part with him, my good woman, it's to better his
+condition, I suppose, ain't it?&quot; rejoined Wood angrily; for, though he
+had no serious intention of carrying his proposal into effect, he was
+rather offended at having it declined. &quot;It's not an offer,&quot; continued
+he, &quot;that I'm likely to make, or you're likely to receive every day in
+the year.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And muttering some remarks, which we do not care to repeat, reflecting
+upon the consistency of the sex, he was preparing once more to depart,
+when Mrs. Sheppard stopped him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Give me till to-morrow,&quot; implored she, &quot;and if I <i>can</i> bring myself to
+part with him, you shall have him without another word.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take time to consider of it,&quot; replied Wood sulkily, &quot;there's no hurry.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't be angry with me, Sir,&quot; cried the widow, sobbing bitterly, &quot;pray
+don't. I know I am undeserving of your bounty; but if I were to tell you
+what hardships I have undergone&mdash;to what frightful extremities I have
+been reduced&mdash;and to what infamy I have submitted, to earn a scanty
+subsistence for this child's sake,&mdash;if you could feel what it is to
+stand alone in the world as I do, bereft of all who have ever loved me,
+and shunned by all who have ever known me, except the worthless and the
+wretched,&mdash;if you knew (and Heaven grant you may be spared the
+knowledge!) how much affliction sharpens love, and how much more dear to
+me my child has become for every sacrifice I have made for him,&mdash;if you
+were told all this, you would, I am sure, pity rather than reproach me,
+because I cannot at once consent to a separation, which I feel would
+break my heart. But give me till to-morrow&mdash;only till to-morrow&mdash;I may
+be able to part with him then.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The worthy carpenter was now far more angry with himself than he had
+previously been with Mrs. Sheppard; and, as soon as he could command his
+feelings, which were considerably excited by the mention of her
+distresses, <span class="pagenum">Page 10</span><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10"></a>he squeezed her hand warmly, bestowed a hearty execration
+upon his own inhumanity, and swore he would neither separate her from
+her child, nor suffer any one else to separate them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Plague on't!&quot; added he: &quot;I never meant to take your babby from you. But
+I'd a mind to try whether you really loved him as much as you pretended.
+I was to blame to carry the matter so far. However, confession of a
+fault makes half amends for it. A time <i>may</i> come when this little chap
+will need my aid, and, depend upon it, he shall never want a friend in
+Owen Wood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As he said this, the carpenter patted the cheek of the little object of
+his benevolent professions, and, in so doing, unintentionally aroused
+him from his slumbers. Opening a pair of large black eyes, the child
+fixed them for an instant upon Wood, and then, alarmed by the light,
+uttered a low and melancholy cry, which, however, was speedily stilled
+by the caresses of his mother, towards whom he extended his tiny arms,
+as if imploring protection.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't think he would leave me, even if I could part with him,&quot;
+observed Mrs. Sheppard, smiling through her tears.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't think he would,&quot; acquiesced the carpenter. &quot;No friend like the
+mother, for the babby knows no other.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And that's true,&quot; rejoined Mrs. Sheppard; &quot;for if I had <i>not</i> been a
+mother, I would not have survived the day on which I became a widow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You mustn't think of that, Mrs. Sheppard,&quot; said Wood in a soothing
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't help thinking of it, Sir,&quot; answered the widow. &quot;I can never get
+poor Tom's last look out of my head, as he stood in the Stone-Hall at
+Newgate, after his irons had been knocked off, unless I manage to
+stupify myself somehow. The dismal tolling of St. Sepulchre's bell is
+for ever ringing in my ears&mdash;oh!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If that's the case,&quot; observed Wood, &quot;I'm surprised you should like to
+have such a frightful picture constantly in view as that over the
+chimney-piece.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 11</span><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11"></a>I'd good reasons for placing it there, Sir; but don't question me
+about them now, or you'll drive me mad,&quot; returned Mrs. Sheppard wildly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, well, we'll say no more about it,&quot; replied Wood; &quot;and, by way of
+changing the subject, let me advise you on no account to fly to strong
+waters for consolation, Joan. One nail drives out another, it's true;
+but the worst nail you can employ is a coffin-nail. Gin Lane's the
+nearest road to the churchyard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It may be; but if it shortens the distance and lightens the journey, I
+care not,&quot; retorted the widow, who seemed by this reproach to be roused
+into sudden eloquence. &quot;To those who, like me, have never been able to
+get out of the dark and dreary paths of life, the grave is indeed a
+refuge, and the sooner they reach it the better. The spirit I drink may
+be poison,&mdash;it may kill me,&mdash;perhaps it <i>is</i> killing me:&mdash;but so would
+hunger, cold, misery,&mdash;so would my own thoughts. I should have gone mad
+without it. Gin is the poor man's friend,&mdash;his sole set-off against the
+rich man's luxury. It comforts him when he is most forlorn. It may be
+treacherous, it may lay up a store of future woe; but it insures present
+happiness, and that is sufficient. When I have traversed the streets a
+houseless wanderer, driven with curses from every door where I have
+solicited alms, and with blows from every gateway where I have sought
+shelter,&mdash;when I have crept into some deserted building, and stretched
+my wearied limbs upon a bulk, in the vain hope of repose,&mdash;or, worse
+than all, when, frenzied with want, I have yielded to horrible
+temptation, and earned a meal in the only way I could earn one,&mdash;when I
+have felt, at times like these, my heart sink within me, I have drank of
+this drink, and have at once forgotten my cares, my poverty, my guilt.
+Old thoughts, old feelings, old faces, and old scenes have returned to
+me, and I have fancied myself happy,&mdash;as happy as I am now.&quot; And she
+burst into a wild hysterical laugh.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poor creature!&quot; ejaculated Wood. &quot;Do you call this frantic glee
+happiness?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 12</span><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12"></a>It's all the happiness I have known for years,&quot; returned the widow,
+becoming suddenly calm, &quot;and it's short-lived enough, as you perceive. I
+tell you what, Mr. Wood,&quot; added she in a hollow voice, and with a
+ghastly look, &quot;gin may bring ruin; but as long as poverty, vice, and
+ill-usage exist, it will be drunk.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;God forbid!&quot; exclaimed Wood, fervently; and, as if afraid of prolonging
+the interview, he added, with some precipitation, &quot;But I must be going:
+I've stayed here too long already. You shall hear from me to-morrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stay!&quot; said Mrs. Sheppard, again arresting his departure. &quot;I've just
+recollected that my husband left a key with me, which he charged me to
+give you when I could find an opportunity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A key!&quot; exclaimed Wood eagerly. &quot;I lost a very valuable one some time
+ago. What's it like, Joan?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a small key, with curiously-fashioned wards.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's mine, I'll be sworn,&quot; rejoined Wood. &quot;Well, who'd have thought of
+finding it in this unexpected way!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't be too sure till you see it,&quot; said the widow. &quot;Shall I fetch it
+for you, Sir?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By all means.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I must trouble you to hold the child, then, for a minute, while I run
+up to the garret, where I've hidden it for safety,&quot; said Mrs. Sheppard.
+&quot;I think I <i>may</i> trust him with you, Sir,&quot; added she, taking up the
+candle.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't leave him, if you're at all fearful, my dear,&quot; replied Wood,
+receiving the little burthen with a laugh. &quot;Poor thing!&quot; muttered he, as
+the widow departed on her errand, &quot;she's seen better days and better
+circumstances than she'll ever see again, I'm sure. Strange, I could
+never learn her history. Tom Sheppard was always a close file, and would
+never tell whom he married. Of this I'm certain, however, she was much
+too good for him, and was never meant to be a journeyman carpenter's
+wife, still less what is she now. Her heart's in the right place, at all
+events; and, since that's the case, the rest may perhaps come
+round,&mdash;that is, if she gets through her present illness. A dry cough's
+<span class="pagenum">Page 13</span><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13"></a>the trumpeter of death. If that's true, she's not long for this world.
+As to this little fellow, in spite of the Dutchman, who, in my opinion,
+is more of a Jacobite than a conjurer, and more of a knave than either,
+he shall never mount a horse foaled by an acorn, if I can help it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The course of the carpenter's meditations was here interrupted by a loud
+note of lamentation from the child, who, disturbed by the transfer, and
+not receiving the gentle solace to which he was ordinarily accustomed,
+raised his voice to the utmost, and exerted his feeble strength to
+escape. For a few moments Mr. Wood dandled his little charge to and fro,
+after the most approved nursery fashion, essaying at the same time the
+soothing influence of an infantine melody proper to the occasion; but,
+failing in his design, he soon lost all patience, and being, as we have
+before hinted, rather irritable, though extremely well-meaning, he
+lifted the unhappy bantling in the air, and shook him with so much good
+will, that he had well-nigh silenced him most effectually. A brief calm
+succeeded. But with returning breath came returning vociferations; and
+the carpenter, with a faint hope of lessening the clamour by change of
+scene, took up his lantern, opened the door, and walked out.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_1_II" id="CHAPTER_1_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Old Mint.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard's habitation terminated a row of old ruinous buildings,
+called Wheeler's Rents; a dirty thoroughfare, part street, and part
+lane, running from Mint Street, through a variety of turnings, and along
+the brink of a deep kennel, skirted by a number of petty and neglected
+gardens in the direction of Saint George's Fields. The neighbouring
+houses were tenanted by the lowest order of insolvent traders, thieves,
+mendicants, and other worthless and nefarious characters, who fled
+thither to escape from their creditors, or to avoid the punishment due
+to their different offenses; <span class="pagenum">Page 14</span><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14"></a>for we may observe that the Old Mint,
+although it had been divested of some of its privileges as a sanctuary
+by a recent statute passed in the reign of William the Third, still
+presented a safe asylum to the debtor, and even continued to do so until
+the middle of the reign of George the First, when the crying nature of
+the evil called loudly for a remedy, and another and more sweeping
+enactment entirely took away its immunities. In consequence of the
+encouragement thus offered to dishonesty, and the security afforded to
+crime, this quarter of the Borough of Southwark was accounted (at the
+period of our narrative) the grand receptacle of the superfluous
+villainy of the metropolis. Infested by every description of vagabond
+and miscreant, it was, perhaps, a few degrees worse than the rookery
+near Saint Giles's and the desperate neighbourhood of Saffron Hill in
+our own time. And yet, on the very site of the sordid tenements and
+squalid courts we have mentioned, where the felon openly made his
+dwelling, and the fraudulent debtor laughed the object of his knavery to
+scorn&mdash;on this spot, not two centuries ago, stood the princely residence
+of Charles Brandon, the chivalrous Duke of Suffolk, whose stout heart
+was a well of honour, and whose memory breathes of loyalty and valour.
+Suffolk House, as Brandon's palace was denominated, was subsequently
+converted into a mint by his royal brother-in-law, Henry the Eighth;
+and, after its demolition, and the removal of the place of coinage to
+the Tower, the name was still continued to the district in which it had
+been situated.</p>
+
+<p>Old and dilapidated, the widow's domicile looked the very picture of
+desolation and misery. Nothing more forlorn could be conceived. The roof
+was partially untiled; the chimneys were tottering; the side-walls
+bulged, and were supported by a piece of timber propped against the
+opposite house; the glass in most of the windows was broken, and its
+place supplied with paper; while, in some cases, the very frames of the
+windows had been destroyed, and the apertures were left free to the airs
+of heaven. On the groundfloor the shutters <span class="pagenum">Page 15</span><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15"></a>were closed, or, to speak
+more correctly, altogether nailed up, and presented a very singular
+appearance, being patched all over with the soles of old shoes, rusty
+hobnails, and bits of iron hoops, the ingenious device of the former
+occupant of the apartment, Paul Groves, the cobbler, to whom we have
+before alluded.</p>
+
+<p>It was owing to the untimely end of this poor fellow that Mrs. Sheppard
+was enabled to take possession of the premises. In a fit of despondency,
+superinduced by drunkenness, he made away with himself; and when the
+body was discovered, after a lapse of some months, such was the
+impression produced by the spectacle&mdash;such the alarm occasioned by the
+crazy state of the building, and, above all, by the terror inspired by
+strange and unearthly noises heard during the night, which were, of
+course, attributed to the spirit of the suicide, that the place speedily
+enjoyed the reputation of being haunted, and was, consequently, entirely
+abandoned. In this state Mrs. Sheppard found it; and, as no one opposed
+her, she at once took up her abode there; nor was she long in
+discovering that the dreaded sounds proceeded from the nocturnal gambols
+of a legion of rats.</p>
+
+<p>A narrow entry, formed by two low walls, communicated with the main
+thoroughfare; and in this passage, under the cover of a penthouse, stood
+Wood, with his little burthen, to whom we shall now return.</p>
+
+<p>As Mrs. Sheppard did not make her appearance quite so soon as he
+expected, the carpenter became a little fidgetty, and, having succeeded
+in tranquillizing the child, he thought proper to walk so far down the
+entry as would enable him to reconnoitre the upper windows of the house.
+A light was visible in the garret, feebly struggling through the damp
+atmosphere, for the night was raw and overcast. This light did not
+remain stationary, but could be seen at one moment glimmering through
+the rents in the roof, and at another shining through the cracks in the
+wall, or the broken panes of the casement. Wood was unable to discover
+the figure of the widow, but he recognised her dry, hacking <span class="pagenum">Page 16</span><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16"></a>cough, and
+was about to call her down, if she could not find the key, as he
+imagined must be the case, when a loud noise was heard, as though a
+chest, or some weighty substance, had fallen upon the floor.</p>
+
+<p>Before Wood had time to inquire into the cause of this sound, his
+attention was diverted by a man, who rushed past the entry with the
+swiftness of desperation. This individual apparently met with some
+impediment to his further progress; for he had not proceeded many steps
+when he turned suddenly about, and darted up the passage in which Wood
+stood.</p>
+
+<p>Uttering a few inarticulate ejaculations,&mdash;for he was completely out of
+breath,&mdash;the fugitive placed a bundle in the arms of the carpenter, and,
+regardless of the consternation he excited in the breast of that
+personage, who was almost stupified with astonishment, he began to
+divest himself of a heavy horseman's cloak, which he threw over Wood's
+shoulder, and, drawing his sword, seemed to listen intently for the
+approach of his pursuers.</p>
+
+<p>The appearance of the new-comer was extremely prepossessing; and, after
+his trepidation had a little subsided, Wood began to regard him with
+some degree of interest. Evidently in the flower of his age, he was
+scarcely less remarkable for symmetry of person than for comeliness of
+feature; and, though his attire was plain and unpretending, it was such
+as could be worn only by one belonging to the higher ranks of society.
+His figure was tall and commanding, and the expression of his
+countenance (though somewhat disturbed by his recent exertion) was
+resolute and stern.</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, a cry burst from the child, who, nearly smothered by
+the weight imposed upon him, only recovered the use of his lungs as Wood
+altered the position of the bundle. The stranger turned his head at the
+sound.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By Heaven!&quot; cried he in a tone of surprise, &quot;you have an infant there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To be sure I have,&quot; replied Wood, angrily; for, finding that the
+intentions of the stranger were pacific, so far as he was concerned, he
+thought he might safely <span class="pagenum">Page 17</span><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17"></a>venture on a slight display of spirit. &quot;It's
+very well you haven't crushed the poor little thing to death with this
+confounded clothes'-bag. But some people have no consideration.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That child may be the means of saving me,&quot; muttered the stranger, as if
+struck by a new idea: &quot;I shall gain time by the expedient. Do you live
+here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not exactly,&quot; answered the carpenter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No matter. The door is open, so it is needless to ask leave to enter.
+Ha!&quot; exclaimed the stranger, as shouts and other vociferations resounded
+at no great distance along the thoroughfare, &quot;not a moment is to be
+lost. Give me that precious charge,&quot; he added, snatching the bundle from
+Wood. &quot;If I escape, I will reward you. Your name?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Owen Wood,&quot; replied the carpenter; &quot;I've no reason to be ashamed of it.
+And now, a fair exchange, Sir. Yours?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The stranger hesitated. The shouts drew nearer, and lights were seen
+flashing ruddily against the sides and gables of the neighbouring
+houses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My name is Darrell,&quot; said the fugitive hastily. &quot;But, if you are
+discovered, answer no questions, as you value your life. Wrap yourself
+in my cloak, and keep it. Remember! not a word!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he huddled the mantle over Wood's shoulders, dashed the
+lantern to the ground, and extinguished the light. A moment afterwards,
+the door was closed and bolted, and the carpenter found himself alone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mercy on us!&quot; cried he, as a thrill of apprehension ran through his
+frame. &quot;The Dutchman was right, after all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This exclamation had scarcely escaped him, when the discharge of a
+pistol was heard, and a bullet whizzed past his ears.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have him!&quot; cried a voice in triumph.</p>
+
+<p>A man, then, rushed up the entry, and, seizing the unlucky carpenter by
+the collar, presented a drawn sword to his throat. This person was
+speedily followed <span class="pagenum">Page 18</span><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18"></a>by half a dozen others, some of whom carried
+flambeaux.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mur&mdash;der!&quot; roared Wood, struggling to free himself from his assailant,
+by whom he was half strangled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Damnation!&quot; exclaimed one of the leaders of the party in a furious
+tone, snatching a torch from an attendant, and throwing its light full
+upon the face of the carpenter; &quot;this is not the villain, Sir Cecil.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I find, Rowland,&quot; replied the other, in accents of deep
+disappointment, and at the same time relinquishing his grasp. &quot;I could
+have sworn I saw him enter this passage. And how comes his cloak on this
+knave's shoulders?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is his cloak, of a surety,&quot; returned Rowland &quot;Harkye, sirrah,&quot;
+continued he, haughtily interrogating Wood; &quot;where is the person from
+whom you received this mantle?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Throttling a man isn't the way to make him answer questions,&quot; replied
+the carpenter, doggedly. &quot;You'll get nothing out of me, I can promise
+you, unless you show a little more civility.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We waste time with this fellow,&quot; interposed Sir Cecil, &quot;and may lose
+the object of our quest, who, beyond doubt, has taken refuge in this
+building. Let us search it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Just then, the infant began to sob piteously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hist!&quot; cried Rowland, arresting his comrade. &quot;Do you hear that! We are
+not wholly at fault. The dog-fox cannot be far off, since the cub is
+found.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With these words, he tore the mantle from Wood's back, and, perceiving
+the child, endeavoured to seize it. In this attempt he was, however,
+foiled by the agility of the carpenter, who managed to retreat to the
+door, against which he placed his back, kicking the boards vigorously
+with his heel.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Joan! Joan!&quot; vociferated he, &quot;open the door, for God's sake, or I shall
+be murdered, and so will your babby! Open the door quickly, I say.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Knock him on the head,&quot; thundered Sir Cecil, &quot;or we shall have the
+watch upon us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 19</span><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19"></a>No fear of that,&quot; rejoined Rowland: &quot;such vermin never dare to show
+themselves in this privileged district. All we have to apprehend is a
+rescue.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The hint was not lost upon Wood. He tried to raise an outcry, but his
+throat was again forcibly griped by Rowland.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Another such attempt,&quot; said the latter, &quot;and you are a dead man. Yield
+up the babe, and I pledge my word you shall remain unmolested.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will yield it to no one but its mother,&quot; answered Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Sdeath! do you trifle with me, sirrah?&quot; cried Rowland fiercely. &quot;Give
+me the child, or&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke the door was thrown open, and Mrs. Sheppard staggered
+forward. She looked paler than ever; but her countenance, though
+bewildered, did not exhibit the alarm which might naturally have been
+anticipated from the strange and perplexing scene presented to her view.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take it,&quot; cried Wood, holding the infant towards her; &quot;take it, and
+fly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard put out her arms mechanically. But before the child could
+be committed to her care, it was wrested from the carpenter by Rowland.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;These people are all in league with him,&quot; cried the latter. &quot;But don't
+wait for me, Sir Cecil. Enter the house with your men. I'll dispose of
+the brat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This injunction was instantly obeyed. The knight and his followers
+crossed the threshold, leaving one of the torch-bearers behind them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Davies,&quot; said Rowland, delivering the babe, with a meaning look, to his
+attendant.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I understand, Sir,&quot; replied Davies, drawing a little aside. And,
+setting down the link, he proceeded deliberately to untie his cravat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My God! will you see your child strangled before your eyes, and not so
+much as scream for help?&quot; said Wood, staring at the widow with a look of
+surprise and horror. &quot;Woman, your wits are fled!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 20</span><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20"></a>And so it seemed; for all the answer she could make was to murmur
+distractedly, &quot;I can't find the key.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Devil take the key!&quot; ejaculated Wood. &quot;They're about to murder your
+child&mdash;<i>your</i> child, I tell you! Do you comprehend what I say, Joan?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've hurt my head,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard, pressing her hand to her
+temples.</p>
+
+<p>And then, for the first time, Wood noticed a small stream of blood
+coursing slowly down her cheek.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Davies, who had completed his preparations, extinguished
+the torch.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's all over,&quot; groaned Wood, &quot;and perhaps it's as well her senses are
+gone. However, I'll make a last effort to save the poor little creature,
+if it costs me my life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And, with this generous resolve, he shouted at the top of his voice,
+&quot;Arrest! arrest! help! help!&quot; seconding the words with a shrill and
+peculiar cry, well known at the time to the inhabitants of the quarter
+in which it was uttered.</p>
+
+<p>In reply to this summons a horn was instantly blown at the corner of the
+street.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Arrest!&quot; vociferated Wood. &quot;Mint! Mint!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Death and hell!&quot; cried Rowland, making a furious pass at the carpenter,
+who fortunately avoided the thrust in the darkness; &quot;will nothing
+silence you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Help!&quot; ejaculated Wood, renewing his cries. &quot;Arrest!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jigger closed!&quot; shouted a hoarse voice in reply. &quot;All's bowman, my
+covey. Fear nothing. We'll be upon the ban-dogs before they can shake
+their trotters!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And the alarm was sounded more loudly than ever.</p>
+
+<p>Another horn now resounded from the further extremity of the
+thoroughfare; this was answered by a third; and presently a fourth, and
+more remote blast, took up the note of alarm. The whole neighbourhood
+was disturbed. A garrison called to arms at dead of night on the sudden
+approach of the enemy, could not have been more expeditiously, or
+effectually aroused. Rattles were sprung; lanterns lighted, and hoisted
+at the end of poles; windows thrown open; doors unbarred; <span class="pagenum">Page 21</span><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21"></a>and, as if by
+magic, the street was instantaneously filled with a crowd of persons of
+both sexes, armed with such weapons as came most readily to hand, and
+dressed in such garments as could be most easily slipped on. Hurrying in
+the direction of the supposed arrest, they encouraged each other with
+shouts, and threatened the offending parties with their vengeance.</p>
+
+<p>Regardless as the gentry of the Mint usually were (for, indeed, they had
+become habituated from their frequent occurrence to such scenes,) of any
+outrages committed in their streets; deaf, as they had been, to the
+recent scuffle before Mrs. Sheppard's door, they were always
+sufficiently on the alert to maintain their privileges, and to assist
+each other against the attacks of their common enemy&mdash;the sheriff's
+officer. It was only by the adoption of such a course (especially since
+the late act of suppression, to which we have alluded,) that the
+inviolability of the asylum could be preserved. Incursions were often
+made upon its territories by the functionaries of the law; sometimes
+attended with success, but more frequently with discomfiture; and it
+rarely happened, unless by stratagem or bribery, that (in the language
+of the gentlemen of the short staff) an important caption could be
+effected. In order to guard against accidents or surprises, watchmen, or
+scouts, (as they were styled,) were stationed at the three main outlets
+of the sanctuary ready to give the signal in the manner just described:
+bars were erected, which, in case of emergency; could be immediately
+stretched across the streets: doors were attached to the alleys; and
+were never opened without due precautions; gates were affixed to the
+courts, wickets to the gates, and bolts to the wickets. The back windows
+of the houses (where any such existed) were strongly barricaded, and
+kept constantly shut; and the fortress was, furthermore, defended by
+high walls and deep ditches in those quarters where it appeared most
+exposed. There was also a Maze, (the name is still retained in the
+district,) into which the debtor could run, and through the intricacies
+of which it was impossible for an officer <span class="pagenum">Page 22</span><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22"></a>to follow him, without a
+clue. Whoever chose to incur the risk of so doing might enter the Mint
+at any hour; but no one was suffered to depart without giving a
+satisfactory account of himself, or producing a pass from the Master. In
+short, every contrivance that ingenuity could devise was resorted to by
+this horde of reprobates to secure themselves from danger or
+molestation. Whitefriars had lost its privileges; Salisbury Court and
+the Savoy no longer offered places of refuge to the debtor; and it was,
+therefore, doubly requisite that the Island of Bermuda (as the Mint was
+termed by its occupants) should uphold its rights, as long as it was
+able to do so.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood, meantime, had not remained idle. Aware that not a moment was
+to be lost, if he meant to render any effectual assistance to the child,
+he ceased shouting, and defending himself in the best way he could from
+the attacks of Rowland, by whom he was closely pressed, forced his way,
+in spite of all opposition, to Davies, and dealt him a blow on the head
+with such good will that, had it not been for the intervention of the
+wall, the ruffian must have been prostrated. Before he could recover
+from the stunning effects of the blow, Wood possessed himself of the
+child: and, untying the noose which had been slipped round its throat,
+had the satisfaction of hearing it cry lustily.</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, Sir Cecil and his followers appeared at the threshold.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He has escaped!&quot; exclaimed the knight; &quot;we have searched every corner
+of the house without finding a trace of him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Back!&quot; cried Rowland. &quot;Don't you hear those shouts? Yon fellow's
+clamour has brought the whole horde of jail-birds and cut-throats that
+infest this place about our ears. We shall be torn in pieces if we are
+discovered. Davies!&quot; he added, calling to the attendant, who was
+menacing Wood with a severe retaliation, &quot;don't heed him; but, if you
+value a whole skin, come into the house, and bring that woman with you.
+She may afford us some necessary information.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 23</span><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23"></a>Davies reluctantly complied. And, dragging Mrs. Sheppard, who made no
+resistance, along with him, entered the house, the door of which was
+instantly shut and barricaded.</p>
+
+<p>A moment afterwards, the street was illumined by a blaze of torchlight,
+and a tumultuous uproar, mixed with the clashing of weapons, and the
+braying of horns, announced the arrival of the first detachment of
+Minters.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood rushed instantly to meet them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hurrah!&quot; shouted he, waving his hat triumphantly over his head.
+&quot;Saved!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, ay, it's all bob, my covey! You're safe enough, that's certain!&quot;
+responded the Minters, baying, yelping, leaping, and howling around him
+like a pack of hounds when the huntsman is beating cover; &quot;but, where
+are the lurchers?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who?&quot; asked Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The traps!&quot; responded a bystander.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The shoulder-clappers!&quot; added a lady, who, in her anxiety to join the
+party, had unintentionally substituted her husband's nether habiliments
+for her own petticoats.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The ban-dogs!&quot; thundered a tall man, whose stature and former
+avocations had procured him the nickname of &quot;The long drover of the
+Borough market.&quot; &quot;Where are they?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, where are they?&quot; chorussed the mob, flourishing their various
+weapons, and flashing their torches in the air; &quot;we'll starve 'em out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood trembled. He felt he had raised a storm which it would be very
+difficult, if not impossible, to allay. He knew not what to say, or what
+to do; and his confusion was increased by the threatening gestures and
+furious looks of the ruffians in his immediate vicinity.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't understand you, gentlemen,&quot; stammered he, at length.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What does he say?&quot; roared the long drover.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He says he don't understand flash,&quot; replied the lady in gentleman's
+attire.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Cease your confounded clutter!&quot; said a young man, whose swarthy visage,
+seen in the torchlight, struck <span class="pagenum">Page 24</span><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24"></a>Wood as being that of a Mulatto. &quot;You
+frighten the cull out of his senses. It's plain he don't understand our
+lingo; as, how should he? Take pattern by me;&quot; and as he said this he
+strode up to the carpenter, and, slapping him on the shoulder,
+propounded the following questions, accompanying each interrogation with
+a formidable contortion of countenance. &quot;Curse you! Where are the
+bailiffs? Rot you! have you lost your tongue? Devil seize you! you could
+bawl loud enough a moment ago!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Silence, Blueskin!&quot; interposed an authoritative voice, immediately
+behind the ruffian. &quot;Let me have a word with the cull!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay! ay!&quot; cried several of the bystanders, &quot;let Jonathan kimbaw the
+cove. He's got the gift of the gab.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The crowd accordingly drew aside, and the individual, in whose behalf
+the movement had been made immediately stepped forward. He was a young
+man of about two-and-twenty, who, without having anything remarkable
+either in dress or appearance, was yet a noticeable person, if only for
+the indescribable expression of cunning pervading his countenance. His
+eyes were small and grey; as far apart and as sly-looking as those of a
+fox. A physiognomist, indeed, would have likened him to that crafty
+animal, and it must be owned the general formation of his features
+favoured such a comparison. The nose was long and sharp, the chin
+pointed, the forehead broad and flat, and connected, without any
+intervening hollow, with the eyelid; the teeth when displayed, seemed to
+reach from ear to ear. Then his beard was of a reddish hue, and his
+complexion warm and sanguine. Those who had seen him slumbering, averred
+that he slept with his eyes open. But this might be merely a figurative
+mode of describing his customary vigilance. Certain it was, that the
+slightest sound aroused him. This astute personage was somewhat under
+the middle size, but fairly proportioned, inclining rather to strength
+than symmetry, and abounding more in muscle than in flesh.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 25</span><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25"></a>It would seem, from the attention which he evidently bestowed upon the
+hidden and complex machinery of the grand system of villany at work
+around him, that his chief object in taking up his quarters in the Mint,
+must have been to obtain some private information respecting the habits
+and practices of its inhabitants, to be turned to account hereafter.</p>
+
+<p>Advancing towards Wood, Jonathan fixed his keen gray eyes upon him, and
+demanded, in a stern tone whether the persons who had taken refuge in
+the adjoining house, were bailiffs.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not that I know of,&quot; replied the carpenter, who had in some degree
+recovered his confidence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then I presume you've not been arrested?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have not,&quot; answered Wood firmly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I guessed as much. Perhaps you'll next inform us why you have
+occasioned this disturbance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Because this child's life was threatened by the persons you have
+mentioned,&quot; rejoined Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;An excellent reason, i' faith!&quot; exclaimed Blueskin, with a roar of
+surprise and indignation, which was echoed by the whole assemblage. &quot;And
+so we're to be summoned from our beds and snug firesides, because a kid
+happens to squall, eh? By the soul of my grandmother, but this is too
+good!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you intend to claim the privileges of the Mint?&quot; said Jonathan,
+calmly pursuing his interrogations amid the uproar. &quot;Is your person in
+danger?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not from my creditors,&quot; replied Wood, significantly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will he post the cole? Will he come down with the dues? Ask him that?&quot;
+cried Blueskin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You hear,&quot; pursued Jonathan; &quot;my friend desires to know if you are
+willing to pay your footing as a member of the ancient and respectable
+fraternity of debtors?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I owe no man a farthing, and my name shall never appear in any such
+rascally list,&quot; replied Wood angrily. &quot;I don't see why I should be
+obliged to pay for doing my duty. I tell you this child would have been
+strangled. The noose was at its throat when I called for help. <span class="pagenum">Page 26</span><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26"></a>I knew
+it was in vain to cry 'murder!' in the Mint, so I had recourse to
+stratagem.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Sir, I must say you deserve some credit for your ingenuity, at
+all events,&quot; replied Jonathan, repressing a smile; &quot;but, before you put
+out your foot so far, it would have been quite as prudent to consider
+how you were to draw it back again. For my own part, I don't see in what
+way it is to be accomplished, except by the payment of our customary
+fees. Do not imagine you can at one moment avail yourself of our
+excellent regulations (with which you seem sufficiently well
+acquainted), and the next break them with impunity. If you assume the
+character of a debtor for your own convenience, you must be content to
+maintain it for ours. If you have not been arrested, we have been
+disturbed; and it is but just and reasonable you should pay for
+occasioning such disturbance. By your own showing you are in easy
+circumstances,&mdash;for it is only natural to presume that a man who owes
+nothing must be in a condition to pay liberally,&mdash;and you cannot
+therefore feel the loss of such a trifle as ten guineas.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>However illogical and inconclusive these arguments might appear to Mr.
+Wood, and however he might dissent from the latter proposition, he did
+not deem it expedient to make any reply; and the orator proceeded with
+his harangue amid the general applause of the assemblage.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am perhaps exceeding my authority in demanding so slight a sum,&quot;
+continued Jonathan, modestly, &quot;and the Master of the Mint may not be
+disposed to let you off so lightly. He will be here in a moment or so,
+and you will then learn his determination. In the mean time, let me
+advise you as a friend not to irritate him by a refusal, which would be
+as useless as vexatious. He has a very summary mode of dealing with
+refractory persons, I assure you. My best endeavours shall be used to
+bring you off, on the easy terms I have mentioned.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you call ten guineas easy terms?&quot; cried Wood, with a look of dismay.
+&quot;Why, I should expect <span class="pagenum">Page 27</span><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27"></a>to purchase the entire freehold of the Mint for
+less money.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Many a man has been glad to pay double the amount to get his head from
+under the Mint pump,&quot; observed Blueskin, gruffly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let the gentleman take his own course,&quot; said Jonathan, mildly. &quot;I
+should be sorry to persuade him to do anything his calmer judgment might
+disapprove.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Exactly my sentiments,&quot; rejoined Blueskin. &quot;I wouldn't force him for
+the world: but if he don't tip the stivers, may I be cursed if he don't
+get a taste of the <i>aqua pompaginis</i>. Let's have a look at the kinchen
+that <i>ought</i> to have been throttled,&quot; added he, snatching the child from
+Wood. &quot;My stars! here's a pretty lullaby-cheat to make a fuss about&mdash;ho!
+ho!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Deal with me as you think proper, gentlemen,&quot; exclaimed Wood; &quot;but, for
+mercy's sake don't harm the child! Let it be taken to its mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And who is its mother?&quot; asked Jonathan, in an eager whisper. &quot;Tell me
+frankly, and speak under your breath. Your own safety&mdash;the child's
+safety&mdash;depends upon your candour.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>While Mr. Wood underwent this examination, Blueskin felt a small and
+trembling hand placed upon his own, and, turning at the summons, beheld
+a young female, whose features were partially concealed by a loo, or
+half mask, standing beside him. Coarse as were the ruffian's notions of
+feminine beauty, he could not be insensible to the surpassing loveliness
+of the fair creature, who had thus solicited his attention. Her figure
+was, in some measure, hidden by a large scarf, and a deep hood drawn
+over the head contributed to her disguise; still it was evident, from
+her lofty bearing, that she had nothing in common, except an interest in
+their proceedings, with the crew by whom she was surrounded.</p>
+
+<p>Whence she came,&mdash;who she was,&mdash;and what she wanted,&mdash;were questions
+which naturally suggested themselves to Blueskin, and he was about to
+seek for some explanation, when his curiosity was checked by a gesture
+of silence from the lady.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 28</span><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28"></a>Hush!&quot; said she, in a low, but agitated voice; &quot;would you earn this
+purse?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've no objection,&quot; replied Blueskin, in a tone intended to be gentle,
+but which sounded like the murmuring whine of a playful bear. &quot;How much
+is there in it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It contains gold,&quot; replied the lady; &quot;but I will add this ring.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What am I to do to earn it?&quot; asked Blueskin, with a disgusting
+leer,&mdash;&quot;cut a throat&mdash;or throw myself at your feet&mdash;eh, my dear?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Give me that child,&quot; returned the lady, with difficulty overcoming the
+loathing inspired by the ruffian's familiarity.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! I see!&quot; replied Blueskin, winking significantly, &quot;Come nearer, or
+they'll observe us. Don't be afraid&mdash;I won't hurt you. I'm always
+agreeable to the women, bless their kind hearts! Now! slip the purse
+into my hand. Bravo!&mdash;the best cly-faker of 'em all couldn't have done
+it better. And now for the fawney&mdash;the ring I mean. I'm no great judge
+of these articles, Ma'am; but I trust to your honour not to palm off
+paste upon me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is a diamond,&quot; said the lady, in an agony of distress,&mdash;&quot;the child!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A diamond! Here, take the kid,&quot; cried Blueskin, slipping the infant
+adroitly under her scarf. &quot;And so this is a diamond,&quot; added he,
+contemplating the brilliant from the hollow of his hand: &quot;it does
+sparkle almost as brightly as your ogles. By the by, my dear, I forgot
+to ask your name&mdash;perhaps you'll oblige me with it now? Hell and the
+devil!&mdash;gone!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He looked around in vain. The lady had disappeared.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_1_III" id="CHAPTER_1_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Master of the Mint.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Jonathan, meanwhile, having ascertained the parentage of the child from
+Wood, proceeded to question him <span class="pagenum">Page 29</span><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29"></a>in an under tone, as to the probable
+motives of the attempt upon its life; and, though he failed in obtaining
+any information on this point, he had little difficulty in eliciting
+such particulars of the mysterious transaction as have already been
+recounted. When the carpenter concluded his recital, Jonathan was for a
+moment lost in reflection.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Devilish strange!&quot; thought he, chuckling to himself; &quot;queer business!
+Capital trick of the cull in the cloak to make another person's brat
+stand the brunt for his own&mdash;capital! ha! ha! Won't do, though. He must
+be a sly fox to get out of the Mint without my knowledge. I've a shrewd
+guess where he's taken refuge; but I'll ferret him out. These bloods
+will pay well for his capture; if not, <i>he'll</i> pay well to get out of
+their hands; so I'm safe either way&mdash;ha! ha! Blueskin,&quot; he added aloud,
+and motioning that worthy, &quot;follow me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Upon which, he set off in the direction of the entry. His progress,
+however, was checked by loud acclamations, announcing the arrival of the
+Master of the Mint and his train.</p>
+
+<p>Baptist Kettleby (for so was the Master named) was a &quot;goodly portly man,
+and a corpulent,&quot; whose fair round paunch bespoke the affection he
+entertained for good liquor and good living. He had a quick, shrewd,
+merry eye, and a look in which duplicity was agreeably veiled by good
+humour. It was easy to discover that he was a knave, but equally easy to
+perceive that he was a pleasant fellow; a combination of qualities by no
+means of rare occurrence. So far as regards his attire, Baptist was not
+seen to advantage. No great lover of state or state costume at any time,
+he was generally, towards the close of an evening, completely in
+dishabille, and in this condition he now presented himself to his
+subjects. His shirt was unfastened, his vest unbuttoned, his hose
+ungartered; his feet were stuck into a pair of pantoufles, his arms into
+a greasy flannel dressing-gown, his head into a thrum-cap, the cap into
+a tie-periwig, and the wig into a gold-edged hat. A white apron was tied
+round his waist, and into <span class="pagenum">Page 30</span><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30"></a>the apron was thrust a short thick truncheon,
+which looked very much like a rolling-pin.</p>
+
+<p>The Master of the Mint was accompanied by another gentleman almost as
+portly as himself, and quite as deliberate in his movements. The costume
+of this personage was somewhat singular, and might have passed for a
+masquerading habit, had not the imperturbable gravity of his demeanour
+forbidden any such supposition. It consisted of a close jerkin of brown
+frieze, ornamented with a triple row of brass buttons; loose Dutch
+slops, made very wide in the seat and very tight at the knees; red
+stockings with black clocks, and a fur cap. The owner of this dress had
+a broad weather-beaten face, small twinkling eyes, and a bushy, grizzled
+beard. Though he walked by the side of the governor, he seldom exchanged
+a word with him, but appeared wholly absorbed in the contemplations
+inspired by a broadbowled Dutch pipe.</p>
+
+<p>Behind the illustrious personages just described marched a troop of
+stalwart fellows, with white badges in their hats, quarterstaves, oaken
+cudgels, and links in their hands. These were the Master's body-guard.</p>
+
+<p>Advancing towards the Master, and claiming an audience, which was
+instantly granted, Jonathan, without much circumlocution, related the
+sum of the strange story he had just learnt from Wood, omitting nothing
+except a few trifling particulars, which he thought it politic to keep
+back; and, with this view, he said not a word of there being any
+probability of capturing the fugitive, but, on the contrary, roundly
+asserted that his informant had witnessed that person's escape.</p>
+
+<p>The Master listened, with becoming attention, to the narrative, and, at
+its conclusion, shook his head gravely, applied his thumb to the side of
+his nose, and, twirling his fingers significantly, winked at his
+phlegmatic companion. The gentleman appealed to shook his head in reply,
+coughed as only a Dutchman <i>can</i> cough, and raising his hand from the
+bowl of his pipe, went through precisely the same mysterious ceremonial
+as the Master.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 31</span><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31"></a>Putting his own construction upon this mute interchange of opinions,
+Jonathan ventured to observe, that it certainly was a very perplexing
+case, but that he thought something <i>might</i> be made of it, and, if left
+to him, he would undertake to manage the matter to the Master's entire
+satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ja, ja, Muntmeester,&quot; said the Dutchman, removing the pipe from his
+mouth, and speaking in a deep and guttural voice, &quot;leave the affair to
+Johannes. He'll settle it bravely. And let ush go back to our brandewyn,
+and hollandsche genever. Dese ere not schouts, as you faind, but jonkers
+on a vrolyk; and if dey'd chanshed to keel de vrow Sheppard's pet lamb,
+dey'd have done her a servish, by shaving it from dat unpleasant
+complaint, de hempen fever, with which its laatter days are threatened,
+and of which its poor vader died. Myn Got! haanging runs in some
+families, Muntmeester. It's hereditary, like de jigt, vat you call
+it&mdash;gout&mdash;haw! haw!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If the child <i>is</i> destined to the gibbet, Van Galgebrok,&quot; replied the
+Master, joining in the laugh, &quot;it'll never be choked by a footman's
+cravat, that's certain; but, in regard to going back empty-handed,&quot;
+continued he, altering his tone, and assuming a dignified air, &quot;it's
+quite out of the question. With Baptist Kettleby, to engage in a matter
+is to go through with it. Besides, this is an affair which no one but
+myself can settle. Common offences may be decided upon by deputy; but
+outrages perpetrated by men of rank, as these appear to be, must be
+judged by the Master of the Mint in person. These are the decrees of the
+Island of Bermuda, and I will never suffer its excellent laws to be
+violated. Gentlemen of the Mint,&quot; added he, pointing with his truncheon
+towards Mrs. Sheppard's house, &quot;forward!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hurrah!&quot; shouted the mob, and the whole phalanx was put in motion in
+that direction. At the same moment a martial flourish, proceeding from
+cow's horns, tin canisters filled with stones, bladders and cat-gut,
+with other sprightly, instruments, was struck up, and, enlivened by this
+harmonious accompaniment, the <span class="pagenum">Page 32</span><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32"></a>troop reached its destination in the best
+possible spirits for an encounter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let us in,&quot; said the Master, rapping his truncheon authoritatively
+against the boards, &quot;or we'll force an entrance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But as no answer was returned to the summons, though it was again, and
+more peremptorily, repeated, Baptist seized a mallet from a bystander
+and burst open the door. Followed by Van Galgebrok and others of his
+retinue, he then rushed into the room, where Rowland, Sir Cecil, and
+their attendants, stood with drawn swords prepared to receive them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Beat down their blades,&quot; cried the Master; &quot;no bloodshed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Beat out their brains, you mean,&quot; rejoined Blueskin with a tremendous
+imprecation; &quot;no half measures now, Master.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hadn't you better hold a moment's parley with the gentlemen before
+proceeding to extremities?&quot; suggested Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Agreed,&quot; responded the Master. &quot;Surely,&quot; he added, staring at Rowland,
+&quot;either I'm greatly mistaken, or it is&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are not mistaken, Baptist,&quot; returned Rowland with a gesture of
+silence; &quot;it is your old friend. I'm glad to recognise you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I'm glad your worship's recognition doesn't come too late,&quot;
+observed the Master. &quot;But why didn't you make yourself known at once?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'd forgotten the office you hold in the Mint, Baptist,&quot; replied
+Rowland. &quot;But clear the room of this rabble, if you have sufficient
+authority over them. I would speak with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's but one way of clearing it, your worship,&quot; said the Master,
+archly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I understand,&quot; replied Rowland. &quot;Give them what you please. I'll repay
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's all right, pals,&quot; cried Baptist, in a loud tone; &quot;the gentlemen
+and I have settled matters. No more scuffling.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 33</span><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33"></a>What's the meaning of all this?&quot; demanded Sir Cecil. &quot;How have you
+contrived to still these troubled waters?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've chanced upon an old ally in the Master of the Mint,&quot; answered
+Rowland. &quot;We may trust him,&quot; he added in a whisper; &quot;he is a staunch
+friend of the good cause.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Blueskin, clear the room,&quot; cried the Master; &quot;these gentlemen would be
+private. They've <i>paid</i> for their lodging. Where's Jonathan?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Inquiries were instantly made after that individual, but he was nowhere
+to be found.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Strange!&quot; observed the Master; &quot;I thought he'd been at my elbow all
+this time. But it don't much matter&mdash;though he's a devilish shrewd
+fellow, and might have helped me out of a difficulty, had any occurred.
+Hark ye, Blueskin,&quot; continued he, addressing that personage, who, in
+obedience to his commands, had, with great promptitude, driven out the
+rabble, and again secured the door, &quot;a word in your ear. What female
+entered the house with us?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Blood and thunder!&quot; exclaimed Blueskin, afraid, if he admitted having
+seen the lady, of being compelled to divide the plunder he had obtained
+from her among his companions, &quot;how should I know? D'ye suppose I'm
+always thinking of the petticoats? I observed no female; but if any one
+<i>did</i> join the assault, it must have been either Amazonian Kate, or
+Fighting Moll.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The woman I mean did not join the assault,&quot; rejoined the Master, &quot;but
+rather seemed to shun observation; and, from the hasty glimpse I caught
+of her, she appeared to have a child in her arms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then, most probably, it was the widow Sheppard,&quot; answered Blueskin,
+sulkily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Right,&quot; said the Master, &quot;I didn't think of her. And now I've another
+job for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Propose it,&quot; returned Blueskin, inclining his head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Square accounts with the rascal who got up the sham arrest; and, if he
+don't tip the cole without more ado, give him a taste of the pump,
+that's all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 34</span><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34"></a>He shall go through the whole course,&quot; replied Blueskin, with a
+ferocious grin, &quot;unless he comes down to the last grig. We'll lather him
+with mud, shave him with a rusty razor, and drench him with <i>aqua
+pompaginis</i>. Master, your humble servant.&mdash;Gentlemen, your most
+obsequious trout.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Having effected his object, which was to get rid of Blueskin, Baptist
+turned to Rowland and Sir Cecil, who had watched his proceedings with
+much impatience, and remarked, &quot;Now, gentlemen, the coast's clear; we've
+nothing to interrupt us. I'm entirely at your service.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_1_IV" id="CHAPTER_1_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Roof and the Window.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Leaving them to pursue their conference, we shall follow the footsteps
+of Jonathan, who, as the Master surmised, and, as we have intimated, had
+unquestionably entered the house. But at the beginning of the affray,
+when he thought every one was too much occupied with his own concerns to
+remark his absence, he slipped out of the room, not for the purpose of
+avoiding the engagement (for cowardice was not one of his failings), but
+because he had another object in view. Creeping stealthily up stairs,
+unmasking a dark lantern, and glancing into each room as he passed, he
+was startled in one of them by the appearance of Mrs. Sheppard, who
+seemed to be crouching upon the floor. Satisfied, however, that she did
+not notice him, Jonathan glided away as noiselessly as he came, and
+ascended another short flight of stairs leading to the garret. As he
+crossed this chamber, his foot struck against something on the floor,
+which nearly threw him down, and stooping to examine the object, he
+found it was a key. &quot;Never throw away a chance,&quot; thought Jonathan. &quot;Who
+knows but this key may open a golden lock one of these days?&quot; And,
+picking it up, he thrust it into his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>Arrived beneath an aperture in the broken roof, he was preparing to pass
+through it, when he observed a <span class="pagenum">Page 35</span><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35"></a>little heap of tiles upon the floor,
+which appeared to have been recently dislodged. &quot;He <i>has</i> passed this
+way,&quot; cried Jonathan, exultingly; &quot;I have him safe enough.&quot; He then
+closed the lantern, mounted without much difficulty upon the roof, and
+proceeded cautiously along the tiles.</p>
+
+<p>The night was now profoundly dark. Jonathan had to feel his way. A
+single false step might have precipitated him into the street; or, if he
+had trodden upon an unsound part of the roof, he must have fallen
+through it. He had nothing to guide him; for though the torches were
+blazing ruddily below, their gleam fell only on the side of the
+building. The venturous climber gazed for a moment at the assemblage
+beneath, to ascertain that he was not discovered; and, having satisfied
+himself in this particular, he stepped out more boldly. On gaining a
+stack of chimneys at the back of the house, he came to a pause, and
+again unmasked his lantern. Nothing, however, could be discerned, except
+the crumbling brickwork. &quot;Confusion!&quot; ejaculated Jonathan: &quot;can he have
+escaped? No. The walls are too high, and the windows too stoutly
+barricaded in this quarter, to admit such a supposition. He can't be far
+off. I shall find him yet. Ah! I have it,&quot; he added, after a moment's
+deliberation; &quot;he's there, I'll be sworn.&quot; And, once more enveloping
+himself in darkness, he pursued his course.</p>
+
+<p>He had now reached the adjoining house, and, scaling the roof,
+approached another building, which seemed to be, at least, one story
+loftier than its neighbours. Apparently, Jonathan was well acquainted
+with the premises; for, feeling about in the dark, he speedily
+discovered a ladder, up the steps of which he hurried. Drawing a pistol,
+and unclosing his lantern with the quickness of thought, he then burst
+through an open trap-door into a small loft.</p>
+
+<p>The light fell upon the fugitive, who stood before him in an attitude of
+defence, with the child in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aha!&quot; exclaimed Jonathan, acting upon the information he had obtained
+from Wood; &quot;I have found you at last. Your servant, Mr. Darrell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 36</span><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36"></a>Who are you!&quot; demanded the fugitive, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A friend,&quot; replied Jonathan, uncocking the pistol, and placing it in
+his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How do I know you are a friend?&quot; asked Darrell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What should I do here alone if I were an enemy? But, come, don't let us
+waste time in bandying words, when we might employ it so much more
+profitably. Your life, and that of your child, are in my power. What
+will you give me to save you from your pursuers?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>Can</i> you do so?&quot; asked the other, doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can, and will. Now, the reward?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have but an ill-furnished purse. But if I escape, my gratitude&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pshaw!&quot; interrupted Jonathan, scornfully. &quot;Your gratitude will vanish
+with your danger. Pay fools with promises. I must have something in
+hand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shall have all I have about me,&quot; replied Darrell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well&mdash;well,&quot; grumbled Jonathan, &quot;I suppose I must be content. An
+ill-lined purse is a poor recompense for the risk I have run. However,
+come along. I needn't tell you to tread carefully. You know the danger
+of this breakneck road as well as I do. The light would betray us.&quot; So
+saying, he closed the lantern.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Harkye, Sir,&quot; rejoined Darrell; &quot;one word before I move. I know not who
+you are; and, as I cannot discern your face, I may be doing you an
+injustice. But there is something in your voice that makes me distrust
+you. If you attempt to play the traitor, you will do so at the hazard of
+your life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have already hazarded my life in this attempt to save you,&quot; returned
+Jonathan boldly, and with apparent frankness; &quot;this ought to be
+sufficient answer to your doubts. Your pursuers are below. What was to
+hinder me, if I had been so inclined, from directing them to your
+retreat?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Enough,&quot; replied Darrell. &quot;Lead on!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Followed by Darrell, Jonathan retraced his dangerous path. As he
+approached the gable of Mrs. Sheppard's house, loud yells and
+vociferations reached his ears; and, looking downwards, he perceived a
+great stir <span class="pagenum">Page 37</span><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37"></a>amid the mob. The cause of this uproar was soon manifest.
+Blueskin and the Minters were dragging Wood to the pump. The unfortunate
+carpenter struggled violently, but ineffectually. His hat was placed
+upon one pole, his wig on another. His shouts for help were answered by
+roars of mockery and laughter. He continued alternately to be tossed in
+the air, or rolled in the kennel until he was borne out of sight. The
+spectacle seemed to afford as much amusement to Jonathan as to the
+actors engaged in it. He could not contain his satisfaction, but
+chuckled, and rubbed his hands with delight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By Heaven!&quot; cried Darrell, &quot;it is the poor fellow whom I placed in such
+jeopardy a short time ago. I am the cause of his ill-usage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To be sure you are,&quot; replied Jonathan, laughing. &quot;But, what of that?
+It'll be a lesson to him in future, and will show him the folly of doing
+a good-natured action!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But perceiving that his companion did not relish his pleasantry and
+fearing that his sympathy for the carpenter's situation might betray him
+into some act of imprudence, Jonathan, without further remark, and by
+way of putting an end to the discussion, let himself drop through the
+roof. His example was followed by Darrell. But, though the latter was
+somewhat embarrassed by his burthen, he peremptorily declined Jonathan's
+offer of assistance. Both, however, having safely landed, they
+cautiously crossed the room, and passed down the first flight of steps
+in silence. At this moment, a door was opened below; lights gleamed on
+the walls; and the figures of Rowland and Sir Cecil were distinguished
+at the foot of the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>Darrell stopped, and drew his sword.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have betrayed me,&quot; said he, in a deep whisper, to his companion;
+&quot;but you shall reap the reward of your treachery.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be still!&quot; returned Jonathan, in the same under tone, and with great
+self-possession: &quot;I can yet save you. And see!&quot; he added, as the figures
+drew back, and the lights disappeared; &quot;it's a false alarm. They <span class="pagenum">Page 38</span><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38"></a>have
+retired. However, not a moment is to be lost. Give me your hand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He then hurried Darrell down another short flight of steps, and entered
+a small chamber at the back of the house. Closing the door, Jonathan
+next produced his lantern, and, hastening towards the window, undrew a
+bolt by which it was fastened. A stout wooden shutter, opening inwardly,
+being removed, disclosed a grating of iron bars. This obstacle, which
+appeared to preclude the possibility of egress in that quarter, was
+speedily got rid of. Withdrawing another bolt, and unhooking a chain
+suspended from the top of the casement, Jonathan pushed the iron
+framework outwards. The bars dropped noiselessly and slowly down, till
+the chain tightened at the staple.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are free,&quot; said he, &quot;that grating forms a ladder, by which you may
+descend in safety. I learned the trick of the place from one Paul
+Groves, who used to live here, and who contrived the machine. He used to
+call it his fire-escape&mdash;ha! ha! I've often used the ladder for my own
+convenience, but I never expected to turn it to such good account. And
+now, Sir, have I kept faith with you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have,&quot; replied Darrell. &quot;Here is my purse; and I trust you will let
+me know to whom I am indebted for this important service.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It matters not who I am,&quot; replied Jonathan, taking the money. &quot;As I
+said before, I have little reliance upon <i>professions</i> of gratitude.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know not how it is,&quot; sighed Darrell, &quot;but I feel an unaccountable
+misgiving at quitting this place. Something tells me I am rushing on
+greater danger.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You know best,&quot; replied Jonathan, sneeringly; &quot;but if I were in your
+place I would take the chance of a future and uncertain risk to avoid a
+present and certain peril.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are right,&quot; replied Darrell; &quot;the weakness is past. Which is the
+nearest way to the river?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, it's an awkward road to direct you,&quot; returned Jonathan. &quot;But if
+you turn to the right when you <span class="pagenum">Page 39</span><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39"></a>reach the ground, and keep close to the
+Mint wall, you'll speedily arrive at White Cross Street; White Cross
+Street, if you turn again to the right, will bring you into Queen
+Street; Queen Street, bearing to the left, will conduct you to Deadman's
+Place; and Deadman's Place to the water-side, not fifty yards from Saint
+Saviour's stairs, where you're sure to get a boat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The very point I aim at,&quot; said Darrell as he passed through the outlet.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stay!&quot; said Jonathan, aiding his descent; &quot;you had better take my
+lantern. It may be useful to you. Perhaps you'll give me in return some
+token, by which I may remind you of this occurrence, in case we meet
+again. Your glove will suffice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There it is;&quot; replied the other, tossing him the glove. &quot;Are you sure
+these bars touch the ground?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They come within a yard of it,&quot; answered Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Safe!&quot; shouted Darrell, as he effected a secure landing. &quot;Good night!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So,&quot; muttered Jonathan, &quot;having started the hare, I'll now unleash the
+hounds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this praiseworthy determination, he was hastening down stairs, with
+the utmost rapidity, when he encountered a female, whom he took, in the
+darkness, to be Mrs. Sheppard. The person caught hold of his arm, and,
+in spite of his efforts to disengage himself, detained him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is he?&quot; asked she, in an agitated whisper. &quot;I heard his voice;
+but I saw them on the stairs, and durst not approach him, for fear of
+giving the alarm.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you mean the fugitive, Darrell, he has escaped through the back
+window,&quot; replied Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank Heaven!&quot; she gasped.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you women are forgiving creatures, I must say,&quot; observed
+Jonathan, sarcastically. &quot;You thank Heaven for the escape of the man who
+did his best to get your child's neck twisted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you mean?&quot; asked the female, in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 40</span><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40"></a>I mean what I say,&quot; replied Jonathan. &quot;Perhaps you don't know that
+this Darrell so contrived matters, that your child should be mistaken
+for his own; by which means it had a narrow escape from a tight cravat,
+I can assure you. However, the scheme answered well enough, for Darrell
+has got off with his own brat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then this is not my child?&quot; exclaimed she, with increased astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you have a child there, it certainly is not,&quot; answered Jonathan, a
+little surprised; &quot;for I left your brat in the charge of Blueskin, who
+is still among the crowd in the street, unless, as is not unlikely, he's
+gone to see your other friend disciplined at the pump.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Merciful providence!&quot; exclaimed the female. &quot;Whose child can this be?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How the devil should I know!&quot; replied Jonathan gruffly. &quot;I suppose it
+didn't drop through the ceiling, did it? Are you quite sure it's flesh
+and blood?&quot; asked he, playfully pinching its arm till it cried out with
+pain.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My child! my child!&quot; exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, rushing from the
+adjoining room. &quot;Where is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you the mother of this child?&quot; inquired the person who had first
+spoken, addressing Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am&mdash;I am!&quot; cried the widow, snatching the babe, and pressing it to
+her breast with rapturous delight &quot;God be thanked, I have found it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We have both good reason to be grateful,&quot; added the lady, with great
+emotion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Sblood!&quot; cried Jonathan, who had listened to the foregoing
+conversation with angry wonder, &quot;I've been nicely done here. Fool that I
+was to part with my lantern! But I'll soon set myself straight. What ho!
+lights! lights!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And, shouting as he went, he flung himself down stairs.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where shall I fly?&quot; exclaimed the lady, bewildered with terror. &quot;They
+will kill me, if they find me, as they would have killed my husband and
+child. Oh God! my limbs fail me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 41</span><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41"></a>Make an effort, Madam,&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, as a storm of furious
+voices resounded from below, and torches were seen mounting the stairs;
+&quot;they are coming!&mdash;they are coming!&mdash;fly!&mdash;to the roof! to the roof.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; cried the lady, &quot;this room&mdash;I recollect&mdash;it has a back window.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is shut,&quot; said Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is open,&quot; replied the lady, rushing towards it, and springing
+through the outlet.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is she?&quot; thundered Jonathan, who at this moment reached Mrs.
+Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She has flown up stairs,&quot; replied the widow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You lie, hussy!&quot; replied Jonathan, rudely pushing her aside, as she
+vainly endeavoured to oppose his entrance into the room; &quot;she is here.
+Hist!&quot; cried he, as a scream was heard from without. &quot;By G&mdash;! she has
+missed her footing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was a momentary and terrible silence, broken only by a few feeble
+groans.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Cecil, who with Rowland and some others had entered the room rushed
+to the window with a torch.</p>
+
+<p>He held down the light, and a moment afterwards beckoned, with a
+blanched cheek, to Rowland.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your sister is dead,&quot; said he, in a deep whisper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Her blood be upon her own head, then,&quot; replied Rowland, sternly. &quot;Why
+came she here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She could not resist the hand of fate which drew her hither,&quot; replied
+Sir Cecil, mournfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Descend and take charge of the body,&quot; said Rowland, conquering his
+emotion by a great effort, &quot;I will join you in a moment. This accident
+rather confirms than checks my purpose. The stain upon our family is
+only half effaced: I have sworn the death of the villain and his
+bastard, and I will keep my oath. Now, Sir,&quot; he added, turning to
+Jonathan, as Sir Cecil and his followers obeyed his injunctions, &quot;you
+say you know the road which the person whom we seek has taken?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do,&quot; replied Jonathan. &quot;But I give no information gratis!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Speak, then,&quot; said Rowland, placing money in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 42</span><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42"></a>You'll find him at St. Saviours's stairs,&quot; answered Jonathan. &quot;He's
+about to cross the river. You'd better lose no time. He has got five
+minutes' start of you. But I sent him the longest way about.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The words were scarcely pronounced, when Rowland disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now to see the end of it,&quot; said Jonathan, shortly afterwards
+passing through the window. &quot;Good night, Master.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Three persons only were left in the room. These were the Master of the
+Mint, Van Galgebrok, and Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A bad business this, Van,&quot; observed Baptist, with a prolonged shake of
+the head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ja, ja, Muntmeester,&quot; said the Hollander, shaking his head in
+reply;&mdash;&quot;very bad&mdash;very.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But then they're staunch supporters of our friend over the water,&quot;
+continued Baptist, winking significantly; &quot;so we must e'en hush it up in
+the best way we can.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ja,&quot; answered Van Galgebrok. &quot;But&mdash;sapperment!&mdash;I wish they hadn't
+broken my pipe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;JONATHAN WILD promises well,&quot; observed the Master, after a pause:
+&quot;he'll become a great man. Mind, I, Baptist Kettleby, say so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He'll be hanged nevertheless,&quot; replied the Hollander, giving his collar
+an ugly jerk. &quot;Mind, I, Rykhart Van Galgebrok predict it. And now let's
+go back to the Shovels, and finish our brandewyn and bier, Muntmeester.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Alas!&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, relieved by their departure, and giving way
+to a passionate flood of tears; &quot;were it not for my child, I should wish
+to be in the place of that unfortunate lady.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_1_V" id="CHAPTER_1_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Denunciation.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>For a short space, Mrs. Sheppard remained dissolved in tears. She then
+dried her eyes, and laying her child <span class="pagenum">Page 43</span><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43"></a>gently upon the floor, knelt down
+beside him. &quot;Open my heart, Father of Mercy!&quot; she murmured, in a humble
+tone, and with downcast looks, &quot;and make me sensible of the error of my
+ways. I have sinned deeply; but I have been sorely tried. Spare me yet a
+little while, Father! not for my own sake, but for the sake of this poor
+babe.&quot; Her utterance was here choked by sobs. &quot;But if it is thy will to
+take me from him,&quot; she continued, as soon as her emotion permitted
+her,&mdash;&quot;if he must be left an orphan amid strangers, implant, I beseech
+thee, a mother's feelings in some other bosom, and raise up a friend,
+who shall be to him what I would have been. Let him not bear the weight
+of my punishment. Spare him!&mdash;pity me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this she arose, and, taking up the infant, was about to proceed
+down stairs, when she was alarmed by hearing the street-door opened, and
+the sound of heavy footsteps entering the house.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Halloa, widow!&quot; shouted a rough voice from below, &quot;where the devil are
+you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard returned no answer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've got something to say to you,&quot; continued the speaker, rather less
+harshly; &quot;something to your advantage; so come out o' your hiding-place,
+and let's have some supper, for I'm infernally hungry.&mdash;D'ye hear?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Still the widow remained silent.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, if you won't come, I shall help myself, and that's unsociable,&quot;
+pursued the speaker, evidently, from the noise he made, suiting the
+action to the word. &quot;Devilish nice ham you've got here!&mdash;capital
+pie!&mdash;and, as I live, a flask of excellent canary. You're in luck
+to-night, widow. Here's your health in a bumper, and wishing you a
+better husband than your first. It'll be your own fault if you don't
+soon get another and a proper young man into the bargain. Here's his
+health likewise. What! mum still. You're the first widow I ever heard of
+who could withstand that lure. I'll try the effect of a jolly stave.&quot;
+And he struck up the following ballad:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 44</span><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44"></a>SAINT GILES'S BOWL.<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a></p>
+
+<p class="center">Transcribers Note: These versions of the music are included with this file:<br />
+<a href="music/stgiles.ly">LilyPond</a><br />
+<a href="music/stgiles.midi">MIDI</a><br />
+<a href="music/stgiles.pdf">Acrobat (PDF)</a><br />
+<a href="music/stgiles-page1.png">PNG (page 1)</a><br />
+<a href="music/stgiles-page2.png">PNG (page 2)</a><br /></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/music.jpg" width="500" height="698" alt="St. Giles Bowl" title="St. Giles Bowl" />
+</div>
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>I.<br /></span>
+<span>Where Saint Giles' church stands, once a lazar-house stood; <br /></span>
+<span>And, chain'd to its gates, was a vessel of wood;<br /></span>
+<span>A broad-bottom'd bowl, from which all the fine fellows,<br /></span>
+<span>Who pass'd by that spot, on their way to the gallows,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>Might tipple strong beer,</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>Their spirits to cheer,</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>And drown in a sea of good liquor all fear!</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>For nothing the transit to Tyburn beguiles</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>So well as a draught from the Bowl of Saint Giles!</i><br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+
+<span>II.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>By many a highwayman many a draught<br /></span>
+<span>Of nutty-brown ale at Saint Giles's was quaft,<br /></span>
+<span>Until the old lazar-house chanced to fall down,<br /></span>
+<span>And the broad-bottom'd bowl was removed to the Crown.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>Where the robber may cheer</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>His spirit with beer,</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>And drown in a sea of good liquor all fear!</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>For nothing the transit to Tyburn beguiles</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>So well as a draught from the Bowl of Saint Giles!</i><br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+
+<span>III.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>There MULSACK and SWIFTNECK, both prigs from their birth,<br /></span>
+<span>OLD MOB and TOM COX took their last draught on earth:<br /></span>
+<span>There RANDAL, and SHORTER, and WHITNEY pulled up,<br /></span>
+<span>And jolly JACK JOYCE drank his finishing cup!<br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>For a can of ale calms,</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>A highwayman's qualms,</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>And makes him sing blithely his dolorous psalms</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>And nothing the transit to Tyburn beguiles</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>So well as a draught from the Bowl of Saint Giles!</i><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Singing's dry work,&quot; observed the stranger, pausing to take a pull at
+the bottle. &quot;And now, widow,&quot; he continued, &quot;attend to the next verse,
+for it consarns a friend o' yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>IV.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>When gallant TOM SHEPPARD to Tyburn was led,&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span>&quot;Stop the cart at the Crown&mdash;stop a moment,&quot; he said.<br /></span>
+<span>He was offered the Bowl, but he left it and smiled,<br /></span>
+<span>Crying, &quot;Keep it till call'd for by JONATHAN WILD!<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">&quot;<i>The rascal one day,</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i4">&quot;<i>Will pass by this way,</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2">&quot;<i>And drink a full measure to moisten his clay!</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2">&quot;<i>And never will Bowl of Saint Giles have beguiled</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2">&quot;<i>Such a thorough-paced scoundrel as</i> JONATHAN WILD!&quot;<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+
+<span>V.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Should it e'er be <i>my</i> lot to ride backwards that way,<br /></span>
+<span>At the door of the Crown I will certainly stay;<br /></span>
+<span>I'll summon the landlord&mdash;I'll call for the Bowl,<br /></span>
+<span>And drink a deep draught to the health of my soul!<br /></span><span class="pagenum">Page 46</span><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46"></a>
+<span class="i4"><i>Whatever may hap,</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>I'll taste of the tap,</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>To keep up my spirits when brought to the crap!</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>For nothing the transit to Tyburn beguiles</i><br /></span>
+<span class="i2"><i>So well as a draught from the Bowl of St. Giles!</i><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Devil seize the woman!&quot; growled the singer, as he brought his ditty to
+a close; &quot;will nothing tempt her out? Widow Sheppard, I say,&quot; he added,
+rising, &quot;don't be afraid. It's only a gentleman come to offer you his
+hand. 'He that woos a maid',&mdash;fol-de-rol&mdash;(hiccupping).&mdash;I'll soon find
+you out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard, whose distress at the consumption of the provisions had
+been somewhat allayed by the anticipation of the intruder's departure
+after he had satisfied his appetite, was now terrified in the extreme by
+seeing a light approach, and hearing footsteps on the stairs. Her first
+impulse was to fly to the window; and she was about to pass through it,
+at the risk of sharing the fate of the unfortunate lady, when her arm
+was grasped by some one in the act of ascending the ladder from without.
+Uttering a faint scream, she sank backwards, and would have fallen, if
+it had not been for the interposition of Blueskin, who, at that moment,
+staggered into the room with a candle in one hand, and the bottle in the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, you're here, are you?&quot; said the ruffian, with an exulting laugh:
+&quot;I've been looking for you everywhere.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me go,&quot; implored Mrs. Sheppard,&mdash;&quot;pray let me go. You hurt the
+child. Don't you hear how you've made it cry?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Throttle the kid!&quot; rejoined Blueskin, fiercely. &quot;If you don't stop its
+squalling, I will. I hate children. And, if I'd my own way, I'd drown
+'em all like a litter o' puppies.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Well knowing the savage temper of the person she had to deal with, and
+how likely he was to put his threat into execution, Mrs. Sheppard did
+not dare to return any answer; but, disengaging herself from his
+<span class="pagenum">Page 47</span><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47"></a>embrace, endeavoured meekly to comply with his request.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now, widow,&quot; continued the ruffian, setting down the candle, and
+applying his lips to the bottle neck as he flung his heavy frame upon a
+bench, &quot;I've a piece o' good news for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good news will be news to me. What is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Guess,&quot; rejoined Blueskin, attempting to throw a gallant expression
+into his forbidding countenance.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard trembled violently; and though she understood his meaning
+too well, she answered,&mdash;&quot;I can't guess.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, then,&quot; returned the ruffian, &quot;to put you out o' suspense, as the
+topsman remarked to poor Tom Sheppard, afore he turned him off, I'm come
+to make you an honourable proposal o' marriage. You won't refuse me, I'm
+sure; so no more need be said about the matter. To-morrow, we'll go to
+the Fleet and get spliced. Don't shake so. What I said about your brat
+was all stuff. I didn't mean it. It's my way when I'm ruffled. I shall
+take to him as nat'ral as if he were my own flesh and blood afore
+long.&mdash;I'll give him the edication of a prig,&mdash;teach him the use of his
+forks betimes,&mdash;and make him, in the end, as clever a cracksman as his
+father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never!&quot; shrieked Mrs. Sheppard; &quot;never! never!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Halloa! what's this?&quot; demanded Blueskin, springing to his feet. &quot;Do you
+mean to say that if I support your kid, I shan't bring him up how I
+please&mdash;eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't question me, but leave me,&quot; replied the widow wildly; &quot;you had
+better.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Leave you!&quot; echoed the ruffian, with a contemptuous laugh; &quot;&mdash;not just
+yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am not unprotected,&quot; rejoined the poor woman; &quot;there's some one at
+the window. Help! help!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But her cries were unheeded. And Blueskin, who, for a moment, had looked
+round distrustfully, concluding it was a feint, now laughed louder than
+ever.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It won't do, widow,&quot; said he, drawing near her, while she shrank from
+his approach, &quot;so you may spare <span class="pagenum">Page 48</span><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48"></a>your breath. Come, come, be reasonable,
+and listen to me. Your kid has already brought me good luck, and may
+bring me still more if his edication's attended to. This purse,&quot; he
+added, chinking it in the air, &quot;and this ring, were given me for him
+just now by the lady, who made a false step on leaving your house. If
+I'd been in the way, instead of Jonathan Wild, that accident wouldn't
+have happened.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As he said this, a slight noise was heard without.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that?&quot; ejaculated the ruffian, glancing uneasily towards the
+window. &quot;Who's there?&mdash;Pshaw! it's only the wind.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's Jonathan Wild,&quot; returned the widow, endeavouring to alarm him. &quot;I
+told you I was not unprotected.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>He</i> protect <i>you</i>,&quot; retorted Blueskin, maliciously; &quot;you haven't a
+worse enemy on the face of the earth than Jonathan Wild. If you'd read
+your husband's dying speech, you'd know that he laid his death at
+Jonathan's door,&mdash;and with reason too, as I can testify.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Man!&quot; screamed Mrs. Sheppard, with a vehemence that shook even the
+hardened wretch beside her, &quot;begone, and tempt me not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What should I tempt you to?&quot; asked Blueskin, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To&mdash;to&mdash;no matter what,&quot; returned the widow distractedly. &quot;Go&mdash;go!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I see what you mean,&quot; rejoined Blueskin, tossing a large case-knife,
+which he took from his pocket, in the air, and catching it dexterously
+by the haft as it fell; &quot;you owe Jonathan a grudge;&mdash;so do I. He hanged
+your first husband. Just speak the word,&quot; he added, drawing the knife
+significantly across his throat, &quot;and I'll put it out of his power to do
+the same by your second. But d&mdash;n him! let's talk o' something more
+agreeable. Look at this ring;&mdash;it's a diamond, and worth a mint o'
+money. It shall be your wedding ring. Look at it, I say. The lady's
+name's engraved inside, but so small I can scarcely read it.
+A-L-I-V-A&mdash;Aliva&mdash;T-R-E-N&mdash;Trencher that's it. Aliva Trencher.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 49</span><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49"></a>Aliva Trenchard!&quot; exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, hastily; &quot;is that the
+name?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, ay, now I look again it <i>is</i> Trenchard. How came you to know it?
+Have you heard the name before?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think I have&mdash;long, long ago, when I was a child,&quot; replied Mrs.
+Sheppard, passing her hand across her brow; &quot;but my memory is
+gone&mdash;quite gone. Where <i>can</i> I have heard it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Devil knows,&quot; rejoined Blueskin. &quot;Let it pass. The ring's yours, and
+you're mine. Here, put it on your finger.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard snatched back her hand from his grasp, and exerted all her
+force to repel his advances.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Set down the kid,&quot; roared Blueskin, savagely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mercy!&quot; screamed Mrs. Sheppard, struggling to escape, and holding the
+infant at arm's length; &quot;have mercy on this helpless innocent!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And the child, alarmed by the strife, added its feeble cries to its
+mother's shrieks.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Set it down, I tell you,&quot; thundered Blueskin, &quot;or I shall do it a
+mischief.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never!&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>Uttering a terrible imprecation, Blueskin placed the knife between his
+teeth, and endeavoured to seize the poor woman by the throat. In the
+struggle her cap fell off. The ruffian caught hold of her hair, and held
+her fast. The chamber rang with her shrieks. But her cries, instead of
+moving her assailant's compassion, only added to his fury. Planting his
+knee against her side, he pulled her towards him with one hand, while
+with the other he sought his knife. The child was now within reach; and,
+in another moment, he would have executed his deadly purpose, if an arm
+from behind had not felled him to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>When Mrs. Sheppard, who had been stricken down by the blow that
+prostrated her assailant, looked up, she perceived Jonathan Wild
+kneeling beside the body of Blueskin. He was holding the ring to the
+light, and narrowly examining the inscription.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 50</span><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50"></a>Trenchard,&quot; he muttered; &quot;Aliva Trenchard&mdash;they were right, then, as
+to the name. Well, if she survives the accident&mdash;as the blood, who
+styles himself Sir Cecil, fancies she may do&mdash;this ring will make my
+fortune by leading to the discovery of the chief parties concerned in
+this strange affair.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is the poor lady alive?&quot; asked Mrs. Sheppard, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Sblood!&quot; exclaimed Jonathan, hastily thrusting the ring into his vest,
+and taking up a heavy horseman's pistol with which he had felled
+Blueskin,&mdash;&quot;I thought you'd been senseless.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is she alive?&quot; repeated the widow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that to you?&quot; demanded Jonathan, gruffly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, nothing&mdash;nothing,&quot; returned Mrs. Sheppard. &quot;But pray tell me if her
+husband has escaped?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Her husband!&quot; echoed Jonathan scornfully. &quot;A <i>husband</i> has little to
+fear from his wife's kinsfolk. Her <i>lover</i>, Darrell, has embarked upon
+the Thames, where, if he's not capsized by the squall, (for it's blowing
+like the devil,) he stands a good chance of getting his throat cut by
+his pursuers&mdash;ha! ha! I tracked 'em to the banks of the river, and
+should have followed to see it out, if the watermen hadn't refused to
+take me. However, as things have turned up, it's fortunate that I came
+back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is, indeed,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard; &quot;most fortunate for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For <i>you!</i>&quot; exclaimed Jonathan; &quot;don't flatter yourself that I'm
+thinking of you. Blueskin might have butchered you and your brat before
+I'd have lifted a finger to prevent him, if it hadn't suited my purposes
+to do so, and <i>he</i> hadn't incurred my displeasure. I never forgive an
+injury. Your husband could have told you that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How had he offended you?&quot; inquired the widow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll tell you,&quot; answered Jonathan, sternly. &quot;He thwarted my schemes
+twice. The first time, I overlooked the offence; but the second time,
+when I had planned to break open the house of his master, the fellow who
+<span class="pagenum">Page 51</span><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51"></a>visited you to-night,&mdash;Wood, the carpenter of Wych Street,&mdash;he betrayed
+me. I told him I would bring him to the gallows, and I was as good as my
+word.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You were so,&quot; replied Mrs Sheppard; &quot;and for that wicked deed you will
+one day be brought to the gallows yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not before I have conducted your child thither,&quot; retorted Jonathan,
+with a withering look.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; ejaculated Mrs. Sheppard, paralysed by the threat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If that sickly brat lives to be a man,&quot; continued Jonathan, rising,
+&quot;I'll hang him upon the same tree as his father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pity!&quot; shrieked the widow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll be his evil genius!&quot; vociferated Jonathan, who seemed to enjoy her
+torture.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Begone, wretch!&quot; cried the mother, stung beyond endurance by his
+taunts; &quot;or I will drive you hence with my curses.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Curse on, and welcome,&quot; jeered Wild.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard raised her hand, and the malediction trembled upon her
+tongue. But ere the words could find utterance, her maternal tenderness
+overcame her indignation; and, sinking upon her knees, she extended her
+arms over her child.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A mother's prayers&mdash;a mother's blessings,&quot; she cried, with the fervour
+almost of inspiration, &quot;will avail against a fiend's malice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We shall see,&quot; rejoined Jonathan, turning carelessly upon his heel.</p>
+
+<p>And, as he quitted the room, the poor widow fell with her face upon the
+floor.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> At the hospital of Saint Giles for Lazars, the prisoners
+conveyed from the City of London towards Tyburn, there to be executed
+for treasons, felonies, or other trespasses, were presented with a Bowl
+of Ale, thereof to drink, as their last refreshing in this
+life.&mdash;<i>Strype's Stow.</i> Book. IX. ch. III.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_1_VI" id="CHAPTER_1_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Storm.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>As soon as he was liberated by his persecutors, Mr. Wood set off at full
+speed from the Mint, and, hurrying he scarce knew whither (for there was
+such <span class="pagenum">Page 52</span><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52"></a>a continual buzzing in his ears and dancing in his eyes, as almost
+to take away the power of reflection), he held on at a brisk pace till
+his strength completely failed him.</p>
+
+<p>On regaining his breath, he began to consider whither chance had led
+him; and, rubbing his eyes to clear his sight, he perceived a sombre
+pile, with a lofty tower and broad roof, immediately in front of him.
+This structure at once satisfied him as to where he stood. He knew it to
+be St. Saviour's Church. As he looked up at the massive tower, the clock
+tolled forth the hour of midnight. The solemn strokes were immediately
+answered by a multitude of chimes, sounding across the Thames, amongst
+which the deep note of Saint Paul's was plainly distinguishable. A
+feeling of inexplicable awe crept over the carpenter as the sounds died
+away. He trembled, not from any superstitious dread, but from an
+undefined sense of approaching danger. The peculiar appearance of the
+sky was not without some influence in awakening these terrors. Over one
+of the pinnacles of the tower a speck of pallid light marked the
+position of the moon, then newly born and newly risen. It was still
+profoundly dark; but the wind, which had begun to blow with some
+violence, chased the clouds rapidly across the heavens, and dispersed
+the vapours hanging nearer the earth. Sometimes the moon was totally
+eclipsed; at others, it shed a wan and ghastly glimmer over the masses
+rolling in the firmament. Not a star could be discerned, but, in their
+stead, streaks of lurid radiance, whence proceeding it was impossible to
+determine, shot ever and anon athwart the dusky vault, and added to the
+ominous and threatening appearance of the night.</p>
+
+<p>Alarmed by these prognostications of a storm, and feeling too much
+exhausted from his late severe treatment to proceed further on foot,
+Wood endeavoured to find a tavern where he might warm and otherwise
+refresh himself. With this view he struck off into a narrow street on
+the left, and soon entered a small alehouse, over the door of which hung
+the sign of the &quot;Welsh Trumpeter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 53</span><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53"></a>Let me have a glass of brandy,&quot; said he, addressing the host.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Too late, master,&quot; replied the landlord of the Trumpeter, in a surly
+tone, for he did not much like the appearance of his customer; &quot;just
+shut up shop.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Zounds! David Pugh, don't you know your old friend and countryman?&quot;
+exclaimed the carpenter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! Owen Wood, is it you?&quot; cried David in astonishment. &quot;What the devil
+makes you out so late? And what has happened to you, man, eh?&mdash;you seem
+in a queer plight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Give me the brandy, and I'll tell you,&quot; replied Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here, wife&mdash;hostess&mdash;fetch me that bottle from the second shelf in the
+corner cupboard.&mdash;There, Mr. Wood,&quot; cried David, pouring out a glass of
+the spirit, and offering it to the carpenter, &quot;that'll warm the cockles
+of your heart. Don't be afraid, man,&mdash;off with it. It's right Nantz. I
+keep it for my own drinking,&quot; he added in a lower tone.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood having disposed of the brandy, and pronounced himself much
+better, hurried close to the fire-side, and informed his friend in a few
+words of the inhospitable treatment he had experienced from the
+gentlemen of the Mint; whereupon Mr. Pugh, who, as well as the
+carpenter, was a descendant of Cadwallader, waxed extremely wrath; gave
+utterance to a number of fierce-sounding imprecations in the Welsh
+tongue; and was just beginning to express the greatest anxiety to catch
+some of the rascals at the Trumpeter, when Mr. Wood cut him short by
+stating his intention of crossing the river as soon as possible in order
+to avoid the storm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A storm!&quot; exclaimed the landlord. &quot;Gadzooks! I thought something was
+coming on; for when I looked at the weather-glass an hour ago, it had
+sunk lower than I ever remember it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We shall have a durty night on it, to a sartinty, landlord,&quot; observed
+an old one-eyed sailor, who sat smoking his pipe by the fire-side. &quot;The
+glass never sinks in that way, d'ye see, without a hurricane follerin',
+<span class="pagenum">Page 54</span><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54"></a>I've knowed it often do so in the West Injees. Moreover, a souple o'
+porpusses came up with the tide this mornin', and ha' bin flounderin'
+about i' the Thames abuv Lunnun Bridge all day long; and them
+say-monsters, you know, always proves sure fore runners of a gale.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then the sooner I'm off the better,&quot; cried Wood; &quot;what's to pay,
+David?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't affront me, Owen, by asking such a question,&quot; returned the
+landlord; &quot;hadn't you better stop and finish the bottle?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not a drop more,&quot; replied Wood. &quot;Enough's as good as a feast. Good
+night!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, if you won't be persuaded, and must have a boat, Owen,&quot; observed
+the landlord, &quot;there's a waterman asleep on that bench will help you to
+as tidy a craft as any on the Thames. Halloa, Ben!&quot; cried he, shaking a
+broad-backed fellow, equipped in a short-skirted doublet, and having a
+badge upon his arm,&mdash;&quot;scullers wanted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Holloa! my hearty!&quot; cried Ben, starting to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This gentleman wants a pair of oars,&quot; said the landlord.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where to, master?&quot; asked Ben, touching his woollen cap.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Arundel Stairs,&quot; replied Wood, &quot;the nearest point to Wych Street.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come along, master,&quot; said the waterman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hark 'ee, Ben,&quot; said the old sailor, knocking the ashes from his pipe
+upon the hob; &quot;you may try, but dash my timbers if you'll ever cross the
+Thames to-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And why not, old saltwater?&quot; inquired Ben, turning a quid in his mouth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Cos there's a gale a-getting up as'll perwent you, young freshwater,&quot;
+replied the tar.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It must look sharp then, or I shall give it the slip,&quot; laughed Ben:
+&quot;the gale never yet blowed as could perwent my crossing the Thames. The
+weather's been foul enough for the last fortnight, but I've never turned
+my back upon it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 55</span><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55"></a>May be not,&quot; replied the old sailor, drily; &quot;but you'll find it too
+stiff for you to-night, anyhow. Howsomdever, if you <i>should</i> reach
+t'other side, take an old feller's advice, and don't be foolhardy enough
+to venter back again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I tell 'ee what, saltwater,&quot; said Ben, &quot;I'll lay you my fare&mdash;and
+that'll be two shillin'&mdash;I'm back in an hour.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Done!&quot; cried the old sailor. &quot;But vere'll be the use o' vinnin'? you
+von't live to pay me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never fear,&quot; replied Ben, gravely; &quot;dead or alive I'll pay you, if I
+lose. There's my thumb upon it. Come along, master.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I tell 'ee what, landlord,&quot; observed the old sailor, quietly
+replenishing his pipe from a huge pewter tobacco-box, as the waterman
+and Wood quitted the house, &quot;you've said good-b'ye to your friend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Odd's me! do you think so?&quot; cried the host of the Trumpeter. &quot;I'll run
+and bring him back. He's a Welshman, and I wouldn't for a trifle that
+any accident befel him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never mind,&quot; said the old sailor, taking up a piece of blazing coal
+with the tongs, and applying it to his pipe; &quot;let 'em try. They'll be
+back soon enough&mdash;or not at all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood and the waterman, meanwhile, proceeded in the direction of St.
+Saviour's Stairs. Casting a hasty glance at the old and ruinous prison
+belonging to the liberty of the Bishop of Winchester (whose palace
+formerly adjoined the river), called the Clink, which gave its name to
+the street, along which he walked: and noticing, with some uneasiness,
+the melancholy manner in which the wind whistled through its barred
+casements, the carpenter followed his companion down an opening to the
+right, and presently arrived at the water-side.</p>
+
+<p>Moored to the steps, several wherries were dancing in the rushing
+current, as if impatient of restraint. Into one of these the waterman
+jumped, and, having assisted Mr. Wood to a seat within it, immediately
+pushed from land. Ben had scarcely adjusted his oars, <span class="pagenum">Page 56</span><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56"></a>when the gleam of
+a lantern was seen moving towards the bank. A shout was heard at a
+little distance, and, the next moment, a person rushed with breathless
+haste to the stair-head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Boat there!&quot; cried a voice, which Mr. Wood fancied he recognised.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll find a waterman asleep under his tilt in one of them ere craft,
+if you look about, Sir,&quot; replied Ben, backing water as he spoke.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't you take me with you?&quot; urged the voice; &quot;I'll make it well worth
+your while. I've a child here whom I wish to convey across the water
+without loss of time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A child!&quot; thought Wood; it must be the fugitive Darrell. &quot;Hold hard,&quot;
+cried he, addressing the waterman; &quot;I'll give the gentleman a lift.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Unpossible, master,&quot; rejoined Ben; &quot;the tide's running down like a
+mill-sluice, and the wind's right in our teeth. Old saltwater was right.
+We shall have a reg'lar squall afore we gets across. D'ye hear how the
+wanes creaks on old Winchester House? We shall have a touch on it
+ourselves presently. But I shall lose my wager if I stay a moment
+longer&mdash;so here goes.&quot; Upon which, he plunged his oars deeply into the
+stream, and the bark shot from the strand.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood's anxiety respecting the fugitive was speedily relieved by
+hearing another waterman busy himself in preparation for starting; and,
+shortly after, the dip of a second pair of oars sounded upon the river.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Curse me, if I don't think all the world means to cross the Thames this
+fine night,&quot; observed Ben. &quot;One'd think it rained fares, as well as
+blowed great guns. Why, there's another party on the stair-head
+inquiring arter scullers; and, by the mass! they appear in a greater
+hurry than any on us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>His attention being thus drawn to the bank, the carpenter beheld three
+figures, one of whom bore a torch, leap into a wherry of a larger size
+than the others, which immediately put off from shore. Manned by a
+couple of watermen, who rowed with great swiftness, <span class="pagenum">Page 57</span><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57"></a>this wherry dashed
+through the current in the track of the fugitive, of whom it was
+evidently in pursuit, and upon whom it perceptibly gained. Mr. Wood
+strained his eyes to catch a glimpse of the flying skiff. But he could
+only discern a black and shapeless mass, floating upon the water at a
+little distance, which, to his bewildered fancy, appeared absolutely
+standing still. To the practised eye of the waterman matters wore a very
+different air. He perceived clearly enough, that the chase was moving
+quickly; and he was also aware, from the increased rapidity with which
+the oars were urged, that every exertion was made on board to get out of
+the reach of her pursuers. At one moment, it seemed as if the flying
+bark was about to put to shore. But this plan (probably from its danger)
+was instantly abandoned; not, however, before her momentary hesitation
+had been taken advantage of by her pursuers, who, redoubling their
+efforts at this juncture, materially lessened the distance between them.</p>
+
+<p>Ben watched these manoeuvres with great interest, and strained every
+sinew in his frame to keep ahead of the other boats.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Them's catchpoles, I s'pose, Sir, arter the gemman with a writ?&quot; he
+observed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Something worse, I fear,&quot; Wood replied.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, you don't think as how they're crimps, do you?&quot; Ben inquired.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't know what I think,&quot; Wood answered sulkily; and he bent his eyes
+upon the water, as if he wished to avert his attention forcibly from the
+scene.</p>
+
+<p>There is something that inspires a feeling of inexpressible melancholy
+in sailing on a dark night upon the Thames. The sounds that reach the
+ear, and the objects that meet the eye, are all calculated to awaken a
+train of sad and serious contemplation. The ripple of the water against
+the boat, as its keel cleaves through the stream&mdash;the darkling current
+hurrying by&mdash;the indistinctly-seen craft, of all forms and all sizes,
+hovering around, and making their way in ghost-like silence, or warning
+each other of their approach by cries, that, <span class="pagenum">Page 58</span><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58"></a>heard from afar, have
+something doleful in their note&mdash;the solemn shadows cast by the
+bridges&mdash;the deeper gloom of the echoing arches&mdash;the lights glimmering
+from the banks&mdash;the red reflection thrown upon the waves by a fire
+kindled on some stationary barge&mdash;the tall and fantastic shapes of the
+houses, as discerned through the obscurity;&mdash;these, and other sights and
+sounds of the same character, give a sombre colour to the thoughts of
+one who may choose to indulge in meditation at such a time and in such a
+place.</p>
+
+<p>But it was otherwise with the carpenter. This was no night for the
+indulgence of dreamy musing. It was a night of storm and terror, which
+promised each moment to become more stormy and more terrible. Not a bark
+could be discerned on the river, except those already mentioned. The
+darkness was almost palpable; and the wind which, hitherto, had been
+blowing in gusts, was suddenly lulled. It was a dead calm. But this calm
+was more awful than the previous roaring of the blast.</p>
+
+<p>Amid this portentous hush, the report of a pistol reached the
+carpenter's ears; and, raising his head at the sound, he beheld a sight
+which filled him with fresh apprehensions.</p>
+
+<p>By the light of a torch borne at the stern of the hostile wherry, he saw
+that the pursuers had approached within a short distance of the object
+of their quest. The shot had taken effect upon the waterman who rowed
+the chase. He had abandoned his oars, and the boat was drifting with the
+stream towards the enemy. Escape was now impossible. Darrell stood erect
+in the bark, with his drawn sword in hand, prepared to repel the attack
+of his assailants, who, in their turn, seemed to await with impatience
+the moment which should deliver him into their power.</p>
+
+<p>They had not to tarry long. In another instant, the collision took
+place. The watermen, who manned the larger wherry, immediately shipped
+their oars, grappled with the drifting skiff, and held it fast. Wood,
+then, beheld two persons, one of whom he recognised as Rowland, spring
+on board the chase. A fierce struggle <span class="pagenum">Page 59</span><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59"></a>ensued. There was a shrill cry,
+instantly succeeded by a deep splash.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Put about, waterman, for God's sake!&quot; cried Wood, whose humanity got
+the better of every personal consideration; &quot;some one is overboard. Give
+way, and let us render what assistance we can to the poor wretch.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's all over with him by this time, master,&quot; replied Ben, turning the
+head of his boat, and rowing swiftly towards the scene of strife; &quot;but
+d&mdash;n him, he was the chap as hit poor Bill Thomson just now, and I don't
+much care if he should be food for fishes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As Ben spoke, they drew near the opposing parties. The contest was now
+carried on between Rowland and Darrell. The latter had delivered himself
+from one of his assailants, the attendant, Davies. Hurled over the sides
+of the skiff, the ruffian speedily found a watery grave. It was a
+spring-tide at half ebb; and the current, which was running fast and
+furiously, bore him instantly away. While the strife raged between the
+principals, the watermen in the larger wherry were occupied in stemming
+the force of the torrent, and endeavouring to keep the boats, they had
+lashed together, stationary. Owing to this circumstance, Mr. Wood's
+boat, impelled alike by oar and tide, shot past the mark at which it
+aimed; and before it could be again brought about, the struggle had
+terminated. For a few minutes, Darrell seemed to have the advantage in
+the conflict. Neither combatant could use his sword; and in strength the
+fugitive was evidently superior to his antagonist. The boat rocked
+violently with the struggle. Had it not been lashed to the adjoining
+wherry, it must have been upset, and have precipitated the opponents
+into the water. Rowland felt himself sinking beneath the powerful grasp
+of his enemy. He called to the other attendant, who held the torch.
+Understanding the appeal, the man snatched his master's sword from his
+grasp, and passed it through Darrell's body. The next moment, a heavy
+plunge told that the fugitive had been consigned to the waves.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 60</span><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60"></a>Darrell, however, rose again instantly; and though mortally wounded,
+made a desperate effort to regain the boat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My child!&quot; he groaned faintly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well reminded,&quot; answered Rowland, who had witnessed his struggles with
+a smile of gratified vengeance; &quot;I had forgotten the accursed imp in
+this confusion. Take it,&quot; he cried, lifting the babe from the bottom of
+the boat, and flinging it towards its unfortunate father.</p>
+
+<p>The child fell within a short distance of Darrell, who, hearing the
+splash, struck out in that direction, and caught it before it sank. At
+this juncture, the sound of oars reached his ears, and he perceived Mr.
+Wood's boat bearing up towards him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here he is, waterman,&quot; exclaimed the benevolent carpenter. &quot;I see
+him!&mdash;row for your life!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's the way to miss him, master,&quot; replied Ben coolly. &quot;We must keep
+still. The tide'll bring him to us fast enough.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Ben judged correctly. Borne along by the current, Darrell was instantly
+at the boat's side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Seize this oar,&quot; vociferated the waterman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;First take the child,&quot; cried Darrell, holding up the infant, and
+clinging to the oar with a dying effort.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Give it me,&quot; returned the carpenter; &quot;all's safe. Now lend me your own
+hand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My strength fails me,&quot; gasped the fugitive. &quot;I cannot climb the boat.
+Take my child to&mdash;it is&mdash;oh God!&mdash;I am sinking&mdash;take it&mdash;take it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where?&quot; shouted Wood.</p>
+
+<p>Darrell attempted to reply. But he could only utter an inarticulate
+exclamation. The next moment his grasp relaxed, and he sank to rise no
+more.</p>
+
+<p>Rowland, meantime, alarmed by the voices, snatched a torch from his
+attendant, and holding it over the side of the wherry, witnessed the
+incident just described.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Confusion!&quot; cried he; &quot;there is another boat in our wake. They have
+rescued the child. Loose the wherry, and stand to your oars&mdash;quick&mdash;quick!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 61</span><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61"></a>These commands were promptly obeyed. The boat was set free, and the men
+resumed their seats. Rowland's purposes were, however, defeated in a
+manner as unexpected as appalling.</p>
+
+<p>During the foregoing occurrences a dead calm prevailed. But as Rowland
+sprang to the helm, and gave the signal for pursuit, a roar like a
+volley of ordnance was heard aloft, and the wind again burst its
+bondage. A moment before, the surface of the stream was black as ink. It
+was now whitening, hissing, and seething like an enormous cauldron. The
+blast once more swept over the agitated river: whirled off the sheets of
+foam, scattered them far and wide in rain-drops, and left the raging
+torrent blacker than before. The gale had become a hurricane: that
+hurricane was the most terrible that ever laid waste our city.
+Destruction everywhere marked its course. Steeples toppled, and towers
+reeled beneath its fury. Trees were torn up by the roots; many houses
+were levelled to the ground; others were unroofed; the leads on the
+churches were ripped off, and &quot;shrivelled up like scrolls of parchment.&quot;
+Nothing on land or water was spared by the remorseless gale. Most of the
+vessels lying in the river were driven from their moorings, dashed
+tumultuously against each other, or blown ashore. All was darkness,
+horror, confusion, ruin. Men fled from their tottering habitations, and
+returned to them scared by greater dangers. The end of the world seemed
+at hand.</p>
+
+<p>At this time of universal havoc and despair,&mdash;when all London quaked at
+the voice of the storm,&mdash;the carpenter, who was exposed to its utmost
+fury, fared better than might have been anticipated. The boat in which
+he rode was not overset. Fortunately, her course had been shifted
+immediately after the rescue of the child; and, in consequence of this
+movement, she received the first shock of the hurricane, which blew from
+the southwest, upon her stern. Her head dipped deeply into the current,
+and she narrowly escaped being swamped. Righting, however, instantly
+afterwards, she scudded with the greatest rapidity over the boiling
+<span class="pagenum">Page 62</span><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62"></a>waves, to whose mercy she was now entirely abandoned. On this fresh
+outburst of the storm, Wood threw himself instinctively into the bottom
+of the boat, and clasping the little orphan to his breast, endeavoured
+to prepare himself to meet his fate.</p>
+
+<p>While he was thus occupied, he felt a rough grasp upon his arm, and
+presently afterwards Ben's lips approached close to his ear. The
+waterman sheltered his mouth with his hand while he spoke, or his voice
+would have been carried away by the violence of the blast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's all up, master,&quot; groaned Ben, &quot;nothin' short of a merracle can
+save us. The boat's sure to run foul o' the bridge; and if she 'scapes
+stavin' above, she'll be swamped to a sartainty below. There'll be a
+fall of above twelve foot o' water, and think o' that on a night as 'ud
+blow a whole fleet to the devil.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood <i>did</i> think of it, and groaned aloud.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Heaven help us!&quot; he exclaimed; &quot;we were mad to neglect the old sailor's
+advice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's what troubles me,&quot; rejoined Ben. &quot;I tell 'ee what, master, if
+you're more fortinate nor I am, and get ashore, give old saltwater your
+fare. I pledged my thumb that, dead or alive, I'd pay the wager if I
+lost; and I should like to be as good as my word.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will&mdash;I will,&quot; replied Wood hastily. &quot;Was that thunder?&quot; he faltered,
+as a terrible clap was heard overhead.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; it's only a fresh gale,&quot; Ben returned: &quot;hark! now it comes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lord have mercy upon us, miserable sinners!&quot; ejaculated Wood, as a
+fearful gust dashed the water over the side of the boat, deluging him
+with spray.</p>
+
+<p>The hurricane had now reached its climax. The blast shrieked, as if
+exulting in its wrathful mission. Stunning and continuous, the din
+seemed almost to take away the power of hearing. He, who had faced the
+gale, would have been instantly stifled. Piercing through every crevice
+in the clothes, it, in some cases, tore them from the wearer's limbs, or
+from his grasp. It penetrated the <span class="pagenum">Page 63</span><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63"></a>skin; benumbed the flesh; paralysed
+the faculties. The intense darkness added to the terror of the storm.
+The destroying angel hurried by, shrouded in his gloomiest apparel. None
+saw, though all felt, his presence, and heard the thunder of his voice.
+Imagination, coloured by the obscurity, peopled the air with phantoms.
+Ten thousand steeds appeared to be trampling aloft, charged with the
+work of devastation. Awful shapes seemed to flit by, borne on the wings
+of the tempest, animating and directing its fury. The actual danger was
+lost sight of in these wild apprehensions; and many timorous beings were
+scared beyond reason's verge by the excess of their fears.</p>
+
+<p>This had well nigh been the case with the carpenter. He was roused from
+the stupor of despair into which he had sunk by the voice of Ben, who
+roared in his ear, &quot;The bridge!&mdash;the bridge!&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_1_VII" id="CHAPTER_1_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>Old London Bridge.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>London, at the period of this history, boasted only a single bridge. But
+that bridge was more remarkable than any the metropolis now possesses.
+Covered with houses, from one end to the other, this reverend and
+picturesque structure presented the appearance of a street across the
+Thames. It was as if Grace-church Street, with all its shops, its
+magazines, and ceaseless throng of passengers, were stretched from the
+Middlesex to the Surrey shore. The houses were older, the shops
+gloomier, and the thoroughfare narrower, it is true; but the bustle, the
+crowd, the street-like air was the same. Then the bridge had arched
+gateways, bristling with spikes, and garnished (as all ancient gateways
+ought to be) with the heads of traitors. In olden days it boasted a
+chapel, dedicated to Saint Thomas; beneath which there was a crypt
+curiously constructed amid the arches, where &quot;was sepultured Peter the
+Chaplain of Colechurch, who began the Stone Bridge at London:&quot; <span class="pagenum">Page 64</span><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64"></a>and it
+still boasted an edifice (though now in rather a tumbledown condition)
+which had once vied with a palace,&mdash;we mean Nonesuch House. The other
+buildings stood close together in rows; and so valuable was every inch
+of room accounted, that, in many cases, cellars, and even habitable
+apartments, were constructed in the solid masonry of the piers.</p>
+
+<p>Old London Bridge (the grandsire of the present erection) was supported
+on nineteen arches, each of which</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>Would a Rialto make for depth and height!<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The arches stood upon enormous piers; the piers on starlings, or
+jetties, built far out into the river to break the force of the tide.</p>
+
+<p>Roused by Ben's warning, the carpenter looked up and could just perceive
+the dusky outline of the bridge looming through the darkness, and
+rendered indistinctly visible by the many lights that twinkled from the
+windows of the lofty houses. As he gazed at these lights, they suddenly
+seemed to disappear, and a tremendous shock was felt throughout the
+frame of the boat. Wood started to his feet. He found that the skiff had
+been dashed against one of the buttresses of the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jump!&quot; cried Ben, in a voice of thunder.</p>
+
+<p>Wood obeyed. His fears supplied him with unwonted vigour. Though the
+starling was more than two feet above the level of the water, he
+alighted with his little charge&mdash;which he had never for an instant
+quitted&mdash;in safety upon it. Poor Ben was not so fortunate. Just as he
+was preparing to follow, the wherry containing Rowland and his men,
+which had drifted in their wake, was dashed against his boat. The
+violence of the collision nearly threw him backwards, and caused him to
+swerve as he sprang. His foot touched the rounded edge of the starling,
+and glanced off, precipitating him into the water. As he fell, he caught
+at the projecting masonry. But the stone was slippery; and the tide,
+which here began to feel the influence of the fall, was running with
+frightful velocity. He could not make good his hold. <span class="pagenum">Page 65</span><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65"></a>But, uttering a
+loud cry, he was swept away by the headlong torrent.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood heard the cry. But his own situation was too perilous to admit
+of his rendering any assistance to the ill-fated waterman. He fancied,
+indeed, that he beheld a figure spring upon the starling at the moment
+when the boats came in contact; but, as he could perceive no one near
+him, he concluded he must have been mistaken.</p>
+
+<p>In order to make Mr. Wood's present position, and subsequent proceedings
+fully intelligible, it may be necessary to give some notion of the shape
+and structure of the platform on which he had taken refuge. It has been
+said, that the pier of each arch, or lock of Old London Bridge, was
+defended from the force of the tide by a huge projecting spur called a
+starling. These starlings varied in width, according to the bulk of the
+pier they surrounded. But they were all pretty nearly of the same
+length, and built somewhat after the model of a boat, having extremities
+as sharp and pointed as the keel of a canoe. Cased and ribbed with
+stone, and braced with horizontal beams of timber, the piles, which
+formed the foundation of these jetties, had resisted the strong
+encroachments of the current for centuries. Some of them are now buried
+at the bottom of the Thames. The starling, on which the carpenter stood,
+was the fourth from the Surrey shore. It might be three yards in width,
+and a few more in length; but it was covered with ooze and slime, and
+the waves continually broke over it. The transverse spars before
+mentioned were as slippery as ice; and the hollows between them were
+filled ankle-deep with water.</p>
+
+<p>The carpenter threw himself flat upon the starling to avoid the fury of
+the wind. But in this posture he fared worse than ever. If he ran less
+risk of being blown over, he stood a much greater chance of being washed
+off, or stifled. As he lay on his back, he fancied himself gradually
+slipping off the platform. Springing to his feet in an ecstasy of
+terror, he stumbled, and had well nigh realized his worst apprehensions.
+He, next, tried <span class="pagenum">Page 66</span><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66"></a>to clamber up the flying buttresses and soffits of the
+pier, in the hope of reaching some of the windows and other apertures
+with which, as a man-of-war is studded with port-holes, the sides of the
+bridge were pierced. But this wild scheme was speedily abandoned; and,
+nerved by despair, the carpenter resolved to hazard an attempt, from the
+execution, almost from the contemplation, of which he had hitherto
+shrunk. This was to pass under the arch, along the narrow ledge of the
+starling, and, if possible, attain the eastern platform, where,
+protected by the bridge, he would suffer less from the excessive
+violence of the gale.</p>
+
+<p>Assured, if he remained much longer where he was, he would inevitably
+perish, Wood recommended himself to the protection of Heaven, and began
+his perilous course. Carefully sustaining the child which, even in that
+terrible extremity, he had not the heart to abandon, he fell upon his
+knees, and, guiding himself with his right hand, crept slowly on. He had
+scarcely entered the arch, when the indraught was so violent, and the
+noise of the wind so dreadful and astounding, that he almost determined
+to relinquish the undertaking. But the love of life prevailed over his
+fears. He went on.</p>
+
+<p>The ledge, along which he crawled, was about a foot wide. In length the
+arch exceeded seventy feet. To the poor carpenter it seemed an endless
+distance. When, by slow and toilsome efforts, he had arrived midway,
+something obstructed his further progress. It was a huge stone placed
+there by some workmen occupied in repairing the structure. Cold drops
+stood upon Wood's brow, as he encountered this obstacle. To return was
+impossible,&mdash;to raise himself certain destruction. He glanced downwards
+at the impetuous torrent, which he could perceive shooting past him with
+lightning swiftness in the gloom. He listened to the thunder of the fall
+now mingling with the roar of the blast; and, driven almost frantic by
+what he heard and saw, he pushed with all his force against the stone.
+To his astonishment and delight it yielded to the pressure, toppled over
+the ledge, and sank. Such was the hubbub and tumult <span class="pagenum">Page 67</span><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67"></a>around him, that
+the carpenter could not hear its plunge into the flood. His course,
+however, was no longer interrupted, and he crept on.</p>
+
+<p>After encountering other dangers, and being twice, compelled to fling
+himself flat upon his face to avoid slipping from the wet and slimy
+pathway, he was at length about to emerge from the lock, when, to his
+inexpressible horror, he found he had lost the child!</p>
+
+<p>All the blood in his veins rushed to his heart, and he shook in every
+limb as he made this discovery. A species of vertigo seized him. His
+brain reeled. He fancied that the whole fabric of the bridge was
+cracking over head,&mdash;that the arch was tumbling upon him,&mdash;that the
+torrent was swelling around him, whirling him off, and about to bury him
+in the deafening abyss. He shrieked with agony, and clung with desperate
+tenacity to the roughened stones. But calmer thoughts quickly succeeded.
+On taxing his recollection, the whole circumstance rushed to mind with
+painful distinctness. He remembered that, before he attempted to
+dislodge the stone, he had placed the child in a cavity of the pier,
+which the granite mass had been intended to fill. This obstacle being
+removed, in his eagerness to proceed, he had forgotten to take his
+little charge with him. It was still possible the child might be in
+safety. And so bitterly did the carpenter reproach himself with his
+neglect, that he resolved, at all risks, to go back in search of it.
+Acting upon this humane determination, he impelled himself slowly
+backwards,&mdash;for he did not dare to face the blast,&mdash;and with incredible
+labour and fatigue reached the crevice. His perseverance was amply
+rewarded. The child was still safe. It lay undisturbed in the remotest
+corner of the recess.</p>
+
+<p>So overjoyed was the carpenter with the successful issue of his
+undertaking, that he scarcely paused a moment to recruit himself; but,
+securing the child, set out upon his return. Retracing his steps, he
+arrived, without further accident, at the eastern platform of the
+starling. As he anticipated, he was here comparatively screened from the
+fury of the wind; and when he gazed <span class="pagenum">Page 68</span><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68"></a>upon the roaring fall beneath him,
+visible through the darkness in a glistening sheet of foam, his heart
+overflowed with gratitude for his providential deliverance.</p>
+
+<p>As he moved about upon the starling, Mr. Wood became sensible that he
+was not alone. Some one was standing beside him. This, then, must be the
+person whom he had seen spring upon the western platform at the time of
+the collision between the boats. The carpenter well knew from the
+obstacle which had interfered with his own progress, that the unknown
+could not have passed through the same lock as himself. But he might
+have crept along the left side of the pier, and beneath the further
+arch; whereas, Wood, as we have seen, took his course upon the right.
+The darkness prevented the carpenter from discerning the features or
+figure of the stranger; and the ceaseless din precluded the possibility
+of holding any communication by words with him. Wood, however, made
+known his presence to the individual by laying his hand upon his
+shoulder. The stranger started at the touch, and spoke. But his words
+were borne away by the driving wind.</p>
+
+<p>Finding all attempts at conversation with his companion in misfortune in
+vain, Wood, in order to distract his thoughts, looked up at the gigantic
+structure standing, like a wall of solid darkness, before him. What was
+his transport on perceiving that a few yards above him a light was
+burning. The carpenter did not hesitate a moment. He took a handful of
+the gravelly mud, with which the platform was covered, and threw the
+small pebbles, one by one, towards the gleam. A pane of glass was
+shivered by each stone. The signal of distress was evidently understood.
+The light disappeared. The window was shortly after opened, and a rope
+ladder, with a lighted horn lantern attached to it, let down.</p>
+
+<p>Wood grasped his companion's arm to attract his attention to this
+unexpected means of escape. The ladder was now within reach. Both
+advanced towards it, when, by the light of the lantern, Wood beheld, in
+the countenance of the stranger, the well-remembered and stern features
+of Rowland.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 69</span><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"></a>The carpenter trembled; for he perceived Rowland's gaze fixed first
+upon the infant, and then on himself.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It <i>is</i> her child!&quot; shrieked Rowland, in a voice heard above the
+howling of the tempest, &quot;risen from this roaring abyss to torment me.
+Its parents have perished. And shall their wretched offspring live to
+blight my hopes, and blast my fame? Never!&quot; And, with these words, he
+grasped Wood by the throat, and, despite his resistance, dragged him to
+the very verge of the platform.</p>
+
+<p>All this juncture, a thundering crash was heard against the side of the
+bridge. A stack of chimneys, on the house above them, had yielded to the
+storm, and descended in a shower of bricks and stones.</p>
+
+<p>When the carpenter a moment afterwards stretched out his hand, scarcely
+knowing whether he was alive or dead, he found himself alone. The fatal
+shower, from which he and his little charge escaped uninjured, had
+stricken his assailant and precipitated him into the boiling gulf.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's an ill wind that blows nobody good,&quot; thought the carpenter,
+turning his attention to the child, whose feeble struggles and cries
+proclaimed that, as yet, life had not been extinguished by the hardships
+it had undergone. &quot;Poor little creature!&quot; he muttered, pressing it
+tenderly to his breast, as he grasped the rope and clambered up to the
+window: &quot;if thou hast, indeed, lost both thy parents, as that terrible
+man said just now, thou art not wholly friendless and deserted, for I
+myself will be a father to thee! And in memory of this dreadful night,
+and the death from which I have, been the means of preserving thee, thou
+shalt bear the name of THAMES DARRELL.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had Wood crept through the window, than nature gave way, and
+he fainted. On coming to himself, he found he had been wrapped in a
+blanket and put to bed with a couple of hot bricks to his feet. His
+first inquiries were concerning the child, and he was delighted to find
+that it still lived and was doing well. Every care had been taken of it,
+as well as of himself, by the <span class="pagenum">Page 70</span><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"></a>humane inmates of the house in which he
+had sought shelter.</p>
+
+<p>About noon, next day, he was able to move; and the gale having abated,
+he set out homewards with his little charge.</p>
+
+<p>The city presented a terrible picture of devastation. London Bridge had
+suffered a degree less than most places. But it was almost choked up
+with fallen stacks of chimneys, broken beams of timber, and shattered
+tiles. The houses overhung in a frightful manner, and looked as if the
+next gust would precipitate them into the river. With great difficulty,
+Wood forced a path through the ruins. It was a work of no slight danger,
+for every instant a wall, or fragment of a building, came crashing to
+the ground. Thames Street was wholly impassable. Men were going hither
+and thither with barrows, and ladders and ropes, removing the rubbish,
+and trying to support the tottering habitations. Grace-church Street was
+entirely deserted, except by a few stragglers, whose curiosity got the
+better of their fears; or who, like the carpenter, were compelled to
+proceed along it. The tiles lay a foot thick in the road. In some cases
+they were ground almost to powder; in others, driven deeply into the
+earth, as if discharged from a piece of ordnance. The roofs and gables
+of many of the houses had been torn off. The signs of the shops were
+carried to incredible distances. Here and there, a building might be
+seen with the doors and windows driven in, and all access to it
+prevented by the heaps of bricks and tilesherds.</p>
+
+<p>Through this confusion the carpenter struggled on;&mdash;now ascending, now
+descending the different mountains of rubbish that beset his path, at
+the imminent peril of his life and limbs, until he arrived in Fleet
+Street. The hurricane appeared to have raged in this quarter with
+tenfold fury. Mr. Wood scarcely knew where he was. The old aspect of the
+place was gone. In lieu of the substantial habitations which he had
+gazed on overnight, he beheld a row of falling scaffoldings, for such
+they seemed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 71</span><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71"></a>It was a dismal and depressing sight to see a great city thus suddenly
+overthrown; and the carpenter was deeply moved by the spectacle. As
+usual, however, on the occasion of any great calamity, a crowd was
+scouring the streets, whose sole object was plunder. While involved in
+this crowd, near Temple Bar,&mdash;where the thoroughfare was most dangerous
+from the masses of ruin that impeded it,&mdash;an individual, whose swarthy
+features recalled to the carpenter one of his tormentors of the previous
+night, collared him, and, with bitter imprecations accused him of
+stealing his child. In vain Wood protested his innocence. The ruffian's
+companions took his part. And the infant, in all probability, would have
+been snatched from its preserver, if a posse of the watch (sent out to
+maintain order and protect property) had not opportunely arrived, and by
+a vigorous application of their halberts dispersed his persecutors, and
+set him at liberty.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood then took to his heels, and never once looked behind him till
+he reached his own dwelling in Wych Street. His wife met him at the
+door, and into her hands he delivered his little charge.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 72</span><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72"></a></p>
+<h4>END OF THE FIRST EPOCH.</h4>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="EPOCH_THE_SECOND" id="EPOCH_THE_SECOND" /><span class="pagenum">Page 73</span><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73"></a></p>
+<h2>EPOCH THE SECOND.</h2>
+
+<h3>1715.</h3>
+
+<h3>THAMES DARRELL.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 74</span><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74"></a></p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="CHAPTER_2_I" id="CHAPTER_2_I"></a><span class="pagenum">Page 75</span><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75"></a></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Idle Apprentice.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Twelve years! How many events have occurred during that long interval!
+how many changes have taken place! The whole aspect of things is
+altered. The child has sprung into a youth; the youth has become a man;
+the man has already begun to feel the advances of age. Beauty has
+bloomed and faded. Fresh flowers of loveliness have budded, expanded,
+died. The fashions of the day have become antiquated. New customs have
+prevailed over the old. Parties, politics, and popular opinions have
+changed. The crown has passed from the brow of one monarch to that of
+another. Habits and tastes are no longer the same. We, ourselves, are
+scarcely the same we were twelve years ago.</p>
+
+<p>Twelve years ago! It is an awful retrospect. Dare we look back upon the
+darkened vista, and, in imagination retrace the path we have trod? With
+how many vain hopes is it shaded! with how many good resolutions, never
+fulfilled, is it paved! Where are the dreams of ambition in which,
+twelve years ago, we indulged? Where are the aspirations that fired
+us&mdash;the passions that consumed us then? Has our success in life been
+commensurate with our own desires&mdash;with the anticipations formed of us
+by others? Or, are we not blighted in heart, as in ambition? Has not the
+loved one been estranged by doubt, or snatched from us by the cold hand
+of death? Is not the goal, towards which we pressed, further off than
+ever&mdash;the prospect before us cheerless as the blank behind?&mdash;Enough of
+this. Let us proceed with our tale.</p>
+
+<p>Twelve years, then, have elapsed since the date of the occurrences
+detailed in the preceding division of this history. At that time, we
+were beneath the sway <span class="pagenum">Page 76</span><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"></a>of Anne: we are now at the commencement of the
+reign of George the First. Passing at a glance over the whole of the
+intervening period; leaving in the words of the poet,</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&mdash;The growth untried<br /></span>
+<span>Of that wide gap&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>we shall resume our narrative at the beginning of June, 1715.</p>
+
+<p>One Friday afternoon, in this pleasant month, it chanced that Mr. Wood,
+who had been absent on business during the greater part of the day,
+returned (perhaps not altogether undesignedly) at an earlier hour than
+was expected, to his dwelling in Wych Street, Drury Lane; and was about
+to enter his workshop, when, not hearing any sound of labour issue from
+within, he began to suspect that an apprentice, of whose habits of
+industry he entertained some doubt, was neglecting his employment.
+Impressed with this idea, he paused for a moment to listen. But finding
+all continue silent, he cautiously lifted the latch, and crept into the
+room, resolved to punish the offender in case his suspicions should
+prove correct.</p>
+
+<p>The chamber, into which he stole, like all carpenters' workshops, was
+crowded with the implements and materials of that ancient and honourable
+art. Saws, hammers, planes, axes, augers, adzes, chisels, gimblets, and
+an endless variety of tools were ranged, like a stand of martial weapons
+at an armoury, in racks against the walls. Over these hung levels,
+bevels, squares, and other instruments of measurement. Amid a litter of
+nails without heads, screws without worms, and locks without wards, lay
+a glue-pot and an oilstone, two articles which their owner was wont to
+term &quot;his right hand and his left.&quot; On a shelf was placed a row of
+paint-jars; the contents of which had been daubed in rainbow streaks
+upon the adjacent closet and window sill. Divers plans and figures were
+chalked upon the walls; and the spaces between them were filled up with
+an almanack for the year; a godly ballad, adorned <span class="pagenum">Page 77</span><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77"></a>with a rude wood-cut,
+purporting to be &quot;<i>The History of Chaste Susannah</i>;&quot; an old print of the
+Seven Golden Candlesticks; an abstract of the various Acts of Parliament
+against drinking, swearing, and all manner of profaneness; and a view of
+the interior of Doctor Daniel Burgess's Presbyterian meeting-house in
+Russell Court, with portraits of the reverend gentleman and the
+principal members of his flock. The floor was thickly strewn with
+sawdust and shavings; and across the room ran a long and wide bench,
+furnished at one end with a powerful vice; next to which three nails
+driven into the boards served, it would appear from the lump of
+unconsumed tallow left in their custody, as a substitute for a
+candlestick. On the bench was set a quartern measure of gin, a crust of
+bread, and a slice of cheese. Attracted by the odour of the latter
+dainty, a hungry cat had contrived to scratch open the paper in which it
+was wrapped, displaying the following words in large characters:&mdash;&quot;THE
+HISTORY OF THE FOUR KINGS, OR CHILD'S BEST GUIDE TO THE GALLOWS.&quot; And,
+as if to make the moral more obvious, a dirty pack of cards was
+scattered, underneath, upon the sawdust. Near the door stood a pile of
+deal planks, behind which the carpenter ensconced himself in order to
+reconnoitre, unobserved, the proceedings of his idle apprentice.</p>
+
+<p>Standing on tiptoe, on a joint-stool, placed upon the bench, with his
+back to the door, and a clasp-knife in his hand, this youngster, instead
+of executing his appointed task, was occupied in carving his name upon a
+beam, overhead. Boys, at the time of which we write, were attired like
+men of their own day, or certain charity-children of ours; and the
+stripling in question was dressed in black plush breeches, and a gray
+drugget waistcoat, with immoderately long pockets, both of which were
+evidently the cast-off clothes of some one considerably his senior.
+Coat, on the present occasion, he had none, it being more convenient, as
+well as agreeable to him, to pursue his avocations in his shirtsleeves;
+but, when fully equipped, he wore a large-<span class="pagenum">Page 78</span><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78"></a>cuffed, long-skirted garment,
+which had once been the property of his master.</p>
+
+<p>In concealing himself behind the timber, Mr. Wood could not avoid making
+a slight shuffling sound. The noise startled the apprentice, who
+instantly suspended his labour, and gazed anxiously in the direction
+whence he supposed it proceeded. His face was that of a quick,
+intelligent-looking boy, with fine hazel eyes, and a clear olive
+complexion. His figure was uncommonly slim even for his age, which could
+not be more than thirteen; and the looseness of his garb made him appear
+thinner than he was in reality. But if his frame was immature, his looks
+were not so. He seemed to possess a penetration and cunning beyond his
+years&mdash;to hide a man's judgment under a boy's mask. The glance, which he
+threw at the door, was singularly expressive of his character: it was a
+mixture of alarm, effrontery, and resolution. In the end, resolution
+triumphed, as it was sure to do, over the weaker emotions, and he
+laughed at his fears. The only part of his otherwise-interesting
+countenance, to which one could decidedly object, was the mouth; a
+feature that, more than any other, is conceived to betray the animal
+propensities of the possessor. If this is true, it must be owned that
+the boy's mouth showed a strong tendency on his part to coarse
+indulgence. The eyes, too, though large and bright, and shaded by long
+lashes, seemed to betoken, as hazel eyes generally do in men, a
+faithless and uncertain disposition. The cheek-bones were prominent: the
+nose slightly depressed, with rather wide nostrils; the chin narrow, but
+well-formed; the forehead broad and lofty; and he possessed such an
+extraordinary flexibility of muscle in this region, that he could
+elevate his eye-brows at pleasure up to the very verge of his sleek and
+shining black hair, which, being closely cropped, to admit of his
+occasionally wearing a wig, gave a singular bullet-shape to his head.
+Taken altogether, his physiognomy resembled one of those vagabond heads
+which Murillo delighted to paint, and for which Guzman d'Alfarache,
+Lazarillo de Tormes, or Estevanillo Gonzalez might have sat:&mdash;faces that
+<span class="pagenum">Page 79</span><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79"></a>almost make one in love with roguery, they seem so full of vivacity and
+enjoyment. There was all the knavery, and more than all the drollery of
+a Spanish picaroon in the laughing eyes of the English apprentice; and,
+with a little more warmth and sunniness of skin on the side of the
+latter, the resemblance between them would have been complete.</p>
+
+<p>Satisfied, as he thought, that he had nothing to apprehend, the boy
+resumed his task, chanting, as he plied his knife with redoubled
+assiduity, the following&mdash;not inappropriate strains:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>THE NEWGATE STONE.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>When Claude Du Val was in Newgate thrown,<br /></span>
+<span>He carved his name on the dungeon stone;<br /></span>
+<span>Quoth a dubsman, who gazed on the shattered wall,<br /></span>
+<span>&quot;You have carved your epitaph, Claude Du Val,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>With your chisel so fine, tra la!</i>&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;This S wants a little deepening,&quot; mused the apprentice, retouching the
+letter in question; &quot;ay, that's better.&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>Du Val was hang'd, and the next who came<br /></span>
+<span>On the selfsame stone inscribed his name:<br /></span>
+<span>&quot;Aha!&quot; quoth the dubsman, with devilish glee,<br /></span>
+<span>&quot;Tom Waters <i>your</i> doom is the triple tree!<br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>With your chisel so fine, tra la!</i>&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Tut, tut, tut,&quot; he cried, &quot;what a fool I am to be sure! I ought to have
+cut John, not Jack. However, it don't signify. Nobody ever called me
+John, that I recollect. So I dare say I was christened Jack. Deuce take
+it! I was very near spelling my name with one P.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>Within that dungeon lay Captain Bew,<br /></span>
+<span>Rumbold and Whitney&mdash;a jolly crew!<br /></span>
+<span>All carved their names on the stone, and all<br /></span>
+<span>Share the fate of the brave Du Val!<br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>With their chisels so fine, tra la!</i><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Save us!&quot; continued the apprentice, &quot;I hope this beam doesn't resemble
+the Newgate stone; or I may chance, like the great men the song speaks
+of, to swing <span class="pagenum">Page 80</span><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80"></a>on the Tyburn tree for my pains. No fear o' that.&mdash;Though
+if my name should become as famous as theirs, it wouldn't much matter.
+The prospect of the gallows would never deter me from taking to the
+road, if I were so inclined.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>Full twenty highwaymen blithe and bold,<br /></span>
+<span>Rattled their chains in that dungeon old;<br /></span>
+<span>Of all that number there 'scaped not one<br /></span>
+<span>Who carved his name on the Newgate Stone.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>With his chisel so fine, tra la!</i><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;There!&quot; cried the boy, leaping from the stool, and drawing back a few
+paces on the bench to examine his performance,&mdash;&quot;that'll do. Claude du
+Val himself couldn't have carved it better&mdash;ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The name inscribed upon the beam (of which, as it has been carefully
+preserved by the subsequent owners of Mr. Wood's habitation in Wych
+Street, we are luckily enabled to furnish a facsimile) was</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 250px;">
+<img src="images/signature.jpg" width="250" height="53" alt="Jack Sheppard (signature)" title="Jack Sheppard (signature)" />
+</div>
+
+<p>&quot;I've half a mind to give old Wood the slip, and turn highwayman,&quot; cried
+Jack, as he closed the knife, and put it in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The devil you have!&quot; thundered a voice from behind, that filled the
+apprentice with dismay. &quot;Come down, sirrah, and I'll teach you how to
+deface my walls in future. Come down, I say, instantly, or I'll make
+you.&quot; Upon which, Mr. Wood caught hold of Jack's leg, and dragged him
+off the bench.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And so you'll turn highwayman, will you, you young dog?&quot; continued the
+carpenter, cuffing him soundly,&mdash;&quot;rob the mails, like Jack Hall, I
+suppose.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, I will,&quot; replied Jack sullenly, &quot;if you beat me in that way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Amazed at the boy's assurance, Wood left off boxing his ears for a
+moment, and, looking at him steadfastly, said in a grave tone, &quot;Jack,
+Jack, you'll come to be hanged!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 81</span><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81"></a>Better be hanged than hen-pecked,&quot; retorted the lad with a malicious
+grin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you mean by that, sirrah?&quot; cried Wood, reddening with anger.
+&quot;Do you dare to insinuate that Mrs. Wood governs me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's plain you can't govern yourself, at all events,&quot; replied Jack
+coolly; &quot;but, be that as it may, I won't be struck for nothing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nothing,&quot; echoed Wood furiously. &quot;Do you call neglecting your work, and
+singing flash songs nothing? Zounds! you incorrigible rascal, many a
+master would have taken you before a magistrate, and prayed for your
+solitary confinement in Bridewell for the least of these offences. But
+I'll be more lenient, and content myself with merely chastising you, on
+condition&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You may do as you please, master,&quot; interrupted Jack, thrusting his hand
+into his pocket, as if in search of the knife; &quot;but I wouldn't advise
+you to lay hands on me again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood glanced at the hardy offender, and not liking the expression of
+his countenance, thought it advisable to postpone the execution of his
+threats to a more favourable opportunity. So, by way of gaining time, he
+resolved to question him further.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where did you learn the song I heard just now?&quot; he demanded, in an
+authoritative tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At the Black Lion in our street,&quot; replied Jack, without hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The worst house in the neighbourhood&mdash;the constant haunt of reprobates
+and thieves,&quot; groaned Wood. &quot;And who taught it you&mdash;the landlord, Joe
+Hind?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; one Blueskin, a fellow who frequents the Lion,&quot; answered Jack, with
+a degree of candour that astonished his master nearly as much as his
+confidence. &quot;It was that song that put it into my head to cut my name on
+the beam.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A white wall is a fool's paper, Jack,&mdash;remember that,&quot; rejoined Wood.
+&quot;Pretty company for an apprentice to keep!&mdash;pretty houses for an
+apprentice to frequent! Why, the rascal you mention is a notorious
+house-breaker. <span class="pagenum">Page 82</span><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82"></a>He was tried at the last Old Bailey sessions; and only
+escaped the gallows by impeaching his accomplices. Jonathan Wild brought
+him off.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you happen to know Jonathan Wild, master?&quot; inquired Jack, altering
+his tone, and assuming a more respectful demeanour.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've seen him some years ago, I believe,&quot; answered Wood; &quot;and, though
+he must be much changed by this time, I dare say I should know him
+again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A short man, isn't he, about your height, Sir,&mdash;with a yellow beard,
+and a face as sly as a fox's?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hem!&quot; replied Wood, coughing slightly to conceal a smile; &quot;the
+description's not amiss. But why do you ask?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Because&mdash;&quot; stammered the boy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Speak out&mdash;don't be alarmed,&quot; said Wood, in a kind and encouraging
+tone. &quot;If you've done wrong, confess it, and I'll forgive you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't deserve to be forgiven!&quot; returned Jack, bursting into tears;
+&quot;for I'm afraid I've done very wrong. Do you know this, Sir?&quot; he added,
+taking a key from his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where did you find it!&quot; asked Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was given me by a man who was drinking t'other night with Blueskin
+at the Lion! and who, though he slouched his hat over his eyes, and
+muffled his chin in a handkerchief, must have been Jonathan Wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where did <i>he</i> get it?&quot; inquired Wood, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I can't say. But he promised to give me a couple of guineas if I'd
+ascertain whether it fitted your locks.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Zounds!&quot; exclaimed Wood; &quot;it's my old master-key. This key,&quot; he added,
+taking it from the boy, &quot;was purloined from me by your father, Jack.
+What he intended to do with it is of little consequence now. But before
+he suffered at Tyburn, he charged your mother to restore it. She lost it
+in the Mint. Jonathan Wild must have stolen it from her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He must,&quot; exclaimed Jack, hastily; &quot;but only let me have it till
+to-morrow, and if I don't entrap him <span class="pagenum">Page 83</span><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83"></a>in a snare from which, with all
+his cunning, he shall find it difficult to escape, my name's not Jack
+Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I see through your design, Jack,&quot; returned the carpenter, gravely; &quot;but
+I don't like under-hand work. Even when you've a knave to deal with, let
+your actions be plain, and above-board. That's my maxim; and it's the
+maxim of every honest man. It would be a great matter, I must own, to
+bring Jonathan Wild to justice. But I can't consent to the course you
+would pursue&mdash;at least, not till I've given it due consideration. In
+regard to yourself, you've had a very narrow escape. Wild's intention,
+doubtless, was to use you as far as he found necessary, and then to sell
+you. Let this be a caution to you in future&mdash;with whom, and about what
+you deal. We're told, that 'Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own
+soul.' Avoid taverns and bad company, and you may yet do well. You
+promise to become a first-rate workman. But you want one quality,
+without which all others are valueless. You want industry&mdash;you want
+steadiness. Idleness is the key of beggary, Jack. If you don't conquer
+this disgraceful propensity in time, you'll soon come to want; and then
+nothing can save you. Be warned by your father's fate. As you brew so
+must you drink. I've engaged to watch over you as a son, and I <i>will</i> do
+so as far as I'm able; but if you neglect my advice, what chance have I
+of benefitting you? On one point I've made up my mind&mdash;you shall either
+obey me, or leave me. Please yourself. Here are your indentures, if you
+choose to seek another master.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>will</i> obey you, master,&mdash;indeed I will!&quot; implored Jack, seriously
+alarmed at the carpenter's calm displeasure.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We shall see. Good words, without deeds, are rushes and reeds. And now
+take away those cards, and never let me see them again. Drive away the
+cat; throw that measure of gin through the window; and tell me why
+you've not so much as touched the packing-case for Lady Trafford, which
+I particularly desired you to <span class="pagenum">Page 84</span><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84"></a>complete against my return. It must be
+sent home this evening. She leaves town to-morrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It shall be ready in two hours,&quot; answered Jack, seizing a piece of wood
+and a plane; &quot;it isn't more than four o'clock. I'll engage to get the
+job done by six. I didn't expect you home before that hour, Sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah, Jack,&quot; said Wood, shaking his head, &quot;where there's a will there's a
+way. You can do anything you please. I wish I could get you to imitate
+Thames Darrell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm sure I understand the business of a carpenter much better than he
+does,&quot; replied Jack, adroitly adjusting the board, and using the plane
+with the greatest rapidity.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps,&quot; replied Wood, doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thames was always your favourite,&quot; observed Jack, as he fastened
+another piece of wood on the teeth of the iron stopper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've made no distinction between you, hitherto,&quot; answered Wood; &quot;nor
+shall I do so, unless I'm compelled.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've had the hard work to do, at all events,&quot; rejoined Jack, &quot;But I
+won't complain. I'd do anything for Thames Darrell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And Thames Darrell would do anything for you, Jack,&quot; replied a blithe
+voice. &quot;What's the matter, father!&quot; continued the new-comer, addressing
+Wood. &quot;Has Jack displeased you? If so, overlook his fault this once. I'm
+sure he'll do his best to content you. Won't you, Jack?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I will,&quot; answered Sheppard, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When it thunders, the thief becomes honest,&quot; muttered Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can I help you, Jack?&quot; asked Thames, taking up a plane.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, let him alone,&quot; interposed Wood. &quot;He has undertaken to finish
+this job by six o'clock, and I wish to see whether he'll be as good as
+his word.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He'll have hard work to do it by that time, father,&quot; remonstrated
+Thames; &quot;you'd better let me help him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 85</span><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85"></a>On no account,&quot; rejoined Wood peremptorily. &quot;A little extra exertion
+will teach him the advantage of diligence at the proper season. Lost
+ground must be regained. I need scarcely ask whether you've executed
+your appointed task, my dear? You're never behindhand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thames turned away at the question, which he felt might be construed
+into a reproach. But Sheppard answered for him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Darrell's job was done early this morning,&quot; he said; &quot;and if I'd
+attended to his advice, the packing-case would have been finished at the
+same time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You trusted too much to your own skill, Jack,&quot; rejoined Thames. &quot;If I
+could work as fast as you, I might afford to be as idle. See how he gets
+on, father,&quot; he added, appealing to Wood: &quot;the box seems to grow under
+his hands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're a noble-hearted little fellow, Thames,&quot; rejoined Wood, casting a
+look of pride and affection at his adopted son, whose head he gently
+patted; &quot;and give promise of a glorious manhood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thames Darrell was, indeed, a youth of whom a person of far greater
+worldly consequence than the worthy carpenter might have been justly
+proud. Though a few months younger than his companion Jack Sheppard, he
+was half a head taller, and much more robustly formed. The two friends
+contrasted strikingly with each other. In Darrell's open features,
+frankness and honour were written in legible characters; while, in
+Jack's physiognomy, cunning and knavery were as strongly imprinted. In
+all other respects they differed as materially. Jack could hardly be
+accounted good-looking: Thames, on the contrary, was one of the
+handsomest boys possible. Jack's complexion was that of a gipsy;
+Darrell's as fresh and bright as a rose. Jack's mouth was coarse and
+large; Darrell's small and exquisitely carved, with the short, proud
+upper lip, which belongs to the highest order of beauty. Jack's nose was
+broad and flat; Darrell's straight and fine as that of Antinous. The
+expression pervading the countenance <span class="pagenum">Page 86</span><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86"></a>of the one was vulgarity; of the
+other, that which is rarely found, except in persons of high birth.
+Darrell's eyes were of that clear gray which it is difficult to
+distinguish from blue by day and black at night; and his rich brown
+hair, which he could not consent to part with, even on the promise of a
+new and modish peruke from his adoptive father, fell in thick glossy
+ringlets upon his shoulders; whereas Jack's close black crop imparted
+the peculiar bullet-shape we have noticed, to his head.</p>
+
+<p>While Thames modestly expressed a hope that he might not belie the
+carpenter's favourable prediction, Jack Sheppard thought fit to mount a
+small ladder placed against the wall, and, springing with the agility of
+an ape upon a sort of frame, contrived to sustain short spars and blocks
+of timber, began to search about for a piece of wood required in the
+work on which he was engaged. Being in a great hurry, he took little
+heed where he set his feet; and a board giving way, he must have fallen,
+if he had not grasped a large plank laid upon the transverse beam
+immediately over his head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take care, Jack,&quot; shouted Thames, who witnessed the occurrence; &quot;that
+plank isn't properly balanced. You'll have it down.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But the caution came too late. Sheppard's weight had destroyed the
+equilibrium of the plank: it swerved, and slowly descended. Losing his
+presence of mind, Jack quitted his hold, and dropped upon the frame. The
+plank hung over his head. A moment more and he would have been crushed
+beneath the ponderous board, when a slight but strong arm arrested its
+descent.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Get from under it, Jack!&quot; vociferated Thames. &quot;I can't hold it much
+longer&mdash;it'll break my wrist. Down we come!&quot; he exclaimed, letting go
+the plank, which fell with a crash, and leaping after Sheppard, who had
+rolled off the frame.</p>
+
+<p>All this was the work of a minute.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No bones broken, I hope,&quot; said Thames, laughing at Jack, who limped
+towards the bench, rubbing his shins as he went.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 87</span><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87"></a>All right,&quot; replied Sheppard, with affected indifference.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a mercy you both escaped!&quot; ejaculated Wood, only just finding his
+tongue. &quot;I declare I'm all in a cold sweat. How came you, Sir,&quot; he
+continued, addressing Sheppard, &quot;to venture upon that frame. I always
+told you some accident would happen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't scold him, father,&quot; interposed Thames; &quot;he's been frightened
+enough already.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, well, since you desire it, I'll say no more,&quot; returned Wood. &quot;You
+hay'n't hurt your arm, I trust, my dear?&quot; he added, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Only sprained it a little, that's all,&quot; answered Thames; &quot;the pain will
+go off presently.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then you <i>are</i> hurt,&quot; cried the carpenter in alarm. &quot;Come down stairs
+directly, and let your mother look at your wrist. She has an excellent
+remedy for a sprain. And do you, Jack, attend to your work, and mind you
+don't get into further mischief.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hadn't Jack better go with us?&quot; said Thames. &quot;His shin may need
+rubbing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By no means,&quot; rejoined Wood, hastily. &quot;A little suffering will do him
+good. I meant to give him a drubbing. That bruise will answer the same
+purpose.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thames,&quot; said Sheppard in a low voice, as he threw a vindictive glance
+at the carpenter, &quot;I shan't forget this. You've saved my life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pshaw! you'd do as much for me any day, and think no more about it.
+It'll be your turn to save mine next.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;True, and I shan't be easy till my turn arrives.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I tell you what, Jack,&quot; whispered Thames, who had noticed Sheppard's
+menacing glance, and dreaded some further indiscretion on his part, &quot;if
+you really wish to oblige me, you'll get that packing-case finished by
+six o'clock. You <i>can</i> do it, if you will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I <i>will</i>, if I can, depend upon it,&quot; answered Sheppard, with a
+laugh.</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he manfully resumed his work; while Wood and Thames quitted
+the room, and went down stairs.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="CHAPTER_2_II" id="CHAPTER_2_II"></a><span class="pagenum">Page 88</span><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88"></a></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>Thames Darrell.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Thames Darrell's arm having been submitted to the scrutiny of Mrs. Wood,
+was pronounced by that lady to be very much sprained; and she,
+forthwith, proceeded to bathe it with a reddish-coloured lotion. During
+this operation, the carpenter underwent a severe catechism as to the
+cause of the accident; and, on learning that the mischance originated
+with Jack Sheppard, the indignation of his helpmate knew no bounds; and
+she was with difficulty prevented from flying to the workshop to inflict
+summary punishment on the offender.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I knew how it would be,&quot; she cried, in the shrill voice peculiar to a
+shrew, &quot;when you brought that worthless hussy's worthless brat into the
+house. I told you no good would come of it. And every day's experience
+proves that I was right. But, like all your overbearing sex, you must
+have your own way. You'll never be guided by me&mdash;never!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Indeed, my love, you're entirely mistaken,&quot; returned the carpenter,
+endeavouring to deprecate his wife's rising resentment by the softest
+looks, and the meekest deportment.</p>
+
+<p>So far, however, was this submission from producing the desired effect,
+that it seemed only to lend additional fuel to her displeasure.
+Forgetting her occupation in her anger, she left off bathing Darrell's
+wrist; and, squeezing his arm so tightly that the boy winced with pain,
+she clapped her right hand upon her hip, and turned, with flashing eyes
+and an inflamed countenance, towards her crest-fallen spouse.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What!&quot; she exclaimed, almost choked with passion,&mdash;&quot;<i>I</i> advised you to
+burthen yourself with that idle and good-for-nothing pauper, who'm you
+ought rather to send to the workhouse than maintain at your own expense,
+did I! <i>I</i> advised you to take him as an apprentice; and, so far from
+getting the regular fee with him, to give him a salary? <i>I</i> advised you
+to feed <span class="pagenum">Page 89</span><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89"></a>him, and clothe him, and treat him like his betters; to put up
+with his insolence, and wink at his faults? <i>I</i> counselled all this, I
+suppose. You'll tell me next, I dare say, that I recommended you to go
+and visit his mother so frequently under the plea of charity; to give
+her wine, and provisions, and money; to remove her from the only fit
+quarters for such people&mdash;the Mint; and to place her in a cottage at
+Willesden, of which you must needs pay the rent? Marry, come up! charity
+should begin at home. A discreet husband would leave the dispensation of
+his bounty, where women are concerned, to his wife. And for my part, if
+I were inclined to exercise my benevolence at all, it should be in
+favour of some more deserving object than that whining, hypocritical
+Magdalene.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was the knowledge of this feeling on your part, my love, that made
+me act without your express sanction. I did all for the best, I'm sure.
+Mrs. Sheppard is&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know what Mrs. Sheppard is, without your information, Sir. I haven't
+forgotten her previous history. You've your own reasons, no doubt, for
+bringing up her son&mdash;perhaps, I ought rather to say <i>your</i> son, Mr.
+Wood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Really, my love, these accusations are most groundless&mdash;this violence
+is most unnecessary.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't endure the odious baggage. I hope I may never come near her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope you never may, my love,&quot; humbly acquiesced the carpenter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is my house to be made a receptacle for all your natural children, Sir?
+Answer me that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Winny,&quot; said Thames, whose glowing cheek attested the effect produced
+upon him by the insinuation; &quot;Winny,&quot; said he, addressing a pretty
+little damsel of some twelve years of age, who stood by his side holding
+the bottle of embrocation, &quot;help me on with my coat, please. This is no
+place for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sit down, my dear, sit down,&quot; interposed Mrs. Wood, softening her
+asperity. &quot;What I said about natural children doesn't apply to <i>you</i>.
+Don't suppose,&quot; she <span class="pagenum">Page 90</span><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90"></a>added, with a scornful glance at her helpmate,
+&quot;that I would pay him the compliment of thinking he could possibly be
+the father of such a boy as you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood lifted up his hands in mute despair.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Owen, Owen,&quot; pursued Mrs. Wood, sinking into a chair, and fanning
+herself violently,&mdash;&quot;what a fluster you have put me into with your
+violence, to be sure! And at the very time, too, when you know I'm
+expecting a visit from Mr. Kneebone, on his return from Manchester. I
+wouldn't have him see me in this state for the world. He'd never forgive
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poh, poh, my dear! Mr. Kneebone invariably takes part with me, when any
+trifling misunderstanding arises between us. I only wish he was not a
+Papist and a Jacobite.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jacobite!&quot; echoed Mrs. Wood. &quot;Marry, come up! Mightn't he just as
+reasonably complain of your being a Hanoverian and a Presbyterian? It's
+all matter of opinion. And now, my love,&quot; she added, with a relenting
+look, &quot;I'm content to make up our quarrel. But you must promise me not
+to go near that abandoned hussy at Willesden. One can't help being
+jealous, you know, even of an unworthy object.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Glad to make peace on any terms, Mr. Wood gave the required promise,
+though he could not help thinking that if either of them had cause to be
+jealous he was the party.</p>
+
+<p>And here, we may be permitted to offer an observation upon the peculiar
+and unaccountable influence which ladies of a shrewish turn so
+frequently exercise over&mdash;we can scarcely, in this case, say&mdash;their
+lords and masters; an influence which seems not merely to extend to the
+will of the husband, but even to his inclinations. We do not remember to
+have met with a single individual, reported to be under petticoat
+government, who was not content with his lot,&mdash;nay, who so far from
+repining, did not exult in his servitude; and we see no way of
+accounting for this apparently inexplicable conduct&mdash;for which, among
+other phenomena of married life, various reasons have been assigned,
+though none entirely satisfactory <span class="pagenum">Page 91</span><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91"></a>to us&mdash;except upon the ground that
+these domineering dames possess some charm sufficiently strong to
+counteract the irritating effect of their tempers; some secret and
+attractive quality of which the world at large is in ignorance, and with
+which their husbands alone can be supposed to be acquainted. An
+influence of this description appeared to be exerted on the present
+occasion. The worthy carpenter was restored to instant good humour by a
+glance from his helpmate; and, notwithstanding the infliction he had
+just endured, he would have quarrelled with any one who had endeavoured
+to persuade him that he was not the happiest of men, and Mrs. Wood the
+best of wives.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Women must have their wills while they live, since they can make none
+when they die,&quot; observed Wood, as he imprinted a kiss of reconciliation
+on the plump hand of his consort;&mdash;a sentiment to the correctness of
+which the party chiefly interested graciously vouchsafed her assent.</p>
+
+<p>Lest the carpenter should be taxed with too much uxoriousness, it
+behoves us to ascertain whether the personal attractions of his helpmate
+would, in any degree, justify the devotion he displayed. In the first
+place, Mrs. Wood had the advantage of her husband in point of years,
+being on the sunny side of forty,&mdash;a period pronounced by competent
+judges to be the most fascinating, and, at the same time, most critical
+epoch of woman's existence,&mdash;whereas, he was on the shady side of
+fifty,&mdash;a term of life not generally conceived to have any special
+recommendation in female eyes. In the next place, she really had some
+pretensions to beauty. Accounted extremely pretty in her youth, her
+features and person expanded as she grew older, without much detriment
+to their original comeliness. Hers was beauty on a large scale no doubt;
+but it was beauty, nevertheless: and the carpenter thought her eyes as
+bright, her complexion as blooming, and her figure (if a little more
+buxom) quite as captivating as when he led her to the altar some twenty
+years ago.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 92</span><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92"></a>On the present occasion, in anticipation of Mr. Kneebone's visit, Mrs.
+Wood was dressed with more than ordinary care, and in more than ordinary
+finery. A dove-coloured kincob gown, embroidered with large trees, and
+made very low in front, displayed to the greatest possible advantage,
+the rounded proportions of her figure; while a high-heeled, red-leather
+shoe did not detract from the symmetry of a very neat ankle, and a very
+small foot. A stomacher, fastened by imitation-diamond buckles, girded
+that part of her person, which should have been a waist; a coral
+necklace encircled her throat, and a few black patches, or mouches, as
+they were termed, served as a foil to the bloom of her cheek and chin.
+Upon a table, where they had been hastily deposited, on the intelligence
+of Darrell's accident, lay a pair of pink kid gloves, bordered with
+lace, and an enormous fan; the latter, when opened, represented the
+metamorphosis and death of Act&aelig;on. From her stomacher, to which it was
+attached by a multitude of glittering steel chains, depended an immense
+turnip-shaped watch, in a pinchbeck case. Her hair was gathered up
+behind, in a sort of pad, according to the then prevailing mode; and she
+wore a muslin cap, and pinners with crow-foot edging. A black silk
+fur-belowed scarf covered her shoulders; and over the kincob gown hung a
+yellow satin apron, trimmed with white Persian.</p>
+
+<p>But, in spite of her attractions, we shall address ourselves to the
+younger, and more interesting couple.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I could almost find in my heart to quarrel with Jack Sheppard for
+occasioning you so much pain,&quot; observed little Winifred Wood, as, having
+completed her ministration to the best of her ability, she helped Thames
+on with his coat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't think you could find in your heart to quarrel with any one,
+Winny; much less with a person whom I like so much as Jack Sheppard. My
+arm's nearly well again. And I've already told you the accident was not
+Jack's fault. So, let's think no more about it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 93</span><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93"></a>It's strange you should like Jack so much dear Thames. He doesn't
+resemble you at all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The very reason why I like him, Winny. If he <i>did</i> resemble me, I
+shouldn't care about him. And, whatever you may think, I assure you,
+Jack's a downright good-natured fellow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Good-natured fellows are always especial favourites with boys. And, in
+applying the term to his friend, Thames meant to pay him a high
+compliment. And so Winifred understood him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well,&quot; she said, in reply, &quot;I may have done Jack an injustice. I'll try
+to think better of him in future.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And, if you want an additional inducement to do so, I can tell you
+there's no one&mdash;not even his mother&mdash;whom he loves so well as you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Loves!&quot; echoed Winifred, slightly colouring.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, loves, Winny. Poor fellow! he sometimes indulges the hope of
+marrying you, when he grows old enough.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thames!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have I said anything to offend you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! no. But if you wouldn't have me positively dislike Jack Sheppard,
+you'll never mention such a subject again. Besides,&quot; she added, blushing
+yet more deeply, &quot;it isn't a proper one to talk upon.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well then, to change it,&quot; replied Thames, gravely, &quot;suppose I should be
+obliged to leave you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Winifred looked as if she could not indulge such a supposition for a
+single moment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Surely,&quot; she said, after a pause, &quot;you don't attach any importance to
+what my mother has just said. <i>She</i> has already forgotten it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But <i>I</i> never can forget it, Winny. I will no longer be a burthen to
+those upon whom I have no claim, but compassion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As he said this, in a low and mournful, but firm voice, the tears
+gathered thickly in Winifred's dark eyelashes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you are in earnest, Thames,&quot; she replied, with a look of gentle
+reproach, &quot;you are very foolish; and, if in jest, very cruel. My mother,
+I'm sure, didn't <span class="pagenum">Page 94</span><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94"></a>intend to hurt your feelings. She loves you too well
+for that. And I'll answer for it, she'll never say a syllable to annoy
+you again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thames tried to answer her, but his voice failed him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come! I see the storm has blown over,&quot; cried Winifred, brightening up.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're mistaken, Winny. Nothing can alter my determination. I shall
+quit this roof to-morrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The little girl's countenance fell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do nothing without consulting my father&mdash;<i>your</i> father, Thames,&quot; she
+implored. &quot;Promise me that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Willingly. And what's more, I promise to abide by his decision.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then, I'm quite easy,&quot; cried Winifred, joyfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm sure he won't attempt to prevent me,&quot; rejoined Thames.</p>
+
+<p>The slight smile that played upon Winifred's lips seemed to say that
+<i>she</i> was not quite so sure. But she made no answer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In case he should consent&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He never will,&quot; interrupted Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In case he <i>should</i>, I say,&quot; continued Thames, &quot;will <i>you</i> promise to
+let Jack Sheppard take my place in your affections, Winny?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never!&quot; replied the little damsel, &quot;I can never love any one so much as
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Excepting your father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Winifred was going to say &quot;No,&quot; but she checked herself; and, with
+cheeks mantling with blushes, murmured, &quot;I wish you wouldn't tease me
+about Jack Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The foregoing conversation, having been conducted throughout in a low
+tone, and apart, had not reached the ears of Mr. and Mrs. Wood, who
+were, furthermore, engaged in a little conjugal <i>t&ecirc;te-&agrave;-t&ecirc;te</i> of their
+own. The last observation, however, caught the attention of the
+carpenter's wife.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that you're saying about Jack Sheppard?&quot; she cried.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thames was just observing&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 95</span><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95"></a>Thames!&quot; echoed Mrs. Wood, glancing angrily at her husband. &quot;There's
+another instance of your wilfulness and want of taste. Who but <i>you</i>
+would have dreamed of giving the boy such a name? Why, it's the name of
+a river, not a Christian. No gentleman was ever called Thames, and
+Darrell <i>is</i> a gentleman, unless the whole story of his being found in
+the river is a fabrication!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear, you forget&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, Mr. Wood, I forget nothing. I've an excellent memory, thank God!
+And I perfectly remember that everybody was drowned upon that
+occasion&mdash;except yourself and the child!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My love you're beside yourself&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was beside myself to take charge of your&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother?&quot; interposed Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's of no use,&quot; observed Thames quietly, but with a look that chilled
+the little damsel's heart;&mdash;&quot;my resolution is taken.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You at least appear to forget that Mr. Kneebone is coming, my dear,&quot;
+ventured Mr. Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good gracious! so I do,&quot; exclaimed his amiable consort. &quot;But you <i>do</i>
+agitate me so much. Come into the parlour, Winifred, and dry your eyes
+directly, or I'll send you to bed. Mr. Wood, I desire you'll put on your
+best things, and join us as soon as possible. Thames, you needn't tidy
+yourself, as you've hurt your arm. Mr. Kneebone will excuse you. Dear
+me! if there isn't his knock. Oh! I'm in such a fluster!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Upon which, she snatched up her fan, cast a look into the glass,
+smoothed down her scarf, threw a soft expression into her features, and
+led the way into the next room, whither she was followed by her daughter
+and Thames Darrell.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_III" id="CHAPTER_2_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Jacobite.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Mr. William Kneebone was a woollen-draper of &quot;credit and renown,&quot; whose
+place of business was <span class="pagenum">Page 96</span><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96"></a>held at the sign of the Angel (for, in those
+days, every shop had its sign), opposite Saint Clement's church in the
+Strand. A native of Manchester, he was the son of Kenelm Kneebone, a
+staunch Catholic, and a sergeant of dragoons, who lost his legs and his
+life while fighting for James the Second at the battle of the Boyne, and
+who had little to bequeath his son except his laurels and his loyalty to
+the house of Stuart.</p>
+
+<p>The gallant woollen-draper was now in his thirty-sixth year. He had a
+handsome, jolly-looking face; stood six feet two in his stockings; and
+measured more than a cloth-yard shaft across the shoulders&mdash;athletic
+proportions derived from his father the dragoon. And, if it had not been
+for a taste for plotting, which was continually getting him into
+scrapes, he might have been accounted a respectable member of society.</p>
+
+<p>Of late, however, his plotting had assumed a more dark and dangerous
+complexion. The times were such that, with the opinions he entertained,
+he could not remain idle. The spirit of disaffection was busy throughout
+the kingdom. It was on the eve of that memorable rebellion which broke
+forth, two months later, in Scotland. Since the accession of George the
+First to the throne in the preceding year, every effort had been made by
+the partisans of the Stuarts to shake the credit of the existing
+government, and to gain supporters to their cause. Disappointed in their
+hopes of the restoration of the fallen dynasty after the death of Anne,
+the adherents of the Chevalier de Saint George endeavoured, by sowing
+the seeds of dissension far and wide, to produce a general insurrection
+in his favour. No means were neglected to accomplish this end. Agents
+were dispersed in all directions&mdash;offers the most tempting held out to
+induce the wavering to join the Chevalier's standard. Plots were hatched
+in the provinces, where many of the old and wealthy Catholic families
+resided, whose zeal for the martyr of their religion (as the Chevalier
+was esteemed), sharpened by the persecutions they themselves endured,
+rendered them hearty and efficient allies. Arms, horses, and
+accoutrements were secretly purchased <span class="pagenum">Page 97</span><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97"></a>and distributed; and it is not
+improbable that, if the unfortunate prince, in whose behalf these
+exertions were made, and who was not deficient in courage, as he proved
+at the battle of Malplaquet, had boldly placed himself at the head of
+his party at an earlier period, he might have regained the crown of his
+ancestors. But the indecision, which had been fatal to his race, was
+fatal to him. He delayed the blow till the fortunate conjuncture was
+past. And when, at length, it <i>was</i> struck, he wanted energy to pursue
+his advantages.</p>
+
+<p>But we must not anticipate the course of events. At the precise period
+of this history, the Jacobite party was full of hope and confidence.
+Louis the Fourteenth yet lived, and expectations were, therefore,
+indulged of assistance from France. The disgrace of the leaders of the
+late Tory administration had strengthened, rather than injured, their
+cause. Mobs were gathered together on the slightest possible pretext;
+and these tumultuous assemblages, while committing the most outrageous
+excesses, loudly proclaimed their hatred to the house of Hanover, and
+their determination to cut off the Protestant succession. The
+proceedings of this faction were narrowly watched by a vigilant and
+sagacious administration. The government was not deceived (indeed, every
+opportunity was sought by the Jacobites of parading their numbers,) as
+to the force of its enemies; and precautionary measures were taken to
+defeat their designs. On the very day of which we write, namely, the
+10th of June 1715, Bolingbroke and Oxford were impeached of high
+treason. The Committee of Secrecy&mdash;that English Council of Ten&mdash;were
+sitting, with Walpole at their head; and the most extraordinary
+discoveries were reported to be made. On the same day, moreover, which,
+by a curious coincidence, was the birthday of the Chevalier de Saint
+George, mobs were collected together in the streets, and the health of
+that prince was publicly drunk under the title of James the Third;
+while, in many country towns, the bells were rung, and rejoicings held,
+as if for a reigning <span class="pagenum">Page 98</span><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98"></a>monarch:&mdash;the cry of the populace almost
+universally being, &quot;No King George, but a Stuart!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The adherents of the Chevalier de Saint George, we have said, were
+lavish in promises to their proselytes. Posts were offered to all who
+chose to accept them. Blank commissions, signed by the prince, to be
+filled up by the name of the person, who could raise a troop for his
+service, were liberally bestowed. Amongst others, Mr. Kneebone, whose
+interest was not inconsiderable with the leaders of his faction,
+obtained an appointment as captain in a regiment of infantry, on the
+conditions above specified. With a view to raise recruits for his corps,
+the warlike woollen-draper started for Lancashire, under the colour of a
+journey on business. He was pretty successful in Manchester,&mdash;a town
+which may be said to have been the head-quarters of the disaffected. On
+his return to London, he found that applications had been made from a
+somewhat doubtful quarter by two individuals, for the posts of
+subordinate officers in his troop. Mr. Kneebone, or, as he would have
+preferred being styled, Captain Kneebone, was not perfectly satisfied
+with the recommendations forwarded by the applicants. But this was not a
+season in which to be needlessly scrupulous. He resolved to judge for
+himself. Accordingly, he was introduced to the two military aspirants at
+the Cross Shovels in the Mint, by our old acquaintance, Baptist
+Kettleby. The Master of the Mint, with whom the Jacobite captain had
+often had transactions before, vouched for their being men of honour and
+loyalty; and Kneebone was so well satisfied with his representations,
+that he at once closed the matter by administering to the applicants the
+oath of allegiance and fidelity to King James the Third, and several
+other oaths besides, all of which those gentlemen took with as little
+hesitation as the sum of money, afterwards tendered, to make the compact
+binding. The party, then, sat down to a bowl of punch; and, at its
+conclusion, Captain Kneebone regretted that an engagement to spend the
+evening with Mrs. Wood, would preclude the possibility of his remaining
+with his <span class="pagenum">Page 99</span><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99"></a>new friends as long as his inclinations prompted. At this
+piece of information, the two subordinate officers were observed to
+exchange glances; and, after a little agreeable raillery on their
+captain's gallantry, they begged permission to accompany him in his
+visit. Kneebone, who had drained his glass to the restoration of the
+house of Stuart, and the downfall of the house of Hanover, more
+frequently than was consistent with prudence, consented; and the trio
+set out for Wych Street, where they arrived in the jolliest humour
+possible.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_IV" id="CHAPTER_2_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>Mr. Kneebone and his Friends.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Mrs. Wood was scarcely seated before Mr. Kneebone made his appearance.
+To her great surprise and mortification he was not alone; but brought
+with him a couple of friends, whom he begged to introduce as Mr.
+Jeremiah Jackson, and Mr. Solomon Smith, chapmen, (or what in modern
+vulgar parlance would be termed bagmen) travelling to procure orders for
+the house of an eminent cloth manufacturer in Manchester. Neither the
+manners, the looks, nor the attire of these gentlemen prepossessed Mrs.
+Wood in their favour. Accordingly, on their presentation, Mr. Jeremiah
+Jackson and Mr. Solomon Smith received something very like a rebuff.
+Luckily, they were not easily discomposed. Two persons possessing a more
+comfortable stock of assurance could not be readily found. Imitating the
+example of Mr. Kneebone, who did not appear in the slightest degree
+disconcerted by his cool reception, each sank carelessly into a chair,
+and made himself at home in a moment. Both had very singular faces; very
+odd wigs, very much pulled over their brows; and very large cravats,
+very much raised above their chins. Besides this, each had a large black
+patch over his right eye, and a very queer twist at the left side of his
+mouth, so that if their object had been disguise, they could not have
+adopted better precautions. Mrs. Wood thought them both <span class="pagenum">Page 100</span><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100"></a>remarkably
+plain, but Mr. Smith decidedly the plainest of the two. His complexion
+was as blue as a sailor's jacket, and though Mr. Jackson had one of the
+ugliest countenances imaginable, he had a very fine set of teeth. That
+was something in his favour. One peculiarity she did not fail to notice.
+They were both dressed in every respect alike. In fact, Mr. Solomon
+Smith seemed to be Mr. Jeremiah Jackson's double. He talked in the same
+style, and pretty nearly in the same language; laughed in the same
+manner, and coughed, or sneezed at the same time. If Mr. Jackson took an
+accurate survey of the room with his one eye, Mr. Smith's solitary orb
+followed in the same direction. When Jeremiah admired the Compasses in
+the arms of the Carpenter's Company over the chimney-piece, or the
+portraits of the two eminent masters of the rule and plane, William
+Portington, and John Scott, Esquires, on either side of it, Solomon was
+lost in wonder. When Mr. Jackson noticed a fine service of old blue
+china in an open japan closet, Mr. Smith had never seen anything like
+it. And finally, when Jeremiah, having bestowed upon Mrs. Wood a very
+free-and-easy sort of stare, winked at Mr. Kneebone, his impertinence
+was copied to the letter by Solomon. All three, then, burst into an
+immoderate fit of laughter. Mrs. Wood's astonishment and displeasure
+momentarily increased. Such freedoms from such people were not to be
+endured. Her patience was waning fast. Still, in spite of her glances
+and gestures, Mr. Kneebone made no effort to check the unreasonable
+merriment of his companions, but rather seemed to encourage it. So Mrs.
+Wood went on fuming, and the trio went on laughing for some minutes,
+nobody knew why or wherefore, until the party was increased by Mr. Wood,
+in his Sunday habiliments and Sunday buckle. Without stopping to inquire
+into the cause of their mirth, or even to ask the names of his guests,
+the worthy carpenter shook hands with the one-eyed chapmen, slapped Mr.
+Kneebone cordially on the shoulder, and began to laugh as heartily as
+any of them.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Wood could stand it no longer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 101</span><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101"></a>I think you're all bewitched,&quot; she cried.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So we are, Ma'am, by your charms,&quot; returned Mr. Jackson, gallantly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Quite captivated, Ma'am,&quot; added Mr. Smith, placing his hand on his
+breast.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kneebone and Mr. Wood laughed louder than ever.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wood,&quot; said the lady bridling up, &quot;my request may, perhaps, have
+some weight with <i>you</i>. I desire, Sir, you'll recollect yourself. Mr.
+Kneebone,&quot; she added, with a glance at that gentleman, which was meant
+to speak daggers, &quot;will do as he pleases.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Here the chapmen set up another boisterous peal.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No offence, I hope, my dear Mrs. W,&quot; said Mr. Kneebone in a
+conciliatory tone. &quot;My friends, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Smith, may have
+rather odd ways with them; but&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They <i>have</i> very odd ways,&quot; interrupted Mrs. Wood, disdainfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Our worthy friend was going to observe, Ma'am, that we never fail in
+our devotion to the fair sex,&quot; said Mr. Jackson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never, Ma'am!&quot; echoed Mr. Smith, &quot;upon my conscience.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear,&quot; said the hospitable carpenter, &quot;I dare say Mr. Kneebone and
+his friends would be glad of a little refreshment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They shall have it, then,&quot; replied his better half, rising. &quot;You base
+ingrate,&quot; she added, in a whisper, as she flounced past Mr. Kneebone on
+her way to the door, &quot;how could you bring such creatures with you,
+especially on an occasion like this, when we haven't met for a
+fortnight!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Couldn't help it, my life,&quot; returned the gentleman addressed, in the
+same tone; &quot;but you little know who those individuals are.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lord bless us! you alarm me. Who are they?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kneebone assumed a mysterious air; and bringing his lips close to
+Mrs. Wood's ear, whispered, &quot;secret agents from France&mdash;you
+understand&mdash;friends to the cause&mdash;hem!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I see,&mdash;persons of rank!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 102</span><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102"></a>Mr. Kneebone nodded.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Noblemen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kneebone smiled assent.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mercy on us! Well, I thought their manners quite out o' the common. And
+so, the invasion really is to take place after all; and the Chevalier de
+Saint George is to land at the Tower with fifty thousand Frenchmen; and
+the Hanoverian usurper's to be beheaded; and Doctor Sacheverel's to be
+made a bishop, and we're all to be&mdash;eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All in good time,&quot; returned Kneebone, putting his finger to his lips;
+&quot;don't let your imagination run away with you, my charmer. That boy,&quot; he
+added, looking at Thames, &quot;has his eye upon us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Wood, however, was too much excited to attend to the caution.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O, lud!&quot; she cried; &quot;French noblemen in disguise! and so rude as I was!
+I shall never recover it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A good supper will set all to rights,&quot; insinuated Kneebone. &quot;But be
+prudent, my angel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never fear,&quot; replied the lady. &quot;I'm prudence personified. You might
+trust me with the Chevalier himself,&mdash;I'd never betray him. But why
+didn't you let me know they were coming. I'd have got something nice. As
+it is, we've only a couple of ducks&mdash;and they were intended for you.
+Winny, my love, come with me. I shall want you.&mdash;Sorry to quit your
+lord&mdash;worships, I mean,&mdash;I don't know what I mean,&quot; she added, a little
+confused, and dropping a profound curtsey to the disguised noblemen,
+each of whom replied by a bow, worthy, in her opinion, of a prince of
+the blood at the least,&mdash;&quot;but I've a few necessary orders to give
+below.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't mind us, Ma'am,&quot; said Mr. Jackson: &quot;ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not in the least, Ma'am,&quot; echoed Mr. Smith: &quot;ho! ho!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How condescending!&quot; thought Mrs. Wood. &quot;Not proud in the least, I
+declare. Well, I'd no idea,&quot; she continued, pursuing her ruminations as
+she left the room, &quot;that people of quality laughed so. But it's French
+manners, I suppose.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="CHAPTER_2_V" id="CHAPTER_2_V"></a><span class="pagenum">Page 103</span><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103"></a></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>Hawk and Buzzard.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Mrs. Wood's anxiety to please her distinguished guests speedily
+displayed itself in a very plentiful, if not very dainty repast. To the
+duckling, peas, and other delicacies, intended for Mr. Kneebone's
+special consumption, she added a few impromptu dishes, tossed off in her
+best style; such as lamb chops, broiled kidneys, fried ham and eggs, and
+toasted cheese. Side by side with the cheese (its never-failing
+accompaniment, in all seasons, at the carpenter's board) came a tankard
+of swig, and a toast. Besides these there was a warm gooseberry-tart,
+and a cold pigeon pie&mdash;the latter capacious enough, even allowing for
+its due complement of steak, to contain the whole produce of a dovecot;
+a couple of lobsters and the best part of a salmon swimming in a sea of
+vinegar, and shaded by a forest of fennel. While the cloth was laid, the
+host and Thames descended to the cellar, whence they returned, laden
+with a number of flasks of the same form, and apparently destined to the
+same use as those depicted in Hogarth's delectable print&mdash;the Modern
+Midnight Conversation.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Wood now re-appeared with a very red face; and, followed by
+Winifred, took her seat at the table. Operations then commenced. Mr.
+Wood carved the ducks; Mr. Kneebone helped to the pigeon-pie; while
+Thames unwired and uncorked a bottle of stout Carnarvonshire ale. The
+woollen-draper was no despicable trencherman in a general way; but his
+feats with the knife and fork were child's sport compared with those of
+Mr. Smith. The leg and wing of a duck were disposed of by this gentleman
+in a twinkling; a brace of pigeons and a pound of steak followed with
+equal celerity; and he had just begun to make a fierce assault upon the
+eggs and ham. His appetite was perfectly Gargantuan. Nor must it be
+imagined, that while he thus exercised his teeth, he neglected the
+flagon. On the contrary, his glass was never idle, and finding it not
+filled quite so frequently as he desired, he applied <span class="pagenum">Page 104</span><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104"></a>himself,
+notwithstanding the expressive looks and muttered remonstrances of Mr.
+Jackson, to the swig. The latter gentleman did full justice to the good
+things before him; but he drank sparingly, and was visibly annoyed by
+his companion's intemperance. As to Mr. Kneebone, what with flirting
+with Mrs. Wood, carving for his friends, and pledging the carpenter, he
+had his hands full. At this juncture, and just as a cuckoo-clock in the
+corner struck sis, Jack Sheppard walked into the room, with the
+packing-case under his arm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was in the right, you see, father,&quot; observed Thames, smiling; &quot;Jack
+<i>has</i> done his task.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I perceive,&quot; replied Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where am I to take it to?&quot; asked Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I told you that before,&quot; rejoined Wood, testily. &quot;You must take it to
+Sir Rowland Trenchard's in Southampton Fields. And, mind, it's for his
+sister, Lady Trafford.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well, Sir,&quot; replied Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wet your whistle before you start, Jack,&quot; said Kneebone, pouring out a
+glass of ale. &quot;What's that you're taking to Sir Rowland Trenchard's?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Only a box, Sir,&quot; answered Sheppard, emptying the glass.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's an odd-shaped one,&quot; rejoined Kneebone, examining it attentively.
+&quot;But I can guess what it's for. Sir Rowland is one of <i>us</i>,&quot; he added,
+winking at his companions, &quot;and so was his brother-in-law, Sir Cecil
+Trafford. Old Lancashire families both. Strict Catholics, and loyal to
+the backbone. Fine woman, Lady Trafford&mdash;a little on the wane though.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! you're so very particular,&quot; sighed Mrs. Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not in the least,&quot; returned Kneebone, slyly, &quot;not in the least. Another
+glass, Jack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank'ee, Sir,&quot; grinned Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Off with it to the health of King James the Third, and confusion to his
+enemies!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold!&quot; interposed Wood; &quot;that is treason. I'll have no such toast drunk
+at my table!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's the king's birthday,&quot; urged the woollen draper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 105</span><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105"></a>Not <i>my</i> king's,&quot; returned Wood. &quot;I quarrel with no man's political
+opinions, but I will have my own respected!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Eh day!&quot; exclaimed Mrs. Wood; &quot;here's a pretty to-do about nothing.
+Marry, come up! I'll see who's to be obeyed. Drink the toast, Jack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At your peril, sirrah!&quot; cried Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He was hanged that left his drink behind, you know, master,&quot; rejoined
+Sheppard. &quot;Here's King James the Third, and confusion to his enemies!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well,&quot; said the carpenter, sitting down amid the laughter of the
+company.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack!&quot; cried Thames, in a loud voice, &quot;you deserve to be hanged for a
+rebel as you are to your lawful king and your lawful master. But since
+we must have toasts,&quot; he added, snatching up a glass, &quot;listen to mine:
+Here's King George the First! a long reign to him! and confusion to the
+Popish Pretender and his adherents!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bravely done!&quot; said Wood, with tears in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's the kinchin as was to try the dub for us, ain't it?&quot; muttered
+Smith to his companion as he stole a glance at Jack Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Silence!&quot; returned Jackson, in a deep whisper; &quot;and don't muddle your
+brains with any more of that Pharaoh. You'll need all your strength to
+grab him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the matter?&quot; remarked Kneebone, addressing Sheppard, who, as he
+caught the single but piercing eye of Jackson fixed upon him, started
+and trembled.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the matter?&quot; repeated Mrs. Wood in a sharp tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, what's the matter, boy!&quot; reiterated Jackson sternly. &quot;Did you never
+see two gentlemen with only a couple of peepers between them before!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never, I'll be sworn!&quot; said Smith, taking the opportunity of filling
+his glass while his comrade's back was turned; &quot;we're a nat'ral
+cur'osity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can I have a word with you, master?&quot; said Sheppard, approaching Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not a syllable!&quot; answered the carpenter, angrily. &quot;Get about your
+business!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 106</span><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106"></a>Thames!&quot; cried Jack, beckoning to his friend.</p>
+
+<p>But Darrell averted his head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mistress!&quot; said the apprentice, making a final appeal to Mrs. Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Leave the room instantly, sirrah!&quot; rejoined the lady, bouncing up, and
+giving him a slap on the cheek that made his eyes flash fire.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May I be cursed,&quot; muttered Sheppard, as he slunk away with (as the
+woollen-draper pleasantly observed) 'a couple of boxes in charge,' &quot;if
+ever I try to be honest again!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take a little toasted cheese with the swig, Mr. Smith,&quot; observed Wood.
+&quot;That's an incorrigible rascal,&quot; he added, as Sheppard closed the door;
+&quot;it's only to-day that I discovered&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What?&quot; asked Jackson, pricking up his ears.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't speak ill of him behind his back, father,&quot; interposed Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If <i>I</i> were your father, young gentleman,&quot; returned Jackson, enraged at
+the interruption, &quot;I'd teach <i>you</i> not to speak till you were spoken
+to.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thames was about to reply, but a glance from Wood checked him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The rebuke is just,&quot; said the carpenter; &quot;at the same time, I'm not
+sorry to find you're a friend to fair play, which, as you seem to know,
+is a jewel. Open that bottle with a blue seal, my dear. Gentlemen! a
+glass of brandy will be no bad finish to our meal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This proposal giving general satisfaction, the bottle circulated
+swiftly; and Smith found the liquor so much to his taste, that he made
+it pay double toll on its passage.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your son is a lad of spirit, Mr. Wood,&quot; observed Jackson, in a
+slightly-sarcastic tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's not my son,&quot; rejoined the carpenter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How, Sir?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Except by adoption. Thames Darrell is&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My husband nicknames him Thames,&quot; interrupted Mrs. Wood, &quot;because he
+found him in the river!&mdash;ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 107</span><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107"></a>Ha! ha!&quot; echoed Smith, taking another bumper of brandy; &quot;he'll set the
+Thames on fire one of these days, I'll warrant him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's more than you'll ever do, you drunken fool!&quot; growled Jackson, in
+an under tone: &quot;be cautious, or you'll spoil all!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Suppose we send for a bowl of punch,&quot; said Kneebone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With all my heart!&quot; replied Wood. And, turning to his daughter, he gave
+the necessary directions in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p>Winifred, accordingly, left the room, and a servant being despatched to
+the nearest tavern, soon afterwards returned with a crown bowl of the
+ambrosian fluid. The tables were then cleared. Bottles and glasses
+usurped the place of dishes and plates. Pipes were lighted; and Mr.
+Kneebone began to dispense the fragrant fluid; begging Mrs. Wood, in a
+whisper, as he filled a rummer to the brim, not to forget the health of
+the Chevalier de Saint George&mdash;a proposition to which the lady
+immediately responded by drinking the toast aloud.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Chevalier shall hear of this,&quot; whispered the woollen-draper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You don't say so!&quot; replied Mrs. Wood, delighted at the idea.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kneebone assured her that he <i>did</i> say so; and, as a further proof
+of his sincerity, squeezed her hand very warmly under the table.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Smith, now, being more than half-seas over, became very uproarious,
+and, claiming the attention of the table, volunteered the following</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>DRINKING SONG.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>I.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Jolly nose! the bright rubies that garnish thy tip<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Are dug from the mines of canary;<br /></span>
+<span>And to keep up their lustre I moisten my lip<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">With hogsheads of claret and sherry.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>II.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Jolly nose! he who sees thee across a broad glass<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Beholds thee in all thy perfection;<br /></span>
+<span class="pagenum">Page 108</span><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108"></a><span>And to the pale snout of a temperate ass<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Entertains the profoundest objection.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>III.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>For a big-bellied glass is the palette I use,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And the choicest of wine is my colour;<br /></span>
+<span>And I find that my nose takes the mellowest hues<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The fuller I fill it&mdash;the fuller!<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>IV.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>Jolly nose! there are fools who say drink hurts the sight;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Such dullards know nothing about it.<br /></span>
+<span>'T is better, with wine, to extinguish the light,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Than live always, in darkness, without it!<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;How long may it be since that boy was found in the way Mrs. Wood
+mentions?&quot; inquired Jackson, as soon as the clatter that succeeded Mr.
+Smith's melody had subsided.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me see,&quot; replied Wood; &quot;exactly twelve years ago last November.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, that must be about the time of the Great Storm,&quot; rejoined Jackson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Egad!&quot; exclaimed Wood, &quot;you've hit the right nail on the head, anyhow.
+It <i>was</i> on the night of the Great Storm that I found him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should like to hear all particulars of the affair,&quot; said Jackson, &quot;if
+it wouldn't be troubling you too much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood required little pressing. He took a sip of punch and commenced
+his relation. Though meant to produce a totally different effect, the
+narrative seemed to excite the risible propensities rather than the
+commiseration of his auditor; and when Mr. Wood wound it up by a
+description of the drenching he had undergone at the Mint pump, the
+other could hold out no longer, but, leaning back in his chair, gave
+free scope to his merriment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I beg your pardon,&quot; he cried; &quot;but really&mdash;ha! ha!&mdash;you must excuse
+me!&mdash;that is so uncommonly diverting&mdash;ha! ha! Do let me hear it
+again?&mdash;ha! ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Upon my word,&quot; rejoined Wood, &quot;you seem vastly entertained by my
+misfortunes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 109</span><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109"></a>To be sure! Nothing entertains me so much. People always rejoice at
+the misfortunes of others&mdash;never at their own! The droll dogs! how
+<i>they</i> must have enjoyed it!&mdash;ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I dare say they did. But <i>I</i> found it no laughing matter, I can assure
+you. And, though it's a long time ago, I feel as sore on the subject as
+ever.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Quite natural! Never forgive an injury!&mdash;<i>I</i> never do!&mdash;ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Really, Mr. Jackson, I could almost fancy we had met before. Your laugh
+reminds me of&mdash;of&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Whose, Sir?&quot; demanded Jackson, becoming suddenly grave.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll not be offended, I hope,&quot; returned Wood, drily, &quot;if I say that
+your voice, your manner, and, above all, your very extraordinary way of
+laughing, put me strangely in mind of one of the 'droll dogs,' (as you
+term them,) who helped to perpetrate the outrage I've just described.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Whom do you mean?&quot; demanded Jackson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I allude to an individual, who has since acquired an infamous notoriety
+as a thief-taker; but who, in those days, was himself the associate of
+thieves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Sir, his name?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jonathan Wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Sblood!&quot; cried Jackson, rising, &quot;I can't sit still and hear Mr. Wild,
+whom I believe to be as honest a gentleman as any in the kingdom,
+calumniated!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fire and fury!&quot; exclaimed Smith, getting up with the brandy-bottle in
+his grasp; &quot;no man shall abuse Mr. Wild in my presence! He's the
+right-hand of the community! We could do nothing without him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>We!</i>&quot; repeated Wood, significantly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Every honest man, Sir! He helps us to our own again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Humph!&quot; ejaculated the carpenter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Surely,&quot; observed Thames, laughing, &quot;to one who entertains so high an
+opinion of Jonathan Wild, as Mr. Jackson appears to do, it can't be very
+offensive to be told, that he's like him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 110</span><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110"></a>I don't object to the likeness, if any such exists, young Sir,&quot;
+returned Jackson, darting an angry glance at Thames; &quot;indeed I'm rather
+flattered by being thought to resemble a gentleman of Mr. Wild's figure.
+But I can't submit to hear the well-earned reputation of my friend
+termed an 'infamous notoriety.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, we can't stand that,&quot; hiccupped Smith, scarcely able to keep his
+legs.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, gentlemen,&quot; rejoined Wood, mildly; &quot;since Mr. Wild is a friend of
+yours, I'm sorry for what I said. I've no doubt he's as honest as either
+of you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Enough,&quot; returned Jackson, extending his hand; &quot;and if I've expressed
+myself warmly, I'm sorry for it likewise. But you must allow me to
+observe, my good Sir, that you're wholly in the wrong respecting my
+friend. Mr. Wild never was the associate of thieves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never,&quot; echoed Smith, emphatically, &quot;upon my honour.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm satisfied with your assurance,&quot; replied the carpenter, drily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's more than I am,&quot; muttered Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was not aware that Jonathan Wild was an acquaintance of yours, Mr.
+Jackson,&quot; said Kneebone, whose assiduity to Mrs. Wood had prevented him
+from paying much attention to the previous scene.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've known him all my life,&quot; replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The devil you have! Then, perhaps, you can tell me when he intends to
+put his threat into execution?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What threat?&quot; asked Jackson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, of hanging the fellow who acts as his jackal; one Blake, or
+Blueskin, I think he's called.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You've been misinformed, Sir,&quot; interposed Smith. &quot;Mr. Wild is incapable
+of such baseness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bah!&quot; returned the woollen-draper. &quot;I see you don't know him as well as
+you pretend. Jonathan is capable of anything. He has hanged twelve of
+his associates already. The moment they cease to be serviceable, or
+become dangerous he lodges an information, and the matter's settled. He
+has always plenty of evidence in reserve. Blueskin is booked. As sure as
+<span class="pagenum">Page 111</span><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111"></a>you're sitting there, Mr. Smith, he'll swing after next Old Bailey
+sessions. I wouldn't be in his skin for a trifle!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But he may peach,&quot; said Smith casting an oblique glance at Jackson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It would avail him little if he did,&quot; replied Kneebone. &quot;Jonathan does
+what he pleases in the courts.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very true,&quot; chuckled Jackson; &quot;very true.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Blueskin's only chance would be to carry <i>his</i> threat into effect,&quot;
+pursued the woollen-draper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aha!&quot; exclaimed Jackson. &quot;<i>He</i> threatens, does he?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;More than that,&quot; replied Kneebone; &quot;I understand he drew a knife upon
+Jonathan, in a quarrel between them lately. And since then, he has
+openly avowed his determination of cutting his master's throat on the
+slightest inkling of treachery. But, perhaps Mr. Smith will tell you I'm
+misinformed, also, on that point.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On the contrary,&quot; rejoined Smith, looking askance at his companion, &quot;I
+happen to <i>know</i> you're in the right.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Sir, I'm obliged to you,&quot; said Jackson; &quot;I shall take care to put
+Mr. Wild on his guard against an assassin.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I shall put Blueskin on the alert against the designs of a
+traitor,&quot; rejoined Smith, in a tone that sounded like a menace.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In my opinion,&quot; remarked Kneebone, &quot;it doesn't matter how soon society
+is rid of two such scoundrels; and if Blueskin dies by the rope, and
+Jonathan by the hand of violence, they'll meet the fate they merit. Wild
+was formerly an agent to the Jacobite party, but, on the offer of a
+bribe from the opposite faction, he unhesitatingly deserted and betrayed
+his old employers. Of late, he has become the instrument of Walpole, and
+does all the dirty work for the Secret Committee. Several arrests of
+importance have been intrusted to him; but, forewarned, forearmed, we
+have constantly baffled his schemes;&mdash;ha! ha! Jonathan's a devilish
+clever fellow. But he can't have his eyes always about him, or he'd have
+been with us this morning at the Mint, eh, Mr. Jackson!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 112</span><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112"></a>So he would,&quot; replied the latter: &quot;so he would.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With all his cunning, he may meet with his match,&quot; continued Kneebone,
+laughing. &quot;I've set a trap for him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take care you don't fall into it yourself,&quot; returned Jackson, with a
+slight sneer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Were I in your place,&quot; said Smith, &quot;I should be apprehensive of Wild,
+because he's a declared enemy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And were I in <i>yours</i>,&quot; rejoined the woollen-draper, &quot;I should be
+doubly apprehensive, because he's a professed friend. But we're
+neglecting the punch all this time. A bumper round, gentlemen. Success
+to our enterprise!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Success to our enterprise!&quot; echoed the others, significantly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May I ask whether you made any further inquiries into the mysterious
+affair about which we were speaking just now?&quot; observed Jackson, turning
+to the carpenter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't say I did,&quot; replied Wood, somewhat reluctantly; &quot;what with the
+confusion incident to the storm, and the subsequent press of business, I
+put it off till it was too late. I've often regretted that I didn't
+investigate the matter. However, it doesn't much signify. All concerned
+in the dark transaction must have perished.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you sure of that,&quot; inquired Jackson.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As sure as one reasonably can be. I saw their boat swept away, and
+heard the roar of the fall beneath the bridge; and no one, who was
+present, could doubt the result. If the principal instigator of the
+crime, whom I afterwards encountered on the platform, and who was dashed
+into the raging flood by the shower of bricks, escaped, his preservation
+must have been indeed miraculous.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your own was equally so,&quot; said Jackson ironically. &quot;What if he <i>did</i>
+escape?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My utmost efforts should be used to bring him to justice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hum!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have you any reason to suppose he survived the accident?&quot; inquired
+Thames eagerly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 113</span><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113"></a>Jackson smiled and put on the air of a man who knows more than he cares
+to tell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I merely asked the question,&quot; he said, after he had enjoyed the boy's
+suspense for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>The hope that had been suddenly kindled in the youth's bosom was as
+suddenly extinguished.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If I thought he lived&mdash;&mdash;&quot; observed Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>If</i>,&quot; interrupted Jackson, changing his tone: &quot;he <i>does</i> live. And it
+has been well for you that he imagines the child was drowned.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who is he?&quot; asked Thames impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're inquisitive, young gentleman,&quot; replied Jackson, coldly. &quot;When
+you're older, you'll know that secrets of importance are not disclosed
+gratuitously. Your adoptive father understands mankind better.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'd give half I'm worth to hang the villain, and restore this boy to
+his rights,&quot; said Mr. Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How do you know he <i>has</i> any rights to be restored to?&quot; returned
+Jackson, with a grin. &quot;Judging from what you tell me, I've no doubt he's
+the illegitimate offspring of some handsome, but lowborn profligate; in
+which case, he'll neither have name, nor wealth for his inheritance. The
+assassination, as you call it, was, obviously, the vengeance of a
+kinsman of the injured lady, who no doubt was of good family, upon her
+seducer. The less said, therefore, on this point the better; because, as
+nothing is to be gained by it, it would only be trouble thrown away.
+But, if you have any particular fancy for hanging the gentleman, who
+chose to take the law into his own hands&mdash;and I think your motive
+extremely disinterested and praiseworthy&mdash;why, it's just possible, if
+you make it worth my while, that your desires may be gratified.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't see how this is to be effected, unless you yourself were
+present at the time,&quot; said Wood, glancing suspiciously at the speaker.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I had no hand in the affair,&quot; replied Jackson, bluntly; &quot;but I know
+those who had; and could bring forward evidence, if you require it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 114</span><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114"></a>The best evidence would be afforded by an accomplice of the assassin,&quot;
+rejoined Thames, who was greatly offended by the insinuation as to his
+parentage.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps you could point out such a party, Mr. Jackson?&quot; said Wood,
+significantly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I could,&quot; replied Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then you need no further information from me,&quot; rejoined Jackson,
+sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stay!&quot; cried Wood, &quot;this is a most perplexing business&mdash;if you really
+are privy to the affair&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll talk of it to-morrow, Sir,&quot; returned Jackson, cutting him short.
+&quot;In the mean time, with your permission, I'll just make a few minutes of
+our conversation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As many as you please,&quot; replied Wood, walking towards the
+chimney-piece, and taking down a constable's, staff, which hung upon a
+nail.</p>
+
+<p>Jackson, mean time, produced a pocket-book; and, after deliberately
+sharpening the point of a pencil, began to write on a blank leaf. While
+he was thus occupied, Thames, prompted by an unaccountable feeling of
+curiosity, took up the penknife which the other had just used, and
+examined the haft. What he there noticed occasioned a marked change in
+his demeanour. He laid down the knife, and fixed a searching and
+distrustful gaze upon the writer, who continued his task, unconscious of
+anything having happened.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There,&quot; cried Jackson, closing the book and rising, &quot;that'll do.
+To-morrow at twelve I'll be with you, Mr. Wood. Make up your mind as to
+the terms, and I'll engage to find the man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold!&quot; exclaimed the carpenter, in an authoritative voice: &quot;we can't
+part thus. Thames, look the door.&quot; (An order which was promptly obeyed.)
+&quot;Now, Sir, I must insist upon a full explanation of your mysterious
+hints, or, as I am headborough of the district, I shall at once take you
+into custody.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jackson treated this menace with a loud laugh of derision.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 115</span><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115"></a>What ho!&quot; he cried slapping Smith, who had fallen asleep with the
+brandy-bottle in his grasp, upon the shoulder. &quot;It is time!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For what?&quot; grumbled the latter, rubbing his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For the caption!&quot; replied Jackson, coolly drawing a brace of pistols
+from his pockets.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ready!&quot; answered Smith, shaking himself, and producing a similar pair
+of weapons.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In Heaven's name! what's all this?&quot; cried Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be still, and you'll receive no injury,&quot; returned Jackson. &quot;We're
+merely about to discharge our duty by apprehending a rebel. Captain
+Kneebone! we must trouble you to accompany us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've no intention of stirring,&quot; replied the woollen-draper, who was
+thus unceremoniously disturbed: &quot;and I beg you'll sit down, Mr.
+Jackson.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come, Sir!&quot; thundered the latter, &quot;no trifling! Perhaps,&quot; he added,
+opening a warrant, &quot;you'll obey this mandate?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A warrant!&quot; ejaculated Kneebone, starting to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, Sir, from the Secretary of State, for <i>your</i> arrest! You're charged
+with high-treason.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By those who've conspired with me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No! by those who've entrapped you! You've long eluded our vigilance;
+but we've caught you at last!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Damnation!&quot; exclaimed the woollen-draper; &quot;that I should be the dupe of
+such a miserable artifice!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's no use lamenting now, Captain! You ought rather to be obliged to
+us for allowing you to pay this visit. We could have secured you when
+you left the Mint. But we wished to ascertain whether Mrs. Wood's charms
+equalled your description.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wretches!&quot; screamed the lady; &quot;don't dare to breathe your vile
+insinuations against me! Oh! Mr. Kneebone, are these your French
+noblemen?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't upbraid me!&quot; rejoined the woollen-draper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bring him along, Joe!&quot; said Jackson, in a whisper to his comrade.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 116</span><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116"></a>Smith obeyed. But he had scarcely advanced a step, when he was felled
+to the ground by a blow from the powerful arm of Kneebone, who,
+instantly possessing himself of a pistol, levelled it at Jackson's head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Begone! or I fire!&quot; he cried.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wood,&quot; returned Jackson, with the utmost composure; &quot;you're a
+headborough, and a loyal subject of King George. I call upon you to
+assist me in the apprehension of this person. You'll be answerable for
+his escape.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wood, I command you not to stir,&quot; vociferated the carpenter's
+better-half; &quot;recollect you'll be answerable to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I declare I don't know what to do,&quot; said Wood, burned by conflicting
+emotions. &quot;Mr. Kneebone! you would greatly oblige me by surrendering
+yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never!&quot; replied the woollen-draper; &quot;and if that treacherous rascal, by
+your side, doesn't make himself scarce quickly, I'll send a bullet
+through his brain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My death will lie at your door,&quot; remarked Jackson to the carpenter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Show me your warrant!&quot; said Wood, almost driven to his wit's-end;
+&quot;perhaps it isn't regular?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ask him who he is?&quot; suggested Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A good idea!&quot; exclaimed the carpenter. &quot;May I beg to know whom I've the
+pleasure of adressing? Jackson, I conclude, is merely an assumed name.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What does it signify?&quot; returned the latter, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A great deal!&quot; replied Thames. &quot;If you won't disclose your name, I will
+for you! You are Jonathan Wild!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Further concealment is needless,&quot; answered the other, pulling off his
+wig and black patch, and resuming his natural tone of voice; &quot;I <i>am</i>
+Jonathan Wild!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Say you so!&quot; rejoined Kneebone; &quot;then be this your passport to
+eternity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Upon which he drew the trigger of the pistol, which, luckily for the
+individual against whom it was aimed, flashed in the pan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 117</span><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117"></a>I might now send you on a similar journey!&quot; replied Jonathan, with a
+bitter smile, and preserving the unmoved demeanour he had maintained
+throughout; &quot;but I prefer conveying you, in the first instance, to
+Newgate. The Jacobite daws want a scarecrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he sprang, with a bound like that of a tiger-cat, against the
+throat of the woollen-draper. And so sudden and well-directed was the
+assault, that he completely overthrew his gigantic antagonist.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lend a hand with the ruffles, Blueskin!&quot; he shouted, as that personage,
+who had just recovered from the stunning effects of the blow, contrived
+to pick himself up. &quot;Look quick, d&mdash;n you, or we shall never master
+him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Murder!&quot; shrieked Mrs. Wood, at the top of her voice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here's a pistol!&quot; cried Thames, darting towards the undischarged weapon
+dropped by Blueskin in the scuffle, and pointing it at Jonathan. &quot;Shall
+I shoot him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes! yes! put it to his ear!&quot; cried Mrs. Wood; &quot;that's the surest way!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No! no! give it me!&quot; vociferated Wood, snatching the pistol, and
+rushing to the door, against which he placed his back.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll soon settle this business. Jonathan Wild!&quot; he added, in a loud
+voice, &quot;I command you to release your prisoner.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I will,&quot; replied Jonathan, who, with Blueskin's aid, had succeeded
+in slipping a pair of handcuffs over the woollen-draper's wrists, &quot;when
+I've Mr. Walpole's order to that effect&mdash;but not before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll take the consequences, then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Willingly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In that case I arrest you, and your confederate, Joseph Blake, alias
+Blueskin, on a charge of felony,&quot; returned Wood, brandishing his staff;
+&quot;resist my authority, if you dare.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A clever device,&quot; replied Jonathan; &quot;but it won't serve your turn. Let
+us pass, Sir. Strike the gag, Blueskin.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 118</span><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118"></a>You shall not stir a footstep. Open the window, Thames, and call for
+assistance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stop!&quot; cried Jonathan, who did not care to push matters too far, &quot;let
+me have a word with you, Mr. Wood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll have no explanations whatever,&quot; replied the carpenter,
+disdainfully, &quot;except before a magistrate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At least state your charge. It is a serious accusation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It <i>is</i>,&quot; answered Wood. &quot;Do you recollect this key? Do you recollect
+to whom you gave it, and for what purpose? or shall I refresh your
+memory?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Wild appeared confounded.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Release your prisoner,&quot; continued Wood, &quot;or the window is opened.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wood,&quot; said Jonathan, advancing towards him, and speaking in a low
+tone, &quot;the secret of your adopted son's birth is known to me. The name
+of his father's murderer is also known to me. I can help you to
+both,&mdash;nay, I <i>will</i> help you to both, if you do not interfere with my
+plans. The arrest of this person is of consequence to me. Do not oppose
+it, and I will serve you. Thwart me, and I become your mortal enemy. I
+have but to give a hint of that boy's existence in the proper quarter,
+and his life will not be worth a day's purchase.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't listen to him, father,&quot; cried Thames, unconscious of what was
+passing; &quot;there are plenty of people outside.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Make your choice,&quot; said Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you don't decide quickly, I'll scream,&quot; cried Mrs. Wood, popping her
+head through the window.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Set your prisoner free!&quot; returned Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take off the ruffles, Blueskin,&quot; rejoined Wild. &quot;You know my fixed
+determination,&quot; he added in a low tone, as he passed the carpenter.
+&quot;Before to-morrow night that boy shall join his father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he unlocked the door and strode out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here are some letters, which will let you see what a snake you've
+cherished in your bosom, you uxorious <span class="pagenum">Page 119</span><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119"></a>old dotard,&quot; said Blueskin,
+tossing a packet of papers to Wood, as he followed his leader.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Odd's-my-life! what's this?&quot; exclaimed the carpenter, looking at the
+superscription of one of them. &quot;Why, this is your writing Dolly, and
+addressed to Mr. Kneebone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My writing! no such thing!&quot; ejaculated the lady, casting a look of
+alarm at the woollen-draper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Confusion! the rascal must have picked my pocket of your letters,&quot;
+whispered Kneebone, &quot;What's to be done?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's to be done! Why, I'm undone! How imprudent in you not to burn
+them. But men <i>are</i> so careless, there's no trusting anything to them!
+However, I must try to brazen it out.&mdash;Give me the letters, my love,&quot;
+she added aloud, and in her most winning accents; &quot;they're some wicked
+forgeries.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Excuse me, Madam,&quot; replied the carpenter, turning his back upon her,
+and sinking into a chair: &quot;Thames, my love, bring me my spectacles. My
+heart misgives me. Fool that I was to marry for beauty! I ought to have
+remembered that a fair woman and a slashed gown always find some nail in
+the way.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_VI" id="CHAPTER_2_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>The first Step towards the Ladder.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>If there is one thing on earth, more lovely than another, it is a fair
+girl of the tender age of Winifred Wood! Her beauty awakens no feeling
+beyond that of admiration. The charm of innocence breathes around her,
+as fragrance is diffused by the flower, sanctifying her lightest thought
+and action, and shielding her, like a spell, from the approach of evil.
+Beautiful is the girl of twelve,&mdash;who is neither child nor woman, but
+something between both, something more exquisite than either!</p>
+
+<p>Such was the fairy creature presented to Thames Darrell, under the
+following circumstances.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 120</span><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120"></a>Glad to escape from the scene of recrimination that ensued between his
+adopted parents, Thames seized the earliest opportunity of retiring, and
+took his way to a small chamber in the upper part of the house, where he
+and Jack were accustomed to spend most of their leisure in the
+amusements, or pursuits, proper to their years. He found the door ajar,
+and, to his surprise, perceived little Winifred seated at a table,
+busily engaged in tracing some design upon a sheet of paper. She did not
+hear his approach, but continued her occupation without raising her
+head.</p>
+
+<p>It was a charming sight to watch the motions of her tiny fingers as she
+pursued her task; and though the posture she adopted was not the most
+favourable that might have been chosen for the display of her sylphlike
+figure, there was something in her attitude, and the glow of her
+countenance, lighted up by the mellow radiance of the setting sun
+falling upon her through the panes of the little dormer-window, that
+seemed to the youth inexpressibly beautiful. Winifred's features would
+have been pretty, for they were regular and delicately formed, if they
+had not been slightly marked by the small-pox;&mdash;a disorder, that
+sometimes spares more than it destroys, and imparts an expression to be
+sought for in vain in the smoothest complexion. We have seen pitted
+cheeks, which we would not exchange for dimples and a satin skin.
+Winifred's face had a thoroughly amiable look. Her mouth was worthy of
+her face; with small, pearly-white teeth; lips glossy, rosy, and
+pouting; and the sweetest smile imaginable, playing constantly about
+them. Her eyes were soft and blue, arched over by dark brows, and
+fringed by long silken lashes. Her hair was of the darkest brown, and
+finest texture; and, when unloosed, hung down to her heels. She was
+dressed in a little white frock, with a very long body, and very short
+sleeves, which looked (from a certain fullness about the hips,) as if it
+was intended to be worn with a hoop. Her slender throat was encircled by
+a black riband, with a small locket attached to it; and upon the top of
+her head rested a diminutive lace cap.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 121</span><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121"></a>The room in which she sat was a portion of the garret, assigned, as we
+have just stated, by Mr. Wood as a play-room to the two boys; and, like
+most boy's playrooms, it exhibited a total absence of order, or
+neatness. Things were thrown here and there, to be taken up, or again
+cast aside, as the whim arose; while the broken-backed chairs and crazy
+table bore the marks of many a conflict. The characters of the youthful
+occupants of the room might be detected in every article it contained.
+Darell's peculiar bent of mind was exemplified in a rusty broadsword, a
+tall grenadier's cap, a musket without lock or ramrod, a belt and
+cartouch-box, with other matters evincing a decided military taste.
+Among his books, Plutarch's Lives, and the Histories of Great
+Commanders, appeared to have been frequently consulted; but the dust had
+gathered thickly upon the Carpenter's Manual, and a Treatise on
+Trigonometry and Geometry. Beneath the shelf, containing these books,
+hung the fine old ballad of '<i>St. George for England</i>' and a loyal
+ditty, then much in vogue, called '<i>True Protestant Gratitude, or,
+Britain's Thanksgiving for the First of August, Being the Day of His
+Majesty's Happy Accession to the Throne</i>.' Jack Sheppard's library
+consisted of a few ragged and well-thumbed volumes abstracted from the
+tremendous chronicles bequeathed to the world by those Froissarts and
+Holinsheds of crime&mdash;the Ordinaries of Newgate. His vocal collection
+comprised a couple of flash songs pasted against the wall, entitled
+'<i>The Thief-Catcher's Prophecy</i>,' and the '<i>Life and Death of the
+Darkman's Budge</i>;' while his extraordinary mechanical skill was
+displayed in what he termed (Jack had a supreme contempt for
+orthography,) a '<i>Moddle of his Ma<sup>s</sup>. Jale off Newgate</i>;' another
+model of the pillory at Fleet Bridge; and a third of the permanent
+gibbet at Tyburn. The latter specimen, of his workmanship was adorned
+with a little scarecrow figure, intended to represent a housebreaking
+chimney-sweeper of the time, described in Sheppard's own hand-writing,
+as '<i>Jack Hall a-hanging</i>.' We must not omit to mention that a family
+group from the pencil of little Winifred, <span class="pagenum">Page 122</span><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122"></a>representing Mr. and Mrs.
+Wood in very characteristic attitudes, occupied a prominent place on the
+walls.</p>
+
+<p>For a few moments, Thames regarded the little girl through the
+half-opened door in silence. On a sudden, a change came over her
+countenance, which, up to this moment, had worn a smiling and satisfied
+expression. Throwing down the pencil, she snatched up a piece of
+India-rubber, and exclaiming,&mdash;&quot;It isn't at all like him! it isn't half
+handsome enough!&quot; was about to efface the sketch, when Thames darted
+into the room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who isn't it like?&quot; he asked, endeavouring to gain possession of the
+drawing, which, af the sound of his footstep, she crushed between her
+fingers.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't tell you!&quot; she replied, blushing deeply, and clinching her
+little hand as tightly as possible; &quot;it's a secret!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll soon find it out, then,&quot; he returned, playfully forcing the paper
+from her grasp.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't look at it, I entreat,&quot; she cried.</p>
+
+<p>But her request was unheeded. Thames unfolded the drawing, smoothed out
+its creases, and beheld a portrait of himself.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've a good mind not to speak to you again, Sir!&quot; cried Winifred, with
+difficulty repressing a tear of vexation; &quot;you've acted unfairly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I feel I have, dear Winny!&quot; replied Thames, abashed at his own
+rudeness; &quot;my conduct is inexcusable.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll excuse it nevertheless,&quot; returned the little damsel,
+affectionately extending her hand to him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why were you afraid to show me this picture, Winny?&quot; asked the youth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Because it's not like you,&quot; was her answer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, like or not, I'm greatly pleased with it, and must beg it from
+you as a memorial&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of what?&quot; she interrupted, startled by his change of manner.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of yourself,&quot; he replied, in a mournful tone. &quot;I shall value it highly,
+and will promise never to part with it. Winny, this is the last night I
+shall pass beneath your father's roof.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 123</span><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123"></a>Have you told him so?&quot; she inquired, reproachfully. &quot;No; but I shall,
+before he retires to rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then you <i>will</i> stay!&quot; she cried, clapping her hands joyfully, &quot;for I'm
+sure he won't part with you. Oh! thank you&mdash;thank you! I'm so happy!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stop, Winny!&quot; he answered, gravely; &quot;I haven't promised yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But you will,&mdash;won't you?&quot; she rejoined, looking him coaxingly in the
+face.</p>
+
+<p>Unable to withstand this appeal, Thames gave the required promise,
+adding,&mdash;&quot;Oh! Winny, I wish Mr. Wood had been my father, as well as
+yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So do I!&quot; she cried; &quot;for then you would have been <i>really</i> my brother.
+No, I don't, either; because&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Winny?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't know what I was going to say,&quot; she added, in some confusion;
+&quot;only I'm sorry you were born a gentleman.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps, I wasn't,&quot; returned Thames, gloomily, as the remembrance of
+Jonathan Wild's foul insinuation crossed him. &quot;But never mind who, or
+what I am. Give me this picture. I'll keep it for your sake.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll give you something better worth keeping,&quot; she answered, detaching
+the ornament from her neck, and presenting it to him; &quot;this contains a
+lock of my hair, and may remind you sometimes of your little sister. As
+to the picture, I'll keep it myself, though, if you <i>do</i> go I shall need
+no memorial of <i>you</i>. I'd a good many things to say to you, besides&mdash;but
+you've put them all out of my head.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this, she burst into tears, and sank with her face upon his
+shoulder. Thames did not try to cheer her. His own heart was too full of
+melancholy foreboding. He felt that he might soon be separated&mdash;perhaps,
+for ever&mdash;from the fond little creature he held in his arms, whom he had
+always regarded with the warmest fraternal affection, and the thought of
+how much she would suffer from the separation so sensibly affected him,
+that he could not help joining in her grief.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 124</span><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124"></a>From this sorrowful state he was aroused by a loud derisive whistle,
+followed by a still louder laugh; and, looking up, he beheld the
+impudent countenance of Jack Sheppard immediately before him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Aha!&quot; exclaimed Jack, with a roguish wink, &quot;I've caught you,&mdash;have I?&quot;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>The carpenter's daughter was fair and free&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span>Fair, and fickle, and false, was she!<br /></span>
+<span>She slighted the journeyman, (meaning <i>me!</i>)<br /></span>
+<span>And smiled on a gallant of high degree.<br /></span>
+<span class="i12">Degree! degree!<br /></span>
+<span>She smiled on a gallant of high degree.<br /></span>
+<span>Ha! ha! ha!&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack!&quot; exclaimed Thames, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>But Sheppard was not to be silenced. He went on with his song,
+accompanying it with the most ridiculous grimaces:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;When years were gone by, she began to rue<br /></span>
+<span>Her love for the gentleman, (meaning <i>you!</i>)<br /></span>
+<span>'I slighted the journeyman fond,' quoth she,<br /></span>
+<span>'But where is my gallant of high degree?<br /></span>
+<span class="i12">Where! where!<br /></span>
+<span>Oh! where is my gallant of high degree?'<br /></span>
+<span>Ho! ho! ho!&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;What are you doing here!&quot; demanded Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! nothing at all,&quot; answered Jack, sneeringly, &quot;though this room's as
+much mine as yours, for that matter. 'But I don't desire to spoil
+sport,&mdash;not I. And, if you'll give me such a smack of your sweet lips,
+Miss, as you've just given Thames, I'll take myself off in less than no
+time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The answer to this request was a &quot;smack&quot; of a very different
+description, bestowed upon Sheppard's outstretched face by the little
+damsel, as she ran out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Odd's! bodikins!&quot; cried Jack, rubbing his cheek, &quot;I'm in luck to-day.
+However, I'd rather have a blow from the daughter than the mother. I
+know who hits hardest. I tell you what, Thames,&quot; he added, flinging
+himself carelessly into a chair, &quot;I'd give my right hand,&mdash;<span class="pagenum">Page 125</span><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125"></a>and that's
+no light offer for a carpenter's 'prentice,&mdash;if that little minx were
+half as fond of me as she is of you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's not likely to be the case, if you go on in this way,&quot; replied
+Thames, sharply.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, what the devil would you have had me do!&mdash;make myself scarce, eh?
+You should have tipped me the wink.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No more of this,&quot; rejoined Thames, &quot;or we shall quarrel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who cares if we do?&quot; retorted Sheppard, with a look of defiance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack,&quot; said the other, sternly; &quot;don't provoke me further, or I'll give
+you a thrashing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Two can play at that game, my blood,&quot; replied Sheppard, rising, and
+putting himself into a posture of defence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take care of yourself, then,&quot; rejoined Thames, doubling his fists, and
+advancing towards him: &quot;though my right arm's stiff, I can use it, as
+you'll find.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sheppard was no match for his opponent, for, though he possessed more
+science, he was deficient in weight and strength; and, after a short
+round, in which he had decidedly the worst of it, a well-directed hit on
+the <i>nob</i> stretched him at full length on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That'll teach you to keep a civil tongue in your head for the future,&quot;
+observed Thames, as he helped Jack to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I didn't mean to give offence,&quot; replied Sheppard, sulkily. &quot;But, let me
+tell you, it's not a pleasant sight to see the girl one likes in the
+arms of another.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You want another drubbing, I perceive,&quot; said Thames, frowning.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I don't. Enough's as good as a feast of the dainties you provide.
+I'll think no more about her. Save us!&quot; he cried, as his glance
+accidentally alighted on the drawing, which Winifred had dropped in her
+agitation. &quot;Is this <i>her</i> work?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is,&quot; answered Thames. &quot;Do you see any likeness?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't I,&quot; returned Jack, bitterly. &quot;Strange!&quot; he continued, as if
+talking to himself. &quot;How very like it is!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 126</span><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126"></a>Not so strange, surely,&quot; laughed Thames, &quot;that a picture should
+resemble the person for whom it's intended.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, but it <i>is</i> strange how much it resembles somebody for whom it's
+<i>not</i> intended. It's exactly like a miniature I have in my pocket.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A miniature! Of whom?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I can't say,&quot; replied Jack, mysteriously. &quot;But, I half suspect, of
+your father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My father!&quot; exclaimed Thames, in the utmost astonishment; &quot;let me see
+it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here it is,&quot; returned Jack, producing a small picture in a case set
+with brilliants.</p>
+
+<p>Thames took it, and beheld the portrait of a young man,
+apparently&mdash;judging from his attire&mdash;of high rank, whose proud and
+patrician features certainly presented a very striking resemblance to
+his own.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're right Jack,&quot; he said, after a pause, during which he
+contemplated the picture with the most fixed attention: &quot;this must have
+been my father!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No doubt of it,&quot; answered Sheppard; &quot;only compare it with Winny's
+drawing, and you'll find they're as like as two peas in a pod.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where did you get it?&quot; inquired Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From Lady Trafford's, where I took the box.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Surely, you haven't stolen it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stolen's an awkward word. But, as you perceive, I brought it away with
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It must be restored instantly,&mdash;be the consequences what they may.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're not going to betray me!&quot; cried Jack, in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am not,&quot; replied Thames; &quot;but I insist upon your taking it back at
+once.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take it back yourself,&quot; retorted Jack, sullenly. &quot;I shall do no such
+thing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well,&quot; replied Thames, about to depart.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stop!&quot; exclaimed Jack, planting himself before the door; &quot;do you want
+to get me sent across the water?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I want to save you from disgrace and ruin,&quot; returned Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 127</span><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127"></a>Bah!&quot; cried Jack, contemptuously; &quot;nobody's disgraced and ruined
+unless he's found out. I'm safe enough if you hold your tongue. Give me
+that picture, or I'll make you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear me,&quot; said Thames, calmly; &quot;you well know you're no match for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not at fisticuffs, perhaps,&quot; interrupted Jack, fiercely; &quot;but I've my
+knife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You daren't use it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Try to leave the room, and see whether I daren't,&quot; returned Jack,
+opening the blade.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I didn't expect this from you,&quot; rejoined Thames, resolutely. &quot;But your
+threats won't prevent my leaving the room when I please, and as I
+please. Now, will you stand aside?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I won't,&quot; answered Jack, obstinately.</p>
+
+<p>Thames said not another word, but marched boldly towards him, and seized
+him by the collar.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Leave go!&quot; cried Jack, struggling violently, and raising his hand, &quot;or
+I'll maul you for life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But Thames was not to be deterred from his purpose; and the strife might
+have terminated seriously, if a peace-maker had not appeared in the
+shape of little Winifred, who, alarmed by the noise, rushed suddenly
+into the room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; she screamed, seeing the uplifted weapon in Sheppard's hand,
+&quot;don't hurt Thames&mdash;don't, dear Jack! If you want to kill somebody, kill
+me, not him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And she flung herself between them.</p>
+
+<p>Jack dropped the knife, and walked sullenly aside.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What has caused this quarrel, Thames?&quot; asked the little girl,
+anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You,&quot; answered Jack, abruptly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No such thing,&quot; rejoined Thames. &quot;I'll tell you all about it presently.
+But you must leave us now, dear Winny, Jack and I have something to
+settle between ourselves. Don't be afraid. Our quarrel's quite over.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you sure of that?&quot; returned Winifred, looking uneasily at Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 128</span><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128"></a>Ay, ay,&quot; rejoined Sheppard; &quot;he may do what he pleases,&mdash;hang me, if
+he thinks proper,&mdash;if <i>you</i> wish it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this assurance, and at the reiterated request of Thames, the little
+girl reluctantly withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come, come, Jack,&quot; said Thames, walking up to Sheppard, and taking his
+hand, &quot;have done with this. I tell you once more, I'll say and do
+nothing to get you into trouble. Best assured of that. But I'm resolved
+to see Lady Trafford. Perhaps, she may tell me whose picture this is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So she may,&quot; returned Jack, brightening up; &quot;it's a good idea. I'll go
+with you. But you must see her alone; and that'll be no easy matter to
+manage, for she's a great invalid, and has generally somebody with her.
+Above all, beware of Sir Rowland Trenchard. He's as savage and
+suspicious as the devil himself. I should never have noticed the
+miniature at all, if it hadn't been for him. He was standing by, rating
+her ladyship,&mdash;who can scarcely stir from the sofa,&mdash;while I was packing
+up her jewels in the case, and I observed that she tried to hide a small
+casket from him. His back was no sooner turned, than she slipped this
+casket into the box. The next minute, I contrived, without either of 'em
+perceiving me, to convey it into my own pocket. I was sorry for what I
+did afterwards; for, I don't know why, but, poor, lady! with her pale
+face, and black eyes, she reminded me of my mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That, alone, ought to have prevented you from acting as you did, Jack,&quot;
+returned Thames, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should never have acted as I did,&quot; rejoined Sheppard, bitterly; &quot;if
+Mrs. Wood hadn't struck me. That blow made me a thief. And, if ever I'm
+brought to the gallows, I shall lay my death at her door.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, think no more about it,&quot; returned Thames. &quot;Do better in future.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will, when I've had my revenge,&quot; muttered Jack. &quot;But, take my advice,
+and keep out of Sir Rowland's way, or you'll get the poor lady into
+trouble as well as me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never fear,&quot; replied Thames, taking up his hat. &quot;Come, let's be off.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 129</span><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129"></a>The two boys, then, emerged upon the landing, and were about to descend
+the stairs, when the voices of Mr. and Mrs. Wood resounded from below.
+The storm appeared to have blown over, for they were conversing in a
+very amicable manner with Mr. Kneebone, who was on the point of
+departing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Quite sorry, my good friend, there should have been any
+misunderstanding between us,&quot; observed the woollen-draper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't mention it,&quot; returned Wood, in the conciliatory tone of one who
+admits he has been in the wrong; &quot;your explanation is perfectly
+satisfactory.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We shall expect you to-morrow,&quot; insinuated Mrs. Wood; &quot;and pray, don't
+bring anybody with you,&mdash;especially Jonathan Wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No fear of that,&quot; laughed Kneebone.&mdash;&quot;Oh! about that boy, Thames
+Darrell. His safety must be looked to. Jonathan's threats are not to be
+sneezed at. The rascal will be at work before the morning. Keep your eye
+upon the lad. And mind he doesn't stir out of your sight, on any
+pretence whatever, till I call.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You hear that,&quot; whispered Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do,&quot; replied Thames, in the same tone; &quot;we haven't a moment to lose.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take care of yourself,&quot; said Mr. Wood, &quot;and I'll take care of Thames.
+It's never a bad day that has a good ending. Good night! God bless you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Upon this, there was a great shaking of hands, with renewed apologies
+and protestations of friendship on both sides; after which Mr. Kneebone
+took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And so, you really suspected me?&quot; murmured Mrs. Wood, reproachfully, as
+they returned to the parlour. &quot;Oh! you men! you men! Once get a thing
+into your head, and nothing will beat it out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, my love,&quot; rejoined her husband, &quot;appearances, you must allow, were
+a little against you. But since you assure me <i>you</i> didn't write the
+letters, and Mr. Kneebone assures me <i>he</i> didn't receive them, I can't
+do otherwise than believe you. And I've made up my mind that a <span class="pagenum">Page 130</span><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130"></a>husband
+ought to believe only half that he hears, and nothing that he sees.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;An excellent maxim!&quot; replied his wife, approvingly; &quot;the best I ever
+heard you utter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I must now go and look after Thames,&quot; observed the carpenter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! never mind him: he'll take no harm! Come with me into the parlour.
+I can't spare you at present. Heigho!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now for it!&quot; cried Jack, as the couple entered the room: &quot;the coast's
+clear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thames was about to follow, when he felt a gentle grasp upon his arm. He
+turned, and beheld Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where are you going?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shall be back presently,&quot; replied Thames, evasively.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't go, I beg of you!&quot; she implored. &quot;You're in danger. I overheard
+what Mr. Kneebone said, just now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Death and the devil! what a cursed interruption!&quot; cried Jack,
+impatiently. &quot;If you loiter in this way, old Wood will catch us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you stir, I'll call him!&quot; rejoined Winifred. &quot;It's you, Jack, who
+are persuading my brother to do wrong. Thames,&quot; she urged, &quot;the errand,
+on which you're going, can't be for any good, or you wouldn't be afraid
+of mentioning it to my father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's coming!&quot; cried Jack, stamping his foot, with vexation. &quot;Another
+moment, and it'll be too late.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Winny, I <i>must</i> go!&quot; said Thames, breaking from her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stay, dear Thames!&mdash;stay!&quot; cried the little girl. &quot;He hears me not!
+he's gone!&quot; she added, as the door was opened and shut with violence;
+&quot;something tells me I shall never see him again!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>When her father, a moment afterwards, issued from the parlour to
+ascertain the cause of the noise, he found her seated on the stairs, in
+an agony of grief.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where's Thames?&quot; he hastily inquired.</p>
+
+<p>Winifred pointed to the door. She could not speak.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And Jack?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Gone too,&quot; sobbed his daughter.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 131</span><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131"></a>Mr. Wood uttered something like an imprecation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;God forgive me for using such a word!&quot; he cried, in a troubled tone;
+&quot;if I hadn't yielded to my wife's silly request, this wouldn't have
+happened!&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_VII" id="CHAPTER_2_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>Brother and Sister.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>On the same evening, in a stately chamber of a noble old mansion of
+Elizabeth's time, situated in Southampton Fields, two persons were
+seated. One of these, a lady, evidently a confirmed invalid, and attired
+in deep mourning, reclined upon a sort of couch, or easy chair, set on
+wheels, with her head supported by cushions, and her feet resting upon a
+velvet footstool. A crutch, with a silver handle, stood by her side,
+proving the state of extreme debility to which she was reduced. It was
+no easy matter to determine her age, for, though she still retained a
+certain youthfulness of appearance, she had many marks in her
+countenance, usually indicating the decline of life, but which in her
+case were, no doubt, the result of constant and severe indisposition.
+Her complexion was wan and faded, except where it was tinged by a slight
+hectic flush, that made the want of colour more palpable; her eyes were
+large and black, but heavy and lustreless; her cheeks sunken; her frame
+emaciated; her dark hair thickly scattered with gray. When younger, and
+in better health, she must have been eminently lovely; and there were
+still the remains of great beauty about her. The expression, however,
+which would chiefly have interested a beholder, was that of settled and
+profound melancholy.</p>
+
+<p>Her companion was a person of no inferior condition. Indeed it was
+apparent, from the likeness between them, that they were nearly related.
+He had the same dark eyes, though lighted by a fierce flame; the same
+sallow complexion; the same tall, thin figure, and majestic demeanour;
+the same proud cast of features. But here the resemblance stopped. The
+expression was wholly <span class="pagenum">Page 132</span><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132"></a>different. He looked melancholy enough, it is
+true. But his gloom appeared to be occasioned by remorse, rather than
+sorrow. No sterner head was ever beheld beneath the cowl of a monk, or
+the bonnet of an inquisitor. He seemed inexorable, and inscrutable as
+fate itself.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Lady Trafford,&quot; he said, fixing a severe look upon her. &quot;You
+depart for Lancashire to-morrow. Have I your final answer?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have, Sir Rowland,&quot; she answered, in a feeble tone, but firmly.
+&quot;You shall have the sum you require, but&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what, Madam!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not misunderstand me,&quot; she proceeded. &quot;I give it to King James&mdash;not
+so you: for the furtherance of a great and holy cause, not for the
+prosecution of wild and unprofitable schemes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sir Rowland bit his lips to repress the answer that rose to them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And the will?&quot; he said, with forced calmness. &quot;Do you still refuse to
+make one!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>have</i> made one,&quot; replied Lady Trafford.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How?&quot; cried her brother, starting.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Rowland,&quot; she rejoined, &quot;you strive in vain to terrify me into
+compliance with your wishes. Nothing shall induce me to act contrary to
+the dictates of my conscience. My will is executed, and placed in safe
+custody.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In whose favour is it made?&quot; he inquired, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In favour of my son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have no son,&quot; rejoined Sir Rowland, moodily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>had</i> one,&quot; answered his sister, in a mournful voice; &quot;and, perhaps,
+I have one still.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If I thought so&mdash;&quot; cried the knight fiercely; &quot;but this is idle,&quot; he
+added, suddenly checking himself. &quot;Aliva, your child perished with its
+father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And by whom were they both destroyed?&quot; demanded his sister, raising
+herself by a painful effort, and regarding him with a searching glance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By the avenger of his family's dishonour&mdash;by your brother,&quot; he replied,
+coolly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 133</span><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133"></a>Brother,&quot; cried Lady Trafford, her eye blazing with unnatural light,
+and her cheek suffused with a crimson stain: &quot;Brother,&quot; she cried,
+lifting her thin fingers towards Heaven, &quot;as God shall judge me, I was
+wedded to that murdered man!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A lie!&quot; ejaculated Sir Rowland, furiously; &quot;a black, and damning lie!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is the truth,&quot; replied his sister, falling backwards upon the couch.
+&quot;I will swear it upon the cross!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;His name, then?&quot; demanded the knight. &quot;Tell me that, and I will believe
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not now&mdash;not now!&quot; she returned, with a shudder. &quot;When I am dead you
+will learn it. Do not disquiet yourself. You will not have to wait long
+for the information. Rowland,&quot; she added, in an altered tone, &quot;I am
+certain I shall not live many days. And if you treat me in this way, you
+will have my death to answer for, as well as the deaths of my husband
+and child. Let us part in peace. We shall take an eternal farewell of
+each other.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be it so!&quot; rejoined Sir Rowland, with concentrated fury; &quot;but before we
+<i>do</i> part, I am resolved to know the name of your pretended husband!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Torture shall not wrest it from me,&quot; answered his sister, firmly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What motive have you for concealment?&quot; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A vow,&quot; she answered,&mdash;&quot;a vow to my dead husband.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sir Rowland looked at her for a moment, as if he meditated some terrible
+reply. He then arose, and, taking a few turns in the chamber, stopped
+suddenly before her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What has put it into your head that your son yet lives?&quot; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have dreamed that I shall see him before I die,&quot; she rejoined.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dreamed!&quot; echoed the knight, with a ghastly smile. &quot;Is that all? Then
+learn from me that your hopes are visionary as their foundation. Unless
+he can arise from <span class="pagenum">Page 134</span><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134"></a>the bottom of the Thames, where he and his abhorred
+father lie buried, you will never behold him again in this world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Heaven have compassion on you, Rowland!&quot; murmured his sister, crossing
+her hands and looking upwards; &quot;you have none on me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>will</i> have none till I have forced the villain's name from you!&quot; he
+cried, stamping the floor with rage.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Rowland, your violence is killing me,&quot; she returned, in a plaintive
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;His name, I say!&mdash;his name!&quot; thundered the knight.</p>
+
+<p>And he unsheathed his sword.</p>
+
+<p>Lady Trafford uttered a prolonged scream, and fainted. When she came to
+herself, she found that her brother had quitted the room, leaving her to
+the care of a female attendant. Her first orders were to summon the rest
+of her servants to make immediate preparations for her departure for
+Lancashire.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To-night, your ladyship?&quot; ventured an elderly domestic.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Instantly, Hobson,&quot; returned Lady Trafford; &quot;as soon as the carriage
+can be brought round.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It shall be at the door in ten minutes. Has your ladyship any further
+commands?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;None whatever. Yet, stay! There is one thing I wish you to do. Take
+that box, and put it into the carriage yourself. Where is Sir Rowland?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the library, your ladyship. He has given orders that no one is to
+disturb him. But there's a person in the hall&mdash;a very odd sort of
+man&mdash;waiting to see him, who won't be sent away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well. Lose not a moment, Hobson.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The elderly domestic bowed, took up the case, and retired.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your ladyship is far too unwell to travel,&quot; remarked the female
+attendant, assisting her to rise; &quot;you'll never be able to reach
+Manchester.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It matters not, Norris,&quot; replied Lady Trafford: &quot;I would rather die on
+the road, than be exposed to another such scene as I have just
+encountered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 135</span><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135"></a>Dear me!&quot; sympathised Mrs. Norris. &quot;I was afraid from the scream I
+heard, that something dreadful had happened, Sir Rowland has a terrible
+temper indeed&mdash;a shocking temper! I declare he frightens me out of my
+senses.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sir Rowland is my brother,&quot; resumed Lady Trafford coldly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well that's no reason why he should treat your ladyship so shamefully,
+I'm sure. Ah! how I wish, poor dear Sir Cecil were alive! he'd keep him
+in order.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Lady Trafford sighed deeply.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your ladyship has never been well since you married Sir Cecil,&quot;
+rejoined Mrs. Norris. &quot;For my part, I don't think you ever quite got
+over the accident you met with on the night of the Great Storm.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Norris!&quot; gasped Lady Trafford, trembling violently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mercy on us! what have I said!&quot; cried the attendant, greatly alarmed by
+the agitation of her mistress; &quot;do sit down, your ladyship, while I run
+for the ratifia and rosa solis.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is past,&quot; rejoined Lady Trafford, recovering herself by a powerful
+effort; &quot;but never allude to the circumstance again. Go and prepare for
+our departure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>In less time than Hobson had mentioned, the carriage was announced. And
+Lady Trafford having been carried down stairs, and placed within it, the
+postboy drove off, at a rapid pace for Barnet.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_VIII" id="CHAPTER_2_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>Miching Mallecho.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Sir Rowland, meantime, paced his chamber with a quick and agitated step.
+He was ill at ease, though he would not have confessed his disquietude
+even to himself. Not conceiving that his sister&mdash;feeble as she was, and
+yielding as she had ever shown herself to his wishes, whether expressed
+or implied&mdash;would depart without consulting him, he was equally
+surprised and enraged to hear the servants busied in transporting her to
+the <span class="pagenum">Page 136</span><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136"></a>carriage. His pride, however, would not suffer him to interfere
+with their proceedings; much less could he bring himself to acknowledge
+that he had been in the wrong, and entreat Lady Trafford to remain,
+though he was well aware that her life might be endangered if she
+travelled by night. But, when the sound of the carriage-wheels died
+away, and he felt that she was actually gone, his resolution failed him,
+and he rang the bell violently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My horses, Charcam,&quot; he said, as a servant appeared.</p>
+
+<p>The man lingered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Sdeath! why am I not obeyed?&quot; exclaimed the knight, angrily. &quot;I wish
+to overtake Lady Trafford. Use despatch!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Her ladyship will not travel beyond Saint Alban's to-night, Sir
+Rowland, so Mrs. Norris informed me,&quot; returned Charcam, respectfully;
+&quot;and there's a person without, anxious for an audience, whom, with
+submission, I think your honour would desire to see.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; exclaimed Sir Rowland, glancing significantly at Charcam, who was
+a confidant in his Jacobite schemes; &quot;is it the messenger from
+Orchard-Windham, from Sir William?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, Sir Rowland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From Mr. Corbet Kynaston, then? Sir John Packington's courier was here
+yesterday.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, Sir Rowland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps he is from Lord Derwentwater, or Mr. Forster? News <i>is</i>
+expected from Northumberland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't exactly say, Sir Rowland. The gentleman didn't communicate his
+business to me. But I'm sure it's important.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Charcam said this, not because he knew anything about the matter; but,
+having received a couple of guineas to deliver the message, he,
+naturally enough, estimated its importance by the amount of the
+gratuity.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I will see him,&quot; replied the knight, after a moment's pause; &quot;he
+may be from the Earl of Mar. But let the horses be in readiness. I shall
+ride to St. Alban's to-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 137</span><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137"></a>So saying, he threw himself into a chair. And Charcam, fearful of
+another charge in his master's present uncertain mood, disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The person, shortly afterwards ushered into the room, seemed by the
+imperfect light,&mdash;for the evening was advancing, and the chamber
+darkened by heavy drapery,&mdash;to be a middle-sized middle-aged man, of
+rather vulgar appearance, but with a very shrewd aspect. He was plainly
+attired in a riding-dress and boots of the period, and wore a hanger by
+his side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your servant, Sir Rowland,&quot; said the stranger, ducking his head, as he
+advanced.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your business, Sir?&quot; returned the other, stiffly.</p>
+
+<p>The new-comer looked at Charcam. Sir Rowland waved his hand, and the
+attendant withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You don't recollect me, I presume?&quot; premised the stranger, taking a
+seat.</p>
+
+<p>The knight, who could ill brook this familiarity, instantly arose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't disturb yourself,&quot; continued the other, nowise disconcerted by
+the rebuke. &quot;I never stand upon ceremony where I know I shall be
+welcome. We <i>have</i> met before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Indeed!&quot; rejoined Sir Rowland, haughtily; &quot;perhaps, you will refresh my
+memory as to the time, and place.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me see. The time was the 26th of November, 1703: the place, the
+Mint in Southwark. I have a good memory, you perceive, Sir Rowland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The knight staggered as if struck by a mortal wound. Speedily recovering
+himself, however, he rejoined, with forced calmness, &quot;You are mistaken,
+Sir. I was in Lancashire, at our family seat, at the time you mention.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The stranger smiled incredulously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Sir Rowland,&quot; he said, after a brief pause, during which the
+knight regarded him with a searching glance, as if endeavouring to
+recall his features, &quot;I will not gainsay your words. You are in the
+right to be cautious, till you know with whom you have to deal; and,
+even then, you can't be too wary. 'Avow nothing, believe nothing, give
+nothing for nothing,' is my own <span class="pagenum">Page 138</span><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138"></a>motto. And it's a maxim of universal
+application: or, at least, of universal practice. I am not come here to
+play the part of your father-confessor. I am come to serve you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In what way, Sir?&quot; demanded Trenchard, in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You will learn anon. You refuse me your confidence. I applaud your
+prudence: it is, however, needless. Your history, your actions, nay,
+your very thoughts are better known to me than to your spiritual
+adviser.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Make good your assertions,&quot; cried Trenchard, furiously, &quot;or&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To the proof,&quot; interrupted the stranger, calmly. &quot;You are the son of
+Sir Montacute Trenchard, of Ashton-Hall, near Manchester. Sir Montacute
+had three children&mdash;two daughters and yourself. The eldest, Constance,
+was lost, by the carelessness of a servant, during her infancy, and has
+never since been heard of: the youngest, Aliva, is the present Lady
+Trafford. I merely mention these circumstances to show the accuracy of
+my information.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If this is the extent of it, Sir,&quot; returned the knight, ironically,
+&quot;you may spare yourself further trouble. These particulars are familiar
+to all, who have any title to the knowledge.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps so,&quot; rejoined the stranger; &quot;but I have others in reserve, not
+so generally known. With your permission, I will go on in my own way.
+Where I am in error, you can set me right.&mdash;Your father, Sir Montacute
+Trenchard, who had been a loyal subject of King James the Second, and
+borne arms in his service, on the abdication of that monarch, turned his
+back upon the Stuarts, and would never afterwards recognise their claims
+to the crown. It was said, that he received an affront from James, in
+the shape of a public reprimand, which his pride could not forgive. Be
+this as it may, though a Catholic, he died a friend to the Protestant
+succession.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So far you are correct,&quot; observed Trenchard; &quot;still, this is no
+secret.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 139</span><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139"></a>Suffer me to proceed,&quot; replied the stranger. &quot;The opinions,
+entertained by the old knight, naturally induced him to view with
+displeasure the conduct of his son, who warmly espoused the cause he had
+deserted. Finding remonstrances of no avail, he had recourse to threats;
+and when threats failed, he adopted more decided measures.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha!&quot; ejaculated Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As yet,&quot; pursued the stranger, &quot;Sir Montacute had placed no limit to
+his son's expenditure. He did not quarrel with Rowland's profusion, for
+his own revenues were ample; but he <i>did</i> object to the large sums
+lavished by him in the service of a faction he was resolved not to
+support. Accordingly, the old knight reduced his son's allowance to a
+third of its previous amount; and, upon further provocation, he even
+went so far as to alter his will in favour of his daughter, Aliva, who
+was then betrothed to her cousin, Sir Cecil Trafford.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Proceed, Sir,&quot; said Trenchard, breathing hard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Under these circumstances, Rowland did what any other sensible person
+would do. Aware of his father's inflexibility of purpose, he set his
+wits to work to defeat the design. He contrived to break off his
+sister's match; and this he accomplished so cleverly, that he maintained
+the strictest friendship with Sir Cecil. For two years he thought
+himself secure; and, secretly engaged in the Jacobite schemes of the
+time, in which, also, Sir Cecil was deeply involved, he began to relax
+in his watchfulness over Aliva. About this time,&mdash;namely, in November,
+1703&mdash;while young Trenchard was in Lancashire, and his sister in London,
+on a visit, he received a certain communication from his confidential
+servant, Davies, which, at once, destroyed his hopes. He learnt that his
+sister was privately married&mdash;the name or rank of her husband could not
+be ascertained&mdash;and living in retirement in an obscure dwelling in the
+Borough, where she had given birth to a son. Rowland's plans were
+quickly formed, and as quickly executed. Accompanied by Sir Cecil, who
+still continued passionately enamoured of his sister, and to whom he
+represented that she had <span class="pagenum">Page 140</span><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140"></a>fallen a victim to the arts of a seducer, he
+set off, at fiery speed, for the metropolis. Arrived there, their first
+object was to seek out Davies, by whom they were conducted to the lady's
+retreat,&mdash;a lone habitation, situated on the outskirts of Saint George's
+Fields in Southwark. Refused admittance, they broke open the door.
+Aliva's husband, who passed by the name of Darrell, confronted them
+sword in hand. For a few minutes he kept them at bay. But, urged by his
+wife's cries, who was more anxious for the preservation of her child's
+life than her own, he snatched up the infant, and made his escape from
+the back of the premises. Rowland and his companions instantly started
+in pursuit, leaving the lady to recover as she might. They tracked the
+fugitive to the Mint; but, like hounds at fault, they here lost all
+scent of their prey. Meantime, the lady had overtaken them; but,
+terrified by the menaces of her vindictive kinsmen, she did not dare to
+reveal herself to her husband, of whose concealment on the roof of the
+very house the party were searching she was aware. Aided by an
+individual, who was acquainted with a secret outlet from the tenement,
+Darrell escaped. Before his departure, he gave his assistant a glove.
+That glove is still preserved. In her endeavour to follow him, Aliva met
+with a severe fall, and was conveyed away, in a state of insensibility,
+by Sir Cecil. She was supposed to be lifeless; but she survived the
+accident, though she never regained her strength. Directed by the same
+individual, who had helped Darrell to steal a march upon him, Rowland,
+with Davies, and another attendant, continued the pursuit. Both the
+fugitive and his chasers embarked on the Thames. The elements were
+wrathful as their passions. The storm burst upon them in its fury.
+Unmindful of the terrors of the night, unscared by the danger that
+threatened him, Rowland consigned his sister's husband and his sister's
+child to the waves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bring your story to an end, Sir,&quot; said Trenchard who had listened to
+the recital with mingled emotions of rage and fear.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 141</span><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141"></a>I have nearly done,&quot; replied the stranger.&mdash;&quot;As Rowland's whole crew
+perished in the tempest, and he only escaped by miracle, he fancied
+himself free from detection. And for twelve years he has been so; until
+his long security, well-nigh obliterating remembrance of the deed, has
+bred almost a sense of innocence within his breast. During this period
+Sir Montacute has been gathered to his fathers. His title has descended
+to Rowland: his estates to Aliva. The latter has, since, been induced to
+unite herself to Sir Cecil, on terms originating with her brother, and
+which, however strange and unprecedented, were acquiesced in by the
+suitor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sir Rowland looked bewildered with surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The marriage was never consummated,&quot; continued the imperturbable
+stranger. &quot;Sir Cecil is no more. Lady Trafford, supposed to be
+childless, broken in health and spirits, frail both in mind and body, is
+not likely to make another marriage. The estates must, ere long, revert
+to Sir Rowland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you man, or fiend?&quot; exclaimed Trenchard, staring at the stranger,
+as he concluded his narration.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are complimentary, Sir Rowland,&quot; returned the other, with a grim
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you <i>are</i> human,&quot; rejoined Trenchard, with stern emphasis, &quot;I insist
+upon knowing whence you derived your information?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I might refuse to answer the question, Sir Rowland. But I am not
+indisposed to gratify you. Partly, from your confessor; partly, from
+other sources.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My confessor!&quot; ejaculated the knight, in the extremity of surprise;
+&quot;has <i>he</i> betrayed his sacred trust?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He has,&quot; replied the other, grinning; &quot;and this will be a caution to
+you in future, how you confide a secret of consequence to a priest. I
+should as soon think of trusting a woman. Tickle the ears of their
+reverences with any idle nonsense you please: but tell them nothing you
+care to have repeated. I was once a disciple of Saint Peter myself, and
+speak from experience.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who are you?&quot; ejaculated Trenchard, scarcely able to credit his senses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 142</span><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142"></a>I'm surprised you've not asked that question before, Sir Rowland. It
+would have saved me much circumlocution, and you some suspense. My name
+is Wild&mdash;Jonathan Wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And the great thief-taker indulged himself in a chuckle at the effect
+produced by this announcement. He was accustomed to such surprises, and
+enjoyed them.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Rowland laid his hand upon his sword.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wild,&quot; he said, in a sarcastic tone, but with great firmness; &quot;a
+person of your well-known sagacity must be aware that some secrets are
+dangerous to the possessor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am fully aware of it, Sir Rowland,&quot; replied Jonathan, coolly; &quot;but I
+have nothing to fear; because, in the first place, it will be to your
+advantage not to molest me; and, in the second, I am provided against
+all contingencies. I never hunt the human tiger without being armed. My
+janizaries are without. One of them is furnished with a packet
+containing the heads of the statement I have just related, which, if I
+don't return at a certain time, will be laid before the proper
+authorities. I have calculated my chances, you perceive.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have forgotten that you are in my power,&quot; returned the knight,
+sternly; &quot;and that all your allies cannot save you from my resentment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can at least, protect myself,&quot; replied Wild, with, provoking
+calmness. &quot;I am accounted a fair shot, as well as a tolerable swordsman,
+and I will give proof of my skill in both lines, should occasion require
+it. I have had a good many desperate engagements in my time, and have
+generally come off victorious. I bear the marks of some of them about me
+still,&quot; he continued, taking off his wig, and laying bare a bald skull,
+covered with cicatrices and plates of silver. &quot;This gash,&quot; he added,
+pointing to one of the larger scars, &quot;was a wipe from the hanger of Tom
+Thurland, whom I apprehended for the murder of Mrs. Knap. This wedge of
+silver,&quot; pointing to another, &quot;which would mend a coffee-pot, serves to
+stop up a breach made by Will Colthurst, <span class="pagenum">Page 143</span><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143"></a>who robbed Mr. Hearl on
+Hounslow-Heath. I secured the dog after he had wounded me. This fracture
+was the handiwork of Jack Parrot (otherwise called Jack the Grinder),
+who broke into the palace of the Bishop of Norwich. Jack was a comical
+scoundrel, and made a little too free with his grace's best burgundy, as
+well as his grace's favourite housekeeper. The Bishop, however, to show
+him the danger of meddling with the church, gave him a dance at Tyburn
+for his pains. Not a scar but has its history. The only inconvenience I
+feel from my shattered noddle is an incapacity to drink. But that's an
+infirmity shared by a great many sounder heads than mine. The hardest
+bout I ever had was with a woman&mdash;Sally Wells, who was afterwards lagged
+for shoplifting. She attacked me with a carving-knife, and, when I had
+disarmed her, the jade bit off a couple of fingers from my left hand.
+Thus, you see, I've never hesitated and never <i>shall</i> hesitate to expose
+my life where anything is to be gained. My profession has hardened me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And, with this, he coolly re-adjusted his peruke.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you expect to gain from this interview, Mr. Wild!&quot; demanded
+Trenchard, as if he had formed a sudden resolution.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! now we come to business,&quot; returned Jonathan, rubbing his hands,
+gleefully. &quot;These are my terms, Sir Rowland,&quot; he added, taking a sheet
+of paper from his pocket, and pushing it towards the knight.</p>
+
+<p>Trenchard glanced at the document.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A thousand pounds,&quot; he observed, gloomily, &quot;is a heavy price to pay for
+doubtful secrecy, when <i>certain silence</i> might be so cheaply procured.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You would purchase it at the price of your head,&quot; replied Jonathan,
+knitting his brows. &quot;Sir Rowland,&quot; he added, savagely, and with somewhat
+of the look of a bull-dog before he flies at his foe, &quot;if it were my
+pleasure to do so, I could crush you with a breath. You are wholly in my
+power. Your name, with the fatal epithet of 'dangerous' attached to it,
+stands foremost on the list of Disaffected now before the Secret
+Com<span class="pagenum">Page 144</span><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144"></a>mittee. I hold a warrant from Mr. Walpole for your apprehension.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Arrested!&quot; exclaimed Trenchard, drawing his sword.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Put up your blade, Sir Rowland,&quot; rejoined Jonathan, resuming his former
+calm demeanour, &quot;King James the Third will need it. I have no intention
+of arresting you. I have a different game to play; and it'll be your own
+fault, if you don't come off the winner. I offer you my assistance on
+certain terms. The proposal is so far from being exorbitant, that it
+should be trebled if I had not a fellow-feeling in the cause. To be
+frank with you, I have an affront to requite, which can be settled at
+the same time, and in the same way with your affair. That's worth
+something to me; for I don't mind paying for revenge. After all a
+thousand pounds is a trifle to rid you of an upstart, who may chance to
+deprive you of tens of thousands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did I hear you aright?&quot; asked Trenchard, with startling eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly,&quot; replied Jonathan, with the most perfect <i>sangfroid</i>, &quot;I'll
+undertake to free you from the boy. That's part of the bargain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is he alive!&quot; vociferated Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To be sure,&quot; returned Wild; &quot;he's not only alive, but likely for life,
+if we don't clip the thread.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sir Rowland caught at a chair for support, and passed his hand across
+his brow, on which the damp had gathered thickly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The intelligence seems new to you. I thought I'd been sufficiently
+explicit,&quot; continued Jonathan. &quot;Most persons would have guessed my
+meaning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then it was <i>not</i> a dream!&quot; ejaculated Sir Rowland in a hollow voice,
+and as if speaking to himself. &quot;I <i>did</i> see them on the platform of the
+bridge&mdash;the child and his preserver! They were <i>not</i> struck by the
+fallen ruin, nor whelmed in the roaring flood,&mdash;or, if they <i>were</i>, they
+escaped as I escaped. God! I have cheated myself into a belief that the
+boy perished! And now my worst fears are realized&mdash;he lives!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As yet,&quot; returned Jonathan, with fearful emphasis.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 145</span><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145"></a>I cannot&mdash;dare not injure him,&quot; rejoined Trenchard, with a haggard
+look, and sinking, as if paralysed, into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan laughed scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Leave him to me,&quot; he said. &quot;He shan't trouble you further.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; replied Sir Rowland, who appeared completely prostrated. &quot;I will
+struggle no longer with destiny. Too much blood has been shed already.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This comes of fine feelings!&quot; muttered Jonathan, contemptuously. &quot;Give
+me your thorough-paced villain. But I shan't let him off thus. I'll try
+a strong dose.&mdash;Am I to understand that you intend to plead guilty, Sir
+Rowland?&quot; he added. &quot;If so, I may as well execute my warrant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stand off, Sir!&quot; exclaimed Trenchard, starting suddenly backwards.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I knew that would bring him to,&quot; thought Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is the boy?&quot; demanded Sir Rowland.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At present under the care of his preserver&mdash;one Owen Wood, a carpenter,
+by whom he was brought up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wood!&quot; exclaimed Trenchard,&mdash;&quot;of Wych Street?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The same.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A boy from his shop was here a short time ago. Could it be him you
+mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No. That boy was the carpenter's apprentice, Jack Sheppard. I've just
+left your nephew.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Charcam entered the room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Beg pardon, Sir Rowland,&quot; said the attendant, &quot;but there's a boy from
+Mr. Wood, with a message for Lady Trafford.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From whom?&quot; vociferated Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From Mr. Wood the carpenter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The same who was here just now?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, Sir Rowland, a much finer boy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Tis he, by Heaven!&quot; cried Jonathan; &quot;this is lucky. Sir Rowland,&quot; he
+added, in a deep whisper, &quot;do you agree to my terms?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do,&quot; answered Trenchard, in the same tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Enough!&quot; rejoined Wild; &quot;he shall not return.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 146</span><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146"></a>Have you acquainted him with Lady Trafford's departure?&quot; said the
+knight, addressing Charcam, with as much composure as he could assume.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, Sir Rowland,&quot; replied the attendant, &quot;as you proposed to ride to
+Saint Albans to-night, I thought you might choose to see him yourself.
+Besides, there's something odd about the boy; for, though I questioned
+him pretty closely concerning his business, he declined answering my
+questions, and said he could only deliver his message to her ladyship. I
+thought it better not to send him away till I'd mentioned the
+circumstance to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You did right,&quot; returned Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is he?&quot; asked Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the hall,&quot; replied Charcam.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Alone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not exactly, Sir. There's another lad at the gate waiting for him&mdash;the
+same who was here just now, that Sir Rowland was speaking of, who
+fastened up the jewel-case for her ladyship.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A jewel-case!&quot; exclaimed Jonathan. &quot;Ah, I see it all!&quot; he cried, with a
+quick glance. &quot;Jack Sheppard's fingers are lime-twigs. Was anything
+missed after the lad's departure, Sir Rowland?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not that I'm aware of,&quot; said the knight.&mdash;&quot;Stay! something occurs to
+me.&quot; And he conferred apart with Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's it!&quot; cried Wild when Trenchard concluded. &quot;This young fool is
+come to restore the article&mdash;whatever it may be&mdash;which Lady Trafford was
+anxious to conceal, and which his companion purloined. It's precisely
+what such a simpleton would do. We have him as safe as a linnet in a
+cage; and could wring his neck round as easily. Oblige me by acting
+under my guidance in the matter, Sir Rowland. I'm an old hand at such
+things. Harkee,&quot; he added, &quot;Mr. What's-your-name!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Charcam,&quot; replied the attendant, bowing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well, Mr. Charcoal, you may bring in the boy. But not a word to
+him of Lady Trafford's absence&mdash;mind that. A robbery has been committed,
+and your <span class="pagenum">Page 147</span><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147"></a>master suspects this lad as an accessory to the offence. He,
+therefore, desires to interrogate him. It will be necessary to secure
+his companion; and as you say he is not in the house, some caution must
+be used in approaching him, or he may chance to take to his heels, for
+he's a slippery little rascal. When you've seized him, cough thrice
+thus,&mdash;and two rough-looking gentlemen will make their appearance. Don't
+be alarmed by their manners, Mr. Charcoal. They're apt to be surly to
+strangers, but it soon wears off. The gentleman with the red beard will
+relieve you of your prisoner. The other must call a coach as quickly as
+he can.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For whom, Sir?&quot; inquired Charcam. &quot;For me&mdash;his master, Mr. Jonathan
+Wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you Mr. Jonathan Wild?&quot; asked the attendant, in great trepidation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>am</i>, Charcoal. But don't let my name frighten you. Though,&quot; said the
+thief-taker, with a complacent smile, &quot;all the world seems to tremble at
+it. Obey my orders, and you've nothing to fear. About them quickly. Lead
+the lad to suppose that he'll be introduced to Lady Trafford. You
+understand me, Charcoal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The attendant did <i>not</i> understand him. He was confounded by the
+presence in which he found himself. But, not daring to confess his want
+of comprehension, he made a profound reverence, and retired.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_IX" id="CHAPTER_2_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>Consequences of the Theft.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>&quot;How do you mean to act, Sir?&quot; inquired Trenchard, as soon as they were
+left alone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As circumstances shall dictate, Sir Rowland,&quot; returned Jonathan.
+&quot;Something is sure to arise in the course of the investigation, of which
+I can take advantage. If not, I'll convey him to St. Giles's round-house
+on my own responsibility.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is this your notable scheme!&quot; asked the knight, scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 148</span><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148"></a>Once there,&quot; proceeded Wild, without noticing the interruption, &quot;he's
+as good as in his grave. The constable, Sharples, is in my pay. I can
+remove the prisoner at any hour of the night I think fit: and I <i>will</i>
+remove him. You must, know, Sir Rowland&mdash;for I've no secrets from
+you&mdash;that, in the course of my business I've found it convenient to
+become the owner of a small Dutch sloop; by means of which I can
+transmit any light ware,&mdash;such as gold watches, rings, and plate, as
+well as occasionally a bank or goldsmith's note, which has been <i>spoken
+with</i> by way of the mail,&mdash;you understand me?&mdash;to Holland or Flanders,
+and obtain a secure and ready market for them. This vessel is now in the
+river, off Wapping. Her cargo is nearly shipped. She will sail, at early
+dawn to-morrow, for Rotterdam. Her commander, Rykhart Van Galgebrok, is
+devoted to my interests. As soon as he gets into blue water, he'll think
+no more of pitching the boy overboard than of lighting his pipe. This
+will be safer than cutting his throat on shore. I've tried the plan, and
+found it answer. The Northern Ocean keeps a secret better than the
+Thames, Sir Rowland. Before midnight, your nephew shall be safe beneath
+the hatches of the Zeeslang.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poor child!&quot; muttered Trenchard, abstractedly; &quot;the whole scene upon
+the river is passing before me. I hear the splash in the water&mdash;I see
+the white object floating like a sea-bird on the tide&mdash;it will not
+sink!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Sblood!&quot; exclaimed Jonathan, in a tone of ill-disguised contempt; &quot;it
+won't do to indulge those fancies now. Be seated, and calm yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have often conjured up some frightful vision of the dead,&quot; murmured
+the knight, &quot;but I never dreamed of an interview with the living.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It'll be over in a few minutes,&quot; rejoined Jonathan, impatiently; &quot;in
+fact, it'll be over too soon for me. I like such interviews. But we
+waste time. Have the goodness to affix your name to that memorandum, Sir
+Rowland. I require nothing, you see, till my share of the contract is
+fulfilled.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Trenchard took up a pen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 149</span><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149"></a>It's the boy's death-warrant,&quot; observed Jonathan, with a sinister
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I cannot sign it,&quot; returned Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Damnation!&quot; exclaimed Wild with a snarl, that displayed his glistening
+fangs to the farthest extremity of his mouth, &quot;I'm not to be trifled
+with thus. That paper <i>must</i> be signed, or I take my departure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go, Sir,&quot; rejoined the knight, haughtily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, ay, I'll go, fast enough!&quot; returned Jonathan, putting his hands
+into his pockets, &quot;but not alone, Sir Rowland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, the door was flung open, and Charcam entered, dragging
+in Thames, whom he held by the collar, and who struggled in vain to free
+himself from the grasp imposed upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here's one of the thieves, Sir Rowland!&quot; cried the attendant. &quot;I was
+only just in time. The young rascal had learnt from some of the
+women-servants that Lady Trafford was from home, and was in the very act
+of making off when I got down stairs. Come along, my Newgate bird!&quot; he
+continued, shaking him with great violence.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan gave utterance to a low whistle.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If things had gone smoothly,&quot; he thought, &quot;I should have cursed the
+fellow's stupidity. As it is, I'm not sorry for the blunder.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Trenchard, meanwhile, whose gaze was fixed upon the boy, became livid as
+death, but he moved not a muscle.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'T is he!&quot; he mentally ejaculated.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you think of your nephew, Sir Rowland?&quot; whispered Jonathan, who
+sat with his back towards Thames, so that his features were concealed
+from the youth's view. &quot;It would be a thousand pities, wouldn't it, to
+put so promising a lad out of the way?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Devil!&quot; exclaimed the knight fiercely, &quot;Give me the paper.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan hastily picked up the pen, and presented it to Trenchard, who
+attached his signature to the document.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 150</span><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150"></a>If I <i>am</i> the devil,&quot; observed Wild, &quot;as some folks assert, and I
+myself am not unwilling to believe, you'll find that I differ from the
+generally-received notions of the arch-fiend, and faithfully execute the
+commands of those who confide their souls to my custody.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take hence this boy, then,&quot; rejoined Trenchard; &quot;his looks unman me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of what am I accused?&quot; asked Thames, who though a good deal alarmed at
+first, had now regained his courage.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of robbery!&quot; replied Jonathan in a thundering voice, and suddenly
+confronting him. &quot;You've charged with assisting your comrade, Jack
+Sheppard, to purloin certain articles of value from a jewel-case
+belonging to Lady Trafford. Aha!&quot; he continued, producing a short silver
+staff, which he carried constantly about with him, and uttering a
+terrible imprecation, &quot;I see you're confounded. Down on your
+marrow-bones, sirrah! Confess your guilt, and Sir Rowland may yet save
+you from the gallows.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've nothing to confess,&quot; replied Thames, boldly; &quot;I've done no wrong.
+Are <i>you</i> my accuser?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am,&quot; replied Wild; &quot;have you anything to allege to the contrary?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Only this,&quot; returned Thames: &quot;that the charge is false, and malicious,
+and that <i>you</i> know it to be so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is that all!&quot; retorted Jonathan. &quot;Come, I must search you my
+youngster!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shan't touch me,&quot; rejoined Thames; and, suddenly bursting from
+Charcam, he threw himself at the feet of Trenchard. &quot;Hear me, Sir
+Rowland!&quot; he cried. &quot;I am innocent, f have stolen nothing. This
+person&mdash;this Jonathan Wild, whom I beheld for the first time, scarcely
+an hour ago, in Wych Street, is&mdash;I know not why&mdash;my enemy. He has sworn
+that he'll take away my life!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bah!&quot; interrupted Jonathan. &quot;You won't listen to this nonsense, Sir
+Rowland!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you <i>are</i> innocent, boy,&quot; said the knight, controlling his emotion;
+&quot;you have nothing to apprehend. But, what brought you here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 151</span><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151"></a>Excuse me, Sir Rowland. I cannot answer that question. My business is
+with Lady Trafford.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you aware that I am her ladyship's brother?&quot; returned the knight.
+&quot;She has no secrets from me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Possibly not,&quot; replied Thames, in some confusion; &quot;but I am not at
+liberty to speak.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your hesitation is not in your favour,&quot; observed Trenchard, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will he consent, to be searched?&quot; inquired Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; rejoined Thames, &quot;I won't be treated like a common felon, if I can
+help it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shall be treated according to your deserts, then,&quot; said Jonathan,
+maliciously. And, in spite of the boy's resistance, he plunged his hands
+into his pockets, and drew forth the miniature.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where did you get this from?&quot; asked Wild, greatly surprised at the
+result of his investigation.</p>
+
+<p>Thames returned no answer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I thought as much,&quot; continued Jonathan. &quot;But we'll find a way to make
+you open your lips presently. Bring in his comrade,&quot; he added, in a
+whisper to Charcam; &quot;I'll take care of him. And don't neglect my
+instructions this time.&quot; Upon which, with an assurance that he would not
+do so, the attendant departed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You can, of course, identify this picture as Lady Trafford's property?&quot;
+pursued Jonathan, with a meaning glance, as he handed it to the knight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can,&quot; replied Trenchard. &quot;Ha!&quot; he exclaimed, with a sudden start, as
+his glance fell upon the portrait; &quot;how came this into your possession,
+boy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why don't you answer, sirrah?&quot; cried Wild, in a savage tone, and
+striking him with the silver staff. &quot;Can't you speak?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't choose,&quot; replied Thames, sturdily; &quot;and your brutality shan't
+make me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll see that,&quot; replied Jonathan, dealing him another and more violent
+blow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let him alone,&quot; said Trenchard authoritatively, &quot;I have another
+question to propose. Do you know whoso portrait this is?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 152</span><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152"></a>I do not,&quot; replied Thames, repressing his tears, &quot;but I believe it to
+be the portrait of my father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Indeed!&quot; exclaimed the knight, in astonishment. &quot;Is your father alive?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; returned Thames; &quot;he was assassinated while I was an infant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who told you this is his portrait?&quot; demanded Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My heart,&quot; rejoined Thames, firmly; &quot;which now tells me I am in the
+presence of his murderer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's me,&quot; interposed Jonathan; &quot;a thief-taker is always a murderer in
+the eyes of a thief. I'm almost sorry your suspicions are unfounded, if
+your father in any way resembled you, my youngster. But I can tell you
+who'll have the pleasure of hanging your father's son; and that's a
+person not a hundred miles distant from you at this moment&mdash;ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As he said this, the door was opened, and Charcam entered, accompanied
+by a dwarfish, shabby-looking man, in a brown serge frock, with coarse
+Jewish features, and a long red beard. Between the Jew and the attendant
+came Jack Sheppard; while a crowd of servants, attracted by the news,
+that the investigation of a robbery was going forward, lingered at the
+doorway in hopes of catching something of the proceedings.</p>
+
+<p>When Jack was brought in, he cast a rapid glance around him, and
+perceiving Thames in the custody of Jonathan, instantly divined how
+matters stood. As he looked in this direction, Wild gave him a
+significant wink, the meaning of which he was not slow to comprehend.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Get it over quickly,&quot; said Trenchard, in a whisper to the thief-taker.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan nodded assent.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's your name?&quot; he said, addressing the audacious lad, who was
+looking about him as coolly as if nothing material was going on.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack Sheppard,&quot; returned the boy, fixing his eyes upon a portrait of
+the Earl of Mar. &quot;Who's that queer cove in the full-bottomed wig?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 153</span><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153"></a>Attend to me, sirrah,&quot; rejoined Wild, sternly. &quot;Do you know this
+picture?&quot; he added, with another significant look, and pointing to the
+miniature.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do,&quot; replied Jack, carelessly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's well. Can you inform us whence it came?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should think so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;State the facts, then.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It came from Lady Trafford's jewel-box.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Here a murmur of amazement arose from the assemblage outside.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Close the door!&quot; commanded Trenchard, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In my opinion, Sir Rowland,&quot; suggested Jonathan; &quot;you'd better allow
+the court to remain open.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be it so,&quot; replied the knight, who saw the force of this reasoning.
+&quot;Continue the proceedings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You say that the miniature was abstracted from Lady Trafford's
+jewel-box,&quot; said Jonathan, in a loud voice. &quot;Who took it thence?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thames Darrell; the boy at your side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack!&quot; cried Thames, in indignant surprise.</p>
+
+<p>But Sheppard took no notice of the exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>A loud buzz of curiosity circulated among the domestics; some of
+whom&mdash;especially the females&mdash;leaned forward to obtain a peep at the
+culprit.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Si&mdash;lence!&quot; vociferated Charcam, laying great emphasis on the last
+syllable.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Were you present at the time of the robbery?&quot; pursued Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was,&quot; answered Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And will swear to it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Liar!&quot; ejaculated Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Enough!&quot; exclaimed Wild, triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Close the court, Mr. Charcoal. They've heard quite enough for my
+purpose,&quot; he muttered, as his orders were obeyed, and the domestics
+excluded. &quot;It's too late to carry 'em before a magistrate now, Sir
+Rowland; so, with your permission, I'll give 'em a night's lodging in
+Saint Giles's round-house. You, Jack Sheppard, have nothing to fear, as
+you've become evidence against <span class="pagenum">Page 154</span><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154"></a>your accomplice. To-morrow, I shall
+carry you before Justice Walters, who'll take your information; and I've
+no doubt but Thames Darrell will be fully committed. Now, for the cage,
+my pretty canary-bird. Before we start, I'll accommodate you with a pair
+of ruffles.&quot; And he proceeded to handcuff his captive.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear me!&quot; cried Thames, bursting into tears. &quot;I am innocent. I could
+not have committed this robbery. I have only just left Wych Street. Send
+for Mr. Wood, and you'll find that I've spoken the truth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'd better hold your peace, my lad,&quot; observed Jonathan, in a menacing
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lady Trafford would not have thus condemned me!&quot; cried Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Away with him!&quot; exclaimed Sir Rowland, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take the prisoners below, Nab,&quot; said Jonathan, addressing the dwarfish
+Jew; &quot;I'll join you in an instant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The bearded miscreant seized Jack by the waist, and Thames by the nape
+of the neck, and marched off, like the ogre in the fairy tale, with a
+boy under each arm, while Charcam brought upt the rear.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_X" id="CHAPTER_2_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3>Mother and Son.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>They had scarcely been gone a moment, when a confused noise was heard
+without, and Charcam re-entered the room, with a countenance of the
+utmost bewilderment and alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the matter with the man?&quot; demanded Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Her ladyship&mdash;&quot; faltered the attendant.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What of her?&quot; cried the knight. &quot;Is she returned!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Y&mdash;e&mdash;s, Sir Rowland,&quot; stammered Charcam.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The devil!&quot; ejaculated Jonathan. &quot;Here's a cross-bite.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But that's not all, your honour,&quot; continued Charcam; &quot;Mrs. Norris says
+she's dying.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 155</span><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155"></a>Dying!&quot; echoed the knight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dying, Sir Rowland. She was taken dreadfully ill on the road, with
+spasms and short breath, and swoonings,&mdash;worse than ever she was before.
+And Mrs. Norris was so frightened that she ordered the postboys to drive
+back as fast as they could. She never expected to get her ladyship home
+alive.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My God!&quot; cried Trenchard, stunned by the intelligence, &quot;I have killed
+her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No doubt,&quot; rejoined Wild, with a sneer; &quot;but don't let all the world
+know it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They're lifting her out of the carriage,&quot; interposed Charcam; &quot;will it
+please your honour to send for some advice and the chaplain?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fly for both,&quot; returned Sir Rowland, in a tone of bitter anguish.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stay!&quot; interposed Jonathan. &quot;Where are the boys?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the hall.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Her ladyship will pass through it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course; there's no other way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then, bring them into this room, the first thing&mdash;quick! They must not
+meet, Sir Rowland,&quot; he added, as Charcam hastened to obey his
+instructions.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Heaven has decreed it otherwise,&quot; replied the knight, dejectedly. &quot;I
+yield to fate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yield to nothing,&quot; returned Wild, trying to re-assure him; &quot;above all,
+when your designs prosper. Man's fate is in his own hands. You are your
+nephew's executioner, or he is yours. Cast off this weakness. The next
+hour makes, or mars you for ever. Go to your sister, and do not quit her
+till all is over. Leave the rest to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sir Rowland moved irresolutely towards the door, but recoiled before a
+sad spectacle. This was his sister, evidently in the last extremity.
+Borne in the arms of a couple of assistants, and preceded by Mrs.
+Norris, wringing her hands and wepping, the unfortunate lady was placed
+upon a couch. At the same time, Charcam, who seemed perfectly distracted
+by the recent occurrences, dragged in Thames, leaving Jack Sheppard
+outside in the custody of the dwarfish Jew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 156</span><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156"></a>Hell's curses!&quot; muttered Jonathan between his teeth; &quot;that fool will
+ruin all. Take him away,&quot; he added, striding up to Charcam.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let him remain,&quot; interposed Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As you please, Sir Rowland,&quot; returned Jonathan, with affected
+indifference; &quot;but I'm not going to hunt the deer for another to eat the
+ven'son, depend on 't.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But seeing that no notice was taken of the retort, he drew a little
+aside, and folded his arms, muttering, &quot;This whim will soon be over. She
+can't last long. I can pull the strings of this stiff-necked puppet as I
+please.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sir Rowland, meantime, throw himself on his knees beside his sister,
+and, clasping her chilly fingers within his own, besought her
+forgiveness in the most passionate terms. For a few minutes, she
+appeared scarcely sensible of his presence. But, after some restoratives
+had been administered by Mrs. Norris, she revived a little.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Rowland,&quot; she said, in a faint voice, &quot;I have not many minutes to live.
+Where is Father Spencer? I must have absolution. I have something that
+weighs heavily upon my mind.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sir Rowland's brow darkened.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have sent for him,&quot; Aliva, he answered; &quot;he will be here directly,
+with your medical advisers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They are useless,&quot; she returned. &quot;Medicine cannot save mo now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear sister&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should die happy, if I could behold my child.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Comfort yourself, then, Aliva. You <i>shall</i> behold him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are mocking me, Rowland. Jests are not for seasons like this.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am not, by Heaven,&quot; returned the knight, solemnly. &quot;Leave us, Mrs.
+Norris, and do not return till Father Spencer arrives.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your ladyship&mdash;&mdash;&quot; hesitated Norris.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go!&quot; said Lady Trafford; &quot;it is my last request.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And her faithful attendant, drowned in tears, withdrew, followed by the
+two assistants.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 157</span><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157"></a>Jonathan stepped behind a curtain.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Rowland,&quot; said Lady Trafford, regarding him with a look of
+indescribable anxiety, &quot;you have assured me that I shall behold my son.
+Where is he?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Within this room,&quot; replied the knight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here!&quot; shrieked Lady Trafford.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here,&quot; repeated her brother. &quot;But calm yourself, dear sister, or the
+interview will be too much for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>am</i> calm&mdash;quite calm, Rowland,&quot; she answered, with lips whose
+agitation belied her words. &quot;Then, the story of his death was false. I
+knew it. I was sure you could not have the heart to slay a child&mdash;an
+innocent child. God forgive you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May He, indeed, forgive me!&quot; returned Trenchard, crossing himself
+devoutly; &quot;but my guilt is not the less heavy, because your child
+escaped. This hand consigned him to destruction, but another was
+stretched forth to save him. The infant was rescued from a watery-grave
+by an honest mechanic, who has since brought him up as his own son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Blessings upon him!&quot; cried Lady Trafford, fervently. &quot;But trifle with
+mo no longer. Moments are ages now. Let me see my child, if he is really
+here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Behold him!&quot; returned Trenchard, taking Thames (who had been a mute,
+but deeply-interested, witness of the scene) by the hand, and leading
+him towards her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; exclaimed Lady Trafford, exerting all her strength. &quot;My sight is
+failing me. Let me have more light, that I may behold him. Yes!&quot; she
+screamed, &quot;these are his father's features! It is&mdash;it is my son!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother!&quot; cried Thames; &quot;are you, indeed, my mother?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am, indeed&mdash;my own sweet boy!&quot; she sobbed, pressing him tenderly to
+her breast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh!&mdash;to see you thus!&quot; cried Thames, in an agony of affliction.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't weep, my love,&quot; replied the lady, straining him still more
+closely to her. &quot;I am happy&mdash;quite happy now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>During this touching interview, a change had come over Sir Rowland, and
+he half repented of what he had done.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 158</span><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158"></a>You can no longer refuse to tell me the name of this youth's father,
+Aliva,&quot; he said.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I dare not, Rowland,&quot; she answered. &quot;I cannot break my vow. I will
+confide it to Father Spencer, who will acquaint you with it when I am no
+more. Undraw the curtain, love,&quot; she added to Thames, &quot;that I may look
+at you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha!&quot; exclaimed her son, starting back, as he obeyed her, and disclosed
+Jonathan Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be silent,&quot; said Jonathan, in a menacing whisper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What have you seen?&quot; inquired Lady Trafford.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My enemy,&quot; replied her son.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your enemy!&quot; she returned imperfectly comprehending him. &quot;Sir Rowland
+is your uncle&mdash;he will be your guardian&mdash;he will protect you. Will you
+not, brother?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Promise,&quot; said a deep voice in Trenchard's ear.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He will kill me,&quot; cried Thames. &quot;There is a man in this room who seeks
+my life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Impossible!&quot; rejoined his mother.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look at these fetters,&quot; returned Thames, holding up his manacled
+wrists; &quot;they were put on by my uncle's command.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; shrieked Lady Trafford.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not a moment is to be lost,&quot; whispered Jonathan to Trenchard. &quot;His
+life&mdash;or yours?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No one shall harm you more, my dear,&quot; cried Lady Trafford. &quot;Your uncle
+<i>must</i> protect you. It will be his interest to do so. He will be
+dependent on you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do what you please with him,&quot; muttered Trenchard to Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take off these chains, Rowland,&quot; said Lady Trafford, &quot;instantly, I
+command you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>I</i> will,&quot; replied Jonathan, advancing, and rudely seizing Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother!&quot; cried the son, &quot;help!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is this?&quot; shrieked Lady Trafford, raising herself on the couch,
+and extending her hands towards him. &quot;Oh, God! would you take him from
+me?&mdash;would you murder him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 159</span><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159"></a>His father's name?&mdash;and he is free,&quot; rejoined Rowland, holding her
+arms.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Release him first&mdash;and I will disclose it!&quot; cried Lady Trafford; &quot;on my
+soul, I will!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Speak then!&quot; returned Rowland.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Too late!&quot; shrieked the lady, falling heavily backwards,&mdash;&quot;too
+late!&mdash;oh!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Heedless of her cries, Jonathan passed a handkerchief tightly over her
+son's mouth, and forced him out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>When he returned, a moment or so afterwards, he found Sir Rowland
+standing by the lifeless body of his sister. His countenance was almost
+as white and rigid as that of the corpse by his side.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is your work,&quot; said the knight, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not entirely,&quot; replied Jonathan, calmly; &quot;though I shouldn't be ashamed
+of it if it were. After all, you failed in obtaining the secret from
+her, Sir Rowland. Women are hypocrites to the last&mdash;true only to
+themselves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Peace!&quot; cried the knight, fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No offence,&quot; returned Jonathan. &quot;I was merely about to observe that <i>I</i>
+am in possession of her secret.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Didn't I tell you that the fugitive Darrell gave me a glove! But we'll
+speak of this hereafter. You can <i>purchase</i> the information from me
+whenever you're so disposed. I shan't drive a hard bargain. To the point
+however. I came back to say, that I've placed your nephew in a coach;
+and, if you'll be at my lock in the Old Bailey an hour after midnight,
+you shall hear the last tidings of him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will be there,&quot; answered Trenchard, gloomily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll not forget the thousand, Sir Rowland&mdash;short accounts, you know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fear nothing. You shall have your reward.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank'ee,&mdash;thank'ee. My house is the next door to the Cooper's Arms, in
+the Old Bailey, opposite Newgate. You'll find me at supper.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he bowed and departed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 160</span><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160"></a>That man should have been an Italian bravo,&quot; murmured the knight,
+sinking into a chair: &quot;he has neither fear nor compunction. Would I
+could purchase his apathy as easily as I can procure his assistance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this Mrs. Norris entered the room, followed by Father
+Spencer. On approaching the couch, they found Sir Rowland senseless, and
+extended over the dead body of his unfortunate sister.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_XI" id="CHAPTER_2_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Mohocks.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Jonathan Wild, meanwhile, had quitted the house. He found a coach at the
+door, with the blinds carefully drawn up, and ascertained from a tall,
+ill-looking, though tawdrily-dressed fellow, who held his horse by the
+bridle, and whom he addressed as Quilt Arnold, that the two boys were
+safe inside, in the custody of Abraham Mendez, the dwarfish Jew. As soon
+as he had delivered his instructions to Quilt, who, with Abraham,
+constituted his body-guard, or janizaries, as he termed them, Jonathan
+mounted his steed, and rode off at a gallop. Quilt was not long in
+following his example. Springing upon the box, he told the coachman to
+make the best of his way to Saint Giles's. Stimulated by the promise of
+something handsome to drink, the man acquitted himself to admiration in
+the management of his lazy cattle. Crack went the whip, and away
+floundered the heavy vehicle through the deep ruts of the ill-kept road,
+or rather lane, (for it was little better,) which, then, led across
+Southampton Fields. Skirting the noble gardens of Montague House, (now,
+we need scarcely say, the British Museum,) the party speedily reached
+Great Russell Street,&mdash;a quarter described by Strype, in his edition of
+old Stow's famous <i>Survey</i>, &quot;as being graced with the best buildings in
+all Bloomsbury, and the best inhabited by the nobility and gentry,
+especially the north side, as having gardens behind the houses, and the
+prospect of the pleasant fields up to Hampstead <span class="pagenum">Page 161</span><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161"></a>and Highgate; insomuch
+that this place, by physicians, is esteemed the most healthful of any in
+London.&quot; Neither of the parties outside bestowed much attention upon
+these stately and salubriously-situated mansions; indeed, as it was now
+not far from ten o'clock, and quite dark, they could scarcely discern
+them. But, in spite of his general insensibility to such matters, Quilt
+could not help commenting upon the delicious perfume wafted from the
+numerous flower-beds past which they were driving. The coachman answered
+by a surly grunt, and, plying his whip with redoubled zeal, shaped his
+course down Dyot Street; traversed that part of Holborn, which is now
+called Broad Street, and where two ancient alms-houses were, then,
+standing in the middle of that great thoroughfare, exactly opposite the
+opening of Compston Street; and, diving under a wide gateway on the
+left, soon reached a more open space, surrounded by mean habitations,
+coach-houses and stables, called Kendrick Yard, at the further end of
+which Saint Giles's round-house was situated.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner did the vehicle turn the corner of this yard, than Quilt
+became aware, from the tumultuous sounds that reached his ears, as well
+as from the flashing of various lanterns at the door of the round-house,
+that some disturbance was going on; and, apprehensive of a rescue, if he
+drew up in the midst of the mob, he thought it prudent to come to a
+halt. Accordingly, he stopped the coach, dismounted, and hastened
+towards the assemblage, which, he was glad to find, consisted chiefly of
+a posse of watchmen and other guardians of the night. Quilt, who was an
+ardent lover of mischief, could not help laughing most heartily at the
+rueful appearance of these personages. Not one of them but bore the
+marks of having been engaged in a recent and severe conflict.
+Quarter-staves, bludgeons, brown-bills, lanterns, swords, and sconces
+were alike shivered; and, to judge from the sullied state of their
+habiliments, the claret must have been tapped pretty freely. Never was
+heard such a bawling as these unfortunate wights kept up. Oaths exploded
+like shells from a battery in full fire, <span class="pagenum">Page 162</span><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162"></a>accompanied by threats of
+direst vengeance against the individuals who had maltreated them. Here,
+might be seen a poor fellow whose teeth were knocked down his throat,
+spluttering out the most tremendous menaces, and gesticulating like a
+madman: there, another, whose nose was partially slit, vented
+imprecations and lamentations in the same breath. On the right, stood a
+bulky figure, with a broken rattle hanging out of his great-coat pocket,
+who held up a lantern to his battered countenance to prove to the
+spectators that both his orbs of vision were darkened: on the left, a
+meagre constable had divested himself of his shirt, to bind up with
+greater convenience a gaping cut in the arm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So, the Mohocks have been at work, I perceive,&quot; remarked Quilt, as he
+drew near the group.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Faith, an' you may say that,&quot; returned a watchman, who was wiping a
+ruddy stream from his brow; &quot;they've broken the paice, and our pates
+into the bargain. But shurely I'd know that vice,&quot; he added, turning his
+lantern towards the janizary. &quot;Ah! Quilt Arnold, my man, is it you? By
+the powers! I'm glad to see you. The sight o' your 'andsome phiz allys
+does me good.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish I could return the compliment, Terry. But your cracked skull is
+by no means a pleasing spectacle. How came you by the hurt, eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How did I come by it?&mdash;that's a nate question. Why, honestly enouch. It
+was lent me by a countryman o' mine; but I paid him back in his own
+coin&mdash;ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A countryman of yours, Terry?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, and a noble one, too, Quilt&mdash;more's the pity! You've heard of the
+Marquis of Slaughterford, belike?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course; who has not? He's the leader of the Mohocks, the general of
+the Scourers, the prince of rakes, the friend of the surgeons and
+glaziers, the terror of your tribe, and the idol of the girls!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's him to a hair?&quot; cried Terence, rapturously. &quot;Och! he's a broth
+of a boy!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, I thought he'd broken your head, Terry?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Phooh! that's nothing? A piece o' plaster'll set all to rights; and
+Terry O'Flaherty's not the boy to care <span class="pagenum">Page 163</span><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163"></a>for the stroke of a supple-jack.
+Besides, didn't I tell you that I giv' him as good as he brought&mdash;and
+better! I jist touched him with my 'Evenin' Star,' as I call this
+shillelah,&quot; said the watchman, flourishing an immense bludgeon, the knob
+of which appeared to be loaded with lead, &quot;and, by Saint Patrick! down
+he cum'd like a bullock.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Zounds!&quot; exclaimed Quilt, &quot;did you kill him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not quite,&quot; replied Terence, laughing; &quot;but I brought him to his
+senses.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By depriving him of 'em, eh! But I'm sorry you hurt his lordship,
+Terry. Young noblemen ought to be indulged in their frolics. If they
+<i>do</i>, now and then, run away with a knocker, paint a sign, beat the
+watch, or huff a magistrate, they <i>pay</i> for their pastime, and that's
+sufficient. What more could any reasonable man&mdash;especially a
+watchman&mdash;desire? Besides, the Marquis, is a devilish fine fellow, and a
+particular friend of mine. There's not his peer among the peerage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Och! if he's a friend o' yours, my dear joy, there's no more to be
+said; and right sorry am I, I struck him. But, bloodan'-'ouns! man, if
+ould Nick himself were to hit me a blow, I'd be afther givin' him
+another.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, well&mdash;wait awhile,&quot; returned Quilt; &quot;his lordship won't forget
+you. He's as generous as he's frolicsome.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, the door of the round-house was opened, and a stout man,
+with a lantern in his hand, presented himself at the threshold.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's Sharples,&quot; cried Quilt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Whist!&quot; exclaimed Terence; &quot;he elevates his glim. By Jasus! he's about
+to spake to us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Gem'men o' the votch!&quot; cried Sharples, as loudly as a wheezy cough
+would permit him, &quot;my noble pris'ner&mdash;ough! ough;&mdash;the Markis o'
+Slaughterford&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Further speech was cut short by a volley of execrations from the angry
+guardians of the night.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No Mohocks! No Scourers!&quot; cried the mob.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear! hear!&quot; vociferated Quilt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;His lordship desires me to say&mdash;ough! ough!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 164</span><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164"></a>Fresh groans and hisses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Von't you hear me?&mdash;ough! ough!&quot; demanded Sharples, after a pause.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By all means,&quot; rejoined Quilt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Raise your vice, and lave off coughin',&quot; added Terence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The long and the short o' the matter's this then,&quot; returned Sharples
+with dignity, &quot;the Markis begs your acceptance o' ten guineas to drink
+his health.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The hooting was instantaneously changed to cheers.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And his lordship, furthermore, requests me to state,&quot; proceeded
+Sharples, in a hoarse tone, &quot;that he'll be responsible for the doctors'
+bill of all such gem'men as have received broken pates, or been
+other<i>wise</i> damaged in the fray&mdash;ough! ough!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hurrah!&quot; shouted the mob.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We're all damaged&mdash;we've all got broken pates,&quot; cried a dozen voices.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, good luck to him! so we have,&quot; rejoined Terence; &quot;but we've no
+objection to take out the dochter's bill in drink.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;None whatever,&quot; replied the mob.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your answer, gem'men?&quot; demanded Sharples.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Long life to the Markis, and we accept his honourable proposal,&quot;
+responded the mob.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Long life to the Marquis!&quot; reiterated Terence; &quot;he's an honour to ould
+Ireland!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Didn't I tell you how it would be?&quot; remarked Quilt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Troth, and so did you,&quot; returned the watchman; &quot;but I couldn't belave
+it. In futur', I'll keep the 'Evenin' Star' for his lordship's enemies.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'd better,&quot; replied Quilt. &quot;But bring your glim this way. I've a
+couple of kinchens in yonder rattler, whom I wish to place under old
+Sharples's care.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be handy, then,&quot; rejoined Terence, &quot;or, I'll lose my share of the smart
+money.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With the assistance of Terence, and a linkboy who volunteered his
+services, Quilt soon removed the prisoners from the coach, and leaving
+Sheppard to the custody of Abraham, proceeded to drag Thames towards the
+<span class="pagenum">Page 165</span><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165"></a>round-house. Not a word had been exchanged between the two boys on the
+road. Whenever Jack attempted to speak, he was checked by an angry growl
+from Abraham; and Thames, though his heart was full almost to bursting,
+felt no inclination to break the silence. His thoughts, indeed, were too
+painful for utterance, and so acute were his feelings, that, for some
+time, they quite overcame him. But his grief was of short duration. The
+elastic spirits of youth resumed their sway; and, before the coach
+stopped, his tears had ceased to flow. As to Jack Sheppard, he appeared
+utterly reckless and insensible, and did nothing but whistle and sing
+the whole way.</p>
+
+<p>While he was dragged along in the manner just described, Thames looked
+around to ascertain, if possible, where he was; for he did not put
+entire faith in Jonathan's threat of sending him to the round-house, and
+apprehensive of something even worse than imprisonment. The aspect of
+the place, so far as he could discern through the gloom, was strange to
+him; but chancing to raise his eyes above the level of the surrounding
+habitations, he beheld, relieved against the sombre sky, the tall
+steeple of Saint Giles's church, the precursor of the present structure,
+which was not erected till some fifteen years later. He recognised this
+object at once. Jonathan had not deceived him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's this here kinchen <i>in</i> for?&quot; asked Terence, as he and Quilt
+strode along, with Thames between them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What for?&quot; rejoined Quilt, evasively.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! nothin' partickler&mdash;mere curossity,&quot; replied Terence. &quot;By the
+powers!&quot; he added, turning his lantern full upon the face of the
+captive, &quot;he's a nice genn-teel-lookin' kiddy, I must say. Pity he's
+ta'en to bad ways so airly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You may spare me your compassion, friend,&quot; observed Thames; &quot;I am
+falsely detained.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course,&quot; rejoined Quilt, maliciously; &quot;every thief is so. If we were
+to wait till a prig was rightfully nabbed, we might tarry till doomsday.
+We never supposed you <span class="pagenum">Page 166</span><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166"></a>helped yourself to a picture set with
+diamonds&mdash;not we!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is the guv'ner consarned in this job?&quot; asked Terence, in a whisper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He is,&quot; returned Quilt, significantly. &quot;Zounds! what's that!&quot; he cried,
+as the noise of a scuffle was heard behind them. &quot;The other kid's given
+my partner the slip. Here, take this youngster, Terry; my legs are
+lighter than old Nab's.&quot; And, committing Thames to the care of the
+watchman, he darted after the fugitive.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you wish to earn a rich reward, my good friend?&quot; said Thames to the
+watchman, as soon as they were left alone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is it by lettin' you go, my darlin', that I'm to airn it?&quot; inquired
+Terence. &quot;If so, it won't pay. You're Mister Wild's pris'ner, and worse
+luck to it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't ask you to liberate me,&quot; urged Thames; &quot;but will you convey a
+message for me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where to, honey?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To Mr. Wood's, the carpenter in Wych Street. He lives near the Black
+Lion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The Black Lion!&quot; echoed Terence. &quot;I know the house well; by the same
+token that it's a flash crib. Och! many a mug o' bubb have I drained wi'
+the landlord, Joe Hind. And so Misther Wudd lives near the Black Lion,
+eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He does,&quot; replied Thames. &quot;Tell him that I&mdash;his adopted son, Thames
+Darrell&mdash;am detained here by Jonathan Wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thames Ditton&mdash;is that your name?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; replied the boy, impatiently; &quot;Darrell&mdash;Thames Darrell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll not forget it. It's a mighty quare 'un, though. I never yet heard
+of a Christians as was named after the Shannon or the Liffy; and the
+Thames is no better than a dhurty puddle, compared wi' them two noble
+strames. But then you're an adopted son, and that makes all the
+difference. People do call their unlawful children strange names. Are
+you quite shure you haven't another alyas, Masther Thames Ditton?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 167</span><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167"></a>Darrell, I tell you. Will you go? You'll be paid handsomely for your
+trouble.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't mind the throuble,&quot; hesitated Terence, who was really a
+good-hearted fellow at the bottom; &quot;and I'd like to sarve you if I
+could, for you look like a gentleman's son, and that goes a great way
+wi' me. But if Misther Wild were to find out that I thwarted his
+schames&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'd not be in your skin for a trifle,&quot; interrupted Quilt, who having
+secured Sheppard, and delivered him to Abraham, now approached them
+unawares; &quot;and it shan't be my fault if he don't hear of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Ouns!&quot; ejaculated Terence, in alarm, &quot;would you turn snitch on your
+old pal, Quilt?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, if he plays a-cross,&quot; returned Quilt. &quot;Come along, my sly shaver.
+With all your cunning, we're more than a match for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But not for me,&quot; growled Terence, in an under tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Remember!&quot; cried Quilt, as he forced the captive along.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Remember the devil!&quot; retorted Terence, who had recovered his natural
+audacity. &quot;Do you think I'm afeard of a beggarly thief-taker and his
+myrmidons? Not I. Master Thames Ditton, I'll do your biddin'; and you,
+Misther Quilt Arnold, may do your worst, I defy you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dog!&quot; exclaimed Quilt, turning fiercely upon him, &quot;do you threaten?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But the watchman eluded his grasp, and, mingling with the crowd,
+disappeared.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_XII" id="CHAPTER_2_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3>Saint Giles's Round-house.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Saint Giles's Round-house was an old detached fabric, standing in an
+angle of Kendrick Yard. Originally built, as its name imports, in a
+cylindrical form, like a modern Martello tower, it had undergone, from
+time to time, so many alterations, that its symmetry was, <span class="pagenum">Page 168</span><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168"></a>in a great
+measure, destroyed. Bulging out more in the middle than at the two
+extremities, it resembled an enormous cask set on its end,&mdash;a sort of
+Heidelberg tun on a large scale,&mdash;and this resemblance was increased by
+the small circular aperture&mdash;it hardly deserved to be called a
+door&mdash;pierced, like the bung-hole of a barrell, through the side of the
+structure, at some distance from the ground, and approached by a flight
+of wooden steps. The prison was two stories high, with a flat roof
+surmounted by a gilt vane fashioned like a key; and, possessing
+considerable internal accommodation, it had, in its day, lodged some
+thousands of disorderly personages. The windows were small, and strongly
+grated, looking, in front, on Kendrick Yard, and, at the back, upon the
+spacious burial-ground of Saint Giles's Church. Lights gleamed from the
+lower rooms, and, on a nearer approach to the building, the sound of
+revelry might be heard from within.</p>
+
+<p>Warned of the approach of the prisoners by the increased clamour,
+Sharples, who was busied in distributing the Marquis's donation,
+affected to throw the remainder of the money among the crowd, though, in
+reality, he kept back a couple of guineas, which he slipped into his
+sleeve, and running hastily up the steps, unlocked the door. He was
+followed, more leisurely, by the prisoners; and, during their ascent,
+Jack Sheppard made a second attempt to escape by ducking suddenly down,
+and endeavouring to pass under his conductor's legs. The dress of the
+dwarfish Jew was not, however, favourable to this expedient. Jack was
+caught, as in a trap, by the pendant tails of Abraham's long frock; and,
+instead of obtaining his release by his ingenuity, he only got a sound
+thrashing.</p>
+
+<p>Sharples received them at the threshold, and holding his lantern towards
+the prisoners to acquaint himself with their features, nodded to Quilt,
+between whom and himself some secret understanding seemed to subsist,
+and then closed and barred the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Vell,&quot; he growled, addressing Quilt, &quot;you know who's here, I suppose?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 169</span><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169"></a>To be sure I do,&quot; replied Quilt; &quot;my noble friend, the Marquis of
+Slaughterford. What of that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Vot 'o that!&quot; echoed Sharples, peevishly: &quot;Everythin'. Vot am I to do
+vith these young imps, eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What you generally do with your prisoners, Mr. Sharples,&quot; replied
+Quilt; &quot;lock 'em up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's easily said. But, suppose I've no place to lock 'em up in, how
+then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Quilt looked a little perplexed. He passed his arm under that of the
+constable, and drew him aside.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Vell, vell,&quot; growled Sharples, after he had listened to the other's
+remonstrances, &quot;it shall be done. But it's confounded inconvenient. One
+don't often get sich a vindfal as the Markis&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Or such a customer as Mr. Wild,&quot; edged in Quilt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, then, Saint Giles!&quot; interposed Sheppard, &quot;are we to be kept here
+all night?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Eh day!&quot; exclaimed Sharples: &quot;wot new-fledged bantam's this?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;One that wants to go to roost,&quot; replied Sheppard. &quot;So, stir your
+stumps, Saint Giles; and, if you mean to lock us up, use despatch.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Comin'! comin'!&quot; returned the constable, shuffling towards him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Coming!&mdash;so is midnight&mdash;so is Jonathan Wild,&quot; retorted Jack, with a
+significant look at Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have you never an out-o-the-vay corner, into vich you could shtow these
+troublesome warmint?&quot; observed Abraham. &quot;The guv'ner'll be here afore
+midnight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Darrell's attention was drawn to the latter part of this speech by a
+slight pressure on his foot. And, turning at the touch, he perceived
+Sheppard's glance fixed meaningly upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stow it, Nab!&quot; exclaimed Quilt, angrily; &quot;the kinchen's awake.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Awake!&mdash;to be sure I am, my flash cove,&quot; replied Sheppard; &quot;I'm down as
+a hammer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've just bethought me of a crib as'll serve their turn,&quot; interposed
+Sharples, &quot;at any rate, they'll be out o' the vay, and as safe as two
+chicks in a coop.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 170</span><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170"></a>Lead the way to it then, Saint Giles,&quot; said Jack, in a tone of mock
+authority.</p>
+
+<p>The place, in which they stood, was a small entrance-chamber, cut off,
+like the segment of a circle, from the main apartment, (of which it is
+needless to say it originally constituted a portion,) by a stout wooden
+partition. A door led to the inner room; and it was evident from the
+peals of merriment, and other noises, that, ever and anon, resounded
+from within, that this chamber was occupied by the Marquis and his
+friends. Against the walls hung an assortment of staves, brown-bills,
+(weapons then borne by the watch,) muskets, handcuffs, great-coats, and
+lanterns. In one angle of the room stood a disused fire-place, with a
+rusty grate and broken chimney-piece; in the other there was a sort of
+box, contrived between the wall and the boards, that looked like an
+apology for a cupboard. Towards this box Sharples directed his steps,
+and, unlocking a hatch in the door, disclosed a recess scarcely as
+large, and certainly not as clean, as a dog-kennel.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Vill this do?&quot; demanded the constable, taking the candle from the
+lantern, the better to display the narrow limits of the hole. &quot;I call
+this ere crib the Little-Ease, arter the runaway prentices' cells in
+Guildhall. I <i>have</i> squeezed three kids into it afore now. To be sure,&quot;
+he added, lowering his tone, &quot;they wos little 'uns, and one on 'em was
+smothered&mdash;ough! ough!&mdash;how this cough chokes me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sheppard, meanwhile, whose hands were at liberty, managed to possess
+himself, unperceived, of the spike of a halbert, which was lying, apart
+from the pole, upon a bench near him. Having secured this implement, he
+burst from his conductor, and, leaping into the hatch, as clowns
+generally spring into the clock-faces, when in pursuit of harlequin in
+the pantomime,&mdash;that is, back foremost,&mdash;broke into a fit of loud and
+derisive laughter, kicking his heels merrily all the time against the
+boards. His mirth, however, received an unpleasant check; for Abraham,
+greatly incensed by his previous conduct, caught him by the legs, and
+pushed him <span class="pagenum">Page 171</span><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171"></a>with such violence into the hole that the point of the
+spike, which he had placed in his pocket, found its way through his
+clothes to the flesh, inflicting a slight, but painful wound. Jack, who
+had something of the Spartan in his composition, endured his martyrdom
+without flinching; and carried his stoical indifference so far, as even
+to make a mocking grimace in Sharples's face, while that amiable
+functionary thrust Thames into the recess beside him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How go you like your quarters, sauce-box?&quot; asked Sharples, in a jeering
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Better than your company, Saint Giles,&quot; replied Sheppard; &quot;so, shut the
+door, and make yourself scarce.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That boy'll never rest till he finds his vay to Bridewell,&quot; observed
+Sharples.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Or the street,&quot; returned Jack: &quot;mind my words, the prison's not built
+that can keep me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll see that, young hempseed,&quot; replied Sharples, shutting the hatch
+furiously in his face, and locking it. &quot;If you get out o' that cage,
+I'll forgive you. Now, come along, gem'men, and I'll show you some
+precious sport.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The two janizaries followed him as far as the entrance to the inner
+room, when Abraham, raising his finger to his lips, and glancing
+significantly in the direction of the boys, to explain his intention to
+his companions, closed the door after them, and stole softly back again,
+planting himself near the recess.</p>
+
+<p>For a few minutes all was silent. At length Jack Sheppard
+observed:&mdash;&quot;The coast's clear. They're gone into the next room.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Darrell returned no answer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't be angry with me, Thames,&quot; continued Sheppard, in a tone
+calculated, as he thought, to appease his companion's indignation. &quot;I
+did all for the best, as I'll explain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I won't reproach you, Jack,&quot; said the other, sternly. &quot;I've done with
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not quite, I hope,&quot; rejoined Sheppard. &quot;At all events, I've not done
+with you. If you owe your confinement to me, you shall owe your
+liberation to me, also.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 172</span><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172"></a>I'd rather lie here for ever, than be indebted to <i>you</i> for my
+freedom,&quot; returned Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've done nothing to offend you,&quot; persisted Jack. &quot;Nothing!&quot; echoed the
+other, scornfully. &quot;You've perjured yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's my own concern,&quot; rejoined Sheppard. &quot;An oath weighs little with
+me, compared with your safety.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No more of this,&quot; interrupted Thames, &quot;you make the matter worse by
+these excuses.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Quarrel with me as much as you please, Thames, but hear me,&quot; returned
+Sheppard. &quot;I took the course I pursued to serve you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tush!&quot; cried Thames; &quot;you accused me to skreen yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On my soul, Thames, you wrong me!&quot; replied Jack, passionately. &quot;I'd lay
+down my life for yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you expect me to believe you after what has passed?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do; and, more than that, I expect you to thank me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For procuring my imprisonment?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For saving your life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Listen to me, Thames. You're in a more serious scrape than you imagine.
+I overheard Jonathan Wild's instructions to Quilt Arnold, and though he
+spoke in slang, and in an under tone, my quick ears, and acquaintance
+with the thieves' lingo, enabled me to make out every word he uttered.
+Jonathan is in league with Sir Rowland to make away with you. You are
+brought here that their designs may be carried into effect with greater
+security. Before morning, unless, we can effect an escape, you'll be
+kidnapped, or murdered, and your disappearance attributed to the
+negligence of the constable.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you sure of this?&quot; asked Thames, who, though as brave a lad as need
+be, could not repress a shudder at the intelligence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certain. The moment I entered the room, and found you a prisoner in the
+hands of Jonathan Wild, I guessed how matters stood, and acted
+accordingly. <span class="pagenum">Page 173</span><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173"></a>Things haven't gone quite as smoothly as I anticipated;
+but they might have been worse. I <i>can</i> save you, and <i>will</i>. But, say
+we're friends.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're not deceiving me!&quot; said Thames, doubtfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am not, by Heaven!&quot; replied Sheppard, firmly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't swear, Jack, or I shall distrust you. I can't give you my hand;
+but you may take it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you! thank you!&quot; faltered Jack, in a voice full of emotion. &quot;I'll
+soon free you from these bracelets.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You needn't trouble yourself,&quot; replied Thames. &quot;Mr. Wood will be here
+presently.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wood!&quot; exclaimed Jack, in surprise. &quot;How have you managed to
+communicate with him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Abraham, who had listened attentively to the foregoing
+conversation,&mdash;not a word of which escaped him,&mdash;now drew in his breath,
+and brought his ear closer to the boards.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By means of the watchman who had the charge of me,&quot; replied Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Curse him!&quot; muttered Abraham.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hist!&quot; exclaimed Jack. &quot;I thought I heard a noise. Speak lower.
+Somebody may be on the watch&mdash;perhaps, that old ginger-hackled Jew.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't care if he is,&quot; rejoined Thames, boldly. &quot;He'll learn that his
+plans will be defeated.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He may learn how to defeat yours,&quot; replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So he may,&quot; rejoined Abraham, aloud, &quot;so he may.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Death and fiends!&quot; exclaimed Jack; &quot;the old thief <i>is</i> there. I knew
+it. You've betrayed yourself, Thames.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Vot o' that?&quot; chuckled Abraham. &quot;<i>You</i> can shave him, you know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>can</i>,&quot; rejoined Jack; &quot;and you, too, old Aaron, if I'd a razor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How soon do you expect Mishter Vudd?&quot; inquired the janizary,
+tauntingly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that to you?&quot; retorted Jack, surlily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Because I shouldn't like to be out o' the vay ven he arrives,&quot; returned
+Abraham, in a jeering tone; &quot;it vouldn't be vell bred.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Vouldn't it!&quot; replied Jack, mimicking his snuffling voice; &quot;then shtay
+vere you are, and be cursed to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 174</span><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174"></a>It's all up,&quot; muttered Thames. &quot;Mr. Wood will be intercepted. I've
+destroyed my only chance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not your <i>only</i> chance, Thames,&quot; returned Jack, in the same undertone;
+&quot;but your best. Never mind. We'll turn the tables upon 'em yet. Do you
+think we could manage that old clothesman between us, if we got out of
+this box?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'd manage him myself, if my arms were free,&quot; replied Thames, boldly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shpeak up, vill you?&quot; cried Abraham, rapping his knuckles against the
+hatch. &quot;I likes to hear vot you says. You <i>can</i> have no shecrets from
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Vy don't you talk to your partner, or Saint Giles, if you vant
+conversation, Aaron?&quot; asked Jack, slyly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Because they're in the next room, and the door's shut; that's vy, my
+jack-a-dandy!&quot; replied Abraham, unsuspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! they are&mdash;are they?&quot; muttered Jack, triumphantly; &quot;that'll do. Now
+for it, Thames! Make as great a row as you can to divert his attention.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he drew the spike from his pocket; and, drowning the sound of
+the operation by whistling, singing, shuffling, and other noises,
+contrived, in a few minutes, to liberate his companion from the
+handcuffs.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, Jack,&quot; cried Thames, warmly grasping Sheppard's hand, &quot;you are my
+friend again. I freely forgive you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sheppard cordially returned the pressure; and, cautioning Thames, &quot;not
+to let the ruffles drop, or they might tell a tale,&quot; began to warble the
+following fragment of a robber melody:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;Oh! give me a chisel, a knife, or a file,<br /></span>
+<span>And the dubsmen shall find that I'll do it in style!<br /></span>
+<span class="i12"><i>Tol-de-rol!</i>&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Vot the devil are you about, noisy?&quot; inquired Abraham.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Practising singing, Aaron,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;Vot are you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Practising patience,&quot; growled Abraham.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 175</span><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175"></a>Not before it's needed,&quot; returned Jack, aloud; adding in a whisper,
+&quot;get upon my shoulders, Thames. Now you're up, take this spike. Feel for
+the lock, and prize it open,&mdash;you don't need to be told <i>how</i>. When it's
+done, I'll push you through. Take care of the old clothesman, and leave
+the rest to me.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>When the turnkey, next morning, stepp'd into his room,<br /></span>
+<span>The sight of the hole in the wall struck him dumb;<br /></span>
+<span>The sheriff's black bracelets lay strewn on the ground,<br /></span>
+<span>But the lad that had worn 'em could nowhere be found.<br /></span>
+<span class="i12"><i>Tol-de-rol!</i>&quot;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>As Jack concluded his ditty, the door flew open with a crash, and Thames
+sprang through the aperture.</p>
+
+<p>This manoeuvre was so suddenly executed that it took Abraham completely
+by surprise. He was standing at the moment close to the hatch, with his
+ear at the keyhole, and received a severe blow in the face. He staggered
+back a few paces; and, before he could recover himself, Thames tripped
+up his heels, and, placing the point of the spike at his throat,
+threatened to stab him if he attempted to stir, or cry out. Nor had Jack
+been idle all this time. Clearing the recess the instant after his
+companion, he flew to the door of the inner room, and, locking it, took
+out the key. The policy of this step was immediately apparent. Alarmed
+by the noise of the scuffle, Quilt and Sharples rushed to the assistance
+of their comrade. But they were too late. The entrance was barred
+against them; and they had the additional mortification of hearing
+Sheppard's loud laughter at their discomfiture.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I told you the prison wasn't built that could hold me,&quot; cried Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're not out yet, you young hound,&quot; rejoined Quilt, striving
+ineffectually to burst open the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But I soon shall be,&quot; returned Jack; &quot;take these,&quot; he added, flinging
+the handcuffs against the wooden partition, &quot;and wear 'em yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Halloo, Nab!&quot; vociferated Quilt. &quot;What the devil are you about! Will
+you allow yourself to be beaten by a couple of kids?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 176</span><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176"></a>Not if I can help it,&quot; returned Abraham, making a desperate effort to
+regain his feet. &quot;By my shalvation, boy,&quot; he added, fiercely, &quot;if you
+don't take your hande off my peard, I'll sthrangle you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Help me, Jack!&quot; shouted Thames, &quot;or I shan't be able to keep the
+villain down.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stick the spike into him, then,&quot; returned Sheppard, coolly, &quot;while I
+unbar the outlet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But Thames had no intention of following his friend's advice. Contenting
+himself with brandishing the weapon in the Jew's eyes, he exerted all
+his force to prevent him from rising.</p>
+
+<p>While this took place, while Quilt thundered at the inner door, and Jack
+drew back the bolts of the outer, a deep, manly voice was heard
+chanting&mdash;as if in contempt of the general uproar&mdash;the following
+strain:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>With pipe and punch upon the board,</span><br />
+<span class="i2">And smiling nymphs around us;</span><br />
+<span>No tavern could more mirth afford</span><br />
+<span class="i2">Than old Saint Giles's round-house!</span><br />
+<span class="i4"><i>The round-house! the round-house!</i></span><br />
+<span class="i4"><i>The jolly&mdash;jolly round-house!</i></span><br />
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;The jolly, jolly round-house!&quot; chorussed Sheppard, as the last bar
+yielded to his efforts. &quot;Hurrah! come along, Thames; we're free.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not sho fasht&mdash;not sho fasht!&quot; cried Abraham, struggling with Thames,
+and detaining him; &quot;if you go, you musht take me along vid you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Save yourself, Jack!&quot; shouted Thames, sinking beneath the superior
+weight and strength of his opponent; &quot;leave me to my fate!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never,&quot; replied Jack, hurrying towards him. And, snatching the spike
+from Thames, he struck the janizary a severe blow on the head. &quot;I'll
+make sure work this time,&quot; he added, about to repeat the blow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold!&quot; interposed Thames, &quot;he can do no more mischief. Let us be gone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As you please,&quot; returned Jack, leaping up; &quot;but I feel devilishly
+inclined to finish him. However, it would only be robbing the hangman of
+his dues.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 177</span><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177"></a>With this, he was preparing to follow his friend, when their egress was
+prevented by the sudden appearance of Jonathan Wild and Blueskin.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_XIII" id="CHAPTER_2_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Magdalene.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>The household of the worthy carpenter, it may be conceived, was thrown
+into the utmost confusion and distress by the unaccountable
+disappearance of the two boys. As time wore on, and they did not return,
+Mr. Wood's anxiety grew so insupportable, that he seized his hat with
+the intention of sallying forth in search of them, though he did not
+know whither to bend his steps, when his departure was arrested by a
+gentle knock at the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There he is!&quot; cried Winifred, starting up, joyfully, and proving by the
+exclamation that her thoughts were dwelling upon one subject only.
+&quot;There he is!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I fear not,&quot; said her father, with a doubtful shake of the head.
+&quot;Thames would let himself in; and Jack generally finds an entrance
+through the backdoor or the shop-window, when he has been out at
+untimely hours. But, go and see who it is, love. Stay! I'll go myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>His daughter, however, anticipated him. She flew to the door, but
+returned the next minute, looking deeply disappointed, and bringing the
+intelligence that it was &quot;only Mrs. Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who?&quot; almost screamed Mrs. Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack Sheppard's mother,&quot; answered the little girl, dejectedly; &quot;she has
+brought a basket of eggs from Willesden, and some flowers for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For me!&quot; vociferated Mrs. Wood, in indignant surprise. &quot;Eggs for me!
+You mistake, child. They must be for your father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; I'm quite sure she said they're for you,&quot; replied Winifred; &quot;but
+she <i>does</i> want to see father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 178</span><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178"></a>I thought as much,&quot; sneered Mrs. Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll go to her directly,&quot; said Wood, bustling towards the door. &quot;I dare
+say she has called to inquire about Jack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I dare say no such thing,&quot; interposed his better half, authoritatively;
+&quot;remain where you are, Sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At all events, let me send her away, my dear,&quot; supplicated the
+carpenter, anxious to avert the impending storm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you hear me?&quot; cried the lady, with increasing vehemence. &quot;Stir a
+foot, at your peril.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, my love,&quot; still remonstrated Wood, &quot;you know I'm going to look
+after the boys&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;After Mrs. Sheppard, you mean, Sir,&quot; interrupted his wife, ironically.
+&quot;Don't think to deceive me by your false pretences. Marry, come up! I'm
+not so easily deluded. Sit down, I command you. Winny, show the person
+into this room. I'll see her myself; and that's more than she bargained
+for, I'll be sworn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Finding it useless to struggle further, Mr. Wood sank, submissively,
+into a chair, while his daughter hastened to execute her arbitrary
+parent's commission.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At length, I have my wish,&quot; continued Mrs. Wood, regarding her husband
+with a glance of vindictive triumph. &quot;I shall behold the shameless
+hussy, face to face; and, if I find her as good-looking as she's
+represented, I don't know what I'll do in the end; but I'll begin by
+scratching her eyes out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>In this temper, it will naturally be imagined, that Mrs. Wood's
+reception of the widow, who, at that moment, was ushered into the room
+by Winifred, was not particularly kind and encouraging. As she
+approached, the carpenter's wife eyed her from head to foot, in the hope
+of finding something in her person or apparel to quarrel with. But she
+was disappointed. Mrs. Sheppard's dress&mdash;extremely neat and clean, but
+simply fashioned, and of the plainest and most unpretending
+material,&mdash;offered nothing assailable; and her demeanour was so humble,
+and her looks so modest, that&mdash;if she had been ill-looking&mdash;she might,
+possibly, have escaped <span class="pagenum">Page 179</span><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179"></a>the shafts of malice preparing to be levelled
+against her. But, alas! she was beautiful&mdash;and beauty is a crime not to
+be forgiven by a jealous woman.</p>
+
+<p>As the lapse of time and change of circumstances have wrought a
+remarkable alteration in the appearance of the poor widow, it may not be
+improper to notice it here. When first brought under consideration, she
+was a miserable and forlorn object; squalid in attire, haggard in looks,
+and emaciated in frame. Now, she was the very reverse of all this. Her
+dress, it has just been said, was neatness and simplicity itself. Her
+figure, though slight, had all the fulness of health; and her
+complexion&mdash;still pale, but without its former sickly cast,&mdash;contrasted
+agreeably, by its extreme fairness, with the dark brows and darker
+lashes that shaded eyes which, if they had lost some of their original
+brilliancy, had gained infinitely more in the soft and chastened lustre
+that replaced it. One marked difference between the poor outcast, who,
+oppressed by poverty, and stung by shame, had sought temporary relief in
+the stupifying draught,&mdash;that worst &quot;medicine of a mind diseased,&quot;&mdash;and
+those of the same being, freed from her vices, and restored to comfort
+and contentment, if not to happiness, by a more prosperous course of
+events, was exhibited in the mouth. For the fresh and feverish hue of
+lip which years ago characterised this feature, was now substituted a
+pure and wholesome bloom, evincing a total change of habits; and, though
+the coarse character of the mouth remained, in some degree, unaltered,
+it was so modified in expression, that it could no longer be accounted a
+blemish. In fact, the whole face had undergone a transformation. All its
+better points were improved, while the less attractive ones (and they
+were few in comparison) were subdued, or removed. What was yet more
+worthy of note was, that the widow's countenance had an air of
+refinement about it, of which it was utterly destitute before, and which
+seemed to intimate that her true position in society was far above that
+wherein accident had placed her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 180</span><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180"></a>Well, Mrs. Sheppard,&quot; said the carpenter, advancing to meet her, and
+trying to look as cheerful and composed as he could; &quot;what brings you to
+town, eh?&mdash;Nothing amiss, I trust?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nothing whatever, Sir,&quot; answered the widow. &quot;A neighbour offered me a
+drive to Paddington; and, as I haven't heard of my son for some time, I
+couldn't resist the temptation of stepping on to inquire after him, and
+to thank you for your great goodness to us both, I've brought a little
+garden-stuff and a few new-laid eggs for you, Ma'am,&quot; she added turning
+to Mrs. Wood, who appeared to be collecting her energies for a terrible
+explosion, &quot;in the hope that they may prove acceptable. Here's a nosegay
+for you, my love,&quot; she continued, opening her basket, and presenting a
+fragrant bunch of flowers to Winifred, &quot;if your mother will allow me to
+give it you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't touch it, Winny!&quot; screamed Mrs. Wood, &quot;it may be poisoned.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm not afraid, mother,&quot; said the little girl, smelling at the bouquet.
+&quot;How sweet these roses are! Shall I put them into water?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Put them where they came from,&quot; replied Mrs. Wood, severely, &quot;and go to
+bed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, mother, mayn't I sit up to see whether Thames returns?&quot; implored
+Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What can it matter to you whether he returns or not, child,&quot; rejoined
+Mrs. Wood, sharply. &quot;I've spoken. And my word's law&mdash;with <i>you</i>, at
+least,&quot; she added, bestowing a cutting glance upon her husband.</p>
+
+<p>The little girl uttered no remonstrance; but, replacing the flowers in
+the basket, burst into tears, and withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard, who witnessed this occurrence with dismay, looked
+timorously at Wood, in expectation of some hint being given as to the
+course she had better pursue; but, receiving none, for the carpenter was
+too much agitated to attend to her, she ventured to express a fear that
+she was intruding.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Intruding!&quot; echoed Mrs. Wood; &quot;to be sure you are! I wonder how you
+dare show your face in this house, hussy!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 181</span><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181"></a>I thought you sent for me, Ma'am,&quot; replied the widow, humbly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I did,&quot; retorted Mrs. Wood; &quot;and I did so to see how far your
+effrontery would carry you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm sure I'm very sorry. I hope I haven't given any unintentional
+offence?&quot; said the widow, again meekly appealing to Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't exchange glances with him under my very nose, woman!&quot; shrieked
+Mrs. Wood; &quot;I'll not bear it. Look at me, and answer me one question.
+And, mind! no prevaricating&mdash;nothing but the truth will satisfy me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard raised her eyes, and fixed them upon her interrogator.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you not that man's mistress?&quot; demanded Mrs. Wood, with a look meant
+to reduce her supposed rival to the dust.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am no man's mistress,&quot; answered the widow, crimsoning to her temples,
+but preserving her meek deportment, and humble tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's false!&quot; cried Mrs. Wood. &quot;I'm too well acquainted with your
+proceedings, Madam, to believe that. Profligate women are never
+reclaimed. <i>He</i> has told me sufficient of you&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear,&quot; interposed Wood, &quot;for goodness' sake&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>will</i> speak,&quot; screamed his wife, totally disregarding the
+interruption; &quot;I <i>will</i> tell this worthless creature what I know about
+her,&mdash;and what I think of her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not now, my love&mdash;not now,&quot; entreated Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, <i>now</i>,&quot; rejoined the infuriated dame; &quot;perhaps, I may never have
+another opportunity. She has contrived to keep out of my sight up to
+this time, and I've no doubt she'll keep out of it altogether for the
+future.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That was my doing, dearest,&quot; urged the carpenter; &quot;I was afraid if you
+saw her that some such scene as this might occur.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear me, Madam, I beseech you,&quot; interposed Mrs. Sheppard, &quot;and, if it
+please you to visit your indignation on any one let it be upon me, and
+not on your excellent husband, whose only fault is in having bestowed
+his charity upon so unworthy an object as myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 182</span><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182"></a>Unworthy, indeed!&quot; sneered Mrs. Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To him I owe everything,&quot; continued the widow, &quot;life itself&mdash;nay, more
+than life,&mdash;for without his assistance I should have perished, body and
+soul. He has been a father to me and my child.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I never doubted the latter point, I assure you, Madam,&quot; observed Mrs.
+Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have said,&quot; pursued the widow, &quot;that she, who has once erred, is
+irreclaimable. Do not believe it, Madam. It is not so. The poor wretch,
+driven by desperation to the commission of a crime which her soul
+abhors, is no more beyond the hope of reformation than she is without
+the pale of mercy. I have suffered&mdash;I have sinned&mdash;I have repented. And,
+though neither peace nor innocence can be restored to my bosom; though
+tears cannot blot out my offences, nor sorrow drown my shame; yet,
+knowing that my penitence is sincere, I do not despair that my
+transgressions may be forgiven.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mighty fine!&quot; ejaculated Mrs. Wood, contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You cannot understand me, Madam; and it is well you cannot. Blest with
+a fond husband, surrounded by every comfort, <i>you</i> have never been
+assailed by the horrible temptations to which misery has exposed <i>me</i>.
+You have never known what it is to want food, raiment, shelter. You have
+never seen the child within your arms perishing from hunger, and no
+relief to be obtained. You have never felt the hearts of all hardened
+against you; have never heard the jeer or curse from every lip; nor
+endured the insult and the blow from every hand. I <i>have</i> suffered all
+this. I could resist the tempter <i>now</i>, I am strong in health,&mdash;in mind.
+But <i>then</i>&mdash;Oh! Madam, there are moments&mdash;moments of darkness, which
+overshadow a whole existence&mdash;in the lives of the poor houseless
+wretches who traverse the streets, when reason is well-nigh benighted;
+when the horrible promptings of despair can, alone, be listened to; and
+when vice itself assumes the aspect of virtue. Pardon what I have said,
+Madam. I do not desire to extenuate my guilt&mdash;far less to defend it; but
+I would show you, and such as you&mdash;who, happily, are exempted from
+trials like <span class="pagenum">Page 183</span><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183"></a>mine&mdash;how much misery has to do with crime. And I affirm to
+you, on my own conviction, that she who falls, because she has not
+strength granted her to struggle with affliction, <i>may</i> be
+reclaimed,&mdash;may repent, and be forgiven,&mdash;even as she, whose sins,
+'though many, were forgiven her'.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It gladdens me to hear you talk thus, Joan,&quot; said Wood, in a voice of
+much emotion, while his eyes filled with tears, &quot;and more than repays me
+for all I have done for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If professions of repentance constitute a Magdalene, Mrs. Sheppard is
+one, no doubt,&quot; observed Mrs. Wood, ironically; &quot;but I used to think it
+required something more than <i>mere words</i> to prove that a person's
+character was abused.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very right, my love,&quot; said Wood, &quot;very sensibly remarked. So it does.
+Bu I can speak to that point. Mrs. Sheppard's conduct, from my own
+personal knowledge, has been unexceptionable for the last twelve years.
+During that period she has been a model of propriety.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! of course,&quot; rejoined Mrs. Wood; &quot;I can't for an instant question
+such distinterested testimony. Mrs. Sheppard, I'm sure, will say as much
+for you. He's a model of conjugal attachment and fidelity, a pattern to
+his family, and an example to his neighbours. Ain't he, Madam?'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He is, indeed,&quot; replied the widow, fervently; &quot;more&mdash;much more than
+that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's no such thing!&quot; cried Mrs. Wood, furiously. &quot;He's a base,
+deceitful, tyrannical, hoary-headed libertine&mdash;that's what he is. But,
+I'll expose him. I'll proclaim his misdoings to the world; and, then, we
+shall see where he'll stand. Marry, come up! I'll show him what an
+injured wife can do. If all wives were of my mind and my spirit,
+husbands would soon be taught their own insignificance. But a time
+<i>will</i> come (and that before long,) when our sex will assert its
+superiority; and, when we have got the upper hand, let 'em try to subdue
+us if they can. But don't suppose, Madam, <span class="pagenum">Page 184</span><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184"></a>that anything I say has
+reference to you. I'm speaking of virtuous women&mdash;of WIVES, Madam.
+Mistresses neither deserve consideration nor commiseration.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I expect no commiseration,&quot; returned Mrs. Sheppard, gently, &quot;nor do I
+need any. But, rather than be the cause of any further misunderstanding
+between you and my benefactor, I will leave London and its neighbourhood
+for ever.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pray do so, Madam,&quot; retorted Mrs. Wood, &quot;and take your son with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My son!&quot; echoed the widow, trembling.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, your son, Madam. If you can do any good with him, it's more than
+we can. The house will be well rid of him, for a more idle,
+good-for-nothing reprobate never crossed its threshold.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is this true, Sir?&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, with an agonized look at Wood.
+&quot;I know you'll not deceive me. Is Jack what Mrs. Wood represents him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's not exactly what I could desire him to be, Joan,&quot; replied the
+carpenter, reluctantly, &quot;But a ragged colt sometimes makes the best
+horse. He'll mend, I hope.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never,&quot; said Mrs. Wood,&mdash;&quot;he'll never mend. He has taken more than one
+step towards the gallows already. Thieves and pickpockets are his
+constant companions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thieves!&quot; exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, horror-stricken.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jonathan Wild and Blueskin have got him into their hands,&quot; continued
+Mrs. Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Impossible!&quot; exclaimed the widow, wildly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you doubt my word, woman,&quot; replied the carpenter's wife, coldly,
+&quot;ask Mr. Wood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know you'll contradict it, Sir,&quot; said the widow, looking at Wood as
+if she dreaded to have her fears confirmed,&mdash;&quot;I know you will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish I could, Joan,&quot; returned the carpenter, sadly.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard let fall her basket.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My son,&quot; she murmured, wringing her hands piteously&mdash;, &quot;my son the
+companion of thieves! My son in Jonathan Wild's power! It cannot be.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 185</span><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185"></a>Why not?&quot; rejoined Mrs. Wood, in a taunting tone. &quot;Your son's father
+was a thief; and Jonathan Wild (unless I'm misinformed,) was his
+friend,&mdash;so it's not unnatural he should show some partiality towards
+Jack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jonathan Wild was my husband's bitterest enemy,&quot; said Mrs. Sheppard.
+&quot;He first seduced him from the paths of honesty, and then betrayed him
+to a shameful death, and he has sworn to do the same thing by my son.
+Oh, Heavens; that I should have ever indulged a hope of happiness while
+that terrible man lives!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Compose yourself, Joan,&quot; said Wood; &quot;all will yet be well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, no,&mdash;no,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard, distractedly. &quot;All cannot be well,
+if this is true. Tell me, Sir,&quot; she added, with forced calmness, and
+grasping Wood's arm; &quot;what has Jack done? Tell me in a word, that I may
+know the worst. I can bear anything but suspense.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're agitating yourself unnecessarily, Joan,&quot; returned Wood, in a
+soothing voice. &quot;Jack has been keeping bad company. That's the only
+fault I know of.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank God for that!&quot; ejaculated Mrs. Sheppard, fervently. &quot;Then it is
+not too late to save him. Where is he, Sir? Can I see him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, that you can't,&quot; answered Mrs. Wood; &quot;he has gone out without
+leave, and has taken Thames Darrell with him. If I were Mr. Wood, when
+he does return, I'd send him about his business. I wouldn't keep an
+apprentice to set my authority at defiance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood's reply, if he intended any, was cut short by a loud knocking
+at the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Odd's-my-life!&mdash;what's that?&quot; he cried, greatly alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's Jonathan Wild come back with a troop of constables at his heels,
+to search the house,&quot; rejoined Mrs. Wood, in equal trepidation. &quot;We
+shall all be murdered. Oh! that Mr. Kneebone were here to protect me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If it <i>is</i> Jonathan,&quot; rejoined Wood, &quot;it is very well for Mr. Kneebone
+he's not here. He'd have enough to do to protect himself, without
+attending to you. I declare <span class="pagenum">Page 186</span><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186"></a>I'm almost afraid to go to the door.
+Something, I'm convinced, has happened to the boys.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Has Jonathan Wild been here to-day?&quot; asked Mrs. Sheppard, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To be sure he has!&quot; returned Mrs. Wood; &quot;and Blueskin, too. They're
+only just gone, mercy on us! what a clatter,&quot; she added, as the knocking
+was repeated more violently than before.</p>
+
+<p>While the carpenter irresolutely quitted the room, with a strong
+presentiment of ill upon his mind, a light quick step was heard
+descending the stairs, and before he could call out to prevent it, a man
+was admitted into the passage.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is this Misther Wudd's, my pretty miss?&quot; demanded the rough voice of
+the Irish watchman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is&quot;, seplied Winifred; &quot;have you brought any tidings of Thames
+Darrell!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Troth have I!&quot; replied Terence: &quot;but, bless your angilic face, how did
+you contrive to guess that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is he well?&mdash;is he safe?&mdash;is he coming back,&quot; cried the little girl,
+disregarding the question.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's in St. Giles's round-house,&quot; answered Terence; &quot;but tell Mr. Wudd
+I'm here, and have brought him a message from his unlawful son, and
+don't be detainin' me, my darlin', for there's not a minute to lose if
+the poor lad's to be recused from the clutches of that thief and
+thief-taker o' the wurld, Jonathan Wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The carpenter, upon whom no part of this hurried dialogue had been lost,
+now made his appearance, and having obtained from Terence all the
+information which that personage could impart respecting the perilous
+situation of Thames, he declared himself ready to start to Saint Giles's
+at once, and ran back to the room for his hat and stick; expressing his
+firm determination, as he pocketed his constable's staff with which he
+thought it expedient to arm himself, of being direfully revenged upon
+the thief-taker: a determination in which he was strongly encouraged by
+his wife. Terence, meanwhile, who had followed him, did not remain
+silent, but recapitulated his story, for the benefit of <span class="pagenum">Page 187</span><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187"></a>Mrs. Sheppard.
+The poor widow was thrown into an agony of distress on learning that a
+robbery had been committed, in which her son (for she could not doubt
+that Jack was one of the boys,) was implicated; nor was her anxiety
+alleviated by Mrs. Wood, who maintained stoutly, that if Thames had been
+led to do wrong, it must be through the instrumentality of his worthless
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And there you're right, you may dipind, marm,&quot; observed Terence.
+&quot;Master Thames Ditt&mdash;what's his blessed name?&mdash;has honesty written in
+his handsome phiz; but as to his companion, Jack Sheppard, I think you
+call him, he's a born and bred thief. Lord bless you marm! we sees
+plenty on 'em in our purfession. Them young prigs is all alike. I seed
+he was one,&mdash;and a sharp un, too,&mdash;at a glance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh!&quot; exclaimed the widow, covering her face with her hands.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take a drop of brandy before we start, watchman,&quot; said Wood, pouring
+out a glass of spirit, and presenting it to Terence, who smacked his
+lips as he disposed of it. &quot;Won't you be persuaded, Joan?&quot; he added,
+making a similar offer to Mrs. Sheppard, which she gratefully declined.
+&quot;If you mean to accompany us, you may need it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are very kind, Sir,&quot; returned the widow, &quot;but I require no support.
+Nothing stronger than water has passed my lips for years.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We may believe as much of that as we please, I suppose,&quot; observed the
+carpenter's wife, with a sneer. &quot;Mr. Wood,&quot; she continued, in an
+authoritative tone, seeing her husband ready to depart, &quot;one word before
+you set out. If Jack Sheppard or his mother ever enter this house again,
+I leave it&mdash;that's all. Now, do what you please. You know <i>my</i> fixed
+determination.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood made no reply; but, hastily kissing his weeping daughter, and
+bidding her be of good cheer, hurried off. He was followed with equal
+celerity by Terence and the widow. Traversing what remained of Wych
+Street at a rapid pace, and speeding along Drury <span class="pagenum">Page 188</span><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188"></a>Lane, the trio soon
+found themselves in Kendrick Yard. When they came to the round-house,
+Terry's courage failed him. Such was the terror inspired by Wild's
+vindictive character, that few durst face him who had given him cause
+for displeasure. Aware that he should incur the thief-taker's bitterest
+animosity by what he had done, the watchman, whose wrath against Quilt
+Arnold had evaporated during the walk, thought it more prudent not to
+hazard a meeting with his master, till the storm had, in some measure,
+blown over. Accordingly, having given Wood such directions as he thought
+necessary for his guidance, and received a handsome gratuity in return
+for his services, he departed.</p>
+
+<p>It was not without considerable demur and delay on the part of Sharples
+that the carpenter and his companion could gain admittance to the
+round-house. Reconnoitring them through a small grated loophole, he
+refused to open the door till they had explained their business. This,
+Wood, acting upon Terry's caution, was most unwilling to do; but,
+finding he had no alternative, he reluctantly made known his errand and
+the bolts were undrawn. Once in, the constable's manner appeared totally
+changed. He was now as civil as he had just been insolent. Apologizing
+for their detention, he answered the questions put to him respecting the
+boys, by positively denying that any such prisoners had been entrusted
+to his charge, but offered to conduct him to every cell in the building
+to prove the truth of his assertion. He then barred and double-locked
+the door, took out the key, (a precautionary measure which, with a grim
+smile, he said he never omitted,) thrust it into his vest, and motioning
+the couple to follow him, led the way to the inner room. As Wood obeyed,
+his foot slipped; and, casting his eyes upon the floor, he perceived it
+splashed in several places with blood. From the freshness of the stains,
+which grew more frequent as they approached the adjoining chamber, it
+was evident some violence had been recently perpetrated, and the
+carpenter's own blood froze within his veins as he thought, with a
+thrill of horror, that, perhaps <span class="pagenum">Page 189</span><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189"></a>on this very spot, not many minutes
+before his arrival, his adopted son might have been inhumanly butchered.
+Nor was this impression removed as he stole a glance at Mrs. Sheppard,
+and saw from her terrified look that she had made the same alarming
+discovery as himself. But it was now too late to turn back, and, nerving
+himself for the shock he expected to encounter, he ventured after his
+conductor. No sooner had they entered the room than Sharples, who waited
+to usher them in, hastily retreated, closed the door, and turning the
+key, laughed loudly at the success of his stratagem. Vexation at his
+folly in suffering himself to be thus entrapped kept Wood for a short
+time silent. When he could find words, he tried by the most urgent
+solicitations to prevail upon the constable to let him out. But threats
+and entreaties&mdash;even promises were ineffectual; and the unlucky captive,
+after exhausting his powers of persuasion, was compelled to give up the
+point.</p>
+
+<p>The room in which he was detained&mdash;that lately occupied by the Mohocks,
+who, it appeared, had been allowed to depart,&mdash;was calculated to inspire
+additional apprehension and disgust. Strongly impregnated with the
+mingled odours of tobacco, ale, brandy, and other liquors, the
+atmosphere was almost stifling. The benches running round the room,
+though fastened to the walls by iron clamps, had been forcibly wrenched
+off; while the table, which was similarly secured to the boards, was
+upset, and its contents&mdash;bottles, jugs, glasses, and bowls were broken
+and scattered about in all directions. Everything proclaimed the
+mischievous propensities of the recent occupants of the chamber.</p>
+
+<p>Here lay a heap of knockers of all sizes, from the huge lion's head to
+the small brass rapper: there, a collection of sign-boards, with the
+names and calling of the owners utterly obliterated. On this side stood
+the instruments with which the latter piece of pleasantry had been
+effected,&mdash;namely, a bucket filled with paint and a brush: on that was
+erected a trophy, consisting of a watchman's rattle, a laced hat, with
+the crown <span class="pagenum">Page 190</span><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190"></a>knocked out, and its place supplied by a lantern, a campaign
+wig saturated with punch, a torn steen-kirk and ruffles, some half-dozen
+staves, and a broken sword.</p>
+
+<p>As the carpenter's gaze wandered over this scene of devastation, his
+attention was drawn by Mrs. Sheppard towards an appalling object in one
+corner. This was the body of a man, apparently lifeless, and stretched
+upon a mattress, with his head bound up in a linen cloth, through which
+the blood had oosed. Near the body, which, it will be surmised, was that
+of Abraham Mendez, two ruffianly personages were seated, quietly
+smoking, and bestowing no sort of attention upon the new-comers. Their
+conversation was conducted in the flash language, and, though
+unintelligible to Wood, was easily comprehended by this companion, who
+learnt, to her dismay, that the wounded man had received his hurt from
+her son, whose courage and dexterity formed the present subject of their
+discourse. From other obscure hints dropped by the speakers, Mrs.
+Sheppard ascertained that Thames Darrell had been carried off&mdash;where she
+could not make out&mdash;by Jonathan Wild and Quilt Arnold; and that Jack had
+been induced to accompany Blueskin to the Mint. This intelligence, which
+she instantly communicated to the carpenter, drove him almost frantic.
+He renewed his supplications to Sharples, but with no better success
+than heretofore; and the greater part of the night was passed by him and
+the poor widow, whose anxiety, if possible, exceeded his own, in the
+most miserable state imaginable.</p>
+
+<p>At length, about three o'clock, as the first glimmer of dawn became
+visible through the barred casements of the round-house, the rattling of
+bolts and chains at the outer door told that some one was admitted.
+Whoever this might be, the visit seemed to have some reference to the
+carpenter, for, shortly afterwards, Sharples made his appearance, and
+informed the captives they were free. Without waiting to have the
+information repeated, Wood rushed forth, determined as soon as he could
+procure assistance, to proceed to Jonathan <span class="pagenum">Page 191</span><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191"></a>Wild's house in the Old
+Bailey; while Mrs. Sheppard, whose maternal fears drew her in another
+direction, hurried off to the Mint.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_XIV" id="CHAPTER_2_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Flash Ken.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>In an incredibly short space of time,&mdash;for her anxiety lent wings to her
+feet,&mdash;Mrs. Sheppard reached the debtor's garrison. From a scout
+stationed at the northern entrance, whom she addressed in the jargon of
+the place, with which long usage had formerly rendered her familiar, she
+ascertained that Blueskin, accompanied by a youth, whom she knew by the
+description must be her son, had arrived there about three hours before,
+and had proceeded to the Cross Shovels. This was enough for the poor
+widow. She felt she was now near her boy, and, nothing doubting her
+ability to rescue him from his perilous situation, she breathed a
+fervent prayer for his deliverance; and bending her steps towards the
+tavern in question, revolved within her mind as she walked along the
+best means of accomplishing her purpose. Aware of the cunning and
+desperate characters of the persons with whom she would have to
+deal,&mdash;aware, also, that she was in a quarter where no laws could be
+appealed to, nor assistance obtained, she felt the absolute necessity of
+caution. Accordingly, when she arrived at the Shovels, with which, as an
+old haunt in her bygone days of wretchedness she was well acquainted,
+instead of entering the principal apartment, which she saw at a glance
+was crowded with company of both sexes, she turned into a small room on
+the left of the bar, and, as an excuse for so doing, called for
+something to drink. The drawers at the moment were too busy to attend to
+her, and she would have seized the opportunity of examining,
+unperceived, the assemblage within, through a little curtained window
+that overlooked the adjoining chamber, if an impediment had not existed
+in the shape of Baptist Kettleby, whose portly person entirely <span class="pagenum">Page 192</span><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192"></a>obscured
+the view. The Master of the Mint, in the exercise of his two-fold office
+of governor and publican, was mounted upon a chair, and holding forth to
+his guests in a speech, to which Mrs. Sheppard was unwillingly compelled
+to listen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Gentlemen of the Mint,&quot; said the orator, &quot;when I was first called, some
+fifty years ago, to the important office I hold, there existed across
+the water three places of refuge for the oppressed and persecuted
+debtor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We know it,&quot; cried several voices.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It happened, gentlemen,&quot; pursued the Master, &quot;on a particular occasion,
+about the time I've mentioned, that the Archduke of Alsatia, the
+Sovereign of the Savoy, and the Satrap of Salisbury Court, met by
+accident at the Cross Shovels. A jolly night we made of it, as you may
+suppose; for four such monarchs don't often come together. Well, while
+we were smoking our pipes, and quaffing our punch, Alsatia turns to me
+and says, 'Mint,' says he, 'you're well off here.'&mdash;'Pretty well,' says
+I; 'you're not badly off at the Friars, for that matter.'&mdash;'Oh! yes we
+are,' says he.&mdash;'How so?' says I.&mdash;'It's all up with us,' says he;
+'they've taken away our charter.'&mdash;'They can't,' says I.&mdash;'They have,'
+says he.&mdash;'They can't, I tell you,' says I, in a bit of a passion; 'it's
+unconstitutional.'&mdash;'Unconstitutional or not,' says Salisbury Court and
+Savoy, speaking together, 'it's true. We shall become a prey to the
+Philistines, and must turn honest in self-defence.'&mdash;'No fear o' that,'
+thought I.&mdash;'I see how it'll be,' observed Alsatia, 'everybody'll pay
+his debts, and only think of such a state of things as that.'&mdash;'It's
+<i>not</i> to be thought of,' says I, thumping the table till every glass on
+it jingled; 'and I know a way as'll prevent it.'&mdash;'What is it, Mint?'
+asked all three.&mdash;'Why, hang every bailiff that sets a foot in your
+territories, and you're safe,' says I.&mdash;'We'll do it,' said they,
+filling their glasses, and looking as fierce as King George's grenadier
+guards; 'here's your health, Mint.' But, gentlemen, though they talked
+so largely, and looked so fiercely, they did <i>not</i> do it; they did <i>not</i>
+hang the bailiffs; and where are they?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 193</span><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193"></a>Ay, where are they?&quot; echoed the company with indignant derision.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Gentlemen,&quot; returned the Master, solemnly, &quot;it is a question easily
+answered&mdash;they are NOWHERE! Had they hanged the bailiffs, the bailiffs
+would not have hanged them. We ourselves have been similarly
+circumstanced. Attacked by an infamous and unconstitutional statute,
+passed in the reign of the late usurper, William of Orange, (for I may
+remark that, if the right king had been upon the throne, that illegal
+enactment would never have received the royal assent&mdash;the
+Stuarts&mdash;Heaven preserve 'em!&mdash;always siding with the debtors); attacked
+in this outrageous manner, I repeat, it has been all but '<i>up</i>' with US!
+But the vigorous resistance offered on that memorable occasion by the
+patriotic inhabitants of Bermuda to the aggressions of arbitrary power,
+secured and established their privileges on a firmer basis than
+heretofore; and, while their pusillanimous allies were crushed and
+annihilated, they became more prosperous than ever. Gentlemen, I am
+proud to say that <i>I</i> originated&mdash;that <i>I</i> directed those measures. I
+hope to see the day, when not Southwark alone, but London itself shall
+become one Mint,&mdash;when all men shall be debtors, and none
+creditors,&mdash;when imprisonment for debt shall be utterly abolished,&mdash;-
+when highway-robbery shall be accounted a pleasant pastime, and forgery
+an accomplishment,&mdash;when Tyburn and its gibbets shall be
+overthrown,&mdash;capital punishments discontinued,&mdash;Newgate, Ludgate, the
+Gatehouse, and the Compters razed to the ground,&mdash;Bridewell and
+Clerkenwell destroyed,&mdash;the Fleet, the King's Bench, and the Marshalsea
+remembered only by name! But, in the mean time, as that day may possibly
+be farther off than I anticipate, we are bound to make the most of the
+present. Take care of yourselves, gentlemen, and your governor will take
+care of you. Before I sit down, I have a toast to propose, which I am
+sure will be received, as it deserves to be, with enthusiasm. It is the
+health of a stranger,&mdash;of Mr. John Sheppard. His father was one of my
+old customers, and I am happy to find his son <span class="pagenum">Page 194</span><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194"></a>treading in his steps. He
+couldn't be in better hands than those in which he has placed himself.
+Gentlemen,&mdash;Mr. Sheppard's good health, and success to him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Baptist's toast was received with loud applause, and, as he sat down
+amid the cheers of the company, and a universal clatter of mugs and
+glasses, the widow's view was no longer obstructed. Her eye wandered
+quickly over that riotous and disorderly assemblage, until it settled
+upon one group more riotous and disorderly than the rest, of which her
+son formed the principal figure. The agonized mother could scarcely
+repress a scream at the spectacle that met her gaze. There sat Jack,
+evidently in the last stage of intoxication, with his collar opened, his
+dress disarranged, a pipe in his mouth, a bowl of punch and a
+half-emptied rummer before him,&mdash;there he sat, receiving and returning,
+or rather attempting to return,&mdash;for he was almost past
+consciousness,&mdash;the blandishments of a couple of females, one of whom
+had passed her arm round his neck, while the other leaned over the back
+of his chair and appeared from her gestures to be whispering soft
+nonsense into his ear.</p>
+
+<p>Both these ladies possessed considerable personal attractions. The
+younger of the two, who was seated next to Jack, and seemed to
+monopolize his attention, could not be more than seventeen, though her
+person had all the maturity of twenty. She had delicate oval features,
+light, laughing blue eyes, a pretty <i>nez retrouss&eacute;</i>, (why have we not
+the term, since we have the best specimens of the feature?) teeth of
+pearly whiteness, and a brilliant complexion, set off by rich auburn
+hair, a very white neck and shoulders,&mdash;the latter, perhaps, a trifle
+too much exposed. The name of this damsel was Edgeworth Bess; and, as
+her fascinations will not, perhaps, be found to be without some
+influence upon the future fortunes of her boyish admirer, we have
+thought it worth while to be thus particular in describing them. The
+other <i>bona roba</i>, known amongst her companions as Mistress Poll Maggot,
+was a beauty on a much larger scale,&mdash;in fact, a perfect Amazon.
+Never<span class="pagenum">Page 195</span><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195"></a>theless though nearly six feet high, and correspondingly
+proportioned, she was a model of symmetry, and boasted, with the frame
+of a Thalestris or a Trulla, the regular lineaments of the Medicean
+Venus. A man's laced hat,&mdash;whether adopted from the caprice of the
+moment, or habitually worn, we are unable to state,&mdash;cocked knowingly on
+her head, harmonized with her masculine appearance. Mrs. Maggot, as well
+as her companion Edgeworth Bess, was showily dressed; nor did either of
+them disdain the aid supposed to be lent to a fair skin by the contents
+of the patchbox. On an empty cask, which served him for a chair, and
+opposite Jack Sheppard, whose rapid progress in depravity afforded him
+the highest satisfaction, sat Blueskin, encouraging the two women in
+their odious task, and plying his victim with the glass as often as he
+deemed it expedient to do so. By this time, he had apparently
+accomplished all he desired; for moving the bottle out of Jack's reach,
+he appropriated it entirely to his own use, leaving the devoted lad to
+the care of the females. Some few of the individuals seated at the other
+tables seemed to take an interest in the proceedings of Blueskin and his
+party, just as a bystander watches any other game; but, generally
+speaking, the company were too much occupied with their own concerns to
+pay attention to anything else. The assemblage was for the most part, if
+not altogether, composed of persons to whom vice in all its aspects was
+too familiar to present much of novelty, in whatever form it was
+exhibited. Nor was Jack by any means the only stripling in the room. Not
+far from him was a knot of lads drinking, swearing, and playing at dice
+as eagerly and as skilfully as any of the older hands. Near to these
+hopeful youths sat a fence, or receiver, bargaining with a clouter, or
+pickpocket, for a <i>suit</i>,&mdash;or, to speak in more intelligible language, a
+watch and seals, two <i>cloaks</i>, commonly called watch-cases, and a
+<i>wedge-lobb,</i> otherwise known as a silver snuff-box. Next to the
+receiver was a gang of housebreakers, laughing over their exploits, and
+planning fresh depredations; and next to the housebreakers <span class="pagenum">Page 196</span><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196"></a>came two
+gallant-looking gentlemen in long periwigs and riding-dresses, and
+equipped in all other respects for the road, with a roast fowl and a
+bottle of wine before them. Amid this varied throng,&mdash;varied in
+appearance, but alike in character,&mdash;one object alone, we have said,
+rivetted Mrs. Sheppard's attention; and no sooner did she in some degree
+recover from the shock occasioned by the sight of her son's debased
+condition, than, regardless of any other consideration except his
+instant removal from the contaminating society by which he was
+surrounded, and utterly forgetting the more cautious plan she meant to
+have adopted, she rushed into the room, and summoned him to follow her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Halloa!&quot; cried Jack, looking round, and trying to fix his inebriate
+gaze upon the speaker,&mdash;&quot;who's that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your mother,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard. &quot;Come home directly, Sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother be&mdash;&mdash;!&quot; returned Jack. &quot;Who is it, Bess?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How should I know?&quot; replied Edgeworth Bess. &quot;But if it <i>is</i> your
+mother, send her about her business.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I will,&quot; replied Jack, &quot;in the twinkling of a bedpost.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Glad to see you once more in the Mint, Mrs. Sheppard,&quot; roared Blueskin,
+who anticipated some fun. &quot;Come and sit down by me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take a glass of gin, Ma'am,&quot; cried Poll Maggot, holding up a bottle of
+spirit; &quot;it used to be your favourite liquor, I've heard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack, my love,&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, disregarding the taunt, &quot;come
+away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not I,&quot; replied Jack; &quot;I'm too comfortable where I am. Be off!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack!&quot; exclaimed his unhappy parent.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Sheppard, if you please, Ma'am,&quot; interrupted the lad; &quot;I allow
+nobody to call me Jack. Do I, Bess, eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nobody whatever, love,&quot; replied Edgeworth Bess; &quot;nobody but me, dear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And me,&quot; insinuated Mrs. Maggot. &quot;My little fancy man's quite as fond
+of me as of you, Bess. Ain't you, Jacky darling?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 197</span><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197"></a>Not quite, Poll,&quot; returned Mr. Sheppard; &quot;but I love you next to her,
+and both of you better than <i>Her</i>,&quot; pointing with the pipe to his
+mother.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Heavens!&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bravo!&quot; shouted Blueskin. &quot;Tom Sheppard never said a better thing than
+that&mdash;ho! ho!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack,&quot; cried his mother, wringing her hands in distraction, &quot;you'll
+break my heart!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poh! poh!&quot; returned her son; &quot;women don't so easily break their hearts.
+Do they, Bess?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly not,&quot; replied the young lady appealed to, &quot;especially about
+their sons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wretch!&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I say,&quot; retorted Edgeworth Bess, with a very unfeminine imprecation, &quot;I
+shan't stand any more of that nonsense. What do you mean by calling me
+wretch, Madam!&quot; she added marching up to Mrs. Sheppard, and regarding
+her with an insolent and threatening glance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes&mdash;what do you mean, Ma'am?&quot; added Jack, staggering after her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come with me, my love, come&mdash;come,&quot; cried his mother, seizing his hand,
+and endeavouring to force him away.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He shan't go,&quot; cried Edgeworth Bess, holding him by the other hand.
+&quot;Here, Poll, help me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thus exhorted, Mrs. Maggot lent her powerful aid, and, between the two,
+Jack was speedily relieved from all fears of being carried off against
+his will. Not content with this exhibition of her prowess, the Amazon
+lifted him up as easily as if he had been an infant, and placed him upon
+her shoulders, to the infinite delight of the company, and the increased
+distress of his mother.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, let's see who'll dare to take him down,&quot; she cried.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nobody shall,&quot; cried Mr. Sheppard from his elevated position. &quot;I'm my
+own master now, and I'll do as I please. I'll turn cracksman, like my
+father&mdash;rob old Wood&mdash;he has chests full of money, and I know where
+they're kept&mdash;I'll rob him, and give the swag to you, Poll&mdash;I'll&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 198</span><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198"></a>Jack would have said more; but, losing his balance, he fell to the
+ground, and, when taken up, he was perfectly insensible. In this state,
+he was laid upon a bench, to sleep off his drunken fit, while his
+wretched mother, in spite of her passionate supplications and
+resistance, was, by Blueskin's command, forcibly ejected from the house,
+and driven out of the Mint.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_XV" id="CHAPTER_2_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Robbery in Willesden Church.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>During the whole of the next day and night, the poor widow hovered like
+a ghost about the precincts of the debtors' garrison,&mdash;for admission (by
+the Master's express orders,) was denied her. She could learn nothing of
+her son, and only obtained one solitary piece of information, which
+added to, rather than alleviated her misery,&mdash;namely, that Jonathan Wild
+had paid a secret visit to the Cross Shovels. At one time, she
+determined to go to Wych Street, and ask Mr. Wood's advice and
+assistance, but the thought of the reception she was likely to meet with
+from his wife deterred her from executing this resolution. Many other
+expedients occurred to her; but after making several ineffectual
+attempts to get into the Mint unobserved, they were all abandoned.</p>
+
+<p>At length, about an hour before dawn on the second day&mdash;Sunday&mdash;having
+spent the early part of the night in watching at the gates of the
+robbers' sanctuary, and being almost exhausted from want of rest, she
+set out homewards. It was a long walk she had to undertake, even if she
+had endured no previous fatigue, but feeble as she was, it was almost
+more than she could accomplish. Daybreak found her winding her painful
+way along the Harrow Road; and, in order to shorten the distance as much
+as possible, she took the nearest cut, and struck into the meadows on
+the right. Crossing several fields, newly mown, or filled with lines of
+tedded hay, she arrived, not without great exertion, at the summit of a
+hill. Here her strength completely failed her, and she <span class="pagenum">Page 199</span><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199"></a>was compelled to
+seek some repose. Making her couch upon a heap of hay, she sank at once
+into a deep and refreshing slumber.</p>
+
+<p>When she awoke, the sun was high in Heaven. It was a bright and
+beautiful day: <i>so</i> bright, so beautiful, that even her sad heart was
+cheered by it. The air, perfumed with the delicious fragrance of the
+new-mown grass, was vocal with the melodies of the birds; the thick
+foliage of the trees was glistening in the sunshine; all nature seemed
+happy and rejoicing; but, above all, the serene Sabbath stillness
+reigning around communicated a calm to her wounded spirit.</p>
+
+<p>What a contrast did the lovely scene she now gazed upon present to the
+squalid neighbourhood she had recently quitted! On all sides, expanded
+prospects of country the most exquisite and most varied. Immediately
+beneath her lay Willesden,&mdash;the most charming and secluded village in
+the neighbourhood of the metropolis&mdash;with its scattered farm-houses, its
+noble granges, and its old grey church-tower just peeping above a grove
+of rook-haunted trees.</p>
+
+<p>Towards this spot Mrs. Sheppard now directed her steps. She speedily
+reached her own abode,&mdash;a little cottage, standing in the outskirts of
+the village. The first circumstance that struck her on her arrival
+seemed ominous. Her clock had stopped&mdash;stopped at the very hour on which
+she had quitted the Mint! She had not the heart to wind it up again.</p>
+
+<p>After partaking of some little refreshment, and changing her attire,
+Mrs. Sheppard prepared for church. By this time, she had so far
+succeeded in calming herself, that she answered the greetings of the
+neighbours whom she encountered on her way to the sacred edifice&mdash;if
+sorrowfully, still composedly.</p>
+
+<p>Every old country church is beautiful, but Willesden is the most
+beautiful country church we know; and in Mrs. Sheppard's time it was
+even more beautiful than at present, when the hand of improvement has
+proceeded a little too rashly with alterations and repairs. With one or
+two exceptions, there were no pews; and, as <span class="pagenum">Page 200</span><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200"></a>the intercourse with London
+was then but slight, the seats were occupied almost exclusively by the
+villagers. In one of these seats, at the end of the aisle farthest
+removed from the chancel, the widow took her place, and addressed
+herself fervently to her devotions.</p>
+
+<p>The service had not proceeded far, when she was greatly disturbed by the
+entrance of a person who placed himself opposite her, and sought to
+attract her attention by a number of little arts, surveying her, as he
+did so, with a very impudent and offensive stare. With this person&mdash;who
+was no other than Mr. Kneebone&mdash;she was too well acquainted; having,
+more than once, been obliged to repel his advances; and, though his
+impertinence would have given her little concern at another season, it
+now added considerably to her distraction. But a far greater affliction
+was in store for her.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the clergyman approached the altar, she perceived a boy steal
+quickly into the church, and ensconce himself behind the woollen-draper,
+who, in order to carry on his amatory pursuits with greater convenience,
+and at the same time display his figure (of which he was not a little
+vain) to the utmost advantage, preferred a standing to a sitting
+posture. Of this boy she had only caught a glimpse;&mdash;but that glimpse
+was sufficient to satisfy her it was her son,&mdash;and, if she could have
+questioned her own instinctive love, she could not question her
+antipathy, when she beheld, partly concealed by a pillar immediately in
+the rear of the woollen-draper, the dark figure and truculent features
+of Jonathan Wild. As she looked in this direction, the thief-taker
+raised his eyes&mdash;those gray, blood-thirsty eyes!&mdash;their glare froze the
+life-blood in her veins.</p>
+
+<p>As she averted her gaze, a terrible idea crossed her. Why was he there?
+why did the tempter dare to invade that sacred spot! She could not
+answer her own questions, but vague fearful suspicions passed through
+her mind. Meanwhile, the service proceeded; and the awful command,
+&quot;<i>Thou shalt not steal!</i>&quot; was solemnly uttered by the preacher, when
+Mrs. Sheppard, who had again looked round towards her son, beheld a hand
+glance <span class="pagenum">Page 201</span><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201"></a>along the side of the woollen-draper. She could not see what
+occurred, though she guessed it; but she saw Jonathan's devilish
+triumphing glance, and read in it,&mdash;&quot;Your son has committed a
+robbery&mdash;here&mdash;in these holy walls&mdash;he is mine&mdash;mine for ever!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She uttered a loud scream, and fainted.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_XVI" id="CHAPTER_2_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>Jonathan Wild's House in the Old Bailey.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Just as St. Sepulchre's church struck one, on the eventful night of the
+10th of June, (to which it will not be necessary to recur,) a horseman,
+mounted on a powerful charger, and followed at a respectful distance by
+an attendant, galloped into the open space fronting Newgate, and
+directed his course towards a house in the Old Bailey. Before he could
+draw in the rein, his steed&mdash;startled apparently by some object
+undistinguishable by the rider,&mdash;swerved with such suddenness as to
+unseat him, and precipitate him on the ground. The next moment, however,
+he was picked up, and set upon his feet by a person who, having
+witnessed the accident, flew across the road to his assistance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're not hurt I hope, Sir Rowland?&quot; inquired this individual.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not materially, Mr. Wild,&quot; replied the other, &quot;a little shaken, that's
+all. Curses light on the horse!&quot; he added, seizing the bridle of his
+steed, who continued snorting and shivering, as if still under the
+influence of some unaccountable alarm; &quot;what can ail him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>I</i> know what ails him, your honour,&quot; rejoined the groom, riding up as
+he spoke; &quot;he's seen somethin' not o' this world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Most likely,&quot; observed Jonathan, with a slight sneer; &quot;the ghost of
+some highwayman who has just breathed his last in Newgate, no doubt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May be,&quot; returned the man gravely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take him home, Saunders,&quot; said Sir Rowland, resigning his faulty steed
+to the attendant's care, &quot;I shall <span class="pagenum">Page 202</span><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202"></a>not require you further. Strange!&quot; he
+added, as the groom departed; &quot;Bay Stuart has carried me through a
+hundred dangers, but never played me such a trick before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And never should again, were he mine,&quot; rejoined Jonathan. &quot;If the best
+nag ever foaled were to throw me in this unlucky spot, I'd blow his
+brains out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you mean, Sir?&quot; asked Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A fall against Newgate is accounted a sign of death by the halter,&quot;
+replied Wild, with ill-disguised malignity.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tush!&quot; exclaimed Sir Rowland, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From that door,&quot; continued the thief-taker, pointing to the gloomy
+portal of the prison opposite which they were standing, &quot;the condemned
+are taken to Tyburn. It's a bad omen to be thrown near that door.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I didn't suspect you of so much superstition, Mr. Wild,&quot; observed the
+knight, contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Facts convince the most incredulous,&quot; answered Jonathan, drily. &quot;I've
+known several cases where the ignominious doom I've mentioned has been
+foretold by such an accident as has just befallen you. There was Major
+Price&mdash;you must recollect him, Sir Rowland,&mdash;he stumbled as he was
+getting out of his chair at that very gate. Well, <i>he</i> was executed for
+murder. Then there was Tom Jarrot, the hackney-coachman, who was pitched
+off the box against yonder curbstone, and broke his leg. It was a pity
+he didn't break his neck, for he was hanged within the year. Another
+instance was that of Toby Tanner&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No more of this,&quot; interrupted Trenchard; &quot;where is the boy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not far hence,&quot; replied Wild. &quot;After all our pains we were near losing
+him, Sir Rowland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How so?&quot; asked the other, distrustfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shall hear,&quot; returned Jonathan. &quot;With the help of his comrade, Jack
+Sheppard, the young rascal made a bold push to get out of the
+round-house, where my janizaries had lodged him, and would have
+succeeded too, if, by good luck,&mdash;for the devil never deserts so useful
+an agent as I am, Sir Rowland,&mdash;I hadn't arrived <span class="pagenum">Page 203</span><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203"></a>in time to prevent
+him. As it was, my oldest and trustiest setter, Abraham Mendez, received
+a blow on the head from one of the lads that will deprive me of his
+services for a week to come,&mdash;if, indeed it does not disable him
+altogether. However, if I've lost one servant, I've gained another,
+that's one comfort. Jack Sheppard is now wholly in my hands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is this to me, Sir?&quot; said Trenchard, cutting him short.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nothing whatever,&quot; rejoined the thief-taker, coldly. &quot;But it is much to
+me. Jack Sheppard is to me what Thames Darrell is to you&mdash;an object of
+hatred. I owed his father a grudge: that I settled long ago. I owe his
+mother one, and will repay the debt, with interest, to her son. I could
+make away with him at once, as you are about to make away with your
+nephew, Sir Rowland,&mdash;but that wouldn't serve my turn. To be complete,
+my vengeance must be tardy. Certain of my prey, I can afford to wait for
+it. Besides, revenge is sweetened by delay; and I indulge too freely in
+the passion to rob it of any of its zest. I've watched this lad&mdash;this
+Sheppard&mdash;from infancy; and, though I have apparently concerned myself
+little about him, I have never lost sight of my purpose. I have suffered
+him to be brought up decently&mdash;honestly; because I would make his fall
+the greater, and deepen the wound I meant to inflict upon his mother.
+From this night I shall pursue a different course; from this night his
+ruin may be dated. He is in the care of those who will not leave
+the task assigned to them&mdash;the utter perversion of his
+principles&mdash;half-finished. And when I have steeped him to the lips in
+vice and depravity; when I have led him to the commission of every
+crime; when there is neither retreat nor advance for him; when he has
+plundered his benefactor, and broken the heart of his mother&mdash;then&mdash;but
+not till then, I will consign him to the fate to which I consigned his
+father. This I have sworn to do&mdash;this I will do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not unless your skull's bullet-proof,&quot; cried a voice at his elbow; and,
+as the words were uttered, a pistol <span class="pagenum">Page 204</span><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204"></a>was snapped at his head,
+which,&mdash;fortunately or unfortunately, as the reader pleases,&mdash;only burnt
+the priming. The blaze, however, was sufficient to reveal to the
+thief-taker the features of his intended assassin. They were those of
+the Irish watchman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! Terry O'Flaherty!&quot; vociferated Jonathan, in a tone that betrayed
+hot the slightest discomposure. &quot;Ah! Terry O'Flaherty!&quot; he cried,
+shouting after the Irishman, who took to his heels as soon as he found
+his murderous attempt unsuccessful; &quot;you may run, but you'll not get out
+of my reach. I'll put a brace of dogs on your track, who'll soon hunt
+you down. You shall swing for this after next sessions, or my name's not
+Jonathan Wild. I told you, Sir Rowland,&quot; he added, turning to the
+knight, and chuckling, &quot;the devil never deserts me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Conduct me to your dwelling, Sir, without further delay,&quot; said
+Trenchard, sternly,&mdash;&quot;to the boy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The boy's not at my house,&quot; replied Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is he, then?&quot; demanded the other, hastily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At a place we call the Dark House at Queenhithe,&quot; answered Jonathan, &quot;a
+sort of under-ground tavern or night-cellar, close to the river-side,
+and frequented by the crew of the Dutch skipper, to whose care he's to
+be committed. You need have no apprehensions about him, Sir Rowland.
+He's safe enough now. I left him in charge of Quilt Arnold and Rykhart
+Van Galgebrok&mdash;the skipper I spoke of&mdash;with strict orders to shoot him
+if he made any further attempt at escape; and they're not lads&mdash;the
+latter especially&mdash;to be trifled with. I deemed it more prudent to send
+him to the Dark House than to bring him here, in case of any search
+after him by his adoptive father&mdash;the carpenter Wood. If you choose, you
+can see him put on board the Zeeslang yourself, Sir Rowland. But,
+perhaps, you'll first accompany me to my dwelling for a moment, that we
+may arrange our accounts before we start. I've a few necessary
+directions to leave with my people, to put 'em on their guard against
+the chance of a surprise. Suffer me to precede you. This way, Sir
+Rowland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 205</span><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205"></a>The thief-taker's residence was a large dismal-looking, habitation,
+separated from the street by a flagged court-yard, and defended from
+general approach by an iron railing. Even in the daylight, it had a
+sombre and suspicious air, and seemed to slink back from the adjoining
+houses, as if afraid of their society. In the obscurity in which it was
+now seen, it looked like a prison, and, indeed, it was Jonathan's fancy
+to make it resemble one as much as possible. The windows were grated,
+the doors barred; each room had the name as well as the appearance of a
+cell; and the very porter who stood at the gate, habited like a jailer,
+with his huge bunch of keys at his girdle, his forbidding countenance
+and surly demeanour seemed to be borrowed from Newgate. The clanking of
+chains, the grating of locks, and the rumbling of bolts must have been
+music in Jonathan's ears, so much pains did he take to subject himself
+to such sounds. The scanty furniture of the rooms corresponded with
+their dungeon-like aspect. The walls were bare, and painted in
+stone-colour; the floors, devoid of carpet; the beds, of hangings; the
+windows, of blinds; and, excepting in the thief-taker's own
+audience-chamber, there was not a chair or a table about the premises;
+the place of these conveniences being elsewhere supplied by benches, and
+deal-boards laid across joint-stools. Great stone staircases leading no
+one knew whither, and long gloomy passages, impressed the occasional
+visitor with the idea that he was traversing a building of vast extent;
+and, though this was not the case in reality, the deception was so
+cleverly contrived that it seldom failed of producing the intended
+effect. Scarcely any one entered Mr. Wild's dwelling without
+apprehension, or quitted it without satisfaction. More strange stories
+were told of it than of any other house in London. The garrets were said
+to be tenanted by coiners, and artists employed in altering watches and
+jewelry; the cellars to be used as a magazine for stolen goods. By some
+it was affirmed that a subterranean communication existed between the
+thief-taker's abode and Newgate, by means of which he was enabled to
+<span class="pagenum">Page 206</span><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206"></a>maintain a secret correspondence with the imprisoned felons: by others,
+that an under-ground passage led to extensive vaults, where such
+malefactors as he chose to screen from justice might lie concealed till
+the danger was blown over. Nothing, in short, was too extravagant to be
+related of it; and Jonathan, who delighted in investing himself and his
+residence with mystery, encouraged, and perhaps originated, these
+marvellous tales. However this may be, such was the ill report of the
+place that few passed along the Old Bailey without bestowing a glance of
+fearful curiosity at its dingy walls, and wondering what was going on
+inside them; while fewer still, of those who paused at the door, read,
+without some internal trepidation, the formidable name&mdash;inscribed in
+large letters on its bright brass-plate&mdash;of JONATHAN WILD.</p>
+
+<p>Arrived at his habitation, Jonathan knocked in a peculiar manner at the
+door, which was instantly opened by the grim-visaged porter just alluded
+to. No sooner had Trenchard crossed the threshold than a fierce barking
+was heard at the farther extremity of the passage, and, the next moment,
+a couple of mastiffs of the largest size rushed furiously towards him.
+The knight stood upon his defence; but he would unquestionably have been
+torn in pieces by the savage hounds, if a shower of oaths, seconded by a
+vigorous application of kicks and blows from their master, had not
+driven them growling off. Apologizing to Sir Rowland for this unpleasant
+reception, and swearing lustily at his servant for occasioning it by
+leaving the dogs at liberty, Jonathan ordered the man to light them to
+the audience-room. The command was sullenly obeyed, for the fellow did
+not appear to relish the rating. Ascending the stairs, and conducting
+them along a sombre gallery, in which Trenchard noticed that every door
+was painted black, and numbered, he stopped at the entrance of a
+chamber; and, selecting a key from the bunch at his girdle, unlocked it.
+Following his guide, Sir Rowland found himself in a large and lofty
+apartment, the extent of which he could not entirely discern until
+lights were <span class="pagenum">Page 207</span><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207"></a>set upon the table. He then looked around him with some
+curiosity; and, as the thief-taker was occupied in giving directions to
+his attendant in an undertone, ample leisure was allowed him for
+investigation. At the first glance, he imagined he must have stumbled
+upon a museum of rarities, there were so many glass-cases, so many open
+cabinets, ranged against the walls; but the next convinced him that if
+Jonathan was a virtuoso, his tastes did not run in the ordinary
+channels. Trenchard was tempted to examine the contents of some of these
+cases, but a closer inspection made him recoil from them in disgust. In
+the one he approached was gathered together a vast assortment of
+weapons, each of which, as appeared from the ticket attached to it, had
+been used as an instrument of destruction. On this side was a razor with
+which a son had murdered his father; the blade notched, the haft crusted
+with blood: on that, a bar of iron, bent, and partly broken, with which
+a husband had beaten out his wife's brains. As it is not, however, our
+intention to furnish a complete catalogue of these curiosities, we shall
+merely mention that in front of them lay a large and sharp knife, once
+the property of the public executioner, and used by him to dissever the
+limbs of those condemned to death for high-treason; together with an
+immense two-pronged flesh-fork, likewise employed by the same terrible
+functionary to plunge the quarters of his victims in the caldrons of
+boiling tar and oil. Every gibbet at Tyburn and Hounslow appeared to
+have been plundered of its charnel spoil to enrich the adjoining
+cabinet, so well was it stored with skulls and bones, all purporting to
+be the relics of highwaymen famous in their day. Halters, each of which
+had fulfilled its destiny, formed the attraction of the next
+compartment; while a fourth was occupied by an array of implements of
+housebreaking almost innumerable, and utterly indescribable. All these
+interesting objects were carefully arranged, classed, and, as we have
+said, labelled by the thief-taker. From this singular collection
+Trenchard turned to regard its possessor, who was standing at a little
+distance <span class="pagenum">Page 208</span><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208"></a>from him, still engaged in earnest discourse with his
+attendant, and, as he contemplated his ruthless countenance, on which
+duplicity and malignity had set their strongest seals, he could not help
+calling to mind all he had heard of Jonathan's perfidiousness to his
+employers, and deeply regretting that he had placed himself in the power
+of so unscrupulous a miscreant.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan Wild, at this time, was on the high-road to the greatness which
+he subsequently, and not long afterwards, obtained. He was fast rising
+to an eminence that no one of his nefarious profession ever reached
+before him, nor, it is to be hoped, will ever reach again. He was the
+Napoleon of knavery, and established an uncontrolled empire over all the
+practitioners of crime. This was no light conquest; nor was it a
+government easily maintained. Resolution, severity, subtlety, were
+required for it; and these were qualities which Jonathan possessed in an
+extraordinary degree. The danger or difficulty of an exploit never
+appalled him. What his head conceived his hand executed. Professing to
+stand between the robber and the robbed, he himself plundered both. He
+it was who formed the grand design of a robber corporation, of which he
+should be the sole head and director, with the right of delivering those
+who concealed their booty, or refused to share it with him, to the
+gallows. He divided London into districts; appointed a gang to each
+district; and a leader to each gang, whom he held responsible to
+himself. The country was partitioned in a similar manner. Those whom he
+retained about his person, or placed in offices of trust, were for the
+most part convicted felons, who, having returned from transportation
+before their term had expired, constituted, in his opinion, the safest
+agents, inasmuch as they could neither be legal evidences against him,
+nor withhold any portion of the spoil of which he chose to deprive them.
+But the crowning glory of Jonathan, that which raised him above all his
+predecessors in iniquity, and clothed this name with undying
+notoriety&mdash;was to come. When in the plenitude of his power, he commenced
+a terrible trade, till then unknown&mdash;namely, <span class="pagenum">Page 209</span><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209"></a>a traffic in human blood.
+This he carried on by procuring witnesses to swear away the lives of
+those persons who had incurred his displeasure, or whom it might be
+necessary to remove.</p>
+
+<p>No wonder that Trenchard, as he gazed at this fearful being, should have
+some misgivings cross him.</p>
+
+<p>Apparently, Jonathan perceived he was an object of scrutiny; for,
+hastily dismissing his attendant, he walked towards the knight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So, you're admiring my cabinet, Sir Rowland,&quot; he remarked, with a
+sinister smile; &quot;it <i>is</i> generally admired; and, sometimes by parties
+who afterwards contribute to the collection themselves,&mdash;ha! ha! This
+skull,&quot; he added, pointing to a fragment of mortality in the case beside
+them, &quot;once belonged to Tom Sheppard, the father of the lad I spoke of
+just now. In the next box hangs the rope by which he suffered. When I've
+placed another skull and another halter beside them, I shall be
+contented.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To business, Sir!&quot; said the knight, with a look of abhorrence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, to business,&quot; returned Jonathan, grinning, &quot;the sooner the better.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here is the sum you bargained for,&quot; rejoined Trenchard, flinging a
+pocket-book on the table; &quot;count it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan's eyes glistened as he told over the notes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You've given me more than the amount, Sir Rowland,&quot; he said, after he
+had twice counted them, &quot;or I've missed my reckoning. There's a hundred
+pounds too much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Keep it,&quot; said Trenchard, haughtily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll place it to your account, Sir Rowland,&quot; answered the thief-taker,
+smiling significantly. &quot;And now, shall we proceed to Queenhithe?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stay!&quot; cried the other, taking a chair, &quot;a word with you, Mr. Wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As many as you please, Sir Rowland,&quot; replied Jonathan, resuming his
+seat. &quot;I'm quite at your disposal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 210</span><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210"></a>I have a question to propose to you,&quot; said Trenchard, &quot;relating to&mdash;&quot;
+and he hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Relating to the father of the boy&mdash;Thames Darrell,&quot; supplied Jonathan.
+&quot;I guessed what was coming. You desire to know who he was, Sir Rowland.
+Well, you <i>shall</i> know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Without further fee?&quot; inquired the knight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not exactly,&quot; answered Jonathan, drily. &quot;A secret is too valuable a
+commodity to be thrown away. But I said I wouldn't drive a hard bargain
+with you, and I won't. We are alone, Sir Rowland,&quot; he added, snuffing
+the candles, glancing cautiously around, and lowering his tone, &quot;and
+what you confide to me shall never transpire,&mdash;at least to your
+disadvantage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am at a loss to understand you Sir,&quot;, said Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll make myself intelligible before I've done,&quot; rejoined Wild. &quot;I need
+not remind you, Sir Rowland, that I am aware you are deeply implicated
+in the Jacobite plot which is now known to be hatching.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha!&quot; ejaculated the other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course, therefore,&quot; pursued Jonathan, &quot;you are acquainted with all
+the leaders of the proposed insurrection,&mdash;nay, must be in
+correspondence with them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What right have you to suppose this, Sir?&quot; demanded Trenchard, sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have a moment's patience, Sir Rowland,&quot; returned Wild; &quot;and you shall
+hear. If you will furnish me with a list of these rebels, and with
+proofs of their treason, I will not only insure your safety, but will
+acquaint you with the real name and rank of your sister Aliva's husband,
+as well as with some particulars which will never otherwise reach your
+ears, concerning your lost sister, Constance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My sister Constance!&quot; echoed the knight; &quot;what of her?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You agree to my proposal, then?&quot; said Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you take me for as great a villain as yourself, Sir?&quot; said the
+knight, rising.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I took you for one who wouldn't hesitate to avail himself of any
+advantage chance might throw in his <span class="pagenum">Page 211</span><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211"></a>way,&quot; returned the thief-taker,
+coldly. &quot;I find I was in error. No matter. A time <i>may</i> come,&mdash;and that
+ere long,&mdash;when you will be glad to purchase my secrets, and your own
+safety, at a dearer price than the heads of your companions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you ready?&quot; said Trenchard, striding towards the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am,&quot; replied Jonathan, following him, &quot;and so,&quot; he added in an
+undertone, &quot;are your captors.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A moment afterwards, they quitted the house.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_XVII" id="CHAPTER_2_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Night-Cellar.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>After a few minutes' rapid walking, during which neither party uttered a
+word, Jonathan Wild and his companion had passed Saint Paul's, dived
+down a thoroughfare on the right, and reached Thames Street.</p>
+
+<p>At the period of this history, the main streets of the metropolis were
+but imperfectly lighted, while the less-frequented avenues were left in
+total obscurity; but, even at the present time, the maze of courts and
+alleys into which Wild now plunged, would have perplexed any one, not
+familiar with their intricacies, to thread them on a dark night.
+Jonathan, however, was well acquainted with the road. Indeed, it was his
+boast that he could find his way through any part of London blindfolded;
+and by this time, it would seem, he had nearly arrived at his
+destination; for, grasping his companion's arm, he led him along a
+narrow entry which did not appear to have an outlet, and came to a halt.
+Cautioning the knight, if he valued his neck, to tread carefully,
+Jonathan then descended a steep flight of steps; and, having reached the
+bottom in safety, he pushed open a door, that swung back on its hinges
+as soon as it had admitted him; and, followed by Trenchard, entered the
+night-cellar.</p>
+
+<p>The vault, in which Sir Rowland found himself, resembled in some measure
+the cabin of a ship. It was <span class="pagenum">Page 212</span><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212"></a>long and narrow, with a ceiling supported
+by huge uncovered rafters, and so low as scarcely to allow a tall man
+like himself to stand erect beneath it. Notwithstanding the heat of the
+season,&mdash;which was not, however, found particularly inconvenient in this
+subterranean region,&mdash;a large heaped-up fire blazed ruddily in one
+corner, and lighted up a circle of as villanous countenances as ever
+flame shone upon.</p>
+
+<p>The guests congregated within the night-cellar were, in fact, little
+better than thieves; but thieves who confined their depredations almost
+exclusively to the vessels lying in the pool and docks of the river.
+They had as many designations as grades. There were game watermen and
+game lightermen, heavy horsemen and light horsemen, scuffle-hunters, and
+long-apron men, lumpers, journeymen coopers, mud-larks, badgers, and
+ratcatchers&mdash;a race of dangerous vermin recently, in a great measure,
+extirpated by the vigilance of the Thames Police, but at this period
+flourishing in vast numbers. Besides these plunderers, there were others
+with whom the disposal of their pillage necessarily brought them into
+contact, and who seldom failed to attend them during their hours of
+relaxation and festivity;&mdash;to wit, dealers in junk, old rags, and marine
+stores, purchasers of prize-money, crimps, and Jew receivers. The latter
+formed by far the most knavish-looking and unprepossessing portion of
+the assemblage. One or two of the tables were occupied by groups of fat
+frowzy women in flat caps, with rings on their thumbs, and baskets by
+their sides; and no one who had listened for a single moment to their
+coarse language and violent abuse of each other, would require to be
+told they were fish-wives from Billingsgate.</p>
+
+<p>The present divinity of the cellar was a comely middle-aged dame, almost
+as stout, and quite as shrill-voiced, as the Billingsgate fish-wives
+above-mentioned, Mrs. Spurling, for so was she named, had a warm
+nut-brown complexion, almost as dark as a Creole; and a moustache on her
+upper lip, that would have done no discredit to the oldest dragoon in
+the King's service. This lady <span class="pagenum">Page 213</span><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213"></a>was singularly lucky in her matrimonial
+connections. She had been married four times: three of her husbands died
+of hempen fevers; and the fourth, having been twice condemned, was saved
+from the noose by Jonathan Wild, who not only managed to bring him off,
+but to obtain for him the situation of under-turnkey in Newgate.</p>
+
+<p>On the appearance of the thief-taker, Mrs. Spurling was standing near
+the fire superintending some culinary preparation; but she no sooner
+perceived him, than hastily quitting her occupation, she elbowed a way
+for him and the knight through the crowd, and ushered them, with much
+ceremony, into an inner room, where they found the objects of their
+search, Quilt Arnold and Rykhart Van Galgebrok, seated at a small table,
+quietly smoking. This service rendered, without waiting for any farther
+order, she withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>Both the janizary and the skipper arose as the others entered the room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is the gentleman,&quot; observed Jonathan, introducing Trenchard to the
+Hollander, &quot;who is about to intrust his young relation to your care.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;De gentleman may rely on my showing his relation all de attention in my
+power,&quot; replied Van Galgebrok, bowing profoundly to the knight; &quot;but if
+any unforseen accident&mdash;such as a slip overboard&mdash;should befal de jonker
+on de voyage, he mushn't lay de fault entirely on my shoulders&mdash;haw!
+haw!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is he?&quot; asked Sir Rowland, glancing uneasily around. &quot;I do not
+see him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;De jonker. He's here,&quot; returned the skipper, pointing significantly
+downwards. &quot;Bring him out, Quilt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he pushed aside the table, and the janizary stooping down,
+undrew a bolt and opened a trap-door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come out!&quot; roared Quilt, looking into the aperture. &quot;You're wanted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But as no answer was returned, he trust his arm up to the shoulder into
+the hole, and with some little difficulty and exertion of strength, drew
+forth Thames Darrell.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 214</span><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214"></a>The poor boy, whose hands were pinioned behind him, looked very pale,
+but neither trembled, nor exhibited any other symptom of alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why didn't you come out when I called you, you young dog?&quot; cried Quilt
+in a savage tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Because I knew what you wanted me for!&quot; answered Thames firmly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! you did, did you?&quot; said the janizary. &quot;And what do you suppose we
+mean to do with you, eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You mean to kill me,&quot; replied Thames, &quot;by my cruel uncle's command. Ah!
+there he stands!&quot; he exclaimed as his eye fell for the first time upon
+Sir Rowland. &quot;Where is my mother?&quot; he added, regarding the knight with a
+searching glance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your mother is dead,&quot; interposed Wild, scowling.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dead!&quot; echoed the boy. &quot;Oh no&mdash;no! You say this to terrify me&mdash;to try
+me. But I will not believe you. Inhuman as he is, he would not kill her.
+Tell me, Sir,&quot; he added, advancing towards the knight, &quot;tell me has this
+man spoken falsely?&mdash;Tell me my mother is alive, and do what you please
+with me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tell him so, and have done with him, Sir Rowland,&quot; observed Jonathan
+coldly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tell me the truth, I implore you,&quot; cried Thames. &quot;Is she alive?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She is not,&quot; replied Trenchard, overcome by conflicting emotions, and
+unable to endure the boy's agonized look.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you answered?&quot; said Jonathan, with a grin worthy of a demon.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My mother!&mdash;my poor mother!&quot; ejaculated Thames, falling on his knees,
+and bursting into tears. &quot;Shall I never see that sweet face
+again,&mdash;never feel the pressure of those kind hands more&mdash;nor listen to
+that gentle voice! Ah! yes, we shall meet again in Heaven, where I shall
+speedily join you. Now then,&quot; he added more calmly, &quot;I am ready to die.
+The only mercy you can show me is to kill me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then we won't even show you that mercy,&quot; retorted the thief-taker
+brutally. &quot;So get up, and leave off whimpering. Your time isn't come
+yet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 215</span><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215"></a>Mr. Wild,&quot; said Trenchard, &quot;I shall proceed no further in this
+business. Set the boy free.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If I disobey you, Sir Rowland,&quot; replied the thief-taker, &quot;you'll thank
+me for it hereafter. Gag him,&quot; he added, pushing Thames rudely toward
+Quilt Arnold, &quot;and convey him to the boat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A word,&quot; cried the boy, as the janizary was preparing to obey his
+master's orders. &quot;What has become of Jack Sheppard?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Devil knows!&quot; answered Quilt; &quot;but I believe he's in the hands of
+Blueskin, so there's no doubt he'll soon be on the high-road to Tyburn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poor Jack!&quot; sighed Thames. &quot;You needn't gag me,&quot; he added, &quot;I'll not
+cry out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We won't trust you, my youngster,&quot; answered the janizary. And,
+thrusting a piece of iron into his mouth, he forced him out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Rowland witnessed these proceedings like one stupified. He neither
+attempted to prevent his nephew's departure, nor to follow him.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan kept his keen eye fixed upon him, as he addressed himself for a
+moment to the Hollander.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is the case of watches on board?&quot; he asked in an under tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ja,&quot; replied the skipper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And the rings?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ja.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's well. You must dispose of the goldsmith's note I gave you
+yesterday, as soon as you arrive at Rotterdam. It'll be advertised
+to-morrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;De duivel!&quot; exclaimed Van Galgebrok, &quot;Very well. It shall be done as
+you direct. But about dat jonker,&quot; he continued, lowering his voice;
+&quot;have you anything to add consarnin' him? It's almosht a pity to put him
+onder de water.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is the sloop ready to sail?&quot; asked Wild, without noticing the skipper's
+remark.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ja,&quot; answered Van; &quot;at a minut's nodish.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here are your despatches,&quot; said Jonathan with a significant look, and
+giving him a sealed packet. &quot;Open <span class="pagenum">Page 216</span><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216"></a>them when you get on board&mdash;not
+before, and act as they direct you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I ondershtand,&quot; replied the skipper, putting his finger to his nose;
+&quot;it shall be done.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sir Rowland,&quot; said Jonathan, turning to the knight, &quot;will it please you
+to remain here till I return, or will you accompany us?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will go with you,&quot; answered Trenchard, who, by this time, had
+regained his composure, and with it all his relentlessness of purpose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come, then,&quot; said Wild, marching towards the door, &quot;we've no time to
+lose.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Quitting the night-cellar, the trio soon arrived at the riverside. Quilt
+Arnold was stationed at the stair-head, near which the boat containing
+the captive boy was moored. A few words passed between him and the
+thief-taker as the latter came up; after which, all the party&mdash;with the
+exception of Quilt, who was left on shore&mdash;embarked within the wherry,
+which was pushed from the strand and rowed swiftly along the stream&mdash;for
+the tide was in its favour&mdash;by a couple of watermen. Though scarcely two
+hours past midnight, it was perfectly light. The moon had arisen, and
+everything could be as plainly distinguished as during the day. A thin
+mist lay on the river, giving the few craft moving about in it a ghostly
+look. As they approached London Bridge, the thief-taker whispered Van
+Galgebrok, who acted as steersman, to make for a particular arch&mdash;near
+the Surrey shore. The skipper obeyed, and in another moment, they swept
+through the narrow lock. While the watermen were contending with the
+eddies occasioned by the fall below the bridge, Jonathan observed a
+perceptible shudder run through Trenchard's frame.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You remember that starling, Sir Rowland,&quot; he said maliciously, &quot;and
+what occurred on it, twelve years ago?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Too well,&quot; answered the knight, frowning. &quot;Ah! what is that?&quot; he cried,
+pointing to a dark object floating near them amid the boiling waves, and
+which presented a frightful resemblance to a human face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 217</span><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217"></a>We'll see,&quot; returned the thief-taker. And, stretching out his hand, he
+lifted the dark object from the flood.</p>
+
+<p>It proved to be a human head, though with scarcely a vestige of the
+features remaining. Here and there, patches of flesh adhered to the
+bones, and the dank dripping hair hanging about what had once been the
+face, gave it a ghastly appearance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's the skull of a <i>rebel</i>,&quot; said Jonathan, with marked emphasis on
+the word, &quot;blown by the wind from a spike on the bridge above us. I
+don't know whose brainless head it may be, but it'll do for my
+collection.&quot; And he tossed it carelessly into the bottom of the boat.</p>
+
+<p>After this occurence, not a word was exchanged between them until they
+came in sight of the sloop, which was lying at anchor off Wapping.
+Arrived at her side, it was soon evident, from the throng of seamen in
+Dutch dresses that displayed themselves, that her crew were on the
+alert, and a rope having been thrown down to the skipper, he speedily
+hoisted himself on deck. Preparations were next made for taking Thames
+on board. Raising him in his arms, Jonathan passed the rope round his
+body, and in this way the poor boy was drawn up without difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>While he was swinging in mid air, Thames regarded his uncle with a stern
+look, and cried in a menacing voice, &quot;We shall meet again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not in this world,&quot; returned Jonathan. &quot;Weigh anchor, Van!&quot; he shouted
+to the skipper, &quot;and consult your despatches.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ja&mdash;ja,&quot; returned the Hollander. And catching hold of Thames, he
+quitted the deck.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterwards, he re-appeared with the information that the captive
+was safe below; and giving the necessary directions to his crew, before
+many minutes had elapsed, the Zeeslang spread her canvass to the first
+breeze of morning.</p>
+
+<p>By the thief-taker's command, the boat was then rowed toward a muddy
+inlet, which has received in more recent times the name of Execution
+Dock. As soon as she reached this spot, Wild sprang ashore, and was
+<span class="pagenum">Page 218</span><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218"></a>joined by several persons,&mdash;among whom was Quilt Arnold, leading a
+horse by the bridle,&mdash;he hastened down the stairs to meet him. A coach
+was also in attendance, at a little distance.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Rowland, who had continued absorbed in thought, with his eyes fixed
+upon the sloop, as she made her way slowly down the river, disembarked
+more leisurely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At length I am my own master,&quot; murmured the knight, as his foot touched
+the strand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not so, Sir Rowland,&quot; returned Jonathan; &quot;you are my prisoner.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How!&quot; ejaculated Trenchard, starting back and drawing his sword.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are arrested for high treason,&quot; rejoined Wild, presenting a pistol
+at his head, while he drew forth a parchment,&mdash;&quot;here is my warrant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Traitor!&quot; cried Sir Rowland&mdash;&quot;damned&mdash;double-dyed traitor!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Away with him,&quot; vociferated Jonathan to his myrmidons, who, having
+surrounded Trenchard, hurried him off to the coach before he could utter
+another word,&mdash;&quot;first to Mr. Walpole, and then to Newgate. And now,
+Quilt,&quot; he continued, addressing the janizary, who approached him with
+the horse, &quot;fly to St. Giles's round-house, and if, through the agency
+of that treacherous scoundrel, Terry O'Flaherty, whom I've put in my
+Black List, old Wood should have found his way there, and have been
+detained by Sharpies as I directed, you may release him. I don't care
+how soon he learns that he has lost his adopted son. When I've escorted
+you proud fool to his new quarters, I'll proceed to the Mint and look
+after Jack Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he mounted his steed and rode off.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_2_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>How Jack Sheppard broke out of the Cage at Willesden.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>The heart-piercing scream uttered by Mrs. Sheppard after the commission
+of the robbery in Willesden church <span class="pagenum">Page 219</span><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219"></a>was productive of unfortunate
+consequences to her son. Luckily, she was bereft of consciousness, and
+was thus spared the additional misery of witnessing what afterwards
+befell him. Startled by the cry, as may be supposed, the attention of
+the whole congregation was drawn towards the quarter whence it
+proceeded. Amongst others, a person near the door, roused by the shriek,
+observed a man make his exit with the utmost precipitation. A boy
+attempted to follow; but as the suspicions of the lookers-on were roused
+by the previous circumstances, the younger fugitive was seized and
+detained. Meanwhile, Mr. Kneebone, having been alarmed by something in
+the widow's look before her feelings found vent in the manner above
+described, thrust his hand instinctively into his coat in search of his
+pocket-book,&mdash;about the security of which, as it contained several
+letters and documents implicating himself and others in the Jacobite
+plot, he was, not unnaturally, solicitous,&mdash;and finding it gone, he felt
+certain he had been robbed. Turning quickly round, in the hope of
+discovering the thief, he was no less surprised than distressed&mdash;for in
+spite of his faults, the woollen-draper was a good-natured fellow&mdash;to
+perceive Jack Sheppard in custody. The truth at once flashed across his
+mind. This, then, was the cause of the widow's wild inexplicable
+look,&mdash;of her sudden shriek! Explaining his suspicious in a whisper to
+Jack's captor, who proved to be a church-warden and a constable, by name
+John Dump,&mdash;Mr. Kneebone begged him to take the prisoner into the
+churchyard. Dump instantly complied, and as soon as Jack was removed
+from the sacred edifice, his person was searched from head to foot&mdash;but
+without success. Jack submitted to this scrutiny with a very bad grace,
+and vehemently protested his innocence. In vain did the woollen-draper
+offer to set him free if he would restore the stolen article, or give up
+his associate, to whom it was supposed he might have handed it. He
+answered with the greatest assurance, that he knew nothing whatever of
+the matter&mdash;had seen no pocket-book, and no associate to give up. Nor
+did he content himself with declaring his guiltlessness <span class="pagenum">Page 220</span><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220"></a>of the crime
+imputed to him, but began in his turn to menace his captor and accuser,
+loading the latter with the bitterest upbraidings. By this time, the
+churchyard was crowded with spectators, some of whom dispersed in
+different directions in quest of the other robber. But all that could be
+ascertained in the village was, that a man had ridden off a short time
+before in the direction of London. Of this man Kneebone resolved to go
+in pursuit; and leaving Jack in charge of the constable, he proceeded to
+the small inn,&mdash;which bore then, as it bears now, the name of the Six
+Bells,&mdash;where, summoning the hostler, his steed was instantly brought
+him, and, springing on its back, he rode away at full speed.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, after a consultation between Mr. Dump and the village
+authorities, it was agreed to lock up the prisoner in the cage. As he
+was conveyed thither, an incident occurred that produced a considerable
+impression on the feelings of the youthful offender. Just as they
+reached the eastern outlet of the churchyard&mdash;where the tall elms cast a
+pleasant shade over the rustic graves&mdash;a momentary stoppage took place.
+At this gate two paths meet. Down that on the right the young culprit
+was dragged&mdash;along that on the left a fainting woman was borne in the
+arms of several females. It was his mother, and as he gazed on her
+pallid features and motionless frame, Jack's heart severely smote him.
+He urged his conductors to a quicker pace to get out of sight of the
+distressing spectacle, and even felt relieved when he was shut out from
+it and the execrations of the mob by the walls of the little prison.</p>
+
+<p>The cage at Willesden was, and is&mdash;for it is still standing&mdash;a small
+round building about eight feet high, with a pointed tiled roof, to
+which a number of boards, inscribed with the names of the parish
+officers, and charged with a multitude of admonitory notices to vagrants
+and other disorderly persons, are attached. Over these boards the two
+arms of a guide-post serve to direct the way-farer&mdash;on the right hand to
+the neighbouring villages of Neasdon and Kingsbury, and on the left to
+the Edgeware Road and the healthy heights <span class="pagenum">Page 221</span><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221"></a>of Hampstead. The cage has a
+strong door, with an iron grating at the top, and further secured by a
+stout bolt and padlock. It is picturesquely situated beneath a tree on
+the high road, not far from the little hostel before mentioned, and at
+no great distance from the church.</p>
+
+<p>For some time after he was locked up in this prison Jack continued in a
+very dejected state. Deserted by his older companion in iniquity, and
+instigator to crime, he did not know what might become of him; nor, as
+we have observed, was the sad spectacle he had just witnessed, without
+effect. Though within the last two days he had committed several heinous
+offences, and one of a darker dye than any with which the reader has
+been made acquainted, his breast was not yet so callous as to be wholly
+insensible to the stings of conscience. Wearied at length with thinking
+on the past, and terrified by the prospect of the future, he threw
+himself on the straw with which the cage was littered, and endeavoured
+to compose himself to slumber. When he awoke, it was late in the day;
+but though he heard voices outside, and now and then caught a glimpse of
+a face peeping at him through the iron grating over the door, no one
+entered the prison, or held any communication with him. Feeling rather
+exhausted, it occurred to him that possibly some provisions might have
+been left by the constable; and, looking about, he perceived a pitcher
+of water and a small brown loaf on the floor. He ate of the bread with
+great appetite, and having drunk as much as he chose of the water,
+poured the rest on the floor. His hunger satisfied, his spirits began to
+revive, and with this change of mood all his natural audacity returned.
+And here he was first visited by that genius which, in his subsequent
+career, prompted him to so many bold and successful attempts. Glancing
+around his prison, he began to think it possible he might effect an
+escape from it. The door was too strong, and too well secured, to break
+open,&mdash;the walls too thick: but the ceiling,&mdash;if he could reach
+it&mdash;there, he doubted not, he could make an outlet. While he was
+meditating flight in this way, and tossing about on the <span class="pagenum">Page 222</span><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222"></a>straw, he
+chanced upon an old broken and rusty fork. Here was an instrument which
+might be of the greatest service to him in accomplishing his design. He
+put it carefully aside, resolved to defer the attempt till night. Time
+wore on somewhat slowly with the prisoner, who had to control his
+impatience in the best way he could; but as the shades of evening were
+darkening, the door was unlocked, and Mr. Dump popped his head into the
+cage. He brought another small loaf, and a can with which he replenished
+the pitcher, recommending Jack to be careful, as he would get nothing
+further till morning. To this Jack replied, that he should be perfectly
+contented, provided he might have a small allowance of gin. The latter
+request, though treated with supreme contempt by Mr. Dump, made an
+impression on some one outside; for not long after the constable
+departed, Jack heard a tap at the door, and getting up at the summons,
+he perceived the tube of a pipe inserted between the bars. At once
+divining the meaning of this ingenious device, he applied his mouth to
+the tube, and sucked away, while the person outside poured spirit into
+the bowl. Having drunk as much as he thought prudent, and thanked his
+unknown friend for his attention, Jack again lay down on the straw, and
+indulged himself with another nap, intending to get up as soon as it was
+perfectly dark. The strong potation he had taken, combined with fatigue
+and anxiety he had previously undergone, made him oversleep himself, and
+when he awoke it was just beginning to grow light. Cursing himself for
+his inertness, Jack soon shook off this drowsiness, and set to work in
+earnest. Availing himself of certain inequalities in the door, he soon
+managed to climb up to the roof; and securing his feet against a slight
+projection in the wall, began to use the fork with great effect. Before
+many minutes elapsed, he had picked a large hole in the plaster, which
+showered down in a cloud of dust; and breaking off several laths, caught
+hold of a beam, by which he held with one hand, until with the other he
+succeeded, not without some difficulty, in forcing out one of the tiles.
+The rest <span class="pagenum">Page 223</span><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223"></a>was easy. In a few minutes more he had made a breach in the
+roof wide enough to allow him to pass through. Emerging from this
+aperture, he was about to descend, when he was alarmed by hearing the
+tramp of horses' feet swiftly approaching, and had only time to hide
+himself behind one of the largest sign-boards before alluded to when two
+horsemen rode up. Instead of passing on, as Jack expected, these persons
+stopped opposite the cage, when one of them, as he judged from the
+sound, for he did not dare to look out of his hiding place, dismounted.
+A noise was next heard, as if some instrument were applied to the door
+with the intent to force it open, and Jack's fears were at once
+dispelled, At first, he had imagined they were officers of justice, come
+to convey him to a stronger prison: but the voice of one of the parties,
+which he recognised, convinced him they were his friends.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look quick, Blueskin, and be cursed to you!&quot; was growled in the deep
+tones of Jonathan Wild. &quot;We shall have the whole village upon us while
+you're striking the jigger. Use the gilt, man!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's no need of picklock or crow-bar, here, Mr. Wild,&quot; cried Jack,
+placing his hat on the right arm of the guide-post, and leaning over the
+board, &quot;I've done the trick myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, what the devil's this?&quot; vociferated Jonathan, looking up. &quot;Have
+you broken out of the cage, Jack?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Something like it,&quot; replied the lad carelessly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bravo!&quot; cried the thief-taker approvingly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, that beats all I ever heard of!&quot; roared Blueskin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But are you really there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I'm here,&quot; answered Jack, leaping down. &quot;I tell you what, Mr.
+Wild,&quot; he added, laughing, &quot;it must be a stronger prison than Willesden
+cage that can hold me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, ay,&quot; observed Jonathan, &quot;you'll give the keepers of his Majesty's
+jails some trouble before you're many years older, I'll warrant you. But
+get up behind, Blueskin. Some one may observe us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come, jump up,&quot; cried Blueskin, mounting his steed, &quot;and I'll soon wisk
+you to town. Edgeworth <span class="pagenum">Page 224</span><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224"></a>Bess and Poll Maggot are dying to see you. I
+thought Bess would have cried her pretty eyes out when she heard you was
+nabbed. You need give yourself no more concern about Kneebone. Mr. Wild
+has done his business.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay&mdash;ay,&quot; laughed Jonathan. &quot;The pocket-book you prigged contained the
+letters I wanted. He's now in spring-ankle warehouse with Sir Rowland
+Trenchard. So get up, and let's be off.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Before I leave this place, I must see my mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nonsense,&quot; returned Jonathan gruffly. &quot;Would you expose yourself to
+fresh risk? If it hadn't been for her you wouldn't have been placed in
+your late jeopardy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't care for that,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;See her I <i>will</i>. Leave me
+behind: I'm not afraid. I'll be at the Cross Shovels in the course of
+the day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nay, if you're bent upon this folly,&quot; observed Wild, who appeared to
+have his own reasons for humouring the lad, &quot;I shan't hinder you.
+Blueskin will take care of the horses, and I'll go with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he dismounted; and flinging his bridle to his companion, and
+ordering him to ride off to a little distance, he followed Jack, who had
+quitted the main road, and struck into a narrow path opposite the cage.
+This path, bordered on each side by high privet hedges of the most
+beautiful green, soon brought them to a stile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's the house,&quot; said Jack, pointing to a pretty cottage, the small
+wooden porch of which was covered with roses and creepers, with a little
+trim garden in front of it. &quot;I'll be back in a minute.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't hurry yourself,&quot; said Jonathan, &quot;I'll wait for you here.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2_XIX" id="CHAPTER_2_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>Good and Evil.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>As Jack opened the gate, and crossed the little garden, which exhibited
+in every part the neatness and attention of its owner, he almost
+trembled at the idea of further <span class="pagenum">Page 225</span><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225"></a>disturbing her peace of mind. Pausing
+with the intention of turning back, he glanced in the direction of the
+village church, the tower of which could just be seen through the trees.
+The rooks were cawing amid the boughs, and all nature appeared awaking
+to happiness. From this peaceful scene Jack's eye fell upon Jonathan,
+who, seated upon the stile, under the shade of an elder tree, was
+evidently watching him. A sarcastic smile seemed to play upon the
+chief-taker's lips; and abashed at his own irresolution, the lad went
+on.</p>
+
+<p>After knocking for some time at the door without effect, he tried the
+latch, and to his surprise found it open. He stepped in with a heavy
+foreboding of calamity. A cat came and rubbed herself against him as he
+entered the house, and seemed by her mewing to ask him for food. That
+was the only sound he heard.</p>
+
+<p>Jack was almost afraid of speaking; but at length he summoned courage to
+call out &quot;Mother!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who's there?&quot; asked a faint voice from the bed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your son,&quot; answered the boy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack,&quot; exclaimed the widow, starting up and drawing back the curtain.
+&quot;Is it indeed you, or am I dreaming?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're not dreaming, mother,&quot; he answered. &quot;I'm come to say good bye to
+you, and to assure you of my safety before I leave this place.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where are you going?&quot; asked his mother.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hardly know,&quot; returned Jack; &quot;but it's not safe for me to remain much
+longer here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;True,&quot; replied the widow, upon whom all the terrible recollections of
+the day before crowded, &quot;I know it isn't. I won't keep you long. But
+tell me how have you escaped from the confinement in which you were
+placed&mdash;come and sit by me&mdash;here&mdash;upon the bed&mdash;give me your hand&mdash;and
+tell me all about it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Her son complied, and sat down upon the patch-work coverlet beside her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack,&quot; said Mrs. Sheppard, clasping him with a hand that burnt with
+fever, &quot;I have been ill&mdash;dreadfully ill&mdash;I believe delirious&mdash;I thought
+I should have died last night&mdash;I won't tell you what agony you have
+caused me&mdash;I <span class="pagenum">Page 226</span><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226"></a>won't reproach you. Only promise me to amend&mdash;to quit your
+vile companions&mdash;and I will forgive you&mdash;will bless you. Oh! my dear,
+dear son, be warned in time. You are in the hands of a wicked, a
+terrible man, who will not stop till he has completed your destruction.
+Listen to your mother's prayers, and do not let her die broken-hearted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is too late,&quot; returned Jack, sullenly; &quot;I can't be honest if I
+would.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! do not say so,&quot; replied his wretched parent. &quot;It is never too late.
+I know you are in Jonathan Wild's power, for I saw him near you in the
+church; and if ever the enemy of mankind was permitted to take human
+form, I beheld him then. Beware of him, my son! Beware of him! You know
+not what villany he is capable of. Be honest, and you will be happy. You
+are yet a child; and though you have strayed from the right path, a
+stronger hand than your own has led you thence. Return, I implore of
+you, to your master,&mdash;to Mr. Wood. Acknowledge your faults. He is all
+kindness, and will overlook them for your poor father's sake&mdash;for mine.
+Return to him, I say&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't,&quot; replied Jack, doggedly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't!&quot; repeated his mother. &quot;Why not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>I'll</i> tell you,&quot; cried a deep voice from the back of the bed. And
+immediately afterwards the curtain was drawn aside, and disclosed the
+Satanic countenance of Jonathan Wild, who had crept into the house
+unperceived, &quot;I'll tell you, why he can't go back to his master,&quot; cried
+the thief-taker, with a malignant grin. &quot;He has robbed him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Robbed him!&quot; screamed the widow. &quot;Jack!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Her son averted his gaze.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, robbed him,&quot; reiterated Jonathan. &quot;The night before last, Mr.
+Wood's house was broken into and plundered. Your son was seen by the
+carpenter's wife in company with the robbers. Here,&quot; he added, throwing
+a handbill on the bed, &quot;are the particulars of the burglary, with the
+reward for Jack's apprehension.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; ejaculated the widow, hiding her face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 227</span><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227"></a>Come,&quot; said Wild, turning authoritatively to Jack,&mdash;&quot;you have
+overstayed your time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not go with him, Jack!&quot; shrieked his mother. &quot;Do not&mdash;do not!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He <i>must!</i>&quot; thundered Jonathan, &quot;or he goes to jail.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you must go to prison, I will go with you,&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard:
+&quot;but avoid that man as you would a serpent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come along,&quot; thundered Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear me, Jack!&quot; shrieked his mother. &quot;You know not what you do. The
+wretch you confide in has sworn to hang you. As I hope for mercy, I
+speak the truth!&mdash;let him deny it if he can.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pshaw!&quot; said Wild. &quot;I could hang him now if I liked. But he may remain
+with you if he pleases: <i>I</i> sha'n't hinder him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You hear, my son,&quot; said the widow eagerly. &quot;Choose between good and
+evil;&mdash;between him and me. And mind, your life,&mdash;more than your
+life&mdash;hangs upon your choice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It does so,&quot; said Wild. &quot;Choose, Jack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The lad made no answer, but left the room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He is gone!&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard despairingly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For ever!&quot; said the thief-taker, preparing to follow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Devil!&quot; cried the widow, catching his arm, and gazing with frantic
+eagerness in his face, &quot;how many years will you give my son before you
+execute your terrible threat?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;NINE!&quot; answered Jonathan sternly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 228</span><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228"></a></p>
+<h4>END OF THE SECOND EPOCH.</h4>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="EPOCH_THE_THIRD" id="EPOCH_THE_THIRD" /><span class="pagenum">Page 229</span><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229"></a></p>
+<h2>EPOCH THE THIRD.</h2>
+
+<h3>1724</h3>
+
+<h3>THE PRISON-BREAKER.</h3>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 230</span><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230"></a></p>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="CHAPTER_3_I" id="CHAPTER_3_I"></a><span class="pagenum">Page 231</span><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231"></a></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Return.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Nearly nine years after the events last recorded, and about the middle
+of May, 1724, a young man of remarkably prepossessing appearance took
+his way, one afternoon, along Wych Street; and, from the curiosity with
+which he regarded the houses on the left of the road, seemed to be in
+search of some particular habitation. The age of this individual could
+not be more than twenty-one; his figure was tall, robust, and gracefully
+proportioned; and his clear gray eye and open countenance bespoke a
+frank, generous, and resolute nature. His features were regular, and
+finely-formed; his complexion bright and blooming,&mdash;a little shaded,
+however, by travel and exposure to the sun; and, with a praiseworthy
+contempt for the universal and preposterous fashion then prevailing, of
+substituting a peruke for the natural covering of the head, he allowed
+his own dark-brown hair to fall over his shoulders in ringlets as
+luxuriant as those that distinguished the court gallant in Charles the
+Second's days&mdash;a fashion, which we do not despair of seeing revived in
+our own days. He wore a French military undress of the period, with high
+jack-boots, and a laced hat; and, though his attire indicated no
+particular rank, he had completely the air of a person of distinction.
+Such was the effect produced upon the passengers by his good looks and
+manly deportment, that few&mdash;especially of the gentler and more
+susceptible sex&mdash;failed to turn round and bestow a second glance upon
+the handsome stranger. Unconscious of the interest he excited, and
+entirely occupied by his own thoughts&mdash;which, if his bosom could have
+been examined, would have been found composed of mingled hopes and
+fears&mdash;the young man walked on till he came to an old <span class="pagenum">Page 232</span><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232"></a>house, with great
+projecting bay windows on the first floor, and situated as nearly as
+possible at the back of St. Clement's church. Here he halted; and,
+looking upwards, read, at the foot of an immense sign-board, displaying
+a gaudily-painted angel with expanded pinions and an olive-branch, not
+the name he expected to find, but that of WILLIAM KNEEBONE,
+WOOLLEN-DRAPER.</p>
+
+<p>Tears started to the young man's eyes on beholding the change, and it
+was with difficulty he could command himself sufficiently to make the
+inquiries he desired to do respecting the former owner of the house. As
+he entered the shop, a tall portly personage advanced to meet him, whom
+he at once recognised as the present proprietor. Mr. Kneebone was
+attired in the extremity of the mode. A full-curled wig descended
+half-way down his back and shoulders; a neckcloth of &quot;right Mechlin&quot; was
+twisted round his throat so tightly as almost to deprive him of breath,
+and threaten him with apoplexy; he had lace, also, at his wrists and
+bosom; gold clocks to his hose, and red heels to his shoes. A stiff,
+formally-cut coat of cinnamon-coloured cloth, with rows of plate
+buttons, each of the size of a crown piece, on the sleeves, pockets, and
+skirts, reached the middle of his legs; and his costume was completed by
+the silver-hilted sword at his side, and the laced hat under his left
+arm.</p>
+
+<p>Bowing to the stranger, the woollen-draper very politely requested to
+know his business.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm almost afraid to state it,&quot; faltered the other; &quot;but, may I ask
+whether Mr. Wood, the carpenter, who formerly resided here, is still
+living?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you feel any anxiety on his account, Sir, I'm happy to be able to
+relieve it,&quot; answered Kneebone, readily. &quot;My good friend, Owen
+Wood,&mdash;Heaven preserve him!&mdash;<i>is</i> still living. And, for a man who'll
+never see sixty again, he's in excellent preservation, I assure you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You delight me with the intelligence,&quot; said the stranger, entirely
+recovering his cheerfulness of look.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 233</span><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233"></a>I began to fear, from his having quitted the old place, that some
+misfortune must have befallen him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Quite the contrary,&quot; rejoined the woollen-draper, laughing
+good-humouredly. &quot;Everything has prospered with him in an extraordinary
+manner. His business has thriven; legacies have unexpectedly dropped
+into his lap; and, to crown all, he has made a large fortune by a lucky
+speculation in South-Sea stock,&mdash;made it, too, where so many others have
+lost fortunes, your humble servant amongst the number&mdash;ha! ha! In a
+word, Sir, Mr. Wood is now in very affluent circumstances. He stuck to
+the shop as long as it was necessary, and longer, in my opinion. When he
+left these premises, three years ago, I took them from him; or
+rather&mdash;to deal frankly with you,&mdash;he placed me in them rent-free, for,
+I'm not ashamed to confess it, I've had losses, and heavy ones; and, if
+it hadn't been for him, I don't know where I should have been. Mr. Wood,
+Sir,&quot; he added, with much emotion, &quot;is one of the best of men, and would
+be the happiest, were it not that&mdash;&quot; and he hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Sir?&quot; cried the other, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;His wife is still living,&quot; returned Kneebone, drily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I understand,&quot; replied the stranger, unable to repress a smile. &quot;But,
+it strikes me, I've heard that Mrs. Wood was once a favourite of yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So she was,&quot; replied the woollen-draper, helping himself to an enormous
+pinch of snuff with the air of a man who does not dislike to be rallied
+about his gallantry,&mdash;&quot;so she was. But those days are over&mdash;quite over.
+Since her husband has laid me under such a weight of obligation, I
+couldn't, in honour, continue&mdash;hem!&quot; and he took another explanatory
+pinch. &quot;Added to which, she is neither so young as she was, nor, is her
+temper by any means improved&mdash;hem!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Say no more on the subject, Sir,&quot; observed the stranger, gravely; &quot;but
+let us turn to a more agreeable one&mdash;her daughter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That is a far more agreeable one, I must confess,&quot; returned Kneebone,
+with a self-sufficient smirk.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 234</span><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234"></a>The stranger looked at him as if strongly disposed to chastise his
+impertinence.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is she married?&quot; he asked, after a brief pause.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Married!&mdash;no&mdash;no,&quot; replied the woollen-draper. &quot;Winifred Wood will
+never marry, unless the grave can give up its dead. When a mere child
+she fixed her affections upon a youth named Thames Darrell, whom her
+father brought up, and who perished, it is supposed, about nine years
+ago; and she has determined to remain faithful to his memory.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You astonish me,&quot; said the stranger, in a voice full of emotion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why it <i>is</i> astonishing, certainly,&quot; remarked Kneebone, &quot;to find any
+woman constant&mdash;especially to a girlish attachment; but such is the
+case. She has had offers innumerable; for where wealth and beauty are
+combined, as in her instance, suitors are seldom wanting. But she was
+not to be tempted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She is a matchless creature!&quot; exclaimed the young man.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I think,&quot; replied Kneebone, again applying to the snuff-box, and by
+that means escaping the angry glance levelled at him by his companion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have one inquiry more to make of you, Sir,&quot; said the stranger, as
+soon as he had conquered his displeasure, &quot;and I will then trouble you
+no further. You spoke just now of a youth whom Mr. Wood brought up. As
+far as I recollect, there were two. What has become of the other?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, surely you don't mean Jack Sheppard?&quot; cried the woollen-draper in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That was the lad's name,&quot; returned the stranger.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I guessed from your dress and manner, Sir, that you must have been long
+absent from your own country,&quot; said Kneebone; &quot;and now I'm convinced of
+it, or you wouldn't have asked that question. Jack Sheppard is the talk
+and terror of the whole town. The ladies can't sleep in their beds for
+him; and as to the men, they daren't go to bed at all. He's the most
+daring and expert housebreaker that ever used a crow-bar. He laughs at
+<span class="pagenum">Page 235</span><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235"></a>locks and bolts; and the more carefully you guard your premises from
+him, the more likely are you to insure an attack. His exploits and
+escapes are in every body's mouth. He has been lodged in every
+round-house in the metropolis, and has broken out of them all, and
+boasts that no prison can hold him. We shall see. His skill has not been
+tried. At present, he is under the protection of Jonathan Wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Does that villain still maintain his power?&quot; asked the stranger
+sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He does,&quot; replied Kneebone, &quot;and, what is more surprising, it seems to
+increase. Jonathan completely baffles and derides the ends of justice.
+It is useless to contend with him, even with right on your side. Some
+years ago, in 1715, just before the Rebellion, I was rash enough to
+league myself with the Jacobite party, and by Wild's machinations got
+clapped into Newgate, whence I was glad to escape with my head upon my
+shoulders. I charged the thief-taker, as was the fact, with having
+robbed me, by means of the lad Sheppard, whom he instigated to deed, of
+the very pocket-book he produced in evidence against me; but it was of
+no avail&mdash;I couldn't obtain a hearing. Mr. Wood fared still worse.
+Bribed by a certain Sir Rowland Trenchard, Jonathan kidnapped the
+carpenter's adopted son, Thames Darrell, and placed him in the hands of
+a Dutch Skipper, with orders to throw him overboard when he got out to
+sea; and though this was proved as clear as day, the rascal managed
+matters so adroitly, and gave such a different complexion to the whole
+affair, that he came off with flying colours. One reason, perhaps, of
+his success in this case might be, that having arrested his associate in
+the dark transaction, Sir Rowland Trenchard, on a charge of high
+treason, he was favoured by Walpole, who found his account in retaining
+such an agent. Be this as it may, Jonathan remained the victor; and
+shortly afterwards,&mdash;at the price of a third of his estate, it was
+whispered,&mdash;he procured Trenchard's liberation from confinement.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At the mention of the latter occurrence, a dark cloud gathered upon the
+stranger's brow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 236</span><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236"></a>Do you know anything further of Sir Rowland?&quot; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nothing more than this,&quot; answered Kneebone,&mdash;&quot;that after the failure of
+his projects, and the downfall of his party, he retired to his seat,
+Ashton Hall, near Manchester, and has remained there ever since,
+entirely secluded from the world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The stranger was for a moment lost in reflection.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now, Sir,&quot; he said, preparing to take his departure, &quot;will you add
+to the obligation already conferred by informing me where I can meet
+with Mr. Wood?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With pleasure,&quot; replied the woollen-draper. &quot;He lives at Dollis Hill, a
+beautiful spot near Willesden, about four or five miles from town, where
+he has taken a farm. If you ride out there, and the place is well worth
+a visit, for the magnificent view it commands of some of the finest
+country in the neighbourhood of London,&mdash;you are certain to meet with
+him. I saw him yesterday, and he told me he shouldn't stir from home for
+a week to come. He called here on his way back, after he had been to
+Bedlam to visit poor Mrs. Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack's mother?&quot; exclaimed the young man. &quot;Gracious Heaven!&mdash;is she the
+inmate of a mad-house?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She is, Sir,&quot; answered the woollen-draper, sadly, &quot;driven there by her
+son's misconduct. Alas! that the punishment of his offences should fall
+on her head. Poor soul! she nearly died when she heard he had robbed his
+master; and it might have been well if she had done so, for she never
+afterwards recovered her reason. She rambles continually about Jack, and
+her husband, and that wretch Jonathan, to whom, as far as can be
+gathered from her wild ravings, she attributes all her misery. I pity
+her from the bottom of my heart. But, in the midst of all her
+affliction, she has found a steady friend in Mr. Wood, who looks after
+her comforts, and visits her constantly. Indeed, I've heard him say
+that, but for his wife, he would shelter her under his own roof. That,
+Sir, is what I call being a Good Samaritan.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The stranger said nothing, but hastily brushed away a tear. Perceiving
+he was about to take leave, Kneebone <span class="pagenum">Page 237</span><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237"></a>ventured to ask whom he had had
+the honour of addressing.</p>
+
+<p>Before the question could be answered, a side-door was opened, and a
+very handsome woman of Amazonian proportions presented herself, and
+marched familiarly up to Mr. Kneebone. She was extremely showily
+dressed, and her large hooped petticoat gave additional effect to her
+lofty stature. As soon as she noticed the stranger, she honoured him
+with an extremely impudent stare, and scarcely endeavoured to disguise
+the admiration with which his good looks impressed her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't you perceive, my dear Mrs. Maggot, that I'm engaged,&quot; said
+Kneebone, a little disconcerted.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who've you got with you?&quot; demanded the Amazon, boldly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gentleman is a stranger to me, Poll,&quot; replied the woollen-draper,
+with increased embarrassment. &quot;I don't know his name.&quot; And he looked at
+the moment as if he had lost all desire to know it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, he's a pretty fellow at all events,&quot; observed Mrs. Maggot, eyeing
+him from head to heel with evident satisfaction;&mdash;&quot;a devilish pretty
+fellow!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Upon my word, Poll,&quot; said Kneebone, becoming very red, &quot;you might have
+a little more delicacy than to tell him so before my face.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What!&quot; exclaimed Mrs. Maggot, drawing up her fine figure to its full
+height; &quot;because I condescend to live with you, am I never to look at
+another man,&mdash;especially at one so much to my taste as this? Don't think
+it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You had better retire, Madam,&quot; said the woollen-draper, sharply, &quot;if
+you can't conduct yourself with more propriety.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Order those who choose to obey you,&quot; rejoined the lady scornfully.
+&quot;Though you lorded it over that fond fool, Mrs. Wood, you shan't lord it
+over me, I can promise you. That for you!&quot; And she snapped her fingers
+in his face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Zounds!&quot; cried Kneebone, furiously. &quot;Go to your own room, woman,
+directly, or I'll make you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Make me!&quot; echoed Mrs. Maggot, bursting into a loud contemptuous laugh.
+&quot;Try!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 238</span><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238"></a>Enraged at the assurance of his mistress, the woollen-draper
+endeavoured to carry his threat into execution, but all his efforts to
+remove her were unavailing. At length, after he had given up the point
+from sheer exhaustion, the Amazon seized him by the throat, and pushed
+him backwards with such force that he rolled over the counter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There!&quot; she cried, laughing, &quot;that'll teach you to lay hands upon me
+again. You should remember, before you try your strength against mine,
+that when I rescued you from the watch, and you induced me to come and
+live with you, I beat off four men, any of whom was a match for you&mdash;ha!
+ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear Poll!&quot; said Kneebone, picking himself up, &quot;I entreat you to
+moderate yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Entreat a fiddlestick!&quot; retorted Mrs. Maggot: &quot;I'm tired of you, and
+will go back to my old lover, Jack Sheppard. He's worth a dozen of you.
+Or, if this good-looking young fellow will only say the word, I'll go
+with him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You may go, and welcome, Madam!&quot; rejoined Kneebone, spitefully. &quot;But, I
+should think, after the specimen you've just given of your amiable
+disposition, no person would be likely to saddle himself with such an
+incumbrance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What say you, Sir?&quot; said the Amazon, with an engaging leer at the
+stranger. &quot;<i>You</i> will find me tractable enough; and, with <i>me</i> by, your
+side you need fear neither constable nor watchman. I've delivered Jack
+Sheppard from many an assault. I can wield a quarterstaff as well as a
+prize-fighter, and have beaten Figg himself at the broadsword. Will you
+take me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>However tempting Mrs. Maggot's offer may appear, the young man thought
+fit to decline it, and, after a few words of well-merited compliment on
+her extraordinary prowess, and renewed thanks to Mr. Kneebone, he took
+his departure.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good bye!&quot; cried Mrs. Maggot, kissing her hand to him. &quot;I'll find you
+out. And now,&quot; she added, glancing <span class="pagenum">Page 239</span><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239"></a>contemptuously at the
+woollen-draper, &quot;I'll go to Jack Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shall first go to Bridewell, you jade!&quot; rejoined Kneebone. &quot;Here,
+Tom,&quot; he added, calling to a shop-boy, &quot;run and fetch a constable.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He had better bring half-a-dozen,&quot; said the Amazon, taking up a
+cloth-yard wand, and quietly seating herself; &quot;one won't do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>On leaving Mr. Kneebone's house, the young man hastened to a hotel in
+the neighbourhood of Covent Garden, where, having procured a horse, he
+shaped his course towards the west end of the town. Urging his steed
+along Oxford Road,&mdash;as that great approach to the metropolis was then
+termed,&mdash;he soon passed Marylebone Lane, beyond which, with the
+exception of a few scattered houses, the country was completely open on
+the right, and laid out in pleasant fields and gardens; nor did he draw
+in the rein until he arrived at Tyburn-gate, where, before he turned off
+upon the Edgeware Road, he halted for a moment, to glance at the place
+of execution. This &quot;fatal retreat for the unfortunate brave&quot; was marked
+by a low wooden railing, within which stood the triple tree. Opposite
+the gallows was an open gallery, or scaffolding, like the stand at a
+racecourse, which, on state occasions, was crowded with spectators.
+Without the inclosure were reared several lofty gibbets, with their
+ghastly burthens. Altogether, it was a hideous and revolting sight.
+Influenced, probably, by what he had heard from Mr. Kneebone, respecting
+the lawless career of Jack Sheppard, and struck with the probable fate
+that awaited him, the young man, as he contemplated this scene, fell
+into a gloomy reverie. While he was thus musing, two horsemen rode past
+him; and, proceeding to a little distance, stopped likewise. One of them
+was a stout square-built man, with a singularly swarthy complexion, and
+harsh forbidding features. He was well mounted, as was his companion;
+and had pistols in his holsters, and a hanger at his girdle. The other
+individual, who was a little in advance, was concealed from the
+stranger's view. Presently, however, <span class="pagenum">Page 240</span><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240"></a>a sudden movement occurred, and
+disclosed his features, which were those of a young man of nearly his
+own age. The dress of this person was excessively showy, and consisted
+of a scarlet riding-habit, lined and faced with blue, and bedizened with
+broad gold lace, a green silk-knit waistcoat, embroidered with silver,
+and decorated with a deep fringe, together with a hat tricked out in the
+same gaudy style. His figure was slight, but well-built; and, in stature
+he did not exceed five feet four. His complexion was pale; and there was
+something sinister in the expression of his large black eyes. His head
+was small and bullet-shaped, and he did not wear a wig, but had his
+sleek black hair cut off closely round his temples. A mutual recognition
+took place at the same instant between the stranger and this individual.
+Both started. The latter seemed inclined to advance and address the
+former; but suddenly changing his mind, he shouted to his companion in
+tones familiar to the stranger's ear; and, striking spurs into his
+steed, dashed off at full speed along the Edgeware Road. Impelled by a
+feeling, into which we shall not pause to inquire, the stranger started
+after them; but they were better mounted, and soon distanced him.
+Remarking that they struck off at a turning on the left, he took the
+same road, and soon found himself on Paddington-Green. A row of
+magnificent, and even then venerable, elms threw their broad arms over
+this pleasant spot. From a man, who was standing beneath the shade of
+one these noble trees, information was obtained that the horsemen had
+ridden along the Harrow Road. With a faint view of overtaking them
+the pursuer urged his steed to a quicker pace. Arrived at
+Westbourne-Green&mdash;then nothing more than a common covered with gorse and
+furzebushes, and boasting only a couple of cottages and an alehouse&mdash;he
+perceived through the hedges the objects of his search slowly ascending
+the gentle hill that rises from Kensall-Green.</p>
+
+<p>By the time he had reached the summit of this hill, he had lost all
+trace of them; and the ardour of the chase having in some measure
+subsided, he began to <span class="pagenum">Page 241</span><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241"></a>reproach himself for his folly, in having
+wandered&mdash;as he conceived&mdash;so far out of his course. Before retracing
+his steps, however, he allowed his gaze to range over the vast and
+beautiful prospect spread out beneath him, which is now hidden, from the
+traveller's view by the high walls of the General Cemetery, and can,
+consequently, only be commanded from the interior of that attractive
+place of burial,&mdash;and which, before it was intersected by canals and
+railroads, and portioned out into hippodromes, was exquisite indeed.
+After feasting his eye upon this superb panorama, he was about to
+return, when he ascertained from a farmer that his nearest road to
+Willesden would be down a lane a little further on, to the right.
+Following this direction, he opened a gate, and struck into one of the
+most beautiful green lanes imaginable; which, after various windings,
+conducted him into a more frequented road, and eventually brought him to
+the place he sought. Glancing at the finger-post over the cage, which
+has been described as situated at the outskirts of the village, and
+seeing no directions to Dollis Hill, he made fresh inquiries as to where
+it lay, from an elderly man, who was standing with another countryman
+near the little prison.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Whose house do you want, master?&quot; said the man, touching his hat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wood's,&quot; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There is Dollis Hill,&quot; said the man, pointing to a well-wooded eminence
+about a mile distant, &quot;and there,&quot; he added, indicating the roof of a
+house just visible above a grove of trees &quot;is Mr. Wood's. If you ride
+past the church, and mount the hill, you'll come to Neasdon and then
+you'll not have above half a mile to go.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The young man thanked his informant, and was about to follow his
+instructions, when the other called after him&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I say, master, did you ever hear tell of Mr. Wood's famous 'prentice?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What apprentice?&quot; asked the stranger, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, Jack Sheppard, the notorious house-breaker,&mdash;him as has robbed
+half Lunnun, to be sure. You must <span class="pagenum">Page 242</span><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242"></a>know, Sir, when he was a lad, the day
+after he broke into his master's house in Wych Street, he picked a
+gentleman's pocket in our church, during sarvice time,&mdash;that he did, the
+heathen. The gentleman catched him i' th' fact, and we shut him up for
+safety i' that pris'n. But,&quot; said the fellow, with a laugh, &quot;he soon
+contrived to make his way out on it, though. Ever since he's become so
+famous, the folks about here ha' christened it Jack Sheppard's cage. His
+mother used to live i' this village, just down yonder; but when her son
+took to bad ways, she went distracted,&mdash;and now she's i' Bedlam, I've
+heerd.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I tell e'e what, John Dump,&quot; said the other fellow, who had hitherto
+preserved silence, &quot;I don't know whether you talkin' o' Jack Sheppard
+has put him into my head or not; but I once had him pointed out to me,
+and if that <i>were</i> him as I seed then, he's just now ridden past us, and
+put up at the Six Bells.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The deuce he has!&quot; cried Dump. &quot;If you were sure o' that we might seize
+him, and get the reward for his apprehension.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That 'ud be no such easy matter,&quot; replied the countryman. &quot;Jack's a
+desperate fellow, and is always well armed; besides, he has a comrade
+with him. But I'll tell e'e what we <i>might</i> do&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The young man heard no more. Taking the direction pointed out, he rode
+off. As he passed the Six Bells, he noticed the steeds of the two
+horsemen at the door; and glancing into the house, perceived the younger
+of the two in the passage. The latter no sooner beheld him than he
+dashed hastily into an adjoining room. After debating with himself
+whether he should further seek an interview, which, though, now in his
+power, was so sedulously shunned by the other party, he decided in the
+negative; and contenting himself with writing upon a slip of paper the
+hasty words,&mdash;&quot;You are known by the villagers,&mdash;be upon your guard,&quot;&mdash;he
+gave it to the ostler, with instructions to deliver it instantly to the
+owner of the horse he pointed out, and pursued his course.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 243</span><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243"></a>Passing the old rectory, and still older church, with its reverend
+screen of trees, and slowly ascending a hill side, from whence he
+obtained enchanting peeps of the spire and college of Harrow, he reached
+the cluster of well-built houses which constitute the village of
+Neasdon. From this spot a road, more resembling the drive through a park
+than a public thoroughfare, led him gradually to the brow of Dollis
+Hill. It was a serene and charming evening, and twilight was gently
+stealing over the face of the country. Bordered by fine timber, the road
+occasionally offered glimpses of a lovely valley, until a wider opening
+gave a full view of a delightful and varied prospect. On the left lay
+the heights of Hampstead, studded with villas, while farther off a hazy
+cloud marked the position of the metropolis. The stranger concluded he
+could not be far from his destination, and a turn in the road showed him
+the house.</p>
+
+<p>Beneath two tall elms, whose boughs completely overshadowed the roof,
+stood Mr. Wood's dwelling,&mdash;a plain, substantial, commodious farm-house.
+On a bench at the foot of the trees, with a pipe in his mouth, and a
+tankard by his side, sat the worthy carpenter, looking the picture of
+good-heartedness and benevolence. The progress of time was marked in Mr.
+Wood by increased corpulence and decreased powers of vision,&mdash;by deeper
+wrinkles and higher shoulders, by scantier breath and a fuller habit.
+Still he looked hale and hearty, and the country life he led had
+imparted a ruddier glow to his cheek. Around him were all the evidences
+of plenty. A world of haystacks, bean-stacks, and straw-ricks flanked
+the granges adjoining his habitation; the yard was crowded with poultry,
+pigeons were feeding at his feet, cattle were being driven towards the
+stall, horses led to the stable, a large mastiff was rattling his chain,
+and stalking majestically in front of his kennel, while a number of
+farming-men were passing and repassing about their various occupations.
+At the back of the house, on a bank, rose an old-fashioned
+terrace-garden, full of apple-trees and other fruit-trees in blossom,
+and lively with the delicious verdure of early spring.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 244</span><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244"></a>Hearing the approach of the rider, Mr. Wood turned to look at him. It
+was now getting dusk, and he could only imperfectly distinguish the
+features and figure of the stranger.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I need not ask whether this is Mr. Wood's,&quot; said the latter, &quot;since I
+find him at his own gate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are right, Sir,&quot; said the worthy carpenter, rising. &quot;I am Owen
+Wood, at your service.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You do not remember me, I dare say,&quot; observed the stranger.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't say I do,&quot; replied Wood. &quot;Your voice seems familiar to
+me&mdash;and&mdash;but I'm getting a little deaf&mdash;and my eyes don't serve me quite
+so well as they used to do, especially by this light.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never mind,&quot; returned the stranger, dismounting; &quot;you'll recollect me
+by and by, I've no doubt. I bring you tidings of an old friend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then you're heartily welcome, Sir, whoever you are. Pray, walk in.
+Here, Jem, take the gentleman's horse to the stable&mdash;see him dressed and
+fed directly. Now, Sir, will you please to follow me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wood then led the way up a rather high and, according to modern
+notions, incommodious flight of steps, and introduced his guest to a
+neat parlour, the windows of which were darkened by pots of flowers and
+creepers. There was no light in the room; but, notwithstanding this, the
+young man did not fail to detect the buxom figure of Mrs. Wood, now more
+buxom and more gorgeously arrayed than ever,&mdash;as well as a young and
+beautiful female, in whom he was at no loss to recognise the carpenter's
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p>Winifred Wood was now in her twentieth year. Her features were still
+slightly marked by the disorder alluded to in the description of her as
+a child,&mdash;but that was the only drawback to her beauty. Their expression
+was so amiable, that it would have redeemed a countenance a thousand
+times plainer than hers. Her figure was perfect,&mdash;tall, graceful,
+rounded,&mdash;and, then, she had deep liquid blue eyes, that rivalled the
+stars in lustre. On the stranger's <span class="pagenum">Page 245</span><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245"></a>appearance, she was seated near the
+window busily occupied with her needle.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My wife and daughter, Sir,&quot; said the carpenter, introducing them to his
+guest.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Wood, whose admiration for masculine beauty was by no means abated,
+glanced at the well-proportioned figure of the young man, and made him a
+very civil salutation. Winifred's reception was kind, but more distant,
+and after the slight ceremonial she resumed her occupation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This gentleman brings us tidings of an old friend, my dear,&quot; said the
+carpenter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, indeed! And who may that be?&quot; inquired his wife.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;One whom you may perhaps have forgotten,&quot; replied the stranger, &quot;but
+who can never forget the kindness he experienced at your hands, or at
+those of your excellent husband.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At the sound of his voice every vestige of colour fled from Winifred's
+cheeks, and the work upon which she was engaged fell from her hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have a token to deliver to you,&quot; continued the stranger, addressing
+her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To me?&quot; gasped Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This locket,&quot; he said, taking a little ornament attached to a black
+ribband from his breast, and giving it her,&mdash;&quot;do you remember it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do&mdash;I do!&quot; cried Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's all this?&quot; exclaimed Wood in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you not know me, father?&quot; said the young man, advancing towards him,
+and warmly grasping his hand. &quot;Have nine years so changed me, that there
+is no trace left of your adopted son?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;God bless me!&quot; ejaculated the carpenter, rubbing his eyes, &quot;can&mdash;can it
+be?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Surely,&quot; screamed Mrs. Wood, joining the group, &quot;it isn't Thames
+Darrell come to life again?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is&mdash;it is!&quot; cried Winifred, rushing towards him, and flinging her
+arms round his neck,&mdash;&quot;it is my dear&mdash;dear brother!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 246</span><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246"></a>Well, this is what I never expected to see,&quot; said the carpenter,
+wiping his eyes; &quot;I hope I'm not dreaming! Thames, my dear boy, as soon
+as Winny has done with you, let me embrace you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My turn comes before yours, Sir,&quot; interposed his better half. &quot;Come to
+my arms, Thames! Oh! dear! Oh! dear!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>To repeat the questions and congratulations which now ensued, or
+describe the extravagant joy of the carpenter, who, after he had hugged
+his adopted son to his breast with such warmth as almost to squeeze the
+breath from his body, capered around the room, threw his wig into the
+empty fire-grate, and committed various other fantastic actions, in
+order to get rid of his superfluous satisfaction&mdash;to describe the
+scarcely less extravagant raptures of his spouse, or the more subdued,
+but not less heartfelt delight of Winifred, would be a needless task, as
+it must occur to every one's imagination. Supper was quickly served; the
+oldest bottle of wine was brought from the cellar; the strongest barrel
+of ale was tapped; but not one of the party could eat or drink&mdash;their
+hearts were too full.</p>
+
+<p>Thames sat with Winifred's hand clasped in his own, and commenced a
+recital of his adventures, which may be briefly told. Carried out to sea
+by Van Galgebrok, and thrown overboard, while struggling with the waves,
+he had been picked up by a French fishing-boat, and carried to Ostend.
+After encountering various hardships and privations for a long time,
+during which he had no means of communicating with England, he, at
+length, found his way to Paris, where he was taken notice of by Cardinal
+Dubois, who employed him as one of his secretaries, and subsequently
+advanced to the service of Philip of Orleans, from whom he received a
+commission. On the death of his royal patron, he resolved to return to
+his own country; and, after various delays, which had postponed it to
+the present time, he had succeeded in accomplishing his object.</p>
+
+<p>Winifred listened to his narration with the profoundest attention; and,
+when it concluded, her tearful eye and <span class="pagenum">Page 247</span><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247"></a>throbbing bosom told how deeply
+her feelings had been interested.</p>
+
+<p>The discourse, then, turned to Darrell's old playmate, Jack Sheppard;
+and Mr. Wood, in deploring his wild career, adverted to the melancholy
+condition to which it had reduced his mother.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For my part, it's only what I expected of him,&quot; observed Mrs. Wood,
+&quot;and I'm sorry and surprised he hasn't swung for his crimes before this.
+The gallows has groaned for him for years. As to his mother, I've no
+pity for her. She deserves what has befallen her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear mother, don't say so,&quot; returned Winifred. &quot;One of the consequences
+of criminal conduct, is the shame and disgrace which&mdash;worse than any
+punishment the evil-doer can suffer&mdash;is brought by it upon the innocent
+relatives; and, if Jack had considered this, perhaps he would not have
+acted as he has done, and have entailed so much misery on his unhappy
+parent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I always detested Mrs. Sheppard,&quot; cried the carpenter's wife bitterly;
+&quot;and, I repeat, Bedlam's too good for her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My dear,&quot; observed Wood, &quot;you should be more charitable&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Charitable!&quot; repeated his wife, &quot;that's your constant cry. Marry, come
+up! I've been a great deal too charitable. Here's Winny always urging
+you to go and visit Mrs. Sheppard in the asylum, and take her this, and
+send her that;&mdash;and I've never prevented you, though such mistaken
+liberality's enough to provoke a saint. And, then, forsooth, she must
+needs prevent your hanging Jack Sheppard after the robbery in Wych
+Street, when you might have done so. Perhaps you'll call that charity:
+<i>I</i> call it defeating the ends of justice. See what a horrible rascal
+you've let loose upon the world!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm sure, mother,&quot; rejoined Winifred, &quot;if any one was likely to feel
+resentment, I was; for no one could be more frightened. But I was sorry
+for poor Jack&mdash;as I am still, and hoped he would mend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mend!&quot; echoed Mrs. Wood, contemptuously, &quot;he'll never mend till he
+comes to Tyburn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 248</span><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248"></a>At least, I will hope so,&quot; returned Winifred. &quot;But, as I was saying, I
+was most dreadfully frightened on the night of the robbery! Though so
+young at the time, I remember every circumstance distinctly. I was
+sitting up, lamenting your departure, dear Thames, when, hearing an odd
+noise, I went to the landing, and, by the light of a dark lantern, saw
+Jack Sheppard, stealing up stairs, followed by two men with crape on
+their faces. I'm ashamed to say that I was too much terrified to scream
+out&mdash;but ran and hid myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold your tongue!&quot; cried Mrs. Wood. &quot;I declare you throw me into an
+ague. Do you think <i>I</i> forget it? Didn't they help themselves to all the
+plate and the money&mdash;to several of my best dresses, and amongst others,
+to my favourite kincob gown; and I've never been able to get another
+like it! Marry, come up! I'd hang 'em all, if I could. Were such a thing
+to happen again, I'd never let Mr. Wood rest till he brought the
+villains to justice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope such a thing never <i>will</i> happen again, my dear,&quot; observed Wood,
+mildly, &quot;but, when it does, it will be time to consider what course we
+ought to pursue.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let them attempt it, if they dare!&quot; cried Mrs. Wood, who had worked
+herself into a passion; &quot;and, I'll warrant 'em, the boldest robber among
+'em shall repent it, if he comes across me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No doubt, my dear,&quot; acquiesced the carpenter, &quot;no doubt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thames, who had been more than once on the point of mentioning his
+accidental rencounter with Jack Sheppard, not being altogether without
+apprehension, from the fact of his being in the neighbourhood,&mdash;now
+judged it more prudent to say nothing on the subject, from a fear of
+increasing Mrs. Wood's displeasure; and he was the more readily induced
+to do this, as the conversation began to turn upon his own affairs. Mr.
+Wood could give him no further information respecting Sir Rowland
+Trenchard than what he had obtained from Kneebone; but begged him to
+defer the further consideration of the line of conduct he meant to
+pursue until the morrow, <span class="pagenum">Page 249</span><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249"></a>when he hoped to have a plan to lay before
+him, of which he would approve.</p>
+
+<p>The night was now advancing, and the party began to think of separating.
+As Mrs. Wood, who had recovered her good humour, quitted the room she
+bestowed a hearty embrace on Thames, and she told him laughingly, that
+she would &quot;defer all <i>she</i> had to propose to him until to-morrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>To-morrow! She never beheld it.</p>
+
+<p>After an affectionate parting with Winifred, Thames was conducted by the
+carpenter to his sleeping apartment&mdash;a comfortable cosy chamber; such a
+one, in short, as can only be met with in the country, with its
+dimity-curtained bed, its sheets fragrant of lavender, its clean white
+furniture, and an atmosphere breathing of freshness. Left to himself, he
+took a survey of the room, and his heart leaped as he beheld over the,
+chimney-piece, a portrait of himself. It was a copy of the pencil sketch
+taken of him nine years ago by Winifred, and awakened a thousand tender
+recollections.</p>
+
+<p>When about to retire to rest, the rencounter with Jack Sheppard again
+recurred to him, and he half blamed himself for not acquainting Mr. Wood
+with the circumstances, and putting him upon his guard against the
+possibility of an attack. On weighing the matter over, he grew so uneasy
+that he resolved to descend, and inform him of his misgivings. But, when
+he got to the door with this intention, he became ashamed of his fears;
+and feeling convinced that Jack&mdash;bad as he might be&mdash;was not capable of
+such atrocious conduct as to plunder his benefactor twice, he contented
+himself with looking to the priming of his pistols, and placing them
+near him, to be ready in case of need, he threw himself on the bed and
+speedily fell asleep.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_II" id="CHAPTER_3_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Burglary at Dollis Hill.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Thames Darrell's fears were not, however, groundless. Danger, in the
+form he apprehended, was lurking <span class="pagenum">Page 250</span><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250"></a>outside: nor was he destined to enjoy
+long repose. On receiving the warning note from the ostler, Jack
+Sheppard and his companion left Willesden, and taking&mdash;as a blind&mdash;the
+direction of Harrow, returned at night-fall by a by-lane to Neasdon, and
+put up at a little public-house called the Spotted Dog. Here they
+remained till midnight when, calling for their reckoning and their
+steeds, they left the house.</p>
+
+<p>It was a night well-fitted to their enterprise, calm, still, and
+profoundly dark. As they passed beneath the thick trees that shade the
+road to Dollis Hill, the gloom was almost impenetrable. The robbers
+proceeded singly, and kept on the grass skirting the road, so that no
+noise was made by their horses' feet.</p>
+
+<p>As they neared the house, Jack Sheppard, who led the way, halted and
+addressed his companion in a low voice:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't half like this job, Blueskin,&quot; he said; &quot;it always went against
+the grain. But, since I've seen the friend and companion of my
+childhood, Thames Darrell, I've no heart for it. Shall we turn back?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And disappoint Mr. Wild, Captain?&quot; remonstrated the other, in a
+deferential tone. &quot;You know this is a pet project. It might be dangerous
+to thwart him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pish!&quot; cried Jack: &quot;I don't value his anger a straw. All our fraternity
+are afraid of him; but <i>I</i> laugh at his threats. He daren't quarrel with
+me: and if he does, let him look to himself. I've my own reasons for
+disliking this job.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, you know I always act under your orders, Captain,&quot; returned
+Blueskin; &quot;and if you give the word to retreat, I shall obey, of course:
+but I know what Edgeworth Bess will say when we go home empty-handed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why what will she say?&quot; inquired Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That we were afraid,&quot; replied the other; &quot;but never mind her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay; but I do mind her,&quot; cried Jack upon whom his comrade's observation
+had produced the desired effect. &quot;We'll do it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 251</span><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251"></a>That's right, Captain,&quot; rejoined Blueskin. &quot;You pledged yourself to
+Mr. Wild&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I did,&quot; interrupted Jack; &quot;and I never yet broke an engagement. Though
+a thief, Jack Sheppard is a man of his word.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To be sure he is,&quot; acquiesced Blueskin. &quot;I should like to meet the man
+who would dare to gainsay it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;One word before we begin, Blueskin,&quot; said Jack, authoritatively; &quot;in
+case the family should be alarmed&mdash;mind, no violence. There's one person
+in the house whom I wouldn't frighten for the world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wood's daughter, I suppose?&quot; observed the other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You've hit it,&quot; answered Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What say you to carrying her off, Captain?&quot; suggested Blueskin. &quot;If
+you've a fancy for the girl, we might do it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No&mdash;no,&quot; laughed Jack. &quot;Bess wouldn't bear a rival. But if you wish to
+do old Wood a friendly turn, you may bring his wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shouldn't mind ridding him of her,&quot; said Blueskin, gruffly; &quot;and if
+she comes in my way, may the devil seize me if I don't make short work
+with her!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You forget,&quot; rejoined Jack, sternly, &quot;I've just said I'll have no
+violence&mdash;mind that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this, they dismounted; and fastening their horses to a tree,
+proceeded towards the house. It was still so dark, that nothing could be
+distinguished except the heavy masses of timber by which the premises
+were surrounded; but as they advanced, lights were visible in some of
+the windows. Presently they came to a wall, on the other side of which
+the dog began to bark violently; but Blueskin tossed him a piece of
+prepared meat, and uttering a low growl, he became silent. They then
+clambered over a hedge, and scaling another wall, got into the garden at
+the back of the house. Treading with noiseless step over the soft mould,
+they soon reached the building. Arrived there, Jack felt about for a
+particular window; and having discovered the object of his search, and
+received the necessary implements from his companion, he instantly
+commenced operations. In <span class="pagenum">Page 252</span><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252"></a>a few seconds, the shutter flew open,&mdash;then
+the window,&mdash;and they were in the room. Jack now carefully closed the
+shutters, while Blueskin struck a light, with which he set fire to a
+candle. The room they were in was a sort of closet, with the door locked
+outside; but this was only a moment's obstacle to Jack, who with a
+chisel forced back the bolt. The operation was effected with so much
+rapidity and so little noise, that even if any one had been on the
+alert, he could scarcely have detected it. They then took off their
+boots, and crept stealthily up stairs, treading upon the point of their
+toes so cautiously, that not a board creaked beneath their weight.
+Pausing at each door on the landing, Jack placed his ear to the keyhole,
+and listened intently. Having ascertained by the breathing which room
+Thames occupied, he speedily contrived to fasten him in. He then tried
+the door of Mr. Wood's bed-chamber&mdash;it was locked, with the key left in
+it. This occasioned a little delay; but Jack, whose skill as a workman
+in the particular line he had chosen was unequalled, and who laughed at
+difficulties, speedily cut out a panel by means of a centre-bit and
+knife, took the key from the other side, and unlocked the door. Covering
+his face with a crape mask, and taking the candle from his associate,
+Jack entered the room; and, pistol in hand, stepped up to the bed, and
+approached the light to the eyes of the sleepers. The loud noise
+proceeding from the couch proved that their slumbers were deep and real;
+and unconscious of the danger in which she stood, Mrs. Wood turned over
+to obtain a more comfortable position. During this movement, Jack
+grasped the barrel of his pistol, held in his breath, and motioned to
+Blueskin, who bared a long knife, to keep still. The momentary alarm
+over, he threw a piece of-wash leather over a bureau, so as to deaden
+the sound, and instantly broke it open with a small crow-bar. While he
+was filling his pockets with golden coin from this store, Blueskin had
+pulled the plate-chest from under the bed, and having forced it open,
+began filling a canvass bag with its contents,&mdash;silver coffee-pots,
+chocolate-dishes, waiters <span class="pagenum">Page 253</span><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253"></a>trays, tankards, goblets, and candlesticks.
+It might be supposed that these articles, when thrust together into the
+bag, would have jingled; but these skilful practitioners managed matters
+so well that no noise was made. After rifling the room of everything
+portable, including some of Mrs. Wood's ornaments and wearing apparel,
+they prepared to depart. Jack then intimated his intention of visiting
+Winifred's chamber, in which several articles of value were known to be
+kept; but as, notwithstanding his reckless character, he still retained
+a feeling of respect for the object of his boyish affections, he would
+not suffer Blueskin to accompany him, so he commanded him to keep watch
+over the sleepers&mdash;strictly enjoining him, however, to do them no
+injury. Again having recourse to the centre-bit,&mdash;for Winifred's door
+was locked,&mdash;Jack had nearly cut out a panel, when a sudden outcry was
+raised in the carpenter's chamber. The next moment, a struggle was
+heard, and Blueskin appeared at the door, followed by Mrs. Wood.</p>
+
+<p>Jack instandly extinguished the light, and called to his comrade to come
+after him.</p>
+
+<p>But Blueskin found it impossible to make off,&mdash;at least with the
+spoil,&mdash;Mrs. Wood having laid hold of the canvass-bag.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Give back the things!&quot; cried the, lady. &quot;Help!&mdash;help, Mr. Wood!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Leave go!&quot; thundered Blueskin&mdash;&quot;leave go&mdash;you'd better!&quot;&mdash;and he held
+the sack as firmly as he could with one hand, while with the other he
+searched for his knife.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I won't leave go!&quot; screamed Mrs. Wood.
+&quot;Fire!&mdash;murder&mdash;thieves!&mdash;I've got one of 'em!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come along,&quot; cried Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't,&quot; answered Blueskin. &quot;This she-devil has got hold of the sack.
+Leave go, I tell you!&quot; and he forced open the knife with his teeth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Help!&mdash;murder!&mdash;thieves!&quot; screamed Mrs. Wood;&mdash;&quot;Owen&mdash;Owen!&mdash;Thames,
+help!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Coming!&quot; cried Mr. Wood, leaping from the bed. &quot;Where are you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 254</span><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254"></a>Here,&quot; replied Mrs. Wood. &quot;Help&mdash;I'll hold him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Leave her,&quot; cried Jack, darting down stairs, amid a furious ringing of
+bells,&mdash;&quot;the house is alarmed,&mdash;follow me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Curses light on you!&quot; cried Blueskin, savagely; &quot;since you won't be
+advised, take your fate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And seizing her by the hair, he pulled back her head, and drew the knife
+with all his force across her throat. There was a dreadful stifled
+groan, and she fell heavily upon the landing.</p>
+
+<p>The screams of the unfortunate woman had aroused Thames from his
+slumbers. Snatching-up his pistols, he rushed to the door, but to his
+horror found it fastened. He heard the struggle on the landing, the fall
+of the heavy body, the groan,&mdash;and excited almost to frenzy by his
+fears, he succeeded in forcing open the door. By this time, several of
+the terrified domestics appeared with lights. A terrible spectacle was
+presented to the young man's gaze:&mdash;the floor deluged with blood&mdash;the
+mangled and lifeless body of Mrs. Wood,&mdash;Winifred fainted in the arms of
+a female attendant,&mdash;and Wood standing beside them almost in a state of
+distraction. Thus, in a few minutes, had this happy family been plunged
+into the depths of misery. At this juncture, a cry was raised by a
+servant from below, that the robbers were flying through the garden.
+Darting to a window looking in that direction, Thames threw it up, and
+discharged both his pistols, but without effect. In another minute, the
+tramp of horses' feet told that the perpetrators of the outrage had
+effected their escape.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_III" id="CHAPTER_3_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>Jack Sheppard's Quarrel with Jonathan Wild.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Scarcely an hour after the horrible occurrence just related, as Jonathan
+Wild was seated in the audience-chamber of his residence at the Old
+Bailey, occupied, like Peachum, (for whose portrait he sat,) with his
+account-books and registers, he was interrupted by the <span class="pagenum">Page 255</span><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255"></a>sudden entrance
+of Quilt Arnold, who announced Jack Sheppard and Blueskin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; cried Wild, laying down his pen and looking up with a smile of
+satisfaction. &quot;I was just thinking of you Jack. What news. Have you done
+the trick at Dollis Hill?&mdash;brought off the swag&mdash;eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; answered Jack, flinging himself sullenly into a chair, &quot;I've not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why how's this?&quot; exclaimed Jonathan. &quot;Jack Sheppard failed! I'd not
+believe it, if any one but himself told me so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'v not failed,&quot; returned Jack, angrily; &quot;but we've done too much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm no reader of riddles,&quot; said Jonathan. &quot;Speak plainly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let this speak for me,&quot; said Sheppard, tossing a heavy bag of money
+towards him. &quot;You can generally understand that language. There's more
+than I undertook to bring. It has been purchased by blood!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What! have you cut old Wood's throat?&quot; asked Wild, with great
+unconcern, as he took up the bag.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If I <i>had</i>, you'd not have seen me here,&quot; replied Jack, sullenly. &quot;The
+blood that has been spilt is that of his wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was her own fault,&quot; observed Blueskin, moodily. &quot;She wouldn't let me
+go. I did it in self-defence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I care not why you did it,&quot; said Jack, sternly. &quot;We work together no
+more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come, come, Captain,&quot; remonstrated Blueskin. &quot;I thought you'd have got
+rid of your ill-humour by this time. You know as well as I do that it
+was accident.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Accident or not,&quot; rejoined Sheppard; &quot;you're no longer pall of mine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And so this is my reward for having made you the tip-top cracksman you
+are,&quot; muttered Blueskin;&mdash;&quot;to be turned off at a moment's notice,
+because I silenced a noisy woman. It's too hard. Think better of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My mind's made up,&quot; rejoined Jack, coldly,&mdash;&quot;we part to-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 256</span><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256"></a>I'll not go,&quot; answered the other. &quot;I love you like a son, and will
+follow you like a dog. You'd not know what to do without me, and shan't
+drive me off.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well!&quot; remarked Jonathan, who had paid little attention to the latter
+part of the conversation: &quot;this is an awkward business certainly: but we
+must do the best we can in it. You must keep out of the way till it's
+blown over. I can accommodate you below.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't require it,&quot; returned Sheppard. &quot;I'm tired of the life I'm
+leading. I shall quit it and go abroad.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll go with you,&quot; said Blueskin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Before either of you go, you will ask my permission,&quot; said Jonathan,
+coolly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How!&quot; exclaimed Sheppard. &quot;Do you mean to say you will interfere&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I mean to say this,&quot; interrupted Wild, with contemptuous calmness,
+&quot;that I'll neither allow you to leave England nor the profession you've
+engaged in. I wouldn't allow you to be honest even if you could be
+so,&mdash;which I doubt. You are my slave&mdash;and such you shall continue.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Slave?&quot; echoed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dare to disobey,&quot; continued Jonathan: &quot;neglect my orders, and I will
+hang you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sheppard started to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear me,&quot; he cried, restraining himself with difficulty. &quot;It is time
+you should know whom you have to deal with. Henceforth, I utterly throw
+off the yoke you have laid upon me. I will neither stir hand nor foot
+for you more. Attempt to molest me, and I split. You are more in my
+power than I am in yours. Jack Sheppard is a match for Jonathan Wild,
+any day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That he is,&quot; added Blueskin, approvingly.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan smiled contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;One motive alone shall induce me to go on with you,&quot; said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's that?&quot; asked Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The youth whom you delivered to Van Galgebrok,&mdash;Thames Darrell, is
+returned.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Impossible!&quot; cried Jonathan. &quot;He was thrown overboard, and perished at
+sea.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 257</span><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257"></a>He is alive,&quot; replied Jack, &quot;I have seen him, and might have conversed
+with him if I had chosen. Now, I know you can restore him to his rights,
+if you choose. Do so; and I am yours as heretofore.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Humph!&quot; exclaimed Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your answer!&quot; cried Sheppard. &quot;Yes, or no?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will make no terms with you,&quot; rejoined Wild, sternly. &quot;You have
+defied me, and shall feel my power. You have been useful to me, or I
+would not have spared you thus long. I swore to hang you two years ago,
+but I deferred my purpose.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Deferred!&quot; echoed Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear me out,&quot; said Jonathan. &quot;You came hither under my protection, and
+you shall depart freely,&mdash;nay, more, you shall have an hour's grace.
+After that time, I shall place my setters on your heels.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You cannot prevent my departure,&quot; replied Jack, dauntlessly, &quot;and
+therefore your offer is no favour. But I tell you in return, I shall
+take no pains to hide myself. If you want me, you know where to find
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;An hour,&quot; said Jonathan, looking at his watch,&mdash;&quot;remember!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you send for me to the Cross Shovels in the Mint, where I'm going
+with Blueskin, I will surrender myself without resistance,&quot; returned
+Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You will spare the officers a labour then,&quot; rejoined Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't I settle this business, Captain,&quot; muttered Blueskin, drawing a
+pistol.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't harm him,&quot; said Jack, carelessly: &quot;he dares not do it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he left the room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Blueskin,&quot; said Jonathan, as that worthy was about to follow, &quot;I advise
+you to remain with me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; answered the ruffian, moodily. &quot;If you arrest him, you must arrest
+me also.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As you will,&quot; said Jonathan, seating himself.</p>
+
+<p>Jack and his comrade went to the Mint, where he was joined by Edgeworth
+Bess, with whom he sat down most unconcernedly to supper. His revelry,
+however, <span class="pagenum">Page 258</span><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258"></a>was put an end at the expiration of the time mentioned by
+Jonathan, by the entrance of a posse of constables with Quilt Arnold and
+Abraham Mendez at their head. Jack, to the surprise of all his
+companions, at once surrendered himself: but Blueskin would have made a
+fierce resistance, and attempted a rescue if he had not been ordered by
+his leader to desist. He then made off. Edgeworth Bess, who passed for
+Sheppard's wife, was secured. They were hurried before a magistrate, and
+charged by Jonathan Wild with various robberies; but, as Jack Sheppard
+stated that he had most important disclosures to make, as well as
+charges to bring forward against his accuser, he was committed with his
+female companion to the New Prison in Clerkenwell for further
+examination.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_IV" id="CHAPTER_3_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>Jack Sheppard's Escape from the New Prison.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>In consequence of Jack Sheppard's desperate character, it was judged
+expedient by the keeper of the New Prison to load him with fetters of
+unusual weight, and to place him in a cell which, from its strength and
+security, was called the Newgate Ward. The ward in which he was
+confined, was about six yards in length, and three in width, and in
+height, might be about twelve feet. The windows which were about nine
+feet from the floor, had no glass; but were secured by thick iron bars,
+and an oaken beam. Along the floor ran an iron bar to which Jack's chain
+was attached, so that he could move along it from one end of the chamber
+to the other. No prisoner except Edgeworth Bess was placed in the same
+cell with him. Jack was in excellent spirits; and by his wit, drollery
+and agreeable demeanour, speedily became a great favourite with the
+turnkey, who allowed him every indulgence consistent with his situation.
+The report of his detention caused an immense sensation. Numberless
+charges were preferred against him, amongst others, information was
+lodged of the robbery at Dollis Hill, and murder of Mrs. Wood, and a
+large reward <span class="pagenum">Page 259</span><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259"></a>offered for the apprehension of Blueskin; and as, in
+addition to this, Jack had threatened to impeach Wild, his next
+examination was looked forward to with the greatest interest.</p>
+
+<p>The day before this examination was appointed to take place&mdash;the third
+of the prisoner's detention&mdash;an old man, respectably dressed, requested
+permission to see him. Jack's friends were allowed to visit him,; but as
+he had openly avowed his intention of attempting an escape, their
+proceedings were narrowly watched. The old man was conducted to Jack's
+cell by the turnkey, who remained near him during their interview. He
+appeared to be a stranger to the prisoner, and the sole motive of his
+visit, curiosity. After a brief conversation, which Sheppard sustained
+with his accustomed liveliness, the old man turned to Bess and addressed
+a few words of common-place gallantry to her. While this was going on,
+Jack suddenly made a movement which attracted the turnkey's attention;
+and during that interval the old man slipped some articles wrapped in a
+handkerchief into Bess's hands, who instantly secreted them in her
+bosom. The turnkey looked round the next moment, but the manoeuvre
+escaped his observation. After a little further discourse the old man
+took his departure.</p>
+
+<p>Left alone with Edgeworth Bess, Jack burst into a loud laugh of
+exultation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Blueskin's a friend in need,&quot; he said. &quot;His disguise was capital; but I
+detected it in a moment. Has he given you the tools?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He has,&quot; replied Bess, producing the handkerchief.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bravo,&quot; cried Sheppard, examining its contents, which proved to be a
+file, a chisel, two or three gimblets, and a piercer. &quot;Jonathan Wild
+shall find it's not easy to detain me. As sure as he is now living, I'll
+pay him a visit in the Old Bailey before morning. And then I'll pay off
+old scores. It's almost worth while being sent to prison to have the
+pleasure of escaping. I shall now be able to test my skill.&quot; And running
+on in this way, he carefully concealed the tools.</p>
+
+<p>Whether the turnkey entertained any suspicion of the old man, Jack could
+not tell, but that night he was more <span class="pagenum">Page 260</span><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260"></a>than usually rigorous in his
+search; and having carefully examined the prisoners and finding nothing
+to excite his suspicions, he departed tolerably satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he was certain he should be disturbed no more, Jack set to
+work, and with the aid of the file in less than an hour had freed
+himself from his fetters. With Bess's assistance he then climbed up to
+the window, which, as has just been stated, was secured by iron bars of
+great thickness crossed by a stout beam of oak. The very sight of these
+impediments, would have appalled a less courageous spirit than
+Sheppard's&mdash;but nothing could daunt him. To work then he went, and with
+wonderful industry filed off two of the iron bars. Just as he completed
+this operation, the file broke. The oaken beam, nine inches in
+thickness, was now the sole but most formidable obstacle to his flight.
+With his gimblet he contrived to bore a number of holes so close
+together that at last one end of the bar, being completely pierced
+through, yielded; and pursuing the same with the other extremity, it
+fell out altogether.</p>
+
+<p>This last operation was so fatiguing, that for a short time he was
+obliged to pause to recover the use of his fingers. He then descended;
+and having induced Bess to take off some part of her clothing, he tore
+the gown and petticoat into shreds and twisted them into a sort of rope
+which he fastened to the lower bars of the window. With some difficulty
+he contrived to raise her to the window, and with still greater
+difficulty to squeeze her through it&mdash;her bulk being much greater than
+his own. He then made a sort of running noose, passed it over her body,
+and taking firmly hold of the bars, prepared to guide her descent. But
+Bess could scarcely summon resolution enough to hazard the experiment;
+and it was only on Jack's urgent intreaties, and even threats, that she
+could be prevailed on to trust herself to the frail tenure of the rope
+he had prepared. At length, however, she threw herself off; and Jack
+carefully guiding the rope she landed in safety.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment he was by her side.</p>
+
+<p>But the great point was still unaccomplished. They had escaped from the
+New Prison, it is true; but the <span class="pagenum">Page 261</span><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261"></a>wall of Clerkenwell Bridewell, by which
+that jail was formerly surrounded, and which was more than twenty feet
+high, and protected by formidable and bristling <i>chevaux de frise</i>,
+remained to be scaled. Jack, however, had an expedient for mastering
+this difficulty. He ventured to the great gates, and by inserting his
+gimblets into the wood at intervals, so as to form points upon which he
+could rest his foot, he contrived, to ascend them; and when at the top,
+having fastened a portion of his dress to the spikes, he managed, not
+without considerable risk, to draw up his female companion. Once over
+the iron spikes, Bess exhibited no reluctance to be let down on the
+other side of the wall. Having seen his mistress safe down, Jack
+instantly descended, leaving the best part of his clothes, as a memorial
+of his flight, to the jailor.</p>
+
+<p>And thus he effected his escape from the New Prison.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_V" id="CHAPTER_3_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Disguise.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>In a hollow in the meadows behind the prison whence Jack Sheppard had
+escaped,&mdash;for, at this time, the whole of the now thickly-peopled
+district north of Clerkenwell Bridewell was open country, stretching out
+in fertile fields in the direction of Islington&mdash;and about a quarter of
+a mile off, stood a solitary hovel, known as Black Mary's Hole. This
+spot, which still retains its name, acquired the appellation from an old
+crone who lived there, and who, in addition to a very equivocal
+character for honesty, enjoyed the reputation of being a witch. Without
+inquiring into the correctness of the latter part of the story, it may
+be sufficient to state, that Black Mary was a person in whom Jack
+Sheppard thought he could confide, and, as Edgeworth Bess was incapable
+of much further exertion, he determined to leave her in the old woman's
+care till the following night, while he shifted for himself and
+fulfilled his design&mdash;for, however rash or hazardous a project might be,
+if once <span class="pagenum">Page 262</span><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262"></a>conceived, Jack always executed it,&mdash;of visiting Jonathan Wild
+at his house in the Old Bailey.</p>
+
+<p>It was precisely two o'clock on the morning of Whit-monday, the 25th of
+May 1724, when the remarkable escape before detailed was completed: and,
+though it wanted full two hours to daybreak, the glimmer of a waning
+moon prevented it from being totally dark. Casting a hasty glance, as he
+was about to turn an angle of the wall, at the great gates and upper
+windows of the prison, and perceiving no symptoms of pursuit, Jack
+proceeded towards the hovel at a very deliberate pace, carefully
+assisting his female companion over every obstacle in the road, and
+bearing her in his arms when, as was more than once the case, she sank
+from fright and exhaustion. In this way he crossed one or two public
+gardens and a bowling-green,&mdash;the neighbourhood of Clerkenwell then
+abounded in such places of amusement,&mdash;passed the noted Ducking Pond,
+where Black Mary had been frequently immersed; and, striking off to the
+left across the fields, arrived in a few minutes at his destination.</p>
+
+<p>Descending the hollow, or rather excavation,&mdash;for it was an old disused
+clay-pit, at the bottom of which the cottage was situated,&mdash;he speedily
+succeeded in arousing the ancient sibyl, and having committed Edgeworth
+Bess to her care, with a promise of an abundant reward in case she
+watched diligently over her safety, and attended to her comforts till
+his return,&mdash;to all which Black Mary readily agreed,&mdash;he departed with a
+heart lightened of half its load.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's first object was to seek out Blueskin, whom he had no doubt he
+should find at the New Mint, at Wapping, for the Old Mint no longer
+afforded a secure retreat to the robber; and, with this view, he
+made the best of his way along a bye-lane leading towards
+Hockley-in-the-Hole. He had not proceeded far when he was alarmed by the
+tramp of a horse, which seemed to be rapidly approaching, and he had
+scarcely time to leap the hedge and conceal himself behind a tree, when
+a tall man, enveloped in an ample cloak, with his hat pulled over his
+<span class="pagenum">Page 263</span><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263"></a>brows, rode by at full speed. Another horseman followed quickly at the
+heels of the first; but just as he passed the spot where Jack stood, his
+steed missed its footing, and fell. Either ignorant of the accident, or
+heedless of it, the foremost horseman pursued his way without even
+turning his head.</p>
+
+<p>Conceiving the opportunity too favourable to be lost, Jack sprang
+suddenly over the hedge, and before the man, who was floundering on the
+ground with one foot in the stirrup, could extricate himself from his
+embarrassing position, secured his pistols, which he drew from the
+holsters, and held them to his head. The fellow swore lustily, in a
+voice which Jack instantly recognised as that of Quilt Arnold, and
+vainly attempted to rise and draw his sword.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dog!&quot; thundered Sheppard, putting the muzzle of the pistol so close to
+the janizary's ear, that the touch of the cold iron made him start,
+&quot;don't you know me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Blood and thunder!&quot; exclaimed Quilt, opening his eyes with
+astonishment. &quot;It can't be Captain Sheppard!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It <i>is</i>,&quot; replied Jack; &quot;and you had better have met the devil on your
+road than me. Do you remember what I said when you took me at the Mint
+four days ago? I told you my turn would come. It <i>has</i> come,&mdash;and sooner
+than you expected.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I find, Captain,&quot; rejoined Quilt, submissively; &quot;but you're too
+noble-hearted to take advantage of my situation. Besides, I acted for
+others, and not for myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know it,&quot; replied Sheppard, &quot;and therefore I spare your life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was sure you wouldn't injure me, Captain,&quot; remarked Quilt, in a
+wheedling tone, while he felt about for his sword; &quot;you're far too brave
+to strike a fallen man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! traitor!&quot; cried Jack, who had noticed the movement; &quot;make such
+another attempt, and it shall cost you your life.&quot; So saying, he
+unbuckled the belt to which the janizary's hanger was attached, and
+fastened it to his own girdle.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now,&quot; he continued, sternly, &quot;was it your master who has just
+ridden by?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 264</span><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264"></a>No,&quot; answered Quilt, sullenly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who, then?&quot; demanded Jack. &quot;Speak, or I fire!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, if you <i>will</i> have it, it's Sir Rowland Trenchard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sir Rowland Trenchard!&quot; echoed Jack, in amazement. &quot;What are you doing
+with him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a long story, Captain, and I've no breath to tell it,&mdash;unless you
+choose to release me,&quot; rejoined Quilt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Get up, then,&quot; said Jack, freeing his foot from the stirrup.
+&quot;Now&mdash;begin.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Quilt, however, seemed unwilling to speak.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should be sorry to proceed to extremities,&quot; continued Sheppard, again
+raising the pistol.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, since you force me to betray my master's secrets,&quot; replied Quilt,
+sullenly, &quot;I've ridden express to Manchester to deliver a message to Sir
+Rowland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Respecting Thames Darrell?&quot; observed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, how the devil did you happen to guess that?&quot; cried the janizary.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No matter,&quot; replied Sheppard. &quot;I'm glad to find I'm right. You informed
+Sir Rowland that Thames Darrell was returned?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Exactly so,&quot; replied Quilt, &quot;and he instantly decided upon returning to
+London with me. We've ridden post all the way, and I'm horribly tired,
+or you wouldn't have mastered me so easily.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps not,&quot; replied Jack, to whom an idea had suddenly occurred.
+&quot;Now, Sir, I'll trouble you for your coat. I've left mine on the spikes
+of the New Prison, and must borrow yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, surely you can't be in earnest, Captain. You wouldn't rob Mr.
+Wild's chief janizary?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'd rob Mr. Wild himself if I met him,&quot; retorted Jack. &quot;Come, off with
+it, sirrah, or I'll blow out your brains, in the first place, and strip
+you afterwards.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, rather than you should commit so great a crime, Captain, here it
+is,&quot; replied Quilt, handing him the garment in question. &quot;Anything
+else?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your waistcoat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Zounds! Captain, I shall get my death of cold. I was in hopes you'd be
+content with my hat and wig.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 265</span><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265"></a>I shall require them as well,&quot; rejoined Sheppard; &quot;and your boots.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My boots! Fire and fury! They won't fit you; they are too large.
+Besides, how am I to ride home without them?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't distress yourself,&quot; returned Jack, &quot;you shall walk. Now,&quot; he
+added, as his commands were reluctantly obeyed, &quot;help me on with them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Quilt knelt down, as if he meant to comply; but, watching his
+opportunity, he made a sudden grasp at Sheppard's leg, with the
+intention of overthrowing him.</p>
+
+<p>But Jack was too nimble for him. Striking out his foot, he knocked half
+a dozen teeth down the janizary's throat; and, seconding the kick with a
+blow on the head from the butt-end of the pistol, stretched him,
+senseless and bleeding on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Like master like man,&quot; observed Jack as he rolled the inanimate body to
+the side of the road. &quot;From Jonathan Wild's confidential servant what
+could be expected but treachery?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he proceeded to dress himself in Quilt Arnold's clothes,
+pulled the wig over his face and eyes so as completely to conceal his
+features, slouched the hat over his brows, drew the huge boots above his
+knees, and muffled himself up in the best way he could. On searching the
+coat, he found, amongst other matters, a mask, a key, and a pocket-book.
+The latter appeared to contain several papers, which Jack carefully put
+by, in the hope that they might turn out of importance in a scheme of
+vengeance which he meditated against the thief-taker. He then mounted
+the jaded hack, which had long since regained its legs, and was quietly
+browsing the grass at the road-side, and, striking spurs into its side,
+rode off. He had not proceeded far when he encountered Sir Rowland, who,
+having missed his attendant, had returned to look after him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What has delayed you?&quot; demanded the knight impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My horse has had a fall,&quot; replied Jack, assuming to perfection&mdash;for he
+was a capital mimic,&mdash;the tones of <span class="pagenum">Page 266</span><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266"></a>Quilt Arnold. &quot;It was some time
+before I could get him to move.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I fancied I heard voices,&quot; rejoined Sir Rowland.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So did I,&quot; answered Jack; &quot;we had better move on. This is a noted place
+for highwaymen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I thought you told me that the rascal who has so long been the terror
+of the town&mdash;Jack Sheppard&mdash;was in custody.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So he is,&quot; returned Jack; &quot;but there's no saying how long he may remain
+so. Besides, there are greater rascals than Jack Sheppard at liberty,
+Sir Rowland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sir Rowland made no reply, but angrily quickened his pace. The pair then
+descended Saffron-hill, threaded Field-lane, and, entering Holborn,
+passed over the little bridge which then crossed the muddy waters of
+Fleet-ditch, mounted Snow-hill, and soon drew in the bridle before
+Jonathan Wild's door. Aware of Quilt Arnold's mode of proceeding, Jack
+instantly dismounted, and, instead of knocking, opened the door with the
+pass-key. The porter instantly made his appearance, and Sheppard ordered
+him to take care of the horses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, what sort of journey have you had, Quilt?&quot; asked the man as he
+hastened to assist Sir Rowland to dismount.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! we've lost no time, as you perceive,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;Is the
+governor within?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; you'll find him in the audience-chamber. He has got Blueskin with
+him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! indeed! what's he doing here?&quot; inquired Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come to buy off Jack Sheppard, I suppose,&quot; replied the fellow. &quot;But it
+won't do. Mr. Wild has made up his mind, and, when that's the case, all
+the persuasion on earth won't turn him. Jack will be tried to-morrow;
+and, as sure as my name's Obadiah Lemon he'll take up his quarters at
+the King's-Head,&quot; pointing to Newgate, &quot;over the way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, we shall see,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;Look to the horses, Obadiah. This
+way, Sir Rowland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As familiar as Quilt Arnold himself with every part of Wild's mysterious
+abode, as well as with the ways of its <span class="pagenum">Page 267</span><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267"></a>inmates, Jack, without a
+moment's hesitation, took up a lamp which was burning in the hall, and
+led his companion up the great stone stairs. Arrived at the
+audience-chamber, he set down the light upon a stand, threw open the
+door, and announced in a loud voice, but with the perfect intonation of
+the person he represented,&mdash;&quot;Sir Rowland Trenchard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan, who was engaged in conversation with Blueskin, instantly
+arose, and bowed with cringing ceremoniousness to the knight. The latter
+haughtily returned his salutation, and flung himself, as if exhausted,
+into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You've arrived sooner than I expected, Sir Rowland,&quot; observed the
+thief-taker. &quot;Lost no time on the road&mdash;eh!&mdash;I didn't expect you till
+to-morrow at the earliest. Excuse me an instant while I dismiss this
+person.&mdash;You've your answer, Blueskin,&quot; he added, pushing that
+individual, who seemed unwilling to depart, towards the door; &quot;it's
+useless to urge the matter further. Jack is registered in the Black
+Book.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;One word before I go,&quot; urged Blueskin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not a syllable,&quot; replied Wild. &quot;If you talk as long as an Old Bailey
+counsel, you'll not alter my determination.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Won't my life do as well as his?&quot; supplicated the other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Humph!&quot; exclaimed Jonathan, doubtfully. &quot;And you would surrender
+yourself&mdash;eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll surrender myself at once, if you'll engage to bring him off; and
+you'll get the reward from old Wood. It's two hundred pounds. Recollect
+that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Faithful fellow!&quot; murmured Jack. &quot;I forgive him his disobedience.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will you do it?&quot; persisted Blueskin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; replied Wild; &quot;and I've only listened to your absurd proposal to
+see how far your insane attachment to this lad would carry you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>do</i> love him,&quot; cried Blueskin, &quot;and that's the long and short of it.
+I've taught him all he can do; and there isn't his fellow, and never
+will be again. I've seen many <span class="pagenum">Page 268</span><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268"></a>a clever cracksman, but never one like
+him. If you hang Jack Sheppard, you'll cut off the flower o' the
+purfession. But I'll not believe it of you. It's all very well to read
+him a lesson, and teach him obedience; but you've gone far enough for
+that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not quite,&quot; rejoined the thief-taker, significantly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well,&quot; growled Blueskin, &quot;you've had my offer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you my warning,&quot; retorted Wild. &quot;Good night!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Blueskin,&quot; whispered Jack, in his natural tones, as the other passed
+him, &quot;wait without.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Power o' mercy!&quot; cried Blueskin starting.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the matter?&quot; demanded Jonathan, harshly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nothin'&mdash;nothin',&quot; returned Blueskin; &quot;only I thought&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You saw the hangman, no doubt,&quot; said Jack. &quot;Take courage, man; it is
+only Quilt Arnold. Come, make yourself scarce. Don't you see Mr. Wild's
+busy.&quot; And then he added, in an under tone, &quot;Conceal yourself outside,
+and be within call.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Blueskin nodded, and left the room. Jack affected to close the door, but
+left it slightly ajar.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What did you say to him?&quot; inquired Jonathan, suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I advised him not to trouble you farther about Jack Sheppard,&quot; answered
+the supposed janizary.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He seems infatuated about the lad,&quot; observed Wild. &quot;I shall be obliged
+to hang him to keep him company. And now, Sir Rowland,&quot; he continued,
+turning to the knight, &quot;to our own concerns. It's a long time since we
+met, eight years and more. I hope you've enjoyed your health. 'Slife!
+you are wonderfully altered. I should scarcely have known you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The knight was indeed greatly changed. Though not much passed the middle
+term of life, he seemed prematurely stricken with old age. His frame was
+wasted, and slightly bent; his eyes were hollow, his complexion haggard,
+and his beard, which had remained unshorn during his hasty journey, was
+perfectly white. His manner, however, was as stern and haughty as ever,
+and his glances retained their accustomed fire.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 269</span><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269"></a>I did not come hither to consult you as to the state of my health,
+Sir,&quot; he observed, displeased by Jonathan's allusion to the alteration
+in his appearance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;True,&quot; replied Wild. &quot;You were no doubt surprised by the unlooked-for
+intelligence I sent you of your nephew's return?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Was it <i>unlooked-for</i> on your part?&quot; demanded the knight,
+distrustfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On my soul, yes,&quot; rejoined Jonathan. &quot;I should as soon have expected
+the bones of Tom Sheppard to reunite themselves and walk out of that
+case, as Thames Darrell to return. The skipper, Van Galgebrok, affirmed
+to me,&mdash;nay, gave me the additional testimony of two of his crew,&mdash;that
+he was thrown overboard. But it appears he was picked up by fishermen,
+and carried to France, where he has remained ever since, and where it
+would have been well for him if he had remained altogether.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have you seen him?&quot; asked Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have,&quot; replied Wild; &quot;and nothing but the evidence of my senses would
+have made me believe he was living, after the positive assurance I
+received to the contrary. He is at present with Mr. Wood,&mdash;the person
+whom you may remember adopted him,&mdash;at Dollis Hill, near Willesden; and
+it's a singular but fortunate circumstance, so far as we are concerned,
+that Mrs. Wood chanced to be murdered by Blueskin, the fellow who just
+left the room, on the very night of his return, as it has thrown the
+house into such confusion, and so distracted them, that he has had no
+time as yet for hostile movements.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And what course do you propose to pursue in reference to him?&quot; asked
+Sir Rowland.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My plan is a very simple one,&quot; rejoined the thief-taker smiling
+bitterly. &quot;I would treat him as you treated his father, Sir Rowland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Murder him!&quot; cried Trenchard shuddering.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, murder him, if you like the term,&quot; returned Wild. &quot;I should call it
+putting him out of the way. But no matter how you phrase it, the end is
+the same.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 270</span><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270"></a>I cannot consent to it,&quot; replied Sir Rowland firmly. &quot;Since the sea
+has spared him, I will spare him. It is in vain to struggle against the
+arm of fate. I will shed no more blood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And perish upon the gibbet,&quot; rejoined Jonathan contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Flight is still left me,&quot; replied Trenchard. &quot;I can escape to France.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And do you think I'll allow you to depart,&quot; cried Jonathan in a
+menacing tone, &quot;and compromise <i>my</i> safety? No, no. We are linked
+together in this matter, and must go through with it. You cannot&mdash;shall
+not retreat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Death and hell!&quot; cried Sir Rowland, rising and drawing his sword; &quot;do
+you think you can shackle my free will, villain?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In this particular instance I do, Sir Rowland,&quot; replied Jonathan,
+calmly, &quot;because you are wholly in my power. But be patient, I am your
+fast friend. Thames Darrell MUST die. Our mutual safety requires it.
+Leave the means to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;More blood! more blood!&quot; cried Trenchard, passing his hand with agony
+across his brow. &quot;Shall I never banish those horrible phantoms from my
+couch&mdash;the father with his bleeding breast and dripping hair!&mdash;the
+mother with her wringing hands and looks of vengeance and reproach!&mdash;And
+must another be added to their number&mdash;their son! Horror!&mdash;let me be
+spared this new crime! And yet the gibbet&mdash;my name tarnished&mdash;my
+escutcheon blotted by the hangman!&mdash;No, I cannot submit to that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should think not,&quot; observed Jonathan, who had some practice in the
+knight's moods, and knew how to humour him. &quot;It's a miserable weakness
+to be afraid of bloodshed.&mdash;The general who gives an order for wholesale
+carnage never sleeps a wink the less soundly for the midnight groans of
+his victims, and we should deride him as a coward if he did. And life is
+much the same, whether taken in battle, on the couch, or by the
+road-side. Besides those whom I've slain with my own hands, <span class="pagenum">Page 271</span><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271"></a>I've
+brought upwards of thirty persons to the gallows. Most of their relics
+are in yonder cases; but I don't remember that any of them have
+disturbed my rest. The mode of destruction makes no difference. It's
+precisely the same thing to me to bid my janizaries cut Thames Darrell's
+throat, as to order Jack Sheppard's execution.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As Jonathan said this, Jack's hand involuntarily sought a pistol.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But to the point,&quot; continued Wild, unconscious of the peril in which
+the remark had placed him,&mdash;&quot;to the point. On the terms that procured
+your liberation from Newgate, I will free you from this new danger.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Those terms were a third of my estate,&quot; observed Trenchard bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What of that,&quot; rejoined Jonathan. &quot;Any price was better than your head.
+If Thames Darrell escapes, you will lose both life and property.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;True, true,&quot; replied the knight, with an agonized look; &quot;there is no
+alternative.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;None whatever,&quot; rejoined Wild. &quot;Is it a bargain?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take half of my estate&mdash;take all&mdash;my life, if you will&mdash;I am weary of
+it!&quot; cried Trenchard passionately.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; replied Jonathan, &quot;I'll not take you at your word, as regards the
+latter proposition. We shall both, I hope, live to enjoy our
+shares&mdash;long after Thames Darrell is forgotten&mdash;ha! ha! A third of your
+estate I accept. And as these things should always be treated as matters
+of business, I'll just draw up a memorandum of our arrangement.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And, as he spoke, he took up a sheet of paper, and hastily traced a few
+lines upon it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sign this,&quot; he said, pushing the document towards Sir Rowland.</p>
+
+<p>The knight mechanically complied with his request.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Enough!&quot; cried Jonathan, eagerly pocketing the memorandum. &quot;And now, in
+return for your liberality, I'll inform you of a secret with which it is
+important you should be acquainted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 272</span><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272"></a>A secret!&quot; exclaimed Trenchard. &quot;Concerning whom?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mrs. Sheppard,&quot; replied Jonathan, mysteriously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mrs. Sheppard!&quot; echoed Jack, surprised out of his caution.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; exclaimed Wild, looking angrily towards his supposed attendant.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I beg pardon, Sir,&quot; replied Jack, with the accent and manner of the
+janizary; &quot;I was betrayed into the exclamation by my surprise that
+anything in which Sir Rowland Trenchard was interested could have
+reference to so humble a person as Mrs. Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be pleased, then, in future not to let your surprise find vent in
+words,&quot; rejoined Jonathan, sternly. &quot;My servants, like Eastern mutes,
+must have eyes, and ears,&mdash;and <i>hands</i>, if need be,&mdash;but no tongues. You
+understand me, sirrah?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perfectly,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;I'm dumb.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your secret?&quot; demanded Trenchard, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I need not remind you, Sir Rowland,&quot; replied Wild, &quot;that you had two
+sisters&mdash;Aliva and Constance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Both are dead,&quot; observed the knight, gloomily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not so;&quot; answered Wild. &quot;Constance is yet living.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Constance alive? Impossible!&quot; ejaculated Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've proofs to the contrary,&quot; replied Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If this is the case, where is she?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In Bedlam,&quot; replied the thief-taker, with a Satanic grin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Gracious Heaven!&quot; exclaimed the knight, upon whom a light seemed
+suddenly to break. &quot;You mentioned Mrs. Sheppard. What has she to with
+Constance Trenchard?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mrs. Sheppard <i>is</i> Constance Trenchard,&quot; replied Jonathan, maliciously.</p>
+
+<p>Here Jack Sheppard was unable to repress an exclamation of astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Again,&quot; cried Jonathan, sternly: &quot;beware!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What!&quot; vociferated Trenchard. &quot;My sister the wife of one condemned
+felon! the parent of another! It cannot be.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It <i>is</i> so, nevertheless,&quot; replied Wild. &quot;Stolen by a gipsy when
+scarcely five years old, Constance Trenchard, <span class="pagenum">Page 273</span><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273"></a>after various
+vicissitudes, was carried to London, where she lived in great poverty,
+with the dregs of society. It is useless to trace out her miserable
+career; though I can easily do so if you require it. To preserve
+herself, however, from destitution, or what she considered worse, she
+wedded a journeyman carpenter, named Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Alas! that one so highly born should submit to such a degradation?&quot;
+groaned the knight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I see nothing surprising in it,&quot; rejoined Jonathan. &quot;In the first
+place, she had no knowledge of her birth; and, consequently, no false
+pride to get rid of. In the second, she was wretchedly poor, and
+assailed by temptations of which you can form no idea. Distress like
+hers might palliate far greater offences than she ever committed. With
+the same inducements we should all do the same thing. Poor girl! she was
+beautiful once; so beautiful as to make <i>me</i>, who care little for the
+allurements of women, fancy myself enamoured of her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jack Sheppard again sought his pistol, and was only withheld from
+levelling it at the thief-taker's head, by the hope that he might gather
+some further information respecting his mother. And he had good reason
+before long to congratulate himself on his forbearance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What proof have you of the truth of this story?&quot; inquired Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This,&quot; replied Jonathan, taking a paper from a portfolio, and handing
+it to the knight, &quot;this written evidence, signed by Martha Cooper, the
+gipsy, by whom the girl was stolen, and who was afterwards executed for
+a similar crime. It is attested, you will observe, by the Reverend Mr.
+Purney, the present ordinary of Newgate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am acquainted with Mr. Purney's hand-writing,&quot; said Jack, advancing,
+&quot;and can at once decide whether this is a forgery or not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look at it, then,&quot; said Wild, giving him the portfolio.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's the ordinary's signature, undoubtedly,&quot; replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p>And as he gave back the portfolio to Sir Rowland he contrived,
+unobserved, to slip the precious document into his sleeve, and from
+thence into his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 274</span><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274"></a>And, does any of our bright blood flow in the veins of a ruffianly
+housebreaker?&quot; cried Trenchard, with a look of bewilderment. &quot;I'll not
+believe it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Others may, if you won't,&quot; muttered Jack, retiring. &quot;Thank Heaven! I'm
+not basely born.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, mark me,&quot; said Jonathan, &quot;and you'll find I don't do things by
+halves. By your father, Sir Montacute Trenchard's will, you are
+aware,&mdash;and, therefore, I need not repeat it, except for the special
+purpose I have in view,&mdash;you are aware, I say, that, by this will, in
+case your sister Aliva, died without issue, or, on the death of such
+issue, the property reverts to Constance and <i>her</i> issue.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hear,&quot; said Sir Rowland, moodily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I,&quot; muttered Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thames Darrell once destroyed,&quot; pursued Jonathan. &quot;Constance&mdash;or,
+rather, Mrs. Sheppard&mdash;becomes entitled to the estates; which
+eventually&mdash;provided he escaped the gallows&mdash;would descend to her son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha!&quot; exclaimed Jack, drawing in his breath, and leaning forward with
+intense curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Sir?&quot; gasped Sir Rowland.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But this need give you no uneasiness,&quot; pursued Jonathan; &quot;Mrs.
+Sheppard, as I told you, is in Bedlam, an incurable maniac; while her
+son is in the New Prison, whence he will only be removed to Newgate and
+Tyburn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So you think,&quot; muttered Jack, between his ground teeth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To make your mind perfectly easy on the score of Mrs. Sheppard,&quot;
+continued Jonathan; &quot;after we've disposed of Thames Darrell, I'll visit
+her in Bedlam; and, as I understand I form one of her chief terrors,
+I'll give her such a fright that I'll engage she shan't long survive
+it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Devil!&quot; muttered Jack, again grasping his pistol. But, feeling secure
+of vengeance, he determined to abide his time.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now, having got rid of the minor obstacles,&quot; said Jonathan, &quot;I'll
+submit a plan for the removal of the main difficulty. Thames Darrell,
+I've said, is at <span class="pagenum">Page 275</span><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275"></a>Mr. Wood's at Dollis Hill, wholly unsuspicious of any
+designs against him, and, in fact, entirely ignorant of your being
+acquainted with his return, or even of his existence. In this state, it
+will be easy to draw him into a snare. To-morrow night&mdash;or rather
+to-night, for we are fast verging on another day&mdash;I propose to lure him
+out of the house by a stratagem which I am sure will prove infallible;
+and, then, what so easy as to knock him on the head. To make sure work
+of it, I'll superintend the job myself. Before midnight, I'll answer for
+it, it shall be done. My janizaries shall go with me. You hear what I
+say, Quilt?&quot; he added, looking at Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do,&quot; replied Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Abraham Mendez will like the task,&mdash;for he has entertained a hatred to
+the memory of Thames Darrell ever since he received the wound in the
+head, when the two lads attempted to break out of St. Giles's
+round-house. I've despatched him to the New Prison. But I expect him
+back every minute.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The New Prison!&quot; exclaimed Sheppard. &quot;What is he gone there for?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With a message to the turnkey to look after his prisoner,&quot; replied
+Wild, with a cunning smile. &quot;Jack Sheppard had a visitor, I understand,
+yesterday, and may make an attempt to escape. It's as well to be on the
+safe side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is,&quot; replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, his quick ears detected the sound of footsteps on the
+stairs. He drew both his pistols, and prepared for a desperate
+encounter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There is another mystery I would have solved,&quot; said Trenchard,
+addressing Wild; &quot;you have told me much, but not enough.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you require further?&quot; asked Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The name and rank of Thames Darrell's father,&quot; said the knight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Another time,&quot; replied the thief-taker, evasively.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will have it now,&quot; rejoined Trenchard, &quot;or our agreement is void.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 276</span><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276"></a>You cannot help yourself, Sir Rowland,&quot; replied Jonathan,
+contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Indeed!&quot; replied the knight, drawing his sword, &quot;the secret, villain,
+or I will force it from you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Before Wild could make any reply, the door was thrown violently open,
+and Abraham Mendez rushed into the room, with a face of the utmost
+consternation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He hash eshcaped!&quot; cried the Jew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who? Jack!&quot; exclaimed Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yesh,&quot; replied Abraham. &quot;I vent to de New Prish'n, and on wishitin' his
+shel vid de turnkey, vot should ve find but de shains on de ground, de
+vinder broken, and Jack and Agevorth Besh gone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Damnation!&quot; cried Jonathan, stamping his foot with uncontrollable rage.
+&quot;I'd rather have given a thousand pounds than this had happened. But he
+might have broken out of prison, and yet not got over the wall of
+Clerkenwell Bridewell. Did you search the yard, fool?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ve did,&quot; replied Abraham; &quot;and found his fine goat and ruffles torn to
+shtrips on de shpikes near de creat cate. It vosh plain he vent dat
+vay.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan gave utterance to a torrent of imprecations.</p>
+
+<p>While he thus vented his rage, the door again opened, and Quilt Arnold
+rushed into the room, bleeding, and half-dressed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Sblood! what's this!&quot; cried Jonathan, in the utmost surprise. &quot;Quilt
+Arnold, is that you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is, Sir,&quot; sputtered the janizary. &quot;I've been robbed, maltreated, and
+nearly murdered by Jack Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By Jack Sheppard!&quot; exclaimed the thief-taker.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes; and I hope you'll take ample vengeance upon him,&quot; said Quilt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will, when I catch him, rely on it,&quot; rejoined Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You needn't go far to do that,&quot; returned Quilt; &quot;there he stands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, here I am,&quot; said Jack, throwing off his hat and wig, and marching
+towards the group, amongst whom there was a general movement of surprise
+at his audacity. &quot;Sir Rowland, I salute you as your nephew.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 277</span><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277"></a>Back, villain!&quot; said the knight, haughtily. &quot;I disown you. The whole
+story of your relationship is a fabrication.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Time will show,&quot; replied Jack with equal haughtiness. &quot;But, however, it
+may turn out, I disown <i>you</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Jack,&quot; said Jonathan, who had looked at him with surprise not
+unmixed with admiration, &quot;you are a bold and clever fellow, I must
+allow. Were I not Jonathan Wild, I'd be Jack Sheppard. I'm almost sorry
+I've sworn to hang you. But, it can't be helped. I'm a slave to my word.
+Were I to let you go, you'd say I feared you. Besides, you've secrets
+which must not be disclosed. Nab and Quilt to the door! Jack, you are my
+prisoner.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you flatter yourself you can detain me?&quot; laughed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At least I'll try,&quot; replied Jonathan, sarcastically. &quot;You must be a
+cleverer lad than even <i>I</i> take you for, if you get out of this place.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What ho! Blueskin!&quot; shouted Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here I am, Captain,&quot; cried a voice from without. And the door was
+suddenly thrown open, and the two janizaries felled to the ground by the
+strong arm of the stalwart robber.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your boast, you see, was a little premature, Mr. Wild,&quot; said Sheppard.
+&quot;Adieu, my worthy uncle. Fortunately, I've secured the proof of my
+birth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Confusion!&quot; thundered Wild. &quot;Close the doors below! Loose the dogs!
+Curses! they don't hear me! I'll ring the alarm-bell.&quot; And he raised his
+arm with the intention of executing his purpose, when a ball from Jack's
+pistol passed through the back of his hand, shattering the limb. &quot;Aha!
+my lad!&quot; he cried without appearing to regard the pain of the wound;
+&quot;now I'll show you no quarter.&quot; And, with the uninjured hand he drew a
+pistol, which he fired, but without effect, at Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fly, Captain, fly!&quot; vociferated Blueskin; &quot;I shan't be able to keep
+these devils down. Fly! they shall knock me on the head&mdash;curse
+'em!&mdash;before they shall touch you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 278</span><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278"></a>Come along!&quot; cried Jack, darting through the door. &quot;The key's on the
+outside&mdash;quick! quick!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Instantly alive to this chance, Blueskin broke away. Two shots were
+fired at him by Jonathan; one of which passed through his hat, and the
+other through the fleshy part of his arm; but he made good his retreat.
+The door was closed&mdash;locked,&mdash;and the pair were heard descending the
+stairs.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hell's curses!&quot; roared Jonathan. &quot;They'll escape. Not a moment is to be
+lost.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he took hold of a ring in the floor, and disclosed a flight
+of steps, down which he hurried, followed by the janizaries. This means
+of communication instantly brought them to the lobby. But Jack and his
+companion were already gone.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan threw open the street-door. Upon the pavement near the court
+lay the porter, who had been prostrated by a blow from the butt-end of a
+pistol. The man, who was just able to move, pointed towards
+Giltspur-street. Jonathan looked in that direction, and beheld the
+fugitives riding off in triumph.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To-night it is <i>their</i> turn,&quot; said Jonathan, binding up his wounded
+fingers with a handkerchief. &quot;To-morrow it will be <i>mine</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_VI" id="CHAPTER_3_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>Winifred receives two Proposals.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>The tragical affair at Dollis Hill, it need scarcely be said, was a
+dreadful blow to the family. Mr. Wood bore up with great fortitude
+against the shock, attended the inquest, delivered his evidence with
+composure, and gave directions afterwards for the funeral, which took
+place on the day but one following&mdash;Sunday. As soon, however, as the
+last solemn rites were over, and the remains of the unfortunate woman
+committed to their final resting-place in Willesden churchyard, his
+firmness completely deserted him, and he sank beneath the weight of his
+affliction. It was fortunate that by this time Winifred had so far
+recovered, as to be able to afford her father <span class="pagenum">Page 279</span><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279"></a>the best and only solace
+that, under the circumstances, he could have received,&mdash;her personal
+attentions.</p>
+
+<p>The necessity which had previously existed of leaving the ghastly
+evidence of the murderous deed undisturbed,&mdash;the presence of the mangled
+corpse,&mdash;the bustle of the inquest, at which her attendance was
+required,&mdash;all these circumstances produced a harrowing effect upon the
+young girl's imagination. But when all was over, a sorrowful calm
+succeeded, and, if not free from grief, she was tranquil. As to Thames,
+though deeply and painfully affected by the horrible occurrence that had
+marked his return to his old friends, he was yet able to control his
+feelings, and devote himself to the alleviation of the distress of the
+more immediate sufferers by the calamity.</p>
+
+<p>It was Sunday evening&mdash;a soft delicious evening, and, from the happy,
+<i>cheerful</i> look of the house, none would have dreamed of the dismal
+tragedy so lately acted within its walls. The birds were singing
+blithely amid the trees,&mdash;the lowing of the cows resounded from the
+yard,&mdash;a delicious perfume from the garden was wafted through the open
+window,&mdash;at a distance, the church-bells of Willesden were heard tolling
+for evening service. All these things spoke of peace;&mdash;but there are
+seasons when the pleasantest external influences have a depressing
+effect on the mind, by painfully recalling past happiness. So, at least,
+thought one of two persons who were seated together in a small
+back-parlour of the house at Dollis Hill. She was a lovely girl, attired
+in deep mourning, and having an expression of profound sorrow on her
+charming features. Her companion was a portly handsome man, also dressed
+in a full suit of the deepest mourning, with the finest of lace at his
+bosom and wrists, and a sword in a black sheath by his side. These
+persons were Mr. Kneebone and Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>The funeral, it has just been said, took place on that day. Amongst
+others who attended the sad ceremony was Mr. Kneebone. Conceiving
+himself called upon, as the intimate friend of the deceased, to pay this
+last tribute of respect to her memory, he appeared as one of <span class="pagenum">Page 280</span><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280"></a>the chief
+mourners. Overcome by his affliction, Mr. Wood had retired to his own
+room, where he had just summoned Thames. Much to her annoyance,
+therefore, Winifred was left alone with the woollen-draper, who
+following up a maxim of his own, &quot;that nothing was gained by too much
+bashfulness,&quot; determined to profit by the opportunity. He had only been
+prevented, indeed, by a fear of Mrs. Wood from pressing his suit long
+ago. This obstacle removed, he thought he might now make the attempt.
+Happen what might, he could not be in a worse position.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We have had a sad loss, my dear Winifred,&quot; he began,&mdash;&quot;for I must use
+the privilege of an old friend, and address you by that familiar
+name,&mdash;we have had a sad loss in the death of your lamented parent,
+whose memory I shall for ever revere.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Winifred's eyes filled with tears. This was not exactly what the
+woollen-draper desired. So he resolved to try another tack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What a very remarkable thing it is,&quot; he observed, applying to his
+snuff-box, &quot;that Thames Darrell, whom we all supposed dead,&quot;&mdash;Kneebone
+in his heart sincerely wished he <i>had</i> been so,&mdash;&quot;should turn out to be
+alive after all. Strange, I shouldn't know him when he called on me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It <i>is</i> strange,&quot; replied Winifred, artlessly. &quot;<i>I</i> knew him at once.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course,&quot; rejoined Kneebone, a little maliciously, &quot;but that's easily
+accounted for. May I be permitted, as a very old and very dear friend of
+your lamented parent, whose loss I shall ever deplore, to ask you one
+question?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Undoubtedly,&quot; replied Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you will answer it frankly?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now for it,&quot; thought the woollen-draper, &quot;I shall, at least, ascertain
+how the land lies.&mdash;Well, then, my dear,&quot; he added aloud, &quot;do you still
+entertain the strong attachment you did to Captain Darrell?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Winifred's cheeks glowed with blushes, and fixing her eyes, which
+flashed with resentment, upon the questioner, she said:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 281</span><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281"></a>I have promised to answer your question, and I will do so. I love him
+as a brother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>Only</i> as a brother?&quot; persisted Kneebone.</p>
+
+<p>If Winifred remained silent, her looks would have disarmed a person of
+less assurance than the woollen-draper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you knew how much importance I attach to your answer,&quot; he continued
+passionately, &quot;you would not refuse me one. Were Captain Darrell to
+offer you his hand, would you accept it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your impertinence deserves very different treatment, Sir,&quot; said
+Winifred; &quot;but, to put an end to this annoyance, I will tell you&mdash;I
+would not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And why not?&quot; asked Kneebone, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will not submit to be thus interrogated,&quot; said Winifred, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the name of your lamented parent, whose memory I shall for ever
+revere, I implore you to answer me,&quot; urged Kneebone, &quot;why&mdash;why would you
+not accept him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Because our positions are different,&quot; replied Winifred, who could not
+resist this appeal to her feelings.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are a paragon of prudence and discretion,&quot; rejoined the
+woollen-draper, drawing his chair closer to hers. &quot;Disparity of rank is
+ever productive of unhappiness in the married state. When Captain
+Darrell's birth is ascertained, I've no doubt he'll turn out a
+nobleman's son. At least, I hope so for his sake as well as my own,&quot; he
+added, mentally. &quot;He has quite the air of one. And now, my angel, that I
+am acquainted with your sentiments on this subject, I shall readily
+fulfil a promise which I made to your lamented parent, whose loss I
+shall ever deplore.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A promise to my mother?&quot; said Winifred, unsuspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, my angel, to <i>her</i>&mdash;rest her soul! She extorted it from me, and
+bound me by a solemn oath to fulfil it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! name it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are a party concerned. Promise me that you will not disobey the
+injunctions of her whose memory we must both of us ever revere. Promise
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 282</span><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282"></a>If in my power&mdash;certainly. But, what is it! What <i>did</i> you promise?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To offer you my heart, my hand, my life,&quot; replied Kneebone, falling at
+her feet.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sir!&quot; exclaimed Winifred, rising.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Inequality of rank can be no bar to <i>our</i> union,&quot; continued Kneebone.
+&quot;Heaven be praised, <i>I</i> am not the son of a nobleman.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>In spite of her displeasure, Winifred could not help smiling at the
+absurdity of this address. Taking this for encouragement, her suitor
+proceeded still more extravagantly. Seizing her hand he covered it with
+kisses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Adorable girl!&quot; he cried, in the most impassioned tone, and with the
+most impassioned look he could command. &quot;Adorable girl, I have long
+loved you to desperation. Your lamented mother, whose loss I shall ever
+deplore, perceived my passion and encouraged it. Would she were alive to
+back my suit!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is beyond all endurance,&quot; said Winifred, striving to withdraw her
+hand. &quot;Leave me, Sir; I insist.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never!&quot; rejoined Kneebone, with increased ardour,&mdash;&quot;never, till I
+receive from your own lips the answer which is to make me the happiest
+or the most miserable of mankind. Hear me, adorable girl! You know not
+the extent of my devotion. No mercenary consideration influences me.
+Love&mdash;admiration for your matchless beauty alone sways me. Let your
+father&mdash;if he chooses, leave all his wealth to his adopted son. I care
+not. Possessed of <i>you</i>, I shall have a treasure such as kings could not
+boast.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pray cease this nonsense,&quot; said Winifred, &quot;and quit the room, or I will
+call for assistance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, the door opened, and Thames entered the room. As the
+woollen-draper's back was towards him, he did not perceive him, but
+continued his passionate addresses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Call as you please, beloved girl,&quot; he cried, &quot;I will not stir till I am
+answered. You say that you only love Captain Darrell as a brother&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Kneebone!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 283</span><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283"></a>That you would not accept him were he to offer&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be silent, Sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He then,&quot; continued the woollen-draper, &quot;is no longer considered&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How, Sir?&quot; cried Thames, advancing, &quot;what is the meaning of your
+reference to my name? Have you dared to insult this lady? If so&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Insult her!&quot; replied Kneebone, rising, and endeavouring to hide his
+embarrassment under a look of defiance. &quot;Far from, it, Sir. I have made
+her an honourable proposal of marriage, in compliance with the request
+of her lamented parent, whose memory&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dare to utter that falsehood in my hearing again, scoundrel,&quot;
+interrupted Thames fiercely, &quot;and I will put it out of your power to
+repeat the offence. Leave the room! leave the house, Sir! and enter it
+again at your peril.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shall do neither, Sir,&quot; replied Kneebone, &quot;unless I am requested by
+this lady to withdraw,&mdash;in which case I shall comply with her request.
+And you have to thank her presence, hot-headed boy, that I do not
+chastise your insolence as it deserves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go, Mr. Kneebone,&mdash;pray go!&quot; implored Winifred. &quot;Thames, I entreat&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your wishes are my laws, beloved, girl,&quot; replied Kneebone, bowing
+profoundly. &quot;Captain Darren,&quot; he added, sternly, &quot;you shall hear from
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When you please, Sir,&quot; said Thames, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>And the woollen-draper departed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is all this, dear Winny?&quot; inquired Thames, as soon as they were
+alone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nothing&mdash;nothing,&quot; she answered, bursting into tears. &quot;Don't ask me
+about it now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Winny,&quot; said Thames, tenderly, &quot;something which that self-sufficient
+fool has said has so far done me a service in enabling me to speak upon
+a subject which I have long had upon my lips, but have not had courage
+to utter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thames!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You seem to doubt my love,&quot; he continued,&mdash;&quot;you seem to think that
+change of circumstances may produce <span class="pagenum">Page 284</span><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284"></a>some change in my affections. Hear
+me then, now, before I take one step to establish my origin, or secure
+my rights. Whatever those rights may be, whoever I am, my heart is
+yours. Do you accept it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dear Thames!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Forgive this ill-timed avowal of my love. But, answer me. Am I
+mistaken? Is your heart mine?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is&mdash;it is; and has ever been,&quot; replied Winifred, falling upon his
+neck.</p>
+
+<p>Lovers' confidences should be respected. We close the chapter.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_VII" id="CHAPTER_3_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>Jack Sheppard warns Thames Darrell.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>On the following night&mdash;namely Monday,&mdash;the family assembled together,
+for the first time since the fatal event, in the chamber to which Thames
+had been introduced on his arrival at Dollis Hill. As this had been Mrs.
+Wood's favourite sitting-room, and her image was so intimately
+associated with it, neither the carpenter nor his daughter could muster
+courage to enter it before. Determined, however, to conquer the feeling
+as soon as possible, Wood had given orders to have the evening meal
+served there; but, notwithstanding all his good resolutions upon his
+first entrance, he had much ado to maintain his self-command. His wife's
+portrait had been removed from the walls, and the place it had occupied
+was only to be known by the cord by which it had been suspended. The
+very blank, however, affected him more deeply than if it had been left.
+Then a handkerchief was thrown over the cage, to prevent the bird from
+singing; it was <i>her</i> favourite canary. The flowers upon the
+mantel-shelf were withered and drooping&mdash;<i>she</i> had gathered them. All
+these circumstances,&mdash;slight in themselves, but powerful in their
+effect,&mdash;touched the heart of the widowed carpenter, and added to his
+depression.</p>
+
+<p>Supper was over. It had been discussed in silence. The cloth was
+removed, and Wood, drawing the table as near the window as possible&mdash;for
+it was getting dusk&mdash;<span class="pagenum">Page 285</span><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285"></a>put on his spectacles, and opened that sacred
+volume from which the best consolation in affliction is derived, and
+left the lovers&mdash;for such they may now be fairly termed&mdash;to their own
+conversation. Having already expressed our determination not to betray
+any confidences of this sort, which, however interesting to the parties
+concerned, could not possibly be so to others, we shall omit also the
+&quot;love passages,&quot; and proceeding to such topics as may have general
+interest, take up the discourse at the point when Thames Darrell
+expressed his determination of starting for Manchester, as soon as Jack
+Sheppard's examination had taken place.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am surprised we have received no summons for attendance to-day,&quot; he
+remarked; &quot;perhaps the other robber may be secured.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Or Jack have escaped,&quot; remarked Winny.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't think that's likely. But, this sad affair disposed of, I will
+not rest till I have avenged my murdered parents.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'<i>The avenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer</i>',&quot; said Wood,
+who was culling for himself certain texts from the scriptures.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is the voice of inspiration,&quot; said Thames; &quot;and I receive it as a
+solemn command. The villain has enjoyed his security too long.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'<i>Bloody and deceitful men shall not live half their days</i>',&quot; said
+Wood, reading aloud another passage.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And yet, <i>he</i> has been spared thus long; perhaps with a wise purpose,&quot;
+rejoined Thames. &quot;But, though the storm has spared him, <i>I</i> will not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'<i>No doubt</i>,'&quot; said Wood, who had again turned over the leaves of the
+sacred volume&mdash;', &quot;<i>no doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he
+escaped the seas, yet vengeance suffereth not to live</i>'.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No feelings of consanguinity shall stay my vengeance,&quot; said Thames,
+sternly. &quot;I will have no satisfaction but his life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'<i>Thou shalt take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer which is
+guilty of death, but he shall surely be put to death</i>',&quot; said Wood
+referring to another text.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 286</span><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286"></a>Do not steel your heart against him, dear Thames,&quot; interposed
+Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'<i>And thine eye shall not pity</i>,'&quot; said her father, in a tone of
+rebuke, &quot;'<i>but, life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth,
+hand for hand, foot for foot</i>.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As these words were delivered by the carpenter with stern emphasis, a
+female servant entered the room, and stated that a gentleman was at the
+door, who wished to speak with Captain Darell on business of urgent
+importance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With me?&quot; said Thames. &quot;Who is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He didn't give his name, Sir,&quot; replied the maid; &quot;but he's a young
+gentleman.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't go near him, dear Thames,&quot; said Winifred; &quot;he may have some ill
+intention.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pshaw!&quot; cried Thames. &quot;What! refuse to see a person who desires to
+speak with me. Say I will come to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Law! Miss,&quot; observed the maid, &quot;there's nothing mischievous in the
+person's appearance, I'm sure. He's as nice and civil-spoken a gentleman
+as need be; by the same token,&quot; she added, in an under tone, &quot;that he
+gave me a span new crown piece.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'<i>The thief cometh in the night, and the troop of robbers spoileth
+without</i>,'&quot; said Wood, who had a text for every emergency.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lor' ha' mussy, Sir!&mdash;how you <i>do</i> talk,&quot; said the woman; &quot;this is no
+robber, I'm sure. I should have known at a glance if it was. He's more
+like a lord than&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke, steps were heard approaching; the door was thrown open,
+and a young man marched boldly into the room.</p>
+
+<p>The intruder was handsomely, even richly, attired in a scarlet
+riding-suit, embroidered with gold; a broad belt, to which a hanger was
+attached, crossed his shoulders; his boots rose above his knee, and he
+carried a laced hat in his hand. Advancing to the middle of the chamber,
+he halted, drew himself up, and fixed his dark, expressive eyes, on
+Thames Darrell. His appearance <span class="pagenum">Page 287</span><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287"></a>excited the greatest astonishment and
+consternation amid the group. Winifred screamed. Thames sprang to his
+feet, and half drew his sword, while Wood, removing his spectacles to
+assure himself that his eyes did not deceive him, exclaimed in a tone
+and with a look that betrayed the extremity of surprise&mdash;&quot;Jack
+Sheppard!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack Sheppard!&quot; echoed the maid. &quot;Is this Jack Sheppard? Oh, la! I'm
+undone! We shall all have our throats cut! Oh! oh!&quot; And she rushed,
+screaming, into the passage where she fell down in a fit.</p>
+
+<p>The occasion of all this confusion and dismay, meanwhile, remained
+perfectly motionless; his figure erect, and with somewhat of dignity in
+his demeanour. He kept his keen eyes steadily fixed on Thames, as if
+awaiting to be addressed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your audacity passes belief,&quot; cried the latter, as soon as his surprise
+would allow him utterance. &quot;If you have contrived to break out of your
+confinement, villain, this is the last place where you ought to show
+yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And, therefore, the first I would visit,&quot; replied Jack, boldly. &quot;But,
+pardon my intrusion. I was <i>resolved</i> to see you. And, fearing you might
+not come to me, I forced my way hither, even with certainty of
+discomposing your friends.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, villain!&quot; replied Thames, &quot;I know not the motive of your visit.
+But, if you have come to surrender yourself to justice, it is well. You
+cannot depart hence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Cannot?&quot; echoed Jack, a slight smile crossing his features. &quot;But, let
+that pass. My motive in coming hither is to serve you, and save your
+life. If you choose to requite me by detaining me, you are at liberty to
+do so. I shall make no defence. That I am not ignorant of the reward
+offered for my capture this will show,&quot; he added, taking a large placard
+headed '<i>Murder</i>' from his pocket, and throwing it on the floor. &quot;My
+demeanour ought to convince you that I came with no hostile intention.
+And, to show you that I have no intention of flying, I will myself close
+and lock the door. There is the key. Are you now satisfied?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 288</span><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288"></a>No,&quot; interposed Wood, furiously, &quot;I shall never be satisfied till I
+see you hanged on the highest gibbet at Tyburn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A time may come when you will be gratified, Mr. Wood,&quot; replied Jack,
+calmly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May come!&mdash;it <i>will</i> come!&mdash;it <i>shall</i> come!&quot; cried the carpenter,
+shaking his hand menacingly at him. &quot;I have some difficulty in
+preventing myself from becoming your executioner. Oh! that I should have
+nursed such a viper!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear me, Sir,&quot; said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I won't hear you, murderer,&quot; rejoined Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am no murderer,&quot; replied Sheppard. &quot;I had no thought of injuring your
+wife, and would have died rather than commit so foul a crime.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Think not to delude me, audacious wretch,&quot; cried the carpenter. &quot;Even
+if you are not a principal, you are an accessory. If you had not brought
+your companion here, it would not have happened. But you shall swing,
+rascal,&mdash;you shall swing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My conscience acquits me of all share in the offence,&quot; replied Jack,
+humbly. &quot;But the past is irremediable, and I did not come hither to
+exculpate myself, I came to save <i>your</i> life,&quot; he added, turning to
+Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was not aware it was in danger,&quot; rejoined Darrell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then you ought to be thankful to me for the warning. You <i>are</i> in
+danger.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From some of your associates?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From your uncle, from <i>my</i> uncle,&mdash;Sir Rowland Trenchard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What means this idle boasting, villain?&quot; said Thames. &quot;<i>Your</i> uncle,
+Sir Rowland?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is no idle boasting,&quot; replied the other. &quot;You are cousin to the
+housebreaker, Jack Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If it were so, he would have great reason to be proud of the
+relationship, truly,&quot; observed Wood, shrugging his shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is easy to make an assertion like this,&quot; said Thames,
+contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And equally easy to prove it,&quot; replied Jack, giving him the paper he
+had abstracted from Wild. &quot;Read that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 289</span><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289"></a>Thames hastily cast his eyes over it, and transferred it, with a look
+of incredulity, to Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Gracious Heavens! this is more wonderful than all the rest,&quot; cried the
+carpenter, rubbing his eyes. &quot;Thames, this is no forgery.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You believe it, father?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;From the bottom of my heart. I always thought Mrs. Sheppard superior to
+her station.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So did I,&quot; said Winifred. &quot;Let me look at the paper.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poor soul!&mdash;poor soul!&quot; groaned Wood, brushing the tears from his
+vision. &quot;Well, I'm glad she's spared this. Oh! Jack, Jack, you've much
+to answer for!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have, indeed,&quot; replied Sheppard, in a tone of contrition.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If this document is correct,&quot; continued Wood, &quot;and I am persuaded it is
+so,&mdash;you are as unfortunate as wicked. See what your misconduct has
+deprived you of&mdash;see what you might have been. This is retribution.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I feel it,&quot; replied Jack, in a tone of agony, &quot;and I feel it more on my
+poor mother's account than my own.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She has suffered enough for you,&quot; said Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She has, she has,&quot; said Jack, in a broken voice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Weep on, reprobate,&quot; cried the carpenter, a little softened. &quot;Those
+tears will do you good.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not distress him, dear father,&quot; said Winifred; &quot;he suffers deeply.
+Oh, Jack! repent, while it is yet time, of your evil conduct. I will
+pray for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I cannot repent,&mdash;I cannot pray,&quot; replied Jack, recovering his hardened
+demeanour. &quot;I should never have been what I am, but for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How so?&quot; inquired Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I loved you,&quot; replied Jack,&mdash;&quot;don't start&mdash;it is over now&mdash;I loved you,
+I say, as a boy. <i>hopelessly</i>, and it made me desperate. And now I find,
+when it is too late, that I <i>might</i> have deserved you&mdash;that I am as well
+born as Thames Darrell. But I mustn't think of these things, or I shall
+grow mad. I have said your life is in danger, Thames. Do not slight my
+warning. Sir Rowland Trenchard is aware of your return to England. I saw
+him last night at Jonathan Wild's, after my escape <span class="pagenum">Page 290</span><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290"></a>from the New Prison.
+He had just arrived from Manchester, whence he had been summoned by that
+treacherous thief-taker. I overheard them planning your assassination.
+It is to take place to-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O Heavens!&quot; screamed Winifred, while her father lifted up his hands in
+silent horror.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And when I further tell you,&quot; continued Jack, &quot;that, after yourself and
+my mother, <i>I</i> am the next heir to the estates of my grandfather, Sir
+Montacute Trenchard, you will perhaps own that my caution is
+sufficiently disinterested.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Could I credit your wild story, I might do so,&quot; returned Thames, with a
+look of perplexity.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here are Jonathan Wild's written instructions to Quilt Arnold,&quot;
+rejoined Sheppard, producing the pocket-book he had found in the
+janizary's clothes. &quot;This letter will vouch for me that a communication
+has taken place between your enemies.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thames glanced at the despatch, and, after a moment's reflection,
+inquired, &quot;In what way is the attempt upon my life to be made?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I couldn't ascertain,&quot; replied Jack; &quot;but I advise you to be upon
+your guard. For aught I know, they may be in the neighbourhood at this
+moment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here!&quot; ejaculated Wood, with a look of alarm. &quot;Oh lord! I hope not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This I do know,&quot; continued Jack,&mdash;&quot;Jonathan Wild superintends the
+attack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jonathan Wild!&quot; repeated the carpenter, trembling. &quot;Then it's all over
+with us. Oh dear!&mdash;how sorry I am I ever left Wych Street. We may be all
+murdered in this unprotected place, and nobody be the wiser.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's some one in the garden at this moment,&quot; cried Jack; &quot;I saw a
+face at the window.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where&mdash;where?&quot; cried Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't stir,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;I will at once convince you of the truth of
+my assertions, and ascertain whether the enemy really is at hand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he advanced towards the window, threw open the sash, and
+called out in the voice of Thames Darrell, &quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 291</span><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291"></a>Who's there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He was answered by a shot from a pistol. The ball passed over his head,
+and lodged in the ceiling.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was right,&quot; replied Jack, returning as coolly as if nothing had
+happened. &quot;It is Jonathan. Your uncle&mdash;<i>our</i> uncle is with him. I saw
+them both.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May I trust you?&quot; cried Thames, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You may,&quot; replied Jack: &quot;I'll fight for you to the last gasp.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Follow me, then,&quot; cried Thames, drawing his sword, and springing
+through the window.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To the world's end,&quot; answered Jack, darting after him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thames!&mdash;Thames!&quot; cried Winifred, rushing to the window. &quot;He will be
+murdered!&mdash;Help!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My child!&mdash;my love!&quot; cried Wood, dragging her forcibly back.</p>
+
+<p>Two shots were fired, and presently the clashing of swords was heard
+below.</p>
+
+<p>After some time, the scuffle grew more and more distant, until nothing
+could be heard.</p>
+
+<p>Wood, meanwhile, had summoned his men-servants, and having armed them
+with such weapons as could be found, they proceeded to the garden, where
+the first object they encountered was Thames Darrell, extended on the
+ground, and weltering in his blood. Of Jack Sheppard or the assailants
+they could not discover a single trace.</p>
+
+<p>As the body was borne to the house in the arms of the farming-men, Mr.
+Wood fancied he heard the exulting laugh of Jonathan Wild.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_VIII" id="CHAPTER_3_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>Old Bedlam.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>When Thames Darrell and Jack Sheppard sprang through the window, they
+were instantly assailed by Wild, Trenchard, and their attendants. Jack
+attacked Jonathan with such fury, that he drove him into a <span class="pagenum">Page 292</span><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292"></a>shrubbery,
+and might perhaps have come off the victor, if his foot had not slipped
+as he made a desperate lunge. In this state it would have been all over
+with him, as, being stunned by the fall, it was some moments before he
+could recover himself, if another party had not unexpectedly come to his
+rescue. This was Blueskin, who burst through the trees, and sword in
+hand assaulted the thief-taker. As soon as Jack gained his legs, he
+perceived Blueskin lying, as he thought, dead in the plantation, with a
+severe cut across his temples, and while he was stooping to assist him,
+he heard groans at a little distance. Hastening in the direction of the
+sound, he discovered Thames Darrell, stretched upon the ground.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you hurt, Thames?&quot; asked Jack, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not dangerously, I hope,&quot; returned Thames; &quot;but fly&mdash;save yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where are the assassins?&quot; cried Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Gone,&quot; replied the wounded man. &quot;They imagine their work is done. But I
+may yet live to thwart them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will carry you to the house, or fetch Mr. Wood,&quot; urged Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no,&quot; rejoined Thames; &quot;fly&mdash;or I will not answer for your safety.
+If you desire to please me, you will go.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And leave you thus?&quot; rejoined Jack. &quot;I cannot do it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go, I insist,&quot; cried Thames, &quot;or take the consequences upon yourself. I
+cannot protect you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thus urged, Jack reluctantly departed. Hastening to the spot where he
+had tied his horse to a tree, he vaulted into the saddle, and rode off
+across the fields,&mdash;for he was fearful of encountering the hostile
+party,&mdash;till he reached the Edgeware Road. Arrived at Paddington, he
+struck across Marylebone Fields,&mdash;for as yet the New Road was undreamed
+of,&mdash;and never moderated his speed until he reached the city. His
+destination was the New Mint. At this place of refuge, situated in the
+heart of Wapping, near the river-side, he arrived in less than an hour,
+in a complete state of exhaustion.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of the infamous abuse of its liberties, an act for the
+entire suppression of the Old Mint was passed in the ninth year of the
+reign of George the First, <span class="pagenum">Page 293</span><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293"></a>not many months before the date of the
+present epoch of this history; and as, after the destruction of
+Whitefriars, which took place in the reign of Charles the Second, owing
+to the protection afforded by its inmates to the Levellers and
+Fifth-monarchy-men, when the inhabitants of Alsatia crossed the water,
+and settled themselves in the borough of Southwark,&mdash;so now, driven out
+of their fastnesses, they again migrated, and recrossing the Thames,
+settled in Wapping, in a miserable quarter between Artichoke Lane and
+Nightingale Lane, which they termed the New Mint. Ousted from his old
+retreat, the Cross Shovels, Baptist Kettleby opened another tavern,
+conducted upon the same plan as the former, which he denominated the
+Seven Cities of Refuge. His subjects, however, were no longer entirely
+under his control; and, though he managed to enforce some little
+attention to his commands, it was evident his authority was waning fast.
+Aware that they would not be allowed to remain long unmolested, the New
+Minters conducted themselves so outrageously, and with such
+extraordinary insolence, that measures were at this time being taken for
+their effectual suppression.</p>
+
+<p>To the Seven Cities of Refuge Jack proceeded. Having disposed of his
+steed and swallowed a glass of brandy, without taking any other
+refreshment, he threw himself on a couch, where he sank at once into a
+heavy slumber. When he awoke it was late in the day, and he was
+surprised to find Blueskin seated by his bed-side, watching over him
+with a drawn sword on his knee, a pistol in each hand, and a
+blood-stained cloth bound across his brow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't disturb yourself,&quot; said his follower, motioning him to keep
+still; &quot;it's all right.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What time is it?&quot; inquired Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Past noon,&quot; replied Blueskin. &quot;I didn't awake you, because you seemed
+tired.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How did you escape?&quot; asked Sheppard, who, as he shook off his slumber,
+began to recall the events of the previous night.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, easily enough,&quot; rejoined the other. &quot;I suppose I must have been
+senseless for some time; for, on coming <span class="pagenum">Page 294</span><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294"></a>to myself, I found this gash in
+my head, and the ground covered with blood. However, no one had
+discovered me, so I contrived to drag myself to my horse. I thought if
+you were living, and not captured, I should find you here,&mdash;and I was
+right. I kept watch over you, for fear of a surprise on the part of
+Jonathan. But what's to be done?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The first thing I do,&quot; replied Jack, &quot;will be to visit my poor mother
+in Bedlam.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'd better take care of your mother's son instead,&quot; rejoined
+Blueskin. &quot;It's runnin' a great risk.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Risk, or no risk, I shall go,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;Jonathan has threatened
+to do her some mischief. I am resolved to see her, without delay, and
+ascertain if it's possible to remove her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a hopeless job,&quot; grumbled Blueskin, &quot;and harm will come of it.
+What are you to do with a mad mother at a time when you need all your
+wits to take care of yourself?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't concern yourself further about me,&quot; returned Jack. &quot;Once for all,
+I shall go.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Won't you take me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; you must await my return here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then I must wait a long time,&quot; grumbled Blueskin. &quot;You'll never
+return.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We shall see,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;But, if I should <i>not</i> return, take this
+purse to Edgeworth Bess. You'll find her at Black Mary's Hole.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And, having partaken of a hasty breakfast, he set out. Taking his way
+along East Smithfield, mounting Little Tower-hill, and threading the
+Minories and Hounsditch, he arrived without accident or molestation, at
+Moorfields.</p>
+
+<p>Old Bethlehem, or Bedlam,&mdash;every trace of which has been swept away, and
+the hospital for lunatics removed to Saint George's Field,&mdash;was a vast
+and magnificent structure. Erected in Moorfields in 1675, upon the model
+of the Tuileries, it is said that Louis the Fourteenth was so incensed
+at the insult offered to his palace, that he had a counterpart of St.
+James's built for offices of the <span class="pagenum">Page 295</span><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295"></a>meanest description. The size and
+grandeur of the edifice, indeed, drew down the ridicule of several of
+the wits of the age: by one of whom&mdash;the facetious Tom Brown&mdash;it was
+said, &quot;Bedlam is a pleasant place, and abounds with amusements;&mdash;the
+first of which is the building, so stately a fabric for persons wholly
+insensible of the beauty and use of it: the outside being a perfect
+mockery of the inside, and admitting of two amusing queries,&mdash;Whether
+the persons that ordered the building of it, or those that inhabit it,
+were the maddest? and, whether the name and thing be not as disagreeable
+as harp and harrow.&quot; By another&mdash;the no less facetious Ned Ward&mdash;it was
+termed, &quot;A costly college for a crack-brained society, raised in a mad
+age, when the chiefs of the city were in a great danger of losing their
+senses, and so contrived it the more noble for their own reception; or
+they would never have flung away so much money to so foolish a purpose.&quot;
+The cost of the building exceeded seventeen thousand pounds. However the
+taste of the architecture may be questioned, which was the formal French
+style of the period, the general effect was imposing. Including the
+wings, it presented a frontage of five hundred and forty feet. Each wing
+had a small cupola; and, in the centre of the pile rose a larger dome,
+surmounted by a gilded ball and vane. The asylum was approached by a
+broad gravel walk, leading through a garden edged on either side by a
+stone balustrade, and shaded by tufted trees. A wide terrace then led to
+large iron gates,' over which were placed the two celebrated figures of
+Raving and Melancholy Madness, executed by the elder Cibber, and
+commemorated by Pope in the Dunciad, in the well-known lines:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;Close to those walls where Folly holds her throne,</span><br />
+<span>And laughs to think Monroe would take her down,</span><br />
+<span>Where, o'er the gates, by his famed father's hand,</span><br />
+<span><i>Great Cibber's brazen, brainless brothers stand</i>.&quot;</span><br />
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Internally, it was divided by two long galleries, one over the other.
+These galleries were separated in the middle by iron grates. The wards
+on the right were occupied by male patients, on the left by the female.
+<span class="pagenum">Page 296</span><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296"></a>In the centre of the upper gallery was a spacious saloon, appropriated
+to the governors of the asylum. But the besetting evil of the place, and
+that which drew down the severest censures of the writers
+above-mentioned, was that this spot,&mdash;which of all others should have
+been most free from such intrusion&mdash;was made a public exhibition. There
+all the loose characters thronged, assignations were openly made, and
+the spectators diverted themselves with the vagaries of its miserable
+inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>Entering the outer gate, and traversing the broad gravel walk
+before-mentioned, Jack ascended the steps, and was admitted, on feeing
+the porter, by another iron gate, into the hospital. Here he was almost
+stunned by the deafening clamour resounding on all sides. Some of the
+lunatics were rattling their chains; some shrieking; some singing; some
+beating with frantic violence against the doors. Altogether, it was the
+most dreadful noise he had ever heard. Amidst it all, however, there
+were several light-hearted and laughing groups walking from cell to cell
+to whom all this misery appeared matter of amusement. The doors of
+several of the wards were thrown open for these parties, and as Jack
+passed, he could not help glancing at the wretched inmates. Here was a
+poor half-naked creature, with a straw crown on his head, and a wooden
+sceptre in his hand, seated on the ground with all the dignity of a
+monarch on his throne. There was a mad musician, seemingly rapt in
+admiration of the notes he was extracting from a child's violin. Here
+was a terrific figure gnashing his teeth, and howling like a wild
+beast;&mdash;there a lover, with hands clasped together and eyes turned
+passionately upward. In this cell was a huntsman, who had fractured his
+skull while hunting, and was perpetually hallooing after the hounds;&mdash;in
+that, the most melancholy of all, the grinning gibbering lunatic, the
+realization of &quot;moody madness, laughing wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Hastening from this heart-rending spectacle, Jack soon reached the
+grating that divided the men's compartment from that appropriated to the
+women. Inquiring for <span class="pagenum">Page 297</span><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297"></a>Mrs. Sheppard, a matron offered to conduct him to
+her cell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll find her quiet enough to-day, Sir,&quot; observed the woman, as they
+walked along; &quot;but she has been very outrageous latterly. Her nurse says
+she may live some time; but she seems to me to be sinking fast.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Heaven help her!&quot; sighed Jack. &quot;I hope not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Her release would be a mercy,&quot; pursued the matron. &quot;Oh! Sir, if you'd
+seen her as I've seen her, you'd not wish her a continuance of misery.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As Jack made no reply, the woman proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They say her son's taken at last, and is to be hanged. I'm glad of it,
+I'm sure; for it's all owing to him his poor mother's here. See what
+crime does, Sir. Those who act wickedly bring misery on all connected
+with them. And so gentle as the poor creature is, when she's not in her
+wild fits&mdash;it would melt a heart of stone to see her. She will cry for
+days and nights together. If Jack Sheppard could behold his mother in
+this state, he'd have a lesson he'd never forget&mdash;ay, and a severer one
+than even the hangman could read him. Hardened as he may be, that would
+touch him. But he has never been near her&mdash;never.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Rambling in this way, the matron at length came to a halt, and taking
+out a key, pointed to a door and said, &quot;This is Mrs. Sheppard's ward,
+Sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Leave us together, my good woman,&quot; said Jack, putting a guinea into her
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As long as you please, Sir,&quot; answered the matron, dropping a curtsey.
+&quot;There, Sir,&quot; she added, unlocking the door, &quot;you can go in. Don't be
+frightened of her. She's not mischievous&mdash;and besides she's chained, and
+can't reach you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, she retired, and Jack entered the cell.</p>
+
+<p>Prepared as he was for a dreadful shock, and with his nerves strung to
+endure it, Jack absolutely recoiled before the appalling object that met
+his gaze. Cowering in a corner upon a heap of straw sat his unfortunate
+mother, the complete wreck of what she had been. Her eyes glistened in
+the darkness&mdash;for light was only ad<span class="pagenum">Page 298</span><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298"></a>mitted through a small grated
+window&mdash;like flames, and, as she fixed them on him, their glances seemed
+to penetrate his very soul. A piece of old blanket was fastened across
+her shoulders, and she had no other clothing except a petticoat. Her
+arms and feet were uncovered, and of almost skeleton thinness. Her
+features were meagre, and ghastly white, and had the fixed and horrible
+stamp of insanity. Her head had been shaved, and around it was swathed a
+piece of rag, in which a few straws were stuck. Her thin fingers were
+armed with nails as long as the talons of a bird. A chain, riveted to an
+iron belt encircling her waist, bound her to the wall. The cell in which
+she was confined was about six feet long and four wide; the walls were
+scored all over with fantastic designs, snatches of poetry, short
+sentences and names,&mdash;the work of its former occupants, and of its
+present inmate.</p>
+
+<p>When Jack entered the cell, she was talking to herself in the muttering
+unconnected way peculiar to her distracted condition; but, after her eye
+had rested on him some time, the fixed expression of her features
+relaxed, and a smile crossed them. This smile was more harrowing even
+than her former rigid look.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are an angel,&quot; she cried, with a look beaming with delight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Rather a devil,&quot; groaned her son, &quot;to have done this.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are an angel, I say,&quot; continued the poor maniac; &quot;and my Jack would
+have been like you, if he had lived. But he died when he was a
+child&mdash;long ago&mdash;long ago&mdash;long ago.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Would he had done so!&quot; cried Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Old Van told me if he grew up he would be hanged. He showed me a black
+mark under his ear, where the noose would be tied. And so I'll tell you
+what I did&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And she burst into a laugh that froze Jack's blood in his veins.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What did you do?&quot; he asked, in a broken voice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I strangled him&mdash;ha! ha! ha!&mdash;strangled him while he was at my
+breast&mdash;ha! ha!&quot;&mdash;And then with a sudden and fearful change of look, she
+added, &quot;That's what has driven me mad, I killed my child to save him
+from the <span class="pagenum">Page 299</span><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299"></a>gallows&mdash;oh! oh! One man hanged in a family is enough. If I'd
+not gone mad, they would have hanged me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poor soul!&quot; ejaculated her son.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll tell you a dream I had last night,&quot; continued the unfortunate
+being. &quot;I was at Tyburn. There was a gallows erected, and a great mob
+round it&mdash;thousands of people, and all with white faces like corpses. In
+the midst of them there was a cart with a man in it&mdash;and that man was
+Jack&mdash;my son Jack&mdash;they were going to hang him. And opposite to him,
+with a book in his hand,&mdash;but it couldn't be a prayer-book,&mdash;sat
+Jonathan Wild, in a parson's cassock and band. I knew him in spite of
+his dress. And when they came to the gallows, Jack leaped out of the
+cart, and the hangman tied up Jonathan instead&mdash;ha! ha! How the mob
+shouted and huzzaed&mdash;and I shouted too&mdash;ha! ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother!&quot; cried Jack, unable to endure this agonizing scene longer.
+&quot;Don't you know me, mother?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; shrieked Mrs. Sheppard. &quot;What's that?&mdash;Jack's voice!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is,&quot; replied her son.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The ceiling is breaking! the floor is opening! he is coming to me!&quot;
+cried the unhappy woman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He stands before you,&quot; rejoined her son.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where?&quot; she cried. &quot;I can't see him. Where is he?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here,&quot; answered Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you his ghost, then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No&mdash;no,&quot; answered Jack. &quot;I am your most unhappy son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me touch you, then; let me feel if you are really flesh and blood,&quot;
+cried the poor maniac, creeping towards him on all fours.</p>
+
+<p>Jack did not advance to meet her. He could not move; but stood like one
+stupified, with his hands clasped together, and eyes almost starting out
+of their sockets, fixed upon his unfortunate parent.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come to me!&quot; cried the poor maniac, who had crawled as far as the chain
+would permit her,&mdash;&quot;come to me!&quot; she cried, extending her thin arm
+towards him.</p>
+
+<p>Jack fell on his knees beside her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 300</span><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300"></a>Who are you?&quot; inquired Mrs. Sheppard, passing her hands over his face,
+and gazing at him with a look that made him shudder.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your son,&quot; replied Jack,&mdash;&quot;your miserable, repentant son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is false,&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard. &quot;You are not. Jack was not half your
+age when he died. They buried him in Willesden churchyard after the
+robbery.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, God!&quot; cried Jack, &quot;she does not know me. Mother&mdash;dear mother!&quot; he
+added, clasping her in his arms, &quot;Look at me again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Off!&quot; she exclaimed, breaking from his embrace with a scream. &quot;Don't
+touch me. I'll be quiet. I'll not speak of Jack or Jonathan. I won't dig
+their graves with my nails. Don't strip me quite. Leave me my blanket!
+I'm very cold at night. Or, if you must take off my clothes, don't dash
+cold water on my head. It throbs cruelly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Horror!&quot; cried Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't scourge me,&quot; she cried, trying to hide herself in the farthest
+corner of the cell. &quot;The lash cuts to the bone. I can't bear it. Spare
+me, and I'll be quiet&mdash;quiet&mdash;quiet!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother!&quot; said Jack, advancing towards her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Off!&quot; she cried with a prolonged and piercing shriek. And she buried
+herself beneath the straw, which she tossed above her head with the
+wildest gestures.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shall kill her if I stay longer,&quot; muttered her son, completely
+terrified.</p>
+
+<p>While he was considering what would be best to do, the poor maniac, over
+whose bewildered brain another change had come, raised her head from
+under the straw, and peeping round the room, asked in a low voice, &quot;If
+they were gone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who?&quot; inquired Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The nurses,&quot; she answered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do they treat you ill?&quot; asked her son.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hush!&quot; she said, putting her lean fingers to her lips. &quot;Hush!&mdash;come
+hither, and I'll tell you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jack approached her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 301</span><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301"></a>Sit beside me,&quot; continued Mrs. Sheppard. &quot;And, now I'll tell you what
+they do. Stop! we must shut the door, or they'll catch us. See!&quot; she
+added, tearing the rag from her head,&mdash;&quot;I had beautiful black hair once.
+But they cut it all off.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shall go mad myself if I listen to her longer,&quot; said Jack, attempting
+to rise. &quot;I must go.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't stir, or they'll chain you to the wall,&quot; said his mother
+detaining him. &quot;Now, tell me why they brought you here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I came to see you, dear mother!&quot; answered Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother!&quot; she echoed,&mdash;&quot;mother! why do you call me by that name?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Because you are my mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What!&quot; she exclaimed, staring eagerly in his face. &quot;Are you my son? Are
+you Jack?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;Heaven be praised she knows me at last.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, Jack!&quot; cried his mother, falling upon his neck, and covering him
+with kisses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother&mdash;dear mother!&quot; said Jack, bursting into tears.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You will never leave me,&quot; sobbed the poor woman, straining him to her
+breast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never&mdash;never!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The words were scarcely pronounced, when the door was violently thrown
+open, and two men appeared at it. They were Jonathan Wild and Quilt
+Arnold.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; exclaimed Jack, starting to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Just in time,&quot; said the thief-taker. &quot;You are my prisoner, Jack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shall take my life first,&quot; rejoined Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>And, as he was about to put himself into a posture of defence, his
+mother clasped him in her arms.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They shall not harm you, my love!&quot; she exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>The movement was fatal to her son. Taking advantage of his embarrassed
+position, Jonathan and his assistant rushed upon him, and disarmed him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank you, Mrs. Sheppard,&quot; cried the thief-taker, as he slipped a pair
+of handcuffs over Jack's wrists, &quot;for <span class="pagenum">Page 302</span><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302"></a>the help you have given us in
+capturing your son. Without you, we might have had some trouble.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Aware apparently in some degree, of the mistake she had committed, the
+poor maniac sprang towards him with frantic violence, and planted her
+long nails in his cheek.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Keep off, you accursed jade!&quot; roared Jonathan, &quot;&mdash;off, I say, or&mdash;&quot; And
+he struck her a violent blow with his clenched hand.</p>
+
+<p>The miserable woman staggered, uttered a deep groan, and fell senseless
+on the straw.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Devil!&quot; cried Jack; &quot;that blow shall cost you your life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It'll not need to be repeated, at all events,&quot; rejoined Jonathan,
+looking with a smile of malignant satisfaction at the body. &quot;And,
+now,&mdash;to Newgate.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_IX" id="CHAPTER_3_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>Old Newgate.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>At the beginning of the twelfth century,&mdash;whether in the reign of Henry
+the First, or Stephen is uncertain,&mdash;a fifth gate was added to the four
+principal entrances of the city of London; then, it is almost needless
+to say, surrounded by ramparts, moats, and other defences. This gate,
+called <i>Newgate</i>, &quot;as being latelier builded than the rest,&quot; continued,
+for upwards of three hundred years, to be used as a place of
+imprisonment for felons and trespassers; at the end of which time,
+having grown old, ruinous, and &quot;horribly loathsome,&quot; it was rebuilt and
+enlarged by the executors of the renowned Sir Richard Whittington, the
+Lord Mayor of London: whence it afterwards obtained amongst a certain
+class of students, whose examinations were conducted with some
+strictness at the Old Bailey, and their highest degrees taken at
+Hyde-park-corner, the appellation of Whittington's College, or, more
+briefly, the Whit. It may here be mentioned that this gate, destined to
+bequeath its name&mdash;a name, which has since acquired a terrible
+<span class="pagenum">Page 303</span><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303"></a>significance,&mdash;to every successive structure erected upon its site, was
+granted, in 1400, by charter by Henry the Sixth to the citizens of
+London, in return for their royal services, and thenceforth became the
+common jail to that city and the county of Middlesex. Nothing material
+occurred to Newgate, until the memorable year 1666, when it was utterly
+destroyed by the Great Fire. It is with the building raised after this
+direful calamity that our history has to deal.</p>
+
+<p>Though by no means so extensive or commodious as the modern prison, Old
+Newgate was a large and strongly-built pile. The body of the edifice
+stood on the south side of Newgate Street, and projected at the western
+extremity far into the area opposite Saint Sepulchre's Church. One small
+wing lay at the north of the gate, where Giltspur Street Compter now
+stands; and the Press Yard, which was detached from the main building,
+was situated at the back of Phoenix Court. The south or principal front,
+looking, <i>down</i> the Old Bailey, and not <i>upon it</i>, as is the case of the
+present structure, with its massive walls of roughened freestone,&mdash;in
+some places darkened by the smoke, in others blanched, by exposure to
+the weather,&mdash;its heavy projecting cornice, its unglazed doubly-grated
+windows, its gloomy porch decorated with fetters, and defended by an
+enormous iron door, had a stern and striking effect. Over the Lodge,
+upon a dial was inscribed the appropriate motto, &quot;<i>Venio sicut fur</i>.&quot;
+The Gate, which crossed Newgate Street, had a wide arch for carriages,
+and a postern, on the north side, for foot-passengers. Its architecture
+was richly ornamental, and resembled the style of a triumphal entrance
+to a capital, rather than a dungeon having battlements and hexagonal
+towers, and being adorned on the western side with a triple range of
+pilasters of the Tuscan order, amid the intercolumniations of which were
+niches embellished with statues. The chief of these was a figure of
+Liberty, with a cat at her feet, in allusion to the supposed origin of
+the fortunes of its former founder, Sir Richard Whittington. On the
+right of the postern against the wall was affixed a small grating,
+sustaining the debtor's box; and any <span class="pagenum">Page 304</span><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304"></a>pleasure which the passer-by might
+derive from contemplating the splendid structure above described was
+damped at beholding the pale faces and squalid figures of the captives
+across the bars of its strongly-grated windows. Some years after the
+date of this history, an immense ventilator was placed at the top of the
+Gate, with the view of purifying the prison, which, owing to its
+insufficient space and constantly-crowded state, was never free from
+that dreadful and contagious disorder, now happily unknown, the
+jail-fever. So frightful, indeed, were the ravages of this malady, to
+which debtors and felons were alike exposed, that its miserable victims
+were frequently carried out by cart-loads, and thrown into a pit in the
+burial-ground of Christ-church, without ceremony.</p>
+
+<p>Old Newgate was divided into three separate prisons,&mdash;the Master's Side,
+the Common Side, and the Press Yard. The first of these, situated a the
+south of the building, with the exception of one ward over the gateway,
+was allotted to the better class of debtors, whose funds enabled them to
+defray their chamber-rent, fees, and garnish. The second, comprising the
+bulk of the jail, and by many degrees worse in point of accommodation,
+having several dismal and noisome wards under ground, was common both to
+debtors and malefactors,&mdash;an association little favourable to the morals
+or comforts of the former, who, if they were brought there with any
+notions of honesty, seldom left with untainted principles. The last,&mdash;in
+all respects the best and airiest of the three, standing, as has been
+before observed, in Phoenix Court, at the rear of the main fabric,&mdash;was
+reserved for state-offenders, and such persons as chose to submit to the
+extortionate demands of the keeper: from twenty to five hundred pounds
+premium, according to the rank and means of the applicant, in addition
+to a high weekly rent, being required for accommodation in this quarter.
+Some excuse for this rapacity may perhaps be found in the fact, that
+five thousand pounds was paid for the purchase of the Press Yard by Mr.
+Pitt, the then governor of Newgate. This gentleman, tried for high
+treason, in <span class="pagenum">Page 305</span><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305"></a>1716, on suspicion of aiding Mr. Forster, the rebel
+general's escape, but acquitted, reaped a golden harvest during the
+occupation of his premises by the Preston rebels, when a larger sum was
+obtained for a single chamber than (in the words of a sufferer on the
+occasion) &quot;would have paid the rent of the best house in Saint James's
+Square or Piccadilly for several years.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Nor was this all. Other, and more serious impositions, inasmuch as they
+affected a poorer class of persons, were practised by the underlings of
+the jail. On his first entrance, a prisoner, if unable or unwilling to
+comply with the exactions of the turnkeys, was thrust into the Condemned
+Hold with the worst description of criminals, and terrified by threats
+into submission. By the old regulations, the free use of strong liquors
+not being interdicted, a tap-house was kept in the Lodge, and also in a
+cellar on the Common Side,&mdash;under the superintendence of Mrs. Spurling,
+formerly, it may be remembered, the hostess of the Dark House at
+Queenhithe,&mdash;whence wine, ale, and brandy of inferior quality were
+dispensed, in false measures, and at high prices, throughout the prison,
+which in noise and debauchery rivalled, if it did not surpass, the
+lowest tavern.</p>
+
+<p>The chief scene of these disgusting orgies,&mdash;the cellar, just referred
+to,&mdash;was a large low-roofed vault, about four feet below the level of
+the street, perfectly dark, unless when illumined by a roaring fire, and
+candles stuck in pyramidal lumps of clay, with a range of butts and
+barrels at one end, and benches and tables at the other, where the
+prisoners, debtors, and malefactors male and female, assembled as long
+as their money lasted, and consumed the time in drinking, smoking, and
+gaming with cards and dice. Above was a spacious hall, connected with it
+by a flight of stone steps, at the further end of which stood an immense
+grated door, called in the slang of the place &quot;The Jigger,&quot; through the
+bars of which the felons in the upper wards were allowed to converse
+with their friends, or if they wished to enter the room, or join the
+revellers below, they were at liberty to do so, on payment of a small
+fine. Thus, the same system of plunder was every<span class="pagenum">Page 306</span><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306"></a>where carried on. The
+jailers robbed the prisoners: the prisoners robbed one another.</p>
+
+<p>Two large wards were situated in the Gate; one of which, the Stone Ward,
+appropriated to the master debtors, looked towards Holborn; the other
+called the Stone Hall, from a huge stone standing in the middle of it,
+upon which the irons of criminals under sentence of death were knocked
+off previously to their being taken to the place of execution, faced
+Newgate Street. Here the prisoners took exercise; and a quaint, but
+striking picture has been left of their appearance when so engaged, by
+the author of the English Rogue. &quot;At my first being acquainted with the
+place,&quot; says this writer, in the 'Miseries of a Prison,' &quot;the prisoners,
+methought, walking up and down the Stone Hall, looked like so many
+wrecks upon the sea. Here the ribs of a thousand pounds beating against
+the Needles&mdash;those dangerous rocks, credulity here floated, to and fro,
+silks, stuffs, camlets, and velvet, without giving place to each other,
+according to their dignity; here rolled so many pipes of canary, whose
+bungholes lying open, were so damaged that the merchant may go hoop for
+his money,&quot; A less picturesque, but more truthful, and, therefore, more
+melancholy description of the same scene, is furnished by the shrewd and
+satirical Ned Ward, who informs us, in the &quot;Delectable History of
+Whittington's College,&quot; that &quot;When the prisoners are disposed to
+recreate themselves with walking, they go up into a spacious room,
+called the Stone Hall; where, when you see them taking a turn together,
+it would puzzle one to know which is the gentleman, which the mechanic,
+and which the beggar, for they are all suited in the same garb of
+squalid poverty, making a spectacle of more pity than executions; only
+to be out at the elbows is in fashion here, and a great indecorum not to
+be threadbare.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>In an angle of the Stone Hall was the Iron Hold, a chamber containing a
+vast assortment of fetters and handcuffs of all weights and sizes. Four
+prisoners, termed &quot;The Partners,&quot; had charge of this hold. Their duty
+was to see who came in, or went out; to lock up, and open <span class="pagenum">Page 307</span><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307"></a>the different
+wards; to fetter such prisoners as were ordered to be placed in irons;
+to distribute the allowances of provision; and to maintain some show of
+decorum; for which latter purpose they were allowed to carry whips and
+truncheons. When any violent outrage was committed,&mdash;and such matters
+were of daily, sometimes hourly, occurrence,&mdash;a bell, the rope of which
+descended into the hall, brought the whole of the turnkeys to their
+assistance. A narrow passage at the north of the Stone Hall led to the
+Bluebeard's room of this enchanted castle, a place shunned even by the
+reckless crew who were compelled to pass it. It was a sort of
+cooking-room, with an immense fire-place flanked by a couple of
+cauldrons, and was called Jack Ketch's Kitchen, because the quarters of
+persons executed for treason were there boiled by the hangman in oil,
+pitch, and tar, before they were affixed on the city gates, or on London
+Bridge. Above this revolting spot was the female debtor's ward; below it
+a gloomy cell, called Tangier; and, lower still, the Stone Hold, a most
+terrible and noisome dungeon, situated underground, and unvisited by a
+single ray of daylight. Built and paved with stone, without beds, or any
+other sort of protection from the cold, this dreadful hole, accounted
+the most dark and dismal in the prison, was made the receptacle of such
+miserable wretches as could not pay the customary fees. Adjoining it was
+the Lower Ward,&mdash;&quot;Though, in what degree of latitude it was situated,&quot;
+observes Ned Ward, &quot;I cannot positively demonstrate, unless it lay
+ninety degrees beyond the North Pole; for, instead of being dark there
+but half a year, it is dark all the year round.&quot; It was only a shade
+better than the Stone Hold. Here were imprisoned the fines; and,
+&quot;perhaps,&quot; adds the before-cited authority, &quot;if he behaved himself, an
+outlawed person might creep in among them.&quot; Ascending the gate once more
+on the way back, we find over the Stone Hall another large room, called
+Debtors' Hall, facing Newgate Street, with &quot;very good air and light.&quot; A
+little too much of the former, perhaps; as the windows being unglazed,
+the prisoners were <span class="pagenum">Page 308</span><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308"></a>subjected to severe annoyance from the weather and
+easterly winds.</p>
+
+<p>Of the women felons' rooms nothing has yet been said. There were two.
+One called Waterman's Hall, a horrible place adjoining the postern under
+the gate, whence, through a small barred aperture, they solicited alms
+from the passengers: the other, a large chamber, denominated My Lady's
+Hold, was situated in the highest part of the jail, at the northern
+extremity. Neither of these wards had beds, and the unfortunate inmates
+were obliged to take their rest on the oaken floor. The condition of the
+rooms was indescribably filthy and disgusting; nor were the habits of
+the occupants much more cleanly. In other respects, they were equally
+indecorous and offensive. &quot;It is with no small concern,&quot; writes an
+anonymous historian of Newgate, &quot;that I am obliged to observe that the
+women in every ward of this prison are exceedingly worse than the worst
+of the men not only in respect to their mode of living, but more
+especially as to their conversation, which, to their great shame, is as
+profane and wicked as hell itself can possibly be.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There were two Condemned Holds,&mdash;one for each sex. That for the men lay
+near the Lodge, with which it was connected by a dark passage. It was a
+large room, about twenty feet long and fifteen broad, and had an arched
+stone roof. In fact, it had been anciently the right hand postern under
+the gate leading towards the city. The floor was planked with oak, and
+covered with iron staples, hooks, and ring-bolts, with heavy chains
+attached to them. There was only one small grated window in this hold,
+which admitted but little light.</p>
+
+<p>Over the gateway towards Snow Hill, were two strong wards, called the
+Castle and the Red Room. They will claim particular attention hereafter.</p>
+
+<p>Many other wards,&mdash;especially on the Master Debtor's side,&mdash;have been
+necessarily omitted in the foregoing hasty enumeration. But there were
+two places of punishment which merit some notice from their peculiarity.
+The first of these, the Press Room, a dark close chamber, near
+Waterman's Hall, obtained its name from an im<span class="pagenum">Page 309</span><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309"></a>mense wooden machine kept
+in it, with which such prisoners as refused to plead to their
+indictments were pressed to death&mdash;a species of inquisitorial torture
+not discontinued until so lately as the early part of the reign of
+George the Third, when it was abolished by an express statute. Into the
+second, denominated the Bilbowes,&mdash;also a dismal place,&mdash;refractory
+prisoners were thrust, and placed in a kind of stocks, whence the name.</p>
+
+<p>The Chapel was situated in the south-east angle of the jail; the
+ordinary at the time of this history being the Reverend Thomas Purney;
+the deputy chaplain, Mr. Wagstaff.</p>
+
+<p>Much has been advanced by modern writers respecting the demoralising
+effect of prison society; and it has been asserted, that a youth once
+confined in Newgate, is certain to come out a confirmed thief. However
+this may be now, it was unquestionably true of old Newgate. It was the
+grand nursery of vice.&mdash;&quot;A famous university,&quot; observes Ned Ward, in the
+London Spy, &quot;where, if a man has a mind to educate a hopeful child in
+the daring science of padding; the light-fingered subtlety of
+shoplifting: the excellent use of jack and crow; for the silently
+drawing bolts, and forcing barricades; with the knack of sweetening; or
+the most ingenious dexterity of picking pockets; let him but enter in
+this college on the Common Side, and confine him close to his study but
+for three months; and if he does not come out qualified to take any
+degree of villainy, he must be the most honest dunce that ever had the
+advantage of such eminent tutors.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>To bring down this imperfect sketch of Newgate to the present time, it
+may be mentioned, that, being found inadequate to the purpose required,
+the old jail was pulled down in 1770. Just at the completion of the new
+jail, in 1780, it was assailed by the mob during the Gordon riots,
+fired, and greatly damaged. The devastations, however, were speedily
+made good, and, in two years more, it was finished.</p>
+
+<p>It is a cheering reflection, that in the present prison, with its clean,
+well-whitewashed, and well-ventilated <span class="pagenum">Page 310</span><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310"></a>wards, its airy courts, its
+infirmary, its improved regulations, and its humane and intelligent
+officers, many of the miseries of the old jail are removed. For these
+beneficial changes society is mainly indebted to the unremitting
+exertions of the philanthropic HOWARD.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_X" id="CHAPTER_3_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3>How Jack Sheppard got out of the Condemned Hold.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Monday, the 31st of August 1724,&mdash;a day long afterwards remembered by
+the officers of Newgate,&mdash;was distinguished by an unusual influx of
+visitors to the Lodge. On that morning the death warrant had arrived
+from Windsor, ordering Sheppard for execution, (since his capture by
+Jonathan Wild in Bedlam, as related in a former chapter, Jack had been
+tried, convicted, and sentenced to death,) together with three other
+malefactors on the following Friday. Up to this moment, hopes had been
+entertained of a respite, strong representations in his favour having
+been made in the highest quarter; but now that his fate seemed sealed,
+the curiosity of the sight-seeing public to behold him was redoubled.
+The prison gates were besieged like the entrance of a booth at a fair;
+and the Condemned Hold where he was confined, and to which visitors were
+admitted at the moderate rate of a guinea a-head, had quite the
+appearance of a showroom. As the day wore on, the crowds
+diminished,&mdash;many who would not submit to the turnkey's demands were
+sent away ungratified,&mdash;and at five o'clock, only two strangers, Mr.
+Shotbolt, the head turnkey of Clerkenwell Prison, and Mr. Griffin, who
+held the same office in Westminster Gatehouse were left in the Lodge.
+Jack, who had formerly been in the custody of both these gentlemen, gave
+them a very cordial welcome; apologized for the sorry room he was
+compelled to receive them in; and when they took leave, insisted on
+treating them to a double bowl of punch, which they were now discussing
+with the upper jailer, Mr. Ireton, and his two satellites, Austin and
+Langley. At a little <span class="pagenum">Page 311</span><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311"></a>distance from the party, sat a tall,
+sinister-looking personage, with harsh inflexible features, a gaunt but
+muscular frame, and large bony hands. He was sipping a glass of cold gin
+and water, and smoking a short black pipe. His name was Marvel, and his
+avocation, which was as repulsive as his looks, was that of public
+executioner. By his side sat a remarkably stout dame, to whom he paid as
+much attention as it was in his iron nature to pay. She had a nut-brown
+skin, a swarthy upper lip, a merry black eye, a prominent bust, and a
+tun-like circumference of waist. A widow for the fourth time, Mrs.
+Spurling, (for she it was,) either by her attractions of purse or
+person, had succeeded in moving the stony heart of Mr. Marvel, who, as
+he had helped to deprive her of her former husbands, thought himself in
+duty bound to offer to supply their place. But the lady was not so
+easily won; and though she did not absolutely reject him, gave him very
+slight hopes. Mr. Marvel, therefore, remained on his probation. Behind
+Mrs. Spurling stood her negro attendant, Caliban; a hideous, misshapen,
+malicious monster, with broad hunched shoulders, a flat nose, and ears
+like those of a wild beast, a head too large for his body, and a body
+too long for his legs. This horrible piece of deformity, who acted as
+drawer and cellarman, and was a constant butt to the small wits of the
+jail, was nicknamed the Black Dog of Newgate.</p>
+
+<p>In the general survey of the prison, taken in the preceding chapter, but
+little was said of the Lodge. It may be well, therefore, before
+proceeding farther, to describe it more minutely. It was approached from
+the street by a flight of broad stone steps, leading to a ponderous
+door, plated with iron, and secured on the inner side by huge bolts, and
+a lock, with wards of a prodigious size. A little within stood a second
+door, or rather wicket, lower than the first, but of equal strength, and
+surmounted by a row of sharp spikes. As no apprehension was entertained
+of an escape by this outlet,&mdash;nothing of the kind having been attempted
+by the boldest felon ever incarcerated in Newgate,&mdash;both doors were
+generally left open during the day<span class="pagenum">Page 312</span><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312"></a>time. At six o'clock, the wicket was
+shut; and at nine, the jail was altogether locked up. Not far from the
+entrance, on the left, was a sort of screen, or partition-wall, reaching
+from the floor to the ceiling, formed of thick oaken planks riveted
+together by iron bolts, and studded with broad-headed nails. In this
+screen, which masked the entrance of a dark passage communicating with
+the Condemned Hold, about five feet from the ground, was a hatch,
+protected by long spikes set six inches apart, and each of the thickness
+of an elephant's tusk. The spikes almost touched the upper part of the
+hatch: scarcely space enough for the passage of a hand being left
+between their points and the beam. Here, as has already been observed,
+condemned malefactors were allowed to converse with such of their guests
+as had not interest or money enough to procure admission to them in the
+hold. Beyond the hatch, an angle, formed by a projection in the wall of
+some three or four feet, served to hide a door conducting to the
+interior of the prison. At the farther end of the Lodge, the floor was
+raised to the height of a couple of steps; whence the whole place, with
+the exception of the remotest corner of the angle before-mentioned,
+could be commanded at a single glance. On this elevation a table was now
+placed, around which sat the turnkeys and their guests, regaling
+themselves on the fragrant beverage provided by the prisoner. A brief
+description will suffice for them. They were all stout ill-favoured men,
+attired in the regular jail-livery of scratch wig and snuff-coloured
+suit; and had all a strong family likeness to each other. The only
+difference between the officers of Newgate and their brethren was, that
+they had enormous bunches of keys at their girdles, while the latter had
+left their keys at home.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I've seen many a gallant fellow in my time, Mr. Ireton,&quot; observed
+the chief turnkey of Westminster Gatehouse, as he helped himself to his
+third glass of punch; &quot;but I never saw one like Jack Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor I,&quot; returned Ireton, following his example: &quot;and I've had some
+experience too. Ever since he came here, three months ago, he has been
+the life and soul of the <span class="pagenum">Page 313</span><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313"></a>place; and now the death warrant has arrived,
+instead of being cast down, as most men would be, and as all others
+<i>are</i>, he's gayer than ever. Well, <i>I</i> shall be sorry to lose him, Mr.
+Griffin. We've made a pretty penny by him&mdash;sixty guineas this blessed
+day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No more!&quot; cried Griffin, incredulously; &quot;I should have thought you must
+have made double that sum at least.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not a farthing more, I assure you,&quot; rejoined Ireton, pettishly; &quot;we're
+all on the square here. I took the money myself, and <i>ought</i> to know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! certainly,&quot; answered Griffin; &quot;certainly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I offered Jack five guineas as his share,&quot; continued Ireton; &quot;but he
+wouldn't take it himself, and gave it to the poor debtors and felons,
+who are now drinking it out in the cellar on the Common Side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack's a noble fellow,&quot; exclaimed the head-jailer of Clerkenwell
+Prison, raising his glass; &quot;and, though he played me a scurvy trick,
+I'll drink to his speedy deliverance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At Tyburn, eh, Mr. Shotbolt?&quot; rejoined the executioner. &quot;I'll pledge
+you in that toast with all my heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, for my part,&quot; observed Mrs. Spurling, &quot;I hope he may never see
+Tyburn. And, if I'd my own way with the Secretary of State, he never
+<i>should</i>. It's a thousand pities to hang so pretty a fellow. There
+haven't been so many ladies in the Lodge since the days of Claude Du
+Val, the gentleman highwayman; and they all declare it'll break their
+hearts if he's scragged.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bah!&quot; ejaculated Marvel, gruffly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You think our sex has no feeling, I suppose, Sir,&quot; cried Mrs. Spurling,
+indignantly; &quot;but I can tell you we have. And, what's more, I tell you,
+if Captain Sheppard <i>is</i> hanged, you need never hope to call <i>me</i> Mrs.
+Marvel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Zounds!&quot; cried the executioner, in astonishment. &quot;Do you know what you
+are talking about, Mrs. Spurling? Why, if Captain Sheppard should get
+off, it 'ud be fifty guineas out of my way. There's the grand laced
+<span class="pagenum">Page 314</span><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314"></a>coat he wore at his trial, which I intend for my wedding-dress.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't mention such a thing, Sir,&quot; interrupted the tapstress. &quot;I
+couldn't bear to see you in it. Your speaking of the trial brings the
+whole scene to my mind. Ah! I shall never forget the figure Jack cut on
+that occasion. What a buzz of admiration ran round the court as he
+appeared! And, how handsome and composed he looked! Everybody wondered
+that such a stripling could commit such desperate robberies. His
+firmness never deserted him till his old master, Mr. Wood, was examined.
+Then he <i>did</i> give way a bit. And when Mr. Wood's daughter,&mdash;to whom,
+I've heard tell, he was attached years ago,&mdash;was brought up, his courage
+forsook him altogether, and he trembled, and could scarcely stand. Poor
+young lady! <i>She</i> trembled too, and was unable to give her evidence.
+When sentence was passed there wasn't a dry eye in the court.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, there was one,&quot; observed Ireton.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I guess who you mean,&quot; rejoined Shotbolt. &quot;Mr. Wild's.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Right,&quot; answered Ireton. &quot;It's strange the antipathy he bears to
+Sheppard. I was standing near Jack at that awful moment, and beheld the
+look Wild fixed on him. It was like the grin of a fiend, and made my
+flesh creep on my bones. When the prisoner was removed from the dock, we
+met Jonathan as we passed through the yard. He stopped us, and,
+addressing Jack in a taunting tone, said, 'Well, I've been as good as my
+word!'&mdash;'True,' replied Sheppard; 'and I'll be as good as mine!' And so
+they parted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And I hope he will, if it's anything to Jonathan's disadvantage,&quot;
+muttered Mrs. Spurling, half aside.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm surprised Mr. Wild hasn't been to inquire after him to-day,&quot;
+observed Langley; &quot;it's the first time he's missed doing so since the
+trial.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's gone to Enfield after Blueskin, who has so long eluded his
+vigilance,&quot; rejoined Austin. &quot;Quilt Arnold called this morning to say
+so. Certain information, it seems, has been received from a female, that
+Blueskin would be at a flash-ken near the Chase at five o'clock <span class="pagenum">Page 315</span><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315"></a>to-day,
+and they're all set out in the expectation of nabbing him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wild had a narrow escape lately, in that affair of Captain
+Darrell,&quot; observed Shotbolt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't exactly know the rights of that affair,&quot; rejoined Griffin, with
+some curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor any one else, I suspect,&quot; answered Ireton, winking significantly.
+&quot;It's a mysterious transaction altogether. But, as much as is known is
+this: Captain Darrell, who resides with Mr. Wood at Dollis Hill, was
+assaulted and half-killed by a party of ruffians, headed, he swore, by
+Mr. Wild, and his uncle, Sir Rowland Trenchard. Mr. Wild, however,
+proved, on the evidence of his own servants, that he was at the Old
+Bailey at the time; and Sir Rowland proved that <i>he</i> was in Manchester.
+So the charge was dismissed. Another charge was then brought against
+them by the Captain, who accused them of kidnapping him when a boy, and
+placing him in the hands of a Dutch skipper, named Van Galgebrok, with
+instructions to throw him overboard, which was done, though he
+afterwards escaped. But this accusation, for want of sufficient
+evidence, met with the same fate as the first, and Jonathan came off
+victorious. It was thought, however, if the skipper <i>could</i> have been
+found, that the result of the case would have been materially different.
+This was rather too much to expect; for we all know, if Mr. Wild wishes
+to keep a man out of the way, he'll speedily find the means to do so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ay, ay,&quot; cried the jailers, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>I</i> could have given awkward evidence in that case, if I'd been so
+inclined,&quot; said Mrs. Spurling, &quot;ay and found Van Galgebrok too. But I
+never betray an old customer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wild is a great man,&quot; said the hangman, replenishing his pipe, &quot;and
+we owe him much, and ought to support him. Were any thing to happen to
+him, Newgate wouldn't be what it is, nor Tyburn either.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wild has given you some employment, Mr. Marvel,&quot; remarked Shotbolt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A little, Sir,&quot; replied the executioner, with a grim smile.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 316</span><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316"></a>Out of the twelve hundred subjects I've tucked up, I may safely place
+half to his account. If ever he requires my services, he shall find I'm
+not ungrateful. And though I say it that shouldn't say it, no man can
+tie a better knot. Mr. Wild, gentlemen, and the nubbin' cheat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fill your glasses, gentlemen,&quot; observed Ireton, &quot;and I'll tell you a
+droll thing Jack said this morning. Amongst others who came to see him,
+was a Mr. Kneebone, a woollen-draper in Wych Street, with whose pockets,
+it appears, Jack, when a lad, made a little too free. As this gentleman
+was going away, he said to Jack in a jesting manner, 'that he should be
+glad to see him to-night at supper.' Upon which the other answered,
+'that he accepted his invitation with pleasure, and would make a point
+of waiting upon him,' Ha! ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>Did</i> he say so?&quot; cried Shotbolt. &quot;Then I advise you to look sharply
+after him, Mr. Ireton; for may I be hanged myself if I don't believe
+he'll be as good as his word.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, two women, very smartly attired in silk hoods and
+cloaks, appeared at the door of the Lodge.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! who have we here?&quot; exclaimed Griffin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Only Jack's two wives&mdash;Edgeworth Bess and Poll Maggot,&quot; replied Austin,
+laughing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They can't go into the Condemned Hold,&quot; said Ireton, consequentially;
+&quot;it's against Mr. Wild's orders. They must see the prisoner at the
+hatch.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well, Sir,&quot; replied Austin, rising and walking towards them.
+&quot;Well, my pretty dears,&quot; he added, &quot;&mdash;to see your husband, eh? You must
+make the most of your time. You won't have him long. You've heard the
+news, I suppose?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That the death warrant's arrived,&quot; returned Edgeworth Bess, bursting
+into a flood of tears; &quot;oh, yes! we've heard it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How does Jack bear it?&quot; inquired Mrs. Maggot.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Like a hero,&quot; answered Austin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I knew he would,&quot; replied the Amazon. &quot;Come Bess,&mdash;no whimpering. Don't
+unman him. Are we to see him here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 317</span><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317"></a>Yes, my love.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, then, lose no time in bringing him to us,&quot; said Mrs. Maggot.
+&quot;There's a guinea to drink our health,&quot; she added, slipping a piece of
+money into his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here, Caliban,&quot; shouted the under-turnkey, &quot;unlock Captain Sheppard's
+padlock, and tell him his wives are in the Lodge waiting to see him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Iss, Massa Austin,&quot; replied the black. And taking the keys, he departed
+on the errand.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he was gone, the two women divested themselves of their hoods
+and cloaks, and threw them, as if inadvertently, into the farthest part
+of the angle in the wall. Their beautifully proportioned figures and
+rather over-displayed shoulders attracted the notice of Austin, who
+inquired of the chief turnkey &quot;whether he should stand by them during
+the interview?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! never mind them,&quot; said Mrs. Spurling, who had been hastily
+compounding another bowl of punch. &quot;Sit down, and enjoy yourself. I'll
+keep a look out that nothing happens.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>By this time Caliban had returned, and Jack appeared at the hatch. He
+was wrapped in a loose dressing-gown of light material, and stood near
+the corner where the women's dresses had just been thrown down, quite
+out of sight of all the party, except Mrs. Spurling, who sat on the
+right of the table.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have you got Jonathan out of the way?&quot; he asked, in an eager whisper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yes,&quot; replied Edgeworth Bess. &quot;Patience Kite has lured him to
+Enfield on a false scent after Blueskin. You need fear no interruption
+from him, or any of his myrmidons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's well!&quot; cried Jack. &quot;Now stand before me, Poll. I've got the
+watch-spring saw in my sleeve. Pretend to weep both of you as loudly as
+you can. This spike is more than half cut through. I was at work at it
+yesterday and the day before. Keep up the clamour for five minutes, and
+I'll finish it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thus urged, the damsels began to raise their voices in loud lamentation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 318</span><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318"></a>What the devil are you howling about?&quot; cried Langley. &quot;Do you think we
+are to be disturbed in this way? Make less noise, hussies, or I'll turn
+you out of the Lodge.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For shame, Mr. Langley,&quot; rejoined Mrs. Spurling: &quot;I blush for you, Sir!
+To call yourself a man, and interfere with the natural course of
+affection! Have you no feeling for the situation of those poor
+disconsolate creatures, about to be bereaved of all they hold dear? Is
+it nothing to part with a husband to the gallows? I've lost four in the
+same way, and know what it is.&quot; Here she began to blubber loudly for
+sympathy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Comfort yourself, my charmer,&quot; said Mr. Marvel, in a tone intended to
+be consolatory. &quot;I'll be their substitute.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>You!</i>&quot; cried the tapstress, with a look of horror: &quot;Never!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Confusion!&quot; muttered Jack, suddenly pausing in his task, &quot;the saw has
+broken just as I am through the spike.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't we break it off?&quot; replied Mrs. Maggot.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I fear not,&quot; replied Jack, despondingly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let's try, at all events,&quot; returned the Amazon.</p>
+
+<p>And grasping the thick iron rod, she pushed with all her force against
+it, while Jack seconded her efforts from within. After great exertions
+on both parts, the spike yielded to their combined strength, and snapped
+suddenly off.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Holloa&mdash;what's that?&quot; cried Austin, starting up.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Only my darbies,&quot; returned Jack, clinking his chains.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! that was all, was it?&quot; said the turnkey, quietly reseating himself.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, give me the woollen cloth to tie round my fetters,&quot; whispered
+Sheppard. &quot;Quick.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here it is,&quot; replied Edgeworth Bess.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Give me your hand, Poll, to help me through,&quot; cried Jack, as he
+accomplished the operation. &quot;Keep a sharp look out, Bess.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stop!&quot; interposed Edgeworth Bess; &quot;Mr. Langley is getting up, and
+coming this way. We're lost.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 319</span><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319"></a>Help me through at all hazards, Poll,&quot; cried Jack, straining towards
+the opening.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The danger's past,&quot; whispered Bess. &quot;Mrs. Spurling has induced him to
+sit down again. Ah! she looks this way, and puts her finger to her lips.
+She comprehends what we're about. We're all safe!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't lose a moment then,&quot; cried Jack, forcing himself into the
+aperture, while the Amazon, assisted by Bess, pulled him through it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There!&quot; cried Mrs. Maggot, as she placed him without noise upon the
+ground; &quot;you're safe so far.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come, my disconsolate darlings,&quot; cried Austin, &quot;it only wants five
+minutes to six. I expect Mr. Wild here presently. Cut it as short as you
+can.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Only two minutes more, Sir,&quot; intreated Edgeworth Bess, advancing
+towards him in such a manner as to screen Jack, who crept into the
+farthest part of the angle,&mdash;&quot;only two minutes, and we've done.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, well, I'm not within a minute,&quot; rejoined the turnkey.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We shall never be able to get you out unseen, Jack,&quot; whispered Poll
+Maggot. &quot;You must make a bold push.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Impossible,&quot; replied Sheppard, in the same tone. &quot;That would be certain
+destruction. I can't run in these heavy fetters. No: I must face it out.
+Tell Bess to slip out, and I'll put on her cloak and hood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the party at the table continued drinking and chatting as
+merrily as before.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't help thinking of Jack Sheppard's speech to Mr. Kneebone,&quot;
+observed Shotbolt, as he emptied his tenth tumbler; &quot;I'm sure he's
+meditating an escape, and hopes to accomplish it to-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poh! poh!&quot; rejoined Ireton; &quot;it was mere idle boasting. I examined the
+Condemned Hold myself carefully this morning, and didn't find a nail out
+of its place. Recollect, he's chained to the ground by a great
+horse-padlock, and is never unloosed except when he comes to that hatch.
+If he escapes at all, it must be before our faces.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 320</span><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320"></a>It wouldn't surprise me if he did,&quot; remarked Griffin. &quot;He's audacity
+enough for anything. He got out in much the same way from the
+Gatehouse,&mdash;stole the keys, and passed through a room where I was
+sitting half-asleep in a chair.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Caught you napping, eh?&quot; rejoined Ireton, with a laugh. &quot;Well, he won't
+do that here. I'll forgive him if he does.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And so will I,&quot; said Austin. &quot;We're too wide awake for that. Ain't we,
+partner?&quot; he added, appealing to Langley, whom punch had made rather
+dozy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should think so,&quot; responded the lethargic turnkey, with a yawn.</p>
+
+<p>During this colloquy, Jack had contrived unobserved to put on the hood
+and cloak, and being about the size of the rightful owner, presented a
+very tolerable resemblance to her. This done, Edgeworth Bess, who
+watched her opportunity, slipped out of the Lodge.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Halloa!&quot; exclaimed Austin, who had caught a glimpse of her departing
+figure, &quot;one of the women is gone!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No&mdash;no,&quot; hastily interposed Mrs. Spurling; &quot;they're both here. Don't
+you see they're putting on their cloaks?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's false!&quot; rejoined Marvel, in a low tone; &quot;I perceive what has
+taken place.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! goodness!&quot; ejaculated the tapstress, in alarm. &quot;You won't betray
+him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Say the word, and I'm mum,&quot; returned the executioner.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will you be mine!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's a very unfair advantage to take&mdash;very,&quot; replied Mrs. Spurling;
+&quot;however I consent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then I'll lend a helping hand. I shall lose my fees and the laced coat.
+But it's better to have the bride without the weddin' dress, than the
+weddin' dress without the bride.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Saint Sepulchre's clock struck six.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Close the wicket, Austin,&quot; vociferated Ireton, in an authoritative
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 321</span><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321"></a>Good bye!&quot; cried Jack, as if taking leave of his mistresses,
+&quot;to-morrow, at the same time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll be punctual,&quot; replied Mrs. Maggot. &quot;Good bye, Jack! Keep up your
+spirits.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now for it!&mdash;life or death!&quot; exclaimed Jack, assuming the gait of a
+female, and stepping towards the door.</p>
+
+<p>As Austin rose to execute his principal's commands, and usher the women
+to the gate, Mrs. Spurling and Marvel rose too. The latter walked
+carelessly towards the hatch, and leaning his back against the place
+whence the spike had been removed, so as completely to hide it,
+continued smoking his pipe as coolly as if nothing had happened.</p>
+
+<p>Just as Jack gained the entrance, he heard a man's footstep behind him,
+and aware that the slightest indiscretion would betray him, he halted,
+uncertain what to do.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stop a minute, my dear,&quot; cried Austin. &quot;You forget that you promised me
+a kiss the last time you were here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Won't one from me do as well?&quot; interposed Mrs. Maggot.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Much better,&quot; said Mrs. Spurling, hastening to the rescue. &quot;I want to
+speak to Edgeworth Bess myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, she planted herself between Jack and the turnkey. It was a
+moment of breathless interest to all engaged in the attempt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come&mdash;the kiss!&quot; cried Austin, endeavouring to pass his arm familiarly
+round the Amazon's waist.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hands off!&quot; she exclaimed, &quot;or you'll repent it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, what'll you do?&quot; demanded the turnkey.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Teach you to keep your distance!&quot; retorted Mrs. Maggot, dealing him a
+buffet that sent him reeling several yards backwards.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There! off with you!&quot; whispered Mrs. Spurling, squeezing Jack's arm,
+and pushing him towards the door, &quot;and, don't come here again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Before Austin could recover himself, Jack and Mrs. Maggot had
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bolt the wicket!&quot; shouted Ireton, who, with the others, had been not a
+little entertained by the gallant turnkey's discomfiture.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 322</span><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322"></a>This was done, and Austin returned with a crest-fallen look to the
+table. Upon which Mrs. Spurling, and her now accepted suitor, resumed
+their seats.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll be as good as your word, my charmer,&quot; whispered the executioner.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course,&quot; responded the widow, heaving a deep sigh. &quot;Oh! Jack!
+Jack!&mdash;you little know what a price I've paid for you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I'm glad those women are gone,&quot; remarked Shotbolt. &quot;Coupling
+their presence with Jack's speech, I couldn't help fearing some mischief
+might ensue.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That reminds me he's still at large,&quot; returned Ireton. &quot;Here, Caliban,
+go and fasten his padlock.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Iss, Massa Ireton,&quot; replied the black.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stop, Caliban,&quot; interposed Mrs. Spurling, who wished to protract the
+discovery of the escape as long as possible. &quot;Before you go, bring me
+the bottle of pine-apple rum I opened yesterday. I should like Mr.
+Ireton and his friends to taste it. It is in the lower cupboard. Oh! you
+haven't got the key&mdash;then <i>I</i> must have it, I suppose. How provoking!&quot;
+she added, pretending to rummage her pockets; &quot;one never <i>can</i> find a
+thing when one wants it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never mind it, my dear Mrs. Spurling,&quot; rejoined Ireton; &quot;we can taste
+the rum when he returns. We shall have Mr. Wild here presently, and I
+wouldn't for the world&mdash;Zounds!&quot; he exclaimed, as the figure of the
+thief-taker appeared at the wicket, &quot;here he is. Off with you, Caliban!
+Fly, you rascal!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wild here!&quot; exclaimed Mrs. Spurling in alarm. &quot;Oh gracious! he's
+lost.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who's lost?&quot; demanded Ireton.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The key,&quot; replied the widow.</p>
+
+<p>All the turnkeys rose to salute the thief-taker, whose habitually-sullen
+countenance looked gloomier than usual. Ireton rushed forward to open
+the wicket for him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No Blueskin, I perceive, Sir,&quot; he observed, in a deferential tone, as
+Wild entered the Lodge.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; replied Jonathan, moodily. &quot;I've been deceived by false
+information. But the wench who tricked me <span class="pagenum">Page 323</span><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323"></a>shall bitterly repent it. I
+hope this is all. I begin to fear I might be purposely go out of the
+way. Nothing has gone wrong here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nothing whatever,&quot; replied Ireton. &quot;Jack is just gone back to the
+Condemned Hold. His two wives have been here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha!&quot; exclaimed Jonathan, with a sudden vehemence that electrified the
+chief turnkey; &quot;what's this! a spike gone! 'Sdeath! the women, you say,
+have been here. He has escaped.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Impossible, Sir,&quot; replied Ireton, greatly alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Impossible!&quot; echoed Wild, with a fearful imprecation. &quot;No, Sir, it's
+quite possible&mdash;more than possible. It's certain. I'll lay my life he's
+gone. Come with me to the Condemned Hold directly, and, if I find my
+fears confirmed, I'll&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He was here interrupted by the sudden entrance of the black, who rushed
+precipitately into the room, letting fall the heavy bunch of keys in his
+fright.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O Massa Ireton! Massa Wild!&quot; ejaculated Caliban, &quot;Shack Sheppart gone!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Gone? you black devil!&mdash;Gone?&quot; cried Ireton.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Iss, Massa. Caliban sarch ebery hole in de place, but Shack no dere.
+Only him big hoss padlock&mdash;noting else.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I knew it,&quot; rejoined Wild, with concentrated rage; &quot;and he escaped you
+all, in broad day, before your faces. You may well say it's impossible!
+His Majesty's jail of Newgate is admirably guarded, I must say. Ireton,
+you are in league with him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sir,&quot; said the chief turnkey, indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You <i>are</i>, Sir,&quot; thundered Jonathan; &quot;and, unless you find him, you
+shan't hold your place a week. I don't threaten idly, as you know. And
+you, Austin; and you Langley, I say the same thing to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, Mr. Wild,&quot; implored the turnkeys.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've said it,&quot; rejoined Jonathan, peremptorily. &quot;And you, Marvel, you
+must have been a party&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I, Sir!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If he's not found, I'll get a new hangman.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Zounds!&quot; cried Marvel, &quot;I&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 324</span><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324"></a>Hush!&quot; whispered the tapstress, &quot;or I retract my promise.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mrs. Spurling,&quot; said Jonathan, who overheard the whisper, &quot;you owe your
+situation to me. If you have aided Jack Sheppard's escape, you shall owe
+your discharge to me also.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As you please, Sir,&quot; replied the tapstress, coolly. &quot;And the next time
+Captain Darrell wants a witness, I promise you he shan't look for one in
+vain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha! hussy, dare you threaten?&quot; cried Wild; but, checking himself, he
+turned to Ireton and asked, &quot;How long have the women been gone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Scarcely five minutes,&quot; replied the latter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;One of you fly to the market,&quot; returned Jonathan; &quot;another to the
+river; a third to the New Mint. Disperse in every direction. We'll have
+him yet. A hundred pounds to the man who takes him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he rushed out, followed by Ireton and Langley.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A hundred pounds!&quot; exclaimed Shotbolt. &quot;That's a glorious reward. Do
+you think he'll pay it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm sure of it,&quot; replied Austin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then I'll have it before to-morrow morning,&quot; said the keeper of the New
+Prison, to himself. &quot;If Jack Sheppard sups with Mr. Kneebone, I'll make
+one of the party.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XI" id="CHAPTER_3_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>Dollis Hill revisited.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>About an hour after the occurrences at Newgate, the door of the small
+back-parlour already described at Dollis Hill was opened by Winifred,
+who, gliding noiselessly across the room, approached a couch, on which
+was extended a sleeping female, and, gazing anxiously at her pale
+careworn countenance, murmured,&mdash;&quot;Heaven be praised! she still
+slumbers&mdash;slumbers peacefully. The opiate has done its duty. Poor thing!
+how beautiful she looks! but how like death!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 325</span><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325"></a>Deathlike, indeed, was the repose of the sleeper,&mdash;deathlike and deep.
+Its very calmness was frightful. Her lips were apart, but no breath
+seemed to issue from them; and, but for a slight&mdash;very slight
+palpitation of the bosom, the vital principle might be supposed to be
+extinct. This lifeless appearance was heightened by the extreme
+sharpness of her features&mdash;especially the nose and chin,&mdash;and by the
+emaciation of her limbs, which was painfully distinct through her
+drapery. Her attenuated arms were crossed upon her breast; and her black
+brows and eyelashes contrasted fearfully with the livid whiteness of her
+skin. A few short, dark locks, escaping from beneath her head-dress,
+showed that her hair had been removed, and had only been recently
+allowed to grow again.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poor Mrs. Sheppard!&quot; sighed Winifred, as she contemplated the beautiful
+wreck before her,&mdash;&quot;Poor Mrs. Sheppard! when I see her thus, and think
+of all she has endured, of all she may yet have to endure, I could
+almost pray for her release from trouble. I dare not reflect upon the
+effect that her son's fate,&mdash;if the efforts to save him are
+ineffectual,&mdash;may have upon her enfeebled frame, and still worse upon
+her mind. What a mercy that the blow aimed at her by the ruffian, Wild,
+though it brought her to the brink of the grave, should have restored
+her to reason! Ah! she stirs.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As she said this, she drew a little aside, while Mrs. Sheppard heaved a
+deep sigh, and opened her eyes, which now looked larger, blacker, and
+more melancholy than ever.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where am I?&quot; she cried, passing her hand across her brow.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With your friends, dear Mrs. Sheppard,&quot; replied Winifred, advancing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! you are there, my dear young lady,&quot; said the widow, smiling
+faintly; &quot;when I first waken, I'm always in dread of finding myself
+again in that horrible asylum.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You need never be afraid of that,&quot; returned Winifred, affectionately;
+&quot;my father will take care you never leave him more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 326</span><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326"></a>Oh! how much I owe him!&quot; said the widow, with fervour, &quot;for bringing
+me here, and removing me from those dreadful sights and sounds, that
+would have driven me distracted, even if I had been in my right mind.
+And how much I owe <i>you</i>, too, dearest Winifred, for your kindness and
+attention. Without you I should never have recovered either health or
+reason. I can never be grateful enough. But, though <i>I</i> cannot reward
+you, Heaven will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't say anything about it, dear Mrs. Sheppard,&quot; rejoined Winifred,
+controlling her emotion, and speaking as cheerfully as she could; &quot;I
+would do anything in the world for you, and so would my father, and so
+would Thames; but he <i>ought</i>, for he's your nephew, you know. We all
+love you dearly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bless you! bless you!&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, averting her face to hide
+her tears.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I mustn't tell you what Thames means to do for you if ever he gains his
+rights,&quot; continued Winifred; &quot;but I <i>may</i> tell you what my father means
+to do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He has done too much already,&quot; answered the widow. &quot;I shall need little
+more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But, <i>do</i> hear what it is,&quot; rejoined Winifred; &quot;you know I'm shortly to
+be united to your nephew,&mdash;that is,&quot; she added, blushing, &quot;when he can
+be married by his right name, for my father won't consent to it before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your father will never oppose your happiness, my dear, I'm sure,&quot; said
+Mrs. Sheppard; &quot;but, what has this to do with me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shall hear,&quot; replied Winifred; &quot;when this marriage takes place, you
+and I shall be closely allied, but my father wishes for a still closer
+alliance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't unterstand you,&quot; returned Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To be plain, then,&quot; said Winifred, &quot;he has asked me whether I have any
+objection to you as a mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And what&mdash;what was your answer?&quot; demanded the widow, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't you guess?&quot; returned Winifred, throwing her arms about her neck.
+&quot;That he couldn't choose any one so agreeable to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 327</span><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327"></a>Winifred,&quot; said Mrs. Sheppard, after a brief pause, during which she
+appeared overcome by her feelings,&mdash;she said, gently disengaging herself
+from the young girl's embrace, and speaking in a firm voice, &quot;you must
+dissuade your father from this step.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How?&quot; exclaimed the other. &quot;Can you not love him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Love him!&quot; echoed the widow. &quot;The feeling is dead within my breast. My
+only love is for my poor lost son. I can esteem him, regard him; but,
+love him as he <i>ought</i> to be loved&mdash;that I cannot do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your esteem is all he will require,&quot; urged Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He has it, and will ever have it,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard,
+passionately,&mdash;&quot;he has my boundless gratitude, and devotion. But I am
+not worthy to be any man's wife&mdash;far less <i>his</i> wife. Winifred, you are
+deceived in me. You know not what a wretched guilty thing I am. You know
+not in what dark places my life has been cast; with what crimes it has
+been stained. But the offences I <i>have</i> committed are venial in
+comparison with what I should commit were I to wed your father. No&mdash;no,
+it must never be.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You paint yourself worse than you are, dear Mrs. Sheppard,&quot; rejoined
+Winifred kindly. &quot;Your faults were the faults of circumstances.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Palliate them as you may,&quot; replied the widow, gravely, &quot;they <i>were</i>
+faults; and as such, cannot be repaired by a greater wrong. If you love
+me, do not allude to this subject again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm sorry I mentioned it at all, since it distresses you,&quot; returned
+Winifred; &quot;but, as I knew my father intended to propose to you, if poor
+Jack should be respited&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>If</i> he should be respited?&quot; repeated Mrs. Sheppard, with startling
+eagerness. &quot;Does your father doubt it? Speak! tell me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Winifred made no answer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your hesitation convinces me he does,&quot; replied the widow. &quot;Is Thames
+returned from London?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 328</span><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328"></a>Not yet,&quot; replied the other; &quot;but I expect him every minute. My
+father's chief fear, I must tell you, is from the baneful influence of
+Jonathan Wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That fiend is ever in my path,&quot; exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, with a look,
+the wildness of which greatly alarmed her companion. &quot;I cannot scare him
+thence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hark!&quot; cried Winifred, &quot;Thames is arrived. I hear the sound of his
+horse's feet in the yard. Now you will learn the result.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Heaven support me!&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, faintly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Breathe at this phial,&quot; said Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterwards,&mdash;it seemed an age to the anxious mother,&mdash;Mr. Wood
+entered the room, followed by Thames. The latter looked very pale,
+either from the effect of his wound, which was not yet entirely healed,
+or from suppressed emotion,&mdash;partly, perhaps, from both causes,&mdash;and
+wore his left arm in a sling.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well!&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, raising herself, and looking at him as if
+her life depended upon the answer. &quot;He is respited?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Alas! no,&quot; replied Thames, sadly. &quot;The warrant for his execution is
+arrived. There is no further hope.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My poor son!&quot; groaned the widow, sinking backwards.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Heaven have mercy on his soul!&quot; ejaculated Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poor Jack!&quot; cried Winifred, burying her face in her lover's bosom.</p>
+
+<p>Not a word was uttered for some time, nor any sound heard except the
+stilled sobs of the unfortunate mother.</p>
+
+<p>At length, she suddenly started to her feet; and before Winifred could
+prevent her, staggered up to Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When is he to suffer?&quot; she demanded, fixing her large black eyes, which
+burnt with an insane gleam, upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On Friday,&quot; he replied.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Friday!&quot; echoed Mrs. Sheppard; &quot;and to-day is Monday. He has three days
+to live. Only three days. Three short days. Horrible!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 329</span><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329"></a>Poor soul! her senses are going again,&quot; said Mr. Wood, terrified by
+the wildness of her looks. &quot;I was afraid it would be so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Only three days,&quot; reiterated the widow, &quot;three short short days,&mdash;and
+then all is over. Jonathan's wicked threat is fulfilled at last. The
+gallows is in view&mdash;I see it with all its hideous apparatus!&mdash;ough!&quot; and
+shuddering violently, she placed her hands before her, as if to exclude
+some frightful vision from her sight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not despair, my sweet soul,&quot; said Wood, in a soothing tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not despair!&quot; echoed Mrs. Sheppard, with a laugh that cut the ears
+of those who listened to it like a razor,&mdash;&quot;Do not despair! And who or
+what shall give me comfort when my son is gone? I have wept till my eyes
+are dry,&mdash;suffered till my heart is broken,&mdash;prayed till the voice of
+prayer is dumb,&mdash;and all of no avail. He will be hanged&mdash;hanged&mdash;hanged.
+Ha! ha! What have I left but despair and madness? Promise me one thing,
+Mr. Wood,&quot; she continued, with a sudden change of tone, and convulsively
+clutching the carpenter's arm, &quot;promise it me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Anything, my dear,&quot; replied Wood, &quot;What is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bury us together in one grave in Willesden churchyard. There is a small
+yew-tree west of the church. Beneath that tree let us lie. In one grave,
+mind. Do you promise to do this?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Solemnly,&quot; rejoined the carpenter.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Enough,&quot; said the widow, gratefully. &quot;I must see him to-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Impossible, dear Mrs. Sheppard,&quot; said Thames. &quot;To-morrow I will take
+you to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To-morrow will be too late,&quot; replied the widow, in a hollow voice, &quot;I
+feel it will. I must go to-night, or I shall never behold him again. I
+must bless him before I die. I have strength enough to drag myself
+there, and I do not want to return.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be pacified, sweet soul,&quot; said Wood, looking meaningly at Thames; &quot;you
+<i>shall</i> go, and I will accompany you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 330</span><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330"></a>A mother's blessing on you,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard, fervently. &quot;And
+now,&quot; she added, with somewhat more composure, &quot;leave me, dear friends,
+I entreat, for a few minutes to collect my scattered thoughts&mdash;to
+prepare myself for what I have to go through&mdash;to pray for my son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shall we do so?&quot; whispered Winifred to her father.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By all means,&quot; returned Wood; &quot;don't delay an instant.&quot; And, followed
+by the young couple, who gazed wistfully at the poor sufferer, he
+hastily quitted the room, and locked the door after him.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard was no sooner alone than she fell upon her knees by the
+side of the couch, and poured forth her heart in prayer. So absorbed was
+she by her passionate supplications that she was insensible to anything
+passing around her, until she felt a touch upon her shoulder, and heard
+a well-known voice breathe in her ear&mdash;&quot;Mother!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>She started at the sound as if an apparition had called her, screamed,
+and fell into her son's outstretched arms. &quot;Mother! dear mother!&quot; cried
+Jack, folding her to his breast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My son! my dear, dear son!&quot; returned Mrs. Sheppard, returning his
+embrace with all a parent's tenderness.</p>
+
+<p>Jack was completely overcome. His chest heaved violently, and big tears
+coursed rapidly down his cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't deserve it,&quot; he said, at length; &quot;but I would have risked a
+thousand deaths to enjoy this moment's happiness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And you must have risked much to obtain it, my love. I have scarcely
+recovered from the shock of hearing of your condemnation, when I behold
+you free!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not two hours since,&quot; rejoined Jack, &quot;I was chained down in the
+Condemned Hold in Newgate. With a small saw, conveyed to me a few days
+since by Thames Darrell, which I contrived to conceal upon my person, I
+removed a spike in the hatch, and, with the aid of some other friends,
+worked my way out. Having heard from Thames that you were better, and
+that your sole anxiety was <span class="pagenum">Page 331</span><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331"></a>about me, I came to give you the <i>first</i>
+intelligence of my escape.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bless you for it. But you will stay here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I dare not. I must provide for my safety.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wood will protect you,&quot; urged Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He has not the power&mdash;perhaps not the will to do so. And if he would,
+<i>I</i> would not subject him to the annoyance. The moment my escape is
+known, a large reward will be placed on my head. My dress, my person
+will be minutely described. Jonathan Wild and his bloodhounds, with a
+hundred others, incited by the reward, will be upon my track. Nay, for
+aught I know, some of them may even now have got scent of me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You terrify me,&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard. &quot;Oh! if this is the case, do not
+stay an instant. Fly! fly!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As soon as I can do so with safety, I will return, or send to you,&quot;
+said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not endanger yourself on my account,&quot; rejoined his mother. &quot;I am
+quite easy now; receive my blessing, my dear son; and if we never meet
+again, rest assured my last prayer shall be for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not talk thus, dear mother,&quot; returned Jack, gazing anxiously at her
+pale countenance, &quot;or I shall not be able to quit you. You must live for
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will try to do so,&quot; replied the widow, forcing a smile. &quot;One last
+embrace. I need not counsel you to avoid those fatal courses which have
+placed you in such fearful jeopardy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You need not,&quot; replied Jack, in a tone of the deepest compunction.
+&quot;And, oh! forgive me, though I can never forgive myself, for the misery
+I have caused you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Forgive you!&quot; echoed his mother, with a look radiant with delight. &quot;I
+have nothing to forgive. Ah!&quot; she screamed, with a sudden change of
+manner; and pointing to the window, which Jack had left open, and at
+which a dark figure was standing, &quot;there is Jonathan Wild!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Betrayed!&quot; exclaimed Jack, glancing in the same direction. &quot;The
+door!&mdash;the door!&mdash;death!&quot; he added, as he tried the handle, &quot;it is
+locked&mdash;and I am unarmed. Madman that I am to be so!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 332</span><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332"></a>Help!&quot; shrieked Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be silent,&quot; said Jonathan, striding deliberately into the room; &quot;these
+cries will avail you nothing. Whoever answers them must assist me to
+capture your son. Be silent, I say, if you value his safety.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Awed by Jonathan's manner, Mrs. Sheppard repressed the scream that rose
+to her lips, and both mother and son gazed with apprehension at the
+heavy figure of the thief-taker, which, viewed in the twilight, seemed
+dilated to twice its natural size, and appeared almost to block up the
+window. In addition to his customary arms, Jonathan carried a bludgeon
+with a large heavy knob, suspended from his wrist by a loop; a favourite
+weapon, which he always took with him on dangerous expeditions, and
+which, if any information had been requisite, would have told Sheppard
+that the present was one of them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Jack,&quot; he said, after a pause, &quot;are you disposed to go back
+quietly with me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll ascertain that when you attempt to touch me,&quot; rejoined Sheppard,
+resolutely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My janizaries are within call,&quot; returned Wild. &quot;I'm armed; you are
+not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It matters not. You shall not take me alive.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Spare him! spare him!&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, falling on her knees.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Get up, mother,&quot; cried Jack; &quot;do not kneel to him. I wouldn't accept my
+life from him. I've foiled him hitherto, and will foil him yet. And,
+come what will, I'll balk him of the satisfaction of hanging me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan raised his bludgeon, but controlled himself by a powerful
+effort.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fool!&quot; he cried, &quot;do you think I wouldn't have secured you before this
+if I hadn't some motive for my forbearance?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And that motive is fear,&quot; replied Jack contemptuously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fear!&quot; echoed Wild, in a terrible tone,&mdash;&quot;fear! Repeat that word again,
+and nothing shall save you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 333</span><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333"></a>Don't anger him, my dear son,&quot; implored the poor widow, with a look of
+anguish at Jack. &quot;Perhaps he means well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mad as you are, you're the more sensible of the two, I must say,&quot;
+rejoined Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Spare him!&quot; cried Mrs, Sheppard, who fancied she had made some
+impression on the obdurate breast of the thief-taker,&mdash;&quot;spare him! and I
+will forgive you, will thank you, bless you. Spare him! spare him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On one condition I <i>will</i> spare him,&quot; returned Wild; &quot;on one condition
+only.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it?&quot; asked the poor woman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Either he or you must return with me,&quot; answered Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take <i>me</i>, then,&quot; replied the widow. And she would have rushed to him,
+if she had not been forcibly withheld by her son.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not go near him, mother,&quot; cried Jack; &quot;do not believe him. There is
+some deep treachery hidden beneath his words.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>will</i> go,&quot; said Mrs. Sheppard, struggling to get free.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Attend to me, Mrs. Sheppard,&quot; said Jonathan, looking calmly on at this
+distressing scene, &quot;Attend to me, and do not heed him. I swear to you,
+solemnly swear to you, I will save your son's life, nay more, will
+befriend him, will place him out of the reach of his enemies, if you
+consent to become my wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Execrable villain!&quot; exclaimed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You hear that,&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard; &quot;he swears to save you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well,&quot; replied her son; &quot;and you spurn the proposal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; she accepts it,&quot; rejoined Jonathan, triumphantly. &quot;Come along, Mrs.
+Sheppard. I've a carriage within call shall convey you swiftly to town.
+Come! come!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear me, mother,&quot; cried Jack, &quot;and I will explain to you <i>why</i> the
+villain makes this strange and revolting proposal. He well knows that
+but two lives&mdash;those of Thames Darrell and Sir Rowland Trenchard,&mdash;stand
+between you and the vast possessions of the family. Those lives
+removed,&mdash;and Sir Rowland is completely <span class="pagenum">Page 334</span><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334"></a>in his power, the estates would
+be yours&mdash;HIS! if he were your husband. Now do you see his motive?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I see nothing but your danger,&quot; replied his mother, tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Granted it were as you say, Jack,&quot; said Wild;&mdash;&quot;and I sha'n't take the
+trouble to contradict you&mdash;the estates would be <i>yours</i> hereafter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Liar!&quot; cried Jack. &quot;Do you affect ignorance that I am a condemned
+felon, and can inherit nothing? But do not imagine that under any
+circumstances I would accept your terms. My mother shall never degrade
+herself by a connection with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Degrade herself,&quot; rejoined Jonathan, brutally. &quot;Do you think I would
+take a harlot to my bed, if it didn't suit my purposes to do so?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He says right,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard, distractedly. &quot;I am only fit for
+such as him. Take me! take me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Before an hour you shall be mine,&quot; said Jonathan advancing towards her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Back!&quot; cried Jack fiercely: &quot;lay a finger on her, and I will fell you
+to the ground. Mother! do you know what you do? Would you sell yourself
+to this fiend?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I would sell myself, body and soul, to save you,&quot; rejoined his mother,
+bursting from his grasp.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan caught her in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come away!&quot; he cried, with the roar of a demon.</p>
+
+<p>This laugh and his looks alarmed her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It <i>is</i> the fiend!&quot; she exclaimed, recoiling. &quot;Save me!&mdash;save me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Damnation!&quot; vociferated Jonathan, savagely. &quot;We've no time for any
+Bedlam scenes now. Come along, you mad jade. I'll teach you submission
+in time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he endeavoured to force her off; but, before he could
+accomplish his purpose, he was arrested, and his throat seized by Jack.
+In the struggle, Mrs. Sheppard broke from him, and filled the room with
+her shrieks.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll now pay the debt I owe you,&quot; cried Jack, tightening his grip till
+the thief-taker blackened in the face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 335</span><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335"></a>Dog!&quot; cried Wild, freeing himself by a powerful effort, and dealing
+Jack a violent blow with the heavy bludgeon, which knocked him
+backwards, &quot;you are not yet a match for Jonathan Wild. Neither you nor
+your mother shall escape me. But I must summon my janizaries.&quot; So
+saying, he raised a whistle to his lips, and blew a loud call; and, as
+this was unanswered, another still louder. &quot;Confusion!&quot; he cried;
+&quot;something has happened. But I won't be cheated of my prize.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Help! help!&quot; shrieked Mrs. Sheppard, fleeing from him to the farthest
+corner of the room.</p>
+
+<p>But it was of no avail. Jonathan again seized her, when the door was
+thrown open, and Thames Darrell, followed by Mr. Wood and several
+serving-men, all well armed, rushed into the room. A glance sufficed to
+show the young man how matters stood. He flew to the window, and would
+have passed his sword through the thief-taker's body, if the latter had
+not quickly interposed the person of Mrs. Sheppard, so that if the blow
+had been stricken she must have received it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Quilt!&mdash;Mendez!&mdash;Where are you?&quot; vociferated Wild, sounding his whistle
+for the third time.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You call in vain,&quot; rejoined Thames. &quot;Your assistants are in my power.
+Yield, villain!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never!&quot; replied Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Put down your burthen, monster!&quot; shouted Wood, pointing an immense
+blunderbuss at him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take her,&quot; cried Jonathan; and, flinging the now inanimate body of the
+poor widow, who had fainted in the struggle, into the arms of Thames, he
+leapt through the window, and by the time the latter could consign her
+to Wood, and dart after him, he had disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pursue him,&quot; cried Thames to the attendants, &quot;and see that he does not
+escape.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The order was promptly obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack,&quot; continued Thames, addressing Sheppard, who had only just
+recovered from the blow, and regained his feet, &quot;I don't ask <i>how</i> you
+came here, nor do I blame your rashness in doing so. Fortunately, ever
+since Wild's late murderous attack, the household has all been well
+<span class="pagenum">Page 336</span><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336"></a>armed. A post-chaise seen in the road first alarmed us. On searching
+the grounds, we found two suspicious-looking fellows in the garden, and
+had scarcely secured them, when your mother's cries summoned us hither,
+just in time to preserve her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your arrival was most providential,&quot; said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You must not remain here another instant,&quot; replied Thames. &quot;My horse is
+at the door, saddled, with pistols in the holsters,&mdash;mount him and fly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thames, I have much to say,&quot; said Jack, &quot;much that concerns your
+safety.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not now,&quot; returned Thames, impatiently. &quot;I cannot&mdash;will not suffer you
+to remain here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will go, if you will consent to meet me at midnight near the old
+house in Wych Street,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;By that time, I shall have fully
+considered a plan which occurs to me for defeating the schemes of your
+enemies.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Before that time you will be captured, if you expose yourself thus,&quot;
+rejoined Thames. &quot;However, I will be there. Farewell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Till midnight,&quot; replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p>And imprinting a kiss upon his mother's cold lips, he left the room. He
+found the horse where Thames told him he would find him, mounted, and
+rode off across the fields in the direction of town.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XII" id="CHAPTER_3_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Well Hole.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Jonathan Wild's first object, as soon as he had made good his retreat,
+was to ascertain what had become of his janizaries, and, if possible, to
+release them. With this view, he hurried to the spot where he had left
+the post-chaise, and found it drawn up at the road-side, the postilion
+dismounted, and in charge of a couple of farming-men. Advancing towards
+them, sword in hand, Jonathan so terrified the hinds by his fierce looks
+and determined manner, that, after a slight show of resistance, they
+took to their heels, leaving him master of the field. He <span class="pagenum">Page 337</span><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337"></a>then threw
+open the door of the vehicle, in which he found his janizaries with
+their arms pinioned, and, leaping into it, ordered the man to drive off.
+The postilion obeyed, and dashed off as hard as his horses could gallop
+along the beautiful road leading to Neasdon and Willesden, just as the
+serving-men made their appearance. Arrived at the latter place,
+Jonathan, who, meanwhile, had contrived to liberate his attendants from
+their bonds, drew up at the Six Bells, and hiring a couple of horses,
+despatched his attendants in search of Jack Sheppard, while he proceeded
+to town. Dismissing the post-chaise at the Old Bailey, he walked to
+Newgate to ascertain what had occurred since the escape. It was just
+upon the stroke of nine as he entered the Lodge, and Mr. Austin was
+dismissing a host of inquirers who had been attracted thither by the
+news,&mdash;for it had already been extensively noised abroad. Some of these
+persons were examining the spot where the spike had been cut off; others
+the spike itself, now considered a remarkable object; and all were
+marvelling how Jack could have possibly squeezed himself through such a
+narrow aperture, until it was explained to them by Mr. Austin that the
+renowned housebreaker was of slender bodily conformation, and therefore
+able to achieve a feat, which he, Mr. Austin, or any man of similar
+dimensions, would have found wholly impossible. Affixed to the wall, in
+a conspicuous situation, was a large placard, which, after minutely
+describing Sheppard's appearance and attire, concluded thus:&mdash;&quot;<i>Whoever
+will discover or apprehend the above</i> JOHN SHEPPARD, <i>so that he be
+brought to justice, shall receive</i> ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS REWARD, <i>to be
+paid by</i> MR. PITT, <i>the keeper of Newgate</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This placard attracted universal attention. While Jonathan was
+conversing with Austin, from whom he took care to conceal the fact of
+his having seen Sheppard since his escape, Ireton entered the Lodge.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Altogether unsuccessful, Sir,&quot; said the chief turnkey, with a look of
+disappointment, not unmixed with apprehension, as he approached Wild.
+&quot;I've been to all the flash cases in town, and can hear nothing of him
+or <span class="pagenum">Page 338</span><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338"></a>his wives. First, I went to Country Tom's, the Goat, in Long Lane.
+Tom swore he hadn't set eyes on him since the trial. I next proceeded to
+Jenny Bunch's, the Ship, in Trig Lane&mdash;there I got the same answer. Then
+to the Feathers, in Drury Lane. Then to the Golden Ball, in the same
+street. Then to Martin's brandy-shop, in Fleet Street. Then to Dan
+Ware's, in Hanging Sword Court. Then to the Dean's Head, in St. Martin's
+Le Grand. And, lastly, to the Seven Cities o' Refuge, in the New Mint.
+And nowhere could I obtain the slightest information.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Humph!&quot; exclaimed Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have you been more successful, Sir?&quot; ventured Ireton.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Shotbolt thinks he has a scheme that can't fail,&quot; interposed
+Austin; &quot;but he wishes to know whether you'll be as good as your word,
+in respect to the great reward you offered for Jack's capture.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have I ever broken my word in such matters, that he dares put the
+question?&quot; rejoined Jonathan sternly. &quot;Tell Mr. Shotbolt that if he, or
+any other person, takes Jack Sheppard before to-morrow morning, I'll
+double it. Do you hear?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do, Sir,&quot; replied Austin respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Two hundred pounds, if he's lodged in Newgate before to-morrow
+morning,&quot; continued Wild. &quot;Make it known among your friends.&quot; And he
+strode out of the place.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Two hundred pounds!&quot; exclaimed Ireton, &quot;besides the governor's
+offer&mdash;that's three hundred. I must go to work again. Keep a sharp look
+out, Austin, and see that we lose no one else. I should be sorry if
+Shotbolt got the reward.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Devilish hard! I'm not allowed a chance,&quot; grumbled Austin, as he was
+left alone. &quot;However, some one <i>must</i> look after the jail; and they're
+all gone but me. It's fortunate we've no more Jack Sheppards, or I
+should stand but a poor chance. Well, I don't think they'll any of 'em
+nab him, that's one comfort.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 339</span><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339"></a>On quitting the Lodge, Wild repaired to his own habitation. Telling the
+porter that he would attend to the house himself, he bade him go in
+search of Jack Sheppard. There was something in Jonathan's manner, as he
+issued this command, that struck the man as singular, and he afterwards
+recalled it. He, however, made no remark at the time, but instantly
+prepared to set out. As soon as he was gone, Jonathan went up stairs to
+the audience-chamber; and, sitting down, appeared for some time buried
+in reflection. The dark and desperate thoughts that were passing through
+his mind at this time will presently be shown. After a while, he raised
+his eyes; and, if their glance could have been witnessed at the moment,
+it could not have been easily forgotten. Muttering something to himself,
+he appeared to be telling upon his fingers the advantages and
+disadvantages of some scheme he had in contemplation. That he had
+resolved upon its execution, whatever it might be, was evident from his
+saying aloud,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will do it. So good an opportunity may never occur again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Upon this he arose, and paced the room hastily backwards and forwards,
+as if further arranging his plans. He then unlocked a cabinet, opened a
+secret drawer, and, lifter ransacking its contents, discovered a paper
+he was in search of, and a glove. Laying these carefully aside, he
+restored the drawer to its place. His next occupation was to take out
+his pistols, examine the priming, and rub the flints. His sword then
+came in for his scrutiny: he felt at, and appeared satisfied with its
+edge. This employment seemed to afford him the highest satisfaction; for
+a diabolical grin&mdash;it cannot be called a smile&mdash;played upon his face all
+the time he was engaged in it. His sword done with, he took up the
+bludgeon; balanced it in his hand; upon the points of his fingers; and
+let it fall with a smash, intentionally, upon the table.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;After all,&quot; he said, &quot;this is the safest weapon. No instrument I've
+ever used has done me such good service. It <i>shall</i> be the bludgeon.&quot; So
+saying, he slung it upon his wrist.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 340</span><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340"></a>Taking up a link, which was blazing beside him, he walked across the
+room; and touching a spring in the wall, a secret door flew open. Beyond
+was a narrow bridge, crossing a circular building, at the bottom of
+which lay a deep well. It was a dark mysterious place, and what it was
+used for no one exactly knew; but it was called by those who had seen it
+the Well Hole. The bridge was protected on either side by a railing with
+bannisters placed at wide intervals. Steps to aid the descent, which was
+too steep to be safe without them, led to, a door on the opposite side.
+This door, which was open, Jonathan locked and took out the key. As he
+stood upon the bridge, he held down the light, and looked into the
+profound abyss. The red glare fell upon the slimy brick-work, and tinged
+the inky waters below. A slight cough uttered by Jonathan at the moment
+awakened the echoes of the place, and was returned in hollow
+reverberations. &quot;There'll be a louder echo here presently,&quot; thought
+Jonathan. Before leaving the place he looked upwards, and could just
+discern the blue vault and pale stars of Heaven through an iron grating
+at the top.</p>
+
+<p>On his return to the room, Jonathan purposely left the door of the Well
+Hole ajar. Unlocking a cupboard, he then took out some cold meat and
+other viands, with a flask of wine, and a bottle of brandy, and began to
+eat and drink voraciously. He had very nearly cleared the board, when a
+knock was heard below, and descending at the summons, he found his two
+janizaries. They had both been unsuccessful. As Jonathan scarcely
+expected a more satisfactory result, he made no comment; but, ordering
+Quilt to continue his search, and not to return until he had found the
+fugitive, called Abraham Mendez into the house, and shut the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I want you for the job I spoke of a short time ago, Nab,&quot; he said. &quot;I
+mean to have no one but yourself in it. Come up stairs, and take a glass
+of brandy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Abraham grinned, and silently followed his master, who, as soon as they
+reached the audience-chamber, poured out a bumper of spirits, and
+presented it to him. The Jew swallowed it at a draught.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 341</span><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341"></a>By my shoul!&quot; he exclaimed, smacking his lips, &quot;dat ish goot&mdash;very
+goot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shall finish the bottle when the job's done,&quot; replied Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Vat ish it, Mishter Vild?&quot; inquired Mendez. &quot;Shir Rowland Trenchard's
+affair&mdash;eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's it,&quot; rejoined Jonathan; &quot;I expect him here every minute. When
+you've admitted him, steal into the room, hide yourself, and don't move
+till I utter the words, 'You've a long journey before you.' That's your
+signal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And a famoush goot shignal it ish,&quot; laughed Abraham. &quot;He hash a long
+journey before him&mdash;ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Peace!&quot; cried Jonathan. &quot;There's his knock. Go, and let him in. And
+mind you don't arouse his suspicions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never fear&mdash;never fear,&quot; rejoined Abraham, as he took up the link, and
+left the room.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan cast a hasty glance around, to see that all was properly
+arranged for his purpose; placed a chair with its back to the door;
+disposed the lights on the table so as to throw the entrance of the room
+more into shadow; and then flung himself into a seat to await Sir
+Rowland's arrival.</p>
+
+<p>He had not to wait long. Enveloped in a large cloak, Sir Rowland stalked
+into the room, and took the seat assigned him; while the Jew, who
+received a private signal from Jonathan, set down the link near the
+entrance of the Well Hole, and, having made fast the door, crept behind
+one of the cases.</p>
+
+<p>Fancying they were alone, Sir Rowland threw aside his cloak, and
+produced a heavy bag of money, which he flung upon the table; and, when
+Wild had feasted his greedy eyes sufficiently upon its golden contents,
+he handed him a pocket-book filled with notes.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have behaved like a man of honour, Sir Rowland,&quot; said Wild, after
+he had twice told over the money. &quot;Right to a farthing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Give me an acquittance,&quot; said Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's scarcely necessary,&quot; replied Wild; &quot;however, if you require it,
+certainly. There it is. 'Received from <span class="pagenum">Page 342</span><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342"></a>Sir Rowland Trenchard, 15,000
+&pound;.&mdash;Jonathan Wild: August 31st, 1724.' Will that do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It will,&quot; replied Trenchard. &quot;This is our last transaction together.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hope not,&quot; replied Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is the last,&quot; continued the knight, sternly; &quot;and I trust we may
+never meet again, I have paid you this large sum&mdash;not because you are
+entitled to it, for you have failed in what you undertook to do, but
+because I desire to be troubled with you no further. I have now settled
+my affairs, and made every preparation for my departure to France, where
+I shall spend the remainder of my days. And I have made such
+arrangements that at my decease tardy justice will be done my injured
+nephew.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have made no such arrangements as will compromise me, I hope, Sir
+Rowland?&quot; said Wild, hastily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;While I live you are safe,&quot; rejoined Trenchard; &quot;after my death I can
+answer for nothing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Sblood!&quot; exclaimed Wild, uneasily. &quot;This alters the case materially.
+When were you last confessed, Sir Rowland?&quot; he added abruptly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why do you ask?&quot; rejoined the other haughtily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Because&mdash;because I'm always distrustful of a priest,&quot; rejoined
+Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have just parted from one,&quot; said Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So much the worse,&quot; replied Jonathan, rising and taking a turn, as if
+uncertain what to do.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So much the better,&quot; rejoined Sir Rowland. &quot;He who stands on the verge
+of the grave, as I do, should never be unprepared.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're strangely superstitious, Sir Rowland,&quot; said Jonathan, halting,
+and looking steadfastly at him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If I were so, I should not be here,&quot; returned Trenchard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How so?&quot; asked Wild, curiously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I had a terrible dream last night. I thought my sister and her murdered
+husband dragged me hither, to this very room, and commanded you to slay
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 343</span><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343"></a>A terrible dream, indeed,&quot; said Jonathan thoughtfully. &quot;But you
+mustn't indulge these gloomy thoughts. Let me recommend a glass of
+wine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My penance forbids it,&quot; said Trenchard, waving his hand. &quot;I cannot
+remain here long.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You will remain longer than you anticipate,&quot; muttered Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Before I go,&quot; continued Sir Rowland, &quot;I must beg of you to disclose to
+me all you know relative to the parentage of Thames Darrell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Willingly,&quot; replied Wild. &quot;Thinking it likely you might desire to have
+this information, I prepared accordingly. First, look at this glove. It
+belonged to his father, and was worn by him on the night he was
+murdered. You will observe that a coronet is embroidered on it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha!&quot; exclaimed Trenchard, starting, &quot;is he so highly born?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This letter will inform you,&quot; replied Wild, placing a document in his
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is this!&quot; cried Sir Rowland. &quot;I know the hand&mdash;ha! my friend! and
+I have murdered <i>him</i>! And my sister was thus nobly, thus illustriously
+wedded. O God! O God!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And he appeared convulsed with agony.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! if I had known this,&quot; he exclaimed, &quot;what guilt, what remorse might
+have been spared me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Repentance comes too late when the deed's done,&quot; returned Wild,
+bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is not too late to repair the wrong I have done my nephew,&quot; cried
+Trenchard. &quot;I will set about it instantly. He shall have the estates. I
+will return to Manchester at once.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You had better take some refreshment before you start,&quot; rejoined Wild.
+&quot;'<i>You've a long journey before you.</i>'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As the signal was given, the Jew, who had been some time in expectation
+of it, darted swiftly and silently behind Sir Rowland, and flung a cloth
+over his head, while Jonathan, rushing upon him in front, struck him
+several quick and violent blows in the face with the blud<span class="pagenum">Page 344</span><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344"></a>geon. The
+white cloth was instantly dyed with crimson; but, regardless of this,
+Jonathan continued his murderous assault. The struggles of the wounded
+man were desperate&mdash;so desperate, that in his agony he overset the
+table, and, in the confusion, tore off the cloth, and disclosed a face
+horribly mutilated, and streaming with blood. So appalling was the
+sight, that even the murderers&mdash;familiar as they were with scenes of
+slaughter,&mdash;looked aghast at it.</p>
+
+<p>During this dreadful pause the wretched man felt for his sword. It had
+been removed from the scabbard by the Jew. He uttered a deep groan, but
+said nothing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Despatch him!&quot; roared Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>Having no means of defence, Sir Rowland cleared the blood from his
+vision; and, turning to see whether there was any means of escape, he
+descried the open door behind him leading to the Well Hole, and
+instantly darted through it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As I could wish!&quot; cried Jonathan. &quot;Bring the light, Nab.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The Jew snatched up the link, and followed him.</p>
+
+<p>A struggle of the most terrific kind now ensued. The wounded man had
+descended the bridge, and dashed himself against the door beyond it;
+but, finding it impossible to force his way further, he turned to
+confront his assailants. Jonathan aimed a blow at him, which, if it had
+taken place, must have instantly terminated the strife; but, avoiding
+this, he sprang at the thief-taker, and grappled with him. Firmly built,
+as it was, the bridge creaked in such a manner with their contending
+efforts, that Abraham durst not venture beyond the door, where he stood,
+holding the light, a horrified spectator of the scene. The contest,
+however, though desperate, was brief. Disengaging his right arm,
+Jonathan struck his victim a tremendous blow on the head with the
+bludgeon, that fractured his skull; and, exerting all his strength,
+threw him over the rails, to which he clung with the tenacity of
+despair.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Spare me!&quot; he groaned, looking upwards. &quot;Spare me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 345</span><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345"></a>Jonathan, however, instead of answering him, searched for his knife,
+with the intention of severing his wrist. But not finding it, he had
+again recourse to the bludgeon, and began beating the hand fixed on the
+upper rail, until, by smashing the fingers, he forced it to relinquish
+its hold. He then stamped upon the hand on the lower bannister, until
+that also relaxed its gripe.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Rowland then fell.</p>
+
+<p>A hollow plunge, echoed and re-echoed by the walls, marked his descent
+into the water.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Give me the link,&quot; cried Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>Holding down the light, he perceived that the wounded man had risen to
+the surface, and was trying to clamber up the slippery sides of the
+well.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shoot him! shoot him! Put him out of hish mishery,&quot; cried the Jew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's the use of wasting a shot?&quot; rejoined Jonathan, savagely. &quot;He
+can't get out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>After making several ineffectual attempts to keep himself above water,
+Sir Rowland sunk, and his groans, which had become gradually fainter and
+fainter, were heard no more.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;All's over,&quot; muttered Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shall ve go back to de other room?&quot; asked the Jew. &quot;I shall breathe
+more freely dere. Oh! Christ! de door's shut! It musht have schwung to
+during de schuffle!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shut!&quot; exclaimed Wild. &quot;Then we're imprisoned. The spring can't be
+opened on this side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Dere's de other door!&quot; cried Mendez, in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It only leads to the fencing crib,&quot; replied Wild. &quot;There's no outlet
+that way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can't ve call for asshistanche?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And who'll find us, if we do?&quot; rejoined Wild, fiercely. &quot;But they
+<i>will</i> find the evidences of slaughter in the other room,&mdash;the table
+upset,&mdash;the bloody cloth,&mdash;the dead man's sword,&mdash;the money,&mdash;and my
+memorandum, which I forgot to remove. Hell's curses! that after all my
+precautions I should be thus entrapped. It's all your fault, you shaking
+coward! and, but that I feel <span class="pagenum">Page 346</span><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346"></a>sure you'll swing for your carelessness,
+I'd throw you into the well, too.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XIII" id="CHAPTER_3_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Supper at Mr. Kneebone's.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Persuaded that Jack Sheppard would keep his appointment with Mr.
+Kneebone, and feeling certain of capturing him if he did so, Shotbolt,
+on quitting Newgate, hurried to the New Prison to prepare for the
+enterprise. After debating with himself for some time whether he should
+employ an assistant, or make the attempt alone, his love of gain
+overcame his fears, and he decided upon the latter plan. Accordingly,
+having armed himself with various weapons, including a stout oaken staff
+then ordinarily borne by the watch, and put a coil of rope and a gag in
+his pocket, to be ready in case of need, he set out, about ten o'clock,
+on the expedition.</p>
+
+<p>Before proceeding to Wych Street, he called at the Lodge to see how
+matters were going on, and found Mrs. Spurling and Austin at their
+evening meal, with Caliban in attendance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Mr. Shotbolt,&quot; cried the turnkey, &quot;I've good news for you. Mr.
+Wild has doubled his offer, and the governor has likewise proclaimed a
+reward of one hundred guineas for Jack's apprehension.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You don't say so!&quot; exclaimed Shotbolt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Read that,&quot; rejoined Austin, pointing to the placard. &quot;I ought to tell
+you that Mr. Wild's reward is conditional upon Jack's being taken before
+to-morrow morning. So I fear there's little chance of any one getting
+it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You think so, eh?&quot; chuckled Shotbolt, who was eagerly perusing the
+reward, and congratulating himself upon his caution; &quot;you think so&mdash;ha!
+ha! Well, don't go to bed, that's all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What for?&quot; demanded the turnkey.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Because the prisoner's arrival might disturb you&mdash;ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 347</span><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347"></a>I'll lay you twenty guineas you don't take him to-night,&quot; rejoined
+Austin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Done!&quot; cried Shotbolt. &quot;Mrs. Spurling, you're a witness to the bet.
+Twenty guineas, mind. I shan't let you off a farthing. Egad! I shall
+make a good thing of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never count your chickens till they're hatched,&quot; observed Mrs.
+Spurling, drily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>My</i> chickens are hatched, or, at least, nearly so,&quot; replied Shotbolt,
+with increased merriment. &quot;Get ready your heaviest irons, Austin. I'll
+send you word when I catch him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'd better send <i>him</i>,&quot; jeered the turnkey.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I will,&quot; rejoined Shotbolt; &quot;so I will. If I don't, you shall clap
+me in the Condemned Hold in his stead. Good-bye, for the pressent&mdash;ha!
+ha!&quot; And, laughing loudly at his own facetiousness, he quitted the
+Lodge.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll lay my life he's gone on a fox-and-goose-chase to Mr. Kneebone's,&quot;
+remarked Austin, rising to fasten the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shouldn't wonder,&quot; replied Mrs. Spurling, as if struck by a sudden
+idea. And, while the turnkey was busy with the keys, she whispered to
+the black, &quot;Follow him, Caliban. Take care he don't see you,&mdash;and bring
+me word where he goes, and what he does.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Iss, missis,&quot; grinned the black.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be so good as to let Caliban out, Mr. Austin,&quot; continued the tapstress;
+&quot;he's only going on an errand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Austin readily complied with her request. As he returned to the table,
+he put his finger to his nose; and, though he said nothing, he thought
+he had a much better chance of winning his wager.</p>
+
+<p>Unconscious that his movements were watched, Shotbolt, meanwhile,
+hastened towards Wych Street. On the way, he hired a chair with a couple
+of stout porters, and ordered them to follow him. Arrived within a short
+distance of his destination, he came to a halt, and pointing out a dark
+court nearly opposite the woollen-draper's abode, told the chairmen to
+wait there till they were summoned.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm a peace-officer,&quot; he added, &quot;about to arrest a notorious criminal.
+He'll be brought out at this door, <span class="pagenum">Page 348</span><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348"></a>and may probably make some
+resistance. But you must get him into the chair as fast as you can, and
+hurry off to Newgate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And what'll we get for the job, yer hon'r?&quot; asked the foremost
+chairman, who, like most of his tribe at the time, was an Irishman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Five guineas. Here's a couple in hand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Faix, then we'll do it in style,&quot; cried the fellow. &quot;Once in this
+chair, yer hon'r, and I'll warrant he'll not get out so aisily as Jack
+Sheppard did from the New Pris'n.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold your tongue, sirrah,&quot; rejoined Shotbolt, not over-pleased by the
+remark, &quot;and mind what I tell you. Ah! what's that?&quot; he exclaimed, as
+some one brushed hastily past him. &quot;If I hadn't just left him, I could
+have sworn it was Mrs. Spurling's sooty imp, Caliban.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Having seen the chairmen concealed in the entry, Shotbolt proceeded to
+Mr. Kneebone's habitation, the shutters of which were closed, and
+knocked at the door. The summons was instantly answered by a shop-boy.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is your master at home?&quot; inquired the jailer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He is,&quot; replied a portly personage, arrayed in a gorgeous yellow
+brocade dressing-gown, lined with cherry-coloured satin, and having a
+crimson velvet cap, surmounted by a gold tassel, on his head. &quot;My name
+is Kneebone,&quot; added the portly personage, stepping forward. &quot;What do you
+want with me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A word in private,&quot; replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stand aside, Tom,&quot; commanded Kneebone. &quot;Now Sir,&quot; he added, glancing
+suspiciously at the applicant &quot;your business?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My business is to acquaint you that Jack Sheppard has escaped, Mr.
+Kneebone,&quot; returned Shotbolt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The deuce he has! Why, it's only a few hours since I beheld him chained
+down with half a hundred weight of iron, in the strongest ward at
+Newgate. It's almost incredible. Are you sure you're not misinformed,
+Sir?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was in the Lodge at the time,&quot; replied the jailer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then, of course, you must know. Well, it's scarcely credible. When I
+gave him an invitation to supper, I <span class="pagenum">Page 349</span><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349"></a>little thought he'd accept it. But,
+egad! I believe he <i>will</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm convinced of it,&quot; replied Shotbolt; &quot;and it was on that very
+account I came here.&quot; And he proceeded to unfold his scheme to the
+woollen-draper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Sir,&quot; said Kneebone, when the other concluded, &quot;I shall certainly
+not oppose his capture, but, at the same time, I'll lend you no
+assistance. If he keeps <i>his</i> word, I'll keep <i>mine</i>. You must wait till
+supper's over.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As you please, Sir,&mdash;provided you don't let him off.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That I'll engage not to do. I've another reason for supposing he'll pay
+me a visit. I refused to sign a petition in his behalf to the Recorder;
+not from any ill-will to him, but because it was prepared by a person
+whom I particularly dislike&mdash;Captain Darrell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A very sufficient reason,&quot; answered the jailer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tom,&quot; continued Kneebone, calling to the shop-boy, &quot;don't go home. I
+may want you. Light the lantern. And, if you hear any odd noise in the
+parlour, don't mind it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not in the least, Sir,&quot; replied Tom, in a drowsy tone, and with a look
+seeming to imply that he was too much accustomed to odd noises at night
+to heed them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now, step this way, Mr. What's-your-name?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shotbolt, Sir,&quot; replied the jailer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well, Mr. Slipshod; follow me.&quot; And he led the way to an inner
+room, in the middle of which stood a table, covered with a large white
+cloth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack Sheppard knows this house, I believe, Sir,&quot; observed Shotbolt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Every inch of it,&quot; replied the woollen-draper. &quot;He <i>ought</i> to do,
+seeing that he served his apprenticeship in it to Mr. Wood, by whom it
+was formerly occupied. His name is carved upon a beam up stairs.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Indeed!&quot; said Shotbolt. &quot;Where can I hide myself?&quot; he added, glancing
+round the room in search of a closet.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Under the table. The cloth nearly touches the floor. Give me your
+staff. It'll be in your way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Suppose he brings Blueskin, or some other ruffian with him,&quot; hesitated
+the jailer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 350</span><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350"></a>Suppose he does. In that case I'll help you. We shall be equally
+matched. You're not afraid, Mr. Shoplatch.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not in the least,&quot; replied Shotbolt, creeping beneath the table;
+&quot;there's my staff. Am I quite hidden?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not quite;&mdash;keep your feet in. Mind you don't stir till supper's over.
+I'll stamp twice when we've done.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I forgot to mention there's a trifling reward for his capture,&quot; cried
+Shotbolt, popping his head from under the cloth. &quot;If we take him, I
+don't mind giving you a share&mdash;say a fourth&mdash;provided you lend a helping
+hand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Curse your reward!&quot; exclaimed Kneebone, angrily. &quot;Do you take me for a
+thief-catcher, like Jonathan Wild, that you dare to affront me by such a
+proposal?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No offence, Sir,&quot; rejoined the jailer, humbly. &quot;I didn't imagine for a
+moment that you'd accept it, but I thought it right to make you the
+offer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be silent, and conceal yourself. I'm about to ring for supper.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The woollen-draper's application to the bell was answered by a very
+pretty young woman, with dark Jewish features, roguish black eyes, sleek
+glossy hair, a trim waist, and a remarkably neat figure: the very model,
+in short, of a bachelor's housekeeper.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Rachel,&quot; said Mr. Kneebone, addressing his comely attendant; &quot;put a few
+more plates on the table, and bring up whatever there is in the larder.
+I expect company.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Company!&quot; echoed Rachel; &quot;at this time of night?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Company, child,&quot; repeated Kneebone. &quot;I shall want a bottle or two of
+sack, and a flask of usquebaugh.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Anything else, Sir?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No:&mdash;stay! you'd better not bring up any silver forks or spoons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, surely you don't think your guests would steal them,&quot; observed
+Rachel, archly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They shan't have the opportunity,&quot; replied Kneebone. And, by way of
+checking his housekeeper's familiarity, he pointed significantly to the
+table.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who's there?&quot; cried Rachel. &quot;I'll see.&quot; And before she could be
+prevented, she lifted up the cloth, and dis<span class="pagenum">Page 351</span><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351"></a>closed Shotbolt. &quot;Oh,
+Gemini!&quot; she exclaimed. &quot;A man!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At your service, my dear,&quot; replied the jailer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now your curiosity's satisfied, child,&quot; continued Kneebone, &quot;perhaps,
+you'll attend to my orders.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Not a little perplexed by the mysterious object she had seen, Rachel
+left the room, and, shortly afterwards returned with the materials of a
+tolerably good supper;&mdash;to wit, a couple of cold fowls, a tongue, the
+best part of a sirloin of beef, a jar of pickles, and two small dishes
+of pastry. To these she added the wine and spirits directed, and when
+all was arranged looked inquisitively at her master.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I expect a very extraordinary person to supper, Rachel,&quot; he remarked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gentleman under the table,&quot; she answered. &quot;He <i>does</i> seem a very
+extraordinary person.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No; another still more extraordinary.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Indeed!&mdash;who is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What! the famous housebreaker. I thought he was in Newgate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's let out for a few hours,&quot; laughed Kneebone; &quot;but he's going back
+again after supper.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, dear! how I should like to see him. I'm told he's so handsome.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm sorry I can't indulge you,&quot; replied her master, a little piqued. &quot;I
+shall want nothing more. You had better go to bed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's no use going to bed,&quot; answered Rachel. &quot;I shan't sleep a wink
+while Jack Sheppard's in the house.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Keep in your own room, at all events,&quot; rejoined Kneebone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very well,&quot; said Rachel, with a toss of her pretty head, &quot;very well.
+I'll have a peep at him, if I die for it,&quot; she muttered, as she went
+out.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Kneebone, then, sat down to await the arrival of his expected guest.
+Half an hour passed, but Jack did not make his appearance. The
+woollen-draper looked at his watch. It was eleven o'clock. Another long
+interval <span class="pagenum">Page 352</span><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352"></a>elapsed. The watch was again consulted. It was now a quarter
+past twelve. Mr. Kneebone, who began to feel sleepy, wound it up, and
+snuffed the candles.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I suspect our friend has thought better of it, and won't come,&quot; he
+remarked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have a little patience, Sir,&quot; rejoined the jailer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How are you off there, Shoplatch?&quot; inquired Kneebone. &quot;Rather cramped,
+eh?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Rather so, Sir,&quot; replied the other, altering his position. &quot;I shall be
+able to stretch my limbs presently&mdash;ha! ha!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hush!&quot; cried Kneebone, &quot;I hear a noise without. He's coming.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The caution was scarcely uttered, when the door opened, and Jack
+Sheppard presented himself. He was wrapped in a laced roquelaure, which
+he threw off on his entrance into the room. It has been already
+intimated that Jack had an excessive passion for finery; and it might
+have been added, that the chief part of his ill-gotten gains was devoted
+to the embellishment of his person. On the present occasion, he appeared
+to have bestowed more than ordinary attention on his toilette. His
+apparel was sumptuous in the extreme, and such as was only worn by
+persons of the highest distinction. It consisted of a full-dress coat of
+brown flowered velvet, laced with silver; a waistcoat of white satin,
+likewise richly embroidered; shoes with red heels, and large diamond
+buckles; pearl-coloured silk stockings with gold clocks; a muslin
+cravat, or steen-kirk, as it was termed, edged with the fine point lace;
+ruffles of the same material, and so ample as almost to hide the tips of
+his fingers; and a silver-hilted sword. This costume, though somewhat
+extravagant, displayed his slight, but perfectly-proportioned figure to
+the greatest advantage. The only departure which he made from the
+fashion of the period, was in respect to the peruke&mdash;an article he could
+never be induced to wear. In lieu of it, he still adhered to the sleek
+black crop, which, throughout life, formed a distinguishing feature in
+his appearance. Ever since the discovery of his relationship to the
+Trenchard family, <span class="pagenum">Page 353</span><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353"></a>a marked change had taken place in Jack's demeanour
+and looks, which were so much refined and improved that he could
+scarcely be recognised as the same person. Having only seen him in the
+gloom of a dungeon, and loaded with fetters, Kneebone had not noticed
+this alteration: but he was now greatly struck by it. Advancing towards
+him, he made him a formal salutation, which was coldly returned.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am expected, I find,&quot; observed Jack, glancing at the well-covered
+board.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are,&quot; replied Kneebone. &quot;When I heard of your escape, I felt sure I
+should see you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You judged rightly,&quot; rejoined Jack; &quot;I never yet broke an engagement
+with friend or foe&mdash;and never will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A bold resolution,&quot; said the woollen-draper. &quot;You must have made some
+exertion to keep your present appointment. Few men could have done as
+much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps not,&quot; replied Jack, carelessly. &quot;I would have done more, if
+necessary.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, take a chair,&quot; rejoined Kneebone. &quot;I've waited supper, you
+perceive.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;First, let me introduce my friends,&quot; returned Jack, stepping to the
+door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Friends!&quot; echoed Kneebone, with a look of dismay. &quot;My invitation did
+not extend to them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Further remonstrance, however, was cut short by the sudden entrance of
+Mrs. Maggot and Edgeworth Bess. Behind them stalked Blueskin, enveloped
+in a rough great-coat, called&mdash;appropriately enough in this instance,&mdash;a
+wrap-rascal. Folding his arms, he placed his back against the door, and
+burst into a loud laugh. The ladies were, as usual, very gaily dressed;
+and as usual, also, had resorted to art to heighten their attractions&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>From patches, justly placed, they borrow'd graces,<br /></span>
+<span>And with vermilion lacquer'd o'er their faces.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Edgeworth Bess wore a scarlet tabby neglig&eacute;e,&mdash;a sort of undress, or
+sack, then much in vogue,&mdash;which suited her to admiration, and upon her
+head had what was <span class="pagenum">Page 354</span><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354"></a>called a fly-cap, with richly-laced lappets. Mrs.
+Maggot was equipped in a light blue riding-habit, trimmed with silver, a
+hunting-cap and a flaxen peruke, and, instead of a whip, carried a stout
+cudgel.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment, Kneebone had hesitated about giving the signal to
+Shotbolt, but, thinking a more favourable opportunity might occur, he
+determined not to hazard matters by undue precipitation. Placing chairs,
+therefore, he invited the ladies to be seated, and, paying a similar
+attention to Jack, began to help to the various dishes, and otherwise
+fulfil the duties of a host. While this was going on, Blueskin, seeing
+no notice whatever taken of him, coughed loudly and repeatedly. But
+finding his hints totally disregarded, he, at length, swaggered up to
+the table, and thrust in a chair.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Excuse me,&quot; he said, plunging his fork into a fowl, and transferring it
+to his plate. &quot;This tongue looks remarkably nice,&quot; he added, slicing off
+an immense wedge, &quot;excuse me&mdash;ho! ho!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You make yourself at home, I perceive,&quot; observed Kneebone, with a look
+of ineffable disgust.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I generally do,&quot; replied Blueskin, pouring out a bumper of sack. &quot;Your
+health, Kneebone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Allow me to offer you a glass of usquebaugh, my dear,&quot; said Kneebone,
+turning from him, and regarding Edgeworth Bess with a stare so
+impertinent, that even that not over-delicate young lady summoned up a
+blush.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;With pleasure, Sir,&quot; replied Edgeworth Bess. &quot;Dear me!&quot; she added, as
+she pledged the amorous woollen-draper, &quot;what a beautiful ring that is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you think so?&quot; replied Kneebone, taking it off, and placing it on
+her finger, which he took the opportunity of kissing at the same time;
+&quot;wear it for my sake.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, dear!&quot; simpered Edgeworth Bess, endeavouring to hide her confusion
+by looking steadfastly at her plate.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You don't eat,&quot; continued Kneebone, addressing Jack, who had remained
+for some time thoughtful, and pre-occupied with his head upon his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 355</span><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355"></a>The Captain has seldom much appetite,&quot; replied Blueskin, who, having
+disposed of the fowl, was commencing a vigorous attack upon the sirloin.
+&quot;I eat for both.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So it seems,&quot; observed the woollen-draper, &quot;and for every one else,
+too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I say, Kneebone,&quot; rejoined Blueskin, as he washed down an immense
+mouthful with another bumper, &quot;do you recollect how nearly Mr. Wild and
+I were nabbing you in this very room, some nine years ago?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do,&quot; replied Kneebone; &quot;and now,&quot; he added, aside, &quot;the case is
+altered. I'm nearly nabbing <i>you</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A good deal has occurred since then, eh, Captain!&quot; said Blueskin,
+nudging Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Much that I would willingly forget. Nothing that I desire to remember,&quot;
+replied Sheppard, sternly. &quot;On that night,&mdash;in this room,&mdash;in your
+presence, Blueskin,&mdash;in yours Mr. Kneebone, Mrs. Wood struck me a blow
+which made me a robber.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She has paid dearly for it,&quot; muttered Blueskin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She has,&quot; rejoined Sheppard. &quot;But I wish her hand had been as deadly as
+yours. On that night,&mdash;that fatal night,&mdash;Winifred crushed all the hopes
+that were rising in my heart. On that night, I surrendered myself to
+Jonathan Wild, and became&mdash;what I am.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On that night, you first met me, love,&quot; said Edgeworth Bess,
+endeavouring to take his hand, which he coldly withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And me,&quot; added Mrs. Maggot tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Would I had never seen either of you!&quot; cried Jack, rising and pacing
+the apartment with a hurried step.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I'm sure Winifred could never have loved you as well as I do,&quot;
+said Mrs. Maggot.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>You</i>!&quot; cried Jack, scornfully. &quot;Do you compare <i>your</i> love&mdash;a love
+which all may purchase&mdash;with <i>hers</i>? No one has ever loved me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Except me, dear,&quot; insinuated Edgeworth Bess. &quot;I've been always true to
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Peace!&quot; retorted Jack, with increased bitterness. &quot;I'm your dupe no
+longer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 356</span><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356"></a>What the devil's in the wind now, Captain?&quot; cried Blueskin, in
+astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll tell you,&quot; replied Jack, with forced calmness. &quot;Within the last
+few minutes, all my guilty life has passed before me. Nine years ago, I
+was honest&mdash;was happy. Nine years ago, I worked in this very house&mdash;had
+a kind indulgent master, whom I robbed&mdash;twice robbed, at your
+instigation, villain; a mistress, whom you have murdered; a companion,
+whose friendship I have for ever forfeited; a mother, whose heart I have
+well-nigh broken. In this room was my ruin begun: in this room it should
+be ended.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come, come, don't take on thus, Captain,&quot; cried Blueskin, rising and
+walking towards him. &quot;If any one's to blame, it's me. I'm ready to bear
+it all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can you make me honest?&quot; cried Jack. &quot;Can you make me other than a
+condemned felon? Can you make me not Jack Sheppard?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; replied Blueskin; &quot;and I wouldn't if I could.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Curse you!&quot; cried Jack, furiously,&mdash;&quot;curse you!&mdash;curse you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Swear away, Captain,&quot; rejoined Blueskin, coolly. &quot;It'll ease your
+mind.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you mock me?&quot; cried Jack, levelling a pistol at him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not I,&quot; replied Blueskin. &quot;Take my life, if you're so disposed. You're
+welcome to it. And let's see if either of these women, who prate of
+their love for you, will do as much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is folly,&quot; cried Jack, controlling himself by a powerful effort.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The worst of folly,&quot; replied Blueskin, returning to the table, and
+taking up a glass; &quot;and, to put an end to it, I shall drink the health
+of Jack Sheppard, the housebreaker, and success to him in all his
+enterprises. And now, let's see who'll refuse the pledge.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>I</i> will,&quot; replied Sheppard, dashing the glass from his hand. &quot;Sit
+down, fool!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack,&quot; said Kneebone, who had been considerably interested by the
+foregoing scene, &quot;are these regrets for your past life sincere?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 357</span><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357"></a>Suppose them so,&quot; rejoined Jack, &quot;what then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nothing&mdash;nothing,&quot; stammered Kneebone, his prudence getting the better
+of his sympathy. &quot;I'm glad to hear it, that's all,&quot; he added, taking out
+his snuff-box, his never-failing resource in such emergencies. &quot;It won't
+do to betray the officer,&quot; he muttered.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O lud! what an exquisite box!&quot; cried Edgeworth Bess. &quot;Is it gold?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pure gold,&quot; replied Kneebone. &quot;It was given me by poor dear Mrs. Wood,
+whose loss I shall ever deplore.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pray, let me have a pinch!&quot; said Edgeworth Bess, with a captivating
+glance. &quot;I am so excessively fond of snuff.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The woollen-draper replied by gallantly handing her the box, which was
+instantly snatched from her by Blueskin, who, after helping himself to
+as much of its contents as he could conveniently squeeze between his
+thumb and finger, put it very coolly in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>The action did not pass unnoticed by Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Restore it,&quot; he cried, in an authoritative voice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O'ons! Captain,&quot; cried Blueskin, as he grumblingly obeyed the command;
+&quot;if you've left off business yourself, you needn't interfere with other
+people.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should like a little of that plum-tart,&quot; said Mrs. Maggot; &quot;but I
+don't see a spoon.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll ring for one,&quot; replied Kneebone, rising accordingly; &quot;but I fear
+my servants are gone to bed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Blueskin, meanwhile, having drained and replenished his glass, commenced
+chaunting a snatch of a ballad:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>Once on a time, as I've heard tell.<br /></span>
+<span>In Wych Street Owen Wood did dwell;<br /></span>
+<span>A carpenter he was by trade,<br /></span>
+<span>And money, I believe, he made.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>With his foodle doo!</i><br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>This carpenter he had a wife,<br /></span>
+<span>The plague and torment of his life,<br /></span>
+<span>Who, though she did her husband scold,<br /></span>
+<span>Loved well a woollen-draper bold.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>With her foodle doo!</i><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 358</span><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358"></a>I've a toast to propose,&quot; cried Sheppard, filling a bumper. &quot;You won't
+refuse it, Mr. Kneebone?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He'd better not,&quot; muttered Blueskin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it?&quot; demanded the woollen-draper, as he returned to the table,
+and took up a glass.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The speedy union of Thames Darrell with Winifred Wood,&quot; replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p>Kneebone's cheeks glowed with rage, and he set down the wine untasted,
+while Blueskin resumed his song.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>Now Owen Wood had one fair child,<br /></span>
+<span>Unlike her mother, meek and mild;<br /></span>
+<span>Her love the draper strove to gain,<br /></span>
+<span>But she repaid him with disdain.<br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>With his foodle doo!</i><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Peace!&quot; cried Jack.</p>
+
+<p>But Blueskin was not to be silenced. He continued his ditty, in spite of
+the angry glances of his leader.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>In vain he fondly urged his suit,<br /></span>
+<span>And, all in vain, the question put;<br /></span>
+<span>She answered,&mdash;&quot;Mr. William Kneebone,<br /></span>
+<span>Of me, Sir, you shall never be bone.&quot;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>With your foodle doo!</i><br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span>&quot;Thames Darrell has my heart alone,<br /></span>
+<span>A noble youth, e'en <i>you</i> must own;<br /></span>
+<span>And, if from him my love could stir,<br /></span>
+<span>Jack Sheppard I should much prefer!&quot;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4"><i>With his foodle doo!</i><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you refuse my toast?&quot; cried Jack, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do,&quot; replied Kneebone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Drink this, then,&quot; roared Blueskin. And pouring the contents of a small
+powder-flask into a bumper of brandy, he tendered him the mixture.</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, the door was opened by Rachel.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What did you ring for, Sir?&quot; she asked, eyeing the group with
+astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your master wants a few table-spoons, child,&quot; said Mrs. Maggot.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Leave the room,&quot; interposed Kneebone, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 359</span><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359"></a>No, I shan't,&quot; replied Rachel, saucily. &quot;I came to see Jack Sheppard,
+and I won't go till you point him out to me. You told me he was going
+back to Newgate after supper, so I mayn't have another opportunity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! he told you that, did he?&quot; said Blueskin, marching up to her, and
+chucking her under the chin. &quot;I'll show you Captain Sheppard, my dear.
+There he stands. I'm his lieutenant,&mdash;Lieutenant Blueskin. We're two
+good-looking fellows, ain't we?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Very good-looking,&quot; replied Rachel. &quot;But, where's the strange gentleman
+I saw under the table?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Under the table!&quot; echoed Blueskin, winking at Jack. &quot;When did you see
+him, my love?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A short time ago,&quot; replied the housekeeper, unsuspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The plot's out!&quot; cried Jack. And, without another word, he seized the
+table with both hands, and upset it; scattering plates, dishes, bottles,
+jugs, and glasses far and wide. The crash was tremendous. The lights
+rolled over, and were extinguished. And, if Rachel had not carried a
+candle, the room would have been plunged in total darkness. Amid the
+confusion, Shotbolt sprang to his feet, and levelling a pistol at Jack's
+head, commanded him to surrender; but, before any reply could be made,
+the jailer's arm was struck up by Blueskin, who, throwing himself upon
+him, dragged him to the ground. In the struggle the pistol went off, but
+without damage to either party. The conflict was of short duration; for
+Shotbolt was no match for his athletic antagonist. He was speedily
+disarmed; and the rope and gag being found upon him, were exultingly
+turned against him by his conqueror, who, after pinioning his arms
+tightly behind his back, forced open his mouth with the iron, and
+effectually prevented the utterance of any further outcries. While the
+strife was raging, Edgeworth Bess walked up to Rachel, and advised her,
+if she valued her life, not to scream or stir from the spot; a caution
+which the housekeeper, whose curiosity far outweighed her fears,
+received in very good part.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 360</span><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360"></a>In the interim, Jack advanced to the woollen-draper, and regarding him
+sternly, thus addressed him:</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have violated the laws of hospitality, Mr. Kneebone, I came hither
+as your guest. You have betrayed me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What faith is to be kept with a felon?&quot; replied the woollen-draper,
+disdainfully.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He who breaks faith with his benefactor may well justify himself thus,&quot;
+answered Jack. &quot;I have not trusted you. Others who have done, have found
+you false.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't understand you,&quot; replied Kneebone, in some confusion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You soon shall,&quot; rejoined Sheppard. &quot;Where are the packets committed to
+your charge by Sir Rowland Trenchard?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The packets!&quot; exclaimed Kneebone, in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is useless to deny it,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;You were watched to-night by
+Blueskin. You met Sir Rowland at the house of a Romisch priest, Father
+Spencer. Two packets were committed to your charge, which you undertook
+to deliver,&mdash;one to another priest, Sir Rowland's chaplain, at
+Manchester, the other to Mr. Wood. Produce them!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never!&quot; replied Kneebone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then, by Heaven! you are a dead man!&quot; replied Jack, cocking a pistol,
+and pointing it deliberately at his head. &quot;I give you one minute for
+reflection. After that time nothing shall save you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>There was a brief, breathless pause. Even Blueskin looked on with
+anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is past,&quot; said Jack, placing his finger on the trigger.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold!&quot; cried Kneebone, flinging down the packets; &quot;they are nothing to
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But they are everything to me,&quot; cried Jack, stooping to pick them up.
+&quot;These packets will establish Thames Darrell's birth, win him his
+inheritance, and procure him the hand of Winifred Wood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't be too sure of that,&quot; rejoined Kneebone, snatching up the staff,
+and aiming a blow at his head, <span class="pagenum">Page 361</span><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361"></a>which was fortunately warded off by Mrs.
+Maggot, who promptly interposed her cudgel.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Defend yourself!&quot; cried Jack, drawing his sword.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Leave his punishment to me, Jack,&quot; said Mrs. Maggot. &quot;I've the
+Bridewell account to settle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be it so,&quot; replied Jack, putting up his blade. &quot;I've a good deal to do.
+Show him no quarter, Poll. He deserves none.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And shall find none,&quot; replied the Amazon. &quot;Now, Mr. Kneebone,&quot; she
+added, drawing up her magnificent figure to its full height, and making
+the heavy cudgel whistle through the air, &quot;look to yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stand off, Poll,&quot; rejoined the woollen-draper; &quot;I don't want to hurt
+you. It shall never be said that I raised my arm willingly against a
+woman.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll forgive you all the harm you do me,&quot; rejoined the Amazon. &quot;What!
+you still hesitate! Will that rouse you, coward?&quot; And she gave him a
+smart rap on the head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Coward!&quot; cried Kneebone. &quot;Neither man nor woman shall apply that term
+to me. If you forget your sex, jade, I must forget mine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he attacked her vigorously in his turn.</p>
+
+<p>It was a curious sight to see how this extraordinary woman, who, it has
+been said, was not less remarkable for the extreme delicacy of her
+features, and the faultless symmetry of her figure, than for her
+wonderful strength and agility, conducted herself in the present
+encounter; with what dexterity she parried every blow aimed against her
+by her adversary, whose head and face, already marked by various ruddy
+streams, showed how successfully her own hits had been made;&mdash;how she
+drew him hither and thither, now leading him on, now driving him
+suddenly back; harassing and exhausting him in every possible way, and
+making it apparent that she could at any moment put an end to the fight,
+and only delayed the finishing stroke to make his punishment the more
+severe.</p>
+
+<p>Jack, meanwhile, with Blueskin's assistance, had set the table once more
+upon its legs, and placing writing <span class="pagenum">Page 362</span><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362"></a>materials, which he took from a
+shelf, upon it, made Shotbolt, who was still gagged, but whose arms were
+for the moment unbound, sit down before them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Write as I dictate,&quot; he cried, placing a pen in the jailer's hand and a
+pistol to his ear.</p>
+
+<p>Shotbolt nodded in token of acquiescence, and emitted an odd guttural
+sound.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Write as follows,&quot; continued Jack. &quot;'I have succeeded in capturing Jack
+Sheppard. The reward is mine. Get all ready for his reception. In a few
+minutes after the delivery of this note he will be in Newgate.' Sign
+it,&quot; he added, as, after some further threats, the letter was indited
+according to his dictation, &quot;and direct it to Mr. Austin. That's well.
+And, now, to find a messenger.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Kneebone's man is in the shop,&quot; said Rachel; &quot;he'll take it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can I trust him?&quot; mused Jack. &quot;Yes; he'll suspect nothing. Give him
+this letter, child, and bid him take it to the Lodge at Newgate without
+loss of time. Blueskin will go with you,&mdash;for fear of a mistake.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You might trust me,&quot; said Rachel, in an offended tone; &quot;but never
+mind.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And she left the room with Blueskin, who very politely offered her his
+arm.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the combat between Kneebone and Mrs. Maggot had been brought
+to a termination. When the woollen-draper was nearly worn out, the
+Amazon watched her opportunity, and hitting him on the arm, disabled it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's for Mrs. Wood,&quot; she cried, as the staff fell from his grasp.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm at your mercy, Poll,&quot; rejoined Kneebone, abjectly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's for Winifred,&quot; vociferated the Amazon, bringing the cudgel
+heavily upon his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Damnation!&quot; cried Kneebone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's for myself,&quot; rejoined Mrs. Maggot, dealing him a blow, which
+stretched him senseless on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bravo, Poll!&quot; cried Jack, who having again pinioned Shotbolt, was now
+tracing a few hasty lines <span class="pagenum">Page 363</span><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363"></a>on a sheet of paper. &quot;You've given him a
+broken head, I perceive.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He'll scarcely need a plaister,&quot; replied Mrs. Maggot, laughing. &quot;Here,
+Bess, give me the cord, and I'll tie him to this chest of drawers. I
+don't think he'll come to himself too soon. But it's best to be on the
+safe side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Decidedly so,&quot; replied Edgeworth Bess; &quot;and I'll take this opportunity,
+while Jack's back is turned,&mdash;for he's grown so strangely
+particular,&mdash;of easing him of his snuff-box. Perhaps,&quot; she added, in a
+whisper, as she appropriated the before-named article, &quot;he has a
+pocket-book.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hush!&quot; replied Mrs. Maggot; &quot;Jack will hear you. We'll come back for
+that by and by, and the dressing-gown.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Rachel and Blueskin returned. Their momentary absence
+seemed to have worked wonders; for now the most perfect understanding
+appeared to subsist between them.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have you sent off the note?&quot; inquired Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We have, Captain,&quot; replied Blueskin. &quot;I say <i>we</i>, because Miss Rachel
+and I have struck up a match. Shall I bring off anything?&quot; he added,
+looking eagerly round.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; replied Jack, peremptorily.</p>
+
+<p>Having now sealed his letter, Sheppard took a handkerchief, and tying it
+over Shotbolt's face, so as completely to conceal the features, clapped
+his hat upon his head, and pushed it over his brows. He, next, seized
+the unlucky jailer, and forced him along, while Blueskin expedited his
+movements by administering a few kicks behind.</p>
+
+<p>When they got to the door, Jack opened it, and, mimicking the voice of
+the jailer, shouted, &quot;Now, my lads, all's ready?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here we are,&quot; cried the chairmen, hurrying out of the court with their
+swinging vehicle, &quot;where is he?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here,&quot; replied Sheppard, dragging out Shotbolt by the collar, while
+Blueskin pushed him behind, and Mrs. Maggot held up a lantern, which she
+found in the shop. &quot;In with him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 364</span><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364"></a>Ay&mdash;ay, yer hon'r,&quot; cried the foremost chairman, lending a helping
+hand. &quot;Get in wid ye, ye villin!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And, despite his resistance, Shotbolt was thrust into the chair, which
+was instantly fastened upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There, he's as safe as Jack Sheppard in the Condemned Hould,&quot; laughed
+the man.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Off with you to Newgate!&quot; cried Jack, &quot;and don't let him out till you
+get inside the Lodge. There's a letter for the head turnkey, Mr.
+Irreton. D'ye hear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes, yer hon'r,&quot; replied the chairman, taking the note.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What are you waiting for?&quot; asked Jack, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gen'l'man as hired us,&quot; replied the chairman.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! he'll be after you directly. He's settling an account in the house.
+Lose no time. The letter will explain all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The chair was then rapidly put in motion, and speedily disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What's to be done next?&quot; cried Blueskin, returning to Rachel, who was
+standing with Edgeworth Bess near the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I shall go back and finish my supper,&quot; said Mrs. Maggot.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And so shall I,&quot; replied Edgeworth Bess.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stop a minute,&quot; cried Jack, detaining his mistresses. &quot;Here we
+part,&mdash;perhaps for ever. I've already told you I'm about to take a long
+journey, and it's more than probable I shall never return.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't say so,&quot; cried Mrs. Maggot. &quot;I should be perfectly miserable if
+<i>I</i> thought you in earnest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The very idea is dreadful,&quot; whimpered Edgeworth Bess.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Farewell!&quot; cried Jack, embracing them. &quot;Take this key to Baptist
+Kettleby. On seeing it, he'll deliver you a box, which it will unlock,
+and in which you'll find a matter of fifty guineas and a few trinkets.
+Divide the money between you, and wear the ornaments for my sake. But,
+if you've a spark of love for me, don't meddle with anything in that
+house.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 365</span><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365"></a>Not for worlds!&quot; exclaimed both ladies together.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Farewell!&quot; cried Jack, breaking from them, and rushing down the street.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What shall we do, Poll?&quot; hesitated Edgeworth Bess.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go in, to be sure, simpleton,&quot; replied Mrs. Maggot, &quot;and bring off all
+we can. I know where everything valuable is kept. Since Jack has left
+us, what does it matter whether he's pleased or not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, a whistle was heard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Coming!&quot; cried Blueskin, who was still lingering with Rachel. &quot;The
+Captain's in such a desperate hurry, that there's no time for
+love-making. Adieu! my charmer. You'll find those young ladies extremely
+agreeable acquaintances. Adieu!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And, snatching a hasty kiss, he darted after Jack.</p>
+
+<p>The chair, meanwhile, with its unhappy load, was transported at a brisk
+pace to Newgate. Arrived there, the porter thundered at the massive door
+of the Lodge, which was instantly opened&mdash;Shotbolt's note having been
+received just before. All the turnkeys were assembled. Ireton and
+Langley had returned from a second unsuccessful search; Marvel had come
+thither to bid good-night to Mrs. Spurling; Austin had never quitted his
+post. The tapstress was full of curiosity; but she appeared more easy
+than the others. Behind her stood Caliban, chuckling to himself, and
+grinning from ear to ear.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, who'd have thought of Shotbolt beating us all in this way!&quot; said
+Ireton. &quot;I'm sorry for old Newgate that another jail should have it.
+It's infernally provoking.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Infernally provoking!&quot; echoed Langley.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nobody has so much cause for complaint as me,&quot; growled Austin. &quot;I've
+lost my wager.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Twenty pounds,&quot; rejoined Mrs. Spurling. &quot;I witnessed the bet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here he is!&quot; cried Ireton, as the knocking was heard without. &quot;Get
+ready the irons, Caliban.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wait a bit, massa,&quot; replied the grinning negro,&mdash;&quot;lilly bit&mdash;see all
+right fust.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 366</span><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366"></a>By this time, the chair had been brought into the Lodge.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You've got him?&quot; demanded Ireton.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Safe inside,&quot; replied the chairman, wiping the heat from his brow;
+&quot;we've run all the way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where's Mr. Shotbolt?&quot; asked Austin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The gen'l'man'll be here directly. He was detained. T' other gen'l'man
+said the letter 'ud explain all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Detained!&quot; echoed Marvel. &quot;That's odd. But, let's see the prisoner.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The chair was then opened.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shotbolt! by&mdash;&quot; cried Austin, as the captive was dragged forth. &quot;I've
+won, after all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Exclamations of wonder burst from all. Mrs. Spurling bit her lips to
+conceal her mirth. Caliban absolutely crowed with delight.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear the letter,&quot; said Ireton, breaking the seal. &quot;'<i>This is the way in
+which I will serve all who attempt to apprehend me</i>.' It is signed JACK
+SHEPPARD.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And, so Jack Sheppard has sent back Shotbolt in this pickle,&quot; said
+Langley.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So it appears,&quot; replied Marvel. &quot;Untie his arms, and take off that
+handkerchief. The poor fellow's half smothered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I guess what share you've had in this,&quot; whispered Austin to Mrs.
+Spurling.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never mind,&quot; replied the tapstress. &quot;You've won your wager.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour after this occurrence, when it had been sufficiently
+laughed at and discussed; when the wager had been settled, and the
+chairman dismissed with the remaining three guineas, which Shotbolt was
+compelled to pay; Ireton arose, and signified his intention of stepping
+across the street to inform Mr. Wild of the circumstance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As it's getting late, and the porter may be gone to bed,&quot; he observed;
+&quot;I'll take the pass-key, and let myself in. Mr. Wild is sure to be up.
+He never retires to rest till daybreak&mdash;if at all. Come with me,
+Langley, and bring the lantern.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="CHAPTER_3_XIV" id="CHAPTER_3_XIV"></a><span class="pagenum">Page 367</span><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367"></a></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>How Jack Sheppard was again captured.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Jack Sheppard, after whistling to Blueskin, hurried down a short
+thoroughfare leading from Wych Street to the back of Saint Clement's
+Church, where he found Thames Darrell, who advanced to meet him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was just going,&quot; said Thames. &quot;When I parted from you at Mr.
+Kneebone's door, you begged me to await your return here, assuring me
+you would not detain me five minutes. Instead of which, more than half
+an hour has elapsed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You won't complain of the delay when I tell you what I've done,&quot;
+answered Jack. &quot;I've obtained two packets, containing letters from Sir
+Rowland Trenchard, which I've no doubt will establish your title to the
+estates. Take them, and may they prove as serviceable to you as I
+desire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack,&quot; replied Thames, greatly moved, &quot;I wish I could devise any means
+of brightening your own dark prospects.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's impossible,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;I am utterly lost.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not utterly,&quot; rejoined the other.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Utterly,&quot; reiterated Jack, gloomily,&mdash;&quot;as regards all I hold dear.
+Listen to me, Thames. I'm about to leave this country for ever. Having
+ascertained that a vessel sails for France from the river at daybreak
+to-morrow morning, I have secured a passage in her, and have already had
+the few effects I possess, conveyed on board. Blueskin goes with me. The
+faithful fellow will never leave me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never, while I've breath in my body, Captain,&quot; rejoined Blueskin, who
+had joined them. &quot;England or France, London or Paris, it's all one to
+me, so I've you to command me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stand out of earshot,&quot; rejoined his leader. &quot;I'll call you when you're
+wanted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And Blueskin withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I cannot but approve the course you are about to take, Jack,&quot; said
+Thames, &quot;though on some accounts I <span class="pagenum">Page 368</span><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368"></a>regret it. In after years you can
+return to your own country&mdash;to your friends.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never,&quot; replied Sheppard bitterly. &quot;My friends need not fear my return.
+They shall hear of me no more. Under another name,&mdash;not my own hateful
+one,&mdash;I will strive to distinguish myself in some foreign service, and
+win myself a reputation, or perish honourably. But I will never&mdash;never
+return.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will not attempt to combat your resolution, Jack,&quot; returned Thames,
+after a pause. &quot;But I dread the effect your departure may have upon your
+poor mother. Her life hangs upon a thread, and this may snap it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I wish you hadn't mentioned her,&quot; said Jack, in a broken voice, while
+his whole frame shook with emotion. &quot;What I do is for the best, and I
+can only hope she may have strength to bear the separation. You must say
+farewell to her, for I cannot. I don't ask you to supply my place&mdash;for
+that is, perhaps, impossible. But, be like a son to her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not doubt me,&quot; replied Thames, warmly pressing his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now, I've one further request,&quot; faltered Jack; &quot;though I scarcely
+know how to make it. It is to set me right with Winifred. Do not let her
+think worse of me than I deserve,&mdash;or even so ill. Tell her, that more
+than once, when about to commit some desperate offence, I have been
+restrained by her gentle image. If hopeless love for her made me a
+robber, it has also saved me many a crime. Will you tell her that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will,&quot; replied Thames, earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Enough,&quot; said Jack, recovering his composure. &quot;And now, to your own
+concerns. Blueskin, who has been on the watch all night, has dogged Sir
+Rowland Trenchard to Jonathan Wild's house; and, from the mysterious
+manner in which he was admitted by the thief-taker's confidential
+servant, Abraham Mendez, and not by the regular porter, there is little
+doubt but they are alone, and probably making some arrangements prior to
+our uncle's departure from England.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 369</span><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369"></a>Is he leaving England?&quot; demanded Thames, in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He sails to-morrow morning in the very vessel by which I start,&quot;
+replied Jack. &quot;Now, if as I suspect,&mdash;from the documents just placed in
+your possession,&mdash;Sir Rowland meditates doing you justice after his
+departure, it is possible his intentions may be frustrated by the
+machinations of Wild, whose interest is obviously to prevent such an
+occurrence, unless we can surprise them together, and, by proving to Sir
+Rowland that we possess the power of compelling a restitution of your
+rights, force the other treacherous villain into compliance. Jonathan,
+in all probability, knows nothing of these packets; and their production
+may serve to intimidate him. Will you venture?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is a hazardous experiment,&quot; said Thames, after a moment's
+reflection; &quot;but I will make it. You must not, however, accompany me,
+Jack. The risk I run is nothing to yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I care for no risk, provided I can serve you,&quot; rejoined Sheppard.
+&quot;Besides, you'll not be able to get in without me. It won't do to knock
+at the door, and Jonathan Wild's house is not quite so easy of entrance
+as Mr. Wood's.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I understand,&quot; replied Thames; &quot;be it as you will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then, we'll lose no more time,&quot; returned Jack. &quot;Come along, Blueskin.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Starting at a rapid pace in the direction of the Old Bailey, and
+crossing Fleet Bridge, &quot;for oyster tubs renowned,&quot; the trio skirted the
+right bank of the muddy stream until they reached Fleet Lane, up which
+they hurried. Turning off again on the left, down Seacoal Lane, they
+arrived at the mouth of a dark, narrow alley, into which they plunged;
+and, at the farther extremity found a small yard, overlooked by the
+blank walls of a large gloomy habitation. A door in this house opened
+upon the yard. Jack tried it, and found it locked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If I had my old tools with me, we'd soon master this obstacle,&quot; he
+muttered. &quot;We shall be obliged to force it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Try the cellar, Captain,&quot; said Blueskin, stamping <span class="pagenum">Page 370</span><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370"></a>upon a large board
+in the ground. &quot;Here's the door. This is the way the old thief brings in
+all his heavy plunder, which he stows in out-of-the-way holes in his
+infernal dwelling. I've seen him often do it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>While making these remarks, Blueskin contrived, by means of a chisel
+which he chanced to have about him, to lift up the board, and,
+introducing his fingers beneath it, with Jack's assistance speedily
+opened it altogether, disclosing a dark hole, into which he leapt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Follow me, Thames,&quot; cried Jack, dropping into the chasm.</p>
+
+<p>They were now in a sort of cellar, at one end of which was a door. It
+was fastened inside. But, taking the chisel from Blueskin, Jack quickly
+forced back the bolt.</p>
+
+<p>As they entered the room beyond, a fierce growl was heard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me go first,&quot; said Blueskin; &quot;the dogs know me. Soho! boys.&quot; And,
+walking up to the animals, which were chained to the wall, they
+instantly recognised him, and suffered the others to pass without
+barking.</p>
+
+<p>Groping their way through one or two dark and mouldy-smelling vaults,
+the party ascended a flight of steps, which brought them to the hall. As
+Jack conjectured, no one was there, and, though a lamp was burning on a
+stand, they decided upon proceeding without it. They then swiftly
+mounted the stairs, and stopped before the audience-chamber. Applying
+his ear to the keyhole, Jack listened, but could detect no sound. He,
+next cautiously tried the door, but found it fastened inside.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I fear we're too late,&quot; he whispered to Thames. &quot;But, we'll soon see.
+Give me the chisel, Blueskin.&quot; And, dexterously applying the implement,
+he forced open the lock.</p>
+
+<p>They then entered the room, which was perfectly dark.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is strange,&quot; said Jack, under his breath. &quot;Sir Rowland must be
+gone. And, yet, I don't know. The key's in the lock, on the inner side.
+Be on your guard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am so,&quot; replied Thames, who had followed him closely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 371</span><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371"></a>Shall I fetch the light, Captain?&quot; whispered Blueskin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;I don't know how it is,&quot; he added in a low voice
+to Thames, as they were left alone, &quot;but I've a strange foreboding of
+ill. My heart fails me. I almost wish we hadn't come.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As he said this, he moved forward a few paces, when, finding his feet
+glued to the ground by some adhesive substance, he stooped to feel what
+it was, but instantly withdrew his hand, with an exclamation of horror.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;God in Heaven!&quot; he cried, &quot;the floor is covered with blood. Some foul
+murder has been committed. The light!&mdash;the light!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Astounded at his cries, Thames sprang towards him. At this moment,
+Blueskin appeared with the lamp, and revealed a horrible spectacle,&mdash;the
+floor deluged with blood,&mdash;various articles of furniture upset,&mdash;papers
+scattered about,&mdash;the murdered man's cloak, trampled upon, and smeared
+with gore,&mdash;his hat, crushed and similarly stained,&mdash;his sword,&mdash;the
+ensanguined cloth,&mdash;with several other ghastly evidences of the
+slaughterous deed. Further on, there were impressions of bloody
+footsteps along the floor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sir Rowland is murdered!&quot; cried Jack, as soon as he could find a
+tongue.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is plain he has been destroyed by his perfidious accomplice,&quot;
+rejoined Thames. &quot;Oh God! how fearfully my father is avenged!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;True,&quot; replied Jack, sternly; &quot;but we have our uncle to avenge. What's
+this?&quot; he added, stooping to pick up a piece of paper lying at his
+feet&mdash;it was Jonathan's memorandum. &quot;This is the explanation of the
+bloody deed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here's a pocket-book full of notes, and a heavy bag of gold,&quot; said
+Blueskin, examining the articles on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The sum which incited the villain to the murder,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;But he
+can't be far off. He must be gone to dispose of the body. We shall have
+him on his return.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll see where these footsteps lead to,&quot; said Blueskin, holding the
+light to the floor. &quot;Here are some more papers, Captain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 372</span><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372"></a>Give them to me,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;Ah!&quot; he exclaimed, &quot;a letter,
+beginning 'dearest Aliva,'&mdash;that's your mother's name, Thames.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me see it,&quot; cried Thames, snatching it from him. &quot;It <i>is</i> addressed
+to my mother,&quot; he added, as his eye glanced rapidly over it, &quot;and by my
+father. At length, I shall ascertain my name. Bring the light this
+way&mdash;quick! I cannot decipher the signature.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jack was about to comply with the request, when an unlooked-for
+interruption occurred. Having traced the footsteps to the wall, and
+perceiving no outlet, Blueskin elevated the lamp, and discovered marks
+of bloody fingers on the boards.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He must have gone this way,&quot; muttered Blueskin. &quot;I've often heard of a
+secret door in this room, though I never saw it. It must be somewhere
+hereabouts. Ah!&quot; he exclaimed, as his eye fell upon a small knob in the
+wall, &quot;there's the spring!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He touched it, and the door flew open.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment, he was felled to the ground by Jonathan Wild, who
+sprang into the room, followed by Abraham bearing the link. A single
+glance served to show the thief-taker how matters stood. From the slight
+sounds that had reached him in his place of confinement, he was aware
+that some persons had found their way to the scene of slaughter, and in
+a state of the most intense anxiety awaited the result of their
+investigation, prepared for the worst. Hearing the spring touched, he
+dashed through on the instant, and struck down the person who presented
+himself, with his bludgeon. On beholding the intruders, his fears
+changed to exultation, and he uttered a roar of satisfaction as he
+glared at them, which could only be likened to the cry of some savage
+denizen of the plains.</p>
+
+<p>On his appearance, Jack levelled a pistol at his head. But his hand was
+withheld by Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't fire,&quot; cried the latter. &quot;It is important not to slay him. He
+shall expiate his offences on the gibbet. You are my prisoner,
+murderer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 373</span><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373"></a><i>Your</i> prisoner!&quot; echoed Jonathan, derisively. &quot;You mistake,&mdash;you are
+mine. And so is your companion,&mdash;the convict Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Waste not another word with him, Thames,&quot; cried Jack. &quot;Upon him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yield, villain, or die!&quot; shouted Thames, drawing his sword and
+springing towards him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There's my answer!&quot; rejoined Wild, hurling the bludgeon at him, with
+such fatal effect, that striking him on the head it brought him
+instantly to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah! traitor!&quot; cried Jack, pulling the trigger of his pistol.</p>
+
+<p>Anticipating this, Wild avoided the shot by suddenly, ducking his head.
+He had a narrow escape, however; for, passing within an inch of him, the
+bullet burried itself deeply in the wall.</p>
+
+<p>Before he could fire a second shot, Jack had to defend himself from the
+thief-taker, who, with his drawn hanger, furiously assaulted him.
+Eluding the blow, Jack plucked his sword from the scabbard, and a
+desperate conflict began.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pick up that blade, Nab,&quot; vociferated Wild, finding himself hotly
+pressed, &quot;and stab him. I won't give him a chance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Cowardly villain!&quot; cried Jack, as the Jew, obeying the orders of his
+principal, snatched up the weapon of the murdered man, and assailed him.
+&quot;But I'll yet disappoint you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And springing backwards, he darted suddenly through the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;After him,&quot; cried Wild; &quot;he mustn't escape. Dead or alive, I'll have
+him. Bring the link.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And, followed by Abraham, he rushed out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>Just as Jack got half way down the stairs, and Wild and the Jew reached
+the upper landing, the street-door was opened by Langley and Ireton, the
+latter of whom carried a lantern.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stop him!&quot; shouted Jonathan from the stair-head, &quot;stop him! It's Jack
+Sheppard!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 374</span><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374"></a>Give way!&quot; cried Jack fiercely. &quot;I'll cut down him who opposes me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The head turnkey, in all probability, would have obeyed. But, being
+pushed forward by his subordinate officer, he was compelled to make a
+stand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'd better surrender quietly, Jack,&quot; he cried; &quot;you've no chance.&quot;'</p>
+
+<p>Instead of regarding him, Jack glanced over the iron bannisters, and
+measured the distance. But the fall was too great, and he abandoned the
+attempt.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We have him!&quot; cried Jonathan, hurrying down the steps. &quot;He can't
+escape.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As this was said, Jack turned with the swiftness of thought, and
+shortening his sword, prepared to plunge it into the thief-taker's
+heart. Before he could make the thrust, however, he was seized behind by
+Ireton, who flung himself upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Caught!&quot; shouted the head-turnkey. &quot;I give you joy of the capture, Mr.
+Wild,&quot; he added, as Jonathan came up, and assisted him to secure and
+disarm the prisoner. &quot;I was coming to give you intelligence of a comical
+trick played by this rascal, when I find him here&mdash;the last place, I
+own, where I should have expected to find him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You've arrived in the very nick of time,&quot; rejoined Jonathan; &quot;and I'll
+take care your services are not overlooked.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Ireton,&quot; cried Jack, in accents of the most urgent entreaty,
+&quot;before you take me hence, I implore you&mdash;if you would further the ends
+of justice&mdash;search this house. One of the most barbarous murders ever
+committed has just been perpetrated by the monster Wild. You will find
+proofs of the bloody deed in his room. But go thither at once, I beseech
+you, before he has time to remove them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Ireton is welcome to search every room in my house if he pleases,&quot;
+said Jonathan, in a tone of bravado. &quot;As soon as we've conveyed you to
+Newgate, I'll accompany him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Ireton will do no such thing,&quot; replied the head-turnkey. &quot;Bless
+your soul! d'ye think I'm to be <span class="pagenum">Page 375</span><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375"></a>gammoned by such nonsense. Not I. I'm
+not quite such a greenhorn as Shotbolt, Jack, whatever you may think.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For mercy's sake go up stairs,&quot; implored Sheppard. &quot;I have not told you
+half. There's a man dying&mdash;Captain Darrell. Take me with you. Place a
+pistol at my ear, and shoot me, if I've told you false.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And, what good would that do?&quot; replied Ireton, sarcastically. &quot;To shoot
+you would be to lose the reward. You act your part capitally, but it
+won't do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Won't you go?&quot; cried Jack passionately. &quot;Mr. Langley, I appeal to you.
+Murder, I say, has been done! Another murder will be committed if you
+don't prevent it. The blood will rest on your head. Do you hear me, Sir?
+Won't you stir!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not a step,&quot; replied Langley, gruffly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Off with him to Newgate!&quot; cried Jonathan. &quot;Ireton, as you captured him,
+the reward is yours. But I request that a third may be given to
+Langley.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It shall be, Sir,&quot; replied Ireton, bowing. &quot;Now come along, Jack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Miscreants!&quot; cried Sheppard, almost driven frantic by the violence of
+his emotions; &quot;you're all in league with him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Away with him!&quot; cried Jonathan. &quot;I'll see him fettered myself. Remain
+at the door, Nab,&quot; he added, loitering for a moment behind the others,
+&quot;and let no one in, or out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jack, meanwhile, was carried to Newgate. Austin could scarcely credit
+his senses when he beheld him. Shotbolt, who had in some degree
+recovered from the effects of his previous mortification, was thrown
+into an ecstacy of delight, and could not sufficiently exult over the
+prisoner. Mrs. Spurling had retired for the night. Jack appealed to the
+new auditors, and again detailed his story, but with no better success
+than heretofore. His statement was treated with derision. Having seen
+him heavily ironed, and placed in the Condemned Hold, Jonathan recrossed
+the street.</p>
+
+<p>He found Abraham on guard as he had left him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 376</span><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376"></a>Has any one been here?&quot; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No von,&quot; replied the Jew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's well,&quot; replied Wild, entering the house, and fastening the door.
+&quot;And now to dispose of our dead. Why, Nab, you shake as if you'd got an
+ague?&quot; he added, turning to the Jew, whose teeth chattered audibly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I haven't quite recovered the fright I got in the Vell-Hole,&quot; replied
+Abraham.</p>
+
+<p>On returning to the audience-chamber, Jonathan found the inanimate body
+of Thames Darrell lying where he had left it; but, on examining it, he
+remarked that the pockets were turned inside out, and had evidently been
+rifled. Startled by this circumstance, he looked around, and perceived
+that the trap-door,&mdash;which has been mentioned as communicating with a
+secret staircase,&mdash;was open. He, next, discovered that Blueskin was
+gone; and, pursuing his scrutiny, found that he had carried off all the
+banknotes, gold, and letters,&mdash;including, what Jonathan himself was not
+aware of,&mdash;the two packets which he had abstracted from the person of
+Thames. Uttering a terrible imprecation, Jonathan snatched up the link,
+and hastily descended the stairs, leaving the Jew behind him. After a
+careful search below, he could detect no trace of Blueskin. But, finding
+the cellar-door open, concluded he had got out that way.</p>
+
+<p>Returning to the audience-chamber in a by-no-means enviable state of
+mind, he commanded the Jew to throw the body of Thames into the Well
+Hole.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You musht do dat shob yourself, Mishter Vild,&quot; rejoined Abraham,
+shaking his head. &quot;No prize shall indushe me to enter dat horrid plashe
+again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fool!&quot; cried Wild, taking up the body, &quot;what are you afraid of? After
+all,&quot; he added, pausing, &quot;he may be of more use to me alive than dead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Adhering to this change of plan, he ordered Abraham to follow him, and,
+descending the secret stairs once more, carried the wounded man into the
+lower part of the premises. Unlocking several doors, he came to a dark
+vault, that would have rivalled the gloomiest cell in <span class="pagenum">Page 377</span><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377"></a>Newgate, into
+which he thrust Thames, and fastened the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go to the pump, Nab,&quot; he said, when this was done, &quot;and fill a pail
+with water. We must wash out those stains up stairs, and burn the cloth.
+Blood, they say, won't come out. But I never found any truth in the
+saying. When I've had an hour's rest, I'll be after Blueskin.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XV" id="CHAPTER_3_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3>How Blueskin underwent the Peine Forte et Dure.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>As soon as it became known, through the medium of the public prints on
+the following day, that Jack Sheppard had broken out of prison, and had
+been again captured during the night, fresh curiosity was excited, and
+larger crowds than ever flocked to Newgate, in the hope of obtaining
+admission to his cell; but by the governor's express commands, Wild
+having privately counselled the step, no one was allowed to see him. A
+question next arose whether the prisoner could be executed under the
+existing warrant,&mdash;some inclining to one opinion, some to another. To
+settle the point, the governor started to Windsor, delegating his trust
+in the interim to Wild, who took advantage of his brief rule to adopt
+the harshest measures towards the prisoner. He had him removed from the
+Condemned Hold, stripped of his fine apparel, clothed in the most sordid
+rags, loaded with additional fetters, and thrust into the Stone
+Hold,&mdash;already described as the most noisome cell in the whole prison.
+Here, without a glimpse of daylight; visited by no one except Austin at
+stated intervals, who neither answered a question nor addressed a word
+to him; fed upon the worst diet, literally mouldy bread and ditch-water;
+surrounded by stone walls; with a flagged floor for his pillow, and
+without so much as a blanket to protect him from the death-like cold
+that pierced his frame,&mdash;Jack's stout heart was subdued, and he fell
+into the deepest dejection, ardently longing for the time <span class="pagenum">Page 378</span><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378"></a>when even a
+violent death should terminate his sufferings. But it was not so
+ordered. Mr. Pitt returned with intelligence that the warrant was
+delayed, and, on taking the opinion of two eminent lawyers of the day,
+Sir William Thomson and Mr. Serjeant Raby, it was decided that it must
+be proved in a regular and judicial manner that Sheppard was the
+identical person who had been convicted and had escaped, before a fresh
+order could be made for his execution; and that the matter must,
+therefore, stand over until the next sessions, to be held at the Old
+Bailey in October, when it could be brought before the court.</p>
+
+<p>The unfortunate prisoner, meanwhile, who was not informed of the
+respite, languished in his horrible dungeon, and, at the expiration of
+three weeks, became so seriously indisposed that it was feared he could
+not long survive. He refused his food,&mdash;and even when better provisions
+were offered him, rejected them. As his death was by no means what
+Jonathan desired, he resolved to remove him to a more airy ward, and
+afford him such slight comforts as might tend to his restoration, or at
+least keep him alive until the period of execution. With this view, Jack
+was carried&mdash;for he was no longer able to move without assistance&mdash;to a
+ward called the Castle, situated over the gateway on the western side,
+in what was considered the strongest part of the jail. The walls were of
+immense thickness; the small windows double-grated and unglazed; the
+fire-place was without a grate; and a barrack-bed, divided into two
+compartments, occupied one corner. It was about twelve feet high, nine
+wide, and fourteen long; and was approached by double doors each six
+inches thick. As Jack appeared to be sinking fast, his fetters were
+removed, his own clothes were returned to him, and he was allowed a
+mattress and a scanty supply of bed-linen. Mrs. Spurling attended him as
+his nurse, and, under her care, he speedily revived. As soon as he
+became convalescent, and all fears of his premature dissolution were at
+an end, Wild recommenced his rigorous treatment. The bedding was
+removed; Mrs. Spurling was no longer allowed to visit him; he was <span class="pagenum">Page 379</span><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379"></a>again
+loaded with irons; fastened by an enormous horse-padlock to a staple in
+the floor; and only allowed to take repose in a chair. A single blanket
+constituted his sole covering at night. In spite of all this, he grew
+daily better and stronger, and his spirits revived. Hitherto, no
+visiters had been permitted to see him. As the time when his identity
+had to be proved approached, this rigour was, in a trifling degree,
+relaxed, and a few persons were occasionally admitted to the ward, but
+only in the presence of Austin. From none of these could Jack ascertain
+what had become of Thames, or learn any particulars concerning the
+family at Dollis Hill, or of his mother. Austin, who had been evidently
+schooled by Wild, maintained a profound silence on this head. In this
+way, more than a month passed over. October arrived; and in another week
+the court would be sitting at the Old Bailey.</p>
+
+<p>One night, about this time, just as Austin was about to lock the great
+gate, Jonathan Wild and his two janizaries entered the Lodge with a
+prisoner bound hand and foot. It was Blueskin. On the cords being
+removed, he made a desperate spring at Wild, bore him to the ground,
+clutched at his throat, and would, infallibly, have strangled him, if
+the keepers had not all thrown themselves upon him, and by main force
+torn him off. His struggles were so violent, that, being a man of
+tremendous strength, it was some time before they could master him, and
+it required the combined efforts of all the four partners to put him
+into irons. It appeared from what he said that he had been captured when
+asleep,&mdash;that his liquor had been drugged,&mdash;otherwise, he would never
+have allowed himself to be taken alive. Wild, he asserted, had robbed
+him of a large sum of money, and till it was restored he would never
+plead.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll see that,&quot; replied Jonathan. &quot;Take him to the bilbowes. Put him
+in the stocks, and there let him sleep off his drunken fit. Whether he
+pleads or not, he shall swing with his confederate, Jack Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At this allusion to his leader, a shudder passed through Blueskin's
+athletic frame.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 380</span><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380"></a>Where is he?&quot; he cried. &quot;Let me see him. Let me have a word with him,
+and you may take all the money.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan made no answer, but motioned the partners to take him away.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as Blueskin was removed, Wild intimated his intention of
+visiting the Castle. He was accompanied by Ireton and Austin. The
+massive door was unlocked, and they entered the cell. What was their
+surprise to find it vacant, and the prisoner gone! Jonathan, could
+scarcely believe his eyes. He looked fiercely and inquiringly from one
+to the other of his companions; but, though both of them were
+excessively frightened, neither appeared guilty. Before a word could be
+said, however, a slight noise was heard in the chimney, and Jack with
+his irons on descended from it. Without betraying the slightest
+confusion, or making a single remark, he quietly resumed his seat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Amazement!&quot; cried Wild. &quot;How has he unfastened his padlock? Austin, it
+must be owing to your negligence.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My negligence, Mr. Wild,&quot; said the turnkey, trembling in every joint.
+&quot;I assure you, Sir, when I left him an hour ago, it was locked. I tried
+it myself, Sir. I'm as much astonished as you. But I can't account for
+it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At all events, you shall answer for it,&quot; thundered Wild, with a bitter
+imprecation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's not to blame,&quot; said Jack, rising. &quot;I opened the padlock with this
+crooked nail, which I found in the floor. If you had arrived ten minutes
+later, or if there hadn't been an iron bar in the chimney, that hindered
+my progress, I should have been beyond your reach.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You talk boldly,&quot; replied Wild. &quot;Go to the Iron Hold, Austin, and tell
+two of the partners to bring another padlock of the largest size, and
+the heaviest handcuffs they can find. We'll try whether he'll get loose
+again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sheppard said nothing, but a disdainful smile curled his lips.</p>
+
+<p>Austin departed, and presently afterwards returned with the two
+subordinate officers, each of whom wore a leathern apron round his
+waist, and carried a large <span class="pagenum">Page 381</span><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381"></a>hammer. As soon as the manacles were slipped
+over the prisoner's wrists, and the new padlock secured to the staple,
+they withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Leave me alone with him a moment,&quot; said Jonathan. And the jailers also
+retired.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack,&quot; said Wild, with a glance of malignant triumph, &quot;I will now tell
+you what I have done. All my plans have succeeded. Before a month has
+elapsed, your mother will be mine. The Trenchard estates will likewise
+be mine, for Sir Rowland is no more, and the youth, Thames, will never
+again see daylight. Blueskin, who had evaded me with the papers and the
+money, is a prisoner here, and will perish on the same gallows as
+yourself. My vengeance is completely gratified.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Without waiting for a reply, but darting a malevolent look at the
+prisoner, he quitted the cell, the door of which was instantly
+double-locked and bolted.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've not quite done yet,&quot; said Jonathan, as he joined the turnkeys. &quot;I
+should like to see whether Blueskin is a little more composed. I've a
+question to ask him. Give me the keys and the light. I'll go alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he descended a short spiral staircase, and, entering a long
+stone gallery, from which several other passages branched, took one of
+them, and after various turnings&mdash;for he was familiar with all the
+intricacies of the prison&mdash;arrived at the cell of which he was in
+search. Selecting a key from the heavy bunch committed to him by Austin,
+he threw open the door, and beheld Blueskin seated at the back of the
+small chamber, handcuffed, and with his feet confined in a heavy pair of
+stocks. He was asleep when Jonathan entered, and growled at being
+disturbed. But, as soon as he perceived who it was, he roused himself,
+and glared fiercely at the intruder from under his bent brows.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you want?&quot; he asked, in a gruff voice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I want to know what you've done with the rest of the notes&mdash;with the
+gold&mdash;and the papers you took away from my room!&quot; rejoined Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Then you'll never know more than this,&quot; retorted Blueskin, with a grin
+of satisfaction;&mdash;&quot;they're in a <span class="pagenum">Page 382</span><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382"></a>place of safety, where <i>you</i>'ll never
+find 'em, but where somebody else <i>will</i>, and that before long.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hear me, Blueskin,&quot; said Jonathan, restraining his choler. &quot;If you'll
+tell me where to look for these things, and I <i>do</i> find them, I'll set
+you free. And you shall have a share of the gold for yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll tell you what I'll do,&quot; rejoined the other. &quot;Set Captain Sheppard
+free, and when I hear he's safe,&mdash;not before,&mdash;I'll put the money and
+papers into your possession, and some other matters, too, that you know
+nothing about.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Impracticable dolt!&quot; exclaimed Jonathan, furiously. &quot;Do you think I'd
+part with the sweetest morsel of revenge on those terms? No! But I'll
+have the secret out of you by other means.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he violently shut and locked the door.</p>
+
+<p>About ten days after this interview, Blueskin, having been indicted by
+Wild for several robberies, and true bills found against him, was placed
+at the bar of the Old Bailey to be arraigned; when he declared that he
+would not plead to the indictment, unless the sum of five hundred
+pounds, taken from him by Jonathan Wild, was first restored to him. This
+sum, claimed by Wild under the statute 4th and 5th of William and Mary,
+entitled &quot;<i>An act for encouraging the apprehending of Highwaymen</i>,&quot; was
+granted to him by the court.</p>
+
+<p>As Blueskin still continued obstinate, the judgment appointed to be
+executed upon such prisoners as stood mute, was then read. It was as
+follows, and, when uttered, produced a strong effect upon all who heard
+it, except the prisoner, who, in no respect, altered his sullen and
+dogged demeanour.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Prisoner at the bar,&quot; thus ran the sentence, &quot;you shall be taken to the
+prison from whence you came, and put into a mean room, stopped from the
+light; and shall there be laid on the bare ground, without any litter,
+straw, or other covering, and without any garment. You shall lie upon
+your back; your head shall be covered; and your feet shall be bare. One
+of your arms shall be drawn to one side of the room, and the other arm
+to the <span class="pagenum">Page 383</span><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383"></a>other side, and your legs shall be served in the like manner.
+Then, there shall be laid upon your body as much iron, or stone as you
+can bear, and more. And the first day, you shall have three morsels of
+barley bread, without any drink; and the second day, you shall be
+allowed to drink as much as you can, at three times, of the water that
+is next to the prison-door, except running-water, without any bread. And
+this shall be your diet till you die.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Prisoner at the bar,&quot; continued the clerk of the court, &quot;he against
+whom this judgment is given, forfeits his goods to the king.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>An awful silence prevailed throughout the court. Every eye was fixed
+upon the prisoner. But, as he made no answer, he was removed.</p>
+
+<p>Before the full sentence was carried into execution, he was taken into a
+small room adjoining the court. Here Marvel, the executioner, who was in
+attendance, was commanded by Wild to tie his thumbs together, which he
+did with whipcord so tightly, that the string cut to the bone. But, as
+this produced no effect, and did not even elicit a groan, the prisoner
+was carried back to Newgate.</p>
+
+<p>The Press Room, to which Blueskin was conveyed on his arrival at the
+jail, was a small square chamber, walled and paved with stone. In each
+corner stood a stout square post reaching to the ceiling. To these a
+heavy wooden apparatus was attached, which could be raised or lowered at
+pleasure by pullies. In the floor were set four ring-bolts, about nine
+feet apart. When the prisoner was brought into this room, he was again
+questioned; but, continuing contumacious, preparations were made for
+inflicting the torture. His great personal strength being so well known,
+it was deemed prudent by Marvel to have all the four partners, together
+with Caliban, in attendance. The prisoner, however, submitted more
+quietly than was anticipated. He allowed his irons and clothes to be
+taken off without resistance. But just as they were about to place him
+on the ground, he burst from their hold, and made a desperate spring at
+Jona<span class="pagenum">Page 384</span><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384"></a>than, who was standing with his arms folded near the door watching
+the scene. The attempt was unsuccessful. He was instantly overpowered,
+and stretched upon the ground. The four men fell upon him, holding his
+arms and legs, while Caliban forced back his head. In this state, he
+contrived to get the poor black's hand into his mouth, and nearly bit
+off one of his fingers before the sufferer could be rescued. Meanwhile,
+the executioner had attached strong cords to his ankles and wrists, and
+fastened them tightly to the iron rings. This done, he unloosed the
+pulley, and the ponderous machine, which resembled a trough, slowly
+descended upon the prisoner's breast. Marvel, then, took two iron
+weights, each of a hundred pounds, and placed them in the press. As this
+seemed insufficient, after a lapse of five minutes, he added another
+hundred weight. The prisoner breathed with difficulty. Still, his robust
+frame enabled him to hold out. After he had endured this torture for an
+hour, at a sign from Wild another hundred weight was added. In a few
+minutes, an appalling change was perceptible. The veins in his throat
+and forehead swelled and blackened; his eyes protruded from their
+sockets, and stared wildly; a thick damp gathered on his brow: and blood
+gushed from his mouth, nostrils, and ears.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Water!&quot; he gasped.</p>
+
+<p>The executioner shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do you submit?&quot; interrogated Wild.</p>
+
+<p>Blueskin answered by dashing his head violently against the flagged
+floor. His efforts at self-destruction were, however, prevented.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Try fifty pounds more,&quot; said Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stop!&quot; groaned Blueskin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Will you plead?&quot; demanded Wild, harshly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will,&quot; answered the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Release him,&quot; said Jonathan. &quot;We have cured his obstinacy, you
+perceive,&quot; he added to Marvel.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I <i>will</i> live,&quot; cried Blueskin, with a look of the deadliest hatred at
+Wild, &quot;to be revenged on you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And, as the weights were removed, he fainted.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="CHAPTER_3_XVI" id="CHAPTER_3_XVI"></a><span class="pagenum">Page 385</span><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385"></a></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>How Jack Sheppard's Portrait was painted.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Early in the morning of Thursday, the 15th of October, 1724, the door of
+the Castle was opened by Austin, who, with a look of unusual importance,
+announced to the prisoner that four gentlemen were shortly coming up
+with the governor to see him,&mdash;&quot;four <i>such</i> gentlemen,&quot; he added, in a
+tone meant to impress his auditor with a due sense of the honour
+intended him, &quot;as you don't meet every day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is Mr. Wood among them?&quot; asked Jack, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Wood!&mdash;no,&quot; replied the turnkey. &quot;Do you think I'd take the trouble
+to announce <i>him</i>? These are persons of consequence, I tell you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Who are they?&quot; inquired Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, first,&quot; rejoined Austin, &quot;there's Sir James Thornhill, historical
+painter to his Majesty, and the greatest artist of the day. Those grand
+designs in the dome of St. Paul's are his work. So is the roof of the
+state-room at Hampton Court Palace, occupied by Queen Anne, and the
+Prince of Denmark. So is the chapel of All Souls at Oxford, and the
+great hall at Blenheim, and I don't know how many halls and chapels
+besides. He's now engaged on the hall at Greenwich Hospital.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I've heard of him,&quot; replied Jack, impatiently. &quot;Who are the others?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me see. There's a friend of Sir James&mdash;a young man, an engraver of
+masquerade tickets and caricatures,&mdash;his name I believe is Hogarth.
+Then, there's Mr. Gay, the poet, who wrote the 'Captives,' which was
+lately acted at Drury Lane, and was so much admired by the Princess of
+Wales. And, lastly, there's Mr. Figg, the noted prize-fighter, from the
+New Amphitheatre in Marylebone Fields.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Figg's an old friend of mine,&quot; rejoined Jack; &quot;he was my instructor in
+the small sword and back sword exercise. I'm glad he's come to see me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You don't inquire what brings Sir James Thornhill here?&quot; said Austin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 386</span><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386"></a>Curiosity, I suppose,&quot; returned Jack, carelessly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No such thing,&quot; rejoined the jailer; &quot;he's coming on business.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On what business, in the name of wonder?&quot; asked Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To paint your portrait,&quot; answered the jailer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My portrait!&quot; echoed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By desire of his Majesty,&quot; said the jailer, consequentially. &quot;He has
+heard of your wonderful escapes, and wishes to see what you're like.
+There's a feather in your cap! No house-breaker was ever so highly
+honoured before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And have my escapes really made so much noise as to reach the ear of
+royalty?&quot; mused Jack. &quot;I have done nothing&mdash;nothing to what I <i>could</i>
+do&mdash;to what I <i>will</i> do!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You've done quite enough,&quot; rejoined Austin; &quot;more than you'll ever do
+again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And then to be taken thus, in these disgraceful bonds!&quot; continued Jack,
+&quot;to be held up as a sight for ever!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why, how else would you be taken?&quot; exclaimed the jailer, with a coarse
+laugh. &quot;It's very well Mr. Wild allowed you to have your fine clothes
+again, or you might have been taken in a still more disgraceful garb.
+For my part, I think those shackles extremely becoming. But, here they
+are.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Voices being heard at the door, Austin flew to open it, and admitted Mr.
+Pitt, the governor, a tall pompous personage, who, in his turn, ushered
+in four other individuals. The first of these, whom he addressed as Mr.
+Gay, was a stout, good-looking, good-humoured man, about thirty-six,
+with a dark complexion, an oval face, fine black eyes, full of fire and
+sensibility, and twinkling with roguish humour&mdash;an expression fully
+borne out by the mouth, which had a very shrewd and sarcastic curl. The
+poet's appearance altogether was highly prepossessing. With a strong
+tendency to satire, but without a particle of malice or ill-nature in
+its display. Gay, by his strokes of pleasantry, whether in his writings
+or con<span class="pagenum">Page 387</span><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387"></a>versation, never lost a friend. On the contrary, he was a
+universal favourite, and numbered amongst his intimate acquaintances the
+choicest spirits of the time,&mdash;Pope, Swift, Arbuthnot, and &quot;all the
+better brothers.&quot; His demeanour was polished; his manners singularly
+affable and gentle; and he was remarkable, for the generosity of his
+temper. In worldly matters Gay was not fortunate. Possessed, at one
+time, of a share in the South Sea stock, he conceived himself worth
+twenty thousand pounds. But, on the bursting of that bubble, his hopes
+vanished with it. Neither did his interest,&mdash;which was by no means
+inconsiderable,&mdash;nor his general popularity, procure him the preferment
+he desired. A constant attendant at court, he had the mortification to
+see every one promoted but himself, and thus bewails his ill-luck.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>Places, I found, were daily given away,<br /></span>
+<span>And yet no friendly gazette mentioned Gay.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The prodigious success of the &quot;Beggars' Opera,&quot; which was produced about
+four years after the date of this history, rewarded him for all his
+previous disappointments, though it did not fully justify the well-known
+epigram, alluding to himself and the manager, and &quot;make Gay <i>rich</i>, and
+Rich <i>gay</i>.&quot; At the time of his present introduction, his play of &quot;The
+Captives,&quot; had just been produced at Drury Lane, and he was meditating
+his &quot;Fables,&quot; which were published two years afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>Behind the poet came Sir James Thornhill. The eminent painter had
+handsome, expressive features, an aquiline nose, and a good deal of
+dignity in his manner. His age was not far from fifty. He was
+accompanied by a young man of about seven-and-twenty, who carried his
+easel, set it in its place, laid the canvass upon it, opened the paint
+box, took out the brushes and palette, and, in short, paid him the most
+assiduous attention. This young man, whose features, though rather plain
+and coarse, bore the strongest impress of genius, and who had a dark
+gray, penetrating eye, so quick in its glances that it seemed to survey
+twenty objects at once, and yet only to fasten upon one, bore the
+honoured name of William <span class="pagenum">Page 388</span><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388"></a>Hogarth. Why he paid so much attention to Sir
+James Thornhill may be explained anon.</p>
+
+<p>The rear of the party was brought up by a large, powerfully-built man,
+with a bluff, honest, but rugged countenance, slashed with many a cut
+and scar, and stamped with that surly, sturdy, bull-dog-like look, which
+an Englishman always delights to contemplate, because he conceives it to
+be characteristic of his countrymen. This formidable person, who was no
+other than the renowned Figg, the &quot;Atlas of the sword,&quot; as he is termed
+by Captain Godfrey, had removed his hat and &quot;skull covering,&quot; and was
+wiping the heat from his bepatched and close-shaven pate. His shirt also
+was unbuttoned, and disclosed a neck like that of an ox, and a chest
+which might have served as a model for a Hercules. He had a flattish,
+perhaps, it should be called, a <i>flattened</i> nose, and a brown,
+leathern-looking hide, that seemed as if it had not unfrequently
+undergone the process of tanning. Under his arm he carried a thick,
+knotted crab-stick. The above description of</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>&mdash;the great Figg, by the prize-fighting swains<br /></span>
+<span>Sole monarch acknowledged of Mary'bone plains&mdash;<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>may sound somewhat tame by the side of the glowing account given of him
+by his gallant biographer, who asserts that &quot;there was a majesty shone
+in his countenance, and blazed in his actions, beyond all I ever saw;&quot;
+but it may, possibly, convey a more accurate notion of his personal
+appearance. James Figg was the most perfect master of self-defence of
+his day. Seconded by his strength and temper, his skill rendered him
+invincible and he is reputed never to have lost a battle. His
+imperturbable demeanour in the fight has been well portrayed by Captain
+Godfrey, who here condescends to lay aside his stilts. &quot;His right leg
+bold and firm, and his left, which could hardly ever be disturbed, gave
+him a surprising advantage, and struck his adversary with despair and
+panic. He had a peculiar way of stepping in, in a parry; knew his arm,
+and its just time of moving; put a firm faith in that, and never let his
+opponent <span class="pagenum">Page 389</span><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389"></a>escape. He was just as much a greater master than any other I
+ever saw, as he was a greater judge of time and measure.&quot; Figg's prowess
+in a combat with Button has been celebrated by Dr. Byrom,&mdash;a poet of
+whom his native town, Manchester, may be justly proud; and his features
+and figure have been preserved by the most illustrious of his companions
+on the present occasion,&mdash;Hogarth,&mdash;in the lev&eacute;e in the &quot;Rake's
+Progress,&quot; and in &quot;Southwark Fair.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>On the appearance of his visitors, Sheppard arose,&mdash;his gyves clanking
+heavily as he made the movement,&mdash;and folding his arms, so far as his
+manacles would permit him, upon his breast, steadily returned the
+glances fixed upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is the noted house-breaker and prison-breaker, gentlemen,&quot; said
+Mr. Pitt, pointing to the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Odd's life!&quot; cried Gay, in astonishment; &quot;is this slight-made stripling
+Jack Sheppard? Why, I expected to see a man six foot high at the least,
+and as broad across the shoulders as our friend Figg. This is a mere
+boy. Are you sure you haven't mistaken the ward, Mr. Pitt?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There is no mistake, Sir,&quot; rejoined the prisoner, drawing himself up,
+&quot;I am Jack Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I never was more surprised in my life,&quot; said the poet,&mdash;&quot;never!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's just the man <i>I</i> expected to see,&quot; observed Hogarth, who, having
+arranged everything to Thornhill's satisfaction, had turned to look at
+the prisoner, and was now with his chin upon his wrist, and his elbow
+supported by the other hand, bending his keen gray eyes upon him, &quot;just
+the man! Look at that light, lithe figure,&mdash;all muscle and activity,
+with not an ounce of superfluous flesh upon it. In my search after
+strange characters, Mr. Gay, I've been in many odd quarters of our
+city&mdash;have visited haunts frequented only by thieves&mdash;the Old Mint, the
+New Mint, the worst part of St. Giles's, and other places&mdash;but I've
+nowhere seen any one who came up so completely to my notion of a
+first-rate housebreaker as the individual before us. Wherever I saw him,
+<span class="pagenum">Page 390</span><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390"></a>I should pick him out as a man designed by nature to plan and
+accomplish the wonderful escapes he has effected.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, a smile crossed Sheppard's countenance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He understands me, you perceive,&quot; said Hogarth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, I won't dispute your judgment in such matters, Mr. Hogarth,&quot;
+replied Gay. &quot;But I appeal to you, Sir James, whether it isn't
+extraordinary that so very slight a person should be such a desperate
+robber as he is represented&mdash;so young, too, for such an <i>old</i> offender.
+Why, he can scarcely be twenty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am one-and-twenty,&quot; observed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;One-and-twenty, ah!&quot; repeated Gay. &quot;Well, I'm not far from the mark.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He is certainly extremely youthful-looking and very slightly made,&quot;
+said Thornhill, who had been attentively studying Sheppard's
+countenance. &quot;But I agree with Hogarth, that he is precisely the person
+to do what he has done. Like a thorough-bred racer, he would sustain
+twice as much fatigue as a person of heavier mould. Can I be
+accommodated with a seat, Mr. Pitt?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly, Sir James, certainly,&quot; replied the governor. &quot;Get a chair,
+Austin.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>While this order was obeyed, Figg, who had been standing near the door,
+made his way to the prisoner, and offered him his huge hand, which Jack
+warmly grasped.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well, Jack,&quot; said the prize-fighter, in a rough, but friendly voice,
+and with a cut-and-thrust abrupt manner peculiar to himself; &quot;how are
+you, lad, eh? Sorry to see you here. Wouldn't take my advice. Told you
+how it would be. One mistress enough to ruin a man,&mdash;two, the devil.
+Laughed at me, then. Laugh on the wrong side of your mouth, now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're not come here to insult me, Mr. Figg?&quot; said Jack, peevishly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Insult you! not I;&quot; returned Figg. &quot;Heard of your escapes. Everybody
+talking of you. Wished to see you. Old pupil. Capital swordsman. Shortly
+to be executed. Come to take leave. Trifle useful?&quot; he added, slipping a
+few gold pieces into Jack's hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 391</span><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391"></a>You are very kind,&quot; said Jack, returning the money; &quot;but I don't
+require assistance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Too proud, eh?&quot; rejoined the prize-fighter. &quot;Won't be under an
+obligation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There you're wrong, Mr. Figg,&quot; replied Jack, smiling; &quot;for, before I'm
+taken to Tyburn, I mean to borrow a shirt for the occasion from you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Have it, and welcome,&quot; rejoined Figg. &quot;Always plenty to spare. Never
+bought a shirt in my life, Mr. Gay,&quot; he added, turning to the poet.
+&quot;Sold a good many, though.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How do you manage that, Mr. Figg?&quot; asked Gay.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thus,&quot; replied the prize-fighter. &quot;Proclaim a public fight. Challenge
+accepted. Fifty pupils. Day before, send round to each to borrow a
+shirt. Fifty sent home. All superfine holland. Wear one on the stage on
+the following day. Cut to pieces&mdash;slashed&mdash;bloodied. Each of my scholars
+thinks it his own shirt. Offer to return it to each in private. All make
+the same answer&mdash;'d&mdash;n you, keep it.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;An ingenious device,&quot; laughed Gay.</p>
+
+<p>Sir James Thornhill's preparations being completed, Mr. Pitt desired to
+know if he wanted anything further, and being answered in the negative,
+he excused himself on the plea that his attendance was required in the
+court at the Old Bailey, which was then sitting, and withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do me the favour to seat yourself, Jack,&quot; said Sir James. &quot;Gentlemen, a
+little further off, if you please.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sheppard immediately complied with the painter's request; while Gay and
+Figg drew back on one side, and Hogarth on the other. The latter took
+from his pocket a small note-book and pencil.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll make a sketch, too,&quot; he said. &quot;Jack Sheppard's face is well worth
+preserving.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>After narrowly examining the countenance of the sitter, and motioning
+him with his pencil into a particular attitude, Sir James Thornhill
+commenced operations; and, while he rapidly transferred his lineaments
+to the canvass, engaged him in conversation, in the course of which he
+artfully contrived to draw him into a recital <span class="pagenum">Page 392</span><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392"></a>of his adventures. The
+<i>ruse</i> succeeded almost beyond his expectation. During the narration
+Jack's features lighted up, and an expression, which would have been in
+vain looked for in repose, was instantly caught and depicted by the
+skilful artist. All the party were greatly interested by Sheppard's
+history&mdash;especially Figg, who laughed loud and long at the escape from
+the Condemned Hold. When Jack came to speak of Jonathan Wild, his
+countenance fell.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We must change the subject,&quot; remarked Thornhill, pausing in his task;
+&quot;this will never do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Quite right, Sir James,&quot; said Austin. &quot;We never suffer him to mention
+Mr. Wild's name. He never appears to so little advantage as when
+speaking of him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I don't wonder at it,&quot; rejoined Gay.</p>
+
+<p>Here Hogarth received a private signal from Thornhill to attract
+Sheppard's attention.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And so you've given up all hope of escaping, eh, Jack?&quot; remarked
+Hogarth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's scarcely a fair question, Mr. Hogarth, before the jailer,&quot;
+replied Jack. &quot;But I tell you frankly, and Mr. Austin, may repeat it if
+he pleases to his master, Jonathan Wild,&mdash;I have <i>not</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well said, Jack,&quot; cried Figg. &quot;Never give in.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well,&quot; observed Hogarth, &quot;if, fettered as you are, you contrive to
+break out of this dungeon, you'll do what no man ever did before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A peculiar smile illuminated Jack's features.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There it is!&quot; cried Sir James, eagerly. &quot;There's the exact expression I
+want. For the love of Heaven, Jack, don't move!&mdash;Don't alter a muscle,
+if you can help it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And, with a few magical touches, he stamped the fleeting expression on
+the canvass.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have it too!&quot; exclaimed Hogarth, busily plying his pencil. &quot;Gad! it's
+a devilish fine face when lit up.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As like as life, Sir,&quot; observed Austin, peeping over Thornhill's
+shoulder at the portrait. &quot;As like as life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The very face,&quot; exclaimed Gay, advancing to look at it;&mdash;&quot;with all the
+escapes written in it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 393</span><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393"></a>You flatter me,&quot; smiled Sir James. &quot;But, I own, I think it <i>is</i> like.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you think of <i>my</i> sketch, Jack?&quot; said Hogarth, handing him the
+drawing.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's like enough, I dare say,&quot; rejoined Sheppard. &quot;But it wants
+something <i>here</i>.&quot; And he pointed significantly to the hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I see,&quot; rejoined Hogarth, rapidly sketching a file, which he placed in
+the hands of the picture. &quot;Will that do?&quot; he added, returning it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's better,&quot; observed Sheppard, meaningly. &quot;But you've given me what I
+don't possess.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hum!&quot; said Hogarth, looking fixedly at him. &quot;I don't see how I can
+improve it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May I look at it, Sir!&quot; said Austin, stepping towards him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; replied Hogarth, hastily effacing the sketch. &quot;I'm never satisfied
+with a first attempt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Egad, Jack,&quot; said Gay, &quot;you should write your adventures. They would be
+quite as entertaining as the histories of Guzman D'Alfarache, Lazarillo
+de Tormes, Estevanillo Gonzalez, Meriton Latroon, or any of my favourite
+rogues,&mdash;and far more instructive.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You had better write them for me, Mr. Gay,&quot; rejoined Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you'll write them, I'll illustrate them,&quot; observed Hogarth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;An idea has just occurred to me,&quot; said Gay, &quot;which Jack's narrative has
+suggested. I'll write an opera the scene of which shall be laid
+altogether in Newgate, and the principal character shall be a
+highmaywan. I'll not forget your two mistresses, Jack.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nor Jonathan Wild, I hope,&quot; interposed Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Certainly not,&quot; replied Gay. &quot;I'll gibbet the rascal. But I forget,&quot; he
+added, glancing at Austin; &quot;it's high treason to speak disrespectfully
+of Mr. Wild in his own domain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hear nothing, Sir,&quot; laughed Austin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was about to add,&quot; continued Gay, &quot;that my opera shall have no music
+except the good old ballad tunes. And <span class="pagenum">Page 394</span><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394"></a>we'll see whether it won't put
+the Italian opera out of fashion, with Cutzoni, Senesino, and the
+'divine' Farinelli at its head.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll do a national service, then,&quot; said Hogarth. &quot;The sums lavished
+upon those people are perfectly disgraceful, and I should be enchanted
+to see them hooted from the stage. But I've an idea as well as you,
+grounded in some measure upon Sheppard's story. I'll take two
+apprentices, and depict their career. One, by perseverance and industry
+shall obtain fortune, credit, and the highest honours; while the other
+by an opposite course, and dissolute habits, shall eventually arrive at
+Tyburn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your's will be nearer the truth, and have a deeper moral, Mr. Hogarth,&quot;
+remarked Jack, dejectedly. &quot;But if my career were truly exhibited, it
+must be as one long struggle against destiny in the shape of&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jonathan Wild,&quot; interposed Gay. &quot;I knew it. By the by, Mr. Hogarth,
+didn't I see you last night at the ridotto with Lady Thornhill and her
+pretty daughter?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Me!&mdash;no, Sir,&quot; stammered Hogarth, colouring. And he hazarded a wink at
+the poet over the paper on which he was sketching. Luckily, Sir James
+was so much engrossed by his own task, that both the remark and gesture
+escaped him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I suppose I was mistaken,&quot; returned Gay. &quot;You've been quizzing my
+friend Kent, I perceive, in your Burlington Gate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A capital caricature that,&quot; remarked Thornhill, laughing. &quot;What does
+Mr. Kent say to it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He thinks so highly of it, that he says if he had a daughter he would
+give her to the artist,&quot; answered Gay, a little maliciously.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; exclaimed Sir James.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Sdeath!&quot; cried Hogarth, aside to the poet. &quot;You've ruined my hopes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Advanced them rather,&quot; replied Gay, in the same tone. &quot;Miss Thornhill's
+a charming girl. <i>I</i> think a wife a needless incumbrance, and mean to
+die a bachelor. But, if I were in your place, I know what I'd do&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 395</span><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395"></a>What&mdash;what would you do?&quot; asked Hogarth, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Run away with her,&quot; replied Gay.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pish!&quot; exclaimed Hogarth. But he afterwards acted upon the suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Good-b'ye, Jack,&quot; said Figg, putting on his hat. &quot;Rather in the way.
+Send you the shirt. Here, turnkey. Couple of guineas to drink Captain
+Sheppard's speedy escape. Thank him, not me, man. Give this fellow the
+slip, if you can, Jack. If not, keep up your spirits. Die game.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never fear,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;If I get free, I'll have a bout with you at
+all weapons. If not, I'll take a cheerful glass with you at the City of
+Oxford, on my way to Tyburn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Give you the best I have in either case,&quot; replied Figg. &quot;Good-b'ye!&quot;
+And with a cordial shake of the hand he took his departure.</p>
+
+<p>Sir James Thornhill, then, rose.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I won't trouble you further, Jack,&quot; he remarked. &quot;I've done all I can
+to the portrait here. I must finish it at home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Permit me to see it, Sir James!&quot; requested Jack. &quot;Ah!&quot; he exclaimed, as
+the painting was turned towards him. &quot;What would my poor mother say to
+it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was sorry to see that about your mother, Jack,&quot; observed Hogarth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What of her?&quot; exclaimed Jack, starting up. &quot;Is she dead?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No&mdash;no,&quot; answered Hogarth. &quot;Don't alarm yourself. I saw it this morning
+in the Daily Journal&mdash;an advertisement, offering a reward&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A reward!&quot; echoed Jack. &quot;For what?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I had the paper with me. 'Sdeath! what can I have done with it? Oh!
+here it is,&quot; cried Hogarth, picking it from the ground. &quot;I must have
+dropped it when I took out my note-book. There's the paragraph. '<i>Mrs.
+Sheppard left Mr. Wood's house at Dollis Hill on Tuesday</i>'&mdash;that's two
+days ago,&mdash;'<i>hasn't been heard of since</i>.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me see,&quot; cried Jack, snatching the paper, and <span class="pagenum">Page 396</span><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396"></a>eagerly perusing the
+advertisement. &quot;Ah!&quot; he exclaimed, in a tone of anguish. &quot;She has fallen
+into the villain's hands.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What villain?&quot; cried Hogarth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jonathan Wild, I'll be sworn,&quot; said Gay.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Right!&mdash;right!&quot; cried Jack, striking his fettered hands against his
+breast. &quot;She is in his power, and I am here, chained hand and foot,
+unable to assist her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I could make a fine sketch of him now,&quot; whispered Hogarth to Gay.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I told you how it was, Sir James,&quot; said Austin, addressing the knight,
+who was preparing for his departure, &quot;he attributes every misfortune
+that befals him to Mr. Wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And with some justice,&quot; replied Thornhill, drily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Allow me to assist you, Sir James,&quot; said Hogarth.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Many thanks, Sir,&quot; replied Thornhill, with freezing politeness; &quot;but Id
+not require assistance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I tell you what, Jack,&quot; said Gay, &quot;I've several urgent engagements this
+morning; but I'll return to-morrow, and hear the rest of your story.
+And, if I can render you any service, you may command me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To-morrow will be too late,&quot; said Sheppard, moodily.</p>
+
+<p>The easel and palette having been packed up, and the canvass carefully
+removed by Austin, the party took leave of the prisoner, who was so much
+abstracted that he scarcely noticed their departure. Just as Hogarth got
+to the door, the turnkey stopped him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have forgotten your knife, Mr. Hogarth,&quot; he observed,
+significantly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I have,&quot; replied Hogarth, glancing at Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can do without it,&quot; muttered Jack.</p>
+
+<p>The door was then locked, and he was left alone.</p>
+
+<p>At three o'clock, on the same day, Austin brought up Jack's provisions,
+and, after carefully examining his fetters, and finding all secure, told
+him if he wanted anything further he must mention it, as he should not
+be able to return in the evening, his presence being required elsewhere.
+Jack replied in the negative, and it required all his mastery over
+himself to prevent the satisfaction <span class="pagenum">Page 397</span><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397"></a>which this announcement afforded
+him from being noticed by the jailer.</p>
+
+<p>With the usual precautions, Austin then departed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now,&quot; cried Jack, leaping up, &quot;for an achievement, compared with
+which all I have yet done shall be as nothing!&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XVII" id="CHAPTER_3_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Iron Bar.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
+This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly
+between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as
+possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles. He next
+twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength,
+partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central
+link by which they were attached to the padlock. Taking off his
+stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied
+the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from
+clanking, and impeding his future exertions.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's former attempt to pass up the chimney, it may be remembered, was
+obstructed by an iron bar. To remove this obstacle it was necessary make
+an extensive breach in the wall. With the broken links of the chain,
+which served him in lieu of more efficient implements, he commenced
+operations just above the chimney-piece, and soon contrived to pick a
+hole in the plaster.</p>
+
+<p>He found the wall, as he suspected, solidly constructed of brick and
+stone; and with the slight and inadequate tools which he possessed, it
+was a work of infinite labour and skill to get out a single brick. That
+done, however, he was well aware the rest would be comparatively easy,
+and as he threw the brick to the ground, he exclaimed triumphantly, &quot;The
+first step is taken&mdash;the main difficulty is overcome.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Animated by this trifling success, he proceeded with fresh ardour, and
+the rapidity of his progress was pro<span class="pagenum">Page 398</span><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398"></a>claimed by the heap of bricks,
+stones, and mortar which before long covered the floor. At the
+expiration of an hour, by dint of unremitting exertion, he had made so
+large a breach in the chimney, that he could stand upright in it. He was
+now within a foot of the bar, and introducing himself into the hole,
+speedily worked his way to it.</p>
+
+<p>Regardless of the risk he incurred from some heavy stone dropping on his
+head or feet,&mdash;regardless also of the noise made by the falling rubbish,
+and of the imminent danger which he consequently ran of being
+interrupted by some of the jailers, should the sound reach their ears,
+he continued to pull down large masses of the wall, which he flung upon
+the floor of the cell.</p>
+
+<p>Having worked thus for another quarter of an hour without being sensible
+of fatigue, though he was half stifled by the clouds of dust which his
+exertions raised, he had made a hole about three feet wide, and six
+high, and uncovered the iron bar. Grasping it firmly with both hands, he
+quickly wrenched if from the stones in which it was mortised, and leapt
+to the ground. On examination it proved to be a flat bar of iron, nearly
+a yard in length, and more than an inch square. &quot;A capital instrument
+for my purpose,&quot; thought Jack, shouldering it, &quot;and worth all the
+trouble I have had in procuring it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>While he was thus musing, he fancied he heard the lock tried. A chill
+ran through his frame, and, grasping the heavy weapon with which chance
+had provided him, prepared to strike down the first person who should
+enter the cell. After listening attentively for a short time without
+drawing breath, he became convinced that his apprehensions were
+groundless, and, greatly relieved, sat down upon the chair to rest
+himself and prepare for further efforts.</p>
+
+<p>Acquainted with every part of the jail, Jack well knew that his only
+chance of effecting an escape must be by the roof. To reach it would be
+a most difficult undertaking. Still it was possible, and the difficulty
+was only a fresh incitement.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 399</span><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399"></a>The mere enumeration of the obstacles that existed would have deterred
+any spirit less daring than Sheppard's from even hazarding the attempt.
+Independently of other risks, and of the chance of breaking his neck in
+the descent, he was aware that to reach the leads he should have to
+break open six of the strongest doors of the prison. Armed, however,
+with the implement he had so fortunately obtained, he did not despair of
+success.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My name will only be remembered as that of a robber,&quot; he mused; &quot;but it
+shall be remembered as that of a bold one: and this night's achievement,
+if it does nothing else, shall prevent me from being classed with the
+common herd of depredators.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Roused by this reflection, filled with the deepest anxiety for his
+mother, and burning to be avenged upon Jonathan Wild, he grasped the
+iron bar, which, when he sat down, he had laid upon his knees, and
+stepped quickly across the room. In doing so, he had to clamber up the
+immense heap of bricks and rubbish which now littered the floor,
+amounting almost to a car-load, and reaching up nearly to the top of the
+chimney-piece.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Austin will stare,&quot; thought Jack, &quot;when he comes here in the morning.
+It will cost them something to repair their stronghold, and take them
+more time to build it up again than I have taken to pull it down.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Before proceeding with his task, he considered whether it would be
+possible to barricade the door; but, reflecting that the bar would be an
+indispensable assistant in his further efforts, he abandoned the idea,
+and determined to rely implicitly on that good fortune which had
+hitherto attended him on similar occasions.</p>
+
+<p>Having once more got into the chimney, he climbed to a level with the
+ward above, and recommenced operations as vigorously as before. He was
+now aided with a powerful implement, with which he soon contrived to
+make a hole in the wall.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Every brick I take out,&quot; cried Jack, as fresh rubbish clattered down
+the chimney, &quot;brings me nearer my mother.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="CHAPTER_3_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_3_XVIII"></a><span class="pagenum">Page 400</span><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400"></a></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Red Room.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>The ward into which Jack was endeavouring to break was called the Red
+Room, from the circumstance of its walls having once been painted in
+that colour; all traces of which had, however, long since disappeared.
+Like the Castle, which it resembled in all respects except that it was
+destitute even of a barrack-bedstead, the Red Room was reserved for
+state-prisoners, and had not been occupied since the year 1716, when the
+jail, as has before been mentioned, was crowded by the Preston rebels.</p>
+
+<p>Having made a hole in the wall sufficiently large to pass through, Jack
+first tossed the bar into the room and then crept after it. As soon as
+he had gained his feet, he glanced round the bare blank walls of the
+cell, and, oppressed by the musty, close atmosphere, exclaimed, &quot;I'll
+let a little fresh air into this dungeon. They say it hasn't been opened
+for eight years&mdash;but I won't be eight years in getting out of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>In stepping across the room, some sharp point in the floor pierced his
+foot, and stooping to examine it, he found that the wound had been
+inflicted by a long rusty nail, which projected from the boards. Totally
+disregarding the pain, he picked up the nail, and reserved it for future
+use. Nor was he long in making it available.</p>
+
+<p>On examining the door, he found it secured by a large rusty lock, which
+he endeavoured to pick with the nail he had just acquired; but all his
+efforts proving ineffectual, he removed the plate that covered it with
+the bar, and with his fingers contrived to draw back the bolt.</p>
+
+<p>Opening the door he then stepped into a dark narrow passage leading, as
+he was well aware, to the chapel. On the left there were doors
+communicating with the King's Bench Ward and the Stone Ward, two large
+holds on the Master Debtors' side. But Jack was too well versed in the
+geography of the place to attempt either of them. Indeed, if he had been
+ignorant of it, the sound of voices which he could faintly distinguish,
+would have served as a caution to him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 401</span><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401"></a>Hurrying on, his progress was soon checked by a strong door, several
+inches in thickness, and nearly as wide as the passage. Running his hand
+carefully over it in search of the lock, he perceived to his dismay that
+it was fastened on the other side. After several vain attempts to burst
+it open, he resolved, as a last alternative, to break through the wall
+in the part nearest to the lock. This was a much more serious task than
+he anticipated. The wall was of considerable thickness, and built
+altogether of stone; and the noise he was compelled to make in using the
+heavy bar, which brought sparks with every splinter he struck off, was
+so great, that he feared it must be heard by the prisoners on the
+Debtors' side. Heedless, however, of the consequences, he pursued his
+task.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour's labour, during which he was obliged more than once to
+pause to regain breath, sufficed to make a hole wide enough to allow a
+passage for his arm up to the elbow. In this way he was able to force
+back a ponderous bolt from its socket; and to his unspeakable joy, found
+that the door instantly yielded.</p>
+
+<p>Once more cheered by daylight, he hastened forward, and entered the
+chapel.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XIX" id="CHAPTER_3_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Chapel.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Situated at the upper part of the south-east angle of the jail, the
+chapel of Old Newgate was divided on the north side into three grated
+compartments, or pens as they were termed, allotted to the common
+debtors and felons. In the north-west angle, there was a small pen for
+female offenders, and, on the south, a more commodious enclosure
+appropriated to the master-debtors and strangers. Immediately beneath
+the pulpit stood a large circular pew where malefactors under sentence
+of death sat to hear the condemned sermon delivered to them, and where
+they formed a public spectacle to the <span class="pagenum">Page 402</span><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402"></a>crowds, which curiosity generally
+attracted on those occasions.</p>
+
+<p>To return. Jack had got into one of the pens at the north side of the
+chapel. The enclosure by which it was surrounded was about twelve feet
+high; the under part being composed of taken planks, the upper of a
+strong iron grating, surmounted by sharp iron spikes. In the middle
+there was a gate. It was locked. But Jack speedily burst it open with
+the iron bar.</p>
+
+<p>Clearing the few impediments in his way, he soon reached the condemned
+pew, where it had once been his fate to sit; and extending himself on
+the seat endeavoured to snatch a moment's repose. It was denied him, for
+as he closed his eyes&mdash;though but for an instant&mdash;the whole scene of his
+former visit to the place rose before him. There he sat as before, with
+the heavy fetters on his limbs, and beside him sat his three companions,
+who had since expiated their offences on the gibbet. The chapel was
+again crowded with visitors, and every eye&mdash;even that of Jonathan Wild
+who had come thither to deride him,&mdash;was fixed upon him. So perfect was
+the illusion, that he could almost fancy he heard the solemn voice of
+the ordinary warning him that his race was nearly run, and imploring him
+to prepare for eternity. From this perturbed state he was roused by
+thoughts of his mother, and fancying he heard her gentle voice urging
+him on to fresh exertion, he started up.</p>
+
+<p>On one side of the chapel there was a large grated window, but, as it
+looked upon the interior of the jail, Jack preferred following the
+course he had originally decided upon to making any attempt in this
+quarter.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, he proceeded to a gate which stood upon the south, and
+guarded the passage communicating with the leads. It was grated and
+crested with spikes, like that he had just burst open, and thinking it a
+needless waste of time to force it, he broke off one of the spikes,
+which he carried with him for further purposes, and then climbed over
+it.</p>
+
+<p>A short flight of steps brought him to a dark passage, <span class="pagenum">Page 403</span><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403"></a>into which he
+plunged. Here he found another strong door, making the fifth he had
+encountered. Well aware that the doors in this passage were much
+stronger than those in the entry he had just quitted he was neither
+surprised nor dismayed to find it fastened by a lock of unusual size.
+After repeatedly trying to remove the plate, which was so firmly screwed
+down that it resisted all his efforts, and vainly attempting to pick it
+with the spike and nail; he, at length, after half an hour's ineffectual
+labour, wrenched off the box by means of the iron bar, and the door, as
+he laughingly expressed it, &quot;became his humble servant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>But this difficulty was only overcome to be succeeded by one still
+greater. Hastening along the passage he came to the sixth door. For this
+he was prepared; but he was not prepared for the almost insurmountable
+obstacles which it presented. Running his hand hastily over it, he was
+startled to find it one complicated mass of bolts and bars. It seemed as
+if all the precautions previously taken were here accumulated. Any one
+less courageous than himself would have abandoned the attempt from a
+conviction of its utter hopelessness; but, though it might for a moment
+damp his ardour, it could not deter him.</p>
+
+<p>Once again, he passed his hand over the surface and carefully noted all
+the obstacles. There was a lock, apparently more than a foot wide,
+strongly plated, and girded to the door with thick iron hoops. Below it
+a prodigiously large bolt was shot into the socket, and, in order to
+keep it there, was fastened by a hasp, and further protected by an
+immense padlock. Besides this, the door was crossed and recrossed by
+iron bars, clenched by broad-headed nails. An iron fillet secured the
+socket of the bolt and the box of the lock to the main post of the
+doorway.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing disheartened by this survey, Jack set to work upon the lock,
+which he attacked with all his implements;&mdash;now attempting to pick it
+with the nail;&mdash;now to wrench it off with the bar: but all without
+<span class="pagenum">Page 404</span><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404"></a>effect. He not only failed in making any impression, but seemed to
+increase the difficulties, for after an hour's toil he had broken the
+nail and slightly bent the iron bar.</p>
+
+<p>Completely overcome by fatigue, with strained muscles, and bruised
+hands; streaming with perspiration, and with lips so parched that he
+would gladly have parted with a treasure if he had possessed it for a
+draught of water; he sank against the wall, and while in this state was
+seized with, a sudden and strange alarm. He fancied that the turnkeys
+had discovered his flight and were in pursuit of him,&mdash;that they had
+climbed up the chimney,&mdash;entered the Red Room,&mdash;tracked him from door to
+door, and were now only detained by the gate which he had left unbroken
+in the chapel. He even thought he could detect the voice of Jonathan,
+urging and directing them.</p>
+
+<p>So strongly was he impressed with this idea, that grasping the iron bar
+with both hands, he dashed it furiously against the door, making the
+passage echo with the blows.</p>
+
+<p>By degrees, his fears vanished, and hearing nothing, he grew calmer. His
+spirits revived, and encouraging himself with the idea that the present
+impediment, though the greatest, was the last, he set himself seriously
+to consider how it might best be overcome.</p>
+
+<p>On reflection, it occurred to him that he might, perhaps, be able to
+loosen the iron fillet; a notion no sooner conceived than executed. With
+incredible labour, and by the aid of both spike and nail, he succeeded
+in getting the point of the bar beneath the fillet. Exerting all his
+energies, and using the bar as a lever, he forced off the iron band,
+which was full seven feet high, seven inches wide, and two thick, and
+which brought with it in its fall the box of the lock and the socket of
+the bolt, leaving no further hinderance.</p>
+
+<p>Overjoyed beyond measure at having vanquished this
+apparently-insurmountable obstacle, Jack darted through the door.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="CHAPTER_3_XX" id="CHAPTER_3_XX"></a><span class="pagenum">Page 405</span><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405"></a></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Leads.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Ascending a short flight of steps, Jack found at the summit a door,
+which being bolted in the inside he speedily opened.</p>
+
+<p>The fresh air, which blew in his face, greatly revived him. He had now
+reached what was called the Lower Leads,&mdash;a flat, covering a part of the
+prison contiguous to the gateway, and surrounded on all sides by walls
+about fourteen feet high. On the north stood the battlements of one of
+the towers of the gate. On this side a flight of wooden steps, protected
+by a hand-rail, led to a door opening upon the summit of the prison.
+This door was crested with spikes, and guarded on the right by a
+bristling semicircle of spikes. Hastily ascending these steps, Jack
+found the door, as he anticipated, locked. He could have easily forced
+it, but preferred a more expeditious mode of reaching the roof which
+suggested itself to him. Mounting the door he had last opened, he placed
+his hands on the wall above, and quickly drew himself up.</p>
+
+<p>Just as he got on the roof of the prison, St. Sepulchre's clock struck
+eight. It was instantly answered by the deep note of St. Paul's; and the
+concert was prolonged by other neighbouring churches. Jack had thus been
+six hours in accomplishing his arduous task.</p>
+
+<p>Though nearly dark, there was still light enough left to enable him to
+discern surrounding objects. Through the gloom he distinctly perceived
+the dome of St. Paul's, hanging like a black cloud in the air; and
+nearer to him he remarked the golden ball on the summit of the College
+of Physicians, compared by Garth to a &quot;gilded pill.&quot; Other towers and
+spires&mdash;St. Martin's on Ludgate-hill, and Christchurch in Newgate
+Street, were also distinguishable. As he gazed down into the courts of
+the prison, he could not help shuddering, lest a false step might
+precipitate him below.</p>
+
+<p>To prevent the recurrence of any such escape as that just described, it
+was deemed expedient, in more recent <span class="pagenum">Page 406</span><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406"></a>times, to keep a watchman at the
+top of Newgate. Not many years ago, two men, employed on this duty,
+quarrelled during the night, and in the morning their bodies were found
+stretched upon the pavement of the yard beneath.</p>
+
+<p>Proceeding along the wall, Jack reached the southern tower, over the
+battlements of which he clambered, and crossing it, dropped upon the
+roof of the gate. He then scaled the northern tower, and made his way to
+the summit of that part of the prison which fronted Giltspur Street.
+Arrived at the extremity of the building, he found that it overlooked
+the flat-roof of a house which, as far as he could judge in the
+darkness, lay at a depth of about twenty feet below.</p>
+
+<p>Not choosing to hazard so great a fall, Jack turned to examine the
+building, to see whether any more favourable point of descent presented
+itself, but could discover nothing but steep walls, without a single
+available projection. As he looked around, he beheld an incessant stream
+of passengers hurrying on below. Lights glimmered in the windows of the
+different houses; and a lamp-lighter was running from post to post on
+his way to Snow Hill.</p>
+
+<p>Finding it impossible to descend on any side, without incurring serious
+risk, Jack resolved to return for his blanket, by the help of which he
+felt certain of accomplishing a safe landing on the roof of the house in
+Giltspur Street.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, he began to retrace his steps, and pursuing the course he
+had recently taken, scaling the two towers, and passing along the wall
+of the prison, he descended by means of the door upon the Lower Leads.
+Before he re-entered the prison, he hesitated from a doubt whether he
+was not fearfully increasing his risk of capture; but, convinced that he
+had no other alternative, he went on.</p>
+
+<p>During all this time, he had never quitted the iron bar, and he now
+grasped it with the firm determination of selling his life dearly, if he
+met with any opposition. A few seconds sufficed to clear the passage,
+through <span class="pagenum">Page 407</span><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407"></a>which it had previously cost him more than two hours to force
+his way. The floor was strewn with screws, nails, fragments of wood and
+stone, and across the passage lay the heavy iron fillet. He did not
+disturb any of this litter, but left it as a mark of his prowess.</p>
+
+<p>He was now at the entrance of the chapel, and striking the door over
+which he had previously climbed a violent blow with the bar, it flew
+open. To vault over the pews was the work of a moment; and having gained
+the entry leading to the Red Room he passed through the first door; his
+progress being only impeded by the pile of broken stones, which he
+himself had raised.</p>
+
+<p>Listening at one of the doors leading to the Master Debtors' side, he
+heard a loud voice chanting a Bacchanalian melody, and the boisterous
+laughter that accompanied the song, convinced him that no suspicion was
+entertained in this quarter. Entering the Red Room, he crept through the
+hole in the wall, descended the chimney, and arrived once more in his
+old place of captivity.</p>
+
+<p>How different were his present feelings compared with those he had
+experienced on quitting it. <i>Then</i>, though full of confidence, he half
+doubted his power of accomplishing his designs. <i>Now</i>, he <i>had</i> achieved
+them, and felt assured of success. The vast heap of rubbish on the floor
+had been so materially increased by the bricks and plaster thrown down
+in his attack upon the wall of the Red Room, that it was with some
+difficulty he could find the blanket which was almost buried beneath the
+pile. He next searched for his stockings and shoes, and when found, put
+them on.</p>
+
+<p>While he was thus employed, his nerves underwent a severe shock. A few
+bricks, dislodged probably by his last descent, came clattering down the
+chimney, and as it was perfectly dark, gave him the notion that some one
+was endeavouring to force an entrance into the room.</p>
+
+<p>But these fears, like those he had recently experienced, speedily
+vanished, and he prepared to return to the roof, congratulating himself
+that owing to the <span class="pagenum">Page 408</span><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408"></a>opportune falling of the bricks, he had in all
+probability escaped serious injury.</p>
+
+<p>Throwing the blanket over his left arm and shouldering the iron bar, he
+again clambered up the chimney; regained the Red Room; hurried along the
+first passage; crossed the Chapel; threaded the entry to the Lower
+Leads; and, in less than ten minutes after quitting the Castle, had
+reached the northern extremity of the prison.</p>
+
+<p>Previously to his descent he had left the nail and spike on the wall,
+and with these he fastened the blanket to the stone coping. This done,
+he let himself carefully down by it, and having only a few feet to drop,
+alighted in safety.</p>
+
+<p>Having now fairly got out of Newgate for the second time, with a heart
+throbbing with exultation, he hastened to make good his escape. To his
+great joy he found a small garret-door in the roof of the opposite house
+open. He entered it; crossed the room, in which there was only a small
+truckle-bed, over which he stumbled; opened another door and gained the
+stair-head. As he was about to descend his chains slightly rattled. &quot;Oh,
+lud! what's that?&quot; exclaimed a female voice, from an adjoining room.
+&quot;Only the dog,&quot; replied the rough tones of a man.</p>
+
+<p>Securing the chain in the best way he could, Jack then hurried down two
+pair of stairs, and had nearly reached the lobby, when a door suddenly
+opened, and two persons appeared, one of whom held a light. Retreating
+as quickly as he could, Jack opened the first door he came to, entered a
+room, and searching in the dark for some place of concealment,
+fortunately discovered a skreen, behind which he crept.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XXI" id="CHAPTER_3_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>What befell Jack Sheppard in the Turner's House.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Jack was scarcely concealed when the door opened, and the two persons of
+whom he had caught a glimpse <span class="pagenum">Page 409</span><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409"></a>below entered the room. What was his
+astonishment to recognise in the few words they uttered the voices of
+Kneebone and Winifred! The latter was apparently in great distress, and
+the former seemed to be using his best efforts to relieve her anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How very fortunate it is,&quot; he observed, &quot;that I happened to call upon
+Mr. Bird, the turner, to give him an order this evening. It was quite an
+unexpected pleasure to meet you and your worthy father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pray cease these compliments,&quot; returned Winifred, &quot;and, if you have any
+communication to make, do not delay it. You told me just now that you
+wished to speak a few words to me in private, concerning Thames Darrell,
+and for that purpose I have left my father below with Mr. Bird and have
+come hither. What have you got to say?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Too much,&quot; replied Kneebone, shaking his head; &quot;sadly too much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not needlessly alarm me, I beseech you,&quot; replied Winifred. &quot;Whatever
+your intelligence may be I will strive to bear it. But do not awaken my
+apprehension, unless you have good cause for so doing.&mdash;What do you know
+of Thames?&mdash;Where is he?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't agitate yourself, dearest girl,&quot; rejoined the woollen-draper; &quot;or
+I shall never be able to commence my relation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am calm&mdash;perfectly calm,&quot; replied Winifred. &quot;Pray, make no further
+mystery; but tell me all without reserve.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Since you require it, I must obey,&quot; replied Kneebone; &quot;but prepare
+yourself for a terrible shock.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;For mercy's sake, go on!&quot; cried Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At all hazards then then you shall know the truth,&quot; replied the
+woollen-draper, in a tone of affected solicitude,&mdash;&quot;but are you really
+prepared?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Quite&mdash;quite!&quot; replied Winifred. &quot;This suspense is worse than torture.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am almost afraid to utter it,&quot; said Kneebone; &quot;but Thames Darrell is
+murdered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Murdered!&quot; ejaculated Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 410</span><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410"></a>Basely and inhumanly murdered, by Jack Sheppard and Blueskin,&quot;
+continued Kneebone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! no&mdash;no&mdash;no,&quot; cried Winifred, &quot;I cannot believe it. You must be
+misinformed, Mr. Kneebone. Jack may be capable of much that is wicked,
+but he would never lift his hand against his friend,&mdash;of that I am
+assured.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Generous girl!&quot; cried Jack from behind the skreen.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have proofs to the contrary,&quot; replied Kneebone. &quot;The murder was
+committed after the robbery of my house by Sheppard and his accomplices.
+I did not choose to mention my knowledge of this fact to your worthy
+father; but you may rely on its correctness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You were right not to mention it to him,&quot; rejoined Winifred, &quot;for he is
+in such a state of distress at the mysterious disappearance of Mrs.
+Sheppard, that I fear any further anxiety might prove fatal to him. And
+yet I know not&mdash;for the object of his visit here to-night was to serve
+Jack, who, if your statement is correct, which I cannot however for a
+moment believe, does not deserve his assistance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You may rest assured he does not,&quot; rejoined Kneebone, emphatically,
+&quot;but I am at a loss to understand in what way your father proposes to
+assist him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mr. Bird, the turner, who is an old friend of our's, has some
+acquaintance with the turnkeys of Newgate,&quot; replied Winifred, &quot;and by
+his means my father hoped to convey some implements to Jack, by which he
+might effect another escape.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I see,&quot; remarked Kneebone. &quot;This must be prevented,&quot; he added to
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Heaven grant you may have been wrongly informed with respect to
+Thames!&quot; exclaimed Winifred; &quot;but, I beseech you, on no account to
+mention what you have told me to my poor father. He is not in a state of
+mind to bear it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Rely on me,&quot; rejoined Kneebone. &quot;One word before we part, adorable
+girl&mdash;only one,&quot; he continued, detaining her. &quot;I would not venture to
+renew my suit <span class="pagenum">Page 411</span><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411"></a>while Thames lived, because I well knew your affections
+were fixed upon him. But now that this bar is removed, I trust I may,
+without impropriety, urge it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No more of this,&quot; said Winifred, angrily. &quot;Is this a season to speak on
+such a subject?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Perhaps not,&quot; rejoined the woollen-draper; &quot;but the uncontrollable
+violence of my passion must plead my excuse. My whole life shall be
+devoted to you, beloved girl. And when you reflect how much at heart
+your poor mother, whose loss we must ever deplore, had our union, you
+will, I am persuaded, no longer refuse me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sir!&quot; exclaimed Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You will make me the happiest of mankind,&quot; cried the woollen-draper,
+falling on his knees, and seizing her hand, which he devoured with
+kisses.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me go,&quot; cried Winifred. &quot;I disbelieve the whole story you have told
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By Heaven!&quot; cried Kneebone, with increasing fervour, &quot;it is true&mdash;as
+true as my affection for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do not doubt it,&quot; retorted Winifred, scornfully; &quot;because I attach
+credit neither to one nor the other. If Thames <i>is</i> murdered, you are
+his assassin. Let me go, Sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The woollen-draper made no answer, but hastily starting up, bolted the
+door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you mean?&quot; cried Winifred in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nothing more than to obtain a favourable answer to my suit,&quot; replied
+Kneebone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;This is not the way to obtain it,&quot; said Winifred, endeavouring to reach
+the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shall not go, adorable girl,&quot; cried Kneebone, catching her in his
+arms, &quot;till you have answered me. You must&mdash;you shall be mine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never,&quot; replied Winifred. &quot;Release me instantly, or I will call my
+father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do so,&quot; replied Kneebone; &quot;but remember the door is locked.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Monster!&quot; cried Winifred. &quot;Help! help!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You call in vain,&quot; returned Kneebone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 412</span><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412"></a>Not so,&quot; replied Jack, throwing down the skreen. &quot;Release her
+instantly, villain!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Both Winifred and her suitor started at this sudden apparition. Jack,
+whose clothes were covered with dust, and whose face was deathly pale
+from his recent exertion, looked more like a phantom than a living
+person.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In the devil's name, is that you, Jack!&quot; ejaculated Kneebone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is,&quot; replied Sheppard. &quot;You have uttered a wilful and deliberate
+falsehood in asserting that I have murdered Thames, for whom you well
+know I would lay down my life. Retract your words instantly, or take the
+consequences.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What should I retract, villain?&quot; cried the woollen-draper, who at the
+sound of Jack's voice had regained his confidence. &quot;To the best of my
+belief, Thames Darrell has been murdered by you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A lie!&quot; exclaimed Jack in a terrible tone. And before Kneebone could
+draw his sword, he felled him to the ground with the iron bar.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have killed him,&quot; cried Winifred in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; answered Jack, approaching her, &quot;though, if I had done so, he
+would have merited his fate. You do not believe his statement?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do not,&quot; replied Winifred. &quot;I could not believe you capable of so
+foul a deed. But oh! by what wonderful chance have you come hither so
+seasonably?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have just escaped from Newgate,&quot; replied Jack; &quot;and am more than
+repaid for the severe toil I have undergone, in being able to save you.
+But tell me,&quot; he added with much anxiety, &quot;has nothing been heard of
+Thames since the night of my former escape?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Nothing whatever,&quot; answered Winifred. &quot;He left Dollis Hill at ten
+o'clock on that night, and has not since returned. My father has made
+every possible inquiry, and offered large rewards; but has not been able
+to discover the slightest trace of him. His suspicions at first fell
+upon you. But he has since acquitted you of any share in it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 413</span><a name="Page_413" id="Page_413"></a>Oh, Heaven!&quot; exclaimed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He has been indefatigable in his search,&quot; continued Winifred, &quot;and has
+even journeyed to Manchester. But though he visited Sir Rowland
+Trenchard's seat, Ashton Hall, he could gain no tidings of him, or of
+his uncle, Sir Rowland, who, it seems, has left the country.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never to return,&quot; remarked Jack, gloomily. &quot;Before to-morrow morning I
+will ascertain what has become of Thames, or perish in the attempt. And
+now tell me what has happened to my poor mother?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ever since your last capture, and Thames's mysterious disappearance,
+she has been dreadfully ill,&quot; replied Winifred; &quot;so ill, that each day
+was expected to be her last. She has also been afflicted with occasional
+returns of her terrible malady. On Tuesday night, she was rather better,
+and I had left her for a short time, as I thought, asleep on the sofa in
+the little parlour of which she is so fond&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Well,&quot; exclaimed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;On my return, I found the window open, and the room vacant. She was
+gone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Did you discover any trace of footsteps?&quot; inquired Jack eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;There were some marks near the window; but whether recently made or not
+could not be ascertained,&quot; replied Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh God!&quot; exclaimed Jack, in a tone of the bitterest anguish. &quot;My worst
+fears are realized. She is in Wild's power.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I ought to add,&quot; continued Winifred, &quot;that one of her shoes was picked
+up in the garden, and that prints of her feet were discovered along the
+soft mould; whether made in flying from any one, or from rushing forth
+in distracted terror, it is impossible to say. My father thought the
+latter. He has had the whole country searched; but hitherto without
+success.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know <i>where</i> she will be found, and <i>how</i>,&quot; rejoined Jack with a
+shudder.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have something further to tell you,&quot; pursued <span class="pagenum">Page 414</span><a name="Page_414" id="Page_414"></a>Winifred. &quot;Shortly
+after your last visit to Dollis Hill, my father was one evening waylaid
+by a man, who informed him that he had something to communicate
+respecting Thames, and had a large sum of money, and some important
+documents to deliver to him, which would be given up, provided he would
+undertake to procure your liberation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It was Blueskin,&quot; observed Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So my father thought,&quot; replied Winifred; &quot;and he therefore instantly
+fired upon him. But though the shot took effect, as was evident from the
+stains on the ground, the villain escaped.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your father did right,&quot; replied Jack, with some bitterness. &quot;But if he
+had not fired that shot, he might have saved Thames, and possessed
+himself of papers which would have established his birth, and his right
+to the estates of the Trenchard family.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Would you have had him spare my mother's murderer?&quot; cried Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ho, no,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;And yet&mdash;but it is only part of the chain of
+ill-luck that seems wound around me. Listen to me, Winifred.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>And he hastily related the occurrences in Jonathan Wild's house.</p>
+
+<p>The account of the discovery of Sir Rowland's murder filled Winifred
+with alarm; but when she learnt what had befallen Thames&mdash;how he had
+been stricken down by the thief-taker's bludgeon, and left for dead, she
+uttered a piercing scream, fainted, and would have fallen, if Jack had
+not caught her in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>Jack had well-nigh fallen too. The idea that he held in his arms the
+girl whom he had once so passionately loved, and for whom he still
+retained an ardent but hopeless attachment, almost overcame him. Gazing
+at her with eyes blinded with tears, he imprinted one brotherly kiss
+upon her lips. It was the first&mdash;and the last!</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture, the handle of the door was tried, and the voice of Mr.
+Wood was heard without, angrily demanding admittance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 415</span><a name="Page_415" id="Page_415"></a>What's the matter?&quot; he cried. &quot;I thought I heard a scream. Why is the
+door fastened? Open it directly!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Are you alone?&quot; asked Jack, mimicking the voice of Kneebone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What for?&quot; demanded Wood. &quot;Open the door, I say, or I'll burst it
+open.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Carefully depositing Winifred on a sofa, Jack then extinguished the
+light, and, as he unfastened the door, crept behind it. In rushed Mr.
+Wood, with a candle in his hand, which Jack instantly blew out, and
+darted down stairs. He upset some one&mdash;probably Mr. Bird,&mdash;who was
+rushing up stairs, alarmed by Mr. Wood's cries: but, regardless of this,
+he darted along a passage, gained the shop, and passed through an open
+door into the street.</p>
+
+<p>And thus he was once more free, having effected one of the most
+wonderful escapes ever planned or accomplished.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XXII" id="CHAPTER_3_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>Fast and Loose.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>About seven o'clock on the same night, Jonathan Wild's two janizaries,
+who had been for some time in attendance in the hall of his dwelling at
+the Old Bailey, were summoned to the audience-chamber. A long and secret
+conference then took place between the thief-taker and his myrmidons,
+after which they were severally dismissed.</p>
+
+<p>Left alone, Jonathan lighted a lamp, and, opening the trap-door,
+descended the secret stairs. Taking the opposite course from that which
+he had hitherto pursued when it has been necessary to attend him in his
+visits to the lower part of his premises, he struck into a narrow
+passage on the right, which he tracked till he came to a small door,
+like the approach to a vault. Unlocking it, he entered the chamber,
+which by no means belied its external appearance.</p>
+
+<p>On a pallet in one corner lay a pale emaciated female. Holding the lamp
+over her rigid but beautiful features, <span class="pagenum">Page 416</span><a name="Page_416" id="Page_416"></a>Jonathan, with some anxiety,
+placed his hand upon her breast to ascertain whether the heart still
+beat. Satisfied with his scrutiny, he produced a pocket-flask, and
+taking off the silver cup with which it was mounted, filled it with the
+contents of the flask, and then seizing the thin arm of the sleeper,
+rudely shook it. Opening her large black eyes, she fixed them upon him
+for a moment with a mixture of terror and loathing, and then averted her
+gaze.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Drink this,&quot; cried Jonathan, handing her the cup. &quot;You'll feel better
+after it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mechanically raising the potion to her lips, the poor creature swallowed
+it without hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Is it poison?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; replied Jonathan, with a brutal laugh. &quot;I'm not going to get rid
+of you just yet. It's gin&mdash;a liquor you used to like. You'll find the
+benefit of it by and by. You've a good deal to go through to-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, &quot;are you come to renew your terrible
+proposals?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm come to execute my threats,&quot; replied Wild. &quot;To-night you shall be
+my wedded wife.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will die first,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You may die <i>afterwards</i> as soon as you please,&quot; retorted Jonathan;
+&quot;but live till then you <i>shall</i>. I've sent for the priest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mercy!&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, vainly trying to discover a gleam of
+compassion in the thief-taker's inexorable countenance,&mdash;&quot;Mercy! mercy!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Pshaw!&quot; rejoined Jonathan. &quot;You should be glad to be made an honest
+woman.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! let me die,&quot; groaned the widow. &quot;I have not many days,&mdash;perhaps,
+not many hours to live. But kill me rather than commit this outrage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That wouldn't answer my purpose,&quot; replied Jonathan, savagely. &quot;I didn't
+carry you off from old Wood to kill you, but to wed you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What motive can you have for so vile a deed?&quot; asked Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 417</span><a name="Page_417" id="Page_417"></a>You know my motive well enough,&quot; answered Jonathan. &quot;However, I'll
+refresh your memory. I once might have married you for your beauty,&mdash;now
+I marry you for your wealth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My wealth,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard. &quot;I have nothing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are heiress to the Trenchard property,&quot; rejoined Jonathan, &quot;one of
+the largest estates in Lancashire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not while Thames Darrell and Sir Rowland live.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Sir Rowland is dead,&quot; replied Jonathan, gloomily. &quot;Thames Darrell only
+waits my mandate to follow him. Before our marriage there will be no
+life between you and the estates.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ah!&quot; exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Look here,&quot; cried Jonathan, stooping down and taking hold of a ring in
+the floor, with which by a great effort he raised up a flag. &quot;In this
+pit,&quot; he added, pointing to the chasm below, &quot;your brother is buried.
+Here your nephew will speedily be thrown.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Horrible!&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, shuddering violently. &quot;But your
+dreadful projects will recoil on your own head. Heaven will not permit
+the continuance of such wickedness as you practise.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'll take my chance,&quot; replied Jonathan, with a sinister smile. &quot;My
+schemes have succeeded tolerably well hitherto.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A day of retribution will assuredly arrive,&quot; rejoined Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Till then, I shall remain content,&quot; returned Wild. &quot;And now, Mrs.
+Sheppard, attend to what I'm about to say to you. Years ago, when you
+were a girl and in the bloom of your beauty, I loved you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Loved me! <i>You!</i>&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I loved you,&quot; continued Jonathan, &quot;and struck by your appearance, which
+seemed above your station, inquired your history, and found you had been
+stolen by a gipsy in Lancashire. I proceeded to Manchester, to
+investigate the matter further, and when there ascertained, beyond a
+doubt, that you were the eldest <span class="pagenum">Page 418</span><a name="Page_418" id="Page_418"></a>daughter of Sir Montacute Trenchard.
+This discovery made, I hastened back to London to offer you my hand, but
+found you had married in the mean time a smock-faced, smooth-tongued
+carpenter named Sheppard. The important secret remained locked in my
+breast, but I resolved to be avenged. I swore I would bring your husband
+to the gallows,&mdash;would plunge you in such want, such distress, that you
+should have no alternative but the last frightful resource of
+misery,&mdash;and I also swore, that if you had a son he should share the
+same fate as his father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And terribly you have kept your vow,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have,&quot; replied Jonathan. &quot;But I am now coming to the point which most
+concerns you. Consent to become my wife, and do not compel me to have
+recourse to violence to effect my purpose, and I will spare your son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sheppard looked fixedly at him, as if she would penetrate the
+gloomy depth of his soul.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Swear that you will do this,&quot; she cried.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I swear it,&quot; rejoined Jonathan, readily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But what is an oath to you!&quot; cried the widow, distrustfully. &quot;You will
+not hesitate to break it, if it suits your purpose. I have suffered too
+much from your treachery. I will not trust you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;As you please,&quot; replied Jonathan, sternly. &quot;Recollect you are in my
+power. Jack's life hangs on your determination.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What shall I do?&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, in a voice of agony.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Save him,&quot; replied Jonathan. &quot;You <i>can</i> do so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bring him here,&mdash;let me see him&mdash;let me embrace him&mdash;let me be assured
+that he is safe, and I am yours. I swear it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hum!&quot; exclaimed Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You hesitate&mdash;you are deceiving me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By my soul, no,&quot; replied Jonathan, with affected sincerity. &quot;You shall
+see him to-morrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 419</span><a name="Page_419" id="Page_419"></a>Delay the marriage till then. I will never consent till I see him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yon ask impossibilities,&quot; replied Jonathan, sullenly. &quot;All is prepared.
+The marriage cannot&mdash;shall not be delayed. Yon must be mine to-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Force shall not make me yours till Jack is free,&quot; replied the widow,
+resolutely.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;An hour hence, I shall return with the priest,&quot; replied Jonathan,
+striding towards the door.</p>
+
+<p>And, with a glance of malignant exultation, he quitted the vault, and
+locked the door.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;An hour hence, I shall be beyond your malice,&quot; said Mrs. Sheppard,
+sinking backwards upon the pallet.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_3_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>The last Meeting between Jack Sheppard and his Mother.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>After escaping from the turner's house, Jack Sheppard skirted St.
+Sepulchre's church, and hurrying down Snow Hill, darted into the first
+turning on the left. Traversing Angel Court, and Green Arbour
+Court,&mdash;celebrated as one of Goldsmith's retreats,&mdash;he speedily reached
+Seacoal Lane, and pursuing the same course, which he and Thames had
+formerly taken, arrived at the yard at the back of Jonathan's
+habitation.</p>
+
+<p>A door, it may be remembered, opened from Wild's dwelling into this
+yard. Before he forced an entrance, Jack tried it, and, to his great
+surprise and delight, found it unfastened. Entering the house, he found
+himself in a narrow passage leading to the back stairs. He had not taken
+many steps when he perceived Quilt Arnold in the upper gallery, with a
+lamp in his hand. Hearing a noise below, Quilt called out, supposing it
+occasioned by the Jew. Jack hastily retreated, and taking the first
+means of concealment that occurred to him, descended the cellar steps.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 420</span><a name="Page_420" id="Page_420"></a>Quilt, meanwhile, came down, examined the door, and finding it unfastened,
+locked it with a bitter imprecation on his brother-janizary's carelessness.
+This done, he followed the course which Jack had just taken. As he
+crossed the cellar, he passed so near to Jack who had concealed himself
+behind a piece of furniture that he almost touched him. It was Jack's
+intention to have knocked him down with the iron bar; but he was so
+struck with the janizary's looks, that he determined to spare him till
+he had ascertained his purpose. With this view, he suffered him to pass
+on.</p>
+
+<p>Quilt's manner, indeed, was that of a man endeavouring to muster up
+sufficient resolution for the commission of some desperate crime. He
+halted,&mdash;looked fearfully around,&mdash;stopped again, and exclaimed aloud,
+&quot;I don't like the job; and yet it must be done, or Mr. Wild will hang
+me.&quot; With this, he appeared to pluck up his courage, and stepped forward
+more boldly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Some dreadful deed is about to be committed, which I may perhaps
+prevent,&quot; muttered Jack to himself. &quot;Heaven grant I may not be too
+late!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Followed by Jack Sheppard, who kept sufficiently near him to watch his
+proceedings, and yet not expose himself, Quilt unlocked one or two doors
+which he left open, and after winding his way along a gloomy passage,
+arrived at the door of a vault. Here he set down the lamp, and took out
+a key, and as he did so the expression of his countenance was so
+atrocious, that Jack felt assured he was not wrong in his suspicions.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, the door was unlocked, and drawing his sword, Quilt
+entered the cell. The next moment, an exclamation was heard in the voice
+of Thames. Darting forward at this sound, Jack threw open the door, and
+beheld Quilt kneeling over Thames, who'se hands and feet were bound with
+cords, and about to plunge his sword into his breast. A blow from the
+iron bar instantly stretched the ruffian on the floor. Jack then
+proceeded to liberate the captive from his bondage.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 421</span><a name="Page_421" id="Page_421"></a>Jack!&quot; exclaimed Thames. &quot;Is it you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is,&quot; replied Sheppard, as he untied the cords. &quot;I might return the
+question. Were it not for your voice, I don't think I should know you.
+You are greatly altered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Captivity had, indeed, produced a striking alteration in Thames. He
+looked like the shadow of himself&mdash;thin, feeble, hollow-eyed&mdash;his beard
+unshorn&mdash;nothing could be more miserable.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have never been out of this horrible dungeon since we last met,&quot; he
+said; &quot;though how long ago that is, I scarcely know. Night and day have
+been alike to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Six weeks have elapsed since that fatal night,&quot; replied Jack. &quot;During
+the whole of that time I have been a close prisoner in Newgate, whence I
+have only just escaped.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Six weeks!&quot; exclaimed Thames, in a melancholy tone. &quot;It seems like six
+long months to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do not doubt it,&quot; returned Jack; &quot;none but those who have experienced
+it can understand the miseries of imprisonment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not speak of it,&quot; rejoined Thames, with a look of horror. &quot;Let us
+fly from this frightful place.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will conduct you to the outlet,&quot; replied Jack; &quot;but I cannot leave it
+till I have ascertained whether my mother also is a prisoner here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can answer that,&quot; replied Thames. &quot;She is. The monster, Wild, when he
+visited my dungeon last night, told me, to add to my misery, that she
+occupied a cell near me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Arm yourself with that ruffian's weapons,&quot; replied Jack, &quot;and let us
+search for her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Thames complied. But he was so feeble, that it seemed scarcely possible
+he could offer any effectual resistance in case of an attack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Lean on me,&quot; said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>Taking the light, they then proceeded along the passage. There was no
+other door in it, and Jack therefore struck into another entry which
+branched <span class="pagenum">Page 422</span><a name="Page_422" id="Page_422"></a>off to the right. They had not proceeded far when a low moan
+was heard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;She is here,&quot; cried Jack, darting forward.</p>
+
+<p>A few steps brought him to the door of the vault in which his mother was
+immured. It was locked. Jack had brought away the bunch of keys which he
+had taken from Quilt Arnold, but, none of them would open it. He was
+therefore obliged to use the iron bar, which he did with as much caution
+as circumstances would permit. At the first blow, Mrs. Sheppard uttered
+a piercing scream.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wretch!&quot; she cried, &quot;you shall not force me to your hateful purpose. I
+will never wed you. I have a weapon&mdash;a knife&mdash;and if you attempt to open
+the door, will plunge it to my heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh God!&quot; exclaimed Jack, paralysed by her cries. &quot;What shall I do? If I
+persist, I shall destroy her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Get hence,&quot; continued Mrs. Sheppard, with a frenzied laugh. &quot;You shall
+never behold me alive.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother!&quot; cried Jack, in a broken voice. &quot;It is your son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is false,&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard. &quot;Think not to deceive me, monster. I
+know my son's voice too well. He is in Newgate. Hence!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother! dear mother!&quot; cried Jack, in a voice, the tones of which were
+altered by his very anxiety to make them distinct, &quot;listen to me. I have
+broken from prison, and am come to save you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is <i>not</i> Jack's voice,&quot; rejoined Mrs. Sheppard. &quot;I am not to be
+deceived. The knife is at my breast. Stir a foot, and I strike.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh Heavens!&quot; cried Jack, driven to his wits' end. &quot;Mother&mdash;dear mother!
+Once again, I beseech you to listen to me. I am come to rescue you from
+Wild's violence. I must break open the door. Hold your hand for a
+moment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have heard my fixed determination, villain,&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard.
+&quot;I know my life is valuable to you, or you would not spare it. But I
+will disappoint you. Get you gone. Your purposes are defeated.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 423</span><a name="Page_423" id="Page_423"></a>Footsteps are approaching,&quot; cried Thames. &quot;Heed her not. It is but a
+wild threat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know not how to act,&quot; exclaimed Jack, almost driven to desperation.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I hear you plotting with your wicked associates,&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard.
+&quot;I have baffled you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Force the door,&quot; said Thames, &quot;or you will be too late.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Better she die by her own hand, than by that monster's,&quot; cried Jack,
+brandishing the bar. &quot;Mother, I come to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With this, he struck the door a heavy blow.</p>
+
+<p>He listened. There was a deep groan, and the sound of a fall within.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have killed her,&quot; exclaimed Jack, dropping the bar,&mdash;&quot;by your advice,
+Thames. Oh God! pardon me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not delay,&quot; cried Thames. &quot;She may yet be saved. I am too weak to
+aid you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jack again seized the bar, and, dashing it furiously against the door,
+speedily burst it open.</p>
+
+<p>The unfortunate woman was stretched upon the floor, with a bloody knife
+in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mother!&quot; cried Jack, springing towards her.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack!&quot; she cried, raising her head. &quot;Is it you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is,&quot; replied her son, &quot;Oh! why would you not listen to me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I was distracted,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard, faintly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have killed you,&quot; cried Jack, endeavouring to staunch the effusion of
+blood from her breast. &quot;Forgive&mdash;forgive me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have nothing to forgive,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard. &quot;I alone am to
+blame.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Can I not carry you where you can obtain help?&quot; cried Jack in a agony
+of distress.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is useless,&quot; replied Mrs. Sheppard: &quot;nothing can save me. I die
+happy&mdash;quite happy in beholding you. Do not remain with me. You may fall
+into the hands of your enemy. Fly! fly!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not think of me, mother, but of yourself,&quot; cried Jack, in an agony
+of tears.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 424</span><a name="Page_424" id="Page_424"></a>You have always been, far dearer to me than myself,&quot; replied Mrs.
+Sheppard. &quot;But I have one last request to make. Let me lie in Willesden
+churchyard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shall&mdash;you shall,&quot; answered Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We shall meet again ere long, my son,&quot; cried Mrs. Sheppard, fixing her
+glazing eyes upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh God! she is dying,&quot; exclaimed Jack in a voice suffocated by emotion.
+&quot;Forgive me&mdash;oh, forgive me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Forgive you&mdash;bless you!&quot; she gasped.</p>
+
+<p>A cold shiver ran through her frame, and her gentle spirit passed away
+for ever.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh, God! that I might die too,&quot; cried Jack, falling on his knees beside
+her.</p>
+
+<p>After the first violent outbreak of grief had in some degree subsided,
+Thames addressed him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You must not remain here,&quot; he said. &quot;You can render no further service
+to your poor mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can avenge her,&quot; cried Jack in a terrible tone.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be ruled by me,&quot; returned Thames. &quot;You will act most in accordance with
+her wishes, could she dictate them, by compliance. Do not waste time in
+vain regrets, but let us remove the body, that we may fulfil her last
+injunctions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>After some further arguments, Jack assented to this proposal.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go on first with the light,&quot; he said. &quot;I will bear the body.&quot; And he
+raised it in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>Just as they reached the end of the passage, they heard the voices of
+Jonathan and the Jew in Thames's late place of confinement. Wild had
+evidently discovered the body of Quilt Arnold, and was loudly expressing
+his anger and astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Extinguish the light,&quot; cried Jack; &quot;turn to the left. Quick! Quick!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The order was only just given in time. They had scarcely gained the
+adjoining cellar when Jonathan and the Jew rushed past in the direction
+of the vault.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Not a moment is to be lost,&quot; cried Jack: &quot;follow me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he hurried up stairs, opened the back door, and was quickly
+in the yard. Having ascertained that <span class="pagenum">Page 425</span><a name="Page_425" id="Page_425"></a>Thames was at his heels, he
+hurried with his ghastly burthen down Seacoal Lane.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where are you going?&quot; cried Thames, who, though wholly disencumbered,
+was scarcely able to keep up with him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I know not&mdash;and care not,&quot; replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, a coach passed them, and was instantly hailed by Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You had better let me convey her to Dollis Hill,&quot; he said.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be it so,&quot; replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p>Luckily it was so dark, and there was no lamp near, that the man did not
+notice the condition of the body, which was placed in the vehicle by the
+two young men.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What will you do?&quot; asked Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Leave me to my fate,&quot; rejoined Jack. &quot;Take care of your charge.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Doubt me not,&quot; replied Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Bury her in Willesden churchyard, as she requested, on Sunday,&quot; said
+Jack. &quot;I will be there at the time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he closed the door.</p>
+
+<p>The coachman having received his order, and being offered an extra fare
+if he drove quickly, set off at full speed.</p>
+
+<p>As Jack departed, a dark figure, emerging from behind a wall, rushed
+after him.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_3_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Pursuit.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>After running to some distance down Seacoal Lane, Jack stopped to give a
+last look at the vehicle which was bearing away the remains of his
+beloved and ill-fated mother. It was scarcely out of sight, when two
+persons, whom, he instantly recognised as Jonathan and Abraham Mendez,
+turned the corner of the street, and made it evident from their shouts,
+that they likewise perceived him.</p>
+
+<p>Starting off at a rapid pace, Jack dashed down <span class="pagenum">Page 426</span><a name="Page_426" id="Page_426"></a>Turnagain-lane, skirted
+the eastern bank of Fleet-ditch, crossed Holborn Bridge, and began to
+ascend the neighbouring hill. By the time he had reached St. Andrew's
+Church, his pursuers had gained the bridge, and the attention of such
+passengers as crowded the streets was attracted towards him by their
+vociferations. Amongst others, the watchman whose box was placed against
+the churchyard wall, near the entrance to Shoe-lane, rushed out and
+sprung his rattle, which was immediately answered by another rattle from
+Holborn-bars.</p>
+
+<p>Darting down Field-lane, Jack struck into a labyrinth of streets on the
+left; but though he ran as swiftly as he could, he was not unperceived.
+His course had been observed by the watchman, who directed Wild which
+way to take.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It is Jack Sheppard, the noted housebreaker,&quot; cried Jonathan, at the
+top of his sonorous voice. &quot;He has just broken out of Newgate. After
+him! A hundred pounds to the man who takes him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Sheppard's name operated like magic on the crowd. The cry was echoed by
+twenty different voices. People ran out of their shops to join the
+pursuit; and, by the time Wild had got into Field-lane, he had a troop
+of fifty persons at his heels&mdash;all eager to assist in the capture.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Stop thief!&quot; roared Jonathan, who perceived the fugitive hurrying along
+a street towards Hatton Garden. &quot;It is Sheppard&mdash;Jack Sheppard&mdash;stop
+him!&quot; And his shouts were reiterated by the pack of bloodhounds at his
+heels.</p>
+
+<p>Jack, meanwhile, heard, the shouts, and, though alarmed by them, held on
+a steady course. By various twistings and turnings, during all which
+time his pursuers, who were greatly increased in numbers, kept him in
+view, he reached Gray's-Inn-lane. Here he was hotly pursued. Fatigued by
+his previous exertions, and incumbered by his fetters, he was by no
+means&mdash;though ordinarily remarkably swift of foot&mdash;a match for his foes,
+who were fast gaining upon him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 427</span><a name="Page_427" id="Page_427"></a>At the corner of Liquorpond Street stood the old Hampstead
+coach-office; and, on the night in question, a knot of hostlers,
+waggoners, drivers, and stable-boys was collected in the yard. Hearing
+the distant shouts, these fellows rushed down to the entrance of the
+court, and arrived there just as Jack passed it. &quot;Stop thief!&quot; roared
+Jonathan. &quot;Stop thief!&quot; clamoured the rabble behind.</p>
+
+<p>At no loss to comprehend that Jack was the individual pointed out by
+these outcries, two of the nearest of the group made a dash at him. But
+Jack eluded their grasp. A large dog was then set at him by a
+stable-boy; but, striking the animal with his faithful iron-bar, he
+speedily sent him yelping back. The two hostlers, however, kept close at
+his heels; and Jack, whose strength began to flag, feared he could not
+hold much longer. Determined, however, not be taken with life, he held
+on.</p>
+
+<p>Still keeping ahead of his pursuers, he ran along the direct road, till
+the houses disappeared and he got into the open country. Here he was
+preparing to leap over the hedge into the fields on the left, when he
+was intercepted by two horsemen, who, hearing the shouts, rode up and
+struck at him with the butt-ends of their heavy riding-whips. Warding
+off the blows as well as he could with the bar, Jack struck both the
+horses on the head, and the animals plunged so violently, that they not
+only prevented their riders from assailing him, but also kept off the
+hostlers; and, in the confusion that ensued, Jack managed to spring over
+the fence, and shaped his course across the field in the direction of
+Sir John Oldcastle's.</p>
+
+<p>The stoppage had materially lessened the distance between him and his
+pursuers, who now amounted to more than a hundred persons, many of whom
+carried lanterns and links. Ascertaining that it was Sheppard of whom
+this concourse was in pursuit, the two horsemen leapt the hedge, and
+were presently close upon him. Like a hare closely pressed, Jack
+attempted to double, but the device only brought him <span class="pagenum">Page 428</span><a name="Page_428" id="Page_428"></a>nearer his foes,
+who were crossing the field in every direction, and rending the air with
+their shouts. The uproar was tremendous&mdash;men yelling&mdash;dogs barking,&mdash;but
+above all was heard the stentorian voice of Jonathan, urging them on.
+Jack was so harrassed that he felt half inclined to stand at bay.</p>
+
+<p>While he was straining every sinew, his foot slipped, and he fell, head
+foremost, into a deep trench, which he had not observed in the dark.
+This fall saved him, for the horsemen passed over him. Creeping along
+quickly on his hands and knees, he found the entrance to a covered
+drain, into which he crept. He was scarcely concealed when he heard the
+horsemen, who perceived they had overshot their mark, ride back.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, Jonathan and the vast mob attending him, had come up, and
+the place was rendered almost as light as day by the links.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He must be somewhere hereabouts,&quot; cried one of the horsemen,
+dismounting. &quot;We were close upon him when he suddenly disappeared.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan made no answer, but snatching a torch from a bystander, jumped
+into the trench and commenced a diligent search. Just as he had arrived
+at the mouth of the drain, and Jack felt certain he must be discovered,
+a loud shout was raised from the further end of the field that the
+fugitive was caught. All the assemblage, accompanied by Jonathan, set
+off in this direction, when it turned out that the supposed housebreaker
+was a harmless beggar, who had been found asleep under a hedge.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan's vexation at the disappointment was expressed in the bitterest
+imprecations, and he returned as speedily as he could to the trench. But
+he had now lost the precise spot; and thinking he had examined the
+drain, turned his attention to another quarter.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the excitement of the chase had in some degree subsided. The
+crowd dispersed in different directions, and most fortunately a heavy
+shower <span class="pagenum">Page 429</span><a name="Page_429" id="Page_429"></a>coming on, put them altogether to flight. Jonathan, however,
+still lingered. He seemed wholly insensible to the rain, though it
+presently descended in torrents, and continued his search as ardently as
+before.</p>
+
+<p>After occupying himself thus for the best part of an hour, he thought
+Jack must have given him the slip. Still, his suspicions were so strong,
+that he ordered Mendez to remain on guard near the spot all night, and,
+by the promise of a large reward induced two other men to keep him
+company.</p>
+
+<p>As he took his departure, he whispered to the Jew: &quot;Take him dead or
+alive; but if we fail now, and you heard him aright in Seacoal Lane, we
+are sure of him at his mother's funeral on Sunday.&quot;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XXV" id="CHAPTER_3_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>How Jack Sheppard got rid of his Irons.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>About an hour after this, Jack ventured to emerge from his place of
+concealment. It was still raining heavily, and profoundly dark. Drenched
+to the skin,&mdash;in fact, he had been lying in a bed of muddy water,&mdash;and
+chilled to the very bone, he felt so stiff, that he could scarcely move.</p>
+
+<p>Listening attentively, he fancied he heard the breathing of some one
+near him, and moved cautiously in the opposite direction. In spite of
+his care, he came in contact with a man, who, endeavouring to grasp him,
+cried, in the voice of Mendez, &quot;Who goes dere? Shpeak! or I fire!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>No answer being returned, the Jew instantly discharged his pistol, and
+though the shot did no damage, the flash discovered Sheppard. But as the
+next moment all was profound darkness, Jack easily managed to break away
+from them.</p>
+
+<p>Without an idea where he was going, Jack pursued his way through the
+fields; and, as he proceeded, the numbness of his limbs in some degree
+wore off, and his confidence returned. He had need of all the
+inexhaust<span class="pagenum">Page 430</span><a name="Page_430" id="Page_430"></a>ible energy of his character to support him through his
+toilsome walk over the wet grass, or along the slippery ploughed land.
+At last, he got into a lane, but had not proceeded far when he was again
+alarmed by the sound of a horse's tread.</p>
+
+<p>Once more breaking through the hedge he took to the fields. He was now
+almost driven to despair. Wet as he was, he felt if he lay down in the
+grass, he should perish with cold; while, if he sought a night's lodging
+in any asylum, his dress, stained with blood and covered with dirt,
+would infallibly cause him to be secured and delivered into the hands of
+justice. And then the fetters, which were still upon his legs:&mdash;how was
+he to get rid of them?</p>
+
+<p>Tired and dispirited, he still wandered on. Again returning to the main
+road, he passed through Clapton; and turning off on the left, arrived at
+the foot of Stamford Hill. He walked on for an hour longer, till he
+could scarcely drag one leg after another. At length, he fell down on
+the road, fully expecting each moment would prove his last.</p>
+
+<p>How long he continued thus he scarcely knew; but just before dawn, he
+managed to regain his legs, and, crawling up a bank, perceived he was
+within a quarter of a mile of Tottenham. A short way off in the fields
+he descried a sort of shed or cow-house, and thither he contrived to
+drag his weary limbs. Opening the door, he found it littered with straw,
+on which he threw himself, and instantly fell asleep.</p>
+
+<p>When he awoke it was late in the day, and raining heavily. For some time
+he could not stir, but felt sick and exhausted. His legs were dreadfully
+swelled; his hands bruised; and his fetters occasioned him intolerable
+pain. His bodily suffering, however, was nothing compared with his
+mental anguish. All the events of the previous day rushed to his
+recollection; and though he had been unintentionally the cause of his
+mother's death, he reproached himself as severely as if he had been her
+actual murderer.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Had I not been the guilty wretch I am,&quot; he cried, <span class="pagenum">Page 431</span><a name="Page_431" id="Page_431"></a>bursting into an
+agony of tears, &quot;she would never have died thus.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This strong feeling of remorse having found a natural vent, in some
+degree subsided, and he addressed himself to his present situation.
+Rousing himself, he went to the door. It had ceased raining, but the
+atmosphere was moist and chill, and the ground deluged by the recent
+showers. Taking up a couple of large stones which lay near, Jack tried
+to beat the round basils of the fetters into an oval form, so as to
+enable him to slip his heels through them.</p>
+
+<p>While he was thus employed a farming man came into the barn. Jack
+instantly started to his feet, and the man, alarmed at his appearance,
+ran off to a neighbouring house. Before he could return, Jack had made
+good his retreat; and, wandering about the lanes and hedges, kept out of
+sight as much as possible.</p>
+
+<p>On examining his pockets, he found about twenty guineas in gold, and
+some silver. But how to avail himself of it was the question, for in his
+present garb he was sure to be recognised. When night fell, he crept
+into the town of Tottenham. As he passed along the main thoroughfare, he
+heard his own name pronounced, and found that it was a hawker, crying a
+penny history of his escapes. A crowd was collected round the fellow,
+who was rapidly disposing of his stock.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here's the full, true, and particular account of Jack Sheppard's last
+astonishing and never-to-be-forgotten escape from the Castle of
+Newgate,&quot; bawled the hawker, &quot;with a print of him taken from the life,
+showing the manner, how he was shackled and handcuffed. Only one
+penny&mdash;two copies&mdash;two pence&mdash;thank you, Sir. Here's the&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me have one,&quot; cried a servant maid, running across the street, and
+in her haste forgetting to shut the door,&mdash;&quot;here's the money. Master and
+missis have been talking all day long about Jack Sheppard, and I'm dying
+to read his life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here you have it, my dear,&quot; returned the hawker. &quot;Sold again!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 432</span><a name="Page_432" id="Page_432"></a>If you don't get back quickly, Lucy,&quot; observed a bystander, &quot;Jack
+Sheppard will be in the house before you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This sally occasioned a general laugh.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If Jack would come to my house, I'd contrive to hide him,&quot; remarked a
+buxom dame. &quot;Poor fellow! I'm glad he has escaped.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Jack seems to be a great favourite with the fair sex,&quot; observed a
+smirking grocer's apprentice.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Of course,&quot; rejoined the bystander, who had just spoken, and who was of
+a cynical turn,&mdash;&quot;the greater the rascal, the better they like him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here's a particular account of Jack's many robberies and escapes,&quot;
+roared the hawker,&mdash;&quot;how he broke into the house of his master, Mr.
+Wood, at Dollis Hill&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me have one,&quot; said a carpenter, who was passing by at the
+moment,&mdash;&quot;Mr. Wood was an old friend of mine&mdash;and I recollect seeing
+Jack when he was bound 'prentice to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A penny, if you please, Sir,&quot; said the hawker.&mdash;&quot;Sold again! Here you
+have the full, true, and particular account of the barbarous murder
+committed by Jack Sheppard and his associate, Joseph Blake, <i>alias</i>
+Blueskin, upon the body of Mrs. Wood&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's false!&quot; cried a voice behind him.</p>
+
+<p>The man turned at the exclamation, and so did several of the bystanders;
+but they could not make out who had uttered it.</p>
+
+<p>Jack, who had been lingering near the group, now walked on.</p>
+
+<p>In the middle of the little town stood the shop of a Jew dealer in old
+clothes. The owner was at the door unhooking a few articles of wearing
+apparel which he had exposed outside for sale. Amongst other things, he
+had just brought down an old laced bavaroy, a species of surtout much
+worn at the period.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What do you want fot that coat, friend?&quot; asked Jack, as he came up.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;More than you'll pay for it, friend,&quot; snuffled the Jew.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 433</span><a name="Page_433" id="Page_433"></a>How do you know that?&quot; rejoined Jack. &quot;Will you take a guinea for it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Double that sum might tempt me,&quot; replied the Jew; &quot;it's a nobleman's
+coat, upon my shoul!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here's the money,&quot; replied Jack, taking the coat.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Shall I help you on with it, Sir?&quot; replied the Jew, becoming suddenly
+respectful.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I half suspect this is a highwayman,&quot; thought the Jew; &quot;he's so ready
+with his cash. I've some other things inside, Sir, which you might wish
+to buy,&mdash;some pistols.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jack was about to comply; but not liking the man's manner, he walked on.</p>
+
+<p>Further on, there was a small chandler's shop, where Jack observed an
+old woman seated at the counter, attended by a little girl. Seeing
+provisions in the window, Jack ventured in and bought a loaf. Having
+secured this,&mdash;for he was almost famished,&mdash;he said that he had lost a
+hammer and wished to purchase one. The old woman told him she had no
+such article to dispose of, but recommended him to a neighbouring
+blacksmith.</p>
+
+<p>Guided by the glare of the forge, which threw a stream of ruddy light
+across the road, Jack soon found the place of which he was in search.
+Entering the workshop, he found the blacksmith occupied in heating the
+tire of a cart wheel. Suspending his labour on Jack's appearance, the
+man demanded his business. Making up a similar story to that which he
+had told the old woman, he said he wanted to purchase a hammer and a
+file.</p>
+
+<p>The man looked hard at him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Answer me one question first?&quot; he said; &quot;I half suspect you're Jack
+Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am,&quot; replied Jack, without hesitation; for he felt assured from the
+man's manner that he might confide in him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You're a bold fellow, Jack,&quot; rejoined the blacksmith. &quot;But you've done
+well to trust me. I'll take <span class="pagenum">Page 434</span><a name="Page_434" id="Page_434"></a>off your irons&mdash;for I guess that's the
+reason why you want the hammer and file&mdash;on one condition.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That you give 'em to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Readily.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Taking Jack into a shed behind the workshop the smith in a short time
+freed him from his fetters. He not only did this, but supplied him with
+an ointment which allayed the swelling of his limbs, and crowned all by
+furnishing him with a jug of excellent ale.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm afraid, Jack, you'll come to the gallows,&quot; observed the smith;
+&quot;buth if you do, I'll go to Tyburn to see you. But I'll never part with
+your irons.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Noticing the draggled condition Jack was in, he then fetched him a
+bucket of water, with which Jack cleansed himself as well as he could,
+and thanking the honest smith, who would take nothing for his trouble,
+left the shop.</p>
+
+<p>Having made a tolerably good meal upon the loaf, overcome by fatigue,
+Jack turned into a barn in Stoke Newington, and slept till late in the
+day, when he awakened much refreshed. The swelling in his limbs had also
+subsided. It rained heavily all day, so he did not stir forth.</p>
+
+<p>Towards night, however, he ventured out, and walked on towards London.
+When he arrived at Hoxton, he found the walls covered with placards
+offering a reward for his apprehension, and he everywhere appeared to be
+the general subject of conversation. Prom a knot of idlers at a
+public-house, he learnt that Jonathan Wild had just ridden past, and
+that his setters were scouring the country in every direction.</p>
+
+<p>Entering London, he bent his way towards the west-end; and having some
+knowledge of a secondhand tailor's shop in Rupert Street, proceeded
+thither, and looked out a handsome suit of mourning, with a sword,
+cloak, and hat, and demanded the price. The man asked twelve guineas,
+but after a little bargaining, he came down to ten.</p>
+
+<p>Taking his new purchase under his arm, Jack proceed<span class="pagenum">Page 435</span><a name="Page_435" id="Page_435"></a>ed to a small tavern
+in the same street, where, having ordered dinner, he went to a bed-room
+to attire himself. He had scarcely completed his toilet, when he was
+startled by a noise at the door, and heard his own name pronounced in no
+friendly accents. Fortunately, the window was not far from the ground;
+so opening it gently, he dropped into a backyard, and from thence got
+into the street.</p>
+
+<p>Hurrying down the Haymarket, he was arrested by a crowd who were
+collected round a street-singer. Jack paused for a moment, and found
+that his own adventures formed the subject of the ballad. Not daring,
+however, to listen to it, he ran on.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_3_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>How Jack Sheppard attended his Mother's Funeral.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>That night Jack walked to Paddington, and took up his quarters at a
+small tavern, called the Wheat-sheaf, near the green. On the next
+morning&mdash;Sunday&mdash;the day on which he expected his mother's funeral to
+take place, he set out along the Harrow Road.</p>
+
+<p>It was a clear, lovely, October morning. The air was sharp and bracing,
+and the leaves which had taken their autumnal tints were falling from
+the trees. The road which wound by Westbourne Green, gave him a full
+view of the hill of Hampstead with its church, its crest of houses, and
+its villas peeping from out the trees.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's heart was too full to allow him to derive any pleasure from this
+scene; so he strolled on without raising his eyes till he arrived at
+Kensal Green. Here he obtained some breakfast, and mounting the hill
+turned off into the fields on the right. Crossing them, he ascended an
+eminence, which, from its singular shape, seems to have been the site of
+a Roman encampment, and which commands a magnificent prospect.</p>
+
+<p>Leaning upon a gate he looked down into the valley. It was the very spot
+from which his poor mother had <span class="pagenum">Page 436</span><a name="Page_436" id="Page_436"></a>gazed after her vain attempt to rescue
+him at the Mint; but, though he was ignorant of this, her image was
+alone present to him. He beheld the grey tower of Willesden Church,
+embosomed in its grove of trees, now clothed, in all the glowing livery
+of autumn. There was the cottage she had inhabited for so many
+years,&mdash;in those fields she had rambled,&mdash;at that church she had prayed.
+And he had destroyed all this. But for him she might have been alive and
+happy. The recollection was too painful, and he burst into an agony of
+tears.</p>
+
+<p>Aroused by the sound of the church bells, he resolved, at whatever risk,
+to attend Divine service. With this view, he descended the hill and
+presently found a footpath leading to the church. But he was destined to
+have every tide of feeling awakened&mdash;every wound opened. The path he had
+selected conducted him to his mother's humble dwelling. When she
+occupied, it, it was neatness itself; the little porch was overrun with
+creepers&mdash;the garden trim and exquisitely kept. Now, it was a wilderness
+of weeds. The glass in the windows was broken&mdash;the roof unthatched&mdash;the
+walls dilapidated. Jack turned away with an aching heart. It seemed an
+emblem of the ruin he had caused.</p>
+
+<p>As he proceeded, other painful reminiscences were aroused. At every step
+he seemed to be haunted by the ghost of the past. There was the stile on
+which Jonathan had sat, and he recollected distinctly the effect of his
+mocking glance&mdash;how it had hardened his heart against his mother's
+prayer. &quot;O God!&quot; he exclaimed, &quot;I am severely punished.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He had now gained the high road. The villagers were thronging to church.
+Bounding the corner of a garden wall, he came upon his former place of
+imprisonment. Some rustic hand had written upon the door &quot;JACK
+SHEPPARD'S CAGE;&quot; and upon the wall was affixed a large placard
+describing his person, and offering a reward for his capture. Muffling
+up his face, Jack turned away; but he had not proceeded many steps when
+he heard a man reading aloud an account of his escapes from a newspaper.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 437</span><a name="Page_437" id="Page_437"></a>Hastening to the church, he entered it by the very door near which his
+first crime had been committed. His mother's scream seemed again to ring
+in his ears, and he was so deeply affected that, fearful of exciting
+attention, he was about to quit the sacred edifice, when he was stopped
+by the entrance of Thames, who looked pale as death, with Winifred
+leaning on his arm. They were followed by Mr. Wood in the deepest
+mourning.</p>
+
+<p>Shrinking involuntarily back into the farthest corner of the seat, Jack
+buried his face in his hands. The service began. Jack who had not been
+in a place of worship for many years was powerfully affected.
+Accidentally raising his eyes, he saw that he was perceived by the
+family from Dollis Hill, and that he was an object of the deepest
+interest to them.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the service was over, Thames contrived to approach him, and
+whispered, &quot;Be cautious,&mdash;the funeral will take place after evening
+service.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jack would not hazard a glance at Winifred; but, quitting the church,
+got into an adjoining meadow, and watched the party slowly ascending the
+road leading to Dollis Hill. At a turn in the road, he perceived
+Winifred looking anxiously towards him, and when she discovered him, she
+waved her hand.</p>
+
+<p>Returning to the churchyard, he walked round it; and on the western
+side, near a small yew-tree discovered a new-made grave.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Whose grave is this?&quot; he inquired of a man who was standing near it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I can't say,&quot; answered the fellow; &quot;but I'll inquire from the sexton,
+William Morgan. Here, Peter,&quot; he added to a curly-headed lad, who was
+playing on one of the grassy tombs, &quot;ask your father to step this way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The little urchin set off, and presently returned with the sexton.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It's Mrs. Sheppard's grave,&mdash;the mother of the famous housebreaker,&quot;
+said Morgan, in answer to Jack's inquiry;&mdash;&quot;and it's well they let her
+have Christian burial after all&mdash;for they say she destroyed herself for
+her son. The crowner's 'quest sat on her yesterday&mdash;and <span class="pagenum">Page 438</span><a name="Page_438" id="Page_438"></a>if she hadn't
+been proved out of her mind, she would have been buried at four
+lane-ends.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jack could stand no more. Placing a piece of money in Morgan's hands, he
+hurried out of the churchyard.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;By my soul,&quot; said the sexton, &quot;that's as like Jack Sheppard as any one
+I ever seed i' my born days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Hastening to the Six Bells, Jack ordered some refreshment, and engaged a
+private room, where he remained till the afternoon absorbed in grief.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, a change had taken place in the weather. The day had become
+suddenly overcast. The wind blew in fitful gusts, and scattered the
+yellow leaves from the elms and horse-chestnuts. Roused by the bell
+tolling for evening service, Jack left the house. On reaching the
+churchyard, he perceived the melancholy procession descending the hill.
+Just then, a carriage drawn by four horses, drove furiously up to the
+Six Bells; but Jack was too much absorbed to take any notice of it.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, the bell began to toll in a peculiar manner, announcing
+the approach of the corpse. The gate was opened; the coffin brought into
+the churchyard; and Jack, whose eyes were filled with tears, saw Mr.
+Wood and Thames pass him, and followed at a foot's pace behind them.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the clergyman, bare-headed and in his surplice, advanced to
+meet them. Having read the three first verses of the impressive service
+appointed for the burial of the dead, he returned to the church, whither
+the coffin was carried through the south-western door, and placed in the
+centre of the aisle&mdash;Mr. Wood and Thames taking their places on either
+side of it, and Jack at a little distance behind.</p>
+
+<p>Jack had been touched in the morning, but he was now completely
+prostrated. In the midst of the holy place, which he had formerly
+profaned, lay the body of his unfortunate mother, and he could not help
+looking upon her untimely end as the retributive vengeance of Heaven for
+the crime he had committed. His grief was so audible, that it attracted
+the notice of some of the bystanders, and Thames was obliged to beg him
+to con<span class="pagenum">Page 439</span><a name="Page_439" id="Page_439"></a>trol it. In doing this, he chanced to raise his eyes and half
+fancied he beheld, shaded by a pillar at the extremity of the western
+aisle, the horrible countenance of the thief-taker.</p>
+
+<p>Before the congregation separated, the clergyman descended from the
+pulpit; and, followed by the coffin-bearers and mourners, and by Jack at
+a respectful distance, entered the churchyard.</p>
+
+<p>The carriage, which it has been mentioned drove up to the Six Bells,
+contained four persons,&mdash;Jonathan Wild, his two janizaries, and his
+porter, Obadiah Lemon. As soon as they had got out, the vehicle was
+drawn up at the back of a tree near the cage. Having watched the funeral
+at some distance, Jonathan fancied he could discern the figure of Jack;
+but not being quite sure, he entered the church. He was daring enough to
+have seized and carried him off before the whole congregation, but he
+preferred waiting.</p>
+
+<p>Satisfied with his scrutiny, he returned, despatched Abraham and Obadiah
+to the northwest corner of the church, placed Quilt behind a buttress
+near the porch, and sheltered himself behind one of the mighty elms.</p>
+
+<p>The funeral procession had now approached the grave, around which many
+of the congregation, who were deeply interested by the sad ceremonial,
+had gathered. A slight rain fell at the time; and a few leaves, caught
+by the eddies, whirled around. Jonathan mixed with the group, and, sure
+of his prey, abided his time.</p>
+
+<p>The clergyman, meanwhile, proceeded with the service, while the coffin
+was deposited at the brink of the grave.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the attendants were preparing to lower the corpse into the
+earth, Jack fell on his knees beside the coffin, uttering the wildest
+exclamations of grief, reproaching himself with the murder of his
+mother, and invoking the vengeance of Heaven on his own head.</p>
+
+<p>A murmur ran through the assemblage, by several of whom Jack was
+recognised. But such was the violence of his grief,&mdash;such the
+compunction he exhibited, that all <span class="pagenum">Page 440</span><a name="Page_440" id="Page_440"></a>but one looked on with an eye of
+compassion. That person advanced towards him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have killed her,&quot; cried Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have,&quot; rejoined Jonathan, laying a forcible grasp on his shoulder.
+&quot;You are my prisoner.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jack started to his feet; but before he could defend himself, his right
+arm was grasped by the Jew who had silently approached him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hell-hounds!&quot; he cried; &quot;release me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment, Quilt Arnold rushed forward with such haste, that,
+stumbling over William Morgan, he precipitated him into the grave.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wretch!&quot; cried Jack. &quot;Are you not content with the crimes you have
+committed,&mdash;but you must carry your villany to this point. Look at the
+poor victim at your feet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan made no reply, but ordered his myrmidons to drag the prisoner
+along.</p>
+
+<p>Thames, meanwhile, had drawn his sword, and was about to rush upon
+Jonathan; but he was withheld by Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Do not shed more blood,&quot; cried the carpenter.</p>
+
+<p>Groans and hoots were now raised by the crowd, and there was an evident
+disposition to rescue. A small brickbat was thrown, which struck
+Jonathan in the face.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You shall not pass,&quot; cried several of the crowd.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I knew his poor mother, and for her sake I'll not see this done,&quot; cried
+John Dump.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Slip on the handcuffs,&quot; cried the thief-taker. &quot;And now let's see
+who'll dare to oppose me. I am Jonathan Wild. I have arrested him in the
+King's name.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>A deep indignant groan followed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Let me see the earth thrown over her,&quot; implored Jack; &quot;and take me
+where you please.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No,&quot; thundered Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Allow him that small grace,&quot; cried Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, I tell you,&quot; rejoined Jonathan, shouldering his way out of the
+crowd.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My mother,&mdash;my poor mother!&quot; exclaimed Jack.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 441</span><a name="Page_441" id="Page_441"></a>But, in spite of his outcries and resistance, he was dragged along by
+Jonathan and his janizaries.</p>
+
+<p>At the eastern gate of the churchyard stood the carriage with the steps
+lowered. The mob pursued the thief-taker and his party all the way, and
+such missiles as could be collected were hurled at them. They even
+threatened to cut the traces and take off the wheels from the carriage.
+The Jew got in first. The prisoner was then thrust in by Quilt. Before
+Jonathan followed he turned to face his assailants.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Back!&quot; he cried fiercely. &quot;I am an officer in the execution of my duty.
+And he who opposes me in it shall feel the weight of my hand.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>He then sprung into the coach, the door of which was closed by Obadiah,
+who mounted the box.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;To Newgate,&quot; cried Jonathan, putting his head out of the window.</p>
+
+<p>A deep roar followed this order, and several missiles were launched at
+the vehicle, which was driven off at a furious pace.</p>
+
+<p>And while her son was reconveyed to prison the body of the unfortunate
+Mrs. Sheppard was committed to the earth.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_3_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>How Jack Sheppard was brought back to Newgate.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Jack Sheppard's escape from Newgate on the night of the 15th of October
+was not discovered till the following morning; for although the
+intelligence was brought by several parties to the Lodge in the course
+of the night, Austin, who was the officer in attendance, paid no
+attention to them.</p>
+
+<p>After pursuing the fugitive as before related, Jonathan Wild returned to
+his own habitation, where he was occupied during the remainder of the
+night with Quilt Arnold and Obadiah Lemon in removing everything which,
+in case of a search, might tend to criminate him. Satisfied in this
+respect, he flung himself into a chair, for his iron frame seldom
+required the indulgence of a bed, and <span class="pagenum">Page 442</span><a name="Page_442" id="Page_442"></a>sought an hour's repose before he
+began the villanies of another day.</p>
+
+<p>He was aroused from his slumber, about six o'clock, by the return of
+Abraham Mendez, who not choosing to confess that Jack had eluded his
+vigilance, contended himself with stating that he had kept watch till
+daybreak, when he had carefully searched the field, and, finding no
+trace of him, had thought it better to return.</p>
+
+<p>This information was received by Jonathan with a lowering brow. He
+comforted himself, however, with the certainty which he felt of
+capturing his prey on the Sunday. His breakfast despatched, which he ate
+with a wolfish appetite, he walked over to Newgate, chuckling as he went
+at the consternation which his appearance would create amongst the
+turnkeys.</p>
+
+<p>Entering the Lodge, the first person he beheld was Austin, who was only
+just up, and whose toilette appeared scarcely completed. A glance
+satisfied Jonathan that the turnkey was not aware of the prisoner's
+escape; and he resolved not to destroy what he considered a good jest,
+by a premature disclosure of it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are out betimes this morning, Mr. Wild,&quot; observed Austin, as he put
+on his coat, and adjusted his minor bob. &quot;Something fresh on hand, I
+suppose?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I'm come to inquire after Jack Sheppard,&quot; returned Jonathan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Don't alarm yourself about him, Sir,&quot; replied Austin. &quot;He's safe
+enough, I assure you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I should like to satisfy myself on that score,&quot; rejoined Wild, drily.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So you shall, Sir,&quot; replied Austin, who at this moment recollected,
+with some uneasiness, the applications at the lodge-door during the
+night. &quot;I hope you don't imagine anything has gone wrong, Sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;It matters not what I think,&quot; replied Wild. &quot;Come with me to the
+Castle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Instantly, Sir,&quot; replied Austin; &quot;instantly. Here, Caliban, attend to
+the door, and keep the wicket locked till I return. D'ye hear. Now,
+Sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Taking the keys, he led the way, followed by Jonathan, <span class="pagenum">Page 443</span><a name="Page_443" id="Page_443"></a>who chuckled
+internally at the shock that awaited the poor fellow.</p>
+
+<p>The door was opened, and Austin entered the cell, when he absolutely
+recoiled before the spectacle he beheld, and could scarcely have looked
+more alarmed if the prison had tumbled about his ears. Petrified and
+speechless, he turned an imploring look at Wild, who was himself filled
+with astonishment at the pile of rubbish lying before him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;'Sdeath!&quot; cried Jonathan, staring at the breach in the wall. &quot;Some one
+<i>must</i> have assisted him. Unless he has dealings with the devil, he
+could never have done this alone.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I firmly believe he <i>has</i> dealings with the devil,&quot; replied Austin,
+trembling from head to foot. &quot;But, perhaps, he has not got beyond the
+room above. It's as strong, if not stronger, than this. I'll see.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he scrambled over the rubbish, and got into the chimney. But
+though the breach was large enough to admit him below, he could not
+squeeze his bulky person through the aperture into the Red Room.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I believe he's gone,&quot; he said, returning to Jonathan. &quot;The door's open,
+and the room empty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You believe&mdash;you <i>know</i> it,&quot; replied Jonathan, fixing one of his
+sternest and most searching glances upon him. &quot;Nothing you can say to
+the contrary will convince me that you have not been accessory to his
+flight.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I, Sir!&mdash;I swear&mdash;&mdash;&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Tush!&quot; interrupted Jonathan, harshly. &quot;I shall state my suspicions to
+the governor. Come down with me to the Lodge directly. All further
+examinations must be conducted in the presence of proper witnesses.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>With these words, he strode out of the room, darted down the stone
+stairs, and, on his arrival at the Lodge, seized the rope of the great
+bell communicating with the interior of the prison, which he rang
+violently. As this was never done, except in some case of great
+emergency, the application was instantly answered by all the other
+turnkeys, by Marvel, the four partners, and Mrs. Spurling. Nothing could
+exceed the dismay of these per<span class="pagenum">Page 444</span><a name="Page_444" id="Page_444"></a>sonages when they learnt why they had
+been summoned. All seemed infected with Austin's terrors except Mrs.
+Spurling, who did not dare to exhibit her satisfaction otherwise than by
+privately pinching the arm of her expected husband.</p>
+
+<p>Headed by Jonathan, all the turnkeys then repaired to the upper part of
+the jail, and, approaching the Red Room by a circuitous route, several
+doors were unlocked, and they came upon the scene of Jack's exploits.
+Stopping before each door, they took up the plates of the locks,
+examined the ponderous bolts, and were struck with the utmost
+astonishment at what they beheld.</p>
+
+<p>Arriving at the chapel, their wonder increased. All the jailers declared
+it utterly impossible he could have accomplished his astonishing task
+unaided; but who had lent him assistance was a question they were unable
+to answer. Proceeding to the entry to the Lower Leads, they came to the
+two strong doors, and their surprise was so great at Jack's marvellous
+performance, that they could scarcely persuade themselves that human
+ingenuity could have accomplished it.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here's a door,&quot; remarked Ireton, when he got to that nearest the leads,
+&quot;which I could have sworn would have resisted anything. I shall have no
+faith in future in bolts and bars.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Mounting the roof of the prison, they traced the fugitive's course to
+the further extremity of the building, where they found his blanket
+attached to the spike proving that he escaped in that direction.</p>
+
+<p>After severely examining Austin, and finding it proved, on the testimony
+of his fellow-jailers, that he could not have aided Jack in his flight,
+Jonathan retracted his harsh sentence, and even went so far as to say
+that he would act as mediator between him and the governor.</p>
+
+<p>This was some satisfaction to the poor fellow, who was dreadfully
+frightened, as indeed he might well be, it being the opinion of the
+jailers and others who afterwards examined the place, that Jack had
+accomplished, single-handed, in a few hours, and, as far as it could be
+ascertained, with imperfect implements, what it would <span class="pagenum">Page 445</span><a name="Page_445" id="Page_445"></a>have taken half a
+dozen men several days, provided with proper tools, to effect. In their
+opinion a hundred pounds would not repair the damage done to the prison.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as Jack's escape became known, thousands of persons flocked to
+Newgate to behold his workmanship; and the jailers reaped am abundant
+harvest from their curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan, meanwhile, maintained profound secrecy as to his hopes of
+capturing the fugitive; and when Jack was brought back to Newgate on the
+Sunday evening, his arrival was wholly unexpected.</p>
+
+<p>At a little after five, on that day, four horses dashed round the corner
+of the Old Bailey, and drew up before the door of the Lodge. Hearing the
+stoppage, Austin rushed out, and could scarcely believe his eyes when he
+beheld Jack Sheppard in the custody of Quilt Arnold and Abraham Mendez.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's recapture was speedily made known to all the officers of the
+jail, and the Lodge was instantly crowded. The delight of the turnkeys
+was beyond all bounds; but poor Mrs. Spurling was in a state of
+distraction and began to abuse Jonathan so violently that her future
+husband was obliged to lay forcible hands upon her and drag her away.</p>
+
+<p>By Wild's command the prisoner was taken to the Condemned Hold, whither
+he was followed by the whole posse of officers and by the partners; two
+of whom carried large hammers and two the fetters. There was only one
+prisoner in the ward. He was chained to the ground, but started up at
+their approach. It was Blueskin. When he beheld Jack he uttered a deep
+groan.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Captain,&quot; he cried, in a voice of the bitterest anguish, &quot;have these
+dogs again hunted you down? If you hadn't been so unlucky, I should have
+been with you before to-morrow night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jack made no answer, nor did he even cast his eyes upon his follower.
+But Jonathan, fixing a terrible look upon him, cried.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Ha! say you so? You must be looked to. My lads,&quot; he continued,
+addressing the partners; &quot;when you've <span class="pagenum">Page 446</span><a name="Page_446" id="Page_446"></a>finished this job give that
+fellow a fresh set of darbies. I suspect he has been at work upon those
+he has on.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The link of the chain next the staple is sawn through,&quot; said Ireton,
+stooping to examine Blueskin's fetters.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Search him and iron him afresh;&quot; commanded Jonathan. &quot;But first let us
+secure Sheppard. We'll then remove them both to the Middle Stone Hold,
+where a watch shall be kept over them night and day till they're taken
+to Tyburn. As they're so fond of each other's society they shan't part
+company even on that occasion, but shall swing from the same tree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll never live to see that day,&quot; cried Blueskin, fixing a menacing
+look upon him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What weight are these irons?&quot; asked Jonathan, coolly addressing one of
+the partners.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;More than three hundred weight, Sir,&quot; replied the man. &quot;They're the
+heaviest set we have,&mdash;and were forged expressly for Captain Sheppard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;They're not half heavy enough,&quot; replied Wild. &quot;Let him be handcuffed,
+and doubly ironed on both legs; and when we get him into the Stone Ward,
+he shall not only be chained down to the ground, but shall have two
+additional fetters running through the main links, fastened on each side
+of him. We'll see whether he'll get rid of his new bonds?&quot; he added with
+a brutal laugh, which was echoed by the bystanders.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Mark me,&quot; said Jack, sternly; &quot;I have twice broken out of this prison
+in spite of all your precautions. And were you to load me with thrice
+the weight of iron you have ordered you should not prevent my escaping a
+third time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's right, Captain,&quot; cried Blueskin. &quot;We'll give them the slip yet,
+and hang that butcherly thief-taker upon his own gibbet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be silent dog,&quot; cried Jonathan. And with his clenched hand he struck
+him a violent blow in the face.</p>
+
+<p>For the first time, perhaps, in his life, he repented of his brutality.
+The blow was scarcely dealt, when, with a <span class="pagenum">Page 447</span><a name="Page_447" id="Page_447"></a>bound like that of a tiger,
+Blueskin sprang upon him. The chain, which had been partially cut
+through, snapped near the staple. Before any assistance could be
+rendered by the jailers, who stood astounded, Blueskin had got Wild in
+his clutches. His strength has been described as prodigious; but now,
+heightened by his desire for vengeance, it was irresistible. Jonathan,
+though a very powerful man, was like an infant in his gripe. Catching
+hold of his chin, he bent back the neck, while with his left hand he
+pulled out a clasp knife, which he opened with his teeth, and grasping
+Wild's head with his arm, notwithstanding his resistance, cut deeply
+into his throat. The folds of a thick muslin neckcloth in some degree
+protected him, but the gash was desperate. Blueskin drew the knife
+across his throat a second time, widening and deepening the wound; and
+wrenching back the head to get it into a more favourable position, would
+infallibly have severed it from the trunk, if the officers, who by this
+time had recovered from their terror, had not thrown themselves upon
+him, and withheld him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Now's your time,&quot; cried Blueskin, struggling desperately with his
+assailants and inflicting severe cuts with his knife. &quot;Fly,
+Captain&mdash;fly!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Aroused to a sense of the possibility of escape, Jack, who had viewed
+the deadly assault with savage satisfaction, burst from his captors and
+made for the door. Blueskin fought his way towards it, and exerting all
+his strength, cutting right and left as he proceeded, reached it at the
+same time. Jack in all probability, would have escaped, if Langley, who
+was left in the Lodge, had not been alarmed at the noise and rushed
+thither. Seeing Jack at liberty, he instantly seized him, and a struggle
+commenced.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Blueskin came up, and kept off the officers with his
+knife. He used his utmost efforts to liberate Jack from Langley, but
+closely pressed on all sides, he was not able to render any effectual
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fly!&quot; cried Jack; &quot;escape if you can; don't mind me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 448</span><a name="Page_448" id="Page_448"></a>Casting one look of anguish at his leader, Blueskin then darted down
+the passage.</p>
+
+<p>The only persons in the Lodge were Mrs. Spurling and Marvel. Hearing the
+noise of the scuffle, the tapstress, fancying it was Jack making an
+effort to escape, in spite of the remonstrances of the executioner,
+threw open the wicket. Blueskin therefore had nothing to stop him.
+Dashing through the open door, he crossed the Old Bailey, plunged into a
+narrow court on the opposite side of the way, and was out of sight in a
+minute, baffling all pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>On their return, the jailers raised up Jonathan, who was weltering in
+his blood, and who appeared to be dying. Efforts were made to staunch
+his wounds and surgical assistance sent for.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Has he escaped?&quot; asked the thief-taker, faintly.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Blueskin,&quot; said Ireton.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No&mdash;Sheppard?&quot; rejoined Wild.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;No, no, Sir,&quot; replied Ireton. &quot;He's here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's right,&quot; replied Wild, with a ghastly smile. &quot;Remove him to the
+Middle Stone Hold,&mdash;watch over him night and day, do you mind?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do, Sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Irons&mdash;heavy irons&mdash;night and day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Depend upon it, Sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Go with him to Tyburn,&mdash;never lose sight of him till the noose is tied.
+Where's Marvel?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Here, Sir,&quot; replied the executioner.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;A hundred guineas if you hang Jack Sheppard. I have it about me. Take
+it, if I die.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Never fear, Sir,&quot; replied Marvel.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Oh! that I could live to see it,&quot; gasped Jonathan. And with a hideous
+expression of pain, he fainted.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He's dead,&quot; exclaimed Austin.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am content,&quot; said Jack. &quot;My mother is avenged. Take me to the Stone
+Room. Blueskin, you are a true friend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The body of Jonathan was then conveyed to his own habitation, while Jack
+was taken to the Middle Stone Room, and ironed in the manner Wild had
+directed.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><a name="CHAPTER_3_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_3_XXVIII"></a><span class="pagenum">Page 449</span><a name="Page_449" id="Page_449"></a></p>
+<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>What happened at Dollis Hill.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>&quot;At length this tragedy is at an end,&quot; said Mr. Wood, as, having seen
+the earth thrown over the remains of the unfortunate Mrs. Sheppard, he
+turned to quit the churchyard. &quot;Let us hope that, like her who 'loved
+much,' her sins are forgiven her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Without another word, and accompanied by Thames, he then took his way to
+Dollis Hill in a state of the deepest depression. Thames did not attempt
+to offer him any consolation, for he was almost as much dejected. The
+weather harmonized with their feelings. It rained slightly, and a thick
+mist gathered in the air, and obscured the beautiful prospect.</p>
+
+<p>On his arrival at Dollis Hill, Mr. Wood was so much exhausted that he
+was obliged to retire to his own room, where he continued for some hours
+overpowered by grief. The two lovers sat together, and their sole
+discourse turned upon Jack and his ill-fated mother.</p>
+
+<p>As the night advanced, Mr. Wood again made his appearance in a more
+composed frame of mind, and, at his daughter's earnest solicitation, was
+induced to partake of some refreshment. An hour was then passed in
+conversation as to the possibility of rendering any assistance to Jack;
+in deploring his unhappy destiny; and in the consideration of the course
+to be pursued in reference to Jonathan Wild.</p>
+
+<p>While they were thus occupied, a maid-servant entered the room, and
+stated that a person was without who had a packet for Captain Darrell,
+which must be delivered into his own hands. Notwithstanding the
+remonstrances of Wood and Winifred, Thames instantly followed the
+domestic, and found a man, with his face muffled up, at the door, as she
+had described. Somewhat alarmed at his appearance, Thames laid his hand
+upon his sword.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Fear nothing, Sir,&quot; said the man, in a voice which Thames instantly
+recognised as that of Blueskin. &quot;I am come to render you a service.
+There are the packets which my Captain hazarded his life to procure for
+you, and which he said would establish your right to the estates <span class="pagenum">Page 450</span><a name="Page_450" id="Page_450"></a>of the
+Trenchard family. There are also the letters which were scattered about
+Wild's room after the murder of Sir Rowland. And there,&quot; he added,
+placing in his hands a heavy bag of money, and a pocket-book, &quot;is a sum
+little short of fifteen thousand pounds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How have you procured these things?&quot; asked Thames, in the utmost
+astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I carried them off on the fatal night when we got into Wild's house,
+and you were struck down,&quot; replied Blueskin. &quot;They have ever since been
+deposited in a place of safety. You have nothing more to fear from
+Wild.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;How so?&quot; asked Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have saved the executioner a labour, by cutting his throat,&quot; replied
+Blueskin. &quot;And, may I be cursed if I ever did anything in my whole life
+which gave me so much satisfaction.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Almighty God! is this possible?&quot; exclaimed Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You will find it true,&quot; replied Blueskin. &quot;All I regret is, that I
+failed in liberating the Captain. If he had got off, they might have
+hanged me, and welcome.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What can be done for him?&quot; cried Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;That's not an easy question to answer,&quot; rejoined Blueskin. &quot;But I shall
+watch night and day about Newgate, in the hope of getting him out. He
+wouldn't require my aid, but before I stopped Jonathan's mouth, he had
+ordered him to be doubly-ironed, and constantly watched. And, though the
+villain can't see his orders executed, I've no doubt some one else
+will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Poor Jack!&quot; exclaimed Thames. &quot;I would sacrifice all my fortune&mdash;all my
+hopes&mdash;to liberate him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If you're in earnest,&quot; rejoined Blueskin, &quot;give me that bag of gold. It
+contains a thousand pounds; and, if all other schemes fail, I'll engage
+to free him on the way to Tyburn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;May I trust you?&quot; hesitated Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Why did I not keep the money when I had it?&quot; returned Blueskin,
+angrily. &quot;Not a farthing of it shall be expended except in the Captain's
+service.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Take it,&quot; replied Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 451</span><a name="Page_451" id="Page_451"></a>You have saved his life,&quot; replied Blueskin. &quot;And now, mark me. You owe
+what I have done for you, to him, not to me. Had I not known that you
+and your affianced bride are dearer to him than life I should have used
+this money to secure my own safety. Take it, and take the estates, in
+Captain Sheppard's name. Promise me one thing before I leave you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What is it?&quot; asked Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If the Captain <i>is</i> taken to Tyburn, be near the place of execution&mdash;at
+the end of the Edgeware Road.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;In case of need you will lend a helping hand?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Yes&mdash;yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Swear it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Enough!&quot; rejoined Blueskin. And he departed, just as Wood, who had
+become alarmed by Thames's long absence, made his appearance with a
+blunderbuss in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>Hastily acquainting him with the treasures he had unexpectedly obtained,
+Thames returned to the room to apprize Winifred of his good fortune. The
+packets were hastily broken open; and, while Wood was absorbed in the
+perusal of the despatch addressed to him by Sir Rowland, Thames sought
+out, and found the letter which he had been prevented from finishing on
+the fatal night at Jonathan Wild's. As soon as he had read it, he let it
+fall from his grasp.</p>
+
+<p>Winifred instantly picked it up.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You are no longer Thames Darrell,&quot; she said, casting her eyes rapidly
+over it; &quot;but the Marquis de Chatillon.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My father was of the blood-royal of France,&quot; exclaimed Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Eh-day! what's this?&quot; cried Wood, looking up from beneath his
+spectacles. &quot;Who&mdash;who is the Marquis de Chatillon?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your adopted son, Thames Darrell,&quot; answered Winifred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And the Marchioness is your daughter,&quot; added Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 452</span><a name="Page_452" id="Page_452"></a>O, Lord!&quot; ejaculated Wood. &quot;My head fairly turns round. So many
+distresses&mdash;so many joys coming at the same time are too much for me.
+Read that letter, Thames&mdash;my lord marquis, I mean. Read it, and you'll
+find that your unfortunate uncle, Sir Rowland, surrenders to you all the
+estates in Lancashire. You've nothing to do but to take possession.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;What a strange history is mine!&quot; said Thames. &quot;Kidnapped, and sent to
+France by one uncle, it was my lot to fall into the hands of
+another,&mdash;my father's own brother, the Marshal Gaucher de Chatillon; to
+whom, and to the Cardinal Dubois, I owed all my good fortune.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;The ways of Providence are inscrutable,&quot; observed Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;When in France, I heard from the Marshal that his brother had perished
+in London on the night of the Great Storm. It was supposed he was
+drowned in crossing the river, as his body had never been found. Little
+did I imagine at the time that it was my own father to whom he
+referred.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I think I remember reading something about your father in the papers,&quot;
+observed Wood. &quot;Wasn't he in some way connected with the Jacobite
+plots?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He was,&quot; replied Thames. &quot;He had been many years in this country before
+his assassination took place. In this letter, which is addressed to my
+ill-fated mother, he speaks of his friendship for Sir Rowland, whom it
+seems he had known abroad; but entreats her to keep the marriage secret
+for a time, for reasons which are not fully developed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And so Sir Rowland murdered his friend,&quot; remarked Wood. &quot;Crime upon
+crime.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Unconsciously, perhaps,&quot; replied Thames. &quot;But be it as it may, he is
+now beyond the reach of earthly punishment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;But Wild still lives,&quot; cried Wood.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;He; also, has paid the penalty of his offences,&quot; returned Thames. &quot;He
+has fallen by the hand of Blueskin, who brought me these packets.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Thank God for that!&quot; cried Wood, heartily. &quot;I could <span class="pagenum">Page 453</span><a name="Page_453" id="Page_453"></a>almost forgive the
+wretch the injury he did me in depriving me of my poor dear wife&mdash;No,
+not quite <i>that</i>,&quot; he added, a little confused.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now,&quot; said Thames, (for we must still preserve the name,) &quot;you will
+no longer defer my happiness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold!&quot; interposed Winifred, gravely. &quot;I release you from your promise.
+A carpenter's daughter is no fit match for a peer of France.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If my dignity must be purchased by the loss of you, I renounce it,&quot;
+cried Thames. &quot;You will not make it valueless in my eyes,&quot; he added,
+catching her in his arms, and pressing her to his breast.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Be it as you please,&quot; replied Winifred. &quot;My lips would belie my heart
+were I to refuse you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;And now, father, your blessing&mdash;your consent!&quot; cried Thames.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You have both,&quot; replied Wood, fervently. &quot;I am too much honoured&mdash;too
+happy in the union. Oh! that I should live to be father-in-law to a peer
+of France! What would my poor wife say to it, if she could come to life
+again? Oh, Thames!&mdash;my lord marquis, I mean&mdash;you have made me the
+happiest&mdash;the proudest of mankind.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Not many days after this event, on a bright October morning, the bells
+rang a merry peal from the old gray tower of Willesden church. All the
+village was assembled in the churchyard. Young and old were dressed in
+their gayest apparel; and it was evident from the smiles that lighted up
+every countenance, from the roguish looks of the younger swains, and the
+demure expression of several pretty rustic maidens, that a ceremony,
+which never fails to interest all classes,&mdash;a wedding,&mdash;was about to
+take place.</p>
+
+<p>At the gate opening upon the road leading to Dollis Hill were stationed
+William Morgan and John Dump. Presently, two carriages dashed down the
+hill, and drew up before it. From the first of these alighted Thames,
+or, as he must now be styled, the Marquis de Chatillon. From the second
+descended Mr. Wood&mdash;and after him came his daughter.</p>
+
+<p>The sun never shone upon a lovelier couple than now <span class="pagenum">Page 454</span><a name="Page_454" id="Page_454"></a>approached the
+altar. The church was crowded to excess by the numbers eager to witness
+the ceremony; and as soon as it was over the wedded pair were followed
+to the carriage, and the loudest benedictions uttered for their
+happiness.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of the tumultuous joy which agitated him, the bridegroom could
+not prevent the intrusion of some saddening thoughts, as he reflected
+upon the melancholy scene which he had so recently witnessed in the same
+place.</p>
+
+<p>The youthful couple had been seated in the carriage a few minutes when
+they were joined by Mr. Wood, who had merely absented himself to see
+that a public breakfast, which he had ordered at the Six Bells for all
+who chose to partake of it, was in readiness. He likewise gave
+directions that in the after part of the day a whole bullock should be
+roasted on the green and distributed, together with a barrel of the
+strongest ale.</p>
+
+<p>In the evening, a band of village musicians, accompanied by most of the
+young inhabitants of Willesden, strolled out to Dollis Hill, where they
+formed a rustic concert under the great elm before the door. Here they
+were regaled with another plentiful meal by the hospitable carpenter,
+who personally superintended the repast.</p>
+
+<p>These festivities, however, were not witnessed by the newly-married
+pair, who had departed immediately after the ceremony for Manchester.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_3_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>How Jack Sheppard was taken to Westminster Hall.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Loaded with the heaviest fetters, and constantly watched by two of the
+jailers' assistants, who neither quitted him for a single moment, nor
+suffered any visitor to approach him, Jack Sheppard found all attempts
+to escape impracticable.</p>
+
+<p>He was confined in the Middle Stone Ward, a spacious apartment, with
+good light and air, situated over the gateway on the western side, and
+allotted to him, not for <span class="pagenum">Page 455</span><a name="Page_455" id="Page_455"></a>his own convenience, but for that of the
+keepers, who, if he had been placed in a gloomier or more incommodious
+dungeon, would have necessarily had to share it with him.</p>
+
+<p>Through this, his last trial, Jack's spirits never deserted him. He
+seemed resigned but cheerful, and held frequent and serious discourses
+with the ordinary, who felt satisfied of his sincere penitence. The only
+circumstance which served to awaken a darker feeling in his breast was,
+that his implacable foe Jonathan Wild had survived the wound inflicted
+by Blueskin, and was slowly recovering.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he could be moved with safety, Jonathan had himself
+transported to Newgate, where he was carried into the Middle Ward, that
+he might feast his eyes upon his victim. Having seen every precaution
+taken to ensure his safe custody, he departed, muttering to himself, &quot;I
+shall yet live to see him hanged&mdash;I shall live to see him hanged.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Animated by his insatiate desire of vengeance, he seemed to gain
+strength daily,&mdash;so much so, that within a fortnight after receiving his
+wound he was able to stir abroad.</p>
+
+<p>On Thursday, the 12th of November, after having endured nearly a month's
+imprisonment, Jack Sheppard was conveyed from Newgate to Westminster
+Hall. He was placed in a coach, handcuffed, and heavily fettered, and
+guarded by a vast posse of officers to Temple Bar, where a fresh relay
+of constables escorted him to Westminster.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, Jack's reputation had risen to such a height with the
+populace,&mdash;his exploits having become the universal theme of discourse,
+that the streets were almost impassable for the crowds collected to
+obtain a view of him. The vast area in front of Westminster Hall was
+thronged with people, and it was only by a vigorous application of their
+staves that the constables could force a passage for the vehicle. At
+length, however, the prisoner was got out, when such was the rush of the
+multitude that several persons were trampled down, and received severe
+injuries.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 456</span><a name="Page_456" id="Page_456"></a>Arrived in the Hall, the prisoner's handcuffs were removed, and he was
+taken before the Court of King's Bench. The record of his conviction at
+the Old Bailey sessions was then read; and as no objection was offered
+to it, the Attorney-General moved that his execution might take place on
+Monday next. Upon this, Jack earnestly and eloquently addressed himself
+to the bench, and besought that a petition which he had prepared to be
+laid before the King might be read. This request, however, was refused;
+and he was told that the only way in which he could entitle himself to
+his Majesty's clemency would be by discovering who had abetted him in
+his last escape; the strongest suspicions being entertained that he had
+not affected it alone.</p>
+
+<p>Sheppard replied by a solemn assertion, &quot;that he had received no
+assistance except from Heaven.&quot;&mdash;An answer for which he was immediately
+reprimanded by the court. It having been stated that it was wholly
+impossible he could have removed his irons in the way he represented, he
+offered, if his handcuffs were replaced, to take them off in the
+presence of the court. The proposal, however, was not acceded to; and
+the Chief Justice Powis, after enumerating his various offences and
+commenting upon their heinousness, awarded sentence of death against him
+for the following Monday.</p>
+
+<p>As Jack was removed, he noticed Jonathan Wild at a little distance from
+him, eyeing him with a look of the most savage satisfaction. The
+thief-taker's throat was bound up with thick folds of linen, and his
+face had a ghastly and cadaverous look, which communicated an
+undefinable and horrible expression to his glances.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the mob outside had prodigiously increased, and had begun to
+exhibit some disposition to riot. The coach in which the prisoner had
+been conveyed was already broken to pieces, and the driver was glad to
+escape with life. Terrific shouts were raised by the rabble, who
+threatened to tear Wild in pieces if he showed himself.</p>
+
+<p>Amid this tumult, several men armed with tremendous bludgeons, with
+their faces besmeared with grease and <span class="pagenum">Page 457</span><a name="Page_457" id="Page_457"></a>soot, and otherwise disguised,
+were observed to be urging the populace to attempt a rescue. They were
+headed by an athletic-looking, swarthy-featured man, who was armed with
+a cutlass, which he waved over his head to cheer on his companions.</p>
+
+<p>These desperadoes had been the most active in demolishing the coach, and
+now, being supported by the rabble, they audaciously approached the very
+portals of the ancient Hall. The shouts, yells, and groans which they
+uttered, and which were echoed by the concourse in the rear, were
+perfectly frightful.</p>
+
+<p>Jonathan, who with the other constables had reconnoitred this band, and
+recognised in its ring-leader, Blueskin, commanded the constables to
+follow him, and made a sally for the purpose of seizing him. Enfeebled
+by his wound, Wild had lost much of his strength, though nothing of his
+ferocity and energy,&mdash;and fiercely assailing Blueskin, he made a
+desperate but unsuccessful attempt to apprehend him.</p>
+
+<p>He was, however, instantly beaten back; and the fury of the mob was so
+great that it was with difficulty he could effect a retreat. The whole
+force of the constables, jailers and others was required to keep the
+crowd out of the Hall. The doors were closed and barricaded, and the mob
+threatened to burst them open if Jack was not delivered to them.</p>
+
+<p>Things now began to wear so serious a aspect that a messenger was
+secretly despatched to the Savoy for troops, and in half an hour a
+regiment of the guards arrived, who by dint of great exertion succeeded
+in partially dispersing the tumultuous assemblage. Another coach was
+then procured, in which the prisoner was placed.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's appearance was hailed with the loudest cheers, but when Jonathan
+followed and took a place beside him in the vehicle, determined, he
+said, never to lose sight of him, the abhorrence of the multitude was
+expressed by execrations, hoots, and yells of the most terrific kind. So
+dreadful were these shouts as to produce an effect <span class="pagenum">Page 458</span><a name="Page_458" id="Page_458"></a>upon the hardened
+feelings of Jonathan, who shrank out of sight.</p>
+
+<p>It was well for him that he had taken his place by Sheppard, as regard
+for the latter alone prevented the deadliest missiles being hurled at
+him. As it was, the mob went on alternately hooting and huzzaing as the
+names of Wild and Sheppard were pronounced, while some individuals,
+bolder than the rest, thrust their faces into the coach-window, and
+assured Jack that he should never be taken to Tyburn.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;We'll see that, you yelping hounds!&quot; rejoined Jonathan, glaring
+fiercely at them.</p>
+
+<p>In this way, Jack was brought back to Newgate, and again chained down in
+the Middle Ward.</p>
+
+<p>It was late before Jonathan ventured to his own house, where he remained
+up all night, and kept his janizaries and other assistants well armed.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XXX" id="CHAPTER_3_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX.</h2>
+
+<h3>How Jonathan Wild's House was burnt down.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>The day appointed for the execution was now close at hand, and the
+prisoner, who seemed to have abandoned all hopes of escape, turned his
+thoughts entirely from worldly considerations.</p>
+
+<p>On Sunday, he was conveyed to the chapel, through which he had passed on
+the occasion of his great escape, and once more took his seat in the
+Condemned Pew. The Rev. Mr. Purney, the ordinary, who had latterly
+conceived a great regard for Jack, addressed him in a discourse, which,
+while it tended to keep alive his feelings of penitence, was calculated
+to afford him much consolation. The chapel was crowded to excess. But
+here,&mdash;even here, the demon was suffered to intrude, and Jack's thoughts
+were distracted by Jonathan Wild, who stood at a little distance from
+him, and kept his bloodthirsty eyes fixed on him during the whole of the
+service.</p>
+
+<p>On that night, an extraordinary event occurred, which <span class="pagenum">Page 459</span><a name="Page_459" id="Page_459"></a>convinced the
+authorities that every precaution must be taken in conducting Jack to
+Tyburn,&mdash;a fact of which they had been previously made aware, though
+scarcely to the same extent, by the riotous proceedings near Westminster
+Hall. About nine o'clock, an immense mob collected before the Lodge at
+Newgate. It was quite dark; but as some of the assemblage carried links,
+it was soon ascertained to be headed by the same party who had mainly
+incited the former disturbance. Amongst the ring-leaders was Blueskin,
+whose swarthy features and athletic figure were easily distinguished.
+Another was Baptist Kettleby, and a third, in a Dutch dress, was
+recognised by his grizzled beard as the skipper, Van Galgebrok.</p>
+
+<p>Before an hour had elapsed, the concourse was fearfully increased. The
+area in front of the jail was completely filled. Attempts were made upon
+the door of the Lodge; but it was too strong to be forced. A cry was
+then raised by the leaders to attack Wild's house, and the fury of the
+mob was instantly directed to that quarter. Wrenched from their holds,
+the iron palisades in front of the thief-taker's dwelling were used as
+weapons to burst open the door.</p>
+
+<p>While this was passing, Jonathan opened one of the upper windows, and
+fired several shots upon the assailants. But though he made Blueskin and
+Kettleby his chief marks, he missed both. The sight of the thief-taker
+increased the fury of the mob to a fearful degree. Terrific yells rent
+the air. The heavy weapon thundered against the door; and it speedily
+yielded to their efforts.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Come on, my lads!&quot; vociferated Blueskin, &quot;we'll unkennel the old fox.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, several shots were fired from the upper part of the house,
+and two men fell mortally wounded. But this only incensed the assailing
+party the more. With a drawn cutlass in one hand and a cocked pistol in
+the other, Blueskin rushed up stairs. The landing was defended by Quilt
+Arnold and the Jew. The former was shot by Blueskin through the head,
+and his body fell over the bannisters. The Jew, who was paralysed by his
+com<span class="pagenum">Page 460</span><a name="Page_460" id="Page_460"></a>panion's fate, offered no resistance, and was instantly seized.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Where is your accursed master?&quot; demanded Blueskin, holding the sword to
+his throat.</p>
+
+<p>The Jew did not speak, but pointed to the audience-chamber. Committing
+him to the custody of the others, Blueskin, followed by a numerous band,
+darted in that direction. The door was locked; but, with the bars of
+iron, it was speedily burst open. Several of the assailants carried
+links, so that the room was a blaze of light. Jonathan, however, was
+nowhere to be seen.</p>
+
+<p>Rushing towards the entrance of the well-hole, Blueskin touched the
+secret spring. He was not there. Opening the trap-door, he then
+descended to the vaults&mdash;searched each cell, and every nook and corner
+separately. Wild had escaped.</p>
+
+<p>Robbed of their prey, the fury of the mob became ungovernable. At
+length, at the end of a passage, next to the cell where Mrs. Sheppard
+had been confined, Blueskin discovered a trap-door which he had not
+previously noticed. It was instantly burst open, when the horrible
+stench that issued from it convinced them that it must be a receptacle
+for the murdered victims of the thief-taker.</p>
+
+<p>Holding a link into the place, which had the appearance of a deep pit,
+Blueskin noticed a body richly dressed. He dragged it out, and
+perceiving, in spite of the decayed frame, that it was the body of Sir
+Rowland Trenchard, commanded his attendants to convey it up stairs&mdash;an
+order which was promptly obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>Returning to the audience-chamber, Blueskin had the Jew brought before
+him. The body of Sir Rowland was then laid on the large table. Opposite
+to it was placed the Jew. Seeing from the threatening looks of his
+captors, that they were about to wreak their vengeance upon him, the
+miserable wretch besought mercy in abject terms, and charged his master
+with the most atrocious crimes. His relation of the murder of Sir
+Rowland petrified even his fierce auditors.</p>
+
+<p>One of the cases in Jonathan's museum was now burst open, and a rope
+taken from it. In spite of his shrieks, <span class="pagenum">Page 461</span><a name="Page_461" id="Page_461"></a>the miserable Jew was then
+dragged into the well-hole, and the rope being tied round his neck, he
+was launched from the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>The vengeance of the assailants did not stop here. They broke open the
+entrance into Jonathan's store-room&mdash;plundered it of everything
+valuable&mdash;ransacked every closet, drawer, and secret hiding-place, and
+stripped them of their contents. Large hoards of money were discovered,
+gold and silver plate, cases of watches, and various precious articles.
+Nothing, in short, portable or valuable was left. Old implements of
+housebreaking were discovered; and the thief-taker's most hidden
+depositories were laid bare.</p>
+
+<p>The work of plunder over, that of destruction commenced. Straw and other
+combustibles being collected, were placed in the middle of the
+audience-chamber. On these were thrown all the horrible contents of
+Jonathan's museum, together with the body of Sir Rowland Trenchard. The
+whole was then fired, and in a few minutes the room was a blaze. Not
+content with this, the assailants set fire to the house in half-a-dozen
+other places; and the progress of the flames was rapid and destructive.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the object of all this fearful disturbance had made his
+escape to Newgate, from the roof of which he witnessed the destruction
+of his premises. He saw the flames burst from the windows, and perhaps
+in that maddening spectacle suffered torture equivalent to some of the
+crimes he had committed.</p>
+
+<p>While he was thus standing, the flames of his house, which made the
+whole street as light as day, and ruddily illumined the faces of the mob
+below, betrayed him to them, and he was speedily driven from his
+position by a shower of stones and other missiles.</p>
+
+<p>The mob now directed their attention to Newgate; and, from their
+threats, appeared determined to fire it. Ladders, paviour's rams,
+sledge-hammers, and other destructive implements were procured, and, in
+all probability, their purpose would have been effected, but for the
+opportune arrival of a detachment of the guards, who dispersed them, not
+without some loss of life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 462</span><a name="Page_462" id="Page_462"></a>Several prisoners were taken, but the ring-leaders escaped. Engines
+were brought to play upon Wild's premises, and upon the adjoining
+houses. The latter were saved; but of the former nothing but the
+blackened stone walls were found standing on the morrow.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_3_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Procession to Tyburn.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>The noise of this disturbance did not fail to reach the interior of the
+prison. In fact, the reflection of the flames lighted up the ward in
+which Jack Sheppard was confined.</p>
+
+<p>The night his execution was therefore passed in a most anxious state of
+mind; nor was his uneasiness allayed by the appearance of Jonathan Wild,
+who, after he had been driven from the roof of the jail, repaired to the
+Middle Stone Ward in a fit of ungovernable passion, to vent his rage
+upon the prisoner, whom he looked upon as the cause of the present
+calamity. Such was his fury, that if he had not been restrained by the
+presence of the two turnkeys, he might perhaps have anticipated the
+course of justice, by laying violent hands upon his victim.</p>
+
+<p>After venting his wrath in the wildest manner, and uttering the most
+dreadful execrations, Jonathan retired to another part of the prison,
+where he passed the night in consultation with the governor, as to the
+best means of conveying the prisoner securely to Tyburn. Mr. Pitt
+endeavoured to dissuade him from attending in person, representing the
+great risk he would incur from the mob, which was certain to be
+assembled. But Jonathan was not to be deterred.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I have sworn to see him hanged,&quot; he said, &quot;and nothing shall keep me
+away&mdash;nothing, by&mdash;&mdash;.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>By Wild's advice, the usual constabulary force was greatly augmented.
+Messengers were despatched to all the constables and head-boroughs to be
+in attendance,&mdash;to the sheriffs to have an extraordinary number of their
+<span class="pagenum">Page 463</span><a name="Page_463" id="Page_463"></a>officers in attendance,&mdash;and to the Savoy, to obtain the escort of a
+troop of grenadier-guards. In short, more preparations were made than if
+a state criminal was about to be executed.</p>
+
+<p>The morning of Monday the 16th of November 1724 at length dawned. It was
+a dull, foggy day, and the atmosphere was so thick and heavy, that, at
+eight o'clock, the curious who arrived near the prison could scarcely
+discern the tower of St. Sepulchre's church.</p>
+
+<p>By and by the tramp of horses' feet was heard slowly ascending Snow
+Hill, and presently a troop of grenadier guards rode into the area
+facing Newgate. These were presently joined by a regiment of foot. A
+large body of the constables of Westminster next made their appearance,
+the chief of whom entered the Lodge, where they were speedily joined by
+the civic authorities. At nine o'clock, the sheriffs arrived, followed
+by their officers and javelin-men.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, the Stone Hall was crowded by all the inmates of the jail,
+debtors, felons, turnkeys, and officers who could obtain permission to
+witness the ceremony of the prisoner's irons being struck off. Caliban,
+who, through the interest of Mr. Ireton, was appointed to the office,
+stood with a hammer in one hand, and a punch in the other, near the
+great stone block, ready to fulfil his duty. Close behind him stood the
+tall gaunt figure of Marvel, with his large bony hands, his scraggy
+neck, and ill-favoured countenance. Next to the executioner stood his
+wife&mdash;the former Mrs. Spurling. Mrs. Marvel held her handkerchief to her
+eyes, and appeared in great distress. But her husband, whose deportment
+to her was considerably changed since the fatal knot had been tied, paid
+no attention whatever to her grief.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, the bell of Newgate began to toll, and was answered by
+another bell from St. Sepulchre's. The great door of the Stone Hall was
+thrown open, and the sheriffs, preceded by the javelin-men, entered the
+room. They were followed by Jonathan, who carried a stout stick under
+his arm, and planted himself near <span class="pagenum">Page 464</span><a name="Page_464" id="Page_464"></a>the stone. Not a word was uttered by
+the assemblage; but a hush of expectation reigned throughout.</p>
+
+<p>Another door was next opened, and, preceded by the ordinary, with the
+sacred volume in his hand, the prisoner entered the room. Though
+encumbered by his irons, his step was firm, and his demeanour dignified.
+His countenance was pale as death, but not a muscle quivered; nor did he
+betray the slightest appearance of fear. On the contrary, it was
+impossible to look at him without perceiving that his resolution was
+unshaken.</p>
+
+<p>Advancing with a slow firm step to the stone-block he placed his left
+foot upon it, drew himself up to his full height, and fixed a look so
+stern upon Jonathan, that the thief-taker quailed before it.</p>
+
+<p>The black, meantime, began to ply his hammer, and speedily unriveted the
+chains. The first stroke appeared to arouse all the vindictive passions
+of Jonathan. Fixing a ferocious and exulting look upon Jack Sheppard, he
+exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;At length, my vengeance is complete.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Wretch!&quot; cried Jack, raising his hand in a menacing manner, &quot;your
+triumph will be short-lived. Before a year has expired, you will share
+the same fate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;If I do, I care not,&quot; rejoined Wild; &quot;I shall have lived to see you
+hanged.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;O Jack, dear, dear Jack!&quot; cried Mrs. Marvel, who was now quite
+dissolved in tears, &quot;I shall never survive this scene.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Hold your tongue, hussy!&quot; cried her husband gruffly. &quot;Women ought never
+to show themselves on these occasions, unless they can behave themselves
+properly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Farewell, Jack,&quot; cried twenty voices.</p>
+
+<p>Sheppard looked round, and exchanged kindly glances with several of
+those who addressed him.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;My limbs feel so light, now that my irons are removed,&quot; he observed
+with a smile, &quot;that I am half inclined to dance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll dance upon nothing, presently,&quot; rejoined Jonathan, brutally.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 465</span><a name="Page_465" id="Page_465"></a>Farewell for ever,&quot; said Jack, extending his hand to Mrs. Marvel.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Farewell!&quot; blubbered the executioner's wife, pressing his hand to her
+lips. &quot;Here are a pair of gloves and a nosegay for you. Oh dear!&mdash;oh
+dear! Be careful of him,&quot; she added to her husband, &quot;and get it over
+quickly, or never expect to see me again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Peace, fool!&quot; cried Marvel, angrily. &quot;Do you think I don't know my own
+business?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Austin and Langley then advanced to the prisoner, and, twinning their
+arms round his, led him down to the Lodge, whither he was followed by
+the sheriffs, the ordinary, Wild, and the other officials.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, every preparation had been made outside for his departure. At
+the end of two long lines of foot-guards stood the cart with a powerful
+black horse harnessed to it. At the head of the cart was placed the
+coffin. On the right were several mounted grenadiers: on the left, some
+half dozen javelin-men. Soldiers were stationed at different points of
+the street to keep off the mob, and others were riding backwards and
+forwards to maintain an open space for the passage of the procession.</p>
+
+<p>The assemblage which was gathered together was almost countless. Every
+house-top, every window, every wall, every projection, had its
+occupants. The wall of St. Sepulchre's church was covered&mdash;so was the
+tower. The concourse extended along Giltspur Street as far as
+Smithfield. No one was allowed to pass along Newgate Street, which was
+barricaded and protected by a strong constabulary force.</p>
+
+<p>The first person who issued from the Lodge was Mr. Marvel, who proceeded
+to the cart, and took his seat upon the coffin. The hangman is always an
+object of peculiar detestation to the mob, a tremendous hooting hailed
+his appearance, and both staves and swords were required to preserve
+order.</p>
+
+<p>A deep silence, however, now prevailed, broken only by the tolling of
+the bells of Newgate and St. Sepulchre's. The mighty concourse became
+for a moment still. Sud<span class="pagenum">Page 466</span><a name="Page_466" id="Page_466"></a>denly, such a shout as has seldom smitten human
+ears rent the air. &quot;He comes!&quot; cried a thousand voices, and the shout
+ascended to Smithfield, descended to Snow Hill, and told those who were
+assembled on Holborn Hill that Sheppard had left the prison.</p>
+
+<p>Between the two officers, with their arms linked in his, Jack Sheppard
+was conducted to the cart. He looked around, and as he heard that
+deafening shout,&mdash;as he felt the influence of those thousand eyes fixed
+upon him,&mdash;as he listened to the cheers, all his misgivings&mdash;if he had
+any&mdash;vanished, and he felt more as if he were marching to a triumph,
+than proceeding to a shameful death.</p>
+
+<p>Jack had no sooner taken his place in the cart, than he was followed by
+the ordinary, who seated himself beside him, and, opening the book of
+prayer, began to read aloud. Excited by the scene, Jack, however, could
+pay little attention to the good man's discourse, and was lost in a
+whirl of tumultuous emotions.</p>
+
+<p>The calvacade was now put slowly in motion. The horse-soldiers wheeled
+round and cleared a path: the foot closed in upon the cart. Then came
+the javelin-men, walking four abreast, and lastly, a long line of
+constables, marching in the same order.</p>
+
+<p>The procession had just got into line of march, when a dreadful groan,
+mixed with yells, hootings, and execrations, was heard. This was
+occasioned by Jonathan Wild, who was seen to mount his horse and join
+the train. Jonathan, however, paid no sort of attention to this
+demonstration of hatred. He had buckled on his hanger, and had two brace
+of pistols in his belt, as well as others in this holsters.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, the procession had reached the west end of the wall of St.
+Sepulchre's church, where, in compliance with an old custom, it halted.
+By the will of Mr. Robert Dow, merchant tailor, it was appointed that
+the sexton of St. Sepulchre's should pronounce a solemn exhortation upon
+every criminal on his way to Tyburn, for which office he was to receive
+a small stipend. As soon as the cavalcade stopped, the sexton <span class="pagenum">Page 467</span><a name="Page_467" id="Page_467"></a>advanced,
+and, ringing a handbell, pronounced the following admonition.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>All good people pray heartily unto God for this poor sinner, who is
+now going to take his death, for whom this great bell doth toll</i>.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<i>You who are condemned to die, repent with lamentable tears. Ask mercy
+of the Lord for the salvation of your own soul, through the merits of
+the death and passion of Jesus Christ, who now sits at the right hand of
+God, to make intercession for you, if you penitently return to him. The
+Lord have mercy upon you!</i>&quot;</p>
+
+<p>This ceremony concluded, the calvacade was again put in motion.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly descending Snow Hill, the train passed on its way, attended by
+the same stunning vociferations, cheers, yells, and outcries, which had
+accompanied it on starting from Newgate. The guards had great difficulty
+in preserving a clear passage without resorting to severe measures, for
+the tide, which poured upon them behind, around, in front, and at all
+sides, was almost irresistible. The houses on Snow Hill were thronged,
+like those in Old Bailey. Every window, from the groundfloor to the
+garret had its occupant, and the roofs were covered with spectators.
+Words of encouragement and sympathy were addressed to Jack, who, as he
+looked around, beheld many a friendly glance fixed upon him.</p>
+
+<p>In this way, they reached Holborn Bridge. Here a little delay occurred.
+The passage was so narrow that there was only sufficient room for the
+cart to pass, with a single line of foot-soldiers on one side; and, as
+the walls of the bridge were covered with spectators, it was not deemed
+prudent to cross it till these persons were dislodged.</p>
+
+<p>While this was effected, intelligence was brought that a formidable mob
+was pouring down Field Lane, the end of which was barricaded. The
+advanced guard rode on to drive away any opposition, while the main body
+of the procession crossed the bridge, and slowly toiled up Holborn Hill.</p>
+
+<p>The entrance of Shoe Lane, and the whole line of the <span class="pagenum">Page 468</span><a name="Page_468" id="Page_468"></a>wall of St.
+Andrew's church, the bell of which was tolling, was covered with
+spectators. Upon the steps leading to the gates of the church stood two
+persons whom Jack instantly recognised. These were his mistresses, Poll
+Maggot and Edgeworth Bess. As soon as the latter beheld him, she uttered
+a loud scream, and fainted. She was caught by some of the bystanders,
+who offered by her every assistance in their power. As to Mrs. Maggot,
+whose nerves were more firmly strung, she contented herself with waving
+her hand affectionately to her lover, and encouraging him by her
+gestures.</p>
+
+<p>While this was taking place, another and more serious interruption
+occurred. The advanced guard had endeavoured to disperse the mob in
+Field Lane, but were not prepared to meet with the resistance they
+encountered. The pavement had been hastily picked up, and heaped across
+the end of the street, upon which planks, barrels, and other barricades,
+were laid. Most of the mob were armed with pikes, staves, swords,
+muskets, and other weapons, and offered a most desperate resistance to
+the soldiery, whom they drove back with a shower of paving-stones.</p>
+
+<p>The arrival of the cart at the end of Field Lane, appeared the signal
+for an attempt at rescue. With a loud shout, and headed by a
+powerfully-built man, with a face as black as that of a mulatto, and
+armed with a cutlass, the rabble leapt over the barricades, and rushed
+towards the vehicle. An immediate halt took place. The soldiers
+surrounded the cart, drew their swords, and by striking the rioters
+first with the blunt edge of their blades, and afterwards with the sharp
+points, succeeded in driving them back.</p>
+
+<p>Amid this skirmish Jonathan greatly distinguished himself. Drawing his
+hanger he rode amongst the crowd, trampled upon those most in advance,
+and made an attempt to seize their leader, in whom he recognised
+Blueskin.</p>
+
+<p>Baffled in their attempt, the mob uttered a roar, such as only a
+thousand angry voices can utter, and discharged a volley of missiles at
+the soldiery. Stones <span class="pagenum">Page 469</span><a name="Page_469" id="Page_469"></a>and brickbats were showered on all sides, and Mr.
+Marvel was almost dislodged from his seat on the coffin by a dead dog,
+which was hurled against him, and struck him in the face.</p>
+
+<p>At length, however, by dealing blows right and left with their swords,
+and even inflicting severe cuts on the foremost of the rabble, the
+soldiers managed to gain a clear course, and to drive back the
+assailants; who, as they retreated behind the barricades, shouted in
+tones of defiance, &quot;To Tyburn! to Tyburn!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>The object of all this tumult, meanwhile, never altered his position,
+but sat back in the cart, as if resolved not to make even a struggle to
+regain his liberty.</p>
+
+<p>The procession now wound its way, without further interruption, along
+Holborn. Like a river swollen by many currents, it gathered force from
+the various avenues that poured their streams into it. Fetter Lane, on
+the left, Gray's Inn, on the right, added their supplies. On all hands
+Jack was cheered, and Jonathan hooted.</p>
+
+<p>At length, the train approached St. Giles's. Here, according to another
+old custom, already alluded to, a criminal taken to execution was
+allowed to halt at a tavern, called the Crown, and take a draught from
+St. Giles's bowl, &quot;as his last refreshment on earth.&quot; At the door of
+this tavern, which was situated on the left of the street, not more than
+a hundred yards distant from the church, the bell of which began to toll
+as soon as the procession came in sight, the cart drew up, and the whole
+cavalcade halted. A wooden balcony in one of the adjoining houses was
+thronged with ladies, all of whom appeared to take a lively interest in
+the scene, and to be full of commiseration for the criminal, not,
+perhaps, unmixed with admiration of his appearance. Every window in the
+public house was filled with guests; and, as in the case of St.
+Andrew's, the churchyard wall of St. Giles's was lined with spectators.</p>
+
+<p>A scene now ensued, highly characteristic of the age, and the occasion.
+The doleful procession at once assumed a festive character. Many of the
+soldiers dismounted, and <span class="pagenum">Page 470</span><a name="Page_470" id="Page_470"></a>called for drink. Their example was
+immediately imitated by the officers, constables, javelin men, and other
+attendants; and nothing was to be heard but shouts of laughter and
+jesting,&mdash;nothing seen but the passing of glasses, and the emptying of
+foaming jugs. Mr. Marvel, who had been a little discomposed by the
+treatment he had experienced on Holborn Hill, very composedly filled and
+lighted his pipe.</p>
+
+<p>One group at the door attracted Jack's attention, inasmuch as it was
+composed of several of his old acquaintances&mdash;Mr. Kneebone, Van
+Galgebrok, and Baptist Kettleby&mdash;all of whom greeted him cordially.
+Besides these, there was a sturdy-looking fellow, whom he instantly
+recognised as the honest blacksmith who had freed him from his irons at
+Tottenham.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I am here, you see,&quot; said the smith.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So I perceive,&quot; replied Jack.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, the landlord of the Crown, a jovial-looking stout
+personage, with a white apron round his waist, issued from the house,
+bearing a large wooden bowl filled with ale, which he offered to Jack,
+who instantly rose to receive it. Raising the bowl in his right hand,
+Jack glanced towards the balcony, in which the group of ladies were
+seated, and begged to drink their healths; he then turned to Kneebone
+and the others, who extended their hands towards him, and raised it to
+his lips. Just as he was about to drain it, he encountered the basilisk
+glance of Jonathan Wild, and paused.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I leave this bowl for you,&quot; he cried, returning it to the landlord
+untasted.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Your father said so before you,&quot; replied Jonathan, malignantly; &quot;and
+yet it has tarried thus long.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You will call for it before six months are passed,&quot; rejoined Jack,
+sternly.</p>
+
+<p>Once again the cavalcade was in motion, and winding its way by St.
+Giles's church, the bell of which continued tolling all the time, passed
+the pound, and entered Oxford Road, or, as it was then not unfrequently
+termed, Tyburn Road. After passing Tottenham Court Road, very <span class="pagenum">Page 471</span><a name="Page_471" id="Page_471"></a>few
+houses were to be seen on the right hand, opposite Wardour Street it was
+open country.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd now dispersed amongst the fields, and thousands of persons
+were seen hurrying towards Tyburn as fast as their legs could carry
+them, leaping over hedges, and breaking down every impediment in their
+course.</p>
+
+<p>Besides those who conducted themselves more peaceably, the conductors of
+the procession noticed with considerable uneasiness, large bands of men
+armed with staves, bludgeons, and other weapons, who were flying across
+the field in the same direction. As it was feared that some mischief
+would ensue, Wild volunteered, if he were allowed a small body of men,
+to ride forward to Tyburn, and keep the ground clear until the arrival
+of the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>This suggestion being approved, was instantly acted upon, and the
+thief-taker, accompanied by a body of the grenadiers, rode forward.</p>
+
+<p>The train, meantime, had passed Marylebone Lane, when it again paused
+for a moment, at Jack's request, near the door of a public-house called
+the City of Oxford.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had it come to a halt, when a stalwart man shouldered his way,
+in spite of their opposition, through the lines of soldiery to the cart,
+and offered his large horny hand to the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I told you I would call to bid you farewell, Mr. Figg,&quot; said Jack.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;So you did,&quot; replied the prize-fighter. &quot;Sorry you're obliged to keep
+your word. Heard of your last escape. Hoped you'd not be retaken. Never
+sent for the shirt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;I didn't want it,&quot; replied Jack; &quot;but who are those gentlemen?&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Friends of yours,&quot; replied Figg; &quot;come to see you;&mdash;Sir James
+Thornhill, Mr. Hogarth, and Mr. Gay. They send you every good wish.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;Offer them my hearty thanks,&quot; replied Jack, waving his hand to the
+group, all of whom returned the salutation. &quot;And now, farewell, Mr.
+Figg! In a few minutes, all will be over.&quot;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">Page 472</span><a name="Page_472" id="Page_472"></a>Figg turned aside to hide the tears that started to his eyes,&mdash;for the
+stout prize-fighter, with a man's courage, had a woman's heart,&mdash;and the
+procession again set forward.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_3_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>The Closing Scene.</h3>
+<p class="linenum"><a href="#ToC">ToC</a></p>
+
+
+<p>Tyburn was now at hand. Over the sea of heads arose a black and dismal
+object. It was the gallows. Jack, whose back was towards it, did not see
+it; but he heard, from the pitying exclamations of the crowd, that it
+was in view. This circumstance produced no further alteration in his
+demeanour except that he endeavoured to abstract himself from the
+surrounding scene, and bend his attention to the prayers which the
+ordinary was reciting.</p>
+
+<p>Just as he had succeeded in fixing his attention, it was again shaken,
+and he was almost unnerved by the sight of Mr. Wood, who was standing at
+the edge of a raised platform, anxiously waving his hand to him.</p>
+
+<p>Jack instantly sprang to his feet, and as his guards construed the
+motion into an attempt to escape, several of them drew their swords and
+motioned to him to sit down. But Jack did not heed them. His looks were
+fixed on his old benefactor.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;God in Heaven bless you, unhappy boy!&quot; cried. Wood, bursting into
+tears, &quot;God bless you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p>Jack extended his hand towards him, and looked anxiously for Thames; but
+he was nowhere to be seen. A severe pang shot through Jack's heart, and
+he would have given worlds if he possessed them to have seen his friend
+once more. The wish was vain: and, endeavouring to banish every earthly
+thought, he addressed himself deeply and sincerely to prayer.</p>
+
+<p>While this was passing, Jonathan had ridden back to Marvel to tell him
+that all was ready, and to give him his last instructions.</p>
+
+<p>&quot;You'll lose no time,&quot; said the thief-taker. &quot;A hundred pounds if you do
+it quickly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p>&quot;<span class="pagenum">Page 473</span><a name="Page_473" id="Page_473"></a>Rely on me,&quot; rejoined the executioner, throwing away his pipe, which
+was just finished.</p>
+
+<p>A deep dread calm, like that which precedes a thunderstorm, now
+prevailed amongst the assemblage. The thousand voices which a few
+moments before had been so clamorous were now hushed. Not a breath was
+drawn. The troops had kept a large space clear around the gallows. The
+galleries adjoining it were crowded with spectators,&mdash;so was the roof of
+a large tavern, then the only house standing at the end of the Edgeware
+Road,&mdash;so were the trees,&mdash;the walls of Hyde Park,&mdash;a neighbouring barn,
+a shed,&mdash;in short, every available position.</p>
+
+<p>The cart, meantime, had approached the fatal tree. The guards, horse and
+foot, and constables formed a wide circle round it to keep off the mob.
+It was an awful moment&mdash;so awful, that every other feeling except deep
+interest in the scene seemed suspended.</p>
+
+<p>At this terrible juncture, Jack maintained his composure,&mdash;a smile
+played upon his face before the cap was drawn over it,&mdash;and the last
+words he uttered were, &quot;My poor mother! I shall soon join her!&quot; The rope
+was then adjusted, and the cart began to move.</p>
+
+<p>The next instant, he was launched into eternity!</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had he been turned off a moment, when a man with swarthy
+features leapt into the cart with an open clasp-knife in his hand, and,
+before he could be prevented, severed the rope, and cut down the body.
+It was Blueskin. His assistance came too late. A ball from Wild's pistol
+passed through his heart, and a volley of musketry poured from the
+guards lodged several balls in the yet breathing body of his leader.</p>
+
+<p>Blueskin, however, was not unattended. A thousand eager assistants
+pressed behind him. Jack's body was caught, and passed from hand to hand
+over a thousand heads, till it was far from the fatal tree.</p>
+
+<p>The shouts of indignation&mdash;the frightful yells now raised baffle
+description. A furious attack was made on Jonathan, who, though he
+defended himself like a lion, was desperately wounded, and would
+inevitably have perished if he had not been protected by the guards,
+<span class="pagenum">Page 474</span><a name="Page_474" id="Page_474"></a>who were obliged to use both swords and fire-arms upon the mob in his
+defence. He was at length rescued from his assailants,&mdash;rescued to
+perish, seven months afterwards, with every ignominy, at the very gibbet
+to which he had brought his victim.</p>
+
+<p>The body of Jack Sheppard, meanwhile, was borne along by that tremendous
+host, which rose and fell like the waves of the ocean, until it
+approached the termination of the Edgeware Road.</p>
+
+<p>At this point a carriage with servants in sumptuous liveries was
+stationed. At the open door stood a young man in a rich garb with a mask
+on his face, who was encouraging the mob by words and gestures. At
+length, the body was brought towards him. Instantly seizing it, the
+young man placed it in the carriage, shut the door, and commanded his
+servants to drive off. The order was promptly obeyed, and the horses
+proceeded at a furious pace along the Edgeware Road.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour afterwards the body of Jack was carefully examined. It had
+been cut down before life was extinct, but a ball from one of the
+soldiers had pierced his heart.</p>
+
+<p>Thus died Jack Sheppard.</p>
+
+<p>That night a grave was dug in Willesden churchyard, next to that in
+which Mrs. Sheppard had been interred. Two persons, besides the
+clergyman and sexton, alone attended the ceremony. They were a young man
+and an old one, and both appeared deeply affected. The coffin was
+lowered into the grave, and the mourners departed. A simple wooden
+monument was placed over the grave, but without any name or date. In
+after years, some pitying hand supplied the inscription, which ran
+thus&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 250px;">
+<img src="images/end.jpg" width="250" height="92" alt="JACK SHEPPARD" title="JACK SHEPPARD" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3>THE END.</h3>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Jack Sheppard, by William Harrison Ainsworth
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+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
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diff --git a/16215-h/music/stgiles-page1.png b/16215-h/music/stgiles-page1.png
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diff --git a/16215-h/music/stgiles.ly b/16215-h/music/stgiles.ly
new file mode 100644
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--- /dev/null
+++ b/16215-h/music/stgiles.ly
@@ -0,0 +1,267 @@
+     \version "2.4.2"
+     \header {
+       title = "St. Giles's Bowl.*"
+       subtitle = "I."
+       meter = "Con presentimento della forca."
+     }
+
+     melody = \relative c' {
+        \clef treble
+        \key a \minor
+        \time 3/4
+
+        \partial 8*2
+        e8 e
+        a4 gis a
+        b4 c d
+        c b a
+        b2 b4
+        c b c
+        d d e
+        b4. a8 gis4
+        a2 e4
+        a gis a
+        b c d
+        c b a
+        b8 b4. b4
+        c b c
+        d d e
+        b4. a8 gis4
+        a a2 \bar ".|."
+        \partial 4*1
+        e'4
+        \repeat unfold 2 { e g fis
+        e2 e4 }
+        e g fis
+        f! fis gis
+        a4. g8 fis4
+           \once \override Script
+           #'extra-offset = #'(-5.2 . 0.0)
+        e2 g4\coda
+        e4. d8 c4
+        d b g
+        c b a
+        b2 b4
+        c b c
+        d d e
+        b4. a8 gis4
+           \once \override Script
+           #'extra-offset = #'(5.2 . 0.0)
+        a2\coda \bar ".|."
+     }
+
+     stanzaone = \lyricmode {
+        \set stanza = "I. "
+        \partial 8*2
+        Where8 Saint8 --
+        Giles's2 church4
+        stands, once a
+        la -- zar -- house
+        stood;2 And,4
+        chain'd to its
+        gates, was a
+        ves4. -- sel8 of4
+        wood;2 A4
+        broad -- bot -- tom'd
+        bowl, from which
+        all the fine
+        fel8 -- lows,4. Who4
+        pass'd by that
+        spot, on their
+        way4. to8 the4
+        gal -- lows,2
+        \partial 4*1
+        Might4
+        tip -- ple strong
+        beer,2 Their4
+        spir -- its to
+        cheer,2 And4
+        drown, in a
+        sea of good
+        li4. -- quor,8 all4
+        fear!2 For4
+        noth4. -- ing8 the4
+        tran -- sit to
+        Ty -- burn be --
+        guiles,2 So4
+        well as a
+        draught from the
+        Bowl4. of8 Saint4
+        Giles!2
+     }
+
+     stanzatwo = \lyricmode {
+        \set stanza = "II. "
+        \partial 8*2
+        By4
+        man -- y a
+        high -- way -- man
+        man -- y a
+        draught2 Of4
+        nut -- ty brown
+        ale at Saint
+        Giles4. 's8 was4
+        quaft,2 Un4 --
+        til the old
+        la -- zar -- house
+        chanced to fall
+        down,2 And8 the
+        broad4 -- bot -- tom'd
+        bowl was re --
+        moved4. to8 the4
+        Crown.2.
+        \partial 4*1
+        Where8 the
+        rob4 -- ber may
+        cheer,2 His4
+        spir -- it with
+        beer,2 And4
+        drown in a
+        sea of good
+        li4. -- quor8 all4
+        fear!2 For4
+        noth4. -- ing8 the4
+        tran -- sit to
+        Ty -- burn be --
+        guiles,2 So4
+        well as a
+        draught from the
+        Bowl4. of8 Saint4
+        Giles!2
+     }
+
+     stanzathree = \lyricmode {
+        \set stanza = "III. "
+        \partial 8*2
+        There4
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Mul } -- \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) sack } and
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Swift } -- \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) neck, } both
+        prigs from their
+        birth,2 \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Old }4
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Mob } and \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Tom }
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Cox } took their
+        last4. draught8 on4
+        earth;2 There4
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Ran } -- \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) dal, } and
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Shor } -- \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) ter } and
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Whit } -- \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) ney } pulled
+        up,2 And4
+        jol4 -- ly \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Jack }
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Joyce } drank his
+        fin4. -- ish8 -- ing4
+        cup!2.
+        \partial 4*1
+        For8 a
+        can4 of ale
+        calms,2 A4
+        high -- way -- man's
+        qualms,2 And4
+        makes him sing
+        blithe -- ly his
+        dol4. -- or8 -- ous4
+        psalms2 And4
+        noth4. -- ing8 the4
+        tran -- sit to
+        Ty -- burn be --
+        guiles,2 So4
+        well as a
+        draught from the
+        Bowl4. of8 Saint4
+        Giles!2
+     }
+
+     stanzafour = \lyricmode {
+        \set stanza = "IV. "
+        \partial 8*2
+        When4
+        gal -- lant \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Tom }
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Shep } -- \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) pard } to
+        Ty -- burn was
+        led,--2 ``Stop8 the
+        cart4 at the
+        Crown-- stop a
+        mo4. -- ment,''8 he4
+        said.2 He8 was
+        of4 -- fered the
+        Bowl, but he
+        left it and
+        smiled,2 Crying,4
+        ``Keep it till
+        call'd for by
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Jon }4. -- \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) a }8 -- \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) than }4
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Wild! }2.
+        \partial 4*1
+        ``The4
+        ras4 -- cal one
+        day,2 Will4
+        pass by this
+        way,2 And4
+        drink a full
+        meas -- ure to
+        mois4. -- ten8 his4
+        clay!2 And4
+        nev4. -- er8 will4
+        Bowl of Saint
+        Giles have be --
+        guiled2 Such8 a
+        thor4 -- ough- paced
+        scoun -- drel as
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Jon }4. -- \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) a }8 -- \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) than }4
+        \markup { \override #'(font-shape . caps) Wild!'' }2
+     }
+
+     stanzafive = \lyricmode {
+        \set stanza = "V. "
+        \partial 8*2
+        Should8 it
+        e'er4 be \markup { \italic my }
+        lot to ride
+        back -- wards that
+        way,2 At8 the
+        door4 of the
+        Crown I will
+        cer4. -- tain8 -- ly4
+        stay;2 I'll4
+        sum -- mon the
+        land -- lord-- I'll
+        call for the
+        Bowl,2 And4
+        drink a deep
+        draught to the
+        health4. of8 my4
+        soul!2.
+        \partial 4*1
+        What4
+        ev -- er may
+        hap,2 I'll4
+        taste of the
+        tap,2 To4
+        keep up my
+        spir -- its when
+        brought4. -- to8 the4
+        crap!2 For4
+        noth4. -- ing8 the4
+        tran -- sit to
+        Ty -- burn be --
+        guiles,2 So4
+        well as a
+        draught from the
+        Bowl4. of8 Saint4
+        Giles!2
+     }
+
+     \score{
+        <<
+           \context Voice = one {
+              \autoBeamOff
+              \melody
+           }
+           \new Lyrics \stanzaone
+           \new Lyrics \stanzatwo
+           \new Lyrics \stanzathree
+           \new Lyrics \stanzafour
+           \new Lyrics \stanzafive
+        >>
+        \layout { }
+        \midi { \tempo 4=120 }
+     }
diff --git a/16215-h/music/stgiles.midi b/16215-h/music/stgiles.midi
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1f56fa6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/16215-h/music/stgiles.midi
diff --git a/16215-h/music/stgiles.pdf b/16215-h/music/stgiles.pdf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f266f64
--- /dev/null
+++ b/16215-h/music/stgiles.pdf
diff --git a/16215.txt b/16215.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ac76a88
--- /dev/null
+++ b/16215.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,19744 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Jack Sheppard, by William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Jack Sheppard
+       A Romance
+
+Author: William Harrison Ainsworth
+
+Release Date: July 6, 2005 [EBook #16215]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JACK SHEPPARD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jason Isbell, Ben Beasley and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcribers Note: Obvious typesetter errors from the original
+corrected in this etext. If they are not obvious errors, they are left as
+in the original.
+
+Throughout this text you will see words or phrases with _ (underscore)
+on either side, such as _this_. These were in italics in the original,
+but as ascii does not allow for formatting italics, they have been
+changed in this version.
+
+---------------------------------
+
+English Library
+
+_VOL. XII_
+
+JACK SHEPPARD A Romance
+
+BY W. Harrison Ainsworth
+
+Internationale Bibliothek G M B H Berlin
+
+1922
+
+"Upon my word, friend," said I, "you have almost made me long to try
+what a robber I should make." "There is a great art in it, if you did,"
+quoth he. "Ah! but," said I, "there's a great deal in being hanged."
+
+_Life and Actions of Guzman d'Alfarache._
+
+Printed In Germany
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+EPOCH THE FIRST, 1703.
+JONATHAN WILD.
+
+CHAPTER I. The Widow and her Child             1
+       II. The Old Mint                       13
+      III. The Master of the Mint             28
+       IV. The Roof and the Window            34
+        V. The Denunciation                   42
+       VI. The Storm                          51
+      VII. Old London Bridge                  63
+
+
+EPOCH THE SECOND, 1715.
+THAMES DARRELL.
+
+CHAPTER I. The Idle Apprentice                75
+       II. Thames Darrell                     88
+      III. The Jacobite                       95
+       IV. Mr. Kneebone and his Friends       99
+        V. Hawk and Buzzard                  103
+       VI. The first Step towards the Ladder 119
+      VII. Brother and Sister                131
+     VIII. Miching Mallecho                  135
+       IX. Consequences of the Theft         147
+        X. Mother and Son                    154
+       XI. The Mohocks                       160
+      XII. Saint Giles's Round-house         167
+     XIII. The Magdalene                     177
+      XIV. The Flash Ken                     191
+       XV. The Robbery in Willesden Church   198
+      XVI. Jonathan Wild's House in the Old  201
+              Bailey
+     XVII. The Night-Cellar                  211
+    XVIII. How Jack Sheppard broke out of    218
+              the Cage at Willesden
+      XIX. Good and Evil                     224
+
+
+EPOCH THE THIRD, 1724.
+THE PRISON-BREAKER.
+
+CHAPTER I. The Return                        231
+       II. The Burglary at Dollis Hill       249
+      III. Jack Sheppard's Quarrel with      254
+              Jonathan Wild
+       IV. Jack Sheppard's Escape from the   258
+              New Prison
+        V. The Disguise                      261
+       VI. Winifred receives two Proposals   278
+      VII. Jack Sheppard warns Thames        284
+              Darrell
+     VIII. Old Bedlam                        291
+       IX. Old Newgate                       302
+        X. How Jack Sheppard got out of the  310
+              Condemned Hold
+       XI. Dollis Hill revisited             324
+      XII. The Well Hole                     336
+     XIII. The Supper at Mr. Kneebone's      346
+      XIV. How Jack Sheppard was again       367
+              captured
+       XV. How Blueskin underwent the Peine  377
+              Forte et Dure
+      XVI. How Jack Sheppard's Portrait was  385
+              painted
+     XVII. The Iron Bar                      397
+    XVIII. The Bed Room                      400
+      XIX. The Chapel                        401
+       XX. The Leads                         405
+      XXI. What befell Jack Sheppard in the  408
+              Turner's House
+     XXII. Fast and Loose                    415
+    XXIII. The last Meeting between Jack     419
+              Sheppard and his Mother
+     XXIV. The Pursuit                       425
+      XXV. How Jack Sheppard got rid of his  429
+              Irons
+     XXVI. How Jack Sheppard attended his    435
+              Mother's Funeral
+    XXVII. How Jack Sheppard was brought     441
+              back to Newgate
+   XXVIII. What happened at Dollis Hill      449
+     XXIX. How Jack Sheppard was taken to    454
+              Westminster Hall
+      XXX. How Jonathan Wild's House was     458
+              burnt down
+     XXXI. The Procession to Tyburn          462
+    XXXII. The Closing Scene                 472
+
+
+
+
+EPOCH THE FIRST.
+
+1703.
+
+JONATHAN WILD.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+JACK SHEPPARD.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+The Widow and her Child.
+
+
+On the night of Friday, the 26th of November, 1703, and at the hour of
+eleven, the door of a miserable habitation, situated in an obscure
+quarter of the Borough of Southwark, known as the Old Mint, was opened;
+and a man, with a lantern in his hand, appeared at the threshold. This
+person, whose age might be about forty, was attired in a brown
+double-breasted frieze coat, with very wide skirts, and a very narrow
+collar; a light drugget waistcoat, with pockets reaching to the knees;
+black plush breeches; grey worsted hose; and shoes with round toes,
+wooden heels, and high quarters, fastened by small silver buckles. He
+wore a three-cornered hat, a sandy-coloured scratch wig, and had a thick
+woollen wrapper folded round his throat. His clothes had evidently seen
+some service, and were plentifully begrimed with the dust of the
+workshop. Still he had a decent look, and decidedly the air of one
+well-to-do in the world. In stature, he was short and stumpy; in person,
+corpulent; and in countenance, sleek, snub-nosed, and demure.
+
+Immediately behind this individual, came a pale, poverty-stricken woman,
+whose forlorn aspect contrasted strongly with his plump and comfortable
+physiognomy. She was dressed in a tattered black stuff gown, discoloured
+by various stains, and intended, it would seem, from the remnants of
+rusty crape with which it was here and there tricked out, to represent
+the garb of widowhood, and held in her arms a sleeping infant, swathed
+in the folds of a linsey-woolsey shawl.
+
+Notwithstanding her emaciation, her features still retained something
+of a pleasing expression, and might have been termed beautiful, had it
+not been for that repulsive freshness of lip denoting the habitual
+dram-drinker; a freshness in her case rendered the more shocking from
+the almost livid hue of the rest of her complexion. She could not be
+more than twenty; and though want and other suffering had done the work
+of time, had wasted her frame, and robbed her cheek of its bloom and
+roundness, they had not extinguished the lustre of her eyes, nor thinned
+her raven hair. Checking an ominous cough, that, ever and anon,
+convulsed her lungs, the poor woman addressed a few parting words to her
+companion, who lingered at the doorway as if he had something on his
+mind, which he did not very well know how to communicate.
+
+"Well, good night, Mr. Wood," said she, in the deep, hoarse accents of
+consumption; "and may God Almighty bless and reward you for your
+kindness! You were always the best of masters to my poor husband; and
+now you've proved the best of friends to his widow and orphan boy."
+
+"Poh! poh! say no more about it," rejoined the man hastily. "I've done
+no more than my duty, Mrs. Sheppard, and neither deserve nor desire your
+thanks. 'Whoso giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord;' that's my
+comfort. And such slight relief as I can afford should have been offered
+earlier, if I'd known where you'd taken refuge after your unfortunate
+husband's--"
+
+"Execution, you would say, Sir," added Mrs. Sheppard, with a deep sigh,
+perceiving that her benefactor hesitated to pronounce the word. "You
+show more consideration to the feelings of a hempen widow, than there is
+any need to show. I'm used to insult as I am to misfortune, and am grown
+callous to both; but I'm _not_ used to compassion, and know not how to
+take it. My heart would speak if it could, for it is very full. There
+was a time, long, long ago, when the tears would have rushed to my eyes
+unbidden at the bare mention of generosity like yours, Mr. Wood; but
+they never come now. I have never wept since that day."
+
+"And I trust you will never have occasion to weep again, my poor soul,"
+replied Wood, setting down his lantern, and brushing a few drops from
+his eyes, "unless it be tears of joy. Pshaw!" added he, making an effort
+to subdue his emotion, "I can't leave you in this way. I must stay a
+minute longer, if only to see you smile."
+
+So saying, he re-entered the house, closed the door, and, followed by
+the widow, proceeded to the fire-place, where a handful of chips,
+apparently just lighted, crackled within the rusty grate.
+
+The room in which this interview took place had a sordid and miserable
+look. Rotten, and covered with a thick coat of dirt, the boards of the
+floor presented a very insecure footing; the bare walls were scored all
+over with grotesque designs, the chief of which represented the
+punishment of Nebuchadnezzar. The rest were hieroglyphic characters,
+executed in red chalk and charcoal. The ceiling had, in many places,
+given way; the laths had been removed; and, where any plaster remained,
+it was either mapped and blistered with damps, or festooned with dusty
+cobwebs. Over an old crazy bedstead was thrown a squalid, patchwork
+counterpane; and upon the counterpane lay a black hood and scarf, a pair
+of bodice of the cumbrous form in vogue at the beginning of the last
+century, and some other articles of female attire. On a small shelf near
+the foot of the bed stood a couple of empty phials, a cracked ewer and
+basin, a brown jug without a handle, a small tin coffee-pot without a
+spout, a saucer of rouge, a fragment of looking-glass, and a flask,
+labelled "_Rosa Solis_." Broken pipes littered the floor, if that can be
+said to be littered, which, in the first instance, was a mass of squalor
+and filth.
+
+Over the chimney-piece was pasted a handbill, purporting to be "_The
+last Dying Speech and Confession of_ TOM SHEPPARD, _the Notorious
+Housebreaker, who suffered at Tyburn on the 25th of February, 1703._"
+This placard was adorned with a rude wood-cut, representing the unhappy
+malefactor at the place of execution. On one side of the handbill a
+print of the reigning sovereign, Anne, had been pinned over the portrait
+of William the Third, whose aquiline nose, keen eyes, and luxuriant wig,
+were just visible above the diadem of the queen. On the other a wretched
+engraving of the Chevalier de Saint George, or, as he was styled in the
+label attached to the portrait, James the Third, raised a suspicion that
+the inmate of the house was not altogether free from some tincture of
+Jacobitism.
+
+Beneath these prints, a cluster of hobnails, driven into the wall,
+formed certain letters, which, if properly deciphered, produced the
+words, "_Paul Groves, cobler;_" and under the name, traced in charcoal,
+appeared the following record of the poor fellow's fate, "_Hung himsel
+in this rum for luv off licker;_" accompanied by a graphic sketch of the
+unhappy suicide dangling from a beam. A farthing candle, stuck in a
+bottle neck, shed its feeble light upon the table, which, owing to the
+provident kindness of Mr. Wood, was much better furnished with eatables
+than might have been expected, and boasted a loaf, a knuckle of ham, a
+meat-pie, and a flask of wine.
+
+"You've but a sorry lodging, Mrs. Sheppard," said Wood, glancing round
+the chamber, as he expanded his palms before the scanty flame.
+
+"It's wretched enough, indeed, Sir," rejoined the widow; "but, poor as
+it is, it's better than the cold stones and open streets."
+
+"Of course--of course," returned Wood, hastily; "anything's better than
+that. But take a drop of wine," urged he, filling a drinking-horn and
+presenting it to her; "it's choice canary, and'll do you good. And now,
+come and sit by me, my dear, and let's have a little quiet chat
+together. When things are at the worst, they'll mend. Take my word for
+it, your troubles are over."
+
+"I hope they are, Sir," answered Mrs. Sheppard, with a faint smile and a
+doubtful shake of the head, as Wood drew her to a seat beside him, "for
+I've had my full share of misery. But I don't look for peace on this
+side the grave."
+
+"Nonsense!" cried Wood; "while there's life there's hope. Never be
+down-hearted. Besides," added he, opening the shawl in which the infant
+was wrapped, and throwing the light of the candle full upon its sickly,
+but placid features, "it's sinful to repine while you've a child like
+this to comfort you. Lord help him! he's the very image of his father.
+Like carpenter, like chips."
+
+"That likeness is the chief cause of my misery," replied the widow,
+shuddering. "Were it not for that, he would indeed be a blessing and a
+comfort to me. He never cries nor frets, as children generally do, but
+lies at my bosom, or on my knee, as quiet and as gentle as you see him
+now. But, when I look upon his innocent face, and see how like he is to
+his father,--when I think of that father's shameful ending, and
+recollect how free from guilt _he_ once was,--at such times, Mr. Wood,
+despair will come over me; and, dear as this babe is to me, far dearer
+than my own wretched life, which I would lay down for him any minute, I
+have prayed to Heaven to remove him, rather than he should grow up to be
+a man, and be exposed to his father's temptations--rather than he should
+live as wickedly and die as disgracefully as his father. And, when I
+have seen him pining away before my eyes, getting thinner and thinner
+every day, I have sometimes thought my prayers were heard."
+
+"Marriage and hanging go by destiny," observed Wood, after a pause; "but
+I trust your child is reserved for a better fate than either, Mrs.
+Sheppard."
+
+The latter part of this speech was delivered with so much significance
+of manner, that a bystander might have inferred that Mr. Wood was not
+particularly fortunate in his own matrimonial connections.
+
+"Goodness only knows what he's reserved for," rejoined the widow in a
+desponding tone; "but if Mynheer Van Galgebrok, whom I met last night at
+the Cross Shovels, spoke the truth, little Jack will never die in his
+bed."
+
+"Save us!" exclaimed Wood. "And who is this Van Gal--Gal--what's his
+outlandish name?"
+
+"Van Galgebrok," replied the widow. "He's the famous Dutch conjuror who
+foretold King William's accident and death, last February but one, a
+month before either event happened, and gave out that another prince
+over the water would soon enjoy his own again; for which he was
+committed to Newgate, and whipped at the cart's tail. He went by another
+name then,--Rykhart Scherprechter I think he called himself. His
+fellow-prisoners nicknamed him the gallows-provider, from a habit he had
+of picking out all those who were destined to the gibbet. He was never
+known to err, and was as much dreaded as the jail-fever in consequence.
+He singled out my poor husband from a crowd of other felons; and you
+know how right he was in that case, Sir."
+
+"Ay, marry," replied Wood, with a look that seemed to say that he did
+not think it required any surprising skill in the art of divination to
+predict the doom of the individual in question; but whatever opinion he
+might entertain, he contented himself with inquiring into the grounds of
+the conjuror's evil augury respecting the infant. "What did the old
+fellow judge from, eh, Joan?" asked he.
+
+"From a black mole under the child's right ear, shaped like a coffin,
+which is a bad sign; and a deep line just above the middle of the left
+thumb, meeting round about in the form of a noose, which is a worse,"
+replied Mrs. Sheppard. "To be sure, it's not surprising the poor little
+thing should be so marked; for, when I lay in the women-felons' ward in
+Newgate, where he first saw the light, or at least such light as ever
+finds entrance into that gloomy place, I had nothing, whether sleeping
+or waking, but halters, and gibbets, and coffins, and such like horrible
+visions, for ever dancing round me! And then, you know, Sir--but,
+perhaps, you don't know that little Jack was born, a month before his
+time, on the very day his poor father suffered."
+
+"Lord bless us!" ejaculated Wood, "how shocking! No, I did _not_ know
+that."
+
+"You may see the marks on the child yourself, if you choose, Sir,"
+urged the widow.
+
+"See the devil!--not I," cried Wood impatiently. "I didn't think you'd
+been so easily fooled, Joan."
+
+"Fooled or not," returned Mrs. Sheppard mysteriously, "old Van told me
+_one_ thing which has come true already."
+
+"What's that?" asked Wood with some curiosity.
+
+"He said, by way of comfort, I suppose, after the fright he gave me at
+first, that the child would find a friend within twenty-four hours, who
+would stand by him through life."
+
+"A friend is not so soon gained as lost," replied Wood; "but how has the
+prediction been fulfilled, Joan, eh?"
+
+"I thought you would have guessed, Sir," replied the widow, timidly.
+"I'm sure little Jack has but one friend beside myself, in the world,
+and that's more than I would have ventured to say for him yesterday.
+However, I've not told you all; for old Van _did_ say something about
+the child saving his new-found friend's life at the time of meeting; but
+how that's to happen, I'm sure I can't guess."
+
+"Nor any one else in his senses," rejoined Wood, with a laugh. "It's not
+very likely that a babby of nine months old will save _my_ life, if I'm
+to be his friend, as you seem to say, Mrs. Sheppard. But I've not
+promised to stand by him yet; nor will I, unless he turns out an honest
+lad,--mind that. Of all crafts,--and it was the only craft his poor
+father, who, to do him justice, was one of the best workmen that ever
+handled a saw or drove a nail, could never understand,--of all crafts, I
+say, to be an honest man is the master-craft. As long as your son
+observes that precept I'll befriend him, but no longer."
+
+"I don't desire it, Sir," replied Mrs. Sheppard, meekly.
+
+"There's an old proverb," continued Wood, rising and walking towards the
+fire, "which says,--'Put another man's child in your bosom, and he'll
+creep out at your elbow.' But I don't value that, because I think it
+applies to one who marries a widow with encumbrances; and that's not my
+case, you know."
+
+"Well, Sir," gasped Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"Well, my dear, I've a proposal to make in regard to this babby of
+yours, which may, or may not, be agreeable. All I can say is, it's well
+meant; and I may add, I'd have made it five minutes ago, if you'd given
+me the opportunity."
+
+"Pray come to the point, Sir," said Mrs. Sheppard, somewhat alarmed by
+this preamble.
+
+"I _am_ coming to the point, Joan. The more haste, the worse
+speed--better the feet slip than the tongue. However, to cut a long
+matter short, my proposal's this:--I've taken a fancy to your bantling,
+and, as I've no son of my own, if it meets with your concurrence and
+that of Mrs. Wood, (for I never do anything without consulting my better
+half,) I'll take the boy, educate him, and bring him up to my own
+business of a carpenter."
+
+The poor widow hung her head, and pressed her child closer to her
+breast.
+
+"Well, Joan," said the benevolent mechanic, after he had looked at her
+steadfastly for a few moments, "what say you?--silence gives consent,
+eh?"
+
+Mrs. Sheppard made an effort to speak, but her voice was choked by
+emotion.
+
+"Shall I take the babby home with me!" persisted Wood, in a tone between
+jest and earnest.
+
+"I cannot part with him," replied the widow, bursting into tears;
+"indeed, indeed, I cannot."
+
+"So I've found out the way to move her," thought the carpenter; "those
+tears will do her some good, at all events. Not part with him!" added he
+aloud. "Why you wouldn't stand in the way of his good fortune sure_ly_?
+I'll be a second father to him, I tell you. Remember what the conjuror
+said."
+
+"I _do_ remember it, Sir," replied Mrs. Sheppard, "and am most grateful
+for your offer. But I dare not accept it."
+
+"Dare not!" echoed the carpenter; "I don't understand you, Joan."
+
+"I mean to say, Sir," answered Mrs. Sheppard in a troubled voice, "that
+if I lost my child, I should lose all I have left in the world. I have
+neither father, mother, brother, sister, nor husband--I have only
+_him_."
+
+"If I ask you to part with him, my good woman, it's to better his
+condition, I suppose, ain't it?" rejoined Wood angrily; for, though he
+had no serious intention of carrying his proposal into effect, he was
+rather offended at having it declined. "It's not an offer," continued
+he, "that I'm likely to make, or you're likely to receive every day in
+the year."
+
+And muttering some remarks, which we do not care to repeat, reflecting
+upon the consistency of the sex, he was preparing once more to depart,
+when Mrs. Sheppard stopped him.
+
+"Give me till to-morrow," implored she, "and if I _can_ bring myself to
+part with him, you shall have him without another word."
+
+"Take time to consider of it," replied Wood sulkily, "there's no hurry."
+
+"Don't be angry with me, Sir," cried the widow, sobbing bitterly, "pray
+don't. I know I am undeserving of your bounty; but if I were to tell you
+what hardships I have undergone--to what frightful extremities I have
+been reduced--and to what infamy I have submitted, to earn a scanty
+subsistence for this child's sake,--if you could feel what it is to
+stand alone in the world as I do, bereft of all who have ever loved me,
+and shunned by all who have ever known me, except the worthless and the
+wretched,--if you knew (and Heaven grant you may be spared the
+knowledge!) how much affliction sharpens love, and how much more dear to
+me my child has become for every sacrifice I have made for him,--if you
+were told all this, you would, I am sure, pity rather than reproach me,
+because I cannot at once consent to a separation, which I feel would
+break my heart. But give me till to-morrow--only till to-morrow--I may
+be able to part with him then."
+
+The worthy carpenter was now far more angry with himself than he had
+previously been with Mrs. Sheppard; and, as soon as he could command his
+feelings, which were considerably excited by the mention of her
+distresses, he squeezed her hand warmly, bestowed a hearty execration
+upon his own inhumanity, and swore he would neither separate her from
+her child, nor suffer any one else to separate them.
+
+"Plague on't!" added he: "I never meant to take your babby from you. But
+I'd a mind to try whether you really loved him as much as you pretended.
+I was to blame to carry the matter so far. However, confession of a
+fault makes half amends for it. A time _may_ come when this little chap
+will need my aid, and, depend upon it, he shall never want a friend in
+Owen Wood."
+
+As he said this, the carpenter patted the cheek of the little object of
+his benevolent professions, and, in so doing, unintentionally aroused
+him from his slumbers. Opening a pair of large black eyes, the child
+fixed them for an instant upon Wood, and then, alarmed by the light,
+uttered a low and melancholy cry, which, however, was speedily stilled
+by the caresses of his mother, towards whom he extended his tiny arms,
+as if imploring protection.
+
+"I don't think he would leave me, even if I could part with him,"
+observed Mrs. Sheppard, smiling through her tears.
+
+"I don't think he would," acquiesced the carpenter. "No friend like the
+mother, for the babby knows no other."
+
+"And that's true," rejoined Mrs. Sheppard; "for if I had _not_ been a
+mother, I would not have survived the day on which I became a widow."
+
+"You mustn't think of that, Mrs. Sheppard," said Wood in a soothing
+tone.
+
+"I can't help thinking of it, Sir," answered the widow. "I can never get
+poor Tom's last look out of my head, as he stood in the Stone-Hall at
+Newgate, after his irons had been knocked off, unless I manage to
+stupify myself somehow. The dismal tolling of St. Sepulchre's bell is
+for ever ringing in my ears--oh!"
+
+"If that's the case," observed Wood, "I'm surprised you should like to
+have such a frightful picture constantly in view as that over the
+chimney-piece."
+
+"I'd good reasons for placing it there, Sir; but don't question me
+about them now, or you'll drive me mad," returned Mrs. Sheppard wildly.
+
+"Well, well, we'll say no more about it," replied Wood; "and, by way of
+changing the subject, let me advise you on no account to fly to strong
+waters for consolation, Joan. One nail drives out another, it's true;
+but the worst nail you can employ is a coffin-nail. Gin Lane's the
+nearest road to the churchyard."
+
+"It may be; but if it shortens the distance and lightens the journey, I
+care not," retorted the widow, who seemed by this reproach to be roused
+into sudden eloquence. "To those who, like me, have never been able to
+get out of the dark and dreary paths of life, the grave is indeed a
+refuge, and the sooner they reach it the better. The spirit I drink may
+be poison,--it may kill me,--perhaps it _is_ killing me:--but so would
+hunger, cold, misery,--so would my own thoughts. I should have gone mad
+without it. Gin is the poor man's friend,--his sole set-off against the
+rich man's luxury. It comforts him when he is most forlorn. It may be
+treacherous, it may lay up a store of future woe; but it insures present
+happiness, and that is sufficient. When I have traversed the streets a
+houseless wanderer, driven with curses from every door where I have
+solicited alms, and with blows from every gateway where I have sought
+shelter,--when I have crept into some deserted building, and stretched
+my wearied limbs upon a bulk, in the vain hope of repose,--or, worse
+than all, when, frenzied with want, I have yielded to horrible
+temptation, and earned a meal in the only way I could earn one,--when I
+have felt, at times like these, my heart sink within me, I have drank of
+this drink, and have at once forgotten my cares, my poverty, my guilt.
+Old thoughts, old feelings, old faces, and old scenes have returned to
+me, and I have fancied myself happy,--as happy as I am now." And she
+burst into a wild hysterical laugh.
+
+"Poor creature!" ejaculated Wood. "Do you call this frantic glee
+happiness?"
+
+"It's all the happiness I have known for years," returned the widow,
+becoming suddenly calm, "and it's short-lived enough, as you perceive. I
+tell you what, Mr. Wood," added she in a hollow voice, and with a
+ghastly look, "gin may bring ruin; but as long as poverty, vice, and
+ill-usage exist, it will be drunk."
+
+"God forbid!" exclaimed Wood, fervently; and, as if afraid of prolonging
+the interview, he added, with some precipitation, "But I must be going:
+I've stayed here too long already. You shall hear from me to-morrow."
+
+"Stay!" said Mrs. Sheppard, again arresting his departure. "I've just
+recollected that my husband left a key with me, which he charged me to
+give you when I could find an opportunity."
+
+"A key!" exclaimed Wood eagerly. "I lost a very valuable one some time
+ago. What's it like, Joan?"
+
+"It's a small key, with curiously-fashioned wards."
+
+"It's mine, I'll be sworn," rejoined Wood. "Well, who'd have thought of
+finding it in this unexpected way!"
+
+"Don't be too sure till you see it," said the widow. "Shall I fetch it
+for you, Sir?"
+
+"By all means."
+
+"I must trouble you to hold the child, then, for a minute, while I run
+up to the garret, where I've hidden it for safety," said Mrs. Sheppard.
+"I think I _may_ trust him with you, Sir," added she, taking up the
+candle.
+
+"Don't leave him, if you're at all fearful, my dear," replied Wood,
+receiving the little burthen with a laugh. "Poor thing!" muttered he, as
+the widow departed on her errand, "she's seen better days and better
+circumstances than she'll ever see again, I'm sure. Strange, I could
+never learn her history. Tom Sheppard was always a close file, and would
+never tell whom he married. Of this I'm certain, however, she was much
+too good for him, and was never meant to be a journeyman carpenter's
+wife, still less what is she now. Her heart's in the right place, at all
+events; and, since that's the case, the rest may perhaps come
+round,--that is, if she gets through her present illness. A dry cough's
+the trumpeter of death. If that's true, she's not long for this world.
+As to this little fellow, in spite of the Dutchman, who, in my opinion,
+is more of a Jacobite than a conjurer, and more of a knave than either,
+he shall never mount a horse foaled by an acorn, if I can help it."
+
+The course of the carpenter's meditations was here interrupted by a loud
+note of lamentation from the child, who, disturbed by the transfer, and
+not receiving the gentle solace to which he was ordinarily accustomed,
+raised his voice to the utmost, and exerted his feeble strength to
+escape. For a few moments Mr. Wood dandled his little charge to and fro,
+after the most approved nursery fashion, essaying at the same time the
+soothing influence of an infantine melody proper to the occasion; but,
+failing in his design, he soon lost all patience, and being, as we have
+before hinted, rather irritable, though extremely well-meaning, he
+lifted the unhappy bantling in the air, and shook him with so much good
+will, that he had well-nigh silenced him most effectually. A brief calm
+succeeded. But with returning breath came returning vociferations; and
+the carpenter, with a faint hope of lessening the clamour by change of
+scene, took up his lantern, opened the door, and walked out.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+The Old Mint.
+
+
+Mrs. Sheppard's habitation terminated a row of old ruinous buildings,
+called Wheeler's Rents; a dirty thoroughfare, part street, and part
+lane, running from Mint Street, through a variety of turnings, and along
+the brink of a deep kennel, skirted by a number of petty and neglected
+gardens in the direction of Saint George's Fields. The neighbouring
+houses were tenanted by the lowest order of insolvent traders, thieves,
+mendicants, and other worthless and nefarious characters, who fled
+thither to escape from their creditors, or to avoid the punishment due
+to their different offenses; for we may observe that the Old Mint,
+although it had been divested of some of its privileges as a sanctuary
+by a recent statute passed in the reign of William the Third, still
+presented a safe asylum to the debtor, and even continued to do so until
+the middle of the reign of George the First, when the crying nature of
+the evil called loudly for a remedy, and another and more sweeping
+enactment entirely took away its immunities. In consequence of the
+encouragement thus offered to dishonesty, and the security afforded to
+crime, this quarter of the Borough of Southwark was accounted (at the
+period of our narrative) the grand receptacle of the superfluous
+villainy of the metropolis. Infested by every description of vagabond
+and miscreant, it was, perhaps, a few degrees worse than the rookery
+near Saint Giles's and the desperate neighbourhood of Saffron Hill in
+our own time. And yet, on the very site of the sordid tenements and
+squalid courts we have mentioned, where the felon openly made his
+dwelling, and the fraudulent debtor laughed the object of his knavery to
+scorn--on this spot, not two centuries ago, stood the princely residence
+of Charles Brandon, the chivalrous Duke of Suffolk, whose stout heart
+was a well of honour, and whose memory breathes of loyalty and valour.
+Suffolk House, as Brandon's palace was denominated, was subsequently
+converted into a mint by his royal brother-in-law, Henry the Eighth;
+and, after its demolition, and the removal of the place of coinage to
+the Tower, the name was still continued to the district in which it had
+been situated.
+
+Old and dilapidated, the widow's domicile looked the very picture of
+desolation and misery. Nothing more forlorn could be conceived. The roof
+was partially untiled; the chimneys were tottering; the side-walls
+bulged, and were supported by a piece of timber propped against the
+opposite house; the glass in most of the windows was broken, and its
+place supplied with paper; while, in some cases, the very frames of the
+windows had been destroyed, and the apertures were left free to the airs
+of heaven. On the groundfloor the shutters were closed, or, to speak
+more correctly, altogether nailed up, and presented a very singular
+appearance, being patched all over with the soles of old shoes, rusty
+hobnails, and bits of iron hoops, the ingenious device of the former
+occupant of the apartment, Paul Groves, the cobbler, to whom we have
+before alluded.
+
+It was owing to the untimely end of this poor fellow that Mrs. Sheppard
+was enabled to take possession of the premises. In a fit of despondency,
+superinduced by drunkenness, he made away with himself; and when the
+body was discovered, after a lapse of some months, such was the
+impression produced by the spectacle--such the alarm occasioned by the
+crazy state of the building, and, above all, by the terror inspired by
+strange and unearthly noises heard during the night, which were, of
+course, attributed to the spirit of the suicide, that the place speedily
+enjoyed the reputation of being haunted, and was, consequently, entirely
+abandoned. In this state Mrs. Sheppard found it; and, as no one opposed
+her, she at once took up her abode there; nor was she long in
+discovering that the dreaded sounds proceeded from the nocturnal gambols
+of a legion of rats.
+
+A narrow entry, formed by two low walls, communicated with the main
+thoroughfare; and in this passage, under the cover of a penthouse, stood
+Wood, with his little burthen, to whom we shall now return.
+
+As Mrs. Sheppard did not make her appearance quite so soon as he
+expected, the carpenter became a little fidgetty, and, having succeeded
+in tranquillizing the child, he thought proper to walk so far down the
+entry as would enable him to reconnoitre the upper windows of the house.
+A light was visible in the garret, feebly struggling through the damp
+atmosphere, for the night was raw and overcast. This light did not
+remain stationary, but could be seen at one moment glimmering through
+the rents in the roof, and at another shining through the cracks in the
+wall, or the broken panes of the casement. Wood was unable to discover
+the figure of the widow, but he recognised her dry, hacking cough, and
+was about to call her down, if she could not find the key, as he
+imagined must be the case, when a loud noise was heard, as though a
+chest, or some weighty substance, had fallen upon the floor.
+
+Before Wood had time to inquire into the cause of this sound, his
+attention was diverted by a man, who rushed past the entry with the
+swiftness of desperation. This individual apparently met with some
+impediment to his further progress; for he had not proceeded many steps
+when he turned suddenly about, and darted up the passage in which Wood
+stood.
+
+Uttering a few inarticulate ejaculations,--for he was completely out of
+breath,--the fugitive placed a bundle in the arms of the carpenter, and,
+regardless of the consternation he excited in the breast of that
+personage, who was almost stupified with astonishment, he began to
+divest himself of a heavy horseman's cloak, which he threw over Wood's
+shoulder, and, drawing his sword, seemed to listen intently for the
+approach of his pursuers.
+
+The appearance of the new-comer was extremely prepossessing; and, after
+his trepidation had a little subsided, Wood began to regard him with
+some degree of interest. Evidently in the flower of his age, he was
+scarcely less remarkable for symmetry of person than for comeliness of
+feature; and, though his attire was plain and unpretending, it was such
+as could be worn only by one belonging to the higher ranks of society.
+His figure was tall and commanding, and the expression of his
+countenance (though somewhat disturbed by his recent exertion) was
+resolute and stern.
+
+At this juncture, a cry burst from the child, who, nearly smothered by
+the weight imposed upon him, only recovered the use of his lungs as Wood
+altered the position of the bundle. The stranger turned his head at the
+sound.
+
+"By Heaven!" cried he in a tone of surprise, "you have an infant there?"
+
+"To be sure I have," replied Wood, angrily; for, finding that the
+intentions of the stranger were pacific, so far as he was concerned, he
+thought he might safely venture on a slight display of spirit. "It's
+very well you haven't crushed the poor little thing to death with this
+confounded clothes'-bag. But some people have no consideration."
+
+"That child may be the means of saving me," muttered the stranger, as if
+struck by a new idea: "I shall gain time by the expedient. Do you live
+here?"
+
+"Not exactly," answered the carpenter.
+
+"No matter. The door is open, so it is needless to ask leave to enter.
+Ha!" exclaimed the stranger, as shouts and other vociferations resounded
+at no great distance along the thoroughfare, "not a moment is to be
+lost. Give me that precious charge," he added, snatching the bundle from
+Wood. "If I escape, I will reward you. Your name?"
+
+"Owen Wood," replied the carpenter; "I've no reason to be ashamed of it.
+And now, a fair exchange, Sir. Yours?"
+
+The stranger hesitated. The shouts drew nearer, and lights were seen
+flashing ruddily against the sides and gables of the neighbouring
+houses.
+
+"My name is Darrell," said the fugitive hastily. "But, if you are
+discovered, answer no questions, as you value your life. Wrap yourself
+in my cloak, and keep it. Remember! not a word!"
+
+So saying, he huddled the mantle over Wood's shoulders, dashed the
+lantern to the ground, and extinguished the light. A moment afterwards,
+the door was closed and bolted, and the carpenter found himself alone.
+
+"Mercy on us!" cried he, as a thrill of apprehension ran through his
+frame. "The Dutchman was right, after all."
+
+This exclamation had scarcely escaped him, when the discharge of a
+pistol was heard, and a bullet whizzed past his ears.
+
+"I have him!" cried a voice in triumph.
+
+A man, then, rushed up the entry, and, seizing the unlucky carpenter by
+the collar, presented a drawn sword to his throat. This person was
+speedily followed by half a dozen others, some of whom carried
+flambeaux.
+
+"Mur--der!" roared Wood, struggling to free himself from his assailant,
+by whom he was half strangled.
+
+"Damnation!" exclaimed one of the leaders of the party in a furious
+tone, snatching a torch from an attendant, and throwing its light full
+upon the face of the carpenter; "this is not the villain, Sir Cecil."
+
+"So I find, Rowland," replied the other, in accents of deep
+disappointment, and at the same time relinquishing his grasp. "I could
+have sworn I saw him enter this passage. And how comes his cloak on this
+knave's shoulders?"
+
+"It is his cloak, of a surety," returned Rowland "Harkye, sirrah,"
+continued he, haughtily interrogating Wood; "where is the person from
+whom you received this mantle?"
+
+"Throttling a man isn't the way to make him answer questions," replied
+the carpenter, doggedly. "You'll get nothing out of me, I can promise
+you, unless you show a little more civility."
+
+"We waste time with this fellow," interposed Sir Cecil, "and may lose
+the object of our quest, who, beyond doubt, has taken refuge in this
+building. Let us search it."
+
+Just then, the infant began to sob piteously.
+
+"Hist!" cried Rowland, arresting his comrade. "Do you hear that! We are
+not wholly at fault. The dog-fox cannot be far off, since the cub is
+found."
+
+With these words, he tore the mantle from Wood's back, and, perceiving
+the child, endeavoured to seize it. In this attempt he was, however,
+foiled by the agility of the carpenter, who managed to retreat to the
+door, against which he placed his back, kicking the boards vigorously
+with his heel.
+
+"Joan! Joan!" vociferated he, "open the door, for God's sake, or I shall
+be murdered, and so will your babby! Open the door quickly, I say."
+
+"Knock him on the head," thundered Sir Cecil, "or we shall have the
+watch upon us."
+
+"No fear of that," rejoined Rowland: "such vermin never dare to show
+themselves in this privileged district. All we have to apprehend is a
+rescue."
+
+The hint was not lost upon Wood. He tried to raise an outcry, but his
+throat was again forcibly griped by Rowland.
+
+"Another such attempt," said the latter, "and you are a dead man. Yield
+up the babe, and I pledge my word you shall remain unmolested."
+
+"I will yield it to no one but its mother," answered Wood.
+
+"'Sdeath! do you trifle with me, sirrah?" cried Rowland fiercely. "Give
+me the child, or--"
+
+As he spoke the door was thrown open, and Mrs. Sheppard staggered
+forward. She looked paler than ever; but her countenance, though
+bewildered, did not exhibit the alarm which might naturally have been
+anticipated from the strange and perplexing scene presented to her view.
+
+"Take it," cried Wood, holding the infant towards her; "take it, and
+fly."
+
+Mrs. Sheppard put out her arms mechanically. But before the child could
+be committed to her care, it was wrested from the carpenter by Rowland.
+
+"These people are all in league with him," cried the latter. "But don't
+wait for me, Sir Cecil. Enter the house with your men. I'll dispose of
+the brat."
+
+This injunction was instantly obeyed. The knight and his followers
+crossed the threshold, leaving one of the torch-bearers behind them.
+
+"Davies," said Rowland, delivering the babe, with a meaning look, to his
+attendant.
+
+"I understand, Sir," replied Davies, drawing a little aside. And,
+setting down the link, he proceeded deliberately to untie his cravat.
+
+"My God! will you see your child strangled before your eyes, and not so
+much as scream for help?" said Wood, staring at the widow with a look of
+surprise and horror. "Woman, your wits are fled!"
+
+And so it seemed; for all the answer she could make was to murmur
+distractedly, "I can't find the key."
+
+"Devil take the key!" ejaculated Wood. "They're about to murder your
+child--_your_ child, I tell you! Do you comprehend what I say, Joan?"
+
+"I've hurt my head," replied Mrs. Sheppard, pressing her hand to her
+temples.
+
+And then, for the first time, Wood noticed a small stream of blood
+coursing slowly down her cheek.
+
+At this moment, Davies, who had completed his preparations, extinguished
+the torch.
+
+"It's all over," groaned Wood, "and perhaps it's as well her senses are
+gone. However, I'll make a last effort to save the poor little creature,
+if it costs me my life."
+
+And, with this generous resolve, he shouted at the top of his voice,
+"Arrest! arrest! help! help!" seconding the words with a shrill and
+peculiar cry, well known at the time to the inhabitants of the quarter
+in which it was uttered.
+
+In reply to this summons a horn was instantly blown at the corner of the
+street.
+
+"Arrest!" vociferated Wood. "Mint! Mint!"
+
+"Death and hell!" cried Rowland, making a furious pass at the carpenter,
+who fortunately avoided the thrust in the darkness; "will nothing
+silence you?"
+
+"Help!" ejaculated Wood, renewing his cries. "Arrest!"
+
+"Jigger closed!" shouted a hoarse voice in reply. "All's bowman, my
+covey. Fear nothing. We'll be upon the ban-dogs before they can shake
+their trotters!"
+
+And the alarm was sounded more loudly than ever.
+
+Another horn now resounded from the further extremity of the
+thoroughfare; this was answered by a third; and presently a fourth, and
+more remote blast, took up the note of alarm. The whole neighbourhood
+was disturbed. A garrison called to arms at dead of night on the sudden
+approach of the enemy, could not have been more expeditiously, or
+effectually aroused. Rattles were sprung; lanterns lighted, and hoisted
+at the end of poles; windows thrown open; doors unbarred; and, as if by
+magic, the street was instantaneously filled with a crowd of persons of
+both sexes, armed with such weapons as came most readily to hand, and
+dressed in such garments as could be most easily slipped on. Hurrying in
+the direction of the supposed arrest, they encouraged each other with
+shouts, and threatened the offending parties with their vengeance.
+
+Regardless as the gentry of the Mint usually were (for, indeed, they had
+become habituated from their frequent occurrence to such scenes,) of any
+outrages committed in their streets; deaf, as they had been, to the
+recent scuffle before Mrs. Sheppard's door, they were always
+sufficiently on the alert to maintain their privileges, and to assist
+each other against the attacks of their common enemy--the sheriff's
+officer. It was only by the adoption of such a course (especially since
+the late act of suppression, to which we have alluded,) that the
+inviolability of the asylum could be preserved. Incursions were often
+made upon its territories by the functionaries of the law; sometimes
+attended with success, but more frequently with discomfiture; and it
+rarely happened, unless by stratagem or bribery, that (in the language
+of the gentlemen of the short staff) an important caption could be
+effected. In order to guard against accidents or surprises, watchmen, or
+scouts, (as they were styled,) were stationed at the three main outlets
+of the sanctuary ready to give the signal in the manner just described:
+bars were erected, which, in case of emergency; could be immediately
+stretched across the streets: doors were attached to the alleys; and
+were never opened without due precautions; gates were affixed to the
+courts, wickets to the gates, and bolts to the wickets. The back windows
+of the houses (where any such existed) were strongly barricaded, and
+kept constantly shut; and the fortress was, furthermore, defended by
+high walls and deep ditches in those quarters where it appeared most
+exposed. There was also a Maze, (the name is still retained in the
+district,) into which the debtor could run, and through the intricacies
+of which it was impossible for an officer to follow him, without a
+clue. Whoever chose to incur the risk of so doing might enter the Mint
+at any hour; but no one was suffered to depart without giving a
+satisfactory account of himself, or producing a pass from the Master. In
+short, every contrivance that ingenuity could devise was resorted to by
+this horde of reprobates to secure themselves from danger or
+molestation. Whitefriars had lost its privileges; Salisbury Court and
+the Savoy no longer offered places of refuge to the debtor; and it was,
+therefore, doubly requisite that the Island of Bermuda (as the Mint was
+termed by its occupants) should uphold its rights, as long as it was
+able to do so.
+
+Mr. Wood, meantime, had not remained idle. Aware that not a moment was
+to be lost, if he meant to render any effectual assistance to the child,
+he ceased shouting, and defending himself in the best way he could from
+the attacks of Rowland, by whom he was closely pressed, forced his way,
+in spite of all opposition, to Davies, and dealt him a blow on the head
+with such good will that, had it not been for the intervention of the
+wall, the ruffian must have been prostrated. Before he could recover
+from the stunning effects of the blow, Wood possessed himself of the
+child: and, untying the noose which had been slipped round its throat,
+had the satisfaction of hearing it cry lustily.
+
+At this juncture, Sir Cecil and his followers appeared at the threshold.
+
+"He has escaped!" exclaimed the knight; "we have searched every corner
+of the house without finding a trace of him."
+
+"Back!" cried Rowland. "Don't you hear those shouts? Yon fellow's
+clamour has brought the whole horde of jail-birds and cut-throats that
+infest this place about our ears. We shall be torn in pieces if we are
+discovered. Davies!" he added, calling to the attendant, who was
+menacing Wood with a severe retaliation, "don't heed him; but, if you
+value a whole skin, come into the house, and bring that woman with you.
+She may afford us some necessary information."
+
+Davies reluctantly complied. And, dragging Mrs. Sheppard, who made no
+resistance, along with him, entered the house, the door of which was
+instantly shut and barricaded.
+
+A moment afterwards, the street was illumined by a blaze of torchlight,
+and a tumultuous uproar, mixed with the clashing of weapons, and the
+braying of horns, announced the arrival of the first detachment of
+Minters.
+
+Mr. Wood rushed instantly to meet them.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted he, waving his hat triumphantly over his head.
+"Saved!"
+
+"Ay, ay, it's all bob, my covey! You're safe enough, that's certain!"
+responded the Minters, baying, yelping, leaping, and howling around him
+like a pack of hounds when the huntsman is beating cover; "but, where
+are the lurchers?"
+
+"Who?" asked Wood.
+
+"The traps!" responded a bystander.
+
+"The shoulder-clappers!" added a lady, who, in her anxiety to join the
+party, had unintentionally substituted her husband's nether habiliments
+for her own petticoats.
+
+"The ban-dogs!" thundered a tall man, whose stature and former
+avocations had procured him the nickname of "The long drover of the
+Borough market." "Where are they?"
+
+"Ay, where are they?" chorussed the mob, flourishing their various
+weapons, and flashing their torches in the air; "we'll starve 'em out."
+
+Mr. Wood trembled. He felt he had raised a storm which it would be very
+difficult, if not impossible, to allay. He knew not what to say, or what
+to do; and his confusion was increased by the threatening gestures and
+furious looks of the ruffians in his immediate vicinity.
+
+"I don't understand you, gentlemen," stammered he, at length.
+
+"What does he say?" roared the long drover.
+
+"He says he don't understand flash," replied the lady in gentleman's
+attire.
+
+"Cease your confounded clutter!" said a young man, whose swarthy visage,
+seen in the torchlight, struck Wood as being that of a Mulatto. "You
+frighten the cull out of his senses. It's plain he don't understand our
+lingo; as, how should he? Take pattern by me;" and as he said this he
+strode up to the carpenter, and, slapping him on the shoulder,
+propounded the following questions, accompanying each interrogation with
+a formidable contortion of countenance. "Curse you! Where are the
+bailiffs? Rot you! have you lost your tongue? Devil seize you! you could
+bawl loud enough a moment ago!"
+
+"Silence, Blueskin!" interposed an authoritative voice, immediately
+behind the ruffian. "Let me have a word with the cull!"
+
+"Ay! ay!" cried several of the bystanders, "let Jonathan kimbaw the
+cove. He's got the gift of the gab."
+
+The crowd accordingly drew aside, and the individual, in whose behalf
+the movement had been made immediately stepped forward. He was a young
+man of about two-and-twenty, who, without having anything remarkable
+either in dress or appearance, was yet a noticeable person, if only for
+the indescribable expression of cunning pervading his countenance. His
+eyes were small and grey; as far apart and as sly-looking as those of a
+fox. A physiognomist, indeed, would have likened him to that crafty
+animal, and it must be owned the general formation of his features
+favoured such a comparison. The nose was long and sharp, the chin
+pointed, the forehead broad and flat, and connected, without any
+intervening hollow, with the eyelid; the teeth when displayed, seemed to
+reach from ear to ear. Then his beard was of a reddish hue, and his
+complexion warm and sanguine. Those who had seen him slumbering, averred
+that he slept with his eyes open. But this might be merely a figurative
+mode of describing his customary vigilance. Certain it was, that the
+slightest sound aroused him. This astute personage was somewhat under
+the middle size, but fairly proportioned, inclining rather to strength
+than symmetry, and abounding more in muscle than in flesh.
+
+It would seem, from the attention which he evidently bestowed upon the
+hidden and complex machinery of the grand system of villany at work
+around him, that his chief object in taking up his quarters in the Mint,
+must have been to obtain some private information respecting the habits
+and practices of its inhabitants, to be turned to account hereafter.
+
+Advancing towards Wood, Jonathan fixed his keen gray eyes upon him, and
+demanded, in a stern tone whether the persons who had taken refuge in
+the adjoining house, were bailiffs.
+
+"Not that I know of," replied the carpenter, who had in some degree
+recovered his confidence.
+
+"Then I presume you've not been arrested?"
+
+"I have not," answered Wood firmly.
+
+"I guessed as much. Perhaps you'll next inform us why you have
+occasioned this disturbance."
+
+"Because this child's life was threatened by the persons you have
+mentioned," rejoined Wood.
+
+"An excellent reason, i' faith!" exclaimed Blueskin, with a roar of
+surprise and indignation, which was echoed by the whole assemblage. "And
+so we're to be summoned from our beds and snug firesides, because a kid
+happens to squall, eh? By the soul of my grandmother, but this is too
+good!"
+
+"Do you intend to claim the privileges of the Mint?" said Jonathan,
+calmly pursuing his interrogations amid the uproar. "Is your person in
+danger?"
+
+"Not from my creditors," replied Wood, significantly.
+
+"Will he post the cole? Will he come down with the dues? Ask him that?"
+cried Blueskin.
+
+"You hear," pursued Jonathan; "my friend desires to know if you are
+willing to pay your footing as a member of the ancient and respectable
+fraternity of debtors?"
+
+"I owe no man a farthing, and my name shall never appear in any such
+rascally list," replied Wood angrily. "I don't see why I should be
+obliged to pay for doing my duty. I tell you this child would have been
+strangled. The noose was at its throat when I called for help. I knew
+it was in vain to cry 'murder!' in the Mint, so I had recourse to
+stratagem."
+
+"Well, Sir, I must say you deserve some credit for your ingenuity, at
+all events," replied Jonathan, repressing a smile; "but, before you put
+out your foot so far, it would have been quite as prudent to consider
+how you were to draw it back again. For my own part, I don't see in what
+way it is to be accomplished, except by the payment of our customary
+fees. Do not imagine you can at one moment avail yourself of our
+excellent regulations (with which you seem sufficiently well
+acquainted), and the next break them with impunity. If you assume the
+character of a debtor for your own convenience, you must be content to
+maintain it for ours. If you have not been arrested, we have been
+disturbed; and it is but just and reasonable you should pay for
+occasioning such disturbance. By your own showing you are in easy
+circumstances,--for it is only natural to presume that a man who owes
+nothing must be in a condition to pay liberally,--and you cannot
+therefore feel the loss of such a trifle as ten guineas."
+
+However illogical and inconclusive these arguments might appear to Mr.
+Wood, and however he might dissent from the latter proposition, he did
+not deem it expedient to make any reply; and the orator proceeded with
+his harangue amid the general applause of the assemblage.
+
+"I am perhaps exceeding my authority in demanding so slight a sum,"
+continued Jonathan, modestly, "and the Master of the Mint may not be
+disposed to let you off so lightly. He will be here in a moment or so,
+and you will then learn his determination. In the mean time, let me
+advise you as a friend not to irritate him by a refusal, which would be
+as useless as vexatious. He has a very summary mode of dealing with
+refractory persons, I assure you. My best endeavours shall be used to
+bring you off, on the easy terms I have mentioned."
+
+"Do you call ten guineas easy terms?" cried Wood, with a look of dismay.
+"Why, I should expect to purchase the entire freehold of the Mint for
+less money."
+
+"Many a man has been glad to pay double the amount to get his head from
+under the Mint pump," observed Blueskin, gruffly.
+
+"Let the gentleman take his own course," said Jonathan, mildly. "I
+should be sorry to persuade him to do anything his calmer judgment might
+disapprove."
+
+"Exactly my sentiments," rejoined Blueskin. "I wouldn't force him for
+the world: but if he don't tip the stivers, may I be cursed if he don't
+get a taste of the _aqua pompaginis_. Let's have a look at the kinchen
+that _ought_ to have been throttled," added he, snatching the child from
+Wood. "My stars! here's a pretty lullaby-cheat to make a fuss about--ho!
+ho!"
+
+"Deal with me as you think proper, gentlemen," exclaimed Wood; "but, for
+mercy's sake don't harm the child! Let it be taken to its mother."
+
+"And who is its mother?" asked Jonathan, in an eager whisper. "Tell me
+frankly, and speak under your breath. Your own safety--the child's
+safety--depends upon your candour."
+
+While Mr. Wood underwent this examination, Blueskin felt a small and
+trembling hand placed upon his own, and, turning at the summons, beheld
+a young female, whose features were partially concealed by a loo, or
+half mask, standing beside him. Coarse as were the ruffian's notions of
+feminine beauty, he could not be insensible to the surpassing loveliness
+of the fair creature, who had thus solicited his attention. Her figure
+was, in some measure, hidden by a large scarf, and a deep hood drawn
+over the head contributed to her disguise; still it was evident, from
+her lofty bearing, that she had nothing in common, except an interest in
+their proceedings, with the crew by whom she was surrounded.
+
+Whence she came,--who she was,--and what she wanted,--were questions
+which naturally suggested themselves to Blueskin, and he was about to
+seek for some explanation, when his curiosity was checked by a gesture
+of silence from the lady.
+
+"Hush!" said she, in a low, but agitated voice; "would you earn this
+purse?"
+
+"I've no objection," replied Blueskin, in a tone intended to be gentle,
+but which sounded like the murmuring whine of a playful bear. "How much
+is there in it!"
+
+"It contains gold," replied the lady; "but I will add this ring."
+
+"What am I to do to earn it?" asked Blueskin, with a disgusting
+leer,--"cut a throat--or throw myself at your feet--eh, my dear?"
+
+"Give me that child," returned the lady, with difficulty overcoming the
+loathing inspired by the ruffian's familiarity.
+
+"Oh! I see!" replied Blueskin, winking significantly, "Come nearer, or
+they'll observe us. Don't be afraid--I won't hurt you. I'm always
+agreeable to the women, bless their kind hearts! Now! slip the purse
+into my hand. Bravo!--the best cly-faker of 'em all couldn't have done
+it better. And now for the fawney--the ring I mean. I'm no great judge
+of these articles, Ma'am; but I trust to your honour not to palm off
+paste upon me."
+
+"It is a diamond," said the lady, in an agony of distress,--"the child!"
+
+"A diamond! Here, take the kid," cried Blueskin, slipping the infant
+adroitly under her scarf. "And so this is a diamond," added he,
+contemplating the brilliant from the hollow of his hand: "it does
+sparkle almost as brightly as your ogles. By the by, my dear, I forgot
+to ask your name--perhaps you'll oblige me with it now? Hell and the
+devil!--gone!"
+
+He looked around in vain. The lady had disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+The Master of the Mint.
+
+
+Jonathan, meanwhile, having ascertained the parentage of the child from
+Wood, proceeded to question him in an under tone, as to the probable
+motives of the attempt upon its life; and, though he failed in obtaining
+any information on this point, he had little difficulty in eliciting
+such particulars of the mysterious transaction as have already been
+recounted. When the carpenter concluded his recital, Jonathan was for a
+moment lost in reflection.
+
+"Devilish strange!" thought he, chuckling to himself; "queer business!
+Capital trick of the cull in the cloak to make another person's brat
+stand the brunt for his own--capital! ha! ha! Won't do, though. He must
+be a sly fox to get out of the Mint without my knowledge. I've a shrewd
+guess where he's taken refuge; but I'll ferret him out. These bloods
+will pay well for his capture; if not, _he'll_ pay well to get out of
+their hands; so I'm safe either way--ha! ha! Blueskin," he added aloud,
+and motioning that worthy, "follow me."
+
+Upon which, he set off in the direction of the entry. His progress,
+however, was checked by loud acclamations, announcing the arrival of the
+Master of the Mint and his train.
+
+Baptist Kettleby (for so was the Master named) was a "goodly portly man,
+and a corpulent," whose fair round paunch bespoke the affection he
+entertained for good liquor and good living. He had a quick, shrewd,
+merry eye, and a look in which duplicity was agreeably veiled by good
+humour. It was easy to discover that he was a knave, but equally easy to
+perceive that he was a pleasant fellow; a combination of qualities by no
+means of rare occurrence. So far as regards his attire, Baptist was not
+seen to advantage. No great lover of state or state costume at any time,
+he was generally, towards the close of an evening, completely in
+dishabille, and in this condition he now presented himself to his
+subjects. His shirt was unfastened, his vest unbuttoned, his hose
+ungartered; his feet were stuck into a pair of pantoufles, his arms into
+a greasy flannel dressing-gown, his head into a thrum-cap, the cap into
+a tie-periwig, and the wig into a gold-edged hat. A white apron was tied
+round his waist, and into the apron was thrust a short thick truncheon,
+which looked very much like a rolling-pin.
+
+The Master of the Mint was accompanied by another gentleman almost as
+portly as himself, and quite as deliberate in his movements. The costume
+of this personage was somewhat singular, and might have passed for a
+masquerading habit, had not the imperturbable gravity of his demeanour
+forbidden any such supposition. It consisted of a close jerkin of brown
+frieze, ornamented with a triple row of brass buttons; loose Dutch
+slops, made very wide in the seat and very tight at the knees; red
+stockings with black clocks, and a fur cap. The owner of this dress had
+a broad weather-beaten face, small twinkling eyes, and a bushy, grizzled
+beard. Though he walked by the side of the governor, he seldom exchanged
+a word with him, but appeared wholly absorbed in the contemplations
+inspired by a broadbowled Dutch pipe.
+
+Behind the illustrious personages just described marched a troop of
+stalwart fellows, with white badges in their hats, quarterstaves, oaken
+cudgels, and links in their hands. These were the Master's body-guard.
+
+Advancing towards the Master, and claiming an audience, which was
+instantly granted, Jonathan, without much circumlocution, related the
+sum of the strange story he had just learnt from Wood, omitting nothing
+except a few trifling particulars, which he thought it politic to keep
+back; and, with this view, he said not a word of there being any
+probability of capturing the fugitive, but, on the contrary, roundly
+asserted that his informant had witnessed that person's escape.
+
+The Master listened, with becoming attention, to the narrative, and, at
+its conclusion, shook his head gravely, applied his thumb to the side of
+his nose, and, twirling his fingers significantly, winked at his
+phlegmatic companion. The gentleman appealed to shook his head in reply,
+coughed as only a Dutchman _can_ cough, and raising his hand from the
+bowl of his pipe, went through precisely the same mysterious ceremonial
+as the Master.
+
+Putting his own construction upon this mute interchange of opinions,
+Jonathan ventured to observe, that it certainly was a very perplexing
+case, but that he thought something _might_ be made of it, and, if left
+to him, he would undertake to manage the matter to the Master's entire
+satisfaction.
+
+"Ja, ja, Muntmeester," said the Dutchman, removing the pipe from his
+mouth, and speaking in a deep and guttural voice, "leave the affair to
+Johannes. He'll settle it bravely. And let ush go back to our brandewyn,
+and hollandsche genever. Dese ere not schouts, as you faind, but jonkers
+on a vrolyk; and if dey'd chanshed to keel de vrow Sheppard's pet lamb,
+dey'd have done her a servish, by shaving it from dat unpleasant
+complaint, de hempen fever, with which its laatter days are threatened,
+and of which its poor vader died. Myn Got! haanging runs in some
+families, Muntmeester. It's hereditary, like de jigt, vat you call
+it--gout--haw! haw!"
+
+"If the child _is_ destined to the gibbet, Van Galgebrok," replied the
+Master, joining in the laugh, "it'll never be choked by a footman's
+cravat, that's certain; but, in regard to going back empty-handed,"
+continued he, altering his tone, and assuming a dignified air, "it's
+quite out of the question. With Baptist Kettleby, to engage in a matter
+is to go through with it. Besides, this is an affair which no one but
+myself can settle. Common offences may be decided upon by deputy; but
+outrages perpetrated by men of rank, as these appear to be, must be
+judged by the Master of the Mint in person. These are the decrees of the
+Island of Bermuda, and I will never suffer its excellent laws to be
+violated. Gentlemen of the Mint," added he, pointing with his truncheon
+towards Mrs. Sheppard's house, "forward!"
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted the mob, and the whole phalanx was put in motion in
+that direction. At the same moment a martial flourish, proceeding from
+cow's horns, tin canisters filled with stones, bladders and cat-gut,
+with other sprightly, instruments, was struck up, and, enlivened by this
+harmonious accompaniment, the troop reached its destination in the best
+possible spirits for an encounter.
+
+"Let us in," said the Master, rapping his truncheon authoritatively
+against the boards, "or we'll force an entrance."
+
+But as no answer was returned to the summons, though it was again, and
+more peremptorily, repeated, Baptist seized a mallet from a bystander
+and burst open the door. Followed by Van Galgebrok and others of his
+retinue, he then rushed into the room, where Rowland, Sir Cecil, and
+their attendants, stood with drawn swords prepared to receive them.
+
+"Beat down their blades," cried the Master; "no bloodshed."
+
+"Beat out their brains, you mean," rejoined Blueskin with a tremendous
+imprecation; "no half measures now, Master."
+
+"Hadn't you better hold a moment's parley with the gentlemen before
+proceeding to extremities?" suggested Jonathan.
+
+"Agreed," responded the Master. "Surely," he added, staring at Rowland,
+"either I'm greatly mistaken, or it is--"
+
+"You are not mistaken, Baptist," returned Rowland with a gesture of
+silence; "it is your old friend. I'm glad to recognise you."
+
+"And I'm glad your worship's recognition doesn't come too late,"
+observed the Master. "But why didn't you make yourself known at once?"
+
+"I'd forgotten the office you hold in the Mint, Baptist," replied
+Rowland. "But clear the room of this rabble, if you have sufficient
+authority over them. I would speak with you."
+
+"There's but one way of clearing it, your worship," said the Master,
+archly.
+
+"I understand," replied Rowland. "Give them what you please. I'll repay
+you."
+
+"It's all right, pals," cried Baptist, in a loud tone; "the gentlemen
+and I have settled matters. No more scuffling."
+
+"What's the meaning of all this?" demanded Sir Cecil. "How have you
+contrived to still these troubled waters?"
+
+"I've chanced upon an old ally in the Master of the Mint," answered
+Rowland. "We may trust him," he added in a whisper; "he is a staunch
+friend of the good cause."
+
+"Blueskin, clear the room," cried the Master; "these gentlemen would be
+private. They've _paid_ for their lodging. Where's Jonathan?"
+
+Inquiries were instantly made after that individual, but he was nowhere
+to be found.
+
+"Strange!" observed the Master; "I thought he'd been at my elbow all
+this time. But it don't much matter--though he's a devilish shrewd
+fellow, and might have helped me out of a difficulty, had any occurred.
+Hark ye, Blueskin," continued he, addressing that personage, who, in
+obedience to his commands, had, with great promptitude, driven out the
+rabble, and again secured the door, "a word in your ear. What female
+entered the house with us?"
+
+"Blood and thunder!" exclaimed Blueskin, afraid, if he admitted having
+seen the lady, of being compelled to divide the plunder he had obtained
+from her among his companions, "how should I know? D'ye suppose I'm
+always thinking of the petticoats? I observed no female; but if any one
+_did_ join the assault, it must have been either Amazonian Kate, or
+Fighting Moll."
+
+"The woman I mean did not join the assault," rejoined the Master, "but
+rather seemed to shun observation; and, from the hasty glimpse I caught
+of her, she appeared to have a child in her arms."
+
+"Then, most probably, it was the widow Sheppard," answered Blueskin,
+sulkily.
+
+"Right," said the Master, "I didn't think of her. And now I've another
+job for you."
+
+"Propose it," returned Blueskin, inclining his head.
+
+"Square accounts with the rascal who got up the sham arrest; and, if he
+don't tip the cole without more ado, give him a taste of the pump,
+that's all."
+
+"He shall go through the whole course," replied Blueskin, with a
+ferocious grin, "unless he comes down to the last grig. We'll lather him
+with mud, shave him with a rusty razor, and drench him with _aqua
+pompaginis_. Master, your humble servant.--Gentlemen, your most
+obsequious trout."
+
+Having effected his object, which was to get rid of Blueskin, Baptist
+turned to Rowland and Sir Cecil, who had watched his proceedings with
+much impatience, and remarked, "Now, gentlemen, the coast's clear; we've
+nothing to interrupt us. I'm entirely at your service."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+The Roof and the Window.
+
+
+Leaving them to pursue their conference, we shall follow the footsteps
+of Jonathan, who, as the Master surmised, and, as we have intimated, had
+unquestionably entered the house. But at the beginning of the affray,
+when he thought every one was too much occupied with his own concerns to
+remark his absence, he slipped out of the room, not for the purpose of
+avoiding the engagement (for cowardice was not one of his failings), but
+because he had another object in view. Creeping stealthily up stairs,
+unmasking a dark lantern, and glancing into each room as he passed, he
+was startled in one of them by the appearance of Mrs. Sheppard, who
+seemed to be crouching upon the floor. Satisfied, however, that she did
+not notice him, Jonathan glided away as noiselessly as he came, and
+ascended another short flight of stairs leading to the garret. As he
+crossed this chamber, his foot struck against something on the floor,
+which nearly threw him down, and stooping to examine the object, he
+found it was a key. "Never throw away a chance," thought Jonathan. "Who
+knows but this key may open a golden lock one of these days?" And,
+picking it up, he thrust it into his pocket.
+
+Arrived beneath an aperture in the broken roof, he was preparing to pass
+through it, when he observed a little heap of tiles upon the floor,
+which appeared to have been recently dislodged. "He _has_ passed this
+way," cried Jonathan, exultingly; "I have him safe enough." He then
+closed the lantern, mounted without much difficulty upon the roof, and
+proceeded cautiously along the tiles.
+
+The night was now profoundly dark. Jonathan had to feel his way. A
+single false step might have precipitated him into the street; or, if he
+had trodden upon an unsound part of the roof, he must have fallen
+through it. He had nothing to guide him; for though the torches were
+blazing ruddily below, their gleam fell only on the side of the
+building. The venturous climber gazed for a moment at the assemblage
+beneath, to ascertain that he was not discovered; and, having satisfied
+himself in this particular, he stepped out more boldly. On gaining a
+stack of chimneys at the back of the house, he came to a pause, and
+again unmasked his lantern. Nothing, however, could be discerned, except
+the crumbling brickwork. "Confusion!" ejaculated Jonathan: "can he have
+escaped? No. The walls are too high, and the windows too stoutly
+barricaded in this quarter, to admit such a supposition. He can't be far
+off. I shall find him yet. Ah! I have it," he added, after a moment's
+deliberation; "he's there, I'll be sworn." And, once more enveloping
+himself in darkness, he pursued his course.
+
+He had now reached the adjoining house, and, scaling the roof,
+approached another building, which seemed to be, at least, one story
+loftier than its neighbours. Apparently, Jonathan was well acquainted
+with the premises; for, feeling about in the dark, he speedily
+discovered a ladder, up the steps of which he hurried. Drawing a pistol,
+and unclosing his lantern with the quickness of thought, he then burst
+through an open trap-door into a small loft.
+
+The light fell upon the fugitive, who stood before him in an attitude of
+defence, with the child in his arms.
+
+"Aha!" exclaimed Jonathan, acting upon the information he had obtained
+from Wood; "I have found you at last. Your servant, Mr. Darrell."
+
+"Who are you!" demanded the fugitive, sternly.
+
+"A friend," replied Jonathan, uncocking the pistol, and placing it in
+his pocket.
+
+"How do I know you are a friend?" asked Darrell.
+
+"What should I do here alone if I were an enemy? But, come, don't let us
+waste time in bandying words, when we might employ it so much more
+profitably. Your life, and that of your child, are in my power. What
+will you give me to save you from your pursuers?"
+
+"_Can_ you do so?" asked the other, doubtfully.
+
+"I can, and will. Now, the reward?"
+
+"I have but an ill-furnished purse. But if I escape, my gratitude--"
+
+"Pshaw!" interrupted Jonathan, scornfully. "Your gratitude will vanish
+with your danger. Pay fools with promises. I must have something in
+hand."
+
+"You shall have all I have about me," replied Darrell.
+
+"Well--well," grumbled Jonathan, "I suppose I must be content. An
+ill-lined purse is a poor recompense for the risk I have run. However,
+come along. I needn't tell you to tread carefully. You know the danger
+of this breakneck road as well as I do. The light would betray us." So
+saying, he closed the lantern.
+
+"Harkye, Sir," rejoined Darrell; "one word before I move. I know not who
+you are; and, as I cannot discern your face, I may be doing you an
+injustice. But there is something in your voice that makes me distrust
+you. If you attempt to play the traitor, you will do so at the hazard of
+your life."
+
+"I have already hazarded my life in this attempt to save you," returned
+Jonathan boldly, and with apparent frankness; "this ought to be
+sufficient answer to your doubts. Your pursuers are below. What was to
+hinder me, if I had been so inclined, from directing them to your
+retreat?"
+
+"Enough," replied Darrell. "Lead on!"
+
+Followed by Darrell, Jonathan retraced his dangerous path. As he
+approached the gable of Mrs. Sheppard's house, loud yells and
+vociferations reached his ears; and, looking downwards, he perceived a
+great stir amid the mob. The cause of this uproar was soon manifest.
+Blueskin and the Minters were dragging Wood to the pump. The unfortunate
+carpenter struggled violently, but ineffectually. His hat was placed
+upon one pole, his wig on another. His shouts for help were answered by
+roars of mockery and laughter. He continued alternately to be tossed in
+the air, or rolled in the kennel until he was borne out of sight. The
+spectacle seemed to afford as much amusement to Jonathan as to the
+actors engaged in it. He could not contain his satisfaction, but
+chuckled, and rubbed his hands with delight.
+
+"By Heaven!" cried Darrell, "it is the poor fellow whom I placed in such
+jeopardy a short time ago. I am the cause of his ill-usage."
+
+"To be sure you are," replied Jonathan, laughing. "But, what of that?
+It'll be a lesson to him in future, and will show him the folly of doing
+a good-natured action!"
+
+But perceiving that his companion did not relish his pleasantry and
+fearing that his sympathy for the carpenter's situation might betray him
+into some act of imprudence, Jonathan, without further remark, and by
+way of putting an end to the discussion, let himself drop through the
+roof. His example was followed by Darrell. But, though the latter was
+somewhat embarrassed by his burthen, he peremptorily declined Jonathan's
+offer of assistance. Both, however, having safely landed, they
+cautiously crossed the room, and passed down the first flight of steps
+in silence. At this moment, a door was opened below; lights gleamed on
+the walls; and the figures of Rowland and Sir Cecil were distinguished
+at the foot of the stairs.
+
+Darrell stopped, and drew his sword.
+
+"You have betrayed me," said he, in a deep whisper, to his companion;
+"but you shall reap the reward of your treachery."
+
+"Be still!" returned Jonathan, in the same under tone, and with great
+self-possession: "I can yet save you. And see!" he added, as the figures
+drew back, and the lights disappeared; "it's a false alarm. They have
+retired. However, not a moment is to be lost. Give me your hand."
+
+He then hurried Darrell down another short flight of steps, and entered
+a small chamber at the back of the house. Closing the door, Jonathan
+next produced his lantern, and, hastening towards the window, undrew a
+bolt by which it was fastened. A stout wooden shutter, opening inwardly,
+being removed, disclosed a grating of iron bars. This obstacle, which
+appeared to preclude the possibility of egress in that quarter, was
+speedily got rid of. Withdrawing another bolt, and unhooking a chain
+suspended from the top of the casement, Jonathan pushed the iron
+framework outwards. The bars dropped noiselessly and slowly down, till
+the chain tightened at the staple.
+
+"You are free," said he, "that grating forms a ladder, by which you may
+descend in safety. I learned the trick of the place from one Paul
+Groves, who used to live here, and who contrived the machine. He used to
+call it his fire-escape--ha! ha! I've often used the ladder for my own
+convenience, but I never expected to turn it to such good account. And
+now, Sir, have I kept faith with you?"
+
+"You have," replied Darrell. "Here is my purse; and I trust you will let
+me know to whom I am indebted for this important service."
+
+"It matters not who I am," replied Jonathan, taking the money. "As I
+said before, I have little reliance upon _professions_ of gratitude."
+
+"I know not how it is," sighed Darrell, "but I feel an unaccountable
+misgiving at quitting this place. Something tells me I am rushing on
+greater danger."
+
+"You know best," replied Jonathan, sneeringly; "but if I were in your
+place I would take the chance of a future and uncertain risk to avoid a
+present and certain peril."
+
+"You are right," replied Darrell; "the weakness is past. Which is the
+nearest way to the river?"
+
+"Why, it's an awkward road to direct you," returned Jonathan. "But if
+you turn to the right when you reach the ground, and keep close to the
+Mint wall, you'll speedily arrive at White Cross Street; White Cross
+Street, if you turn again to the right, will bring you into Queen
+Street; Queen Street, bearing to the left, will conduct you to Deadman's
+Place; and Deadman's Place to the water-side, not fifty yards from Saint
+Saviour's stairs, where you're sure to get a boat."
+
+"The very point I aim at," said Darrell as he passed through the outlet.
+
+"Stay!" said Jonathan, aiding his descent; "you had better take my
+lantern. It may be useful to you. Perhaps you'll give me in return some
+token, by which I may remind you of this occurrence, in case we meet
+again. Your glove will suffice."
+
+"There it is;" replied the other, tossing him the glove. "Are you sure
+these bars touch the ground?"
+
+"They come within a yard of it," answered Jonathan.
+
+"Safe!" shouted Darrell, as he effected a secure landing. "Good night!"
+
+"So," muttered Jonathan, "having started the hare, I'll now unleash the
+hounds."
+
+With this praiseworthy determination, he was hastening down stairs, with
+the utmost rapidity, when he encountered a female, whom he took, in the
+darkness, to be Mrs. Sheppard. The person caught hold of his arm, and,
+in spite of his efforts to disengage himself, detained him.
+
+"Where is he?" asked she, in an agitated whisper. "I heard his voice;
+but I saw them on the stairs, and durst not approach him, for fear of
+giving the alarm."
+
+"If you mean the fugitive, Darrell, he has escaped through the back
+window," replied Jonathan.
+
+"Thank Heaven!" she gasped.
+
+"Well, you women are forgiving creatures, I must say," observed
+Jonathan, sarcastically. "You thank Heaven for the escape of the man who
+did his best to get your child's neck twisted."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked the female, in astonishment.
+
+"I mean what I say," replied Jonathan. "Perhaps you don't know that
+this Darrell so contrived matters, that your child should be mistaken
+for his own; by which means it had a narrow escape from a tight cravat,
+I can assure you. However, the scheme answered well enough, for Darrell
+has got off with his own brat."
+
+"Then this is not my child?" exclaimed she, with increased astonishment.
+
+"If you have a child there, it certainly is not," answered Jonathan, a
+little surprised; "for I left your brat in the charge of Blueskin, who
+is still among the crowd in the street, unless, as is not unlikely, he's
+gone to see your other friend disciplined at the pump."
+
+"Merciful providence!" exclaimed the female. "Whose child can this be?"
+
+"How the devil should I know!" replied Jonathan gruffly. "I suppose it
+didn't drop through the ceiling, did it? Are you quite sure it's flesh
+and blood?" asked he, playfully pinching its arm till it cried out with
+pain.
+
+"My child! my child!" exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, rushing from the
+adjoining room. "Where is it?"
+
+"Are you the mother of this child?" inquired the person who had first
+spoken, addressing Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"I am--I am!" cried the widow, snatching the babe, and pressing it to
+her breast with rapturous delight "God be thanked, I have found it!"
+
+"We have both good reason to be grateful," added the lady, with great
+emotion.
+
+"'Sblood!" cried Jonathan, who had listened to the foregoing
+conversation with angry wonder, "I've been nicely done here. Fool that I
+was to part with my lantern! But I'll soon set myself straight. What ho!
+lights! lights!"
+
+And, shouting as he went, he flung himself down stairs.
+
+"Where shall I fly?" exclaimed the lady, bewildered with terror. "They
+will kill me, if they find me, as they would have killed my husband and
+child. Oh God! my limbs fail me."
+
+"Make an effort, Madam," cried Mrs. Sheppard, as a storm of furious
+voices resounded from below, and torches were seen mounting the stairs;
+"they are coming!--they are coming!--fly!--to the roof! to the roof."
+
+"No," cried the lady, "this room--I recollect--it has a back window."
+
+"It is shut," said Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"It is open," replied the lady, rushing towards it, and springing
+through the outlet.
+
+"Where is she?" thundered Jonathan, who at this moment reached Mrs.
+Sheppard.
+
+"She has flown up stairs," replied the widow.
+
+"You lie, hussy!" replied Jonathan, rudely pushing her aside, as she
+vainly endeavoured to oppose his entrance into the room; "she is here.
+Hist!" cried he, as a scream was heard from without. "By G--! she has
+missed her footing."
+
+There was a momentary and terrible silence, broken only by a few feeble
+groans.
+
+Sir Cecil, who with Rowland and some others had entered the room rushed
+to the window with a torch.
+
+He held down the light, and a moment afterwards beckoned, with a
+blanched cheek, to Rowland.
+
+"Your sister is dead," said he, in a deep whisper.
+
+"Her blood be upon her own head, then," replied Rowland, sternly. "Why
+came she here?"
+
+"She could not resist the hand of fate which drew her hither," replied
+Sir Cecil, mournfully.
+
+"Descend and take charge of the body," said Rowland, conquering his
+emotion by a great effort, "I will join you in a moment. This accident
+rather confirms than checks my purpose. The stain upon our family is
+only half effaced: I have sworn the death of the villain and his
+bastard, and I will keep my oath. Now, Sir," he added, turning to
+Jonathan, as Sir Cecil and his followers obeyed his injunctions, "you
+say you know the road which the person whom we seek has taken?"
+
+"I do," replied Jonathan. "But I give no information gratis!"
+
+"Speak, then," said Rowland, placing money in his hand.
+
+"You'll find him at St. Saviours's stairs," answered Jonathan. "He's
+about to cross the river. You'd better lose no time. He has got five
+minutes' start of you. But I sent him the longest way about."
+
+The words were scarcely pronounced, when Rowland disappeared.
+
+"And now to see the end of it," said Jonathan, shortly afterwards
+passing through the window. "Good night, Master."
+
+Three persons only were left in the room. These were the Master of the
+Mint, Van Galgebrok, and Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"A bad business this, Van," observed Baptist, with a prolonged shake of
+the head.
+
+"Ja, ja, Muntmeester," said the Hollander, shaking his head in
+reply;--"very bad--very."
+
+"But then they're staunch supporters of our friend over the water,"
+continued Baptist, winking significantly; "so we must e'en hush it up in
+the best way we can."
+
+"Ja," answered Van Galgebrok. "But--sapperment!--I wish they hadn't
+broken my pipe."
+
+"JONATHAN WILD promises well," observed the Master, after a pause:
+"he'll become a great man. Mind, I, Baptist Kettleby, say so."
+
+"He'll be hanged nevertheless," replied the Hollander, giving his collar
+an ugly jerk. "Mind, I, Rykhart Van Galgebrok predict it. And now let's
+go back to the Shovels, and finish our brandewyn and bier, Muntmeester."
+
+"Alas!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, relieved by their departure, and giving way
+to a passionate flood of tears; "were it not for my child, I should wish
+to be in the place of that unfortunate lady."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+The Denunciation.
+
+
+For a short space, Mrs. Sheppard remained dissolved in tears. She then
+dried her eyes, and laying her child gently upon the floor, knelt down
+beside him. "Open my heart, Father of Mercy!" she murmured, in a humble
+tone, and with downcast looks, "and make me sensible of the error of my
+ways. I have sinned deeply; but I have been sorely tried. Spare me yet a
+little while, Father! not for my own sake, but for the sake of this poor
+babe." Her utterance was here choked by sobs. "But if it is thy will to
+take me from him," she continued, as soon as her emotion permitted
+her,--"if he must be left an orphan amid strangers, implant, I beseech
+thee, a mother's feelings in some other bosom, and raise up a friend,
+who shall be to him what I would have been. Let him not bear the weight
+of my punishment. Spare him!--pity me!"
+
+With this she arose, and, taking up the infant, was about to proceed
+down stairs, when she was alarmed by hearing the street-door opened, and
+the sound of heavy footsteps entering the house.
+
+"Halloa, widow!" shouted a rough voice from below, "where the devil are
+you?"
+
+Mrs. Sheppard returned no answer.
+
+"I've got something to say to you," continued the speaker, rather less
+harshly; "something to your advantage; so come out o' your hiding-place,
+and let's have some supper, for I'm infernally hungry.--D'ye hear?"
+
+Still the widow remained silent.
+
+"Well, if you won't come, I shall help myself, and that's unsociable,"
+pursued the speaker, evidently, from the noise he made, suiting the
+action to the word. "Devilish nice ham you've got here!--capital
+pie!--and, as I live, a flask of excellent canary. You're in luck
+to-night, widow. Here's your health in a bumper, and wishing you a
+better husband than your first. It'll be your own fault if you don't
+soon get another and a proper young man into the bargain. Here's his
+health likewise. What! mum still. You're the first widow I ever heard of
+who could withstand that lure. I'll try the effect of a jolly stave."
+And he struck up the following ballad:--
+
+SAINT GILES'S BOWL.[A]
+
+[Music: Transcribers note See HTML version for music]
+
+    I.
+
+    Where Saint-Giles' church stands, once a la-zar-house
+    stood; And, chain'd to its gates, was a ves-sel of wood; A
+    broad-bottom'd bowl, from which all the fine fellows, Who
+    pass'd by that spot, on their way to the gallows, Might
+    tipple strong beer, Their spirits to cheer, And drown, in a
+    sea of good li-quor, all fear! For nothing the
+    tran-sit to Ty-burn beguiles, So well as a
+    draught from the Bowl of Saint Giles!
+
+
+    II.
+
+    By many a highwayman many a draught
+    Of nutty-brown ale at Saint Giles's was quaft,
+    Until the old lazar-house chanced to fall down,
+    And the broad-bottom'd bowl was removed to the Crown.
+        _Where the robber may cheer_
+        _His spirit with beer,_
+      _And drown in a sea of good liquor all fear!_
+      _For nothing the transit to Tyburn beguiles_
+      _So well as a draught from the Bowl of Saint Giles!_
+
+
+    III.
+
+    There MULSACK and SWIFTNECK, both prigs from their birth,
+    OLD MOB and TOM COX took their last draught on earth:
+    There RANDAL, and SHORTER, and WHITNEY pulled up,
+    And jolly JACK JOYCE drank his finishing cup!
+        _For a can of ale calms,_
+        _A highwayman's qualms,_
+      _And makes him sing blithely his dolorous psalms_
+      _And nothing the transit to Tyburn beguiles_
+      _So well as a draught from the Bowl of Saint Giles!_
+
+"Singing's dry work," observed the stranger, pausing to take a pull at
+the bottle. "And now, widow," he continued, "attend to the next verse,
+for it consarns a friend o' yours."
+
+
+    IV.
+
+    When gallant TOM SHEPPARD to Tyburn was led,--
+    "Stop the cart at the Crown--stop a moment," he said.
+    He was offered the Bowl, but he left it and smiled,
+    Crying, "Keep it till call'd for by JONATHAN WILD!
+        "_The rascal one day,_
+        "_Will pass by this way,_
+      "_And drink a full measure to moisten his clay!_
+      "_And never will Bowl of Saint Giles have beguiled_
+      "_Such a thorough-paced scoundrel as_ JONATHAN WILD!"
+
+
+    V.
+
+    Should it e'er be _my_ lot to ride backwards that way,
+    At the door of the Crown I will certainly stay;
+    I'll summon the landlord--I'll call for the Bowl,
+    And drink a deep draught to the health of my soul!
+        _Whatever may hap,_
+        _I'll taste of the tap,_
+      _To keep up my spirits when brought to the crap!_
+      _For nothing the transit to Tyburn beguiles_
+      _So well as a draught from the Bowl of St. Giles!_
+
+"Devil seize the woman!" growled the singer, as he brought his ditty to
+a close; "will nothing tempt her out? Widow Sheppard, I say," he added,
+rising, "don't be afraid. It's only a gentleman come to offer you his
+hand. 'He that woos a maid',--fol-de-rol--(hiccupping).--I'll soon find
+you out."
+
+Mrs. Sheppard, whose distress at the consumption of the provisions had
+been somewhat allayed by the anticipation of the intruder's departure
+after he had satisfied his appetite, was now terrified in the extreme by
+seeing a light approach, and hearing footsteps on the stairs. Her first
+impulse was to fly to the window; and she was about to pass through it,
+at the risk of sharing the fate of the unfortunate lady, when her arm
+was grasped by some one in the act of ascending the ladder from without.
+Uttering a faint scream, she sank backwards, and would have fallen, if
+it had not been for the interposition of Blueskin, who, at that moment,
+staggered into the room with a candle in one hand, and the bottle in the
+other.
+
+"Oh, you're here, are you?" said the ruffian, with an exulting laugh:
+"I've been looking for you everywhere."
+
+"Let me go," implored Mrs. Sheppard,--"pray let me go. You hurt the
+child. Don't you hear how you've made it cry?"
+
+"Throttle the kid!" rejoined Blueskin, fiercely. "If you don't stop its
+squalling, I will. I hate children. And, if I'd my own way, I'd drown
+'em all like a litter o' puppies."
+
+Well knowing the savage temper of the person she had to deal with, and
+how likely he was to put his threat into execution, Mrs. Sheppard did
+not dare to return any answer; but, disengaging herself from his
+embrace, endeavoured meekly to comply with his request.
+
+"And now, widow," continued the ruffian, setting down the candle, and
+applying his lips to the bottle neck as he flung his heavy frame upon a
+bench, "I've a piece o' good news for you."
+
+"Good news will be news to me. What is it?"
+
+"Guess," rejoined Blueskin, attempting to throw a gallant expression
+into his forbidding countenance.
+
+Mrs. Sheppard trembled violently; and though she understood his meaning
+too well, she answered,--"I can't guess."
+
+"Well, then," returned the ruffian, "to put you out o' suspense, as the
+topsman remarked to poor Tom Sheppard, afore he turned him off, I'm come
+to make you an honourable proposal o' marriage. You won't refuse me, I'm
+sure; so no more need be said about the matter. To-morrow, we'll go to
+the Fleet and get spliced. Don't shake so. What I said about your brat
+was all stuff. I didn't mean it. It's my way when I'm ruffled. I shall
+take to him as nat'ral as if he were my own flesh and blood afore
+long.--I'll give him the edication of a prig,--teach him the use of his
+forks betimes,--and make him, in the end, as clever a cracksman as his
+father."
+
+"Never!" shrieked Mrs. Sheppard; "never! never!"
+
+"Halloa! what's this?" demanded Blueskin, springing to his feet. "Do you
+mean to say that if I support your kid, I shan't bring him up how I
+please--eh?"
+
+"Don't question me, but leave me," replied the widow wildly; "you had
+better."
+
+"Leave you!" echoed the ruffian, with a contemptuous laugh; "--not just
+yet."
+
+"I am not unprotected," rejoined the poor woman; "there's some one at
+the window. Help! help!"
+
+But her cries were unheeded. And Blueskin, who, for a moment, had looked
+round distrustfully, concluding it was a feint, now laughed louder than
+ever.
+
+"It won't do, widow," said he, drawing near her, while she shrank from
+his approach, "so you may spare your breath. Come, come, be reasonable,
+and listen to me. Your kid has already brought me good luck, and may
+bring me still more if his edication's attended to. This purse," he
+added, chinking it in the air, "and this ring, were given me for him
+just now by the lady, who made a false step on leaving your house. If
+I'd been in the way, instead of Jonathan Wild, that accident wouldn't
+have happened."
+
+As he said this, a slight noise was heard without.
+
+"What's that?" ejaculated the ruffian, glancing uneasily towards the
+window. "Who's there?--Pshaw! it's only the wind."
+
+"It's Jonathan Wild," returned the widow, endeavouring to alarm him. "I
+told you I was not unprotected."
+
+"_He_ protect _you_," retorted Blueskin, maliciously; "you haven't a
+worse enemy on the face of the earth than Jonathan Wild. If you'd read
+your husband's dying speech, you'd know that he laid his death at
+Jonathan's door,--and with reason too, as I can testify."
+
+"Man!" screamed Mrs. Sheppard, with a vehemence that shook even the
+hardened wretch beside her, "begone, and tempt me not."
+
+"What should I tempt you to?" asked Blueskin, in surprise.
+
+"To--to--no matter what," returned the widow distractedly. "Go--go!"
+
+"I see what you mean," rejoined Blueskin, tossing a large case-knife,
+which he took from his pocket, in the air, and catching it dexterously
+by the haft as it fell; "you owe Jonathan a grudge;--so do I. He hanged
+your first husband. Just speak the word," he added, drawing the knife
+significantly across his throat, "and I'll put it out of his power to do
+the same by your second. But d--n him! let's talk o' something more
+agreeable. Look at this ring;--it's a diamond, and worth a mint o'
+money. It shall be your wedding ring. Look at it, I say. The lady's
+name's engraved inside, but so small I can scarcely read it.
+A-L-I-V-A--Aliva--T-R-E-N--Trencher that's it. Aliva Trencher."
+
+"Aliva Trenchard!" exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, hastily; "is that the
+name?"
+
+"Ay, ay, now I look again it _is_ Trenchard. How came you to know it?
+Have you heard the name before?"
+
+"I think I have--long, long ago, when I was a child," replied Mrs.
+Sheppard, passing her hand across her brow; "but my memory is
+gone--quite gone. Where _can_ I have heard it!"
+
+"Devil knows," rejoined Blueskin. "Let it pass. The ring's yours, and
+you're mine. Here, put it on your finger."
+
+Mrs. Sheppard snatched back her hand from his grasp, and exerted all her
+force to repel his advances.
+
+"Set down the kid," roared Blueskin, savagely.
+
+"Mercy!" screamed Mrs. Sheppard, struggling to escape, and holding the
+infant at arm's length; "have mercy on this helpless innocent!"
+
+And the child, alarmed by the strife, added its feeble cries to its
+mother's shrieks.
+
+"Set it down, I tell you," thundered Blueskin, "or I shall do it a
+mischief."
+
+"Never!" cried Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+Uttering a terrible imprecation, Blueskin placed the knife between his
+teeth, and endeavoured to seize the poor woman by the throat. In the
+struggle her cap fell off. The ruffian caught hold of her hair, and held
+her fast. The chamber rang with her shrieks. But her cries, instead of
+moving her assailant's compassion, only added to his fury. Planting his
+knee against her side, he pulled her towards him with one hand, while
+with the other he sought his knife. The child was now within reach; and,
+in another moment, he would have executed his deadly purpose, if an arm
+from behind had not felled him to the ground.
+
+When Mrs. Sheppard, who had been stricken down by the blow that
+prostrated her assailant, looked up, she perceived Jonathan Wild
+kneeling beside the body of Blueskin. He was holding the ring to the
+light, and narrowly examining the inscription.
+
+"Trenchard," he muttered; "Aliva Trenchard--they were right, then, as
+to the name. Well, if she survives the accident--as the blood, who
+styles himself Sir Cecil, fancies she may do--this ring will make my
+fortune by leading to the discovery of the chief parties concerned in
+this strange affair."
+
+"Is the poor lady alive?" asked Mrs. Sheppard, eagerly.
+
+"'Sblood!" exclaimed Jonathan, hastily thrusting the ring into his vest,
+and taking up a heavy horseman's pistol with which he had felled
+Blueskin,--"I thought you'd been senseless."
+
+"Is she alive?" repeated the widow.
+
+"What's that to you?" demanded Jonathan, gruffly.
+
+"Oh, nothing--nothing," returned Mrs. Sheppard. "But pray tell me if her
+husband has escaped?"
+
+"Her husband!" echoed Jonathan scornfully. "A _husband_ has little to
+fear from his wife's kinsfolk. Her _lover_, Darrell, has embarked upon
+the Thames, where, if he's not capsized by the squall, (for it's blowing
+like the devil,) he stands a good chance of getting his throat cut by
+his pursuers--ha! ha! I tracked 'em to the banks of the river, and
+should have followed to see it out, if the watermen hadn't refused to
+take me. However, as things have turned up, it's fortunate that I came
+back."
+
+"It is, indeed," replied Mrs. Sheppard; "most fortunate for me."
+
+"For _you_!" exclaimed Jonathan; "don't flatter yourself that I'm
+thinking of you. Blueskin might have butchered you and your brat before
+I'd have lifted a finger to prevent him, if it hadn't suited my purposes
+to do so, and _he_ hadn't incurred my displeasure. I never forgive an
+injury. Your husband could have told you that."
+
+"How had he offended you?" inquired the widow.
+
+"I'll tell you," answered Jonathan, sternly. "He thwarted my schemes
+twice. The first time, I overlooked the offence; but the second time,
+when I had planned to break open the house of his master, the fellow who
+visited you to-night,--Wood, the carpenter of Wych Street,--he betrayed
+me. I told him I would bring him to the gallows, and I was as good as my
+word."
+
+"You were so," replied Mrs Sheppard; "and for that wicked deed you will
+one day be brought to the gallows yourself."
+
+"Not before I have conducted your child thither," retorted Jonathan,
+with a withering look.
+
+"Ah!" ejaculated Mrs. Sheppard, paralysed by the threat.
+
+"If that sickly brat lives to be a man," continued Jonathan, rising,
+"I'll hang him upon the same tree as his father."
+
+"Pity!" shrieked the widow.
+
+"I'll be his evil genius!" vociferated Jonathan, who seemed to enjoy her
+torture.
+
+"Begone, wretch!" cried the mother, stung beyond endurance by his
+taunts; "or I will drive you hence with my curses."
+
+"Curse on, and welcome," jeered Wild.
+
+Mrs. Sheppard raised her hand, and the malediction trembled upon her
+tongue. But ere the words could find utterance, her maternal tenderness
+overcame her indignation; and, sinking upon her knees, she extended her
+arms over her child.
+
+"A mother's prayers--a mother's blessings," she cried, with the fervour
+almost of inspiration, "will avail against a fiend's malice."
+
+"We shall see," rejoined Jonathan, turning carelessly upon his heel.
+
+And, as he quitted the room, the poor widow fell with her face upon the
+floor.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote A: At the hospital of Saint Giles for Lazars, the prisoners
+conveyed from the City of London towards Tyburn, there to be executed
+for treasons, felonies, or other trespasses, were presented with a Bowl
+of Ale, thereof to drink, as their last refreshing in this
+life.--_Strype's Stow._ Book. IX. ch. III.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The Storm.
+
+
+As soon as he was liberated by his persecutors, Mr. Wood set off at full
+speed from the Mint, and, hurrying he scarce knew whither (for there was
+such a continual buzzing in his ears and dancing in his eyes, as almost
+to take away the power of reflection), he held on at a brisk pace till
+his strength completely failed him.
+
+On regaining his breath, he began to consider whither chance had led
+him; and, rubbing his eyes to clear his sight, he perceived a sombre
+pile, with a lofty tower and broad roof, immediately in front of him.
+This structure at once satisfied him as to where he stood. He knew it to
+be St. Saviour's Church. As he looked up at the massive tower, the clock
+tolled forth the hour of midnight. The solemn strokes were immediately
+answered by a multitude of chimes, sounding across the Thames, amongst
+which the deep note of Saint Paul's was plainly distinguishable. A
+feeling of inexplicable awe crept over the carpenter as the sounds died
+away. He trembled, not from any superstitious dread, but from an
+undefined sense of approaching danger. The peculiar appearance of the
+sky was not without some influence in awakening these terrors. Over one
+of the pinnacles of the tower a speck of pallid light marked the
+position of the moon, then newly born and newly risen. It was still
+profoundly dark; but the wind, which had begun to blow with some
+violence, chased the clouds rapidly across the heavens, and dispersed
+the vapours hanging nearer the earth. Sometimes the moon was totally
+eclipsed; at others, it shed a wan and ghastly glimmer over the masses
+rolling in the firmament. Not a star could be discerned, but, in their
+stead, streaks of lurid radiance, whence proceeding it was impossible to
+determine, shot ever and anon athwart the dusky vault, and added to the
+ominous and threatening appearance of the night.
+
+Alarmed by these prognostications of a storm, and feeling too much
+exhausted from his late severe treatment to proceed further on foot,
+Wood endeavoured to find a tavern where he might warm and otherwise
+refresh himself. With this view he struck off into a narrow street on
+the left, and soon entered a small alehouse, over the door of which hung
+the sign of the "Welsh Trumpeter."
+
+"Let me have a glass of brandy," said he, addressing the host.
+
+"Too late, master," replied the landlord of the Trumpeter, in a surly
+tone, for he did not much like the appearance of his customer; "just
+shut up shop."
+
+"Zounds! David Pugh, don't you know your old friend and countryman?"
+exclaimed the carpenter.
+
+"Ah! Owen Wood, is it you?" cried David in astonishment. "What the devil
+makes you out so late? And what has happened to you, man, eh?--you seem
+in a queer plight."
+
+"Give me the brandy, and I'll tell you," replied Wood.
+
+"Here, wife--hostess--fetch me that bottle from the second shelf in the
+corner cupboard.--There, Mr. Wood," cried David, pouring out a glass of
+the spirit, and offering it to the carpenter, "that'll warm the cockles
+of your heart. Don't be afraid, man,--off with it. It's right Nantz. I
+keep it for my own drinking," he added in a lower tone.
+
+Mr. Wood having disposed of the brandy, and pronounced himself much
+better, hurried close to the fire-side, and informed his friend in a few
+words of the inhospitable treatment he had experienced from the
+gentlemen of the Mint; whereupon Mr. Pugh, who, as well as the
+carpenter, was a descendant of Cadwallader, waxed extremely wrath; gave
+utterance to a number of fierce-sounding imprecations in the Welsh
+tongue; and was just beginning to express the greatest anxiety to catch
+some of the rascals at the Trumpeter, when Mr. Wood cut him short by
+stating his intention of crossing the river as soon as possible in order
+to avoid the storm.
+
+"A storm!" exclaimed the landlord. "Gadzooks! I thought something was
+coming on; for when I looked at the weather-glass an hour ago, it had
+sunk lower than I ever remember it."
+
+"We shall have a durty night on it, to a sartinty, landlord," observed
+an old one-eyed sailor, who sat smoking his pipe by the fire-side. "The
+glass never sinks in that way, d'ye see, without a hurricane follerin',
+I've knowed it often do so in the West Injees. Moreover, a souple o'
+porpusses came up with the tide this mornin', and ha' bin flounderin'
+about i' the Thames abuv Lunnun Bridge all day long; and them
+say-monsters, you know, always proves sure fore runners of a gale."
+
+"Then the sooner I'm off the better," cried Wood; "what's to pay,
+David?"
+
+"Don't affront me, Owen, by asking such a question," returned the
+landlord; "hadn't you better stop and finish the bottle?"
+
+"Not a drop more," replied Wood. "Enough's as good as a feast. Good
+night!"
+
+"Well, if you won't be persuaded, and must have a boat, Owen," observed
+the landlord, "there's a waterman asleep on that bench will help you to
+as tidy a craft as any on the Thames. Halloa, Ben!" cried he, shaking a
+broad-backed fellow, equipped in a short-skirted doublet, and having a
+badge upon his arm,--"scullers wanted."
+
+"Holloa! my hearty!" cried Ben, starting to his feet.
+
+"This gentleman wants a pair of oars," said the landlord.
+
+"Where to, master?" asked Ben, touching his woollen cap.
+
+"Arundel Stairs," replied Wood, "the nearest point to Wych Street."
+
+"Come along, master," said the waterman.
+
+"Hark 'ee, Ben," said the old sailor, knocking the ashes from his pipe
+upon the hob; "you may try, but dash my timbers if you'll ever cross the
+Thames to-night."
+
+"And why not, old saltwater?" inquired Ben, turning a quid in his mouth.
+
+"'Cos there's a gale a-getting up as'll perwent you, young freshwater,"
+replied the tar.
+
+"It must look sharp then, or I shall give it the slip," laughed Ben:
+"the gale never yet blowed as could perwent my crossing the Thames. The
+weather's been foul enough for the last fortnight, but I've never turned
+my back upon it."
+
+"May be not," replied the old sailor, drily; "but you'll find it too
+stiff for you to-night, anyhow. Howsomdever, if you _should_ reach
+t'other side, take an old feller's advice, and don't be foolhardy enough
+to venter back again."
+
+"I tell 'ee what, saltwater," said Ben, "I'll lay you my fare--and
+that'll be two shillin'--I'm back in an hour."
+
+"Done!" cried the old sailor. "But vere'll be the use o' vinnin'? you
+von't live to pay me."
+
+"Never fear," replied Ben, gravely; "dead or alive I'll pay you, if I
+lose. There's my thumb upon it. Come along, master."
+
+"I tell 'ee what, landlord," observed the old sailor, quietly
+replenishing his pipe from a huge pewter tobacco-box, as the waterman
+and Wood quitted the house, "you've said good-b'ye to your friend."
+
+"Odd's me! do you think so?" cried the host of the Trumpeter. "I'll run
+and bring him back. He's a Welshman, and I wouldn't for a trifle that
+any accident befel him."
+
+"Never mind," said the old sailor, taking up a piece of blazing coal
+with the tongs, and applying it to his pipe; "let 'em try. They'll be
+back soon enough--or not at all."
+
+Mr. Wood and the waterman, meanwhile, proceeded in the direction of St.
+Saviour's Stairs. Casting a hasty glance at the old and ruinous prison
+belonging to the liberty of the Bishop of Winchester (whose palace
+formerly adjoined the river), called the Clink, which gave its name to
+the street, along which he walked: and noticing, with some uneasiness,
+the melancholy manner in which the wind whistled through its barred
+casements, the carpenter followed his companion down an opening to the
+right, and presently arrived at the water-side.
+
+Moored to the steps, several wherries were dancing in the rushing
+current, as if impatient of restraint. Into one of these the waterman
+jumped, and, having assisted Mr. Wood to a seat within it, immediately
+pushed from land. Ben had scarcely adjusted his oars, when the gleam of
+a lantern was seen moving towards the bank. A shout was heard at a
+little distance, and, the next moment, a person rushed with breathless
+haste to the stair-head.
+
+"Boat there!" cried a voice, which Mr. Wood fancied he recognised.
+
+"You'll find a waterman asleep under his tilt in one of them ere craft,
+if you look about, Sir," replied Ben, backing water as he spoke.
+
+"Can't you take me with you?" urged the voice; "I'll make it well worth
+your while. I've a child here whom I wish to convey across the water
+without loss of time."
+
+"A child!" thought Wood; it must be the fugitive Darrell. "Hold hard,"
+cried he, addressing the waterman; "I'll give the gentleman a lift."
+
+"Unpossible, master," rejoined Ben; "the tide's running down like a
+mill-sluice, and the wind's right in our teeth. Old saltwater was right.
+We shall have a reg'lar squall afore we gets across. D'ye hear how the
+wanes creaks on old Winchester House? We shall have a touch on it
+ourselves presently. But I shall lose my wager if I stay a moment
+longer--so here goes." Upon which, he plunged his oars deeply into the
+stream, and the bark shot from the strand.
+
+Mr. Wood's anxiety respecting the fugitive was speedily relieved by
+hearing another waterman busy himself in preparation for starting; and,
+shortly after, the dip of a second pair of oars sounded upon the river.
+
+"Curse me, if I don't think all the world means to cross the Thames this
+fine night," observed Ben. "One'd think it rained fares, as well as
+blowed great guns. Why, there's another party on the stair-head
+inquiring arter scullers; and, by the mass! they appear in a greater
+hurry than any on us."
+
+His attention being thus drawn to the bank, the carpenter beheld three
+figures, one of whom bore a torch, leap into a wherry of a larger size
+than the others, which immediately put off from shore. Manned by a
+couple of watermen, who rowed with great swiftness, this wherry dashed
+through the current in the track of the fugitive, of whom it was
+evidently in pursuit, and upon whom it perceptibly gained. Mr. Wood
+strained his eyes to catch a glimpse of the flying skiff. But he could
+only discern a black and shapeless mass, floating upon the water at a
+little distance, which, to his bewildered fancy, appeared absolutely
+standing still. To the practised eye of the waterman matters wore a very
+different air. He perceived clearly enough, that the chase was moving
+quickly; and he was also aware, from the increased rapidity with which
+the oars were urged, that every exertion was made on board to get out of
+the reach of her pursuers. At one moment, it seemed as if the flying
+bark was about to put to shore. But this plan (probably from its danger)
+was instantly abandoned; not, however, before her momentary hesitation
+had been taken advantage of by her pursuers, who, redoubling their
+efforts at this juncture, materially lessened the distance between them.
+
+Ben watched these manoeuvres with great interest, and strained every
+sinew in his frame to keep ahead of the other boats.
+
+"Them's catchpoles, I s'pose, Sir, arter the gemman with a writ?" he
+observed.
+
+"Something worse, I fear," Wood replied.
+
+"Why, you don't think as how they're crimps, do you?" Ben inquired.
+
+"I don't know what I think," Wood answered sulkily; and he bent his eyes
+upon the water, as if he wished to avert his attention forcibly from the
+scene.
+
+There is something that inspires a feeling of inexpressible melancholy
+in sailing on a dark night upon the Thames. The sounds that reach the
+ear, and the objects that meet the eye, are all calculated to awaken a
+train of sad and serious contemplation. The ripple of the water against
+the boat, as its keel cleaves through the stream--the darkling current
+hurrying by--the indistinctly-seen craft, of all forms and all sizes,
+hovering around, and making their way in ghost-like silence, or warning
+each other of their approach by cries, that, heard from afar, have
+something doleful in their note--the solemn shadows cast by the
+bridges--the deeper gloom of the echoing arches--the lights glimmering
+from the banks--the red reflection thrown upon the waves by a fire
+kindled on some stationary barge--the tall and fantastic shapes of the
+houses, as discerned through the obscurity;--these, and other sights and
+sounds of the same character, give a sombre colour to the thoughts of
+one who may choose to indulge in meditation at such a time and in such a
+place.
+
+But it was otherwise with the carpenter. This was no night for the
+indulgence of dreamy musing. It was a night of storm and terror, which
+promised each moment to become more stormy and more terrible. Not a bark
+could be discerned on the river, except those already mentioned. The
+darkness was almost palpable; and the wind which, hitherto, had been
+blowing in gusts, was suddenly lulled. It was a dead calm. But this calm
+was more awful than the previous roaring of the blast.
+
+Amid this portentous hush, the report of a pistol reached the
+carpenter's ears; and, raising his head at the sound, he beheld a sight
+which filled him with fresh apprehensions.
+
+By the light of a torch borne at the stern of the hostile wherry, he saw
+that the pursuers had approached within a short distance of the object
+of their quest. The shot had taken effect upon the waterman who rowed
+the chase. He had abandoned his oars, and the boat was drifting with the
+stream towards the enemy. Escape was now impossible. Darrell stood erect
+in the bark, with his drawn sword in hand, prepared to repel the attack
+of his assailants, who, in their turn, seemed to await with impatience
+the moment which should deliver him into their power.
+
+They had not to tarry long. In another instant, the collision took
+place. The watermen, who manned the larger wherry, immediately shipped
+their oars, grappled with the drifting skiff, and held it fast. Wood,
+then, beheld two persons, one of whom he recognised as Rowland, spring
+on board the chase. A fierce struggle ensued. There was a shrill cry,
+instantly succeeded by a deep splash.
+
+"Put about, waterman, for God's sake!" cried Wood, whose humanity got
+the better of every personal consideration; "some one is overboard. Give
+way, and let us render what assistance we can to the poor wretch."
+
+"It's all over with him by this time, master," replied Ben, turning the
+head of his boat, and rowing swiftly towards the scene of strife; "but
+d--n him, he was the chap as hit poor Bill Thomson just now, and I don't
+much care if he should be food for fishes."
+
+As Ben spoke, they drew near the opposing parties. The contest was now
+carried on between Rowland and Darrell. The latter had delivered himself
+from one of his assailants, the attendant, Davies. Hurled over the sides
+of the skiff, the ruffian speedily found a watery grave. It was a
+spring-tide at half ebb; and the current, which was running fast and
+furiously, bore him instantly away. While the strife raged between the
+principals, the watermen in the larger wherry were occupied in stemming
+the force of the torrent, and endeavouring to keep the boats, they had
+lashed together, stationary. Owing to this circumstance, Mr. Wood's
+boat, impelled alike by oar and tide, shot past the mark at which it
+aimed; and before it could be again brought about, the struggle had
+terminated. For a few minutes, Darrell seemed to have the advantage in
+the conflict. Neither combatant could use his sword; and in strength the
+fugitive was evidently superior to his antagonist. The boat rocked
+violently with the struggle. Had it not been lashed to the adjoining
+wherry, it must have been upset, and have precipitated the opponents
+into the water. Rowland felt himself sinking beneath the powerful grasp
+of his enemy. He called to the other attendant, who held the torch.
+Understanding the appeal, the man snatched his master's sword from his
+grasp, and passed it through Darrell's body. The next moment, a heavy
+plunge told that the fugitive had been consigned to the waves.
+
+Darrell, however, rose again instantly; and though mortally wounded,
+made a desperate effort to regain the boat.
+
+"My child!" he groaned faintly.
+
+"Well reminded," answered Rowland, who had witnessed his struggles with
+a smile of gratified vengeance; "I had forgotten the accursed imp in
+this confusion. Take it," he cried, lifting the babe from the bottom of
+the boat, and flinging it towards its unfortunate father.
+
+The child fell within a short distance of Darrell, who, hearing the
+splash, struck out in that direction, and caught it before it sank. At
+this juncture, the sound of oars reached his ears, and he perceived Mr.
+Wood's boat bearing up towards him.
+
+"Here he is, waterman," exclaimed the benevolent carpenter. "I see
+him!--row for your life!"
+
+"That's the way to miss him, master," replied Ben coolly. "We must keep
+still. The tide'll bring him to us fast enough."
+
+Ben judged correctly. Borne along by the current, Darrell was instantly
+at the boat's side.
+
+"Seize this oar," vociferated the waterman.
+
+"First take the child," cried Darrell, holding up the infant, and
+clinging to the oar with a dying effort.
+
+"Give it me," returned the carpenter; "all's safe. Now lend me your own
+hand."
+
+"My strength fails me," gasped the fugitive. "I cannot climb the boat.
+Take my child to--it is--oh God!--I am sinking--take it--take it!"
+
+"Where?" shouted Wood.
+
+Darrell attempted to reply. But he could only utter an inarticulate
+exclamation. The next moment his grasp relaxed, and he sank to rise no
+more.
+
+Rowland, meantime, alarmed by the voices, snatched a torch from his
+attendant, and holding it over the side of the wherry, witnessed the
+incident just described.
+
+"Confusion!" cried he; "there is another boat in our wake. They have
+rescued the child. Loose the wherry, and stand to your oars--quick--quick!"
+
+These commands were promptly obeyed. The boat was set free, and the men
+resumed their seats. Rowland's purposes were, however, defeated in a
+manner as unexpected as appalling.
+
+During the foregoing occurrences a dead calm prevailed. But as Rowland
+sprang to the helm, and gave the signal for pursuit, a roar like a
+volley of ordnance was heard aloft, and the wind again burst its
+bondage. A moment before, the surface of the stream was black as ink. It
+was now whitening, hissing, and seething like an enormous cauldron. The
+blast once more swept over the agitated river: whirled off the sheets of
+foam, scattered them far and wide in rain-drops, and left the raging
+torrent blacker than before. The gale had become a hurricane: that
+hurricane was the most terrible that ever laid waste our city.
+Destruction everywhere marked its course. Steeples toppled, and towers
+reeled beneath its fury. Trees were torn up by the roots; many houses
+were levelled to the ground; others were unroofed; the leads on the
+churches were ripped off, and "shrivelled up like scrolls of parchment."
+Nothing on land or water was spared by the remorseless gale. Most of the
+vessels lying in the river were driven from their moorings, dashed
+tumultuously against each other, or blown ashore. All was darkness,
+horror, confusion, ruin. Men fled from their tottering habitations, and
+returned to them scared by greater dangers. The end of the world seemed
+at hand.
+
+At this time of universal havoc and despair,--when all London quaked at
+the voice of the storm,--the carpenter, who was exposed to its utmost
+fury, fared better than might have been anticipated. The boat in which
+he rode was not overset. Fortunately, her course had been shifted
+immediately after the rescue of the child; and, in consequence of this
+movement, she received the first shock of the hurricane, which blew from
+the southwest, upon her stern. Her head dipped deeply into the current,
+and she narrowly escaped being swamped. Righting, however, instantly
+afterwards, she scudded with the greatest rapidity over the boiling
+waves, to whose mercy she was now entirely abandoned. On this fresh
+outburst of the storm, Wood threw himself instinctively into the bottom
+of the boat, and clasping the little orphan to his breast, endeavoured
+to prepare himself to meet his fate.
+
+While he was thus occupied, he felt a rough grasp upon his arm, and
+presently afterwards Ben's lips approached close to his ear. The
+waterman sheltered his mouth with his hand while he spoke, or his voice
+would have been carried away by the violence of the blast.
+
+"It's all up, master," groaned Ben, "nothin' short of a merracle can
+save us. The boat's sure to run foul o' the bridge; and if she 'scapes
+stavin' above, she'll be swamped to a sartainty below. There'll be a
+fall of above twelve foot o' water, and think o' that on a night as 'ud
+blow a whole fleet to the devil."
+
+Mr. Wood _did_ think of it, and groaned aloud.
+
+"Heaven help us!" he exclaimed; "we were mad to neglect the old sailor's
+advice."
+
+"That's what troubles me," rejoined Ben. "I tell 'ee what, master, if
+you're more fortinate nor I am, and get ashore, give old saltwater your
+fare. I pledged my thumb that, dead or alive, I'd pay the wager if I
+lost; and I should like to be as good as my word."
+
+"I will--I will," replied Wood hastily. "Was that thunder?" he faltered,
+as a terrible clap was heard overhead.
+
+"No; it's only a fresh gale," Ben returned: "hark! now it comes."
+
+"Lord have mercy upon us, miserable sinners!" ejaculated Wood, as a
+fearful gust dashed the water over the side of the boat, deluging him
+with spray.
+
+The hurricane had now reached its climax. The blast shrieked, as if
+exulting in its wrathful mission. Stunning and continuous, the din
+seemed almost to take away the power of hearing. He, who had faced the
+gale, would have been instantly stifled. Piercing through every crevice
+in the clothes, it, in some cases, tore them from the wearer's limbs, or
+from his grasp. It penetrated the skin; benumbed the flesh; paralysed
+the faculties. The intense darkness added to the terror of the storm.
+The destroying angel hurried by, shrouded in his gloomiest apparel. None
+saw, though all felt, his presence, and heard the thunder of his voice.
+Imagination, coloured by the obscurity, peopled the air with phantoms.
+Ten thousand steeds appeared to be trampling aloft, charged with the
+work of devastation. Awful shapes seemed to flit by, borne on the wings
+of the tempest, animating and directing its fury. The actual danger was
+lost sight of in these wild apprehensions; and many timorous beings were
+scared beyond reason's verge by the excess of their fears.
+
+This had well nigh been the case with the carpenter. He was roused from
+the stupor of despair into which he had sunk by the voice of Ben, who
+roared in his ear, "The bridge!--the bridge!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Old London Bridge.
+
+
+London, at the period of this history, boasted only a single bridge. But
+that bridge was more remarkable than any the metropolis now possesses.
+Covered with houses, from one end to the other, this reverend and
+picturesque structure presented the appearance of a street across the
+Thames. It was as if Grace-church Street, with all its shops, its
+magazines, and ceaseless throng of passengers, were stretched from the
+Middlesex to the Surrey shore. The houses were older, the shops
+gloomier, and the thoroughfare narrower, it is true; but the bustle, the
+crowd, the street-like air was the same. Then the bridge had arched
+gateways, bristling with spikes, and garnished (as all ancient gateways
+ought to be) with the heads of traitors. In olden days it boasted a
+chapel, dedicated to Saint Thomas; beneath which there was a crypt
+curiously constructed amid the arches, where "was sepultured Peter the
+Chaplain of Colechurch, who began the Stone Bridge at London:" and it
+still boasted an edifice (though now in rather a tumbledown condition)
+which had once vied with a palace,--we mean Nonesuch House. The other
+buildings stood close together in rows; and so valuable was every inch
+of room accounted, that, in many cases, cellars, and even habitable
+apartments, were constructed in the solid masonry of the piers.
+
+Old London Bridge (the grandsire of the present erection) was supported
+on nineteen arches, each of which
+
+    Would a Rialto make for depth and height!
+
+The arches stood upon enormous piers; the piers on starlings, or
+jetties, built far out into the river to break the force of the tide.
+
+Roused by Ben's warning, the carpenter looked up and could just perceive
+the dusky outline of the bridge looming through the darkness, and
+rendered indistinctly visible by the many lights that twinkled from the
+windows of the lofty houses. As he gazed at these lights, they suddenly
+seemed to disappear, and a tremendous shock was felt throughout the
+frame of the boat. Wood started to his feet. He found that the skiff had
+been dashed against one of the buttresses of the bridge.
+
+"Jump!" cried Ben, in a voice of thunder.
+
+Wood obeyed. His fears supplied him with unwonted vigour. Though the
+starling was more than two feet above the level of the water, he
+alighted with his little charge--which he had never for an instant
+quitted--in safety upon it. Poor Ben was not so fortunate. Just as he
+was preparing to follow, the wherry containing Rowland and his men,
+which had drifted in their wake, was dashed against his boat. The
+violence of the collision nearly threw him backwards, and caused him to
+swerve as he sprang. His foot touched the rounded edge of the starling,
+and glanced off, precipitating him into the water. As he fell, he caught
+at the projecting masonry. But the stone was slippery; and the tide,
+which here began to feel the influence of the fall, was running with
+frightful velocity. He could not make good his hold. But, uttering a
+loud cry, he was swept away by the headlong torrent.
+
+Mr. Wood heard the cry. But his own situation was too perilous to admit
+of his rendering any assistance to the ill-fated waterman. He fancied,
+indeed, that he beheld a figure spring upon the starling at the moment
+when the boats came in contact; but, as he could perceive no one near
+him, he concluded he must have been mistaken.
+
+In order to make Mr. Wood's present position, and subsequent proceedings
+fully intelligible, it may be necessary to give some notion of the shape
+and structure of the platform on which he had taken refuge. It has been
+said, that the pier of each arch, or lock of Old London Bridge, was
+defended from the force of the tide by a huge projecting spur called a
+starling. These starlings varied in width, according to the bulk of the
+pier they surrounded. But they were all pretty nearly of the same
+length, and built somewhat after the model of a boat, having extremities
+as sharp and pointed as the keel of a canoe. Cased and ribbed with
+stone, and braced with horizontal beams of timber, the piles, which
+formed the foundation of these jetties, had resisted the strong
+encroachments of the current for centuries. Some of them are now buried
+at the bottom of the Thames. The starling, on which the carpenter stood,
+was the fourth from the Surrey shore. It might be three yards in width,
+and a few more in length; but it was covered with ooze and slime, and
+the waves continually broke over it. The transverse spars before
+mentioned were as slippery as ice; and the hollows between them were
+filled ankle-deep with water.
+
+The carpenter threw himself flat upon the starling to avoid the fury of
+the wind. But in this posture he fared worse than ever. If he ran less
+risk of being blown over, he stood a much greater chance of being washed
+off, or stifled. As he lay on his back, he fancied himself gradually
+slipping off the platform. Springing to his feet in an ecstasy of
+terror, he stumbled, and had well nigh realized his worst apprehensions.
+He, next, tried to clamber up the flying buttresses and soffits of the
+pier, in the hope of reaching some of the windows and other apertures
+with which, as a man-of-war is studded with port-holes, the sides of the
+bridge were pierced. But this wild scheme was speedily abandoned; and,
+nerved by despair, the carpenter resolved to hazard an attempt, from the
+execution, almost from the contemplation, of which he had hitherto
+shrunk. This was to pass under the arch, along the narrow ledge of the
+starling, and, if possible, attain the eastern platform, where,
+protected by the bridge, he would suffer less from the excessive
+violence of the gale.
+
+Assured, if he remained much longer where he was, he would inevitably
+perish, Wood recommended himself to the protection of Heaven, and began
+his perilous course. Carefully sustaining the child which, even in that
+terrible extremity, he had not the heart to abandon, he fell upon his
+knees, and, guiding himself with his right hand, crept slowly on. He had
+scarcely entered the arch, when the indraught was so violent, and the
+noise of the wind so dreadful and astounding, that he almost determined
+to relinquish the undertaking. But the love of life prevailed over his
+fears. He went on.
+
+The ledge, along which he crawled, was about a foot wide. In length the
+arch exceeded seventy feet. To the poor carpenter it seemed an endless
+distance. When, by slow and toilsome efforts, he had arrived midway,
+something obstructed his further progress. It was a huge stone placed
+there by some workmen occupied in repairing the structure. Cold drops
+stood upon Wood's brow, as he encountered this obstacle. To return was
+impossible,--to raise himself certain destruction. He glanced downwards
+at the impetuous torrent, which he could perceive shooting past him with
+lightning swiftness in the gloom. He listened to the thunder of the fall
+now mingling with the roar of the blast; and, driven almost frantic by
+what he heard and saw, he pushed with all his force against the stone.
+To his astonishment and delight it yielded to the pressure, toppled over
+the ledge, and sank. Such was the hubbub and tumult around him, that
+the carpenter could not hear its plunge into the flood. His course,
+however, was no longer interrupted, and he crept on.
+
+After encountering other dangers, and being twice, compelled to fling
+himself flat upon his face to avoid slipping from the wet and slimy
+pathway, he was at length about to emerge from the lock, when, to his
+inexpressible horror, he found he had lost the child!
+
+All the blood in his veins rushed to his heart, and he shook in every
+limb as he made this discovery. A species of vertigo seized him. His
+brain reeled. He fancied that the whole fabric of the bridge was
+cracking over head,--that the arch was tumbling upon him,--that the
+torrent was swelling around him, whirling him off, and about to bury him
+in the deafening abyss. He shrieked with agony, and clung with desperate
+tenacity to the roughened stones. But calmer thoughts quickly succeeded.
+On taxing his recollection, the whole circumstance rushed to mind with
+painful distinctness. He remembered that, before he attempted to
+dislodge the stone, he had placed the child in a cavity of the pier,
+which the granite mass had been intended to fill. This obstacle being
+removed, in his eagerness to proceed, he had forgotten to take his
+little charge with him. It was still possible the child might be in
+safety. And so bitterly did the carpenter reproach himself with his
+neglect, that he resolved, at all risks, to go back in search of it.
+Acting upon this humane determination, he impelled himself slowly
+backwards,--for he did not dare to face the blast,--and with incredible
+labour and fatigue reached the crevice. His perseverance was amply
+rewarded. The child was still safe. It lay undisturbed in the remotest
+corner of the recess.
+
+So overjoyed was the carpenter with the successful issue of his
+undertaking, that he scarcely paused a moment to recruit himself; but,
+securing the child, set out upon his return. Retracing his steps, he
+arrived, without further accident, at the eastern platform of the
+starling. As he anticipated, he was here comparatively screened from the
+fury of the wind; and when he gazed upon the roaring fall beneath him,
+visible through the darkness in a glistening sheet of foam, his heart
+overflowed with gratitude for his providential deliverance.
+
+As he moved about upon the starling, Mr. Wood became sensible that he
+was not alone. Some one was standing beside him. This, then, must be the
+person whom he had seen spring upon the western platform at the time of
+the collision between the boats. The carpenter well knew from the
+obstacle which had interfered with his own progress, that the unknown
+could not have passed through the same lock as himself. But he might
+have crept along the left side of the pier, and beneath the further
+arch; whereas, Wood, as we have seen, took his course upon the right.
+The darkness prevented the carpenter from discerning the features or
+figure of the stranger; and the ceaseless din precluded the possibility
+of holding any communication by words with him. Wood, however, made
+known his presence to the individual by laying his hand upon his
+shoulder. The stranger started at the touch, and spoke. But his words
+were borne away by the driving wind.
+
+Finding all attempts at conversation with his companion in misfortune in
+vain, Wood, in order to distract his thoughts, looked up at the gigantic
+structure standing, like a wall of solid darkness, before him. What was
+his transport on perceiving that a few yards above him a light was
+burning. The carpenter did not hesitate a moment. He took a handful of
+the gravelly mud, with which the platform was covered, and threw the
+small pebbles, one by one, towards the gleam. A pane of glass was
+shivered by each stone. The signal of distress was evidently understood.
+The light disappeared. The window was shortly after opened, and a rope
+ladder, with a lighted horn lantern attached to it, let down.
+
+Wood grasped his companion's arm to attract his attention to this
+unexpected means of escape. The ladder was now within reach. Both
+advanced towards it, when, by the light of the lantern, Wood beheld, in
+the countenance of the stranger, the well-remembered and stern features
+of Rowland.
+
+The carpenter trembled; for he perceived Rowland's gaze fixed first
+upon the infant, and then on himself.
+
+"It _is_ her child!" shrieked Rowland, in a voice heard above the
+howling of the tempest, "risen from this roaring abyss to torment me.
+Its parents have perished. And shall their wretched offspring live to
+blight my hopes, and blast my fame? Never!" And, with these words, he
+grasped Wood by the throat, and, despite his resistance, dragged him to
+the very verge of the platform.
+
+All this juncture, a thundering crash was heard against the side of the
+bridge. A stack of chimneys, on the house above them, had yielded to the
+storm, and descended in a shower of bricks and stones.
+
+When the carpenter a moment afterwards stretched out his hand, scarcely
+knowing whether he was alive or dead, he found himself alone. The fatal
+shower, from which he and his little charge escaped uninjured, had
+stricken his assailant and precipitated him into the boiling gulf.
+
+"It's an ill wind that blows nobody good," thought the carpenter,
+turning his attention to the child, whose feeble struggles and cries
+proclaimed that, as yet, life had not been extinguished by the hardships
+it had undergone. "Poor little creature!" he muttered, pressing it
+tenderly to his breast, as he grasped the rope and clambered up to the
+window: "if thou hast, indeed, lost both thy parents, as that terrible
+man said just now, thou art not wholly friendless and deserted, for I
+myself will be a father to thee! And in memory of this dreadful night,
+and the death from which I have, been the means of preserving thee, thou
+shalt bear the name of THAMES DARRELL."
+
+No sooner had Wood crept through the window, than nature gave way, and
+he fainted. On coming to himself, he found he had been wrapped in a
+blanket and put to bed with a couple of hot bricks to his feet. His
+first inquiries were concerning the child, and he was delighted to find
+that it still lived and was doing well. Every care had been taken of it,
+as well as of himself, by the humane inmates of the house in which he
+had sought shelter.
+
+About noon, next day, he was able to move; and the gale having abated,
+he set out homewards with his little charge.
+
+The city presented a terrible picture of devastation. London Bridge had
+suffered a degree less than most places. But it was almost choked up
+with fallen stacks of chimneys, broken beams of timber, and shattered
+tiles. The houses overhung in a frightful manner, and looked as if the
+next gust would precipitate them into the river. With great difficulty,
+Wood forced a path through the ruins. It was a work of no slight danger,
+for every instant a wall, or fragment of a building, came crashing to
+the ground. Thames Street was wholly impassable. Men were going hither
+and thither with barrows, and ladders and ropes, removing the rubbish,
+and trying to support the tottering habitations. Grace-church Street was
+entirely deserted, except by a few stragglers, whose curiosity got the
+better of their fears; or who, like the carpenter, were compelled to
+proceed along it. The tiles lay a foot thick in the road. In some cases
+they were ground almost to powder; in others, driven deeply into the
+earth, as if discharged from a piece of ordnance. The roofs and gables
+of many of the houses had been torn off. The signs of the shops were
+carried to incredible distances. Here and there, a building might be
+seen with the doors and windows driven in, and all access to it
+prevented by the heaps of bricks and tilesherds.
+
+Through this confusion the carpenter struggled on;--now ascending, now
+descending the different mountains of rubbish that beset his path, at
+the imminent peril of his life and limbs, until he arrived in Fleet
+Street. The hurricane appeared to have raged in this quarter with
+tenfold fury. Mr. Wood scarcely knew where he was. The old aspect of the
+place was gone. In lieu of the substantial habitations which he had
+gazed on overnight, he beheld a row of falling scaffoldings, for such
+they seemed.
+
+It was a dismal and depressing sight to see a great city thus suddenly
+overthrown; and the carpenter was deeply moved by the spectacle. As
+usual, however, on the occasion of any great calamity, a crowd was
+scouring the streets, whose sole object was plunder. While involved in
+this crowd, near Temple Bar,--where the thoroughfare was most dangerous
+from the masses of ruin that impeded it,--an individual, whose swarthy
+features recalled to the carpenter one of his tormentors of the previous
+night, collared him, and, with bitter imprecations accused him of
+stealing his child. In vain Wood protested his innocence. The ruffian's
+companions took his part. And the infant, in all probability, would have
+been snatched from its preserver, if a posse of the watch (sent out to
+maintain order and protect property) had not opportunely arrived, and by
+a vigorous application of their halberts dispersed his persecutors, and
+set him at liberty.
+
+Mr. Wood then took to his heels, and never once looked behind him till
+he reached his own dwelling in Wych Street. His wife met him at the
+door, and into her hands he delivered his little charge.
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST EPOCH.
+
+
+
+
+
+EPOCH THE SECOND.
+
+1715.
+
+THAMES DARRELL.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+The Idle Apprentice.
+
+
+Twelve years! How many events have occurred during that long interval!
+how many changes have taken place! The whole aspect of things is
+altered. The child has sprung into a youth; the youth has become a man;
+the man has already begun to feel the advances of age. Beauty has
+bloomed and faded. Fresh flowers of loveliness have budded, expanded,
+died. The fashions of the day have become antiquated. New customs have
+prevailed over the old. Parties, politics, and popular opinions have
+changed. The crown has passed from the brow of one monarch to that of
+another. Habits and tastes are no longer the same. We, ourselves, are
+scarcely the same we were twelve years ago.
+
+Twelve years ago! It is an awful retrospect. Dare we look back upon the
+darkened vista, and, in imagination retrace the path we have trod? With
+how many vain hopes is it shaded! with how many good resolutions, never
+fulfilled, is it paved! Where are the dreams of ambition in which,
+twelve years ago, we indulged? Where are the aspirations that fired
+us--the passions that consumed us then? Has our success in life been
+commensurate with our own desires--with the anticipations formed of us
+by others? Or, are we not blighted in heart, as in ambition? Has not the
+loved one been estranged by doubt, or snatched from us by the cold hand
+of death? Is not the goal, towards which we pressed, further off than
+ever--the prospect before us cheerless as the blank behind?--Enough of
+this. Let us proceed with our tale.
+
+Twelve years, then, have elapsed since the date of the occurrences
+detailed in the preceding division of this history. At that time, we
+were beneath the sway of Anne: we are now at the commencement of the
+reign of George the First. Passing at a glance over the whole of the
+intervening period; leaving in the words of the poet,
+
+    --The growth untried
+    Of that wide gap--
+
+we shall resume our narrative at the beginning of June, 1715.
+
+One Friday afternoon, in this pleasant month, it chanced that Mr. Wood,
+who had been absent on business during the greater part of the day,
+returned (perhaps not altogether undesignedly) at an earlier hour than
+was expected, to his dwelling in Wych Street, Drury Lane; and was about
+to enter his workshop, when, not hearing any sound of labour issue from
+within, he began to suspect that an apprentice, of whose habits of
+industry he entertained some doubt, was neglecting his employment.
+Impressed with this idea, he paused for a moment to listen. But finding
+all continue silent, he cautiously lifted the latch, and crept into the
+room, resolved to punish the offender in case his suspicions should
+prove correct.
+
+The chamber, into which he stole, like all carpenters' workshops, was
+crowded with the implements and materials of that ancient and honourable
+art. Saws, hammers, planes, axes, augers, adzes, chisels, gimblets, and
+an endless variety of tools were ranged, like a stand of martial weapons
+at an armoury, in racks against the walls. Over these hung levels,
+bevels, squares, and other instruments of measurement. Amid a litter of
+nails without heads, screws without worms, and locks without wards, lay
+a glue-pot and an oilstone, two articles which their owner was wont to
+term "his right hand and his left." On a shelf was placed a row of
+paint-jars; the contents of which had been daubed in rainbow streaks
+upon the adjacent closet and window sill. Divers plans and figures were
+chalked upon the walls; and the spaces between them were filled up with
+an almanack for the year; a godly ballad, adorned with a rude wood-cut,
+purporting to be "_The History of Chaste Susannah_;" an old print of the
+Seven Golden Candlesticks; an abstract of the various Acts of Parliament
+against drinking, swearing, and all manner of profaneness; and a view of
+the interior of Doctor Daniel Burgess's Presbyterian meeting-house in
+Russell Court, with portraits of the reverend gentleman and the
+principal members of his flock. The floor was thickly strewn with
+sawdust and shavings; and across the room ran a long and wide bench,
+furnished at one end with a powerful vice; next to which three nails
+driven into the boards served, it would appear from the lump of
+unconsumed tallow left in their custody, as a substitute for a
+candlestick. On the bench was set a quartern measure of gin, a crust of
+bread, and a slice of cheese. Attracted by the odour of the latter
+dainty, a hungry cat had contrived to scratch open the paper in which it
+was wrapped, displaying the following words in large characters:--"THE
+HISTORY OF THE FOUR KINGS, OR CHILD'S BEST GUIDE TO THE GALLOWS." And,
+as if to make the moral more obvious, a dirty pack of cards was
+scattered, underneath, upon the sawdust. Near the door stood a pile of
+deal planks, behind which the carpenter ensconced himself in order to
+reconnoitre, unobserved, the proceedings of his idle apprentice.
+
+Standing on tiptoe, on a joint-stool, placed upon the bench, with his
+back to the door, and a clasp-knife in his hand, this youngster, instead
+of executing his appointed task, was occupied in carving his name upon a
+beam, overhead. Boys, at the time of which we write, were attired like
+men of their own day, or certain charity-children of ours; and the
+stripling in question was dressed in black plush breeches, and a gray
+drugget waistcoat, with immoderately long pockets, both of which were
+evidently the cast-off clothes of some one considerably his senior.
+Coat, on the present occasion, he had none, it being more convenient, as
+well as agreeable to him, to pursue his avocations in his shirtsleeves;
+but, when fully equipped, he wore a large-cuffed, long-skirted garment,
+which had once been the property of his master.
+
+In concealing himself behind the timber, Mr. Wood could not avoid making
+a slight shuffling sound. The noise startled the apprentice, who
+instantly suspended his labour, and gazed anxiously in the direction
+whence he supposed it proceeded. His face was that of a quick,
+intelligent-looking boy, with fine hazel eyes, and a clear olive
+complexion. His figure was uncommonly slim even for his age, which could
+not be more than thirteen; and the looseness of his garb made him appear
+thinner than he was in reality. But if his frame was immature, his looks
+were not so. He seemed to possess a penetration and cunning beyond his
+years--to hide a man's judgment under a boy's mask. The glance, which he
+threw at the door, was singularly expressive of his character: it was a
+mixture of alarm, effrontery, and resolution. In the end, resolution
+triumphed, as it was sure to do, over the weaker emotions, and he
+laughed at his fears. The only part of his otherwise-interesting
+countenance, to which one could decidedly object, was the mouth; a
+feature that, more than any other, is conceived to betray the animal
+propensities of the possessor. If this is true, it must be owned that
+the boy's mouth showed a strong tendency on his part to coarse
+indulgence. The eyes, too, though large and bright, and shaded by long
+lashes, seemed to betoken, as hazel eyes generally do in men, a
+faithless and uncertain disposition. The cheek-bones were prominent: the
+nose slightly depressed, with rather wide nostrils; the chin narrow, but
+well-formed; the forehead broad and lofty; and he possessed such an
+extraordinary flexibility of muscle in this region, that he could
+elevate his eye-brows at pleasure up to the very verge of his sleek and
+shining black hair, which, being closely cropped, to admit of his
+occasionally wearing a wig, gave a singular bullet-shape to his head.
+Taken altogether, his physiognomy resembled one of those vagabond heads
+which Murillo delighted to paint, and for which Guzman d'Alfarache,
+Lazarillo de Tormes, or Estevanillo Gonzalez might have sat:--faces that
+almost make one in love with roguery, they seem so full of vivacity and
+enjoyment. There was all the knavery, and more than all the drollery of
+a Spanish picaroon in the laughing eyes of the English apprentice; and,
+with a little more warmth and sunniness of skin on the side of the
+latter, the resemblance between them would have been complete.
+
+Satisfied, as he thought, that he had nothing to apprehend, the boy
+resumed his task, chanting, as he plied his knife with redoubled
+assiduity, the following--not inappropriate strains:--
+
+    THE NEWGATE STONE.
+
+    When Claude Du Val was in Newgate thrown,
+    He carved his name on the dungeon stone;
+    Quoth a dubsman, who gazed on the shattered wall,
+    "You have carved your epitaph, Claude Du Val,
+        _With your chisel so fine, tra la_!"
+
+"This S wants a little deepening," mused the apprentice, retouching the
+letter in question; "ay, that's better."
+
+    Du Val was hang'd, and the next who came
+    On the selfsame stone inscribed his name:
+    "Aha!" quoth the dubsman, with devilish glee,
+    "Tom Waters _your_ doom is the triple tree!
+        _With your chisel so fine, tra la_!"
+
+"Tut, tut, tut," he cried, "what a fool I am to be sure! I ought to have
+cut John, not Jack. However, it don't signify. Nobody ever called me
+John, that I recollect. So I dare say I was christened Jack. Deuce take
+it! I was very near spelling my name with one P.
+
+    Within that dungeon lay Captain Bew,
+    Rumbold and Whitney--a jolly crew!
+    All carved their names on the stone, and all
+    Share the fate of the brave Du Val!
+        _With their chisels so fine, tra la_!
+
+"Save us!" continued the apprentice, "I hope this beam doesn't resemble
+the Newgate stone; or I may chance, like the great men the song speaks
+of, to swing on the Tyburn tree for my pains. No fear o' that.--Though
+if my name should become as famous as theirs, it wouldn't much matter.
+The prospect of the gallows would never deter me from taking to the
+road, if I were so inclined.
+
+    Full twenty highwaymen blithe and bold,
+    Rattled their chains in that dungeon old;
+    Of all that number there 'scaped not one
+    Who carved his name on the Newgate Stone.
+        _With his chisel so fine, tra la_!
+
+"There!" cried the boy, leaping from the stool, and drawing back a few
+paces on the bench to examine his performance,--"that'll do. Claude du
+Val himself couldn't have carved it better--ha! ha!"
+
+The name inscribed upon the beam (of which, as it has been carefully
+preserved by the subsequent owners of Mr. Wood's habitation in Wych
+Street, we are luckily enabled to furnish a facsimile) was
+
+[Illustration: Jack Sheppard (signature)]
+
+"I've half a mind to give old Wood the slip, and turn highwayman," cried
+Jack, as he closed the knife, and put it in his pocket.
+
+"The devil you have!" thundered a voice from behind, that filled the
+apprentice with dismay. "Come down, sirrah, and I'll teach you how to
+deface my walls in future. Come down, I say, instantly, or I'll make
+you." Upon which, Mr. Wood caught hold of Jack's leg, and dragged him
+off the bench.
+
+"And so you'll turn highwayman, will you, you young dog?" continued the
+carpenter, cuffing him soundly,--"rob the mails, like Jack Hall, I
+suppose."
+
+"Yes, I will," replied Jack sullenly, "if you beat me in that way."
+
+Amazed at the boy's assurance, Wood left off boxing his ears for a
+moment, and, looking at him steadfastly, said in a grave tone, "Jack,
+Jack, you'll come to be hanged!"
+
+"Better be hanged than hen-pecked," retorted the lad with a malicious
+grin.
+
+"What do you mean by that, sirrah?" cried Wood, reddening with anger.
+"Do you dare to insinuate that Mrs. Wood governs me?"
+
+"It's plain you can't govern yourself, at all events," replied Jack
+coolly; "but, be that as it may, I won't be struck for nothing."
+
+"Nothing," echoed Wood furiously. "Do you call neglecting your work, and
+singing flash songs nothing? Zounds! you incorrigible rascal, many a
+master would have taken you before a magistrate, and prayed for your
+solitary confinement in Bridewell for the least of these offences. But
+I'll be more lenient, and content myself with merely chastising you, on
+condition--"
+
+"You may do as you please, master," interrupted Jack, thrusting his hand
+into his pocket, as if in search of the knife; "but I wouldn't advise
+you to lay hands on me again."
+
+Mr. Wood glanced at the hardy offender, and not liking the expression of
+his countenance, thought it advisable to postpone the execution of his
+threats to a more favourable opportunity. So, by way of gaining time, he
+resolved to question him further.
+
+"Where did you learn the song I heard just now?" he demanded, in an
+authoritative tone.
+
+"At the Black Lion in our street," replied Jack, without hesitation.
+
+"The worst house in the neighbourhood--the constant haunt of reprobates
+and thieves," groaned Wood. "And who taught it you--the landlord, Joe
+Hind?"
+
+"No; one Blueskin, a fellow who frequents the Lion," answered Jack, with
+a degree of candour that astonished his master nearly as much as his
+confidence. "It was that song that put it into my head to cut my name on
+the beam."
+
+"A white wall is a fool's paper, Jack,--remember that," rejoined Wood.
+"Pretty company for an apprentice to keep!--pretty houses for an
+apprentice to frequent! Why, the rascal you mention is a notorious
+house-breaker. He was tried at the last Old Bailey sessions; and only
+escaped the gallows by impeaching his accomplices. Jonathan Wild brought
+him off."
+
+"Do you happen to know Jonathan Wild, master?" inquired Jack, altering
+his tone, and assuming a more respectful demeanour.
+
+"I've seen him some years ago, I believe," answered Wood; "and, though
+he must be much changed by this time, I dare say I should know him
+again."
+
+"A short man, isn't he, about your height, Sir,--with a yellow beard,
+and a face as sly as a fox's?"
+
+"Hem!" replied Wood, coughing slightly to conceal a smile; "the
+description's not amiss. But why do you ask?"
+
+"Because--" stammered the boy.
+
+"Speak out--don't be alarmed," said Wood, in a kind and encouraging
+tone. "If you've done wrong, confess it, and I'll forgive you!"
+
+"I don't deserve to be forgiven!" returned Jack, bursting into tears;
+"for I'm afraid I've done very wrong. Do you know this, Sir?" he added,
+taking a key from his pocket.
+
+"Where did you find it!" asked Wood.
+
+"It was given me by a man who was drinking t'other night with Blueskin
+at the Lion! and who, though he slouched his hat over his eyes, and
+muffled his chin in a handkerchief, must have been Jonathan Wild."
+
+"Where did _he_ get it?" inquired Wood, in surprise.
+
+"That I can't say. But he promised to give me a couple of guineas if I'd
+ascertain whether it fitted your locks."
+
+"Zounds!" exclaimed Wood; "it's my old master-key. This key," he added,
+taking it from the boy, "was purloined from me by your father, Jack.
+What he intended to do with it is of little consequence now. But before
+he suffered at Tyburn, he charged your mother to restore it. She lost it
+in the Mint. Jonathan Wild must have stolen it from her."
+
+"He must," exclaimed Jack, hastily; "but only let me have it till
+to-morrow, and if I don't entrap him in a snare from which, with all
+his cunning, he shall find it difficult to escape, my name's not Jack
+Sheppard."
+
+"I see through your design, Jack," returned the carpenter, gravely; "but
+I don't like under-hand work. Even when you've a knave to deal with, let
+your actions be plain, and above-board. That's my maxim; and it's the
+maxim of every honest man. It would be a great matter, I must own, to
+bring Jonathan Wild to justice. But I can't consent to the course you
+would pursue--at least, not till I've given it due consideration. In
+regard to yourself, you've had a very narrow escape. Wild's intention,
+doubtless, was to use you as far as he found necessary, and then to sell
+you. Let this be a caution to you in future--with whom, and about what
+you deal. We're told, that 'Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own
+soul.' Avoid taverns and bad company, and you may yet do well. You
+promise to become a first-rate workman. But you want one quality,
+without which all others are valueless. You want industry--you want
+steadiness. Idleness is the key of beggary, Jack. If you don't conquer
+this disgraceful propensity in time, you'll soon come to want; and then
+nothing can save you. Be warned by your father's fate. As you brew so
+must you drink. I've engaged to watch over you as a son, and I _will_ do
+so as far as I'm able; but if you neglect my advice, what chance have I
+of benefitting you? On one point I've made up my mind--you shall either
+obey me, or leave me. Please yourself. Here are your indentures, if you
+choose to seek another master."
+
+"I _will_ obey you, master,--indeed I will!" implored Jack, seriously
+alarmed at the carpenter's calm displeasure.
+
+"We shall see. Good words, without deeds, are rushes and reeds. And now
+take away those cards, and never let me see them again. Drive away the
+cat; throw that measure of gin through the window; and tell me why
+you've not so much as touched the packing-case for Lady Trafford, which
+I particularly desired you to complete against my return. It must be
+sent home this evening. She leaves town to-morrow."
+
+"It shall be ready in two hours," answered Jack, seizing a piece of wood
+and a plane; "it isn't more than four o'clock. I'll engage to get the
+job done by six. I didn't expect you home before that hour, Sir."
+
+"Ah, Jack," said Wood, shaking his head, "where there's a will there's a
+way. You can do anything you please. I wish I could get you to imitate
+Thames Darrell."
+
+"I'm sure I understand the business of a carpenter much better than he
+does," replied Jack, adroitly adjusting the board, and using the plane
+with the greatest rapidity.
+
+"Perhaps," replied Wood, doubtfully.
+
+"Thames was always your favourite," observed Jack, as he fastened
+another piece of wood on the teeth of the iron stopper.
+
+"I've made no distinction between you, hitherto," answered Wood; "nor
+shall I do so, unless I'm compelled."
+
+"I've had the hard work to do, at all events," rejoined Jack, "But I
+won't complain. I'd do anything for Thames Darrell."
+
+"And Thames Darrell would do anything for you, Jack," replied a blithe
+voice. "What's the matter, father!" continued the new-comer, addressing
+Wood. "Has Jack displeased you? If so, overlook his fault this once. I'm
+sure he'll do his best to content you. Won't you, Jack?"
+
+"That I will," answered Sheppard, eagerly.
+
+"When it thunders, the thief becomes honest," muttered Wood.
+
+"Can I help you, Jack?" asked Thames, taking up a plane.
+
+"No, no, let him alone," interposed Wood. "He has undertaken to finish
+this job by six o'clock, and I wish to see whether he'll be as good as
+his word."
+
+"He'll have hard work to do it by that time, father," remonstrated
+Thames; "you'd better let me help him."
+
+"On no account," rejoined Wood peremptorily. "A little extra exertion
+will teach him the advantage of diligence at the proper season. Lost
+ground must be regained. I need scarcely ask whether you've executed
+your appointed task, my dear? You're never behindhand."
+
+Thames turned away at the question, which he felt might be construed
+into a reproach. But Sheppard answered for him.
+
+"Darrell's job was done early this morning," he said; "and if I'd
+attended to his advice, the packing-case would have been finished at the
+same time."
+
+"You trusted too much to your own skill, Jack," rejoined Thames. "If I
+could work as fast as you, I might afford to be as idle. See how he gets
+on, father," he added, appealing to Wood: "the box seems to grow under
+his hands."
+
+"You're a noble-hearted little fellow, Thames," rejoined Wood, casting a
+look of pride and affection at his adopted son, whose head he gently
+patted; "and give promise of a glorious manhood."
+
+Thames Darrell was, indeed, a youth of whom a person of far greater
+worldly consequence than the worthy carpenter might have been justly
+proud. Though a few months younger than his companion Jack Sheppard, he
+was half a head taller, and much more robustly formed. The two friends
+contrasted strikingly with each other. In Darrell's open features,
+frankness and honour were written in legible characters; while, in
+Jack's physiognomy, cunning and knavery were as strongly imprinted. In
+all other respects they differed as materially. Jack could hardly be
+accounted good-looking: Thames, on the contrary, was one of the
+handsomest boys possible. Jack's complexion was that of a gipsy;
+Darrell's as fresh and bright as a rose. Jack's mouth was coarse and
+large; Darrell's small and exquisitely carved, with the short, proud
+upper lip, which belongs to the highest order of beauty. Jack's nose was
+broad and flat; Darrell's straight and fine as that of Antinous. The
+expression pervading the countenance of the one was vulgarity; of the
+other, that which is rarely found, except in persons of high birth.
+Darrell's eyes were of that clear gray which it is difficult to
+distinguish from blue by day and black at night; and his rich brown
+hair, which he could not consent to part with, even on the promise of a
+new and modish peruke from his adoptive father, fell in thick glossy
+ringlets upon his shoulders; whereas Jack's close black crop imparted
+the peculiar bullet-shape we have noticed, to his head.
+
+While Thames modestly expressed a hope that he might not belie the
+carpenter's favourable prediction, Jack Sheppard thought fit to mount a
+small ladder placed against the wall, and, springing with the agility of
+an ape upon a sort of frame, contrived to sustain short spars and blocks
+of timber, began to search about for a piece of wood required in the
+work on which he was engaged. Being in a great hurry, he took little
+heed where he set his feet; and a board giving way, he must have fallen,
+if he had not grasped a large plank laid upon the transverse beam
+immediately over his head.
+
+"Take care, Jack," shouted Thames, who witnessed the occurrence; "that
+plank isn't properly balanced. You'll have it down."
+
+But the caution came too late. Sheppard's weight had destroyed the
+equilibrium of the plank: it swerved, and slowly descended. Losing his
+presence of mind, Jack quitted his hold, and dropped upon the frame. The
+plank hung over his head. A moment more and he would have been crushed
+beneath the ponderous board, when a slight but strong arm arrested its
+descent.
+
+"Get from under it, Jack!" vociferated Thames. "I can't hold it much
+longer--it'll break my wrist. Down we come!" he exclaimed, letting go
+the plank, which fell with a crash, and leaping after Sheppard, who had
+rolled off the frame.
+
+All this was the work of a minute.
+
+"No bones broken, I hope," said Thames, laughing at Jack, who limped
+towards the bench, rubbing his shins as he went.
+
+"All right," replied Sheppard, with affected indifference.
+
+"It's a mercy you both escaped!" ejaculated Wood, only just finding his
+tongue. "I declare I'm all in a cold sweat. How came you, Sir," he
+continued, addressing Sheppard, "to venture upon that frame. I always
+told you some accident would happen."
+
+"Don't scold him, father," interposed Thames; "he's been frightened
+enough already."
+
+"Well, well, since you desire it, I'll say no more," returned Wood. "You
+hay'n't hurt your arm, I trust, my dear?" he added, anxiously.
+
+"Only sprained it a little, that's all," answered Thames; "the pain will
+go off presently."
+
+"Then you _are_ hurt," cried the carpenter in alarm. "Come down stairs
+directly, and let your mother look at your wrist. She has an excellent
+remedy for a sprain. And do you, Jack, attend to your work, and mind you
+don't get into further mischief."
+
+"Hadn't Jack better go with us?" said Thames. "His shin may need
+rubbing."
+
+"By no means," rejoined Wood, hastily. "A little suffering will do him
+good. I meant to give him a drubbing. That bruise will answer the same
+purpose."
+
+"Thames," said Sheppard in a low voice, as he threw a vindictive glance
+at the carpenter, "I shan't forget this. You've saved my life."
+
+"Pshaw! you'd do as much for me any day, and think no more about it.
+It'll be your turn to save mine next."
+
+"True, and I shan't be easy till my turn arrives."
+
+"I tell you what, Jack," whispered Thames, who had noticed Sheppard's
+menacing glance, and dreaded some further indiscretion on his part, "if
+you really wish to oblige me, you'll get that packing-case finished by
+six o'clock. You _can_ do it, if you will."
+
+"And I _will_, if I can, depend upon it," answered Sheppard, with a
+laugh.
+
+So saying, he manfully resumed his work; while Wood and Thames quitted
+the room, and went down stairs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+Thames Darrell.
+
+
+Thames Darrell's arm having been submitted to the scrutiny of Mrs. Wood,
+was pronounced by that lady to be very much sprained; and she,
+forthwith, proceeded to bathe it with a reddish-coloured lotion. During
+this operation, the carpenter underwent a severe catechism as to the
+cause of the accident; and, on learning that the mischance originated
+with Jack Sheppard, the indignation of his helpmate knew no bounds; and
+she was with difficulty prevented from flying to the workshop to inflict
+summary punishment on the offender.
+
+"I knew how it would be," she cried, in the shrill voice peculiar to a
+shrew, "when you brought that worthless hussy's worthless brat into the
+house. I told you no good would come of it. And every day's experience
+proves that I was right. But, like all your overbearing sex, you must
+have your own way. You'll never be guided by me--never!"
+
+"Indeed, my love, you're entirely mistaken," returned the carpenter,
+endeavouring to deprecate his wife's rising resentment by the softest
+looks, and the meekest deportment.
+
+So far, however, was this submission from producing the desired effect,
+that it seemed only to lend additional fuel to her displeasure.
+Forgetting her occupation in her anger, she left off bathing Darrell's
+wrist; and, squeezing his arm so tightly that the boy winced with pain,
+she clapped her right hand upon her hip, and turned, with flashing eyes
+and an inflamed countenance, towards her crest-fallen spouse.
+
+"What!" she exclaimed, almost choked with passion,--"_I_ advised you to
+burthen yourself with that idle and good-for-nothing pauper, who'm you
+ought rather to send to the workhouse than maintain at your own expense,
+did I! _I_ advised you to take him as an apprentice; and, so far from
+getting the regular fee with him, to give him a salary? _I_ advised you
+to feed him, and clothe him, and treat him like his betters; to put up
+with his insolence, and wink at his faults? _I_ counselled all this, I
+suppose. You'll tell me next, I dare say, that I recommended you to go
+and visit his mother so frequently under the plea of charity; to give
+her wine, and provisions, and money; to remove her from the only fit
+quarters for such people--the Mint; and to place her in a cottage at
+Willesden, of which you must needs pay the rent? Marry, come up! charity
+should begin at home. A discreet husband would leave the dispensation of
+his bounty, where women are concerned, to his wife. And for my part, if
+I were inclined to exercise my benevolence at all, it should be in
+favour of some more deserving object than that whining, hypocritical
+Magdalene."
+
+"It was the knowledge of this feeling on your part, my love, that made
+me act without your express sanction. I did all for the best, I'm sure.
+Mrs. Sheppard is--"
+
+"I know what Mrs. Sheppard is, without your information, Sir. I haven't
+forgotten her previous history. You've your own reasons, no doubt, for
+bringing up her son--perhaps, I ought rather to say _your_ son, Mr.
+Wood."
+
+"Really, my love, these accusations are most groundless--this violence
+is most unnecessary."
+
+"I can't endure the odious baggage. I hope I may never come near her."
+
+"I hope you never may, my love," humbly acquiesced the carpenter.
+
+"Is my house to be made a receptacle for all your natural children, Sir?
+Answer me that."
+
+"Winny," said Thames, whose glowing cheek attested the effect produced
+upon him by the insinuation; "Winny," said he, addressing a pretty
+little damsel of some twelve years of age, who stood by his side holding
+the bottle of embrocation, "help me on with my coat, please. This is no
+place for me."
+
+"Sit down, my dear, sit down," interposed Mrs. Wood, softening her
+asperity. "What I said about natural children doesn't apply to _you_.
+Don't suppose," she added, with a scornful glance at her helpmate,
+"that I would pay him the compliment of thinking he could possibly be
+the father of such a boy as you."
+
+Mr. Wood lifted up his hands in mute despair.
+
+"Owen, Owen," pursued Mrs. Wood, sinking into a chair, and fanning
+herself violently,--"what a fluster you have put me into with your
+violence, to be sure! And at the very time, too, when you know I'm
+expecting a visit from Mr. Kneebone, on his return from Manchester. I
+wouldn't have him see me in this state for the world. He'd never forgive
+you."
+
+"Poh, poh, my dear! Mr. Kneebone invariably takes part with me, when any
+trifling misunderstanding arises between us. I only wish he was not a
+Papist and a Jacobite."
+
+"Jacobite!" echoed Mrs. Wood. "Marry, come up! Mightn't he just as
+reasonably complain of your being a Hanoverian and a Presbyterian? It's
+all matter of opinion. And now, my love," she added, with a relenting
+look, "I'm content to make up our quarrel. But you must promise me not
+to go near that abandoned hussy at Willesden. One can't help being
+jealous, you know, even of an unworthy object."
+
+Glad to make peace on any terms, Mr. Wood gave the required promise,
+though he could not help thinking that if either of them had cause to be
+jealous he was the party.
+
+And here, we may be permitted to offer an observation upon the peculiar
+and unaccountable influence which ladies of a shrewish turn so
+frequently exercise over--we can scarcely, in this case, say--their
+lords and masters; an influence which seems not merely to extend to the
+will of the husband, but even to his inclinations. We do not remember to
+have met with a single individual, reported to be under petticoat
+government, who was not content with his lot,--nay, who so far from
+repining, did not exult in his servitude; and we see no way of
+accounting for this apparently inexplicable conduct--for which, among
+other phenomena of married life, various reasons have been assigned,
+though none entirely satisfactory to us--except upon the ground that
+these domineering dames possess some charm sufficiently strong to
+counteract the irritating effect of their tempers; some secret and
+attractive quality of which the world at large is in ignorance, and with
+which their husbands alone can be supposed to be acquainted. An
+influence of this description appeared to be exerted on the present
+occasion. The worthy carpenter was restored to instant good humour by a
+glance from his helpmate; and, notwithstanding the infliction he had
+just endured, he would have quarrelled with any one who had endeavoured
+to persuade him that he was not the happiest of men, and Mrs. Wood the
+best of wives.
+
+"Women must have their wills while they live, since they can make none
+when they die," observed Wood, as he imprinted a kiss of reconciliation
+on the plump hand of his consort;--a sentiment to the correctness of
+which the party chiefly interested graciously vouchsafed her assent.
+
+Lest the carpenter should be taxed with too much uxoriousness, it
+behoves us to ascertain whether the personal attractions of his helpmate
+would, in any degree, justify the devotion he displayed. In the first
+place, Mrs. Wood had the advantage of her husband in point of years,
+being on the sunny side of forty,--a period pronounced by competent
+judges to be the most fascinating, and, at the same time, most critical
+epoch of woman's existence,--whereas, he was on the shady side of
+fifty,--a term of life not generally conceived to have any special
+recommendation in female eyes. In the next place, she really had some
+pretensions to beauty. Accounted extremely pretty in her youth, her
+features and person expanded as she grew older, without much detriment
+to their original comeliness. Hers was beauty on a large scale no doubt;
+but it was beauty, nevertheless: and the carpenter thought her eyes as
+bright, her complexion as blooming, and her figure (if a little more
+buxom) quite as captivating as when he led her to the altar some twenty
+years ago.
+
+On the present occasion, in anticipation of Mr. Kneebone's visit, Mrs.
+Wood was dressed with more than ordinary care, and in more than ordinary
+finery. A dove-coloured kincob gown, embroidered with large trees, and
+made very low in front, displayed to the greatest possible advantage,
+the rounded proportions of her figure; while a high-heeled, red-leather
+shoe did not detract from the symmetry of a very neat ankle, and a very
+small foot. A stomacher, fastened by imitation-diamond buckles, girded
+that part of her person, which should have been a waist; a coral
+necklace encircled her throat, and a few black patches, or mouches, as
+they were termed, served as a foil to the bloom of her cheek and chin.
+Upon a table, where they had been hastily deposited, on the intelligence
+of Darrell's accident, lay a pair of pink kid gloves, bordered with
+lace, and an enormous fan; the latter, when opened, represented the
+metamorphosis and death of Actaeon. From her stomacher, to which it was
+attached by a multitude of glittering steel chains, depended an immense
+turnip-shaped watch, in a pinchbeck case. Her hair was gathered up
+behind, in a sort of pad, according to the then prevailing mode; and she
+wore a muslin cap, and pinners with crow-foot edging. A black silk
+fur-belowed scarf covered her shoulders; and over the kincob gown hung a
+yellow satin apron, trimmed with white Persian.
+
+But, in spite of her attractions, we shall address ourselves to the
+younger, and more interesting couple.
+
+"I could almost find in my heart to quarrel with Jack Sheppard for
+occasioning you so much pain," observed little Winifred Wood, as, having
+completed her ministration to the best of her ability, she helped Thames
+on with his coat.
+
+"I don't think you could find in your heart to quarrel with any one,
+Winny; much less with a person whom I like so much as Jack Sheppard. My
+arm's nearly well again. And I've already told you the accident was not
+Jack's fault. So, let's think no more about it."
+
+"It's strange you should like Jack so much dear Thames. He doesn't
+resemble you at all."
+
+"The very reason why I like him, Winny. If he _did_ resemble me, I
+shouldn't care about him. And, whatever you may think, I assure you,
+Jack's a downright good-natured fellow."
+
+Good-natured fellows are always especial favourites with boys. And, in
+applying the term to his friend, Thames meant to pay him a high
+compliment. And so Winifred understood him.
+
+"Well," she said, in reply, "I may have done Jack an injustice. I'll try
+to think better of him in future."
+
+"And, if you want an additional inducement to do so, I can tell you
+there's no one--not even his mother--whom he loves so well as you."
+
+"Loves!" echoed Winifred, slightly colouring.
+
+"Yes, loves, Winny. Poor fellow! he sometimes indulges the hope of
+marrying you, when he grows old enough."
+
+"Thames!"
+
+"Have I said anything to offend you?"
+
+"Oh! no. But if you wouldn't have me positively dislike Jack Sheppard,
+you'll never mention such a subject again. Besides," she added, blushing
+yet more deeply, "it isn't a proper one to talk upon."
+
+"Well then, to change it," replied Thames, gravely, "suppose I should be
+obliged to leave you."
+
+Winifred looked as if she could not indulge such a supposition for a
+single moment.
+
+"Surely," she said, after a pause, "you don't attach any importance to
+what my mother has just said. _She_ has already forgotten it."
+
+"But _I_ never can forget it, Winny. I will no longer be a burthen to
+those upon whom I have no claim, but compassion."
+
+As he said this, in a low and mournful, but firm voice, the tears
+gathered thickly in Winifred's dark eyelashes.
+
+"If you are in earnest, Thames," she replied, with a look of gentle
+reproach, "you are very foolish; and, if in jest, very cruel. My mother,
+I'm sure, didn't intend to hurt your feelings. She loves you too well
+for that. And I'll answer for it, she'll never say a syllable to annoy
+you again."
+
+Thames tried to answer her, but his voice failed him.
+
+"Come! I see the storm has blown over," cried Winifred, brightening up.
+
+"You're mistaken, Winny. Nothing can alter my determination. I shall
+quit this roof to-morrow."
+
+The little girl's countenance fell.
+
+"Do nothing without consulting my father--_your_ father, Thames," she
+implored. "Promise me that."
+
+"Willingly. And what's more, I promise to abide by his decision."
+
+"Then, I'm quite easy," cried Winifred, joyfully.
+
+"I'm sure he won't attempt to prevent me," rejoined Thames.
+
+The slight smile that played upon Winifred's lips seemed to say that
+_she_ was not quite so sure. But she made no answer.
+
+"In case he should consent--"
+
+"He never will," interrupted Winifred.
+
+"In case he _should_, I say," continued Thames, "will _you_ promise to
+let Jack Sheppard take my place in your affections, Winny?"
+
+"Never!" replied the little damsel, "I can never love any one so much as
+you."
+
+"Excepting your father."
+
+Winifred was going to say "No," but she checked herself; and, with
+cheeks mantling with blushes, murmured, "I wish you wouldn't tease me
+about Jack Sheppard."
+
+The foregoing conversation, having been conducted throughout in a low
+tone, and apart, had not reached the ears of Mr. and Mrs. Wood, who
+were, furthermore, engaged in a little conjugal _tete-a-tete_ of their
+own. The last observation, however, caught the attention of the
+carpenter's wife.
+
+"What's that you're saying about Jack Sheppard?" she cried.
+
+"Thames was just observing--"
+
+"Thames!" echoed Mrs. Wood, glancing angrily at her husband. "There's
+another instance of your wilfulness and want of taste. Who but _you_
+would have dreamed of giving the boy such a name? Why, it's the name of
+a river, not a Christian. No gentleman was ever called Thames, and
+Darrell _is_ a gentleman, unless the whole story of his being found in
+the river is a fabrication!"
+
+"My dear, you forget--"
+
+"No, Mr. Wood, I forget nothing. I've an excellent memory, thank God!
+And I perfectly remember that everybody was drowned upon that
+occasion--except yourself and the child!"
+
+"My love you're beside yourself--"
+
+"I was beside myself to take charge of your--"
+
+"Mother?" interposed Winifred.
+
+"It's of no use," observed Thames quietly, but with a look that chilled
+the little damsel's heart;--"my resolution is taken."
+
+"You at least appear to forget that Mr. Kneebone is coming, my dear,"
+ventured Mr. Wood.
+
+"Good gracious! so I do," exclaimed his amiable consort. "But you _do_
+agitate me so much. Come into the parlour, Winifred, and dry your eyes
+directly, or I'll send you to bed. Mr. Wood, I desire you'll put on your
+best things, and join us as soon as possible. Thames, you needn't tidy
+yourself, as you've hurt your arm. Mr. Kneebone will excuse you. Dear
+me! if there isn't his knock. Oh! I'm in such a fluster!"
+
+Upon which, she snatched up her fan, cast a look into the glass,
+smoothed down her scarf, threw a soft expression into her features, and
+led the way into the next room, whither she was followed by her daughter
+and Thames Darrell.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+The Jacobite.
+
+
+Mr. William Kneebone was a woollen-draper of "credit and renown," whose
+place of business was held at the sign of the Angel (for, in those
+days, every shop had its sign), opposite Saint Clement's church in the
+Strand. A native of Manchester, he was the son of Kenelm Kneebone, a
+staunch Catholic, and a sergeant of dragoons, who lost his legs and his
+life while fighting for James the Second at the battle of the Boyne, and
+who had little to bequeath his son except his laurels and his loyalty to
+the house of Stuart.
+
+The gallant woollen-draper was now in his thirty-sixth year. He had a
+handsome, jolly-looking face; stood six feet two in his stockings; and
+measured more than a cloth-yard shaft across the shoulders--athletic
+proportions derived from his father the dragoon. And, if it had not been
+for a taste for plotting, which was continually getting him into
+scrapes, he might have been accounted a respectable member of society.
+
+Of late, however, his plotting had assumed a more dark and dangerous
+complexion. The times were such that, with the opinions he entertained,
+he could not remain idle. The spirit of disaffection was busy throughout
+the kingdom. It was on the eve of that memorable rebellion which broke
+forth, two months later, in Scotland. Since the accession of George the
+First to the throne in the preceding year, every effort had been made by
+the partisans of the Stuarts to shake the credit of the existing
+government, and to gain supporters to their cause. Disappointed in their
+hopes of the restoration of the fallen dynasty after the death of Anne,
+the adherents of the Chevalier de Saint George endeavoured, by sowing
+the seeds of dissension far and wide, to produce a general insurrection
+in his favour. No means were neglected to accomplish this end. Agents
+were dispersed in all directions--offers the most tempting held out to
+induce the wavering to join the Chevalier's standard. Plots were hatched
+in the provinces, where many of the old and wealthy Catholic families
+resided, whose zeal for the martyr of their religion (as the Chevalier
+was esteemed), sharpened by the persecutions they themselves endured,
+rendered them hearty and efficient allies. Arms, horses, and
+accoutrements were secretly purchased and distributed; and it is not
+improbable that, if the unfortunate prince, in whose behalf these
+exertions were made, and who was not deficient in courage, as he proved
+at the battle of Malplaquet, had boldly placed himself at the head of
+his party at an earlier period, he might have regained the crown of his
+ancestors. But the indecision, which had been fatal to his race, was
+fatal to him. He delayed the blow till the fortunate conjuncture was
+past. And when, at length, it _was_ struck, he wanted energy to pursue
+his advantages.
+
+But we must not anticipate the course of events. At the precise period
+of this history, the Jacobite party was full of hope and confidence.
+Louis the Fourteenth yet lived, and expectations were, therefore,
+indulged of assistance from France. The disgrace of the leaders of the
+late Tory administration had strengthened, rather than injured, their
+cause. Mobs were gathered together on the slightest possible pretext;
+and these tumultuous assemblages, while committing the most outrageous
+excesses, loudly proclaimed their hatred to the house of Hanover, and
+their determination to cut off the Protestant succession. The
+proceedings of this faction were narrowly watched by a vigilant and
+sagacious administration. The government was not deceived (indeed, every
+opportunity was sought by the Jacobites of parading their numbers,) as
+to the force of its enemies; and precautionary measures were taken to
+defeat their designs. On the very day of which we write, namely, the
+10th of June 1715, Bolingbroke and Oxford were impeached of high
+treason. The Committee of Secrecy--that English Council of Ten--were
+sitting, with Walpole at their head; and the most extraordinary
+discoveries were reported to be made. On the same day, moreover, which,
+by a curious coincidence, was the birthday of the Chevalier de Saint
+George, mobs were collected together in the streets, and the health of
+that prince was publicly drunk under the title of James the Third;
+while, in many country towns, the bells were rung, and rejoicings held,
+as if for a reigning monarch:--the cry of the populace almost
+universally being, "No King George, but a Stuart!"
+
+The adherents of the Chevalier de Saint George, we have said, were
+lavish in promises to their proselytes. Posts were offered to all who
+chose to accept them. Blank commissions, signed by the prince, to be
+filled up by the name of the person, who could raise a troop for his
+service, were liberally bestowed. Amongst others, Mr. Kneebone, whose
+interest was not inconsiderable with the leaders of his faction,
+obtained an appointment as captain in a regiment of infantry, on the
+conditions above specified. With a view to raise recruits for his corps,
+the warlike woollen-draper started for Lancashire, under the colour of a
+journey on business. He was pretty successful in Manchester,--a town
+which may be said to have been the head-quarters of the disaffected. On
+his return to London, he found that applications had been made from a
+somewhat doubtful quarter by two individuals, for the posts of
+subordinate officers in his troop. Mr. Kneebone, or, as he would have
+preferred being styled, Captain Kneebone, was not perfectly satisfied
+with the recommendations forwarded by the applicants. But this was not a
+season in which to be needlessly scrupulous. He resolved to judge for
+himself. Accordingly, he was introduced to the two military aspirants at
+the Cross Shovels in the Mint, by our old acquaintance, Baptist
+Kettleby. The Master of the Mint, with whom the Jacobite captain had
+often had transactions before, vouched for their being men of honour and
+loyalty; and Kneebone was so well satisfied with his representations,
+that he at once closed the matter by administering to the applicants the
+oath of allegiance and fidelity to King James the Third, and several
+other oaths besides, all of which those gentlemen took with as little
+hesitation as the sum of money, afterwards tendered, to make the compact
+binding. The party, then, sat down to a bowl of punch; and, at its
+conclusion, Captain Kneebone regretted that an engagement to spend the
+evening with Mrs. Wood, would preclude the possibility of his remaining
+with his new friends as long as his inclinations prompted. At this
+piece of information, the two subordinate officers were observed to
+exchange glances; and, after a little agreeable raillery on their
+captain's gallantry, they begged permission to accompany him in his
+visit. Kneebone, who had drained his glass to the restoration of the
+house of Stuart, and the downfall of the house of Hanover, more
+frequently than was consistent with prudence, consented; and the trio
+set out for Wych Street, where they arrived in the jolliest humour
+possible.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Mr. Kneebone and his Friends.
+
+
+Mrs. Wood was scarcely seated before Mr. Kneebone made his appearance.
+To her great surprise and mortification he was not alone; but brought
+with him a couple of friends, whom he begged to introduce as Mr.
+Jeremiah Jackson, and Mr. Solomon Smith, chapmen, (or what in modern
+vulgar parlance would be termed bagmen) travelling to procure orders for
+the house of an eminent cloth manufacturer in Manchester. Neither the
+manners, the looks, nor the attire of these gentlemen prepossessed Mrs.
+Wood in their favour. Accordingly, on their presentation, Mr. Jeremiah
+Jackson and Mr. Solomon Smith received something very like a rebuff.
+Luckily, they were not easily discomposed. Two persons possessing a more
+comfortable stock of assurance could not be readily found. Imitating the
+example of Mr. Kneebone, who did not appear in the slightest degree
+disconcerted by his cool reception, each sank carelessly into a chair,
+and made himself at home in a moment. Both had very singular faces; very
+odd wigs, very much pulled over their brows; and very large cravats,
+very much raised above their chins. Besides this, each had a large black
+patch over his right eye, and a very queer twist at the left side of his
+mouth, so that if their object had been disguise, they could not have
+adopted better precautions. Mrs. Wood thought them both remarkably
+plain, but Mr. Smith decidedly the plainest of the two. His complexion
+was as blue as a sailor's jacket, and though Mr. Jackson had one of the
+ugliest countenances imaginable, he had a very fine set of teeth. That
+was something in his favour. One peculiarity she did not fail to notice.
+They were both dressed in every respect alike. In fact, Mr. Solomon
+Smith seemed to be Mr. Jeremiah Jackson's double. He talked in the same
+style, and pretty nearly in the same language; laughed in the same
+manner, and coughed, or sneezed at the same time. If Mr. Jackson took an
+accurate survey of the room with his one eye, Mr. Smith's solitary orb
+followed in the same direction. When Jeremiah admired the Compasses in
+the arms of the Carpenter's Company over the chimney-piece, or the
+portraits of the two eminent masters of the rule and plane, William
+Portington, and John Scott, Esquires, on either side of it, Solomon was
+lost in wonder. When Mr. Jackson noticed a fine service of old blue
+china in an open japan closet, Mr. Smith had never seen anything like
+it. And finally, when Jeremiah, having bestowed upon Mrs. Wood a very
+free-and-easy sort of stare, winked at Mr. Kneebone, his impertinence
+was copied to the letter by Solomon. All three, then, burst into an
+immoderate fit of laughter. Mrs. Wood's astonishment and displeasure
+momentarily increased. Such freedoms from such people were not to be
+endured. Her patience was waning fast. Still, in spite of her glances
+and gestures, Mr. Kneebone made no effort to check the unreasonable
+merriment of his companions, but rather seemed to encourage it. So Mrs.
+Wood went on fuming, and the trio went on laughing for some minutes,
+nobody knew why or wherefore, until the party was increased by Mr. Wood,
+in his Sunday habiliments and Sunday buckle. Without stopping to inquire
+into the cause of their mirth, or even to ask the names of his guests,
+the worthy carpenter shook hands with the one-eyed chapmen, slapped Mr.
+Kneebone cordially on the shoulder, and began to laugh as heartily as
+any of them.
+
+Mrs. Wood could stand it no longer.
+
+"I think you're all bewitched," she cried.
+
+"So we are, Ma'am, by your charms," returned Mr. Jackson, gallantly.
+
+"Quite captivated, Ma'am," added Mr. Smith, placing his hand on his
+breast.
+
+Mr. Kneebone and Mr. Wood laughed louder than ever.
+
+"Mr. Wood," said the lady bridling up, "my request may, perhaps, have
+some weight with _you_. I desire, Sir, you'll recollect yourself. Mr.
+Kneebone," she added, with a glance at that gentleman, which was meant
+to speak daggers, "will do as he pleases."
+
+Here the chapmen set up another boisterous peal.
+
+"No offence, I hope, my dear Mrs. W," said Mr. Kneebone in a
+conciliatory tone. "My friends, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Smith, may have
+rather odd ways with them; but--"
+
+"They _have_ very odd ways," interrupted Mrs. Wood, disdainfully.
+
+"Our worthy friend was going to observe, Ma'am, that we never fail in
+our devotion to the fair sex," said Mr. Jackson.
+
+"Never, Ma'am!" echoed Mr. Smith, "upon my conscience."
+
+"My dear," said the hospitable carpenter, "I dare say Mr. Kneebone and
+his friends would be glad of a little refreshment."
+
+"They shall have it, then," replied his better half, rising. "You base
+ingrate," she added, in a whisper, as she flounced past Mr. Kneebone on
+her way to the door, "how could you bring such creatures with you,
+especially on an occasion like this, when we haven't met for a
+fortnight!"
+
+"Couldn't help it, my life," returned the gentleman addressed, in the
+same tone; "but you little know who those individuals are."
+
+"Lord bless us! you alarm me. Who are they?"
+
+Mr. Kneebone assumed a mysterious air; and bringing his lips close to
+Mrs. Wood's ear, whispered, "secret agents from France--you
+understand--friends to the cause--hem!"
+
+"I see,--persons of rank!"
+
+Mr. Kneebone nodded.
+
+"Noblemen."
+
+Mr. Kneebone smiled assent.
+
+"Mercy on us! Well, I thought their manners quite out o' the common. And
+so, the invasion really is to take place after all; and the Chevalier de
+Saint George is to land at the Tower with fifty thousand Frenchmen; and
+the Hanoverian usurper's to be beheaded; and Doctor Sacheverel's to be
+made a bishop, and we're all to be--eh?"
+
+"All in good time," returned Kneebone, putting his finger to his lips;
+"don't let your imagination run away with you, my charmer. That boy," he
+added, looking at Thames, "has his eye upon us."
+
+Mrs. Wood, however, was too much excited to attend to the caution.
+
+"O, lud!" she cried; "French noblemen in disguise! and so rude as I was!
+I shall never recover it!"
+
+"A good supper will set all to rights," insinuated Kneebone. "But be
+prudent, my angel."
+
+"Never fear," replied the lady. "I'm prudence personified. You might
+trust me with the Chevalier himself,--I'd never betray him. But why
+didn't you let me know they were coming. I'd have got something nice. As
+it is, we've only a couple of ducks--and they were intended for you.
+Winny, my love, come with me. I shall want you.--Sorry to quit your
+lord--worships, I mean,--I don't know what I mean," she added, a little
+confused, and dropping a profound curtsey to the disguised noblemen,
+each of whom replied by a bow, worthy, in her opinion, of a prince of
+the blood at the least,--"but I've a few necessary orders to give
+below."
+
+"Don't mind us, Ma'am," said Mr. Jackson: "ha! ha!"
+
+"Not in the least, Ma'am," echoed Mr. Smith: "ho! ho!"
+
+"How condescending!" thought Mrs. Wood. "Not proud in the least, I
+declare. Well, I'd no idea," she continued, pursuing her ruminations as
+she left the room, "that people of quality laughed so. But it's French
+manners, I suppose."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+Hawk and Buzzard.
+
+
+Mrs. Wood's anxiety to please her distinguished guests speedily
+displayed itself in a very plentiful, if not very dainty repast. To the
+duckling, peas, and other delicacies, intended for Mr. Kneebone's
+special consumption, she added a few impromptu dishes, tossed off in her
+best style; such as lamb chops, broiled kidneys, fried ham and eggs, and
+toasted cheese. Side by side with the cheese (its never-failing
+accompaniment, in all seasons, at the carpenter's board) came a tankard
+of swig, and a toast. Besides these there was a warm gooseberry-tart,
+and a cold pigeon pie--the latter capacious enough, even allowing for
+its due complement of steak, to contain the whole produce of a dovecot;
+a couple of lobsters and the best part of a salmon swimming in a sea of
+vinegar, and shaded by a forest of fennel. While the cloth was laid, the
+host and Thames descended to the cellar, whence they returned, laden
+with a number of flasks of the same form, and apparently destined to the
+same use as those depicted in Hogarth's delectable print--the Modern
+Midnight Conversation.
+
+Mrs. Wood now re-appeared with a very red face; and, followed by
+Winifred, took her seat at the table. Operations then commenced. Mr.
+Wood carved the ducks; Mr. Kneebone helped to the pigeon-pie; while
+Thames unwired and uncorked a bottle of stout Carnarvonshire ale. The
+woollen-draper was no despicable trencherman in a general way; but his
+feats with the knife and fork were child's sport compared with those of
+Mr. Smith. The leg and wing of a duck were disposed of by this gentleman
+in a twinkling; a brace of pigeons and a pound of steak followed with
+equal celerity; and he had just begun to make a fierce assault upon the
+eggs and ham. His appetite was perfectly Gargantuan. Nor must it be
+imagined, that while he thus exercised his teeth, he neglected the
+flagon. On the contrary, his glass was never idle, and finding it not
+filled quite so frequently as he desired, he applied himself,
+notwithstanding the expressive looks and muttered remonstrances of Mr.
+Jackson, to the swig. The latter gentleman did full justice to the good
+things before him; but he drank sparingly, and was visibly annoyed by
+his companion's intemperance. As to Mr. Kneebone, what with flirting
+with Mrs. Wood, carving for his friends, and pledging the carpenter, he
+had his hands full. At this juncture, and just as a cuckoo-clock in the
+corner struck sis, Jack Sheppard walked into the room, with the
+packing-case under his arm.
+
+"I was in the right, you see, father," observed Thames, smiling; "Jack
+_has_ done his task."
+
+"So I perceive," replied Wood.
+
+"Where am I to take it to?" asked Sheppard.
+
+"I told you that before," rejoined Wood, testily. "You must take it to
+Sir Rowland Trenchard's in Southampton Fields. And, mind, it's for his
+sister, Lady Trafford."
+
+"Very well, Sir," replied Sheppard.
+
+"Wet your whistle before you start, Jack," said Kneebone, pouring out a
+glass of ale. "What's that you're taking to Sir Rowland Trenchard's?"
+
+"Only a box, Sir," answered Sheppard, emptying the glass.
+
+"It's an odd-shaped one," rejoined Kneebone, examining it attentively.
+"But I can guess what it's for. Sir Rowland is one of _us_," he added,
+winking at his companions, "and so was his brother-in-law, Sir Cecil
+Trafford. Old Lancashire families both. Strict Catholics, and loyal to
+the backbone. Fine woman, Lady Trafford--a little on the wane though."
+
+"Ah! you're so very particular," sighed Mrs. Wood.
+
+"Not in the least," returned Kneebone, slyly, "not in the least. Another
+glass, Jack."
+
+"Thank'ee, Sir," grinned Sheppard.
+
+"Off with it to the health of King James the Third, and confusion to his
+enemies!"
+
+"Hold!" interposed Wood; "that is treason. I'll have no such toast drunk
+at my table!"
+
+"It's the king's birthday," urged the woollen draper.
+
+"Not _my_ king's," returned Wood. "I quarrel with no man's political
+opinions, but I will have my own respected!"
+
+"Eh day!" exclaimed Mrs. Wood; "here's a pretty to-do about nothing.
+Marry, come up! I'll see who's to be obeyed. Drink the toast, Jack."
+
+"At your peril, sirrah!" cried Wood.
+
+"He was hanged that left his drink behind, you know, master," rejoined
+Sheppard. "Here's King James the Third, and confusion to his enemies!"
+
+"Very well," said the carpenter, sitting down amid the laughter of the
+company.
+
+"Jack!" cried Thames, in a loud voice, "you deserve to be hanged for a
+rebel as you are to your lawful king and your lawful master. But since
+we must have toasts," he added, snatching up a glass, "listen to mine:
+Here's King George the First! a long reign to him! and confusion to the
+Popish Pretender and his adherents!"
+
+"Bravely done!" said Wood, with tears in his eyes.
+
+"That's the kinchin as was to try the dub for us, ain't it?" muttered
+Smith to his companion as he stole a glance at Jack Sheppard.
+
+"Silence!" returned Jackson, in a deep whisper; "and don't muddle your
+brains with any more of that Pharaoh. You'll need all your strength to
+grab him."
+
+"What's the matter?" remarked Kneebone, addressing Sheppard, who, as he
+caught the single but piercing eye of Jackson fixed upon him, started
+and trembled.
+
+"What's the matter?" repeated Mrs. Wood in a sharp tone.
+
+"Ay, what's the matter, boy!" reiterated Jackson sternly. "Did you never
+see two gentlemen with only a couple of peepers between them before!"
+
+"Never, I'll be sworn!" said Smith, taking the opportunity of filling
+his glass while his comrade's back was turned; "we're a nat'ral
+cur'osity."
+
+"Can I have a word with you, master?" said Sheppard, approaching Wood.
+
+"Not a syllable!" answered the carpenter, angrily. "Get about your
+business!"
+
+"Thames!" cried Jack, beckoning to his friend.
+
+But Darrell averted his head.
+
+"Mistress!" said the apprentice, making a final appeal to Mrs. Wood.
+
+"Leave the room instantly, sirrah!" rejoined the lady, bouncing up, and
+giving him a slap on the cheek that made his eyes flash fire.
+
+"May I be cursed," muttered Sheppard, as he slunk away with (as the
+woollen-draper pleasantly observed) 'a couple of boxes in charge,' "if
+ever I try to be honest again!"
+
+"Take a little toasted cheese with the swig, Mr. Smith," observed Wood.
+"That's an incorrigible rascal," he added, as Sheppard closed the door;
+"it's only to-day that I discovered--"
+
+"What?" asked Jackson, pricking up his ears.
+
+"Don't speak ill of him behind his back, father," interposed Thames.
+
+"If _I_ were your father, young gentleman," returned Jackson, enraged at
+the interruption, "I'd teach _you_ not to speak till you were spoken
+to."
+
+Thames was about to reply, but a glance from Wood checked him.
+
+"The rebuke is just," said the carpenter; "at the same time, I'm not
+sorry to find you're a friend to fair play, which, as you seem to know,
+is a jewel. Open that bottle with a blue seal, my dear. Gentlemen! a
+glass of brandy will be no bad finish to our meal."
+
+This proposal giving general satisfaction, the bottle circulated
+swiftly; and Smith found the liquor so much to his taste, that he made
+it pay double toll on its passage.
+
+"Your son is a lad of spirit, Mr. Wood," observed Jackson, in a
+slightly-sarcastic tone.
+
+"He's not my son," rejoined the carpenter.
+
+"How, Sir?"
+
+"Except by adoption. Thames Darrell is--"
+
+"My husband nicknames him Thames," interrupted Mrs. Wood, "because he
+found him in the river!--ha! ha!"
+
+"Ha! ha!" echoed Smith, taking another bumper of brandy; "he'll set the
+Thames on fire one of these days, I'll warrant him!"
+
+"That's more than you'll ever do, you drunken fool!" growled Jackson, in
+an under tone: "be cautious, or you'll spoil all!"
+
+"Suppose we send for a bowl of punch," said Kneebone.
+
+"With all my heart!" replied Wood. And, turning to his daughter, he gave
+the necessary directions in a low tone.
+
+Winifred, accordingly, left the room, and a servant being despatched to
+the nearest tavern, soon afterwards returned with a crown bowl of the
+ambrosian fluid. The tables were then cleared. Bottles and glasses
+usurped the place of dishes and plates. Pipes were lighted; and Mr.
+Kneebone began to dispense the fragrant fluid; begging Mrs. Wood, in a
+whisper, as he filled a rummer to the brim, not to forget the health of
+the Chevalier de Saint George--a proposition to which the lady
+immediately responded by drinking the toast aloud.
+
+"The Chevalier shall hear of this," whispered the woollen-draper.
+
+"You don't say so!" replied Mrs. Wood, delighted at the idea.
+
+Mr. Kneebone assured her that he _did_ say so; and, as a further proof
+of his sincerity, squeezed her hand very warmly under the table.
+
+Mr. Smith, now, being more than half-seas over, became very uproarious,
+and, claiming the attention of the table, volunteered the following
+
+    DRINKING SONG.
+
+    I.
+
+    Jolly nose! the bright rubies that garnish thy tip
+      Are dug from the mines of canary;
+    And to keep up their lustre I moisten my lip
+      With hogsheads of claret and sherry.
+
+    II.
+
+    Jolly nose! he who sees thee across a broad glass
+      Beholds thee in all thy perfection;
+    And to the pale snout of a temperate ass
+      Entertains the profoundest objection.
+
+    III.
+
+    For a big-bellied glass is the palette I use,
+      And the choicest of wine is my colour;
+    And I find that my nose takes the mellowest hues
+      The fuller I fill it--the fuller!
+
+    IV.
+
+    Jolly nose! there are fools who say drink hurts the sight;
+      Such dullards know nothing about it.
+    'T is better, with wine, to extinguish the light,
+      Than live always, in darkness, without it!
+
+"How long may it be since that boy was found in the way Mrs. Wood
+mentions?" inquired Jackson, as soon as the clatter that succeeded Mr.
+Smith's melody had subsided.
+
+"Let me see," replied Wood; "exactly twelve years ago last November."
+
+"Why, that must be about the time of the Great Storm," rejoined Jackson.
+
+"Egad!" exclaimed Wood, "you've hit the right nail on the head, anyhow.
+It _was_ on the night of the Great Storm that I found him."
+
+"I should like to hear all particulars of the affair," said Jackson, "if
+it wouldn't be troubling you too much."
+
+Mr. Wood required little pressing. He took a sip of punch and commenced
+his relation. Though meant to produce a totally different effect, the
+narrative seemed to excite the risible propensities rather than the
+commiseration of his auditor; and when Mr. Wood wound it up by a
+description of the drenching he had undergone at the Mint pump, the
+other could hold out no longer, but, leaning back in his chair, gave
+free scope to his merriment.
+
+"I beg your pardon," he cried; "but really--ha! ha!--you must excuse
+me!--that is so uncommonly diverting--ha! ha! Do let me hear it
+again?--ha! ha! ha!"
+
+"Upon my word," rejoined Wood, "you seem vastly entertained by my
+misfortunes."
+
+"To be sure! Nothing entertains me so much. People always rejoice at
+the misfortunes of others--never at their own! The droll dogs! how
+_they_ must have enjoyed it!--ha! ha!"
+
+"I dare say they did. But _I_ found it no laughing matter, I can assure
+you. And, though it's a long time ago, I feel as sore on the subject as
+ever."
+
+"Quite natural! Never forgive an injury!--_I_ never do!--ha! ha!"
+
+"Really, Mr. Jackson, I could almost fancy we had met before. Your laugh
+reminds me of--of----"
+
+"Whose, Sir?" demanded Jackson, becoming suddenly grave.
+
+"You'll not be offended, I hope," returned Wood, drily, "if I say that
+your voice, your manner, and, above all, your very extraordinary way of
+laughing, put me strangely in mind of one of the 'droll dogs,' (as you
+term them,) who helped to perpetrate the outrage I've just described."
+
+"Whom do you mean?" demanded Jackson.
+
+"I allude to an individual, who has since acquired an infamous notoriety
+as a thief-taker; but who, in those days, was himself the associate of
+thieves."
+
+"Well, Sir, his name?"
+
+"Jonathan Wild."
+
+"'Sblood!" cried Jackson, rising, "I can't sit still and hear Mr. Wild,
+whom I believe to be as honest a gentleman as any in the kingdom,
+calumniated!"
+
+"Fire and fury!" exclaimed Smith, getting up with the brandy-bottle in
+his grasp; "no man shall abuse Mr. Wild in my presence! He's the
+right-hand of the community! We could do nothing without him!"
+
+"_We!_" repeated Wood, significantly.
+
+"Every honest man, Sir! He helps us to our own again."
+
+"Humph!" ejaculated the carpenter.
+
+"Surely," observed Thames, laughing, "to one who entertains so high an
+opinion of Jonathan Wild, as Mr. Jackson appears to do, it can't be very
+offensive to be told, that he's like him."
+
+"I don't object to the likeness, if any such exists, young Sir,"
+returned Jackson, darting an angry glance at Thames; "indeed I'm rather
+flattered by being thought to resemble a gentleman of Mr. Wild's figure.
+But I can't submit to hear the well-earned reputation of my friend
+termed an 'infamous notoriety.'"
+
+"No, we can't stand that," hiccupped Smith, scarcely able to keep his
+legs.
+
+"Well, gentlemen," rejoined Wood, mildly; "since Mr. Wild is a friend of
+yours, I'm sorry for what I said. I've no doubt he's as honest as either
+of you."
+
+"Enough," returned Jackson, extending his hand; "and if I've expressed
+myself warmly, I'm sorry for it likewise. But you must allow me to
+observe, my good Sir, that you're wholly in the wrong respecting my
+friend. Mr. Wild never was the associate of thieves."
+
+"Never," echoed Smith, emphatically, "upon my honour."
+
+"I'm satisfied with your assurance," replied the carpenter, drily.
+
+"It's more than I am," muttered Thames.
+
+"I was not aware that Jonathan Wild was an acquaintance of yours, Mr.
+Jackson," said Kneebone, whose assiduity to Mrs. Wood had prevented him
+from paying much attention to the previous scene.
+
+"I've known him all my life," replied the other.
+
+"The devil you have! Then, perhaps, you can tell me when he intends to
+put his threat into execution?"
+
+"What threat?" asked Jackson.
+
+"Why, of hanging the fellow who acts as his jackal; one Blake, or
+Blueskin, I think he's called."
+
+"You've been misinformed, Sir," interposed Smith. "Mr. Wild is incapable
+of such baseness."
+
+"Bah!" returned the woollen-draper. "I see you don't know him as well as
+you pretend. Jonathan is capable of anything. He has hanged twelve of
+his associates already. The moment they cease to be serviceable, or
+become dangerous he lodges an information, and the matter's settled. He
+has always plenty of evidence in reserve. Blueskin is booked. As sure as
+you're sitting there, Mr. Smith, he'll swing after next Old Bailey
+sessions. I wouldn't be in his skin for a trifle!"
+
+"But he may peach," said Smith casting an oblique glance at Jackson.
+
+"It would avail him little if he did," replied Kneebone. "Jonathan does
+what he pleases in the courts."
+
+"Very true," chuckled Jackson; "very true."
+
+"Blueskin's only chance would be to carry _his_ threat into effect,"
+pursued the woollen-draper.
+
+"Aha!" exclaimed Jackson. "_He_ threatens, does he?"
+
+"More than that," replied Kneebone; "I understand he drew a knife upon
+Jonathan, in a quarrel between them lately. And since then, he has
+openly avowed his determination of cutting his master's throat on the
+slightest inkling of treachery. But, perhaps Mr. Smith will tell you I'm
+misinformed, also, on that point."
+
+"On the contrary," rejoined Smith, looking askance at his companion, "I
+happen to _know_ you're in the right."
+
+"Well, Sir, I'm obliged to you," said Jackson; "I shall take care to put
+Mr. Wild on his guard against an assassin."
+
+"And I shall put Blueskin on the alert against the designs of a
+traitor," rejoined Smith, in a tone that sounded like a menace.
+
+"In my opinion," remarked Kneebone, "it doesn't matter how soon society
+is rid of two such scoundrels; and if Blueskin dies by the rope, and
+Jonathan by the hand of violence, they'll meet the fate they merit. Wild
+was formerly an agent to the Jacobite party, but, on the offer of a
+bribe from the opposite faction, he unhesitatingly deserted and betrayed
+his old employers. Of late, he has become the instrument of Walpole, and
+does all the dirty work for the Secret Committee. Several arrests of
+importance have been intrusted to him; but, forewarned, forearmed, we
+have constantly baffled his schemes;--ha! ha! Jonathan's a devilish
+clever fellow. But he can't have his eyes always about him, or he'd have
+been with us this morning at the Mint, eh, Mr. Jackson!"
+
+"So he would," replied the latter: "so he would."
+
+"With all his cunning, he may meet with his match," continued Kneebone,
+laughing. "I've set a trap for him."
+
+"Take care you don't fall into it yourself," returned Jackson, with a
+slight sneer.
+
+"Were I in your place," said Smith, "I should be apprehensive of Wild,
+because he's a declared enemy."
+
+"And were I in _yours_," rejoined the woollen-draper, "I should be
+doubly apprehensive, because he's a professed friend. But we're
+neglecting the punch all this time. A bumper round, gentlemen. Success
+to our enterprise!"
+
+"Success to our enterprise!" echoed the others, significantly.
+
+"May I ask whether you made any further inquiries into the mysterious
+affair about which we were speaking just now?" observed Jackson, turning
+to the carpenter.
+
+"I can't say I did," replied Wood, somewhat reluctantly; "what with the
+confusion incident to the storm, and the subsequent press of business, I
+put it off till it was too late. I've often regretted that I didn't
+investigate the matter. However, it doesn't much signify. All concerned
+in the dark transaction must have perished."
+
+"Are you sure of that," inquired Jackson.
+
+"As sure as one reasonably can be. I saw their boat swept away, and
+heard the roar of the fall beneath the bridge; and no one, who was
+present, could doubt the result. If the principal instigator of the
+crime, whom I afterwards encountered on the platform, and who was dashed
+into the raging flood by the shower of bricks, escaped, his preservation
+must have been indeed miraculous."
+
+"Your own was equally so," said Jackson ironically. "What if he _did_
+escape?"
+
+"My utmost efforts should be used to bring him to justice."
+
+"Hum!"
+
+"Have you any reason to suppose he survived the accident?" inquired
+Thames eagerly.
+
+Jackson smiled and put on the air of a man who knows more than he cares
+to tell.
+
+"I merely asked the question," he said, after he had enjoyed the boy's
+suspense for a moment.
+
+The hope that had been suddenly kindled in the youth's bosom was as
+suddenly extinguished.
+
+"If I thought he lived----" observed Wood.
+
+"_If_," interrupted Jackson, changing his tone: "he _does_ live. And it
+has been well for you that he imagines the child was drowned."
+
+"Who is he?" asked Thames impatiently.
+
+"You're inquisitive, young gentleman," replied Jackson, coldly. "When
+you're older, you'll know that secrets of importance are not disclosed
+gratuitously. Your adoptive father understands mankind better."
+
+"I'd give half I'm worth to hang the villain, and restore this boy to
+his rights," said Mr. Wood.
+
+"How do you know he _has_ any rights to be restored to?" returned
+Jackson, with a grin. "Judging from what you tell me, I've no doubt he's
+the illegitimate offspring of some handsome, but lowborn profligate; in
+which case, he'll neither have name, nor wealth for his inheritance. The
+assassination, as you call it, was, obviously, the vengeance of a
+kinsman of the injured lady, who no doubt was of good family, upon her
+seducer. The less said, therefore, on this point the better; because, as
+nothing is to be gained by it, it would only be trouble thrown away.
+But, if you have any particular fancy for hanging the gentleman, who
+chose to take the law into his own hands--and I think your motive
+extremely disinterested and praiseworthy--why, it's just possible, if
+you make it worth my while, that your desires may be gratified."
+
+"I don't see how this is to be effected, unless you yourself were
+present at the time," said Wood, glancing suspiciously at the speaker.
+
+"I had no hand in the affair," replied Jackson, bluntly; "but I know
+those who had; and could bring forward evidence, if you require it."
+
+"The best evidence would be afforded by an accomplice of the assassin,"
+rejoined Thames, who was greatly offended by the insinuation as to his
+parentage.
+
+"Perhaps you could point out such a party, Mr. Jackson?" said Wood,
+significantly.
+
+"I could," replied Thames.
+
+"Then you need no further information from me," rejoined Jackson,
+sternly.
+
+"Stay!" cried Wood, "this is a most perplexing business--if you really
+are privy to the affair----"
+
+"We'll talk of it to-morrow, Sir," returned Jackson, cutting him short.
+"In the mean time, with your permission, I'll just make a few minutes of
+our conversation."
+
+"As many as you please," replied Wood, walking towards the
+chimney-piece, and taking down a constable's, staff, which hung upon a
+nail.
+
+Jackson, mean time, produced a pocket-book; and, after deliberately
+sharpening the point of a pencil, began to write on a blank leaf. While
+he was thus occupied, Thames, prompted by an unaccountable feeling of
+curiosity, took up the penknife which the other had just used, and
+examined the haft. What he there noticed occasioned a marked change in
+his demeanour. He laid down the knife, and fixed a searching and
+distrustful gaze upon the writer, who continued his task, unconscious of
+anything having happened.
+
+"There," cried Jackson, closing the book and rising, "that'll do.
+To-morrow at twelve I'll be with you, Mr. Wood. Make up your mind as to
+the terms, and I'll engage to find the man."
+
+"Hold!" exclaimed the carpenter, in an authoritative voice: "we can't
+part thus. Thames, look the door." (An order which was promptly obeyed.)
+"Now, Sir, I must insist upon a full explanation of your mysterious
+hints, or, as I am headborough of the district, I shall at once take you
+into custody."
+
+Jackson treated this menace with a loud laugh of derision.
+
+"What ho!" he cried slapping Smith, who had fallen asleep with the
+brandy-bottle in his grasp, upon the shoulder. "It is time!"
+
+"For what?" grumbled the latter, rubbing his eyes.
+
+"For the caption!" replied Jackson, coolly drawing a brace of pistols
+from his pockets.
+
+"Ready!" answered Smith, shaking himself, and producing a similar pair
+of weapons.
+
+"In Heaven's name! what's all this?" cried Wood.
+
+"Be still, and you'll receive no injury," returned Jackson. "We're
+merely about to discharge our duty by apprehending a rebel. Captain
+Kneebone! we must trouble you to accompany us."
+
+"I've no intention of stirring," replied the woollen-draper, who was
+thus unceremoniously disturbed: "and I beg you'll sit down, Mr.
+Jackson."
+
+"Come, Sir!" thundered the latter, "no trifling! Perhaps," he added,
+opening a warrant, "you'll obey this mandate?"
+
+"A warrant!" ejaculated Kneebone, starting to his feet.
+
+"Ay, Sir, from the Secretary of State, for _your_ arrest! You're charged
+with high-treason."
+
+"By those who've conspired with me?"
+
+"No! by those who've entrapped you! You've long eluded our vigilance;
+but we've caught you at last!"
+
+"Damnation!" exclaimed the woollen-draper; "that I should be the dupe of
+such a miserable artifice!"
+
+"It's no use lamenting now, Captain! You ought rather to be obliged to
+us for allowing you to pay this visit. We could have secured you when
+you left the Mint. But we wished to ascertain whether Mrs. Wood's charms
+equalled your description."
+
+"Wretches!" screamed the lady; "don't dare to breathe your vile
+insinuations against me! Oh! Mr. Kneebone, are these your French
+noblemen?"
+
+"Don't upbraid me!" rejoined the woollen-draper.
+
+"Bring him along, Joe!" said Jackson, in a whisper to his comrade.
+
+Smith obeyed. But he had scarcely advanced a step, when he was felled
+to the ground by a blow from the powerful arm of Kneebone, who,
+instantly possessing himself of a pistol, levelled it at Jackson's head.
+
+"Begone! or I fire!" he cried.
+
+"Mr. Wood," returned Jackson, with the utmost composure; "you're a
+headborough, and a loyal subject of King George. I call upon you to
+assist me in the apprehension of this person. You'll be answerable for
+his escape."
+
+"Mr. Wood, I command you not to stir," vociferated the carpenter's
+better-half; "recollect you'll be answerable to me."
+
+"I declare I don't know what to do," said Wood, burned by conflicting
+emotions. "Mr. Kneebone! you would greatly oblige me by surrendering
+yourself."
+
+"Never!" replied the woollen-draper; "and if that treacherous rascal, by
+your side, doesn't make himself scarce quickly, I'll send a bullet
+through his brain."
+
+"My death will lie at your door," remarked Jackson to the carpenter.
+
+"Show me your warrant!" said Wood, almost driven to his wit's-end;
+"perhaps it isn't regular?"
+
+"Ask him who he is?" suggested Thames.
+
+"A good idea!" exclaimed the carpenter. "May I beg to know whom I've the
+pleasure of adressing? Jackson, I conclude, is merely an assumed name."
+
+"What does it signify?" returned the latter, angrily.
+
+"A great deal!" replied Thames. "If you won't disclose your name, I will
+for you! You are Jonathan Wild!"
+
+"Further concealment is needless," answered the other, pulling off his
+wig and black patch, and resuming his natural tone of voice; "I _am_
+Jonathan Wild!"
+
+"Say you so!" rejoined Kneebone; "then be this your passport to
+eternity."
+
+Upon which he drew the trigger of the pistol, which, luckily for the
+individual against whom it was aimed, flashed in the pan.
+
+"I might now send you on a similar journey!" replied Jonathan, with a
+bitter smile, and preserving the unmoved demeanour he had maintained
+throughout; "but I prefer conveying you, in the first instance, to
+Newgate. The Jacobite daws want a scarecrow."
+
+So saying, he sprang, with a bound like that of a tiger-cat, against the
+throat of the woollen-draper. And so sudden and well-directed was the
+assault, that he completely overthrew his gigantic antagonist.
+
+"Lend a hand with the ruffles, Blueskin!" he shouted, as that personage,
+who had just recovered from the stunning effects of the blow, contrived
+to pick himself up. "Look quick, d--n you, or we shall never master
+him!"
+
+"Murder!" shrieked Mrs. Wood, at the top of her voice.
+
+"Here's a pistol!" cried Thames, darting towards the undischarged weapon
+dropped by Blueskin in the scuffle, and pointing it at Jonathan. "Shall
+I shoot him?"
+
+"Yes! yes! put it to his ear!" cried Mrs. Wood; "that's the surest way!"
+
+"No! no! give it me!" vociferated Wood, snatching the pistol, and
+rushing to the door, against which he placed his back.
+
+"I'll soon settle this business. Jonathan Wild!" he added, in a loud
+voice, "I command you to release your prisoner."
+
+"So I will," replied Jonathan, who, with Blueskin's aid, had succeeded
+in slipping a pair of handcuffs over the woollen-draper's wrists, "when
+I've Mr. Walpole's order to that effect--but not before."
+
+"You'll take the consequences, then?"
+
+"Willingly."
+
+"In that case I arrest you, and your confederate, Joseph Blake, alias
+Blueskin, on a charge of felony," returned Wood, brandishing his staff;
+"resist my authority, if you dare."
+
+"A clever device," replied Jonathan; "but it won't serve your turn. Let
+us pass, Sir. Strike the gag, Blueskin."
+
+"You shall not stir a footstep. Open the window, Thames, and call for
+assistance."
+
+"Stop!" cried Jonathan, who did not care to push matters too far, "let
+me have a word with you, Mr. Wood."
+
+"I'll have no explanations whatever," replied the carpenter,
+disdainfully, "except before a magistrate."
+
+"At least state your charge. It is a serious accusation."
+
+"It _is_," answered Wood. "Do you recollect this key? Do you recollect
+to whom you gave it, and for what purpose? or shall I refresh your
+memory?"
+
+Wild appeared confounded.
+
+"Release your prisoner," continued Wood, "or the window is opened."
+
+"Mr. Wood," said Jonathan, advancing towards him, and speaking in a low
+tone, "the secret of your adopted son's birth is known to me. The name
+of his father's murderer is also known to me. I can help you to
+both,--nay, I _will_ help you to both, if you do not interfere with my
+plans. The arrest of this person is of consequence to me. Do not oppose
+it, and I will serve you. Thwart me, and I become your mortal enemy. I
+have but to give a hint of that boy's existence in the proper quarter,
+and his life will not be worth a day's purchase."
+
+"Don't listen to him, father," cried Thames, unconscious of what was
+passing; "there are plenty of people outside."
+
+"Make your choice," said Jonathan.
+
+"If you don't decide quickly, I'll scream," cried Mrs. Wood, popping her
+head through the window.
+
+"Set your prisoner free!" returned Wood.
+
+"Take off the ruffles, Blueskin," rejoined Wild. "You know my fixed
+determination," he added in a low tone, as he passed the carpenter.
+"Before to-morrow night that boy shall join his father."
+
+So saying, he unlocked the door and strode out of the room.
+
+"Here are some letters, which will let you see what a snake you've
+cherished in your bosom, you uxorious old dotard," said Blueskin,
+tossing a packet of papers to Wood, as he followed his leader.
+
+"'Odd's-my-life! what's this?" exclaimed the carpenter, looking at the
+superscription of one of them. "Why, this is your writing Dolly, and
+addressed to Mr. Kneebone."
+
+"My writing! no such thing!" ejaculated the lady, casting a look of
+alarm at the woollen-draper.
+
+"Confusion! the rascal must have picked my pocket of your letters,"
+whispered Kneebone, "What's to be done?"
+
+"What's to be done! Why, I'm undone! How imprudent in you not to burn
+them. But men _are_ so careless, there's no trusting anything to them!
+However, I must try to brazen it out.--Give me the letters, my love,"
+she added aloud, and in her most winning accents; "they're some wicked
+forgeries."
+
+"Excuse me, Madam," replied the carpenter, turning his back upon her,
+and sinking into a chair: "Thames, my love, bring me my spectacles. My
+heart misgives me. Fool that I was to marry for beauty! I ought to have
+remembered that a fair woman and a slashed gown always find some nail in
+the way."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The first Step towards the Ladder.
+
+
+If there is one thing on earth, more lovely than another, it is a fair
+girl of the tender age of Winifred Wood! Her beauty awakens no feeling
+beyond that of admiration. The charm of innocence breathes around her,
+as fragrance is diffused by the flower, sanctifying her lightest thought
+and action, and shielding her, like a spell, from the approach of evil.
+Beautiful is the girl of twelve,--who is neither child nor woman, but
+something between both, something more exquisite than either!
+
+Such was the fairy creature presented to Thames Darrell, under the
+following circumstances.
+
+Glad to escape from the scene of recrimination that ensued between his
+adopted parents, Thames seized the earliest opportunity of retiring, and
+took his way to a small chamber in the upper part of the house, where he
+and Jack were accustomed to spend most of their leisure in the
+amusements, or pursuits, proper to their years. He found the door ajar,
+and, to his surprise, perceived little Winifred seated at a table,
+busily engaged in tracing some design upon a sheet of paper. She did not
+hear his approach, but continued her occupation without raising her
+head.
+
+It was a charming sight to watch the motions of her tiny fingers as she
+pursued her task; and though the posture she adopted was not the most
+favourable that might have been chosen for the display of her sylphlike
+figure, there was something in her attitude, and the glow of her
+countenance, lighted up by the mellow radiance of the setting sun
+falling upon her through the panes of the little dormer-window, that
+seemed to the youth inexpressibly beautiful. Winifred's features would
+have been pretty, for they were regular and delicately formed, if they
+had not been slightly marked by the small-pox;--a disorder, that
+sometimes spares more than it destroys, and imparts an expression to be
+sought for in vain in the smoothest complexion. We have seen pitted
+cheeks, which we would not exchange for dimples and a satin skin.
+Winifred's face had a thoroughly amiable look. Her mouth was worthy of
+her face; with small, pearly-white teeth; lips glossy, rosy, and
+pouting; and the sweetest smile imaginable, playing constantly about
+them. Her eyes were soft and blue, arched over by dark brows, and
+fringed by long silken lashes. Her hair was of the darkest brown, and
+finest texture; and, when unloosed, hung down to her heels. She was
+dressed in a little white frock, with a very long body, and very short
+sleeves, which looked (from a certain fullness about the hips,) as if it
+was intended to be worn with a hoop. Her slender throat was encircled by
+a black riband, with a small locket attached to it; and upon the top of
+her head rested a diminutive lace cap.
+
+The room in which she sat was a portion of the garret, assigned, as we
+have just stated, by Mr. Wood as a play-room to the two boys; and, like
+most boy's playrooms, it exhibited a total absence of order, or
+neatness. Things were thrown here and there, to be taken up, or again
+cast aside, as the whim arose; while the broken-backed chairs and crazy
+table bore the marks of many a conflict. The characters of the youthful
+occupants of the room might be detected in every article it contained.
+Darell's peculiar bent of mind was exemplified in a rusty broadsword, a
+tall grenadier's cap, a musket without lock or ramrod, a belt and
+cartouch-box, with other matters evincing a decided military taste.
+Among his books, Plutarch's Lives, and the Histories of Great
+Commanders, appeared to have been frequently consulted; but the dust had
+gathered thickly upon the Carpenter's Manual, and a Treatise on
+Trigonometry and Geometry. Beneath the shelf, containing these books,
+hung the fine old ballad of '_St. George for England_' and a loyal
+ditty, then much in vogue, called '_True Protestant Gratitude, or,
+Britain's Thanksgiving for the First of August, Being the Day of His
+Majesty's Happy Accession to the Throne_.' Jack Sheppard's library
+consisted of a few ragged and well-thumbed volumes abstracted from the
+tremendous chronicles bequeathed to the world by those Froissarts and
+Holinsheds of crime--the Ordinaries of Newgate. His vocal collection
+comprised a couple of flash songs pasted against the wall, entitled
+'_The Thief-Catcher's Prophecy_,' and the '_Life and Death of the
+Darkman's Budge_;' while his extraordinary mechanical skill was
+displayed in what he termed (Jack had a supreme contempt for
+orthography,) a '_Moddle of his Ma^{s}. Jale off Newgate_;' another
+model of the pillory at Fleet Bridge; and a third of the permanent
+gibbet at Tyburn. The latter specimen, of his workmanship was adorned
+with a little scarecrow figure, intended to represent a housebreaking
+chimney-sweeper of the time, described in Sheppard's own hand-writing,
+as '_Jack Hall a-hanging_.' We must not omit to mention that a family
+group from the pencil of little Winifred, representing Mr. and Mrs.
+Wood in very characteristic attitudes, occupied a prominent place on the
+walls.
+
+For a few moments, Thames regarded the little girl through the
+half-opened door in silence. On a sudden, a change came over her
+countenance, which, up to this moment, had worn a smiling and satisfied
+expression. Throwing down the pencil, she snatched up a piece of
+India-rubber, and exclaiming,--"It isn't at all like him! it isn't half
+handsome enough!" was about to efface the sketch, when Thames darted
+into the room.
+
+"Who isn't it like?" he asked, endeavouring to gain possession of the
+drawing, which, af the sound of his footstep, she crushed between her
+fingers.
+
+"I can't tell you!" she replied, blushing deeply, and clinching her
+little hand as tightly as possible; "it's a secret!"
+
+"I'll soon find it out, then," he returned, playfully forcing the paper
+from her grasp.
+
+"Don't look at it, I entreat," she cried.
+
+But her request was unheeded. Thames unfolded the drawing, smoothed out
+its creases, and beheld a portrait of himself.
+
+"I've a good mind not to speak to you again, Sir!" cried Winifred, with
+difficulty repressing a tear of vexation; "you've acted unfairly."
+
+"I feel I have, dear Winny!" replied Thames, abashed at his own
+rudeness; "my conduct is inexcusable."
+
+"I'll excuse it nevertheless," returned the little damsel,
+affectionately extending her hand to him.
+
+"Why were you afraid to show me this picture, Winny?" asked the youth.
+
+"Because it's not like you," was her answer.
+
+"Well, like or not, I'm greatly pleased with it, and must beg it from
+you as a memorial----"
+
+"Of what?" she interrupted, startled by his change of manner.
+
+"Of yourself," he replied, in a mournful tone. "I shall value it highly,
+and will promise never to part with it. Winny, this is the last night I
+shall pass beneath your father's roof."
+
+"Have you told him so?" she inquired, reproachfully. "No; but I shall,
+before he retires to rest."
+
+"Then you _will_ stay!" she cried, clapping her hands joyfully, "for I'm
+sure he won't part with you. Oh! thank you--thank you! I'm so happy!"
+
+"Stop, Winny!" he answered, gravely; "I haven't promised yet."
+
+"But you will,--won't you?" she rejoined, looking him coaxingly in the
+face.
+
+Unable to withstand this appeal, Thames gave the required promise,
+adding,--"Oh! Winny, I wish Mr. Wood had been my father, as well as
+yours."
+
+"So do I!" she cried; "for then you would have been _really_ my brother.
+No, I don't, either; because----"
+
+"Well, Winny?"
+
+"I don't know what I was going to say," she added, in some confusion;
+"only I'm sorry you were born a gentleman."
+
+"Perhaps, I wasn't," returned Thames, gloomily, as the remembrance of
+Jonathan Wild's foul insinuation crossed him. "But never mind who, or
+what I am. Give me this picture. I'll keep it for your sake."
+
+"I'll give you something better worth keeping," she answered, detaching
+the ornament from her neck, and presenting it to him; "this contains a
+lock of my hair, and may remind you sometimes of your little sister. As
+to the picture, I'll keep it myself, though, if you _do_ go I shall need
+no memorial of _you_. I'd a good many things to say to you, besides--but
+you've put them all out of my head."
+
+With this, she burst into tears, and sank with her face upon his
+shoulder. Thames did not try to cheer her. His own heart was too full of
+melancholy foreboding. He felt that he might soon be separated--perhaps,
+for ever--from the fond little creature he held in his arms, whom he had
+always regarded with the warmest fraternal affection, and the thought of
+how much she would suffer from the separation so sensibly affected him,
+that he could not help joining in her grief.
+
+From this sorrowful state he was aroused by a loud derisive whistle,
+followed by a still louder laugh; and, looking up, he beheld the
+impudent countenance of Jack Sheppard immediately before him.
+
+"Aha!" exclaimed Jack, with a roguish wink, "I've caught you,--have I?"
+
+    The carpenter's daughter was fair and free--
+    Fair, and fickle, and false, was she!
+    She slighted the journeyman, (meaning _me!_)
+    And smiled on a gallant of high degree.
+                               Degree! degree!
+    She smiled on a gallant of high degree.
+    Ha! ha! ha!"
+
+
+"Jack!" exclaimed Thames, angrily.
+
+But Sheppard was not to be silenced. He went on with his song,
+accompanying it with the most ridiculous grimaces:
+
+    "When years were gone by, she began to rue
+    Her love for the gentleman, (meaning _you!_)
+    'I slighted the journeyman fond,' quoth she,
+    'But where is my gallant of high degree?
+                                Where! where!
+    Oh! where is my gallant of high degree?'
+    Ho! ho! ho!"
+
+"What are you doing here!" demanded Thames.
+
+"Oh! nothing at all," answered Jack, sneeringly, "though this room's as
+much mine as yours, for that matter. 'But I don't desire to spoil
+sport,--not I. And, if you'll give me such a smack of your sweet lips,
+Miss, as you've just given Thames, I'll take myself off in less than no
+time."
+
+The answer to this request was a "smack" of a very different
+description, bestowed upon Sheppard's outstretched face by the little
+damsel, as she ran out of the room.
+
+"'Odd's! bodikins!" cried Jack, rubbing his cheek, "I'm in luck to-day.
+However, I'd rather have a blow from the daughter than the mother. I
+know who hits hardest. I tell you what, Thames," he added, flinging
+himself carelessly into a chair, "I'd give my right hand,--and that's
+no light offer for a carpenter's 'prentice,--if that little minx were
+half as fond of me as she is of you."
+
+"That's not likely to be the case, if you go on in this way," replied
+Thames, sharply.
+
+"Why, what the devil would you have had me do!--make myself scarce, eh?
+You should have tipped me the wink."
+
+"No more of this," rejoined Thames, "or we shall quarrel."
+
+"Who cares if we do?" retorted Sheppard, with a look of defiance.
+
+"Jack," said the other, sternly; "don't provoke me further, or I'll give
+you a thrashing."
+
+"Two can play at that game, my blood," replied Sheppard, rising, and
+putting himself into a posture of defence.
+
+"Take care of yourself, then," rejoined Thames, doubling his fists, and
+advancing towards him: "though my right arm's stiff, I can use it, as
+you'll find."
+
+Sheppard was no match for his opponent, for, though he possessed more
+science, he was deficient in weight and strength; and, after a short
+round, in which he had decidedly the worst of it, a well-directed hit on
+the _nob_ stretched him at full length on the floor.
+
+"That'll teach you to keep a civil tongue in your head for the future,"
+observed Thames, as he helped Jack to his feet.
+
+"I didn't mean to give offence," replied Sheppard, sulkily. "But, let me
+tell you, it's not a pleasant sight to see the girl one likes in the
+arms of another."
+
+"You want another drubbing, I perceive," said Thames, frowning.
+
+"No, I don't. Enough's as good as a feast of the dainties you provide.
+I'll think no more about her. Save us!" he cried, as his glance
+accidentally alighted on the drawing, which Winifred had dropped in her
+agitation. "Is this _her_ work?"
+
+"It is," answered Thames. "Do you see any likeness?"
+
+"Don't I," returned Jack, bitterly. "Strange!" he continued, as if
+talking to himself. "How very like it is!"
+
+"Not so strange, surely," laughed Thames, "that a picture should
+resemble the person for whom it's intended."
+
+"Ay, but it _is_ strange how much it resembles somebody for whom it's
+_not_ intended. It's exactly like a miniature I have in my pocket."
+
+"A miniature! Of whom?"
+
+"That I can't say," replied Jack, mysteriously. "But, I half suspect, of
+your father."
+
+"My father!" exclaimed Thames, in the utmost astonishment; "let me see
+it!"
+
+"Here it is," returned Jack, producing a small picture in a case set
+with brilliants.
+
+Thames took it, and beheld the portrait of a young man,
+apparently--judging from his attire--of high rank, whose proud and
+patrician features certainly presented a very striking resemblance to
+his own.
+
+"You're right Jack," he said, after a pause, during which he
+contemplated the picture with the most fixed attention: "this must have
+been my father!"
+
+"No doubt of it," answered Sheppard; "only compare it with Winny's
+drawing, and you'll find they're as like as two peas in a pod."
+
+"Where did you get it?" inquired Thames.
+
+"From Lady Trafford's, where I took the box."
+
+"Surely, you haven't stolen it?"
+
+"Stolen's an awkward word. But, as you perceive, I brought it away with
+me."
+
+"It must be restored instantly,--be the consequences what they may."
+
+"You're not going to betray me!" cried Jack, in alarm.
+
+"I am not," replied Thames; "but I insist upon your taking it back at
+once."
+
+"Take it back yourself," retorted Jack, sullenly. "I shall do no such
+thing."
+
+"Very well," replied Thames, about to depart.
+
+"Stop!" exclaimed Jack, planting himself before the door; "do you want
+to get me sent across the water?"
+
+"I want to save you from disgrace and ruin," returned Thames.
+
+"Bah!" cried Jack, contemptuously; "nobody's disgraced and ruined
+unless he's found out. I'm safe enough if you hold your tongue. Give me
+that picture, or I'll make you!"
+
+"Hear me," said Thames, calmly; "you well know you're no match for me."
+
+"Not at fisticuffs, perhaps," interrupted Jack, fiercely; "but I've my
+knife."
+
+"You daren't use it."
+
+"Try to leave the room, and see whether I daren't," returned Jack,
+opening the blade.
+
+"I didn't expect this from you," rejoined Thames, resolutely. "But your
+threats won't prevent my leaving the room when I please, and as I
+please. Now, will you stand aside?"
+
+"I won't," answered Jack, obstinately.
+
+Thames said not another word, but marched boldly towards him, and seized
+him by the collar.
+
+"Leave go!" cried Jack, struggling violently, and raising his hand, "or
+I'll maul you for life."
+
+But Thames was not to be deterred from his purpose; and the strife might
+have terminated seriously, if a peace-maker had not appeared in the
+shape of little Winifred, who, alarmed by the noise, rushed suddenly
+into the room.
+
+"Ah!" she screamed, seeing the uplifted weapon in Sheppard's hand,
+"don't hurt Thames--don't, dear Jack! If you want to kill somebody, kill
+me, not him."
+
+And she flung herself between them.
+
+Jack dropped the knife, and walked sullenly aside.
+
+"What has caused this quarrel, Thames?" asked the little girl,
+anxiously.
+
+"You," answered Jack, abruptly.
+
+"No such thing," rejoined Thames. "I'll tell you all about it presently.
+But you must leave us now, dear Winny, Jack and I have something to
+settle between ourselves. Don't be afraid. Our quarrel's quite over."
+
+"Are you sure of that?" returned Winifred, looking uneasily at Jack.
+
+"Ay, ay," rejoined Sheppard; "he may do what he pleases,--hang me, if
+he thinks proper,--if _you_ wish it."
+
+With this assurance, and at the reiterated request of Thames, the little
+girl reluctantly withdrew.
+
+"Come, come, Jack," said Thames, walking up to Sheppard, and taking his
+hand, "have done with this. I tell you once more, I'll say and do
+nothing to get you into trouble. Best assured of that. But I'm resolved
+to see Lady Trafford. Perhaps, she may tell me whose picture this is."
+
+"So she may," returned Jack, brightening up; "it's a good idea. I'll go
+with you. But you must see her alone; and that'll be no easy matter to
+manage, for she's a great invalid, and has generally somebody with her.
+Above all, beware of Sir Rowland Trenchard. He's as savage and
+suspicious as the devil himself. I should never have noticed the
+miniature at all, if it hadn't been for him. He was standing by, rating
+her ladyship,--who can scarcely stir from the sofa,--while I was packing
+up her jewels in the case, and I observed that she tried to hide a small
+casket from him. His back was no sooner turned, than she slipped this
+casket into the box. The next minute, I contrived, without either of 'em
+perceiving me, to convey it into my own pocket. I was sorry for what I
+did afterwards; for, I don't know why, but, poor, lady! with her pale
+face, and black eyes, she reminded me of my mother."
+
+"That, alone, ought to have prevented you from acting as you did, Jack,"
+returned Thames, gravely.
+
+"I should never have acted as I did," rejoined Sheppard, bitterly; "if
+Mrs. Wood hadn't struck me. That blow made me a thief. And, if ever I'm
+brought to the gallows, I shall lay my death at her door."
+
+"Well, think no more about it," returned Thames. "Do better in future."
+
+"I will, when I've had my revenge," muttered Jack. "But, take my advice,
+and keep out of Sir Rowland's way, or you'll get the poor lady into
+trouble as well as me."
+
+"Never fear," replied Thames, taking up his hat. "Come, let's be off."
+
+The two boys, then, emerged upon the landing, and were about to descend
+the stairs, when the voices of Mr. and Mrs. Wood resounded from below.
+The storm appeared to have blown over, for they were conversing in a
+very amicable manner with Mr. Kneebone, who was on the point of
+departing.
+
+"Quite sorry, my good friend, there should have been any
+misunderstanding between us," observed the woollen-draper.
+
+"Don't mention it," returned Wood, in the conciliatory tone of one who
+admits he has been in the wrong; "your explanation is perfectly
+satisfactory."
+
+"We shall expect you to-morrow," insinuated Mrs. Wood; "and pray, don't
+bring anybody with you,--especially Jonathan Wild."
+
+"No fear of that," laughed Kneebone.--"Oh! about that boy, Thames
+Darrell. His safety must be looked to. Jonathan's threats are not to be
+sneezed at. The rascal will be at work before the morning. Keep your eye
+upon the lad. And mind he doesn't stir out of your sight, on any
+pretence whatever, till I call."
+
+"You hear that," whispered Jack.
+
+"I do," replied Thames, in the same tone; "we haven't a moment to lose."
+
+"Take care of yourself," said Mr. Wood, "and I'll take care of Thames.
+It's never a bad day that has a good ending. Good night! God bless you!"
+
+Upon this, there was a great shaking of hands, with renewed apologies
+and protestations of friendship on both sides; after which Mr. Kneebone
+took his leave.
+
+"And so, you really suspected me?" murmured Mrs. Wood, reproachfully, as
+they returned to the parlour. "Oh! you men! you men! Once get a thing
+into your head, and nothing will beat it out."
+
+"Why, my love," rejoined her husband, "appearances, you must allow, were
+a little against you. But since you assure me _you_ didn't write the
+letters, and Mr. Kneebone assures me _he_ didn't receive them, I can't
+do otherwise than believe you. And I've made up my mind that a husband
+ought to believe only half that he hears, and nothing that he sees."
+
+"An excellent maxim!" replied his wife, approvingly; "the best I ever
+heard you utter."
+
+"I must now go and look after Thames," observed the carpenter.
+
+"Oh! never mind him: he'll take no harm! Come with me into the parlour.
+I can't spare you at present. Heigho!"
+
+"Now for it!" cried Jack, as the couple entered the room: "the coast's
+clear."
+
+Thames was about to follow, when he felt a gentle grasp upon his arm. He
+turned, and beheld Winifred.
+
+"Where are you going?" she asked.
+
+"I shall be back presently," replied Thames, evasively.
+
+"Don't go, I beg of you!" she implored. "You're in danger. I overheard
+what Mr. Kneebone said, just now."
+
+"Death and the devil! what a cursed interruption!" cried Jack,
+impatiently. "If you loiter in this way, old Wood will catch us."
+
+"If you stir, I'll call him!" rejoined Winifred. "It's you, Jack, who
+are persuading my brother to do wrong. Thames," she urged, "the errand,
+on which you're going, can't be for any good, or you wouldn't be afraid
+of mentioning it to my father."
+
+"He's coming!" cried Jack, stamping his foot, with vexation. "Another
+moment, and it'll be too late."
+
+"Winny, I _must_ go!" said Thames, breaking from her.
+
+"Stay, dear Thames!--stay!" cried the little girl. "He hears me not!
+he's gone!" she added, as the door was opened and shut with violence;
+"something tells me I shall never see him again!"
+
+When her father, a moment afterwards, issued from the parlour to
+ascertain the cause of the noise, he found her seated on the stairs, in
+an agony of grief.
+
+"Where's Thames?" he hastily inquired.
+
+Winifred pointed to the door. She could not speak.
+
+"And Jack?"
+
+"Gone too," sobbed his daughter.
+
+Mr. Wood uttered something like an imprecation.
+
+"God forgive me for using such a word!" he cried, in a troubled tone;
+"if I hadn't yielded to my wife's silly request, this wouldn't have
+happened!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Brother and Sister.
+
+
+On the same evening, in a stately chamber of a noble old mansion of
+Elizabeth's time, situated in Southampton Fields, two persons were
+seated. One of these, a lady, evidently a confirmed invalid, and attired
+in deep mourning, reclined upon a sort of couch, or easy chair, set on
+wheels, with her head supported by cushions, and her feet resting upon a
+velvet footstool. A crutch, with a silver handle, stood by her side,
+proving the state of extreme debility to which she was reduced. It was
+no easy matter to determine her age, for, though she still retained a
+certain youthfulness of appearance, she had many marks in her
+countenance, usually indicating the decline of life, but which in her
+case were, no doubt, the result of constant and severe indisposition.
+Her complexion was wan and faded, except where it was tinged by a slight
+hectic flush, that made the want of colour more palpable; her eyes were
+large and black, but heavy and lustreless; her cheeks sunken; her frame
+emaciated; her dark hair thickly scattered with gray. When younger, and
+in better health, she must have been eminently lovely; and there were
+still the remains of great beauty about her. The expression, however,
+which would chiefly have interested a beholder, was that of settled and
+profound melancholy.
+
+Her companion was a person of no inferior condition. Indeed it was
+apparent, from the likeness between them, that they were nearly related.
+He had the same dark eyes, though lighted by a fierce flame; the same
+sallow complexion; the same tall, thin figure, and majestic demeanour;
+the same proud cast of features. But here the resemblance stopped. The
+expression was wholly different. He looked melancholy enough, it is
+true. But his gloom appeared to be occasioned by remorse, rather than
+sorrow. No sterner head was ever beheld beneath the cowl of a monk, or
+the bonnet of an inquisitor. He seemed inexorable, and inscrutable as
+fate itself.
+
+"Well, Lady Trafford," he said, fixing a severe look upon her. "You
+depart for Lancashire to-morrow. Have I your final answer?"
+
+"You have, Sir Rowland," she answered, in a feeble tone, but firmly.
+"You shall have the sum you require, but----"
+
+"But what, Madam!"
+
+"Do not misunderstand me," she proceeded. "I give it to King James--not
+so you: for the furtherance of a great and holy cause, not for the
+prosecution of wild and unprofitable schemes."
+
+Sir Rowland bit his lips to repress the answer that rose to them.
+
+"And the will?" he said, with forced calmness. "Do you still refuse to
+make one!"
+
+"I _have_ made one," replied Lady Trafford.
+
+"How?" cried her brother, starting.
+
+"Rowland," she rejoined, "you strive in vain to terrify me into
+compliance with your wishes. Nothing shall induce me to act contrary to
+the dictates of my conscience. My will is executed, and placed in safe
+custody."
+
+"In whose favour is it made?" he inquired, sternly.
+
+"In favour of my son."
+
+"You have no son," rejoined Sir Rowland, moodily.
+
+"I _had_ one," answered his sister, in a mournful voice; "and, perhaps,
+I have one still."
+
+"If I thought so--" cried the knight fiercely; "but this is idle," he
+added, suddenly checking himself. "Aliva, your child perished with its
+father."
+
+"And by whom were they both destroyed?" demanded his sister, raising
+herself by a painful effort, and regarding him with a searching glance.
+
+"By the avenger of his family's dishonour--by your brother," he replied,
+coolly.
+
+"Brother," cried Lady Trafford, her eye blazing with unnatural light,
+and her cheek suffused with a crimson stain: "Brother," she cried,
+lifting her thin fingers towards Heaven, "as God shall judge me, I was
+wedded to that murdered man!"
+
+"A lie!" ejaculated Sir Rowland, furiously; "a black, and damning lie!"
+
+"It is the truth," replied his sister, falling backwards upon the couch.
+"I will swear it upon the cross!"
+
+"His name, then?" demanded the knight. "Tell me that, and I will believe
+you."
+
+"Not now--not now!" she returned, with a shudder. "When I am dead you
+will learn it. Do not disquiet yourself. You will not have to wait long
+for the information. Rowland," she added, in an altered tone, "I am
+certain I shall not live many days. And if you treat me in this way, you
+will have my death to answer for, as well as the deaths of my husband
+and child. Let us part in peace. We shall take an eternal farewell of
+each other."
+
+"Be it so!" rejoined Sir Rowland, with concentrated fury; "but before we
+_do_ part, I am resolved to know the name of your pretended husband!"
+
+"Torture shall not wrest it from me," answered his sister, firmly.
+
+"What motive have you for concealment?" he demanded.
+
+"A vow," she answered,--"a vow to my dead husband."
+
+Sir Rowland looked at her for a moment, as if he meditated some terrible
+reply. He then arose, and, taking a few turns in the chamber, stopped
+suddenly before her.
+
+"What has put it into your head that your son yet lives?" he asked.
+
+"I have dreamed that I shall see him before I die," she rejoined.
+
+"Dreamed!" echoed the knight, with a ghastly smile. "Is that all? Then
+learn from me that your hopes are visionary as their foundation. Unless
+he can arise from the bottom of the Thames, where he and his abhorred
+father lie buried, you will never behold him again in this world."
+
+"Heaven have compassion on you, Rowland!" murmured his sister, crossing
+her hands and looking upwards; "you have none on me."
+
+"I _will_ have none till I have forced the villain's name from you!" he
+cried, stamping the floor with rage.
+
+"Rowland, your violence is killing me," she returned, in a plaintive
+tone.
+
+"His name, I say!--his name!" thundered the knight.
+
+And he unsheathed his sword.
+
+Lady Trafford uttered a prolonged scream, and fainted. When she came to
+herself, she found that her brother had quitted the room, leaving her to
+the care of a female attendant. Her first orders were to summon the rest
+of her servants to make immediate preparations for her departure for
+Lancashire.
+
+"To-night, your ladyship?" ventured an elderly domestic.
+
+"Instantly, Hobson," returned Lady Trafford; "as soon as the carriage
+can be brought round."
+
+"It shall be at the door in ten minutes. Has your ladyship any further
+commands?"
+
+"None whatever. Yet, stay! There is one thing I wish you to do. Take
+that box, and put it into the carriage yourself. Where is Sir Rowland?"
+
+"In the library, your ladyship. He has given orders that no one is to
+disturb him. But there's a person in the hall--a very odd sort of
+man--waiting to see him, who won't be sent away."
+
+"Very well. Lose not a moment, Hobson."
+
+The elderly domestic bowed, took up the case, and retired.
+
+"Your ladyship is far too unwell to travel," remarked the female
+attendant, assisting her to rise; "you'll never be able to reach
+Manchester."
+
+"It matters not, Norris," replied Lady Trafford: "I would rather die on
+the road, than be exposed to another such scene as I have just
+encountered."
+
+"Dear me!" sympathised Mrs. Norris. "I was afraid from the scream I
+heard, that something dreadful had happened, Sir Rowland has a terrible
+temper indeed--a shocking temper! I declare he frightens me out of my
+senses."
+
+"Sir Rowland is my brother," resumed Lady Trafford coldly.
+
+"Well that's no reason why he should treat your ladyship so shamefully,
+I'm sure. Ah! how I wish, poor dear Sir Cecil were alive! he'd keep him
+in order."
+
+Lady Trafford sighed deeply.
+
+"Your ladyship has never been well since you married Sir Cecil,"
+rejoined Mrs. Norris. "For my part, I don't think you ever quite got
+over the accident you met with on the night of the Great Storm."
+
+"Norris!" gasped Lady Trafford, trembling violently.
+
+"Mercy on us! what have I said!" cried the attendant, greatly alarmed by
+the agitation of her mistress; "do sit down, your ladyship, while I run
+for the ratifia and rosa solis."
+
+"It is past," rejoined Lady Trafford, recovering herself by a powerful
+effort; "but never allude to the circumstance again. Go and prepare for
+our departure."
+
+In less time than Hobson had mentioned, the carriage was announced. And
+Lady Trafford having been carried down stairs, and placed within it, the
+postboy drove off, at a rapid pace for Barnet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Miching Mallecho.
+
+
+Sir Rowland, meantime, paced his chamber with a quick and agitated step.
+He was ill at ease, though he would not have confessed his disquietude
+even to himself. Not conceiving that his sister--feeble as she was, and
+yielding as she had ever shown herself to his wishes, whether expressed
+or implied--would depart without consulting him, he was equally
+surprised and enraged to hear the servants busied in transporting her to
+the carriage. His pride, however, would not suffer him to interfere
+with their proceedings; much less could he bring himself to acknowledge
+that he had been in the wrong, and entreat Lady Trafford to remain,
+though he was well aware that her life might be endangered if she
+travelled by night. But, when the sound of the carriage-wheels died
+away, and he felt that she was actually gone, his resolution failed him,
+and he rang the bell violently.
+
+"My horses, Charcam," he said, as a servant appeared.
+
+The man lingered.
+
+"'Sdeath! why am I not obeyed?" exclaimed the knight, angrily. "I wish
+to overtake Lady Trafford. Use despatch!"
+
+"Her ladyship will not travel beyond Saint Alban's to-night, Sir
+Rowland, so Mrs. Norris informed me," returned Charcam, respectfully;
+"and there's a person without, anxious for an audience, whom, with
+submission, I think your honour would desire to see."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Sir Rowland, glancing significantly at Charcam, who was
+a confidant in his Jacobite schemes; "is it the messenger from
+Orchard-Windham, from Sir William?"
+
+"No, Sir Rowland."
+
+"From Mr. Corbet Kynaston, then? Sir John Packington's courier was here
+yesterday."
+
+"No, Sir Rowland."
+
+"Perhaps he is from Lord Derwentwater, or Mr. Forster? News _is_
+expected from Northumberland."
+
+"I can't exactly say, Sir Rowland. The gentleman didn't communicate his
+business to me. But I'm sure it's important."
+
+Charcam said this, not because he knew anything about the matter; but,
+having received a couple of guineas to deliver the message, he,
+naturally enough, estimated its importance by the amount of the
+gratuity.
+
+"Well, I will see him," replied the knight, after a moment's pause; "he
+may be from the Earl of Mar. But let the horses be in readiness. I shall
+ride to St. Alban's to-night."
+
+So saying, he threw himself into a chair. And Charcam, fearful of
+another charge in his master's present uncertain mood, disappeared.
+
+The person, shortly afterwards ushered into the room, seemed by the
+imperfect light,--for the evening was advancing, and the chamber
+darkened by heavy drapery,--to be a middle-sized middle-aged man, of
+rather vulgar appearance, but with a very shrewd aspect. He was plainly
+attired in a riding-dress and boots of the period, and wore a hanger by
+his side.
+
+"Your servant, Sir Rowland," said the stranger, ducking his head, as he
+advanced.
+
+"Your business, Sir?" returned the other, stiffly.
+
+The new-comer looked at Charcam. Sir Rowland waved his hand, and the
+attendant withdrew.
+
+"You don't recollect me, I presume?" premised the stranger, taking a
+seat.
+
+The knight, who could ill brook this familiarity, instantly arose.
+
+"Don't disturb yourself," continued the other, nowise disconcerted by
+the rebuke. "I never stand upon ceremony where I know I shall be
+welcome. We _have_ met before."
+
+"Indeed!" rejoined Sir Rowland, haughtily; "perhaps, you will refresh my
+memory as to the time, and place."
+
+"Let me see. The time was the 26th of November, 1703: the place, the
+Mint in Southwark. I have a good memory, you perceive, Sir Rowland."
+
+The knight staggered as if struck by a mortal wound. Speedily recovering
+himself, however, he rejoined, with forced calmness, "You are mistaken,
+Sir. I was in Lancashire, at our family seat, at the time you mention."
+
+The stranger smiled incredulously.
+
+"Well, Sir Rowland," he said, after a brief pause, during which the
+knight regarded him with a searching glance, as if endeavouring to
+recall his features, "I will not gainsay your words. You are in the
+right to be cautious, till you know with whom you have to deal; and,
+even then, you can't be too wary. 'Avow nothing, believe nothing, give
+nothing for nothing,' is my own motto. And it's a maxim of universal
+application: or, at least, of universal practice. I am not come here to
+play the part of your father-confessor. I am come to serve you."
+
+"In what way, Sir?" demanded Trenchard, in astonishment.
+
+"You will learn anon. You refuse me your confidence. I applaud your
+prudence: it is, however, needless. Your history, your actions, nay,
+your very thoughts are better known to me than to your spiritual
+adviser."
+
+"Make good your assertions," cried Trenchard, furiously, "or----"
+
+"To the proof," interrupted the stranger, calmly. "You are the son of
+Sir Montacute Trenchard, of Ashton-Hall, near Manchester. Sir Montacute
+had three children--two daughters and yourself. The eldest, Constance,
+was lost, by the carelessness of a servant, during her infancy, and has
+never since been heard of: the youngest, Aliva, is the present Lady
+Trafford. I merely mention these circumstances to show the accuracy of
+my information."
+
+"If this is the extent of it, Sir," returned the knight, ironically,
+"you may spare yourself further trouble. These particulars are familiar
+to all, who have any title to the knowledge."
+
+"Perhaps so," rejoined the stranger; "but I have others in reserve, not
+so generally known. With your permission, I will go on in my own way.
+Where I am in error, you can set me right.--Your father, Sir Montacute
+Trenchard, who had been a loyal subject of King James the Second, and
+borne arms in his service, on the abdication of that monarch, turned his
+back upon the Stuarts, and would never afterwards recognise their claims
+to the crown. It was said, that he received an affront from James, in
+the shape of a public reprimand, which his pride could not forgive. Be
+this as it may, though a Catholic, he died a friend to the Protestant
+succession."
+
+"So far you are correct," observed Trenchard; "still, this is no
+secret."
+
+"Suffer me to proceed," replied the stranger. "The opinions,
+entertained by the old knight, naturally induced him to view with
+displeasure the conduct of his son, who warmly espoused the cause he had
+deserted. Finding remonstrances of no avail, he had recourse to threats;
+and when threats failed, he adopted more decided measures."
+
+"Ha!" ejaculated Trenchard.
+
+"As yet," pursued the stranger, "Sir Montacute had placed no limit to
+his son's expenditure. He did not quarrel with Rowland's profusion, for
+his own revenues were ample; but he _did_ object to the large sums
+lavished by him in the service of a faction he was resolved not to
+support. Accordingly, the old knight reduced his son's allowance to a
+third of its previous amount; and, upon further provocation, he even
+went so far as to alter his will in favour of his daughter, Aliva, who
+was then betrothed to her cousin, Sir Cecil Trafford."
+
+"Proceed, Sir," said Trenchard, breathing hard.
+
+"Under these circumstances, Rowland did what any other sensible person
+would do. Aware of his father's inflexibility of purpose, he set his
+wits to work to defeat the design. He contrived to break off his
+sister's match; and this he accomplished so cleverly, that he maintained
+the strictest friendship with Sir Cecil. For two years he thought
+himself secure; and, secretly engaged in the Jacobite schemes of the
+time, in which, also, Sir Cecil was deeply involved, he began to relax
+in his watchfulness over Aliva. About this time,--namely, in November,
+1703--while young Trenchard was in Lancashire, and his sister in London,
+on a visit, he received a certain communication from his confidential
+servant, Davies, which, at once, destroyed his hopes. He learnt that his
+sister was privately married--the name or rank of her husband could not
+be ascertained--and living in retirement in an obscure dwelling in the
+Borough, where she had given birth to a son. Rowland's plans were
+quickly formed, and as quickly executed. Accompanied by Sir Cecil, who
+still continued passionately enamoured of his sister, and to whom he
+represented that she had fallen a victim to the arts of a seducer, he
+set off, at fiery speed, for the metropolis. Arrived there, their first
+object was to seek out Davies, by whom they were conducted to the lady's
+retreat,--a lone habitation, situated on the outskirts of Saint George's
+Fields in Southwark. Refused admittance, they broke open the door.
+Aliva's husband, who passed by the name of Darrell, confronted them
+sword in hand. For a few minutes he kept them at bay. But, urged by his
+wife's cries, who was more anxious for the preservation of her child's
+life than her own, he snatched up the infant, and made his escape from
+the back of the premises. Rowland and his companions instantly started
+in pursuit, leaving the lady to recover as she might. They tracked the
+fugitive to the Mint; but, like hounds at fault, they here lost all
+scent of their prey. Meantime, the lady had overtaken them; but,
+terrified by the menaces of her vindictive kinsmen, she did not dare to
+reveal herself to her husband, of whose concealment on the roof of the
+very house the party were searching she was aware. Aided by an
+individual, who was acquainted with a secret outlet from the tenement,
+Darrell escaped. Before his departure, he gave his assistant a glove.
+That glove is still preserved. In her endeavour to follow him, Aliva met
+with a severe fall, and was conveyed away, in a state of insensibility,
+by Sir Cecil. She was supposed to be lifeless; but she survived the
+accident, though she never regained her strength. Directed by the same
+individual, who had helped Darrell to steal a march upon him, Rowland,
+with Davies, and another attendant, continued the pursuit. Both the
+fugitive and his chasers embarked on the Thames. The elements were
+wrathful as their passions. The storm burst upon them in its fury.
+Unmindful of the terrors of the night, unscared by the danger that
+threatened him, Rowland consigned his sister's husband and his sister's
+child to the waves."
+
+"Bring your story to an end, Sir," said Trenchard who had listened to
+the recital with mingled emotions of rage and fear.
+
+"I have nearly done," replied the stranger.--"As Rowland's whole crew
+perished in the tempest, and he only escaped by miracle, he fancied
+himself free from detection. And for twelve years he has been so; until
+his long security, well-nigh obliterating remembrance of the deed, has
+bred almost a sense of innocence within his breast. During this period
+Sir Montacute has been gathered to his fathers. His title has descended
+to Rowland: his estates to Aliva. The latter has, since, been induced to
+unite herself to Sir Cecil, on terms originating with her brother, and
+which, however strange and unprecedented, were acquiesced in by the
+suitor."
+
+Sir Rowland looked bewildered with surprise.
+
+"The marriage was never consummated," continued the imperturbable
+stranger. "Sir Cecil is no more. Lady Trafford, supposed to be
+childless, broken in health and spirits, frail both in mind and body, is
+not likely to make another marriage. The estates must, ere long, revert
+to Sir Rowland."
+
+"Are you man, or fiend?" exclaimed Trenchard, staring at the stranger,
+as he concluded his narration.
+
+"You are complimentary, Sir Rowland," returned the other, with a grim
+smile.
+
+"If you _are_ human," rejoined Trenchard, with stern emphasis, "I insist
+upon knowing whence you derived your information?"
+
+"I might refuse to answer the question, Sir Rowland. But I am not
+indisposed to gratify you. Partly, from your confessor; partly, from
+other sources."
+
+"My confessor!" ejaculated the knight, in the extremity of surprise;
+"has _he_ betrayed his sacred trust?"
+
+"He has," replied the other, grinning; "and this will be a caution to
+you in future, how you confide a secret of consequence to a priest. I
+should as soon think of trusting a woman. Tickle the ears of their
+reverences with any idle nonsense you please: but tell them nothing you
+care to have repeated. I was once a disciple of Saint Peter myself, and
+speak from experience."
+
+"Who are you?" ejaculated Trenchard, scarcely able to credit his senses.
+
+"I'm surprised you've not asked that question before, Sir Rowland. It
+would have saved me much circumlocution, and you some suspense. My name
+is Wild--Jonathan Wild."
+
+And the great thief-taker indulged himself in a chuckle at the effect
+produced by this announcement. He was accustomed to such surprises, and
+enjoyed them.
+
+Sir Rowland laid his hand upon his sword.
+
+"Mr. Wild," he said, in a sarcastic tone, but with great firmness; "a
+person of your well-known sagacity must be aware that some secrets are
+dangerous to the possessor."
+
+"I am fully aware of it, Sir Rowland," replied Jonathan, coolly; "but I
+have nothing to fear; because, in the first place, it will be to your
+advantage not to molest me; and, in the second, I am provided against
+all contingencies. I never hunt the human tiger without being armed. My
+janizaries are without. One of them is furnished with a packet
+containing the heads of the statement I have just related, which, if I
+don't return at a certain time, will be laid before the proper
+authorities. I have calculated my chances, you perceive."
+
+"You have forgotten that you are in my power," returned the knight,
+sternly; "and that all your allies cannot save you from my resentment."
+
+"I can at least, protect myself," replied Wild, with, provoking
+calmness. "I am accounted a fair shot, as well as a tolerable swordsman,
+and I will give proof of my skill in both lines, should occasion require
+it. I have had a good many desperate engagements in my time, and have
+generally come off victorious. I bear the marks of some of them about me
+still," he continued, taking off his wig, and laying bare a bald skull,
+covered with cicatrices and plates of silver. "This gash," he added,
+pointing to one of the larger scars, "was a wipe from the hanger of Tom
+Thurland, whom I apprehended for the murder of Mrs. Knap. This wedge of
+silver," pointing to another, "which would mend a coffee-pot, serves to
+stop up a breach made by Will Colthurst, who robbed Mr. Hearl on
+Hounslow-Heath. I secured the dog after he had wounded me. This fracture
+was the handiwork of Jack Parrot (otherwise called Jack the Grinder),
+who broke into the palace of the Bishop of Norwich. Jack was a comical
+scoundrel, and made a little too free with his grace's best burgundy, as
+well as his grace's favourite housekeeper. The Bishop, however, to show
+him the danger of meddling with the church, gave him a dance at Tyburn
+for his pains. Not a scar but has its history. The only inconvenience I
+feel from my shattered noddle is an incapacity to drink. But that's an
+infirmity shared by a great many sounder heads than mine. The hardest
+bout I ever had was with a woman--Sally Wells, who was afterwards lagged
+for shoplifting. She attacked me with a carving-knife, and, when I had
+disarmed her, the jade bit off a couple of fingers from my left hand.
+Thus, you see, I've never hesitated and never _shall_ hesitate to expose
+my life where anything is to be gained. My profession has hardened me."
+
+And, with this, he coolly re-adjusted his peruke.
+
+"What do you expect to gain from this interview, Mr. Wild!" demanded
+Trenchard, as if he had formed a sudden resolution.
+
+"Ah! now we come to business," returned Jonathan, rubbing his hands,
+gleefully. "These are my terms, Sir Rowland," he added, taking a sheet
+of paper from his pocket, and pushing it towards the knight.
+
+Trenchard glanced at the document.
+
+"A thousand pounds," he observed, gloomily, "is a heavy price to pay for
+doubtful secrecy, when _certain silence_ might be so cheaply procured."
+
+"You would purchase it at the price of your head," replied Jonathan,
+knitting his brows. "Sir Rowland," he added, savagely, and with somewhat
+of the look of a bull-dog before he flies at his foe, "if it were my
+pleasure to do so, I could crush you with a breath. You are wholly in my
+power. Your name, with the fatal epithet of 'dangerous' attached to it,
+stands foremost on the list of Disaffected now before the Secret
+Committee. I hold a warrant from Mr. Walpole for your apprehension."
+
+"Arrested!" exclaimed Trenchard, drawing his sword.
+
+"Put up your blade, Sir Rowland," rejoined Jonathan, resuming his former
+calm demeanour, "King James the Third will need it. I have no intention
+of arresting you. I have a different game to play; and it'll be your own
+fault, if you don't come off the winner. I offer you my assistance on
+certain terms. The proposal is so far from being exorbitant, that it
+should be trebled if I had not a fellow-feeling in the cause. To be
+frank with you, I have an affront to requite, which can be settled at
+the same time, and in the same way with your affair. That's worth
+something to me; for I don't mind paying for revenge. After all a
+thousand pounds is a trifle to rid you of an upstart, who may chance to
+deprive you of tens of thousands."
+
+"Did I hear you aright?" asked Trenchard, with startling eagerness.
+
+"Certainly," replied Jonathan, with the most perfect _sangfroid_, "I'll
+undertake to free you from the boy. That's part of the bargain."
+
+"Is he alive!" vociferated Trenchard.
+
+"To be sure," returned Wild; "he's not only alive, but likely for life,
+if we don't clip the thread."
+
+Sir Rowland caught at a chair for support, and passed his hand across
+his brow, on which the damp had gathered thickly.
+
+"The intelligence seems new to you. I thought I'd been sufficiently
+explicit," continued Jonathan. "Most persons would have guessed my
+meaning."
+
+"Then it was _not_ a dream!" ejaculated Sir Rowland in a hollow voice,
+and as if speaking to himself. "I _did_ see them on the platform of the
+bridge--the child and his preserver! They were _not_ struck by the
+fallen ruin, nor whelmed in the roaring flood,--or, if they _were_, they
+escaped as I escaped. God! I have cheated myself into a belief that the
+boy perished! And now my worst fears are realized--he lives!"
+
+"As yet," returned Jonathan, with fearful emphasis.
+
+"I cannot--dare not injure him," rejoined Trenchard, with a haggard
+look, and sinking, as if paralysed, into a chair.
+
+Jonathan laughed scornfully.
+
+"Leave him to me," he said. "He shan't trouble you further."
+
+"No," replied Sir Rowland, who appeared completely prostrated. "I will
+struggle no longer with destiny. Too much blood has been shed already."
+
+"This comes of fine feelings!" muttered Jonathan, contemptuously. "Give
+me your thorough-paced villain. But I shan't let him off thus. I'll try
+a strong dose.--Am I to understand that you intend to plead guilty, Sir
+Rowland?" he added. "If so, I may as well execute my warrant."
+
+"Stand off, Sir!" exclaimed Trenchard, starting suddenly backwards.
+
+"I knew that would bring him to," thought Wild.
+
+"Where is the boy?" demanded Sir Rowland.
+
+"At present under the care of his preserver--one Owen Wood, a carpenter,
+by whom he was brought up."
+
+"Wood!" exclaimed Trenchard,--"of Wych Street?"
+
+"The same."
+
+"A boy from his shop was here a short time ago. Could it be him you
+mean?"
+
+"No. That boy was the carpenter's apprentice, Jack Sheppard. I've just
+left your nephew."
+
+At this moment Charcam entered the room.
+
+"Beg pardon, Sir Rowland," said the attendant, "but there's a boy from
+Mr. Wood, with a message for Lady Trafford."
+
+"From whom?" vociferated Trenchard.
+
+"From Mr. Wood the carpenter."
+
+"The same who was here just now?"
+
+"No, Sir Rowland, a much finer boy."
+
+"'Tis he, by Heaven!" cried Jonathan; "this is lucky. Sir Rowland," he
+added, in a deep whisper, "do you agree to my terms?"
+
+"I do," answered Trenchard, in the same tone.
+
+"Enough!" rejoined Wild; "he shall not return."
+
+"Have you acquainted him with Lady Trafford's departure?" said the
+knight, addressing Charcam, with as much composure as he could assume.
+
+"No, Sir Rowland," replied the attendant, "as you proposed to ride to
+Saint Albans to-night, I thought you might choose to see him yourself.
+Besides, there's something odd about the boy; for, though I questioned
+him pretty closely concerning his business, he declined answering my
+questions, and said he could only deliver his message to her ladyship. I
+thought it better not to send him away till I'd mentioned the
+circumstance to you."
+
+"You did right," returned Trenchard.
+
+"Where is he?" asked Jonathan.
+
+"In the hall," replied Charcam.
+
+"Alone?"
+
+"Not exactly, Sir. There's another lad at the gate waiting for him--the
+same who was here just now, that Sir Rowland was speaking of, who
+fastened up the jewel-case for her ladyship."
+
+"A jewel-case!" exclaimed Jonathan. "Ah, I see it all!" he cried, with a
+quick glance. "Jack Sheppard's fingers are lime-twigs. Was anything
+missed after the lad's departure, Sir Rowland?"
+
+"Not that I'm aware of," said the knight.--"Stay! something occurs to
+me." And he conferred apart with Jonathan.
+
+"That's it!" cried Wild when Trenchard concluded. "This young fool is
+come to restore the article--whatever it may be--which Lady Trafford was
+anxious to conceal, and which his companion purloined. It's precisely
+what such a simpleton would do. We have him as safe as a linnet in a
+cage; and could wring his neck round as easily. Oblige me by acting
+under my guidance in the matter, Sir Rowland. I'm an old hand at such
+things. Harkee," he added, "Mr. What's-your-name!"
+
+"Charcam," replied the attendant, bowing.
+
+"Very well, Mr. Charcoal, you may bring in the boy. But not a word to
+him of Lady Trafford's absence--mind that. A robbery has been committed,
+and your master suspects this lad as an accessory to the offence. He,
+therefore, desires to interrogate him. It will be necessary to secure
+his companion; and as you say he is not in the house, some caution must
+be used in approaching him, or he may chance to take to his heels, for
+he's a slippery little rascal. When you've seized him, cough thrice
+thus,--and two rough-looking gentlemen will make their appearance. Don't
+be alarmed by their manners, Mr. Charcoal. They're apt to be surly to
+strangers, but it soon wears off. The gentleman with the red beard will
+relieve you of your prisoner. The other must call a coach as quickly as
+he can."
+
+"For whom, Sir?" inquired Charcam. "For me--his master, Mr. Jonathan
+Wild."
+
+"Are you Mr. Jonathan Wild?" asked the attendant, in great trepidation.
+
+"I _am_, Charcoal. But don't let my name frighten you. Though," said the
+thief-taker, with a complacent smile, "all the world seems to tremble at
+it. Obey my orders, and you've nothing to fear. About them quickly. Lead
+the lad to suppose that he'll be introduced to Lady Trafford. You
+understand me, Charcoal."
+
+The attendant did _not_ understand him. He was confounded by the
+presence in which he found himself. But, not daring to confess his want
+of comprehension, he made a profound reverence, and retired.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Consequences of the Theft.
+
+
+"How do you mean to act, Sir?" inquired Trenchard, as soon as they were
+left alone.
+
+"As circumstances shall dictate, Sir Rowland," returned Jonathan.
+"Something is sure to arise in the course of the investigation, of which
+I can take advantage. If not, I'll convey him to St. Giles's round-house
+on my own responsibility."
+
+"Is this your notable scheme!" asked the knight, scornfully.
+
+"Once there," proceeded Wild, without noticing the interruption, "he's
+as good as in his grave. The constable, Sharples, is in my pay. I can
+remove the prisoner at any hour of the night I think fit: and I _will_
+remove him. You must, know, Sir Rowland--for I've no secrets from
+you--that, in the course of my business I've found it convenient to
+become the owner of a small Dutch sloop; by means of which I can
+transmit any light ware,--such as gold watches, rings, and plate, as
+well as occasionally a bank or goldsmith's note, which has been _spoken
+with_ by way of the mail,--you understand me?--to Holland or Flanders,
+and obtain a secure and ready market for them. This vessel is now in the
+river, off Wapping. Her cargo is nearly shipped. She will sail, at early
+dawn to-morrow, for Rotterdam. Her commander, Rykhart Van Galgebrok, is
+devoted to my interests. As soon as he gets into blue water, he'll think
+no more of pitching the boy overboard than of lighting his pipe. This
+will be safer than cutting his throat on shore. I've tried the plan, and
+found it answer. The Northern Ocean keeps a secret better than the
+Thames, Sir Rowland. Before midnight, your nephew shall be safe beneath
+the hatches of the Zeeslang."
+
+"Poor child!" muttered Trenchard, abstractedly; "the whole scene upon
+the river is passing before me. I hear the splash in the water--I see
+the white object floating like a sea-bird on the tide--it will not
+sink!"
+
+"'Sblood!" exclaimed Jonathan, in a tone of ill-disguised contempt; "it
+won't do to indulge those fancies now. Be seated, and calm yourself."
+
+"I have often conjured up some frightful vision of the dead," murmured
+the knight, "but I never dreamed of an interview with the living."
+
+"It'll be over in a few minutes," rejoined Jonathan, impatiently; "in
+fact, it'll be over too soon for me. I like such interviews. But we
+waste time. Have the goodness to affix your name to that memorandum, Sir
+Rowland. I require nothing, you see, till my share of the contract is
+fulfilled."
+
+Trenchard took up a pen.
+
+"It's the boy's death-warrant," observed Jonathan, with a sinister
+smile.
+
+"I cannot sign it," returned Trenchard.
+
+"Damnation!" exclaimed Wild with a snarl, that displayed his glistening
+fangs to the farthest extremity of his mouth, "I'm not to be trifled
+with thus. That paper _must_ be signed, or I take my departure."
+
+"Go, Sir," rejoined the knight, haughtily.
+
+"Ay, ay, I'll go, fast enough!" returned Jonathan, putting his hands
+into his pockets, "but not alone, Sir Rowland."
+
+At this juncture, the door was flung open, and Charcam entered, dragging
+in Thames, whom he held by the collar, and who struggled in vain to free
+himself from the grasp imposed upon him.
+
+"Here's one of the thieves, Sir Rowland!" cried the attendant. "I was
+only just in time. The young rascal had learnt from some of the
+women-servants that Lady Trafford was from home, and was in the very act
+of making off when I got down stairs. Come along, my Newgate bird!" he
+continued, shaking him with great violence.
+
+Jonathan gave utterance to a low whistle.
+
+"If things had gone smoothly," he thought, "I should have cursed the
+fellow's stupidity. As it is, I'm not sorry for the blunder."
+
+Trenchard, meanwhile, whose gaze was fixed upon the boy, became livid as
+death, but he moved not a muscle.
+
+"'T is he!" he mentally ejaculated.
+
+"What do you think of your nephew, Sir Rowland?" whispered Jonathan, who
+sat with his back towards Thames, so that his features were concealed
+from the youth's view. "It would be a thousand pities, wouldn't it, to
+put so promising a lad out of the way?"
+
+"Devil!" exclaimed the knight fiercely, "Give me the paper."
+
+Jonathan hastily picked up the pen, and presented it to Trenchard, who
+attached his signature to the document.
+
+"If I _am_ the devil," observed Wild, "as some folks assert, and I
+myself am not unwilling to believe, you'll find that I differ from the
+generally-received notions of the arch-fiend, and faithfully execute the
+commands of those who confide their souls to my custody."
+
+"Take hence this boy, then," rejoined Trenchard; "his looks unman me."
+
+"Of what am I accused?" asked Thames, who though a good deal alarmed at
+first, had now regained his courage.
+
+"Of robbery!" replied Jonathan in a thundering voice, and suddenly
+confronting him. "You've charged with assisting your comrade, Jack
+Sheppard, to purloin certain articles of value from a jewel-case
+belonging to Lady Trafford. Aha!" he continued, producing a short silver
+staff, which he carried constantly about with him, and uttering a
+terrible imprecation, "I see you're confounded. Down on your
+marrow-bones, sirrah! Confess your guilt, and Sir Rowland may yet save
+you from the gallows."
+
+"I've nothing to confess," replied Thames, boldly; "I've done no wrong.
+Are _you_ my accuser?"
+
+"I am," replied Wild; "have you anything to allege to the contrary?"
+
+"Only this," returned Thames: "that the charge is false, and malicious,
+and that _you_ know it to be so."
+
+"Is that all!" retorted Jonathan. "Come, I must search you my
+youngster!"
+
+"You shan't touch me," rejoined Thames; and, suddenly bursting from
+Charcam, he threw himself at the feet of Trenchard. "Hear me, Sir
+Rowland!" he cried. "I am innocent, f have stolen nothing. This
+person--this Jonathan Wild, whom I beheld for the first time, scarcely
+an hour ago, in Wych Street, is--I know not why--my enemy. He has sworn
+that he'll take away my life!"
+
+"Bah!" interrupted Jonathan. "You won't listen to this nonsense, Sir
+Rowland!"
+
+"If you _are_ innocent, boy," said the knight, controlling his emotion;
+"you have nothing to apprehend. But, what brought you here?"
+
+"Excuse me, Sir Rowland. I cannot answer that question. My business is
+with Lady Trafford."
+
+"Are you aware that I am her ladyship's brother?" returned the knight.
+"She has no secrets from me."
+
+"Possibly not," replied Thames, in some confusion; "but I am not at
+liberty to speak."
+
+"Your hesitation is not in your favour," observed Trenchard, sternly.
+
+"Will he consent, to be searched?" inquired Jonathan.
+
+"No," rejoined Thames, "I won't be treated like a common felon, if I can
+help it."
+
+"You shall be treated according to your deserts, then," said Jonathan,
+maliciously. And, in spite of the boy's resistance, he plunged his hands
+into his pockets, and drew forth the miniature.
+
+"Where did you get this from?" asked Wild, greatly surprised at the
+result of his investigation.
+
+Thames returned no answer.
+
+"I thought as much," continued Jonathan. "But we'll find a way to make
+you open your lips presently. Bring in his comrade," he added, in a
+whisper to Charcam; "I'll take care of him. And don't neglect my
+instructions this time." Upon which, with an assurance that he would not
+do so, the attendant departed.
+
+"You can, of course, identify this picture as Lady Trafford's property?"
+pursued Jonathan, with a meaning glance, as he handed it to the knight.
+
+"I can," replied Trenchard. "Ha!" he exclaimed, with a sudden start, as
+his glance fell upon the portrait; "how came this into your possession,
+boy?"
+
+"Why don't you answer, sirrah?" cried Wild, in a savage tone, and
+striking him with the silver staff. "Can't you speak?"
+
+"I don't choose," replied Thames, sturdily; "and your brutality shan't
+make me."
+
+"We'll see that," replied Jonathan, dealing him another and more violent
+blow.
+
+"Let him alone," said Trenchard authoritatively, "I have another
+question to propose. Do you know whoso portrait this is?"
+
+"I do not," replied Thames, repressing his tears, "but I believe it to
+be the portrait of my father."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed the knight, in astonishment. "Is your father alive?"
+
+"No," returned Thames; "he was assassinated while I was an infant."
+
+"Who told you this is his portrait?" demanded Trenchard.
+
+"My heart," rejoined Thames, firmly; "which now tells me I am in the
+presence of his murderer."
+
+"That's me," interposed Jonathan; "a thief-taker is always a murderer in
+the eyes of a thief. I'm almost sorry your suspicions are unfounded, if
+your father in any way resembled you, my youngster. But I can tell you
+who'll have the pleasure of hanging your father's son; and that's a
+person not a hundred miles distant from you at this moment--ha! ha!"
+
+As he said this, the door was opened, and Charcam entered, accompanied
+by a dwarfish, shabby-looking man, in a brown serge frock, with coarse
+Jewish features, and a long red beard. Between the Jew and the attendant
+came Jack Sheppard; while a crowd of servants, attracted by the news,
+that the investigation of a robbery was going forward, lingered at the
+doorway in hopes of catching something of the proceedings.
+
+When Jack was brought in, he cast a rapid glance around him, and
+perceiving Thames in the custody of Jonathan, instantly divined how
+matters stood. As he looked in this direction, Wild gave him a
+significant wink, the meaning of which he was not slow to comprehend.
+
+"Get it over quickly," said Trenchard, in a whisper to the thief-taker.
+
+Jonathan nodded assent.
+
+"What's your name?" he said, addressing the audacious lad, who was
+looking about him as coolly as if nothing material was going on.
+
+"Jack Sheppard," returned the boy, fixing his eyes upon a portrait of
+the Earl of Mar. "Who's that queer cove in the full-bottomed wig?"
+
+"Attend to me, sirrah," rejoined Wild, sternly. "Do you know this
+picture?" he added, with another significant look, and pointing to the
+miniature.
+
+"I do," replied Jack, carelessly.
+
+"That's well. Can you inform us whence it came?"
+
+"I should think so."
+
+"State the facts, then."
+
+"It came from Lady Trafford's jewel-box."
+
+Here a murmur of amazement arose from the assemblage outside.
+
+"Close the door!" commanded Trenchard, impatiently.
+
+"In my opinion, Sir Rowland," suggested Jonathan; "you'd better allow
+the court to remain open."
+
+"Be it so," replied the knight, who saw the force of this reasoning.
+"Continue the proceedings."
+
+"You say that the miniature was abstracted from Lady Trafford's
+jewel-box," said Jonathan, in a loud voice. "Who took it thence?"
+
+"Thames Darrell; the boy at your side."
+
+"Jack!" cried Thames, in indignant surprise.
+
+But Sheppard took no notice of the exclamation.
+
+A loud buzz of curiosity circulated among the domestics; some of
+whom--especially the females--leaned forward to obtain a peep at the
+culprit.
+
+"Si--lence!" vociferated Charcam, laying great emphasis on the last
+syllable.
+
+"Were you present at the time of the robbery?" pursued Jonathan.
+
+"I was," answered Sheppard.
+
+"And will swear to it?"
+
+"I will."
+
+"Liar!" ejaculated Thames.
+
+"Enough!" exclaimed Wild, triumphantly.
+
+"Close the court, Mr. Charcoal. They've heard quite enough for my
+purpose," he muttered, as his orders were obeyed, and the domestics
+excluded. "It's too late to carry 'em before a magistrate now, Sir
+Rowland; so, with your permission, I'll give 'em a night's lodging in
+Saint Giles's round-house. You, Jack Sheppard, have nothing to fear, as
+you've become evidence against your accomplice. To-morrow, I shall
+carry you before Justice Walters, who'll take your information; and I've
+no doubt but Thames Darrell will be fully committed. Now, for the cage,
+my pretty canary-bird. Before we start, I'll accommodate you with a pair
+of ruffles." And he proceeded to handcuff his captive.
+
+"Hear me!" cried Thames, bursting into tears. "I am innocent. I could
+not have committed this robbery. I have only just left Wych Street. Send
+for Mr. Wood, and you'll find that I've spoken the truth."
+
+"You'd better hold your peace, my lad," observed Jonathan, in a menacing
+tone.
+
+"Lady Trafford would not have thus condemned me!" cried Thames.
+
+"Away with him!" exclaimed Sir Rowland, impatiently.
+
+"Take the prisoners below, Nab," said Jonathan, addressing the dwarfish
+Jew; "I'll join you in an instant."
+
+The bearded miscreant seized Jack by the waist, and Thames by the nape
+of the neck, and marched off, like the ogre in the fairy tale, with a
+boy under each arm, while Charcam brought upt the rear.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+Mother and Son.
+
+
+They had scarcely been gone a moment, when a confused noise was heard
+without, and Charcam re-entered the room, with a countenance of the
+utmost bewilderment and alarm.
+
+"What's the matter with the man?" demanded Wild.
+
+"Her ladyship--" faltered the attendant.
+
+"What of her?" cried the knight. "Is she returned!"
+
+"Y--e--s, Sir Rowland," stammered Charcam.
+
+"The devil!" ejaculated Jonathan. "Here's a cross-bite."
+
+"But that's not all, your honour," continued Charcam; "Mrs. Norris says
+she's dying."
+
+"Dying!" echoed the knight.
+
+"Dying, Sir Rowland. She was taken dreadfully ill on the road, with
+spasms and short breath, and swoonings,--worse than ever she was before.
+And Mrs. Norris was so frightened that she ordered the postboys to drive
+back as fast as they could. She never expected to get her ladyship home
+alive."
+
+"My God!" cried Trenchard, stunned by the intelligence, "I have killed
+her."
+
+"No doubt," rejoined Wild, with a sneer; "but don't let all the world
+know it."
+
+"They're lifting her out of the carriage," interposed Charcam; "will it
+please your honour to send for some advice and the chaplain?"
+
+"Fly for both," returned Sir Rowland, in a tone of bitter anguish.
+
+"Stay!" interposed Jonathan. "Where are the boys?"
+
+"In the hall."
+
+"Her ladyship will pass through it?"
+
+"Of course; there's no other way."
+
+"Then, bring them into this room, the first thing--quick! They must not
+meet, Sir Rowland," he added, as Charcam hastened to obey his
+instructions.
+
+"Heaven has decreed it otherwise," replied the knight, dejectedly. "I
+yield to fate."
+
+"Yield to nothing," returned Wild, trying to re-assure him; "above all,
+when your designs prosper. Man's fate is in his own hands. You are your
+nephew's executioner, or he is yours. Cast off this weakness. The next
+hour makes, or mars you for ever. Go to your sister, and do not quit her
+till all is over. Leave the rest to me."
+
+Sir Rowland moved irresolutely towards the door, but recoiled before a
+sad spectacle. This was his sister, evidently in the last extremity.
+Borne in the arms of a couple of assistants, and preceded by Mrs.
+Norris, wringing her hands and wepping, the unfortunate lady was placed
+upon a couch. At the same time, Charcam, who seemed perfectly distracted
+by the recent occurrences, dragged in Thames, leaving Jack Sheppard
+outside in the custody of the dwarfish Jew.
+
+"Hell's curses!" muttered Jonathan between his teeth; "that fool will
+ruin all. Take him away," he added, striding up to Charcam.
+
+"Let him remain," interposed Trenchard.
+
+"As you please, Sir Rowland," returned Jonathan, with affected
+indifference; "but I'm not going to hunt the deer for another to eat the
+ven'son, depend on 't."
+
+But seeing that no notice was taken of the retort, he drew a little
+aside, and folded his arms, muttering, "This whim will soon be over. She
+can't last long. I can pull the strings of this stiff-necked puppet as I
+please."
+
+Sir Rowland, meantime, throw himself on his knees beside his sister,
+and, clasping her chilly fingers within his own, besought her
+forgiveness in the most passionate terms. For a few minutes, she
+appeared scarcely sensible of his presence. But, after some restoratives
+had been administered by Mrs. Norris, she revived a little.
+
+"Rowland," she said, in a faint voice, "I have not many minutes to live.
+Where is Father Spencer? I must have absolution. I have something that
+weighs heavily upon my mind."
+
+Sir Rowland's brow darkened.
+
+"I have sent for him," Aliva, he answered; "he will be here directly,
+with your medical advisers."
+
+"They are useless," she returned. "Medicine cannot save mo now."
+
+"Dear sister----"
+
+"I should die happy, if I could behold my child."
+
+"Comfort yourself, then, Aliva. You _shall_ behold him."
+
+"You are mocking me, Rowland. Jests are not for seasons like this."
+
+"I am not, by Heaven," returned the knight, solemnly. "Leave us, Mrs.
+Norris, and do not return till Father Spencer arrives."
+
+"Your ladyship----" hesitated Norris.
+
+"Go!" said Lady Trafford; "it is my last request."
+
+And her faithful attendant, drowned in tears, withdrew, followed by the
+two assistants.
+
+Jonathan stepped behind a curtain.
+
+"Rowland," said Lady Trafford, regarding him with a look of
+indescribable anxiety, "you have assured me that I shall behold my son.
+Where is he?"
+
+"Within this room," replied the knight.
+
+"Here!" shrieked Lady Trafford.
+
+"Here," repeated her brother. "But calm yourself, dear sister, or the
+interview will be too much for you."
+
+"I _am_ calm--quite calm, Rowland," she answered, with lips whose
+agitation belied her words. "Then, the story of his death was false. I
+knew it. I was sure you could not have the heart to slay a child--an
+innocent child. God forgive you!"
+
+"May He, indeed, forgive me!" returned Trenchard, crossing himself
+devoutly; "but my guilt is not the less heavy, because your child
+escaped. This hand consigned him to destruction, but another was
+stretched forth to save him. The infant was rescued from a watery-grave
+by an honest mechanic, who has since brought him up as his own son."
+
+"Blessings upon him!" cried Lady Trafford, fervently. "But trifle with
+mo no longer. Moments are ages now. Let me see my child, if he is really
+here?"
+
+"Behold him!" returned Trenchard, taking Thames (who had been a mute,
+but deeply-interested, witness of the scene) by the hand, and leading
+him towards her.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Lady Trafford, exerting all her strength. "My sight is
+failing me. Let me have more light, that I may behold him. Yes!" she
+screamed, "these are his father's features! It is--it is my son!"
+
+"Mother!" cried Thames; "are you, indeed, my mother?"
+
+"I am, indeed--my own sweet boy!" she sobbed, pressing him tenderly to
+her breast.
+
+"Oh!--to see you thus!" cried Thames, in an agony of affliction.
+
+"Don't weep, my love," replied the lady, straining him still more
+closely to her. "I am happy--quite happy now."
+
+During this touching interview, a change had come over Sir Rowland, and
+he half repented of what he had done.
+
+"You can no longer refuse to tell me the name of this youth's father,
+Aliva," he said.
+
+"I dare not, Rowland," she answered. "I cannot break my vow. I will
+confide it to Father Spencer, who will acquaint you with it when I am no
+more. Undraw the curtain, love," she added to Thames, "that I may look
+at you."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed her son, starting back, as he obeyed her, and disclosed
+Jonathan Wild.
+
+"Be silent," said Jonathan, in a menacing whisper.
+
+"What have you seen?" inquired Lady Trafford.
+
+"My enemy," replied her son.
+
+"Your enemy!" she returned imperfectly comprehending him. "Sir Rowland
+is your uncle--he will be your guardian--he will protect you. Will you
+not, brother?"
+
+"Promise," said a deep voice in Trenchard's ear.
+
+"He will kill me," cried Thames. "There is a man in this room who seeks
+my life."
+
+"Impossible!" rejoined his mother.
+
+"Look at these fetters," returned Thames, holding up his manacled
+wrists; "they were put on by my uncle's command."
+
+"Ah!" shrieked Lady Trafford.
+
+"Not a moment is to be lost," whispered Jonathan to Trenchard. "His
+life--or yours?"
+
+"No one shall harm you more, my dear," cried Lady Trafford. "Your uncle
+_must_ protect you. It will be his interest to do so. He will be
+dependent on you."
+
+"Do what you please with him," muttered Trenchard to Wild.
+
+"Take off these chains, Rowland," said Lady Trafford, "instantly, I
+command you."
+
+"_I_ will," replied Jonathan, advancing, and rudely seizing Thames.
+
+"Mother!" cried the son, "help!"
+
+"What is this?" shrieked Lady Trafford, raising herself on the couch,
+and extending her hands towards him. "Oh, God! would you take him from
+me?--would you murder him?"
+
+"His father's name?--and he is free," rejoined Rowland, holding her
+arms.
+
+"Release him first--and I will disclose it!" cried Lady Trafford; "on my
+soul, I will!"
+
+"Speak then!" returned Rowland.
+
+"Too late!" shrieked the lady, falling heavily backwards,--"too
+late!--oh!"
+
+Heedless of her cries, Jonathan passed a handkerchief tightly over her
+son's mouth, and forced him out of the room.
+
+When he returned, a moment or so afterwards, he found Sir Rowland
+standing by the lifeless body of his sister. His countenance was almost
+as white and rigid as that of the corpse by his side.
+
+"This is your work," said the knight, sternly.
+
+"Not entirely," replied Jonathan, calmly; "though I shouldn't be ashamed
+of it if it were. After all, you failed in obtaining the secret from
+her, Sir Rowland. Women are hypocrites to the last--true only to
+themselves."
+
+"Peace!" cried the knight, fiercely.
+
+"No offence," returned Jonathan. "I was merely about to observe that _I_
+am in possession of her secret."
+
+"You!"
+
+"Didn't I tell you that the fugitive Darrell gave me a glove! But we'll
+speak of this hereafter. You can _purchase_ the information from me
+whenever you're so disposed. I shan't drive a hard bargain. To the point
+however. I came back to say, that I've placed your nephew in a coach;
+and, if you'll be at my lock in the Old Bailey an hour after midnight,
+you shall hear the last tidings of him."
+
+"I will be there," answered Trenchard, gloomily.
+
+"You'll not forget the thousand, Sir Rowland--short accounts, you know."
+
+"Fear nothing. You shall have your reward."
+
+"Thank'ee,--thank'ee. My house is the next door to the Cooper's Arms, in
+the Old Bailey, opposite Newgate. You'll find me at supper."
+
+So saying, he bowed and departed.
+
+"That man should have been an Italian bravo," murmured the knight,
+sinking into a chair: "he has neither fear nor compunction. Would I
+could purchase his apathy as easily as I can procure his assistance."
+
+Soon after this Mrs. Norris entered the room, followed by Father
+Spencer. On approaching the couch, they found Sir Rowland senseless, and
+extended over the dead body of his unfortunate sister.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+The Mohocks.
+
+
+Jonathan Wild, meanwhile, had quitted the house. He found a coach at the
+door, with the blinds carefully drawn up, and ascertained from a tall,
+ill-looking, though tawdrily-dressed fellow, who held his horse by the
+bridle, and whom he addressed as Quilt Arnold, that the two boys were
+safe inside, in the custody of Abraham Mendez, the dwarfish Jew. As soon
+as he had delivered his instructions to Quilt, who, with Abraham,
+constituted his body-guard, or janizaries, as he termed them, Jonathan
+mounted his steed, and rode off at a gallop. Quilt was not long in
+following his example. Springing upon the box, he told the coachman to
+make the best of his way to Saint Giles's. Stimulated by the promise of
+something handsome to drink, the man acquitted himself to admiration in
+the management of his lazy cattle. Crack went the whip, and away
+floundered the heavy vehicle through the deep ruts of the ill-kept road,
+or rather lane, (for it was little better,) which, then, led across
+Southampton Fields. Skirting the noble gardens of Montague House, (now,
+we need scarcely say, the British Museum,) the party speedily reached
+Great Russell Street,--a quarter described by Strype, in his edition of
+old Stow's famous _Survey_, "as being graced with the best buildings in
+all Bloomsbury, and the best inhabited by the nobility and gentry,
+especially the north side, as having gardens behind the houses, and the
+prospect of the pleasant fields up to Hampstead and Highgate; insomuch
+that this place, by physicians, is esteemed the most healthful of any in
+London." Neither of the parties outside bestowed much attention upon
+these stately and salubriously-situated mansions; indeed, as it was now
+not far from ten o'clock, and quite dark, they could scarcely discern
+them. But, in spite of his general insensibility to such matters, Quilt
+could not help commenting upon the delicious perfume wafted from the
+numerous flower-beds past which they were driving. The coachman answered
+by a surly grunt, and, plying his whip with redoubled zeal, shaped his
+course down Dyot Street; traversed that part of Holborn, which is now
+called Broad Street, and where two ancient alms-houses were, then,
+standing in the middle of that great thoroughfare, exactly opposite the
+opening of Compston Street; and, diving under a wide gateway on the
+left, soon reached a more open space, surrounded by mean habitations,
+coach-houses and stables, called Kendrick Yard, at the further end of
+which Saint Giles's round-house was situated.
+
+No sooner did the vehicle turn the corner of this yard, than Quilt
+became aware, from the tumultuous sounds that reached his ears, as well
+as from the flashing of various lanterns at the door of the round-house,
+that some disturbance was going on; and, apprehensive of a rescue, if he
+drew up in the midst of the mob, he thought it prudent to come to a
+halt. Accordingly, he stopped the coach, dismounted, and hastened
+towards the assemblage, which, he was glad to find, consisted chiefly of
+a posse of watchmen and other guardians of the night. Quilt, who was an
+ardent lover of mischief, could not help laughing most heartily at the
+rueful appearance of these personages. Not one of them but bore the
+marks of having been engaged in a recent and severe conflict.
+Quarter-staves, bludgeons, brown-bills, lanterns, swords, and sconces
+were alike shivered; and, to judge from the sullied state of their
+habiliments, the claret must have been tapped pretty freely. Never was
+heard such a bawling as these unfortunate wights kept up. Oaths exploded
+like shells from a battery in full fire, accompanied by threats of
+direst vengeance against the individuals who had maltreated them. Here,
+might be seen a poor fellow whose teeth were knocked down his throat,
+spluttering out the most tremendous menaces, and gesticulating like a
+madman: there, another, whose nose was partially slit, vented
+imprecations and lamentations in the same breath. On the right, stood a
+bulky figure, with a broken rattle hanging out of his great-coat pocket,
+who held up a lantern to his battered countenance to prove to the
+spectators that both his orbs of vision were darkened: on the left, a
+meagre constable had divested himself of his shirt, to bind up with
+greater convenience a gaping cut in the arm.
+
+"So, the Mohocks have been at work, I perceive," remarked Quilt, as he
+drew near the group.
+
+"'Faith, an' you may say that," returned a watchman, who was wiping a
+ruddy stream from his brow; "they've broken the paice, and our pates
+into the bargain. But shurely I'd know that vice," he added, turning his
+lantern towards the janizary. "Ah! Quilt Arnold, my man, is it you? By
+the powers! I'm glad to see you. The sight o' your 'andsome phiz allys
+does me good."
+
+"I wish I could return the compliment, Terry. But your cracked skull is
+by no means a pleasing spectacle. How came you by the hurt, eh?"
+
+"How did I come by it?--that's a nate question. Why, honestly enouch. It
+was lent me by a countryman o' mine; but I paid him back in his own
+coin--ha! ha!"
+
+"A countryman of yours, Terry?"
+
+"Ay, and a noble one, too, Quilt--more's the pity! You've heard of the
+Marquis of Slaughterford, belike?"
+
+"Of course; who has not? He's the leader of the Mohocks, the general of
+the Scourers, the prince of rakes, the friend of the surgeons and
+glaziers, the terror of your tribe, and the idol of the girls!"
+
+"That's him to a hair?" cried Terence, rapturously. "Och! he's a broth
+of a boy!"
+
+"Why, I thought he'd broken your head, Terry?"
+
+"Phooh! that's nothing? A piece o' plaster'll set all to rights; and
+Terry O'Flaherty's not the boy to care for the stroke of a supple-jack.
+Besides, didn't I tell you that I giv' him as good as he brought--and
+better! I jist touched him with my 'Evenin' Star,' as I call this
+shillelah," said the watchman, flourishing an immense bludgeon, the knob
+of which appeared to be loaded with lead, "and, by Saint Patrick! down
+he cum'd like a bullock."
+
+"Zounds!" exclaimed Quilt, "did you kill him?"
+
+"Not quite," replied Terence, laughing; "but I brought him to his
+senses."
+
+"By depriving him of 'em, eh! But I'm sorry you hurt his lordship,
+Terry. Young noblemen ought to be indulged in their frolics. If they
+_do_, now and then, run away with a knocker, paint a sign, beat the
+watch, or huff a magistrate, they _pay_ for their pastime, and that's
+sufficient. What more could any reasonable man--especially a
+watchman--desire? Besides, the Marquis, is a devilish fine fellow, and a
+particular friend of mine. There's not his peer among the peerage."
+
+"Och! if he's a friend o' yours, my dear joy, there's no more to be
+said; and right sorry am I, I struck him. But, bloodan'-'ouns! man, if
+ould Nick himself were to hit me a blow, I'd be afther givin' him
+another."
+
+"Well, well--wait awhile," returned Quilt; "his lordship won't forget
+you. He's as generous as he's frolicsome."
+
+As he spoke, the door of the round-house was opened, and a stout man,
+with a lantern in his hand, presented himself at the threshold.
+
+"There's Sharples," cried Quilt.
+
+"Whist!" exclaimed Terence; "he elevates his glim. By Jasus! he's about
+to spake to us."
+
+"Gem'men o' the votch!" cried Sharples, as loudly as a wheezy cough
+would permit him, "my noble pris'ner--ough! ough;--the Markis o'
+Slaughterford----"
+
+Further speech was cut short by a volley of execrations from the angry
+guardians of the night.
+
+"No Mohocks! No Scourers!" cried the mob.
+
+"Hear! hear!" vociferated Quilt.
+
+"His lordship desires me to say--ough! ough!"
+
+Fresh groans and hisses.
+
+"Von't you hear me?--ough! ough!" demanded Sharples, after a pause.
+
+"By all means," rejoined Quilt.
+
+"Raise your vice, and lave off coughin'," added Terence.
+
+"The long and the short o' the matter's this then," returned Sharples
+with dignity, "the Markis begs your acceptance o' ten guineas to drink
+his health."
+
+The hooting was instantaneously changed to cheers.
+
+"And his lordship, furthermore, requests me to state," proceeded
+Sharples, in a hoarse tone, "that he'll be responsible for the doctors'
+bill of all such gem'men as have received broken pates, or been
+other_wise_ damaged in the fray--ough! ough!"
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted the mob.
+
+"We're all damaged--we've all got broken pates," cried a dozen voices.
+
+"Ay, good luck to him! so we have," rejoined Terence; "but we've no
+objection to take out the dochter's bill in drink."
+
+"None whatever," replied the mob.
+
+"Your answer, gem'men?" demanded Sharples.
+
+"Long life to the Markis, and we accept his honourable proposal,"
+responded the mob.
+
+"Long life to the Marquis!" reiterated Terence; "he's an honour to ould
+Ireland!"
+
+"Didn't I tell you how it would be?" remarked Quilt.
+
+"Troth, and so did you," returned the watchman; "but I couldn't belave
+it. In futur', I'll keep the 'Evenin' Star' for his lordship's enemies."
+
+"You'd better," replied Quilt. "But bring your glim this way. I've a
+couple of kinchens in yonder rattler, whom I wish to place under old
+Sharples's care."
+
+"Be handy, then," rejoined Terence, "or, I'll lose my share of the smart
+money."
+
+With the assistance of Terence, and a linkboy who volunteered his
+services, Quilt soon removed the prisoners from the coach, and leaving
+Sheppard to the custody of Abraham, proceeded to drag Thames towards the
+round-house. Not a word had been exchanged between the two boys on the
+road. Whenever Jack attempted to speak, he was checked by an angry growl
+from Abraham; and Thames, though his heart was full almost to bursting,
+felt no inclination to break the silence. His thoughts, indeed, were too
+painful for utterance, and so acute were his feelings, that, for some
+time, they quite overcame him. But his grief was of short duration. The
+elastic spirits of youth resumed their sway; and, before the coach
+stopped, his tears had ceased to flow. As to Jack Sheppard, he appeared
+utterly reckless and insensible, and did nothing but whistle and sing
+the whole way.
+
+While he was dragged along in the manner just described, Thames looked
+around to ascertain, if possible, where he was; for he did not put
+entire faith in Jonathan's threat of sending him to the round-house, and
+apprehensive of something even worse than imprisonment. The aspect of
+the place, so far as he could discern through the gloom, was strange to
+him; but chancing to raise his eyes above the level of the surrounding
+habitations, he beheld, relieved against the sombre sky, the tall
+steeple of Saint Giles's church, the precursor of the present structure,
+which was not erected till some fifteen years later. He recognised this
+object at once. Jonathan had not deceived him.
+
+"What's this here kinchen _in_ for?" asked Terence, as he and Quilt
+strode along, with Thames between them.
+
+"What for?" rejoined Quilt, evasively.
+
+"Oh! nothin' partickler--mere curossity," replied Terence. "By the
+powers!" he added, turning his lantern full upon the face of the
+captive, "he's a nice genn-teel-lookin' kiddy, I must say. Pity he's
+ta'en to bad ways so airly."
+
+"You may spare me your compassion, friend," observed Thames; "I am
+falsely detained."
+
+"Of course," rejoined Quilt, maliciously; "every thief is so. If we were
+to wait till a prig was rightfully nabbed, we might tarry till doomsday.
+We never supposed you helped yourself to a picture set with
+diamonds--not we!"
+
+"Is the guv'ner consarned in this job?" asked Terence, in a whisper.
+
+"He is," returned Quilt, significantly. "Zounds! what's that!" he cried,
+as the noise of a scuffle was heard behind them. "The other kid's given
+my partner the slip. Here, take this youngster, Terry; my legs are
+lighter than old Nab's." And, committing Thames to the care of the
+watchman, he darted after the fugitive.
+
+"Do you wish to earn a rich reward, my good friend?" said Thames to the
+watchman, as soon as they were left alone.
+
+"Is it by lettin' you go, my darlin', that I'm to airn it?" inquired
+Terence. "If so, it won't pay. You're Mister Wild's pris'ner, and worse
+luck to it!"
+
+"I don't ask you to liberate me," urged Thames; "but will you convey a
+message for me?"
+
+"Where to, honey?"
+
+"To Mr. Wood's, the carpenter in Wych Street. He lives near the Black
+Lion."
+
+"The Black Lion!" echoed Terence. "I know the house well; by the same
+token that it's a flash crib. Och! many a mug o' bubb have I drained wi'
+the landlord, Joe Hind. And so Misther Wudd lives near the Black Lion,
+eh?"
+
+"He does," replied Thames. "Tell him that I--his adopted son, Thames
+Darrell--am detained here by Jonathan Wild."
+
+"Thames Ditton--is that your name?"
+
+"No," replied the boy, impatiently; "Darrell--Thames Darrell."
+
+"I'll not forget it. It's a mighty quare 'un, though. I never yet heard
+of a Christians as was named after the Shannon or the Liffy; and the
+Thames is no better than a dhurty puddle, compared wi' them two noble
+strames. But then you're an adopted son, and that makes all the
+difference. People do call their unlawful children strange names. Are
+you quite shure you haven't another alyas, Masther Thames Ditton?"
+
+"Darrell, I tell you. Will you go? You'll be paid handsomely for your
+trouble."
+
+"I don't mind the throuble," hesitated Terence, who was really a
+good-hearted fellow at the bottom; "and I'd like to sarve you if I
+could, for you look like a gentleman's son, and that goes a great way
+wi' me. But if Misther Wild were to find out that I thwarted his
+schames----"
+
+"I'd not be in your skin for a trifle," interrupted Quilt, who having
+secured Sheppard, and delivered him to Abraham, now approached them
+unawares; "and it shan't be my fault if he don't hear of it."
+
+"'Ouns!" ejaculated Terence, in alarm, "would you turn snitch on your
+old pal, Quilt?"
+
+"Ay, if he plays a-cross," returned Quilt. "Come along, my sly shaver.
+With all your cunning, we're more than a match for you."
+
+"But not for me," growled Terence, in an under tone.
+
+"Remember!" cried Quilt, as he forced the captive along.
+
+"Remember the devil!" retorted Terence, who had recovered his natural
+audacity. "Do you think I'm afeard of a beggarly thief-taker and his
+myrmidons? Not I. Master Thames Ditton, I'll do your biddin'; and you,
+Misther Quilt Arnold, may do your worst, I defy you."
+
+"Dog!" exclaimed Quilt, turning fiercely upon him, "do you threaten?"
+
+But the watchman eluded his grasp, and, mingling with the crowd,
+disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+Saint Giles's Round-house.
+
+
+Saint Giles's Round-house was an old detached fabric, standing in an
+angle of Kendrick Yard. Originally built, as its name imports, in a
+cylindrical form, like a modern Martello tower, it had undergone, from
+time to time, so many alterations, that its symmetry was, in a great
+measure, destroyed. Bulging out more in the middle than at the two
+extremities, it resembled an enormous cask set on its end,--a sort of
+Heidelberg tun on a large scale,--and this resemblance was increased by
+the small circular aperture--it hardly deserved to be called a
+door--pierced, like the bung-hole of a barrell, through the side of the
+structure, at some distance from the ground, and approached by a flight
+of wooden steps. The prison was two stories high, with a flat roof
+surmounted by a gilt vane fashioned like a key; and, possessing
+considerable internal accommodation, it had, in its day, lodged some
+thousands of disorderly personages. The windows were small, and strongly
+grated, looking, in front, on Kendrick Yard, and, at the back, upon the
+spacious burial-ground of Saint Giles's Church. Lights gleamed from the
+lower rooms, and, on a nearer approach to the building, the sound of
+revelry might be heard from within.
+
+Warned of the approach of the prisoners by the increased clamour,
+Sharples, who was busied in distributing the Marquis's donation,
+affected to throw the remainder of the money among the crowd, though, in
+reality, he kept back a couple of guineas, which he slipped into his
+sleeve, and running hastily up the steps, unlocked the door. He was
+followed, more leisurely, by the prisoners; and, during their ascent,
+Jack Sheppard made a second attempt to escape by ducking suddenly down,
+and endeavouring to pass under his conductor's legs. The dress of the
+dwarfish Jew was not, however, favourable to this expedient. Jack was
+caught, as in a trap, by the pendant tails of Abraham's long frock; and,
+instead of obtaining his release by his ingenuity, he only got a sound
+thrashing.
+
+Sharples received them at the threshold, and holding his lantern towards
+the prisoners to acquaint himself with their features, nodded to Quilt,
+between whom and himself some secret understanding seemed to subsist,
+and then closed and barred the door.
+
+"Vell," he growled, addressing Quilt, "you know who's here, I suppose?"
+
+"To be sure I do," replied Quilt; "my noble friend, the Marquis of
+Slaughterford. What of that?"
+
+"Vot 'o that!" echoed Sharples, peevishly: "Everythin'. Vot am I to do
+vith these young imps, eh?"
+
+"What you generally do with your prisoners, Mr. Sharples," replied
+Quilt; "lock 'em up."
+
+"That's easily said. But, suppose I've no place to lock 'em up in, how
+then?"
+
+Quilt looked a little perplexed. He passed his arm under that of the
+constable, and drew him aside.
+
+"Vell, vell," growled Sharples, after he had listened to the other's
+remonstrances, "it shall be done. But it's confounded inconvenient. One
+don't often get sich a vindfal as the Markis----"
+
+"Or such a customer as Mr. Wild," edged in Quilt.
+
+"Now, then, Saint Giles!" interposed Sheppard, "are we to be kept here
+all night?"
+
+"Eh day!" exclaimed Sharples: "wot new-fledged bantam's this?"
+
+"One that wants to go to roost," replied Sheppard. "So, stir your
+stumps, Saint Giles; and, if you mean to lock us up, use despatch."
+
+"Comin'! comin'!" returned the constable, shuffling towards him.
+
+"Coming!--so is midnight--so is Jonathan Wild," retorted Jack, with a
+significant look at Thames.
+
+"Have you never an out-o-the-vay corner, into vich you could shtow these
+troublesome warmint?" observed Abraham. "The guv'ner'll be here afore
+midnight."
+
+Darrell's attention was drawn to the latter part of this speech by a
+slight pressure on his foot. And, turning at the touch, he perceived
+Sheppard's glance fixed meaningly upon him.
+
+"Stow it, Nab!" exclaimed Quilt, angrily; "the kinchen's awake."
+
+"Awake!--to be sure I am, my flash cove," replied Sheppard; "I'm down as
+a hammer."
+
+"I've just bethought me of a crib as'll serve their turn," interposed
+Sharples, "at any rate, they'll be out o' the vay, and as safe as two
+chicks in a coop."
+
+"Lead the way to it then, Saint Giles," said Jack, in a tone of mock
+authority.
+
+The place, in which they stood, was a small entrance-chamber, cut off,
+like the segment of a circle, from the main apartment, (of which it is
+needless to say it originally constituted a portion,) by a stout wooden
+partition. A door led to the inner room; and it was evident from the
+peals of merriment, and other noises, that, ever and anon, resounded
+from within, that this chamber was occupied by the Marquis and his
+friends. Against the walls hung an assortment of staves, brown-bills,
+(weapons then borne by the watch,) muskets, handcuffs, great-coats, and
+lanterns. In one angle of the room stood a disused fire-place, with a
+rusty grate and broken chimney-piece; in the other there was a sort of
+box, contrived between the wall and the boards, that looked like an
+apology for a cupboard. Towards this box Sharples directed his steps,
+and, unlocking a hatch in the door, disclosed a recess scarcely as
+large, and certainly not as clean, as a dog-kennel.
+
+"Vill this do?" demanded the constable, taking the candle from the
+lantern, the better to display the narrow limits of the hole. "I call
+this ere crib the Little-Ease, arter the runaway prentices' cells in
+Guildhall. I _have_ squeezed three kids into it afore now. To be sure,"
+he added, lowering his tone, "they wos little 'uns, and one on 'em was
+smothered--ough! ough!--how this cough chokes me!"
+
+Sheppard, meanwhile, whose hands were at liberty, managed to possess
+himself, unperceived, of the spike of a halbert, which was lying, apart
+from the pole, upon a bench near him. Having secured this implement, he
+burst from his conductor, and, leaping into the hatch, as clowns
+generally spring into the clock-faces, when in pursuit of harlequin in
+the pantomime,--that is, back foremost,--broke into a fit of loud and
+derisive laughter, kicking his heels merrily all the time against the
+boards. His mirth, however, received an unpleasant check; for Abraham,
+greatly incensed by his previous conduct, caught him by the legs, and
+pushed him with such violence into the hole that the point of the
+spike, which he had placed in his pocket, found its way through his
+clothes to the flesh, inflicting a slight, but painful wound. Jack, who
+had something of the Spartan in his composition, endured his martyrdom
+without flinching; and carried his stoical indifference so far, as even
+to make a mocking grimace in Sharples's face, while that amiable
+functionary thrust Thames into the recess beside him.
+
+"How go you like your quarters, sauce-box?" asked Sharples, in a jeering
+tone.
+
+"Better than your company, Saint Giles," replied Sheppard; "so, shut the
+door, and make yourself scarce."
+
+"That boy'll never rest till he finds his vay to Bridewell," observed
+Sharples.
+
+"Or the street," returned Jack: "mind my words, the prison's not built
+that can keep me."
+
+"We'll see that, young hempseed," replied Sharples, shutting the hatch
+furiously in his face, and locking it. "If you get out o' that cage,
+I'll forgive you. Now, come along, gem'men, and I'll show you some
+precious sport."
+
+The two janizaries followed him as far as the entrance to the inner
+room, when Abraham, raising his finger to his lips, and glancing
+significantly in the direction of the boys, to explain his intention to
+his companions, closed the door after them, and stole softly back again,
+planting himself near the recess.
+
+For a few minutes all was silent. At length Jack Sheppard
+observed:--"The coast's clear. They're gone into the next room."
+
+Darrell returned no answer.
+
+"Don't be angry with me, Thames," continued Sheppard, in a tone
+calculated, as he thought, to appease his companion's indignation. "I
+did all for the best, as I'll explain."
+
+"I won't reproach you, Jack," said the other, sternly. "I've done with
+you."
+
+"Not quite, I hope," rejoined Sheppard. "At all events, I've not done
+with you. If you owe your confinement to me, you shall owe your
+liberation to me, also."
+
+"I'd rather lie here for ever, than be indebted to _you_ for my
+freedom," returned Thames.
+
+"I've done nothing to offend you," persisted Jack. "Nothing!" echoed the
+other, scornfully. "You've perjured yourself."
+
+"That's my own concern," rejoined Sheppard. "An oath weighs little with
+me, compared with your safety."
+
+"No more of this," interrupted Thames, "you make the matter worse by
+these excuses."
+
+"Quarrel with me as much as you please, Thames, but hear me," returned
+Sheppard. "I took the course I pursued to serve you."
+
+"Tush!" cried Thames; "you accused me to skreen yourself."
+
+"On my soul, Thames, you wrong me!" replied Jack, passionately. "I'd lay
+down my life for yours."
+
+"And you expect me to believe you after what has passed?"
+
+"I do; and, more than that, I expect you to thank me."
+
+"For procuring my imprisonment?"
+
+"For saving your life."
+
+"How?"
+
+"Listen to me, Thames. You're in a more serious scrape than you imagine.
+I overheard Jonathan Wild's instructions to Quilt Arnold, and though he
+spoke in slang, and in an under tone, my quick ears, and acquaintance
+with the thieves' lingo, enabled me to make out every word he uttered.
+Jonathan is in league with Sir Rowland to make away with you. You are
+brought here that their designs may be carried into effect with greater
+security. Before morning, unless, we can effect an escape, you'll be
+kidnapped, or murdered, and your disappearance attributed to the
+negligence of the constable."
+
+"Are you sure of this?" asked Thames, who, though as brave a lad as need
+be, could not repress a shudder at the intelligence.
+
+"Certain. The moment I entered the room, and found you a prisoner in the
+hands of Jonathan Wild, I guessed how matters stood, and acted
+accordingly. Things haven't gone quite as smoothly as I anticipated;
+but they might have been worse. I _can_ save you, and _will_. But, say
+we're friends."
+
+"You're not deceiving me!" said Thames, doubtfully.
+
+"I am not, by Heaven!" replied Sheppard, firmly.
+
+"Don't swear, Jack, or I shall distrust you. I can't give you my hand;
+but you may take it."
+
+"Thank you! thank you!" faltered Jack, in a voice full of emotion. "I'll
+soon free you from these bracelets."
+
+"You needn't trouble yourself," replied Thames. "Mr. Wood will be here
+presently."
+
+"Mr. Wood!" exclaimed Jack, in surprise. "How have you managed to
+communicate with him?"
+
+Abraham, who had listened attentively to the foregoing
+conversation,--not a word of which escaped him,--now drew in his breath,
+and brought his ear closer to the boards.
+
+"By means of the watchman who had the charge of me," replied Thames.
+
+"Curse him!" muttered Abraham.
+
+"Hist!" exclaimed Jack. "I thought I heard a noise. Speak lower.
+Somebody may be on the watch--perhaps, that old ginger-hackled Jew."
+
+"I don't care if he is," rejoined Thames, boldly. "He'll learn that his
+plans will be defeated."
+
+"He may learn how to defeat yours," replied Jack.
+
+"So he may," rejoined Abraham, aloud, "so he may."
+
+"Death and fiends!" exclaimed Jack; "the old thief _is_ there. I knew
+it. You've betrayed yourself, Thames."
+
+"Vot o' that?" chuckled Abraham. "_You_ can shave him, you know."
+
+"I _can_," rejoined Jack; "and you, too, old Aaron, if I'd a razor."
+
+"How soon do you expect Mishter Vudd?" inquired the janizary,
+tauntingly.
+
+"What's that to you?" retorted Jack, surlily.
+
+"Because I shouldn't like to be out o' the vay ven he arrives," returned
+Abraham, in a jeering tone; "it vouldn't be vell bred."
+
+"Vouldn't it!" replied Jack, mimicking his snuffling voice; "then shtay
+vere you are, and be cursed to you."
+
+"It's all up," muttered Thames. "Mr. Wood will be intercepted. I've
+destroyed my only chance."
+
+"Not your _only_ chance, Thames," returned Jack, in the same undertone;
+"but your best. Never mind. We'll turn the tables upon 'em yet. Do you
+think we could manage that old clothesman between us, if we got out of
+this box?"
+
+"I'd manage him myself, if my arms were free," replied Thames, boldly.
+
+"Shpeak up, vill you?" cried Abraham, rapping his knuckles against the
+hatch. "I likes to hear vot you says. You _can_ have no shecrets from
+me."
+
+"Vy don't you talk to your partner, or Saint Giles, if you vant
+conversation, Aaron?" asked Jack, slyly.
+
+"Because they're in the next room, and the door's shut; that's vy, my
+jack-a-dandy!" replied Abraham, unsuspiciously.
+
+"Oh! they are--are they?" muttered Jack, triumphantly; "that'll do. Now
+for it, Thames! Make as great a row as you can to divert his attention."
+
+With this, he drew the spike from his pocket; and, drowning the sound of
+the operation by whistling, singing, shuffling, and other noises,
+contrived, in a few minutes, to liberate his companion from the
+handcuffs.
+
+"Now, Jack," cried Thames, warmly grasping Sheppard's hand, "you are my
+friend again. I freely forgive you."
+
+Sheppard cordially returned the pressure; and, cautioning Thames, "not
+to let the ruffles drop, or they might tell a tale," began to warble the
+following fragment of a robber melody:--
+
+    "Oh! give me a chisel, a knife, or a file,
+    And the dubsmen shall find that I'll do it in style!
+                                   _Tol-de-rol!_"
+
+"Vot the devil are you about, noisy?" inquired Abraham.
+
+"Practising singing, Aaron," replied Jack. "Vot are you?"
+
+"Practising patience," growled Abraham.
+
+"Not before it's needed," returned Jack, aloud; adding in a whisper,
+"get upon my shoulders, Thames. Now you're up, take this spike. Feel for
+the lock, and prize it open,--you don't need to be told _how_. When it's
+done, I'll push you through. Take care of the old clothesman, and leave
+the rest to me.
+
+    When the turnkey, next morning, stepp'd into his room,
+    The sight of the hole in the wall struck him dumb;
+    The sheriff's black bracelets lay strewn on the ground,
+    But the lad that had worn 'em could nowhere be found.
+                                           _Tol-de-rol!_"
+
+As Jack concluded his ditty, the door flew open with a crash, and Thames
+sprang through the aperture.
+
+This manoeuvre was so suddenly executed that it took Abraham completely
+by surprise. He was standing at the moment close to the hatch, with his
+ear at the keyhole, and received a severe blow in the face. He staggered
+back a few paces; and, before he could recover himself, Thames tripped
+up his heels, and, placing the point of the spike at his throat,
+threatened to stab him if he attempted to stir, or cry out. Nor had Jack
+been idle all this time. Clearing the recess the instant after his
+companion, he flew to the door of the inner room, and, locking it, took
+out the key. The policy of this step was immediately apparent. Alarmed
+by the noise of the scuffle, Quilt and Sharples rushed to the assistance
+of their comrade. But they were too late. The entrance was barred
+against them; and they had the additional mortification of hearing
+Sheppard's loud laughter at their discomfiture.
+
+"I told you the prison wasn't built that could hold me," cried Jack.
+
+"You're not out yet, you young hound," rejoined Quilt, striving
+ineffectually to burst open the door.
+
+"But I soon shall be," returned Jack; "take these," he added, flinging
+the handcuffs against the wooden partition, "and wear 'em yourself."
+
+"Halloo, Nab!" vociferated Quilt. "What the devil are you about! Will
+you allow yourself to be beaten by a couple of kids?"
+
+"Not if I can help it," returned Abraham, making a desperate effort to
+regain his feet. "By my shalvation, boy," he added, fiercely, "if you
+don't take your hande off my peard, I'll sthrangle you."
+
+"Help me, Jack!" shouted Thames, "or I shan't be able to keep the
+villain down."
+
+"Stick the spike into him, then," returned Sheppard, coolly, "while I
+unbar the outlet."
+
+But Thames had no intention of following his friend's advice. Contenting
+himself with brandishing the weapon in the Jew's eyes, he exerted all
+his force to prevent him from rising.
+
+While this took place, while Quilt thundered at the inner door, and Jack
+drew back the bolts of the outer, a deep, manly voice was heard
+chanting--as if in contempt of the general uproar--the following
+strain:--
+
+    With pipe and punch upon the board,
+      And smiling nymphs around us;
+    No tavern could more mirth afford
+      Than old Saint Giles's round-house!
+          _The round-house! the round-house!
+          The jolly--jolly round-house!_
+
+"The jolly, jolly round-house!" chorussed Sheppard, as the last bar
+yielded to his efforts. "Hurrah! come along, Thames; we're free."
+
+"Not sho fasht--not sho fasht!" cried Abraham, struggling with Thames,
+and detaining him; "if you go, you musht take me along vid you."
+
+"Save yourself, Jack!" shouted Thames, sinking beneath the superior
+weight and strength of his opponent; "leave me to my fate!"
+
+"Never," replied Jack, hurrying towards him. And, snatching the spike
+from Thames, he struck the janizary a severe blow on the head. "I'll
+make sure work this time," he added, about to repeat the blow.
+
+"Hold!" interposed Thames, "he can do no more mischief. Let us be gone."
+
+"As you please," returned Jack, leaping up; "but I feel devilishly
+inclined to finish him. However, it would only be robbing the hangman of
+his dues."
+
+With this, he was preparing to follow his friend, when their egress was
+prevented by the sudden appearance of Jonathan Wild and Blueskin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+The Magdalene.
+
+
+The household of the worthy carpenter, it may be conceived, was thrown
+into the utmost confusion and distress by the unaccountable
+disappearance of the two boys. As time wore on, and they did not return,
+Mr. Wood's anxiety grew so insupportable, that he seized his hat with
+the intention of sallying forth in search of them, though he did not
+know whither to bend his steps, when his departure was arrested by a
+gentle knock at the door.
+
+"There he is!" cried Winifred, starting up, joyfully, and proving by the
+exclamation that her thoughts were dwelling upon one subject only.
+"There he is!"
+
+"I fear not," said her father, with a doubtful shake of the head.
+"Thames would let himself in; and Jack generally finds an entrance
+through the backdoor or the shop-window, when he has been out at
+untimely hours. But, go and see who it is, love. Stay! I'll go myself."
+
+His daughter, however, anticipated him. She flew to the door, but
+returned the next minute, looking deeply disappointed, and bringing the
+intelligence that it was "only Mrs. Sheppard."
+
+"Who?" almost screamed Mrs. Wood.
+
+"Jack Sheppard's mother," answered the little girl, dejectedly; "she has
+brought a basket of eggs from Willesden, and some flowers for you."
+
+"For me!" vociferated Mrs. Wood, in indignant surprise. "Eggs for me!
+You mistake, child. They must be for your father."
+
+"No; I'm quite sure she said they're for you," replied Winifred; "but
+she _does_ want to see father."
+
+"I thought as much," sneered Mrs. Wood.
+
+"I'll go to her directly," said Wood, bustling towards the door. "I dare
+say she has called to inquire about Jack."
+
+"I dare say no such thing," interposed his better half, authoritatively;
+"remain where you are, Sir."
+
+"At all events, let me send her away, my dear," supplicated the
+carpenter, anxious to avert the impending storm.
+
+"Do you hear me?" cried the lady, with increasing vehemence. "Stir a
+foot, at your peril."
+
+"But, my love," still remonstrated Wood, "you know I'm going to look
+after the boys----"
+
+"After Mrs. Sheppard, you mean, Sir," interrupted his wife, ironically.
+"Don't think to deceive me by your false pretences. Marry, come up! I'm
+not so easily deluded. Sit down, I command you. Winny, show the person
+into this room. I'll see her myself; and that's more than she bargained
+for, I'll be sworn."
+
+Finding it useless to struggle further, Mr. Wood sank, submissively,
+into a chair, while his daughter hastened to execute her arbitrary
+parent's commission.
+
+"At length, I have my wish," continued Mrs. Wood, regarding her husband
+with a glance of vindictive triumph. "I shall behold the shameless
+hussy, face to face; and, if I find her as good-looking as she's
+represented, I don't know what I'll do in the end; but I'll begin by
+scratching her eyes out."
+
+In this temper, it will naturally be imagined, that Mrs. Wood's
+reception of the widow, who, at that moment, was ushered into the room
+by Winifred, was not particularly kind and encouraging. As she
+approached, the carpenter's wife eyed her from head to foot, in the hope
+of finding something in her person or apparel to quarrel with. But she
+was disappointed. Mrs. Sheppard's dress--extremely neat and clean, but
+simply fashioned, and of the plainest and most unpretending
+material,--offered nothing assailable; and her demeanour was so humble,
+and her looks so modest, that--if she had been ill-looking--she might,
+possibly, have escaped the shafts of malice preparing to be levelled
+against her. But, alas! she was beautiful--and beauty is a crime not to
+be forgiven by a jealous woman.
+
+As the lapse of time and change of circumstances have wrought a
+remarkable alteration in the appearance of the poor widow, it may not be
+improper to notice it here. When first brought under consideration, she
+was a miserable and forlorn object; squalid in attire, haggard in looks,
+and emaciated in frame. Now, she was the very reverse of all this. Her
+dress, it has just been said, was neatness and simplicity itself. Her
+figure, though slight, had all the fulness of health; and her
+complexion--still pale, but without its former sickly cast,--contrasted
+agreeably, by its extreme fairness, with the dark brows and darker
+lashes that shaded eyes which, if they had lost some of their original
+brilliancy, had gained infinitely more in the soft and chastened lustre
+that replaced it. One marked difference between the poor outcast, who,
+oppressed by poverty, and stung by shame, had sought temporary relief in
+the stupifying draught,--that worst "medicine of a mind diseased,"--and
+those of the same being, freed from her vices, and restored to comfort
+and contentment, if not to happiness, by a more prosperous course of
+events, was exhibited in the mouth. For the fresh and feverish hue of
+lip which years ago characterised this feature, was now substituted a
+pure and wholesome bloom, evincing a total change of habits; and, though
+the coarse character of the mouth remained, in some degree, unaltered,
+it was so modified in expression, that it could no longer be accounted a
+blemish. In fact, the whole face had undergone a transformation. All its
+better points were improved, while the less attractive ones (and they
+were few in comparison) were subdued, or removed. What was yet more
+worthy of note was, that the widow's countenance had an air of
+refinement about it, of which it was utterly destitute before, and which
+seemed to intimate that her true position in society was far above that
+wherein accident had placed her.
+
+"Well, Mrs. Sheppard," said the carpenter, advancing to meet her, and
+trying to look as cheerful and composed as he could; "what brings you to
+town, eh?--Nothing amiss, I trust?"
+
+"Nothing whatever, Sir," answered the widow. "A neighbour offered me a
+drive to Paddington; and, as I haven't heard of my son for some time, I
+couldn't resist the temptation of stepping on to inquire after him, and
+to thank you for your great goodness to us both, I've brought a little
+garden-stuff and a few new-laid eggs for you, Ma'am," she added turning
+to Mrs. Wood, who appeared to be collecting her energies for a terrible
+explosion, "in the hope that they may prove acceptable. Here's a nosegay
+for you, my love," she continued, opening her basket, and presenting a
+fragrant bunch of flowers to Winifred, "if your mother will allow me to
+give it you."
+
+"Don't touch it, Winny!" screamed Mrs. Wood, "it may be poisoned."
+
+"I'm not afraid, mother," said the little girl, smelling at the bouquet.
+"How sweet these roses are! Shall I put them into water?"
+
+"Put them where they came from," replied Mrs. Wood, severely, "and go to
+bed."
+
+"But, mother, mayn't I sit up to see whether Thames returns?" implored
+Winifred.
+
+"What can it matter to you whether he returns or not, child," rejoined
+Mrs. Wood, sharply. "I've spoken. And my word's law--with _you_, at
+least," she added, bestowing a cutting glance upon her husband.
+
+The little girl uttered no remonstrance; but, replacing the flowers in
+the basket, burst into tears, and withdrew.
+
+Mrs. Sheppard, who witnessed this occurrence with dismay, looked
+timorously at Wood, in expectation of some hint being given as to the
+course she had better pursue; but, receiving none, for the carpenter was
+too much agitated to attend to her, she ventured to express a fear that
+she was intruding.
+
+"Intruding!" echoed Mrs. Wood; "to be sure you are! I wonder how you
+dare show your face in this house, hussy!"
+
+"I thought you sent for me, Ma'am," replied the widow, humbly.
+
+"So I did," retorted Mrs. Wood; "and I did so to see how far your
+effrontery would carry you."
+
+"I'm sure I'm very sorry. I hope I haven't given any unintentional
+offence?" said the widow, again meekly appealing to Wood.
+
+"Don't exchange glances with him under my very nose, woman!" shrieked
+Mrs. Wood; "I'll not bear it. Look at me, and answer me one question.
+And, mind! no prevaricating--nothing but the truth will satisfy me."
+
+Mrs. Sheppard raised her eyes, and fixed them upon her interrogator.
+
+"Are you not that man's mistress?" demanded Mrs. Wood, with a look meant
+to reduce her supposed rival to the dust.
+
+"I am no man's mistress," answered the widow, crimsoning to her temples,
+but preserving her meek deportment, and humble tone.
+
+"That's false!" cried Mrs. Wood. "I'm too well acquainted with your
+proceedings, Madam, to believe that. Profligate women are never
+reclaimed. _He_ has told me sufficient of you--"
+
+"My dear," interposed Wood, "for goodness' sake--"
+
+"I _will_ speak," screamed his wife, totally disregarding the
+interruption; "I _will_ tell this worthless creature what I know about
+her,--and what I think of her."
+
+"Not now, my love--not now," entreated Wood.
+
+"Yes, _now_," rejoined the infuriated dame; "perhaps, I may never have
+another opportunity. She has contrived to keep out of my sight up to
+this time, and I've no doubt she'll keep out of it altogether for the
+future."
+
+"That was my doing, dearest," urged the carpenter; "I was afraid if you
+saw her that some such scene as this might occur."
+
+"Hear me, Madam, I beseech you," interposed Mrs. Sheppard, "and, if it
+please you to visit your indignation on any one let it be upon me, and
+not on your excellent husband, whose only fault is in having bestowed
+his charity upon so unworthy an object as myself."
+
+"Unworthy, indeed!" sneered Mrs. Wood.
+
+"To him I owe everything," continued the widow, "life itself--nay, more
+than life,--for without his assistance I should have perished, body and
+soul. He has been a father to me and my child."
+
+"I never doubted the latter point, I assure you, Madam," observed Mrs.
+Wood.
+
+"You have said," pursued the widow, "that she, who has once erred, is
+irreclaimable. Do not believe it, Madam. It is not so. The poor wretch,
+driven by desperation to the commission of a crime which her soul
+abhors, is no more beyond the hope of reformation than she is without
+the pale of mercy. I have suffered--I have sinned--I have repented. And,
+though neither peace nor innocence can be restored to my bosom; though
+tears cannot blot out my offences, nor sorrow drown my shame; yet,
+knowing that my penitence is sincere, I do not despair that my
+transgressions may be forgiven."
+
+"Mighty fine!" ejaculated Mrs. Wood, contemptuously.
+
+"You cannot understand me, Madam; and it is well you cannot. Blest with
+a fond husband, surrounded by every comfort, _you_ have never been
+assailed by the horrible temptations to which misery has exposed _me_.
+You have never known what it is to want food, raiment, shelter. You have
+never seen the child within your arms perishing from hunger, and no
+relief to be obtained. You have never felt the hearts of all hardened
+against you; have never heard the jeer or curse from every lip; nor
+endured the insult and the blow from every hand. I _have_ suffered all
+this. I could resist the tempter _now_, I am strong in health,--in mind.
+But _then_--Oh! Madam, there are moments--moments of darkness, which
+overshadow a whole existence--in the lives of the poor houseless
+wretches who traverse the streets, when reason is well-nigh benighted;
+when the horrible promptings of despair can, alone, be listened to; and
+when vice itself assumes the aspect of virtue. Pardon what I have said,
+Madam. I do not desire to extenuate my guilt--far less to defend it; but
+I would show you, and such as you--who, happily, are exempted from
+trials like mine--how much misery has to do with crime. And I affirm to
+you, on my own conviction, that she who falls, because she has not
+strength granted her to struggle with affliction, _may_ be
+reclaimed,--may repent, and be forgiven,--even as she, whose sins,
+'though many, were forgiven her'.
+
+"It gladdens me to hear you talk thus, Joan," said Wood, in a voice of
+much emotion, while his eyes filled with tears, "and more than repays me
+for all I have done for you."
+
+"If professions of repentance constitute a Magdalene, Mrs. Sheppard is
+one, no doubt," observed Mrs. Wood, ironically; "but I used to think it
+required something more than _mere words_ to prove that a person's
+character was abused."
+
+"Very right, my love," said Wood, "very sensibly remarked. So it does.
+Bu I can speak to that point. Mrs. Sheppard's conduct, from my own
+personal knowledge, has been unexceptionable for the last twelve years.
+During that period she has been a model of propriety."
+
+"Oh! of course," rejoined Mrs. Wood; "I can't for an instant question
+such distinterested testimony. Mrs. Sheppard, I'm sure, will say as much
+for you. He's a model of conjugal attachment and fidelity, a pattern to
+his family, and an example to his neighbours. Ain't he, Madam?'"
+
+"He is, indeed," replied the widow, fervently; "more--much more than
+that."
+
+"He's no such thing!" cried Mrs. Wood, furiously. "He's a base,
+deceitful, tyrannical, hoary-headed libertine--that's what he is. But,
+I'll expose him. I'll proclaim his misdoings to the world; and, then, we
+shall see where he'll stand. Marry, come up! I'll show him what an
+injured wife can do. If all wives were of my mind and my spirit,
+husbands would soon be taught their own insignificance. But a time
+_will_ come (and that before long,) when our sex will assert its
+superiority; and, when we have got the upper hand, let 'em try to subdue
+us if they can. But don't suppose, Madam, that anything I say has
+reference to you. I'm speaking of virtuous women--of WIVES, Madam.
+Mistresses neither deserve consideration nor commiseration."
+
+"I expect no commiseration," returned Mrs. Sheppard, gently, "nor do I
+need any. But, rather than be the cause of any further misunderstanding
+between you and my benefactor, I will leave London and its neighbourhood
+for ever."
+
+"Pray do so, Madam," retorted Mrs. Wood, "and take your son with you."
+
+"My son!" echoed the widow, trembling.
+
+"Yes, your son, Madam. If you can do any good with him, it's more than
+we can. The house will be well rid of him, for a more idle,
+good-for-nothing reprobate never crossed its threshold."
+
+"Is this true, Sir?" cried Mrs. Sheppard, with an agonized look at Wood.
+"I know you'll not deceive me. Is Jack what Mrs. Wood represents him?"
+
+"He's not exactly what I could desire him to be, Joan," replied the
+carpenter, reluctantly, "But a ragged colt sometimes makes the best
+horse. He'll mend, I hope."
+
+"Never," said Mrs. Wood,--"he'll never mend. He has taken more than one
+step towards the gallows already. Thieves and pickpockets are his
+constant companions."
+
+"Thieves!" exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, horror-stricken.
+
+"Jonathan Wild and Blueskin have got him into their hands," continued
+Mrs. Wood.
+
+"Impossible!" exclaimed the widow, wildly.
+
+"If you doubt my word, woman," replied the carpenter's wife, coldly,
+"ask Mr. Wood."
+
+"I know you'll contradict it, Sir," said the widow, looking at Wood as
+if she dreaded to have her fears confirmed,--"I know you will."
+
+"I wish I could, Joan," returned the carpenter, sadly.
+
+Mrs. Sheppard let fall her basket.
+
+"My son," she murmured, wringing her hands piteously--, "my son the
+companion of thieves! My son in Jonathan Wild's power! It cannot be."
+
+"Why not?" rejoined Mrs. Wood, in a taunting tone. "Your son's father
+was a thief; and Jonathan Wild (unless I'm misinformed,) was his
+friend,--so it's not unnatural he should show some partiality towards
+Jack."
+
+"Jonathan Wild was my husband's bitterest enemy," said Mrs. Sheppard.
+"He first seduced him from the paths of honesty, and then betrayed him
+to a shameful death, and he has sworn to do the same thing by my son.
+Oh, Heavens; that I should have ever indulged a hope of happiness while
+that terrible man lives!"
+
+"Compose yourself, Joan," said Wood; "all will yet be well."
+
+"Oh, no,--no," replied Mrs. Sheppard, distractedly. "All cannot be well,
+if this is true. Tell me, Sir," she added, with forced calmness, and
+grasping Wood's arm; "what has Jack done? Tell me in a word, that I may
+know the worst. I can bear anything but suspense."
+
+"You're agitating yourself unnecessarily, Joan," returned Wood, in a
+soothing voice. "Jack has been keeping bad company. That's the only
+fault I know of."
+
+"Thank God for that!" ejaculated Mrs. Sheppard, fervently. "Then it is
+not too late to save him. Where is he, Sir? Can I see him?"
+
+"No, that you can't," answered Mrs. Wood; "he has gone out without
+leave, and has taken Thames Darrell with him. If I were Mr. Wood, when
+he does return, I'd send him about his business. I wouldn't keep an
+apprentice to set my authority at defiance."
+
+Mr. Wood's reply, if he intended any, was cut short by a loud knocking
+at the door.
+
+"'Odd's-my-life!--what's that?" he cried, greatly alarmed.
+
+"It's Jonathan Wild come back with a troop of constables at his heels,
+to search the house," rejoined Mrs. Wood, in equal trepidation. "We
+shall all be murdered. Oh! that Mr. Kneebone were here to protect me!"
+
+"If it _is_ Jonathan," rejoined Wood, "it is very well for Mr. Kneebone
+he's not here. He'd have enough to do to protect himself, without
+attending to you. I declare I'm almost afraid to go to the door.
+Something, I'm convinced, has happened to the boys."
+
+"Has Jonathan Wild been here to-day?" asked Mrs. Sheppard, anxiously.
+
+"To be sure he has!" returned Mrs. Wood; "and Blueskin, too. They're
+only just gone, mercy on us! what a clatter," she added, as the knocking
+was repeated more violently than before.
+
+While the carpenter irresolutely quitted the room, with a strong
+presentiment of ill upon his mind, a light quick step was heard
+descending the stairs, and before he could call out to prevent it, a man
+was admitted into the passage.
+
+"Is this Misther Wudd's, my pretty miss?" demanded the rough voice of
+the Irish watchman.
+
+"It is", seplied Winifred; "have you brought any tidings of Thames
+Darrell!"
+
+"Troth have I!" replied Terence: "but, bless your angilic face, how did
+you contrive to guess that?"
+
+"Is he well?--is he safe?--is he coming back," cried the little girl,
+disregarding the question.
+
+"He's in St. Giles's round-house," answered Terence; "but tell Mr. Wudd
+I'm here, and have brought him a message from his unlawful son, and
+don't be detainin' me, my darlin', for there's not a minute to lose if
+the poor lad's to be recused from the clutches of that thief and
+thief-taker o' the wurld, Jonathan Wild."
+
+The carpenter, upon whom no part of this hurried dialogue had been lost,
+now made his appearance, and having obtained from Terence all the
+information which that personage could impart respecting the perilous
+situation of Thames, he declared himself ready to start to Saint Giles's
+at once, and ran back to the room for his hat and stick; expressing his
+firm determination, as he pocketed his constable's staff with which he
+thought it expedient to arm himself, of being direfully revenged upon
+the thief-taker: a determination in which he was strongly encouraged by
+his wife. Terence, meanwhile, who had followed him, did not remain
+silent, but recapitulated his story, for the benefit of Mrs. Sheppard.
+The poor widow was thrown into an agony of distress on learning that a
+robbery had been committed, in which her son (for she could not doubt
+that Jack was one of the boys,) was implicated; nor was her anxiety
+alleviated by Mrs. Wood, who maintained stoutly, that if Thames had been
+led to do wrong, it must be through the instrumentality of his worthless
+companion.
+
+"And there you're right, you may dipind, marm," observed Terence.
+"Master Thames Ditt--what's his blessed name?--has honesty written in
+his handsome phiz; but as to his companion, Jack Sheppard, I think you
+call him, he's a born and bred thief. Lord bless you marm! we sees
+plenty on 'em in our purfession. Them young prigs is all alike. I seed
+he was one,--and a sharp un, too,--at a glance."
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed the widow, covering her face with her hands.
+
+"Take a drop of brandy before we start, watchman," said Wood, pouring
+out a glass of spirit, and presenting it to Terence, who smacked his
+lips as he disposed of it. "Won't you be persuaded, Joan?" he added,
+making a similar offer to Mrs. Sheppard, which she gratefully declined.
+"If you mean to accompany us, you may need it."
+
+"You are very kind, Sir," returned the widow, "but I require no support.
+Nothing stronger than water has passed my lips for years."
+
+"We may believe as much of that as we please, I suppose," observed the
+carpenter's wife, with a sneer. "Mr. Wood," she continued, in an
+authoritative tone, seeing her husband ready to depart, "one word before
+you set out. If Jack Sheppard or his mother ever enter this house again,
+I leave it--that's all. Now, do what you please. You know _my_ fixed
+determination."
+
+Mr. Wood made no reply; but, hastily kissing his weeping daughter, and
+bidding her be of good cheer, hurried off. He was followed with equal
+celerity by Terence and the widow. Traversing what remained of Wych
+Street at a rapid pace, and speeding along Drury Lane, the trio soon
+found themselves in Kendrick Yard. When they came to the round-house,
+Terry's courage failed him. Such was the terror inspired by Wild's
+vindictive character, that few durst face him who had given him cause
+for displeasure. Aware that he should incur the thief-taker's bitterest
+animosity by what he had done, the watchman, whose wrath against Quilt
+Arnold had evaporated during the walk, thought it more prudent not to
+hazard a meeting with his master, till the storm had, in some measure,
+blown over. Accordingly, having given Wood such directions as he thought
+necessary for his guidance, and received a handsome gratuity in return
+for his services, he departed.
+
+It was not without considerable demur and delay on the part of Sharples
+that the carpenter and his companion could gain admittance to the
+round-house. Reconnoitring them through a small grated loophole, he
+refused to open the door till they had explained their business. This,
+Wood, acting upon Terry's caution, was most unwilling to do; but,
+finding he had no alternative, he reluctantly made known his errand and
+the bolts were undrawn. Once in, the constable's manner appeared totally
+changed. He was now as civil as he had just been insolent. Apologizing
+for their detention, he answered the questions put to him respecting the
+boys, by positively denying that any such prisoners had been entrusted
+to his charge, but offered to conduct him to every cell in the building
+to prove the truth of his assertion. He then barred and double-locked
+the door, took out the key, (a precautionary measure which, with a grim
+smile, he said he never omitted,) thrust it into his vest, and motioning
+the couple to follow him, led the way to the inner room. As Wood obeyed,
+his foot slipped; and, casting his eyes upon the floor, he perceived it
+splashed in several places with blood. From the freshness of the stains,
+which grew more frequent as they approached the adjoining chamber, it
+was evident some violence had been recently perpetrated, and the
+carpenter's own blood froze within his veins as he thought, with a
+thrill of horror, that, perhaps on this very spot, not many minutes
+before his arrival, his adopted son might have been inhumanly butchered.
+Nor was this impression removed as he stole a glance at Mrs. Sheppard,
+and saw from her terrified look that she had made the same alarming
+discovery as himself. But it was now too late to turn back, and, nerving
+himself for the shock he expected to encounter, he ventured after his
+conductor. No sooner had they entered the room than Sharples, who waited
+to usher them in, hastily retreated, closed the door, and turning the
+key, laughed loudly at the success of his stratagem. Vexation at his
+folly in suffering himself to be thus entrapped kept Wood for a short
+time silent. When he could find words, he tried by the most urgent
+solicitations to prevail upon the constable to let him out. But threats
+and entreaties--even promises were ineffectual; and the unlucky captive,
+after exhausting his powers of persuasion, was compelled to give up the
+point.
+
+The room in which he was detained--that lately occupied by the Mohocks,
+who, it appeared, had been allowed to depart,--was calculated to inspire
+additional apprehension and disgust. Strongly impregnated with the
+mingled odours of tobacco, ale, brandy, and other liquors, the
+atmosphere was almost stifling. The benches running round the room,
+though fastened to the walls by iron clamps, had been forcibly wrenched
+off; while the table, which was similarly secured to the boards, was
+upset, and its contents--bottles, jugs, glasses, and bowls were broken
+and scattered about in all directions. Everything proclaimed the
+mischievous propensities of the recent occupants of the chamber.
+
+Here lay a heap of knockers of all sizes, from the huge lion's head to
+the small brass rapper: there, a collection of sign-boards, with the
+names and calling of the owners utterly obliterated. On this side stood
+the instruments with which the latter piece of pleasantry had been
+effected,--namely, a bucket filled with paint and a brush: on that was
+erected a trophy, consisting of a watchman's rattle, a laced hat, with
+the crown knocked out, and its place supplied by a lantern, a campaign
+wig saturated with punch, a torn steen-kirk and ruffles, some half-dozen
+staves, and a broken sword.
+
+As the carpenter's gaze wandered over this scene of devastation, his
+attention was drawn by Mrs. Sheppard towards an appalling object in one
+corner. This was the body of a man, apparently lifeless, and stretched
+upon a mattress, with his head bound up in a linen cloth, through which
+the blood had oosed. Near the body, which, it will be surmised, was that
+of Abraham Mendez, two ruffianly personages were seated, quietly
+smoking, and bestowing no sort of attention upon the new-comers. Their
+conversation was conducted in the flash language, and, though
+unintelligible to Wood, was easily comprehended by this companion, who
+learnt, to her dismay, that the wounded man had received his hurt from
+her son, whose courage and dexterity formed the present subject of their
+discourse. From other obscure hints dropped by the speakers, Mrs.
+Sheppard ascertained that Thames Darrell had been carried off--where she
+could not make out--by Jonathan Wild and Quilt Arnold; and that Jack had
+been induced to accompany Blueskin to the Mint. This intelligence, which
+she instantly communicated to the carpenter, drove him almost frantic.
+He renewed his supplications to Sharples, but with no better success
+than heretofore; and the greater part of the night was passed by him and
+the poor widow, whose anxiety, if possible, exceeded his own, in the
+most miserable state imaginable.
+
+At length, about three o'clock, as the first glimmer of dawn became
+visible through the barred casements of the round-house, the rattling of
+bolts and chains at the outer door told that some one was admitted.
+Whoever this might be, the visit seemed to have some reference to the
+carpenter, for, shortly afterwards, Sharples made his appearance, and
+informed the captives they were free. Without waiting to have the
+information repeated, Wood rushed forth, determined as soon as he could
+procure assistance, to proceed to Jonathan Wild's house in the Old
+Bailey; while Mrs. Sheppard, whose maternal fears drew her in another
+direction, hurried off to the Mint.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+The Flash Ken.
+
+
+In an incredibly short space of time,--for her anxiety lent wings to her
+feet,--Mrs. Sheppard reached the debtor's garrison. From a scout
+stationed at the northern entrance, whom she addressed in the jargon of
+the place, with which long usage had formerly rendered her familiar, she
+ascertained that Blueskin, accompanied by a youth, whom she knew by the
+description must be her son, had arrived there about three hours before,
+and had proceeded to the Cross Shovels. This was enough for the poor
+widow. She felt she was now near her boy, and, nothing doubting her
+ability to rescue him from his perilous situation, she breathed a
+fervent prayer for his deliverance; and bending her steps towards the
+tavern in question, revolved within her mind as she walked along the
+best means of accomplishing her purpose. Aware of the cunning and
+desperate characters of the persons with whom she would have to
+deal,--aware, also, that she was in a quarter where no laws could be
+appealed to, nor assistance obtained, she felt the absolute necessity of
+caution. Accordingly, when she arrived at the Shovels, with which, as an
+old haunt in her bygone days of wretchedness she was well acquainted,
+instead of entering the principal apartment, which she saw at a glance
+was crowded with company of both sexes, she turned into a small room on
+the left of the bar, and, as an excuse for so doing, called for
+something to drink. The drawers at the moment were too busy to attend to
+her, and she would have seized the opportunity of examining,
+unperceived, the assemblage within, through a little curtained window
+that overlooked the adjoining chamber, if an impediment had not existed
+in the shape of Baptist Kettleby, whose portly person entirely obscured
+the view. The Master of the Mint, in the exercise of his two-fold office
+of governor and publican, was mounted upon a chair, and holding forth to
+his guests in a speech, to which Mrs. Sheppard was unwillingly compelled
+to listen.
+
+"Gentlemen of the Mint," said the orator, "when I was first called, some
+fifty years ago, to the important office I hold, there existed across
+the water three places of refuge for the oppressed and persecuted
+debtor."
+
+"We know it," cried several voices.
+
+"It happened, gentlemen," pursued the Master, "on a particular occasion,
+about the time I've mentioned, that the Archduke of Alsatia, the
+Sovereign of the Savoy, and the Satrap of Salisbury Court, met by
+accident at the Cross Shovels. A jolly night we made of it, as you may
+suppose; for four such monarchs don't often come together. Well, while
+we were smoking our pipes, and quaffing our punch, Alsatia turns to me
+and says, 'Mint,' says he, 'you're well off here.'--'Pretty well,' says
+I; 'you're not badly off at the Friars, for that matter.'--'Oh! yes we
+are,' says he.--'How so?' says I.--'It's all up with us,' says he;
+'they've taken away our charter.'--'They can't,' says I.--'They have,'
+says he.--'They can't, I tell you,' says I, in a bit of a passion; 'it's
+unconstitutional.'--'Unconstitutional or not,' says Salisbury Court and
+Savoy, speaking together, 'it's true. We shall become a prey to the
+Philistines, and must turn honest in self-defence.'--'No fear o' that,'
+thought I.--'I see how it'll be,' observed Alsatia, 'everybody'll pay
+his debts, and only think of such a state of things as that.'--'It's
+_not_ to be thought of,' says I, thumping the table till every glass on
+it jingled; 'and I know a way as'll prevent it.'--'What is it, Mint?'
+asked all three.--'Why, hang every bailiff that sets a foot in your
+territories, and you're safe,' says I.--'We'll do it,' said they,
+filling their glasses, and looking as fierce as King George's grenadier
+guards; 'here's your health, Mint.' But, gentlemen, though they talked
+so largely, and looked so fiercely, they did _not_ do it; they did _not_
+hang the bailiffs; and where are they?"
+
+"Ay, where are they?" echoed the company with indignant derision.
+
+"Gentlemen," returned the Master, solemnly, "it is a question easily
+answered--they are NOWHERE! Had they hanged the bailiffs, the bailiffs
+would not have hanged them. We ourselves have been similarly
+circumstanced. Attacked by an infamous and unconstitutional statute,
+passed in the reign of the late usurper, William of Orange, (for I may
+remark that, if the right king had been upon the throne, that illegal
+enactment would never have received the royal assent--the
+Stuarts--Heaven preserve 'em!--always siding with the debtors); attacked
+in this outrageous manner, I repeat, it has been all but '_up_' with US!
+But the vigorous resistance offered on that memorable occasion by the
+patriotic inhabitants of Bermuda to the aggressions of arbitrary power,
+secured and established their privileges on a firmer basis than
+heretofore; and, while their pusillanimous allies were crushed and
+annihilated, they became more prosperous than ever. Gentlemen, I am
+proud to say that _I_ originated--that _I_ directed those measures. I
+hope to see the day, when not Southwark alone, but London itself shall
+become one Mint,--when all men shall be debtors, and none
+creditors,--when imprisonment for debt shall be utterly abolished,--when
+highway-robbery shall be accounted a pleasant pastime, and forgery
+an accomplishment,--when Tyburn and its gibbets shall be
+overthrown,--capital punishments discontinued,--Newgate, Ludgate, the
+Gatehouse, and the Compters razed to the ground,--Bridewell and
+Clerkenwell destroyed,--the Fleet, the King's Bench, and the Marshalsea
+remembered only by name! But, in the mean time, as that day may possibly
+be farther off than I anticipate, we are bound to make the most of the
+present. Take care of yourselves, gentlemen, and your governor will take
+care of you. Before I sit down, I have a toast to propose, which I am
+sure will be received, as it deserves to be, with enthusiasm. It is the
+health of a stranger,--of Mr. John Sheppard. His father was one of my
+old customers, and I am happy to find his son treading in his steps. He
+couldn't be in better hands than those in which he has placed himself.
+Gentlemen,--Mr. Sheppard's good health, and success to him!"
+
+Baptist's toast was received with loud applause, and, as he sat down
+amid the cheers of the company, and a universal clatter of mugs and
+glasses, the widow's view was no longer obstructed. Her eye wandered
+quickly over that riotous and disorderly assemblage, until it settled
+upon one group more riotous and disorderly than the rest, of which her
+son formed the principal figure. The agonized mother could scarcely
+repress a scream at the spectacle that met her gaze. There sat Jack,
+evidently in the last stage of intoxication, with his collar opened, his
+dress disarranged, a pipe in his mouth, a bowl of punch and a
+half-emptied rummer before him,--there he sat, receiving and returning,
+or rather attempting to return,--for he was almost past
+consciousness,--the blandishments of a couple of females, one of whom
+had passed her arm round his neck, while the other leaned over the back
+of his chair and appeared from her gestures to be whispering soft
+nonsense into his ear.
+
+Both these ladies possessed considerable personal attractions. The
+younger of the two, who was seated next to Jack, and seemed to
+monopolize his attention, could not be more than seventeen, though her
+person had all the maturity of twenty. She had delicate oval features,
+light, laughing blue eyes, a pretty _nez retrousse_, (why have we not
+the term, since we have the best specimens of the feature?) teeth of
+pearly whiteness, and a brilliant complexion, set off by rich auburn
+hair, a very white neck and shoulders,--the latter, perhaps, a trifle
+too much exposed. The name of this damsel was Edgeworth Bess; and, as
+her fascinations will not, perhaps, be found to be without some
+influence upon the future fortunes of her boyish admirer, we have
+thought it worth while to be thus particular in describing them. The
+other _bona roba_, known amongst her companions as Mistress Poll Maggot,
+was a beauty on a much larger scale,--in fact, a perfect Amazon.
+Nevertheless though nearly six feet high, and correspondingly
+proportioned, she was a model of symmetry, and boasted, with the frame
+of a Thalestris or a Trulla, the regular lineaments of the Medicean
+Venus. A man's laced hat,--whether adopted from the caprice of the
+moment, or habitually worn, we are unable to state,--cocked knowingly on
+her head, harmonized with her masculine appearance. Mrs. Maggot, as well
+as her companion Edgeworth Bess, was showily dressed; nor did either of
+them disdain the aid supposed to be lent to a fair skin by the contents
+of the patchbox. On an empty cask, which served him for a chair, and
+opposite Jack Sheppard, whose rapid progress in depravity afforded him
+the highest satisfaction, sat Blueskin, encouraging the two women in
+their odious task, and plying his victim with the glass as often as he
+deemed it expedient to do so. By this time, he had apparently
+accomplished all he desired; for moving the bottle out of Jack's reach,
+he appropriated it entirely to his own use, leaving the devoted lad to
+the care of the females. Some few of the individuals seated at the other
+tables seemed to take an interest in the proceedings of Blueskin and his
+party, just as a bystander watches any other game; but, generally
+speaking, the company were too much occupied with their own concerns to
+pay attention to anything else. The assemblage was for the most part, if
+not altogether, composed of persons to whom vice in all its aspects was
+too familiar to present much of novelty, in whatever form it was
+exhibited. Nor was Jack by any means the only stripling in the room. Not
+far from him was a knot of lads drinking, swearing, and playing at dice
+as eagerly and as skilfully as any of the older hands. Near to these
+hopeful youths sat a fence, or receiver, bargaining with a clouter, or
+pickpocket, for a _suit_,--or, to speak in more intelligible language, a
+watch and seals, two _cloaks_, commonly called watch-cases, and a
+_wedge-lobb,_ otherwise known as a silver snuff-box. Next to the
+receiver was a gang of housebreakers, laughing over their exploits, and
+planning fresh depredations; and next to the housebreakers came two
+gallant-looking gentlemen in long periwigs and riding-dresses, and
+equipped in all other respects for the road, with a roast fowl and a
+bottle of wine before them. Amid this varied throng,--varied in
+appearance, but alike in character,--one object alone, we have said,
+rivetted Mrs. Sheppard's attention; and no sooner did she in some degree
+recover from the shock occasioned by the sight of her son's debased
+condition, than, regardless of any other consideration except his
+instant removal from the contaminating society by which he was
+surrounded, and utterly forgetting the more cautious plan she meant to
+have adopted, she rushed into the room, and summoned him to follow her.
+
+"Halloa!" cried Jack, looking round, and trying to fix his inebriate
+gaze upon the speaker,--"who's that?"
+
+"Your mother," replied Mrs. Sheppard. "Come home directly, Sir."
+
+"Mother be----!" returned Jack. "Who is it, Bess?"
+
+"How should I know?" replied Edgeworth Bess. "But if it _is_ your
+mother, send her about her business."
+
+"That I will," replied Jack, "in the twinkling of a bedpost."
+
+"Glad to see you once more in the Mint, Mrs. Sheppard," roared Blueskin,
+who anticipated some fun. "Come and sit down by me."
+
+"Take a glass of gin, Ma'am," cried Poll Maggot, holding up a bottle of
+spirit; "it used to be your favourite liquor, I've heard."
+
+"Jack, my love," cried Mrs. Sheppard, disregarding the taunt, "come
+away."
+
+"Not I," replied Jack; "I'm too comfortable where I am. Be off!"
+
+"Jack!" exclaimed his unhappy parent.
+
+"Mr. Sheppard, if you please, Ma'am," interrupted the lad; "I allow
+nobody to call me Jack. Do I, Bess, eh?"
+
+"Nobody whatever, love," replied Edgeworth Bess; "nobody but me, dear."
+
+"And me," insinuated Mrs. Maggot. "My little fancy man's quite as fond
+of me as of you, Bess. Ain't you, Jacky darling?"
+
+"Not quite, Poll," returned Mr. Sheppard; "but I love you next to her,
+and both of you better than _Her_," pointing with the pipe to his
+mother.
+
+"Oh, Heavens!" cried Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"Bravo!" shouted Blueskin. "Tom Sheppard never said a better thing than
+that--ho! ho!"
+
+"Jack," cried his mother, wringing her hands in distraction, "you'll
+break my heart!"
+
+"Poh! poh!" returned her son; "women don't so easily break their hearts.
+Do they, Bess?"
+
+"Certainly not," replied the young lady appealed to, "especially about
+their sons."
+
+"Wretch!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, bitterly.
+
+"I say," retorted Edgeworth Bess, with a very unfeminine imprecation, "I
+shan't stand any more of that nonsense. What do you mean by calling me
+wretch, Madam!" she added marching up to Mrs. Sheppard, and regarding
+her with an insolent and threatening glance.
+
+"Yes--what do you mean, Ma'am?" added Jack, staggering after her.
+
+"Come with me, my love, come--come," cried his mother, seizing his hand,
+and endeavouring to force him away.
+
+"He shan't go," cried Edgeworth Bess, holding him by the other hand.
+"Here, Poll, help me!"
+
+Thus exhorted, Mrs. Maggot lent her powerful aid, and, between the two,
+Jack was speedily relieved from all fears of being carried off against
+his will. Not content with this exhibition of her prowess, the Amazon
+lifted him up as easily as if he had been an infant, and placed him upon
+her shoulders, to the infinite delight of the company, and the increased
+distress of his mother.
+
+"Now, let's see who'll dare to take him down," she cried.
+
+"Nobody shall," cried Mr. Sheppard from his elevated position. "I'm my
+own master now, and I'll do as I please. I'll turn cracksman, like my
+father--rob old Wood--he has chests full of money, and I know where
+they're kept--I'll rob him, and give the swag to you, Poll--I'll--"
+
+Jack would have said more; but, losing his balance, he fell to the
+ground, and, when taken up, he was perfectly insensible. In this state,
+he was laid upon a bench, to sleep off his drunken fit, while his
+wretched mother, in spite of her passionate supplications and
+resistance, was, by Blueskin's command, forcibly ejected from the house,
+and driven out of the Mint.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+The Robbery in Willesden Church.
+
+
+During the whole of the next day and night, the poor widow hovered like
+a ghost about the precincts of the debtors' garrison,--for admission (by
+the Master's express orders,) was denied her. She could learn nothing of
+her son, and only obtained one solitary piece of information, which
+added to, rather than alleviated her misery,--namely, that Jonathan Wild
+had paid a secret visit to the Cross Shovels. At one time, she
+determined to go to Wych Street, and ask Mr. Wood's advice and
+assistance, but the thought of the reception she was likely to meet with
+from his wife deterred her from executing this resolution. Many other
+expedients occurred to her; but after making several ineffectual
+attempts to get into the Mint unobserved, they were all abandoned.
+
+At length, about an hour before dawn on the second day--Sunday--having
+spent the early part of the night in watching at the gates of the
+robbers' sanctuary, and being almost exhausted from want of rest, she
+set out homewards. It was a long walk she had to undertake, even if she
+had endured no previous fatigue, but feeble as she was, it was almost
+more than she could accomplish. Daybreak found her winding her painful
+way along the Harrow Road; and, in order to shorten the distance as much
+as possible, she took the nearest cut, and struck into the meadows on
+the right. Crossing several fields, newly mown, or filled with lines of
+tedded hay, she arrived, not without great exertion, at the summit of a
+hill. Here her strength completely failed her, and she was compelled to
+seek some repose. Making her couch upon a heap of hay, she sank at once
+into a deep and refreshing slumber.
+
+When she awoke, the sun was high in Heaven. It was a bright and
+beautiful day: _so_ bright, so beautiful, that even her sad heart was
+cheered by it. The air, perfumed with the delicious fragrance of the
+new-mown grass, was vocal with the melodies of the birds; the thick
+foliage of the trees was glistening in the sunshine; all nature seemed
+happy and rejoicing; but, above all, the serene Sabbath stillness
+reigning around communicated a calm to her wounded spirit.
+
+What a contrast did the lovely scene she now gazed upon present to the
+squalid neighbourhood she had recently quitted! On all sides, expanded
+prospects of country the most exquisite and most varied. Immediately
+beneath her lay Willesden,--the most charming and secluded village in
+the neighbourhood of the metropolis--with its scattered farm-houses, its
+noble granges, and its old grey church-tower just peeping above a grove
+of rook-haunted trees.
+
+Towards this spot Mrs. Sheppard now directed her steps. She speedily
+reached her own abode,--a little cottage, standing in the outskirts of
+the village. The first circumstance that struck her on her arrival
+seemed ominous. Her clock had stopped--stopped at the very hour on which
+she had quitted the Mint! She had not the heart to wind it up again.
+
+After partaking of some little refreshment, and changing her attire,
+Mrs. Sheppard prepared for church. By this time, she had so far
+succeeded in calming herself, that she answered the greetings of the
+neighbours whom she encountered on her way to the sacred edifice--if
+sorrowfully, still composedly.
+
+Every old country church is beautiful, but Willesden is the most
+beautiful country church we know; and in Mrs. Sheppard's time it was
+even more beautiful than at present, when the hand of improvement has
+proceeded a little too rashly with alterations and repairs. With one or
+two exceptions, there were no pews; and, as the intercourse with London
+was then but slight, the seats were occupied almost exclusively by the
+villagers. In one of these seats, at the end of the aisle farthest
+removed from the chancel, the widow took her place, and addressed
+herself fervently to her devotions.
+
+The service had not proceeded far, when she was greatly disturbed by the
+entrance of a person who placed himself opposite her, and sought to
+attract her attention by a number of little arts, surveying her, as he
+did so, with a very impudent and offensive stare. With this person--who
+was no other than Mr. Kneebone--she was too well acquainted; having,
+more than once, been obliged to repel his advances; and, though his
+impertinence would have given her little concern at another season, it
+now added considerably to her distraction. But a far greater affliction
+was in store for her.
+
+Just as the clergyman approached the altar, she perceived a boy steal
+quickly into the church, and ensconce himself behind the woollen-draper,
+who, in order to carry on his amatory pursuits with greater convenience,
+and at the same time display his figure (of which he was not a little
+vain) to the utmost advantage, preferred a standing to a sitting
+posture. Of this boy she had only caught a glimpse;--but that glimpse
+was sufficient to satisfy her it was her son,--and, if she could have
+questioned her own instinctive love, she could not question her
+antipathy, when she beheld, partly concealed by a pillar immediately in
+the rear of the woollen-draper, the dark figure and truculent features
+of Jonathan Wild. As she looked in this direction, the thief-taker
+raised his eyes--those gray, blood-thirsty eyes!--their glare froze the
+life-blood in her veins.
+
+As she averted her gaze, a terrible idea crossed her. Why was he there?
+why did the tempter dare to invade that sacred spot! She could not
+answer her own questions, but vague fearful suspicions passed through
+her mind. Meanwhile, the service proceeded; and the awful command,
+"_Thou shalt not steal_!" was solemnly uttered by the preacher, when
+Mrs. Sheppard, who had again looked round towards her son, beheld a hand
+glance along the side of the woollen-draper. She could not see what
+occurred, though she guessed it; but she saw Jonathan's devilish
+triumphing glance, and read in it,--"Your son has committed a
+robbery--here--in these holy walls--he is mine--mine for ever!"
+
+She uttered a loud scream, and fainted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Jonathan Wild's House in the Old Bailey.
+
+
+Just as St. Sepulchre's church struck one, on the eventful night of the
+10th of June, (to which it will not be necessary to recur,) a horseman,
+mounted on a powerful charger, and followed at a respectful distance by
+an attendant, galloped into the open space fronting Newgate, and
+directed his course towards a house in the Old Bailey. Before he could
+draw in the rein, his steed--startled apparently by some object
+undistinguishable by the rider,--swerved with such suddenness as to
+unseat him, and precipitate him on the ground. The next moment, however,
+he was picked up, and set upon his feet by a person who, having
+witnessed the accident, flew across the road to his assistance.
+
+"You're not hurt I hope, Sir Rowland?" inquired this individual.
+
+"Not materially, Mr. Wild," replied the other, "a little shaken, that's
+all. Curses light on the horse!" he added, seizing the bridle of his
+steed, who continued snorting and shivering, as if still under the
+influence of some unaccountable alarm; "what can ail him?"
+
+"_I_ know what ails him, your honour," rejoined the groom, riding up as
+he spoke; "he's seen somethin' not o' this world."
+
+"Most likely," observed Jonathan, with a slight sneer; "the ghost of
+some highwayman who has just breathed his last in Newgate, no doubt."
+
+"May be," returned the man gravely.
+
+"Take him home, Saunders," said Sir Rowland, resigning his faulty steed
+to the attendant's care, "I shall not require you further. Strange!" he
+added, as the groom departed; "Bay Stuart has carried me through a
+hundred dangers, but never played me such a trick before."
+
+"And never should again, were he mine," rejoined Jonathan. "If the best
+nag ever foaled were to throw me in this unlucky spot, I'd blow his
+brains out."
+
+"What do you mean, Sir?" asked Trenchard.
+
+"A fall against Newgate is accounted a sign of death by the halter,"
+replied Wild, with ill-disguised malignity.
+
+"Tush!" exclaimed Sir Rowland, angrily.
+
+"From that door," continued the thief-taker, pointing to the gloomy
+portal of the prison opposite which they were standing, "the condemned
+are taken to Tyburn. It's a bad omen to be thrown near that door."
+
+"I didn't suspect you of so much superstition, Mr. Wild," observed the
+knight, contemptuously.
+
+"Facts convince the most incredulous," answered Jonathan, drily. "I've
+known several cases where the ignominious doom I've mentioned has been
+foretold by such an accident as has just befallen you. There was Major
+Price--you must recollect him, Sir Rowland,--he stumbled as he was
+getting out of his chair at that very gate. Well, _he_ was executed for
+murder. Then there was Tom Jarrot, the hackney-coachman, who was pitched
+off the box against yonder curbstone, and broke his leg. It was a pity
+he didn't break his neck, for he was hanged within the year. Another
+instance was that of Toby Tanner--"
+
+"No more of this," interrupted Trenchard; "where is the boy?"
+
+"Not far hence," replied Wild. "After all our pains we were near losing
+him, Sir Rowland."
+
+"How so?" asked the other, distrustfully.
+
+"You shall hear," returned Jonathan. "With the help of his comrade, Jack
+Sheppard, the young rascal made a bold push to get out of the
+round-house, where my janizaries had lodged him, and would have
+succeeded too, if, by good luck,--for the devil never deserts so useful
+an agent as I am, Sir Rowland,--I hadn't arrived in time to prevent
+him. As it was, my oldest and trustiest setter, Abraham Mendez, received
+a blow on the head from one of the lads that will deprive me of his
+services for a week to come,--if, indeed it does not disable him
+altogether. However, if I've lost one servant, I've gained another,
+that's one comfort. Jack Sheppard is now wholly in my hands."
+
+"What is this to me, Sir?" said Trenchard, cutting him short.
+
+"Nothing whatever," rejoined the thief-taker, coldly. "But it is much to
+me. Jack Sheppard is to me what Thames Darrell is to you--an object of
+hatred. I owed his father a grudge: that I settled long ago. I owe his
+mother one, and will repay the debt, with interest, to her son. I could
+make away with him at once, as you are about to make away with your
+nephew, Sir Rowland,--but that wouldn't serve my turn. To be complete,
+my vengeance must be tardy. Certain of my prey, I can afford to wait for
+it. Besides, revenge is sweetened by delay; and I indulge too freely in
+the passion to rob it of any of its zest. I've watched this lad--this
+Sheppard--from infancy; and, though I have apparently concerned myself
+little about him, I have never lost sight of my purpose. I have suffered
+him to be brought up decently--honestly; because I would make his fall
+the greater, and deepen the wound I meant to inflict upon his mother.
+From this night I shall pursue a different course; from this night his
+ruin may be dated. He is in the care of those who will not leave
+the task assigned to them--the utter perversion of his
+principles--half-finished. And when I have steeped him to the lips in
+vice and depravity; when I have led him to the commission of every
+crime; when there is neither retreat nor advance for him; when he has
+plundered his benefactor, and broken the heart of his mother--then--but
+not till then, I will consign him to the fate to which I consigned his
+father. This I have sworn to do--this I will do."
+
+"Not unless your skull's bullet-proof," cried a voice at his elbow; and,
+as the words were uttered, a pistol was snapped at his head,
+which,--fortunately or unfortunately, as the reader pleases,--only burnt
+the priming. The blaze, however, was sufficient to reveal to the
+thief-taker the features of his intended assassin. They were those of
+the Irish watchman.
+
+"Ah! Terry O'Flaherty!" vociferated Jonathan, in a tone that betrayed
+hot the slightest discomposure. "Ah! Terry O'Flaherty!" he cried,
+shouting after the Irishman, who took to his heels as soon as he found
+his murderous attempt unsuccessful; "you may run, but you'll not get out
+of my reach. I'll put a brace of dogs on your track, who'll soon hunt
+you down. You shall swing for this after next sessions, or my name's not
+Jonathan Wild. I told you, Sir Rowland," he added, turning to the
+knight, and chuckling, "the devil never deserts me."
+
+"Conduct me to your dwelling, Sir, without further delay," said
+Trenchard, sternly,--"to the boy."
+
+"The boy's not at my house," replied Wild.
+
+"Where is he, then?" demanded the other, hastily.
+
+"At a place we call the Dark House at Queenhithe," answered Jonathan, "a
+sort of under-ground tavern or night-cellar, close to the river-side,
+and frequented by the crew of the Dutch skipper, to whose care he's to
+be committed. You need have no apprehensions about him, Sir Rowland.
+He's safe enough now. I left him in charge of Quilt Arnold and Rykhart
+Van Galgebrok--the skipper I spoke of--with strict orders to shoot him
+if he made any further attempt at escape; and they're not lads--the
+latter especially--to be trifled with. I deemed it more prudent to send
+him to the Dark House than to bring him here, in case of any search
+after him by his adoptive father--the carpenter Wood. If you choose, you
+can see him put on board the Zeeslang yourself, Sir Rowland. But,
+perhaps, you'll first accompany me to my dwelling for a moment, that we
+may arrange our accounts before we start. I've a few necessary
+directions to leave with my people, to put 'em on their guard against
+the chance of a surprise. Suffer me to precede you. This way, Sir
+Rowland."
+
+The thief-taker's residence was a large dismal-looking, habitation,
+separated from the street by a flagged court-yard, and defended from
+general approach by an iron railing. Even in the daylight, it had a
+sombre and suspicious air, and seemed to slink back from the adjoining
+houses, as if afraid of their society. In the obscurity in which it was
+now seen, it looked like a prison, and, indeed, it was Jonathan's fancy
+to make it resemble one as much as possible. The windows were grated,
+the doors barred; each room had the name as well as the appearance of a
+cell; and the very porter who stood at the gate, habited like a jailer,
+with his huge bunch of keys at his girdle, his forbidding countenance
+and surly demeanour seemed to be borrowed from Newgate. The clanking of
+chains, the grating of locks, and the rumbling of bolts must have been
+music in Jonathan's ears, so much pains did he take to subject himself
+to such sounds. The scanty furniture of the rooms corresponded with
+their dungeon-like aspect. The walls were bare, and painted in
+stone-colour; the floors, devoid of carpet; the beds, of hangings; the
+windows, of blinds; and, excepting in the thief-taker's own
+audience-chamber, there was not a chair or a table about the premises;
+the place of these conveniences being elsewhere supplied by benches, and
+deal-boards laid across joint-stools. Great stone staircases leading no
+one knew whither, and long gloomy passages, impressed the occasional
+visitor with the idea that he was traversing a building of vast extent;
+and, though this was not the case in reality, the deception was so
+cleverly contrived that it seldom failed of producing the intended
+effect. Scarcely any one entered Mr. Wild's dwelling without
+apprehension, or quitted it without satisfaction. More strange stories
+were told of it than of any other house in London. The garrets were said
+to be tenanted by coiners, and artists employed in altering watches and
+jewelry; the cellars to be used as a magazine for stolen goods. By some
+it was affirmed that a subterranean communication existed between the
+thief-taker's abode and Newgate, by means of which he was enabled to
+maintain a secret correspondence with the imprisoned felons: by others,
+that an under-ground passage led to extensive vaults, where such
+malefactors as he chose to screen from justice might lie concealed till
+the danger was blown over. Nothing, in short, was too extravagant to be
+related of it; and Jonathan, who delighted in investing himself and his
+residence with mystery, encouraged, and perhaps originated, these
+marvellous tales. However this may be, such was the ill report of the
+place that few passed along the Old Bailey without bestowing a glance of
+fearful curiosity at its dingy walls, and wondering what was going on
+inside them; while fewer still, of those who paused at the door, read,
+without some internal trepidation, the formidable name--inscribed in
+large letters on its bright brass-plate--of JONATHAN WILD.
+
+Arrived at his habitation, Jonathan knocked in a peculiar manner at the
+door, which was instantly opened by the grim-visaged porter just alluded
+to. No sooner had Trenchard crossed the threshold than a fierce barking
+was heard at the farther extremity of the passage, and, the next moment,
+a couple of mastiffs of the largest size rushed furiously towards him.
+The knight stood upon his defence; but he would unquestionably have been
+torn in pieces by the savage hounds, if a shower of oaths, seconded by a
+vigorous application of kicks and blows from their master, had not
+driven them growling off. Apologizing to Sir Rowland for this unpleasant
+reception, and swearing lustily at his servant for occasioning it by
+leaving the dogs at liberty, Jonathan ordered the man to light them to
+the audience-room. The command was sullenly obeyed, for the fellow did
+not appear to relish the rating. Ascending the stairs, and conducting
+them along a sombre gallery, in which Trenchard noticed that every door
+was painted black, and numbered, he stopped at the entrance of a
+chamber; and, selecting a key from the bunch at his girdle, unlocked it.
+Following his guide, Sir Rowland found himself in a large and lofty
+apartment, the extent of which he could not entirely discern until
+lights were set upon the table. He then looked around him with some
+curiosity; and, as the thief-taker was occupied in giving directions to
+his attendant in an undertone, ample leisure was allowed him for
+investigation. At the first glance, he imagined he must have stumbled
+upon a museum of rarities, there were so many glass-cases, so many open
+cabinets, ranged against the walls; but the next convinced him that if
+Jonathan was a virtuoso, his tastes did not run in the ordinary
+channels. Trenchard was tempted to examine the contents of some of these
+cases, but a closer inspection made him recoil from them in disgust. In
+the one he approached was gathered together a vast assortment of
+weapons, each of which, as appeared from the ticket attached to it, had
+been used as an instrument of destruction. On this side was a razor with
+which a son had murdered his father; the blade notched, the haft crusted
+with blood: on that, a bar of iron, bent, and partly broken, with which
+a husband had beaten out his wife's brains. As it is not, however, our
+intention to furnish a complete catalogue of these curiosities, we shall
+merely mention that in front of them lay a large and sharp knife, once
+the property of the public executioner, and used by him to dissever the
+limbs of those condemned to death for high-treason; together with an
+immense two-pronged flesh-fork, likewise employed by the same terrible
+functionary to plunge the quarters of his victims in the caldrons of
+boiling tar and oil. Every gibbet at Tyburn and Hounslow appeared to
+have been plundered of its charnel spoil to enrich the adjoining
+cabinet, so well was it stored with skulls and bones, all purporting to
+be the relics of highwaymen famous in their day. Halters, each of which
+had fulfilled its destiny, formed the attraction of the next
+compartment; while a fourth was occupied by an array of implements of
+housebreaking almost innumerable, and utterly indescribable. All these
+interesting objects were carefully arranged, classed, and, as we have
+said, labelled by the thief-taker. From this singular collection
+Trenchard turned to regard its possessor, who was standing at a little
+distance from him, still engaged in earnest discourse with his
+attendant, and, as he contemplated his ruthless countenance, on which
+duplicity and malignity had set their strongest seals, he could not help
+calling to mind all he had heard of Jonathan's perfidiousness to his
+employers, and deeply regretting that he had placed himself in the power
+of so unscrupulous a miscreant.
+
+Jonathan Wild, at this time, was on the high-road to the greatness which
+he subsequently, and not long afterwards, obtained. He was fast rising
+to an eminence that no one of his nefarious profession ever reached
+before him, nor, it is to be hoped, will ever reach again. He was the
+Napoleon of knavery, and established an uncontrolled empire over all the
+practitioners of crime. This was no light conquest; nor was it a
+government easily maintained. Resolution, severity, subtlety, were
+required for it; and these were qualities which Jonathan possessed in an
+extraordinary degree. The danger or difficulty of an exploit never
+appalled him. What his head conceived his hand executed. Professing to
+stand between the robber and the robbed, he himself plundered both. He
+it was who formed the grand design of a robber corporation, of which he
+should be the sole head and director, with the right of delivering those
+who concealed their booty, or refused to share it with him, to the
+gallows. He divided London into districts; appointed a gang to each
+district; and a leader to each gang, whom he held responsible to
+himself. The country was partitioned in a similar manner. Those whom he
+retained about his person, or placed in offices of trust, were for the
+most part convicted felons, who, having returned from transportation
+before their term had expired, constituted, in his opinion, the safest
+agents, inasmuch as they could neither be legal evidences against him,
+nor withhold any portion of the spoil of which he chose to deprive them.
+But the crowning glory of Jonathan, that which raised him above all his
+predecessors in iniquity, and clothed this name with undying
+notoriety--was to come. When in the plenitude of his power, he commenced
+a terrible trade, till then unknown--namely, a traffic in human blood.
+This he carried on by procuring witnesses to swear away the lives of
+those persons who had incurred his displeasure, or whom it might be
+necessary to remove.
+
+No wonder that Trenchard, as he gazed at this fearful being, should have
+some misgivings cross him.
+
+Apparently, Jonathan perceived he was an object of scrutiny; for,
+hastily dismissing his attendant, he walked towards the knight.
+
+"So, you're admiring my cabinet, Sir Rowland," he remarked, with a
+sinister smile; "it _is_ generally admired; and, sometimes by parties
+who afterwards contribute to the collection themselves,--ha! ha! This
+skull," he added, pointing to a fragment of mortality in the case beside
+them, "once belonged to Tom Sheppard, the father of the lad I spoke of
+just now. In the next box hangs the rope by which he suffered. When I've
+placed another skull and another halter beside them, I shall be
+contented."
+
+"To business, Sir!" said the knight, with a look of abhorrence.
+
+"Ay, to business," returned Jonathan, grinning, "the sooner the better."
+
+"Here is the sum you bargained for," rejoined Trenchard, flinging a
+pocket-book on the table; "count it."
+
+Jonathan's eyes glistened as he told over the notes.
+
+"You've given me more than the amount, Sir Rowland," he said, after he
+had twice counted them, "or I've missed my reckoning. There's a hundred
+pounds too much."
+
+"Keep it," said Trenchard, haughtily.
+
+"I'll place it to your account, Sir Rowland," answered the thief-taker,
+smiling significantly. "And now, shall we proceed to Queenhithe?"
+
+"Stay!" cried the other, taking a chair, "a word with you, Mr. Wild."
+
+"As many as you please, Sir Rowland," replied Jonathan, resuming his
+seat. "I'm quite at your disposal."
+
+"I have a question to propose to you," said Trenchard, "relating to--"
+and he hesitated.
+
+"Relating to the father of the boy--Thames Darrell," supplied Jonathan.
+"I guessed what was coming. You desire to know who he was, Sir Rowland.
+Well, you _shall_ know."
+
+"Without further fee?" inquired the knight.
+
+"Not exactly," answered Jonathan, drily. "A secret is too valuable a
+commodity to be thrown away. But I said I wouldn't drive a hard bargain
+with you, and I won't. We are alone, Sir Rowland," he added, snuffing
+the candles, glancing cautiously around, and lowering his tone, "and
+what you confide to me shall never transpire,--at least to your
+disadvantage."
+
+"I am at a loss to understand you Sir,", said Trenchard.
+
+"I'll make myself intelligible before I've done," rejoined Wild. "I need
+not remind you, Sir Rowland, that I am aware you are deeply implicated
+in the Jacobite plot which is now known to be hatching."
+
+"Ha!" ejaculated the other.
+
+"Of course, therefore," pursued Jonathan, "you are acquainted with all
+the leaders of the proposed insurrection,--nay, must be in
+correspondence with them."
+
+"What right have you to suppose this, Sir?" demanded Trenchard, sternly.
+
+"Have a moment's patience, Sir Rowland," returned Wild; "and you shall
+hear. If you will furnish me with a list of these rebels, and with
+proofs of their treason, I will not only insure your safety, but will
+acquaint you with the real name and rank of your sister Aliva's husband,
+as well as with some particulars which will never otherwise reach your
+ears, concerning your lost sister, Constance."
+
+"My sister Constance!" echoed the knight; "what of her?"
+
+"You agree to my proposal, then?" said Jonathan.
+
+"Do you take me for as great a villain as yourself, Sir?" said the
+knight, rising.
+
+"I took you for one who wouldn't hesitate to avail himself of any
+advantage chance might throw in his way," returned the thief-taker,
+coldly. "I find I was in error. No matter. A time _may_ come,--and that
+ere long,--when you will be glad to purchase my secrets, and your own
+safety, at a dearer price than the heads of your companions."
+
+"Are you ready?" said Trenchard, striding towards the door.
+
+"I am," replied Jonathan, following him, "and so," he added in an
+undertone, "are your captors."
+
+A moment afterwards, they quitted the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+The Night-Cellar.
+
+
+After a few minutes' rapid walking, during which neither party uttered a
+word, Jonathan Wild and his companion had passed Saint Paul's, dived
+down a thoroughfare on the right, and reached Thames Street.
+
+At the period of this history, the main streets of the metropolis were
+but imperfectly lighted, while the less-frequented avenues were left in
+total obscurity; but, even at the present time, the maze of courts and
+alleys into which Wild now plunged, would have perplexed any one, not
+familiar with their intricacies, to thread them on a dark night.
+Jonathan, however, was well acquainted with the road. Indeed, it was his
+boast that he could find his way through any part of London blindfolded;
+and by this time, it would seem, he had nearly arrived at his
+destination; for, grasping his companion's arm, he led him along a
+narrow entry which did not appear to have an outlet, and came to a halt.
+Cautioning the knight, if he valued his neck, to tread carefully,
+Jonathan then descended a steep flight of steps; and, having reached the
+bottom in safety, he pushed open a door, that swung back on its hinges
+as soon as it had admitted him; and, followed by Trenchard, entered the
+night-cellar.
+
+The vault, in which Sir Rowland found himself, resembled in some measure
+the cabin of a ship. It was long and narrow, with a ceiling supported
+by huge uncovered rafters, and so low as scarcely to allow a tall man
+like himself to stand erect beneath it. Notwithstanding the heat of the
+season,--which was not, however, found particularly inconvenient in this
+subterranean region,--a large heaped-up fire blazed ruddily in one
+corner, and lighted up a circle of as villanous countenances as ever
+flame shone upon.
+
+The guests congregated within the night-cellar were, in fact, little
+better than thieves; but thieves who confined their depredations almost
+exclusively to the vessels lying in the pool and docks of the river.
+They had as many designations as grades. There were game watermen and
+game lightermen, heavy horsemen and light horsemen, scuffle-hunters, and
+long-apron men, lumpers, journeymen coopers, mud-larks, badgers, and
+ratcatchers--a race of dangerous vermin recently, in a great measure,
+extirpated by the vigilance of the Thames Police, but at this period
+flourishing in vast numbers. Besides these plunderers, there were others
+with whom the disposal of their pillage necessarily brought them into
+contact, and who seldom failed to attend them during their hours of
+relaxation and festivity;--to wit, dealers in junk, old rags, and marine
+stores, purchasers of prize-money, crimps, and Jew receivers. The latter
+formed by far the most knavish-looking and unprepossessing portion of
+the assemblage. One or two of the tables were occupied by groups of fat
+frowzy women in flat caps, with rings on their thumbs, and baskets by
+their sides; and no one who had listened for a single moment to their
+coarse language and violent abuse of each other, would require to be
+told they were fish-wives from Billingsgate.
+
+The present divinity of the cellar was a comely middle-aged dame, almost
+as stout, and quite as shrill-voiced, as the Billingsgate fish-wives
+above-mentioned, Mrs. Spurling, for so was she named, had a warm
+nut-brown complexion, almost as dark as a Creole; and a moustache on her
+upper lip, that would have done no discredit to the oldest dragoon in
+the King's service. This lady was singularly lucky in her matrimonial
+connections. She had been married four times: three of her husbands died
+of hempen fevers; and the fourth, having been twice condemned, was saved
+from the noose by Jonathan Wild, who not only managed to bring him off,
+but to obtain for him the situation of under-turnkey in Newgate.
+
+On the appearance of the thief-taker, Mrs. Spurling was standing near
+the fire superintending some culinary preparation; but she no sooner
+perceived him, than hastily quitting her occupation, she elbowed a way
+for him and the knight through the crowd, and ushered them, with much
+ceremony, into an inner room, where they found the objects of their
+search, Quilt Arnold and Rykhart Van Galgebrok, seated at a small table,
+quietly smoking. This service rendered, without waiting for any farther
+order, she withdrew.
+
+Both the janizary and the skipper arose as the others entered the room.
+
+"This is the gentleman," observed Jonathan, introducing Trenchard to the
+Hollander, "who is about to intrust his young relation to your care."
+
+"De gentleman may rely on my showing his relation all de attention in my
+power," replied Van Galgebrok, bowing profoundly to the knight; "but if
+any unforseen accident--such as a slip overboard--should befal de jonker
+on de voyage, he mushn't lay de fault entirely on my shoulders--haw!
+haw!"
+
+"Where is he?" asked Sir Rowland, glancing uneasily around. "I do not
+see him."
+
+"De jonker. He's here," returned the skipper, pointing significantly
+downwards. "Bring him out, Quilt."
+
+So saying, he pushed aside the table, and the janizary stooping down,
+undrew a bolt and opened a trap-door.
+
+"Come out!" roared Quilt, looking into the aperture. "You're wanted."
+
+But as no answer was returned, he trust his arm up to the shoulder into
+the hole, and with some little difficulty and exertion of strength, drew
+forth Thames Darrell.
+
+The poor boy, whose hands were pinioned behind him, looked very pale,
+but neither trembled, nor exhibited any other symptom of alarm.
+
+"Why didn't you come out when I called you, you young dog?" cried Quilt
+in a savage tone.
+
+"Because I knew what you wanted me for!" answered Thames firmly.
+
+"Oh! you did, did you?" said the janizary. "And what do you suppose we
+mean to do with you, eh?"
+
+"You mean to kill me," replied Thames, "by my cruel uncle's command. Ah!
+there he stands!" he exclaimed as his eye fell for the first time upon
+Sir Rowland. "Where is my mother?" he added, regarding the knight with a
+searching glance.
+
+"Your mother is dead," interposed Wild, scowling.
+
+"Dead!" echoed the boy. "Oh no--no! You say this to terrify me--to try
+me. But I will not believe you. Inhuman as he is, he would not kill her.
+Tell me, Sir," he added, advancing towards the knight, "tell me has this
+man spoken falsely?--Tell me my mother is alive, and do what you please
+with me."
+
+"Tell him so, and have done with him, Sir Rowland," observed Jonathan
+coldly.
+
+"Tell me the truth, I implore you," cried Thames. "Is she alive?"
+
+"She is not," replied Trenchard, overcome by conflicting emotions, and
+unable to endure the boy's agonized look.
+
+"Are you answered?" said Jonathan, with a grin worthy of a demon.
+
+"My mother!--my poor mother!" ejaculated Thames, falling on his knees,
+and bursting into tears. "Shall I never see that sweet face
+again,--never feel the pressure of those kind hands more--nor listen to
+that gentle voice! Ah! yes, we shall meet again in Heaven, where I shall
+speedily join you. Now then," he added more calmly, "I am ready to die.
+The only mercy you can show me is to kill me."
+
+"Then we won't even show you that mercy," retorted the thief-taker
+brutally. "So get up, and leave off whimpering. Your time isn't come
+yet."
+
+"Mr. Wild," said Trenchard, "I shall proceed no further in this
+business. Set the boy free."
+
+"If I disobey you, Sir Rowland," replied the thief-taker, "you'll thank
+me for it hereafter. Gag him," he added, pushing Thames rudely toward
+Quilt Arnold, "and convey him to the boat."
+
+"A word," cried the boy, as the janizary was preparing to obey his
+master's orders. "What has become of Jack Sheppard?"
+
+"Devil knows!" answered Quilt; "but I believe he's in the hands of
+Blueskin, so there's no doubt he'll soon be on the high-road to Tyburn."
+
+"Poor Jack!" sighed Thames. "You needn't gag me," he added, "I'll not
+cry out."
+
+"We won't trust you, my youngster," answered the janizary. And,
+thrusting a piece of iron into his mouth, he forced him out of the room.
+
+Sir Rowland witnessed these proceedings like one stupified. He neither
+attempted to prevent his nephew's departure, nor to follow him.
+
+Jonathan kept his keen eye fixed upon him, as he addressed himself for a
+moment to the Hollander.
+
+"Is the case of watches on board?" he asked in an under tone.
+
+"Ja," replied the skipper.
+
+"And the rings?"
+
+"Ja."
+
+"That's well. You must dispose of the goldsmith's note I gave you
+yesterday, as soon as you arrive at Rotterdam. It'll be advertised
+to-morrow."
+
+"De duivel!" exclaimed Van Galgebrok, "Very well. It shall be done as
+you direct. But about dat jonker," he continued, lowering his voice;
+"have you anything to add consarnin' him? It's almosht a pity to put him
+onder de water."
+
+"Is the sloop ready to sail?" asked Wild, without noticing the skipper's
+remark.
+
+"Ja," answered Van; "at a minut's nodish."
+
+"Here are your despatches," said Jonathan with a significant look, and
+giving him a sealed packet. "Open them when you get on board--not
+before, and act as they direct you."
+
+"I ondershtand," replied the skipper, putting his finger to his nose;
+"it shall be done."
+
+"Sir Rowland," said Jonathan, turning to the knight, "will it please you
+to remain here till I return, or will you accompany us?"
+
+"I will go with you," answered Trenchard, who, by this time, had
+regained his composure, and with it all his relentlessness of purpose.
+
+"Come, then," said Wild, marching towards the door, "we've no time to
+lose."
+
+Quitting the night-cellar, the trio soon arrived at the riverside. Quilt
+Arnold was stationed at the stair-head, near which the boat containing
+the captive boy was moored. A few words passed between him and the
+thief-taker as the latter came up; after which, all the party--with the
+exception of Quilt, who was left on shore--embarked within the wherry,
+which was pushed from the strand and rowed swiftly along the stream--for
+the tide was in its favour--by a couple of watermen. Though scarcely two
+hours past midnight, it was perfectly light. The moon had arisen, and
+everything could be as plainly distinguished as during the day. A thin
+mist lay on the river, giving the few craft moving about in it a ghostly
+look. As they approached London Bridge, the thief-taker whispered Van
+Galgebrok, who acted as steersman, to make for a particular arch--near
+the Surrey shore. The skipper obeyed, and in another moment, they swept
+through the narrow lock. While the watermen were contending with the
+eddies occasioned by the fall below the bridge, Jonathan observed a
+perceptible shudder run through Trenchard's frame.
+
+"You remember that starling, Sir Rowland," he said maliciously, "and
+what occurred on it, twelve years ago?"
+
+"Too well," answered the knight, frowning. "Ah! what is that?" he cried,
+pointing to a dark object floating near them amid the boiling waves, and
+which presented a frightful resemblance to a human face.
+
+"We'll see," returned the thief-taker. And, stretching out his hand, he
+lifted the dark object from the flood.
+
+It proved to be a human head, though with scarcely a vestige of the
+features remaining. Here and there, patches of flesh adhered to the
+bones, and the dank dripping hair hanging about what had once been the
+face, gave it a ghastly appearance.
+
+"It's the skull of a _rebel_," said Jonathan, with marked emphasis on
+the word, "blown by the wind from a spike on the bridge above us. I
+don't know whose brainless head it may be, but it'll do for my
+collection." And he tossed it carelessly into the bottom of the boat.
+
+After this occurence, not a word was exchanged between them until they
+came in sight of the sloop, which was lying at anchor off Wapping.
+Arrived at her side, it was soon evident, from the throng of seamen in
+Dutch dresses that displayed themselves, that her crew were on the
+alert, and a rope having been thrown down to the skipper, he speedily
+hoisted himself on deck. Preparations were next made for taking Thames
+on board. Raising him in his arms, Jonathan passed the rope round his
+body, and in this way the poor boy was drawn up without difficulty.
+
+While he was swinging in mid air, Thames regarded his uncle with a stern
+look, and cried in a menacing voice, "We shall meet again."
+
+"Not in this world," returned Jonathan. "Weigh anchor, Van!" he shouted
+to the skipper, "and consult your despatches."
+
+"Ja--ja," returned the Hollander. And catching hold of Thames, he
+quitted the deck.
+
+Shortly afterwards, he re-appeared with the information that the captive
+was safe below; and giving the necessary directions to his crew, before
+many minutes had elapsed, the Zeeslang spread her canvass to the first
+breeze of morning.
+
+By the thief-taker's command, the boat was then rowed toward a muddy
+inlet, which has received in more recent times the name of Execution
+Dock. As soon as she reached this spot, Wild sprang ashore, and was
+joined by several persons,--among whom was Quilt Arnold, leading a
+horse by the bridle,--he hastened down the stairs to meet him. A coach
+was also in attendance, at a little distance.
+
+Sir Rowland, who had continued absorbed in thought, with his eyes fixed
+upon the sloop, as she made her way slowly down the river, disembarked
+more leisurely.
+
+"At length I am my own master," murmured the knight, as his foot touched
+the strand.
+
+"Not so, Sir Rowland," returned Jonathan; "you are my prisoner."
+
+"How!" ejaculated Trenchard, starting back and drawing his sword.
+
+"You are arrested for high treason," rejoined Wild, presenting a pistol
+at his head, while he drew forth a parchment,--"here is my warrant."
+
+"Traitor!" cried Sir Rowland--"damned--double-dyed traitor!"
+
+"Away with him," vociferated Jonathan to his myrmidons, who, having
+surrounded Trenchard, hurried him off to the coach before he could utter
+another word,--"first to Mr. Walpole, and then to Newgate. And now,
+Quilt," he continued, addressing the janizary, who approached him with
+the horse, "fly to St. Giles's round-house, and if, through the agency
+of that treacherous scoundrel, Terry O'Flaherty, whom I've put in my
+Black List, old Wood should have found his way there, and have been
+detained by Sharpies as I directed, you may release him. I don't care
+how soon he learns that he has lost his adopted son. When I've escorted
+you proud fool to his new quarters, I'll proceed to the Mint and look
+after Jack Sheppard."
+
+With this, he mounted his steed and rode off.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+How Jack Sheppard broke out of the Cage at Willesden.
+
+
+The heart-piercing scream uttered by Mrs. Sheppard after the commission
+of the robbery in Willesden church was productive of unfortunate
+consequences to her son. Luckily, she was bereft of consciousness, and
+was thus spared the additional misery of witnessing what afterwards
+befell him. Startled by the cry, as may be supposed, the attention of
+the whole congregation was drawn towards the quarter whence it
+proceeded. Amongst others, a person near the door, roused by the shriek,
+observed a man make his exit with the utmost precipitation. A boy
+attempted to follow; but as the suspicions of the lookers-on were roused
+by the previous circumstances, the younger fugitive was seized and
+detained. Meanwhile, Mr. Kneebone, having been alarmed by something in
+the widow's look before her feelings found vent in the manner above
+described, thrust his hand instinctively into his coat in search of his
+pocket-book,--about the security of which, as it contained several
+letters and documents implicating himself and others in the Jacobite
+plot, he was, not unnaturally, solicitous,--and finding it gone, he felt
+certain he had been robbed. Turning quickly round, in the hope of
+discovering the thief, he was no less surprised than distressed--for in
+spite of his faults, the woollen-draper was a good-natured fellow--to
+perceive Jack Sheppard in custody. The truth at once flashed across his
+mind. This, then, was the cause of the widow's wild inexplicable
+look,--of her sudden shriek! Explaining his suspicious in a whisper to
+Jack's captor, who proved to be a church-warden and a constable, by name
+John Dump,--Mr. Kneebone begged him to take the prisoner into the
+churchyard. Dump instantly complied, and as soon as Jack was removed
+from the sacred edifice, his person was searched from head to foot--but
+without success. Jack submitted to this scrutiny with a very bad grace,
+and vehemently protested his innocence. In vain did the woollen-draper
+offer to set him free if he would restore the stolen article, or give up
+his associate, to whom it was supposed he might have handed it. He
+answered with the greatest assurance, that he knew nothing whatever of
+the matter--had seen no pocket-book, and no associate to give up. Nor
+did he content himself with declaring his guiltlessness of the crime
+imputed to him, but began in his turn to menace his captor and accuser,
+loading the latter with the bitterest upbraidings. By this time, the
+churchyard was crowded with spectators, some of whom dispersed in
+different directions in quest of the other robber. But all that could be
+ascertained in the village was, that a man had ridden off a short time
+before in the direction of London. Of this man Kneebone resolved to go
+in pursuit; and leaving Jack in charge of the constable, he proceeded to
+the small inn,--which bore then, as it bears now, the name of the Six
+Bells,--where, summoning the hostler, his steed was instantly brought
+him, and, springing on its back, he rode away at full speed.
+
+Meanwhile, after a consultation between Mr. Dump and the village
+authorities, it was agreed to lock up the prisoner in the cage. As he
+was conveyed thither, an incident occurred that produced a considerable
+impression on the feelings of the youthful offender. Just as they
+reached the eastern outlet of the churchyard--where the tall elms cast a
+pleasant shade over the rustic graves--a momentary stoppage took place.
+At this gate two paths meet. Down that on the right the young culprit
+was dragged--along that on the left a fainting woman was borne in the
+arms of several females. It was his mother, and as he gazed on her
+pallid features and motionless frame, Jack's heart severely smote him.
+He urged his conductors to a quicker pace to get out of sight of the
+distressing spectacle, and even felt relieved when he was shut out from
+it and the execrations of the mob by the walls of the little prison.
+
+The cage at Willesden was, and is--for it is still standing--a small
+round building about eight feet high, with a pointed tiled roof, to
+which a number of boards, inscribed with the names of the parish
+officers, and charged with a multitude of admonitory notices to vagrants
+and other disorderly persons, are attached. Over these boards the two
+arms of a guide-post serve to direct the way-farer--on the right hand to
+the neighbouring villages of Neasdon and Kingsbury, and on the left to
+the Edgeware Road and the healthy heights of Hampstead. The cage has a
+strong door, with an iron grating at the top, and further secured by a
+stout bolt and padlock. It is picturesquely situated beneath a tree on
+the high road, not far from the little hostel before mentioned, and at
+no great distance from the church.
+
+For some time after he was locked up in this prison Jack continued in a
+very dejected state. Deserted by his older companion in iniquity, and
+instigator to crime, he did not know what might become of him; nor, as
+we have observed, was the sad spectacle he had just witnessed, without
+effect. Though within the last two days he had committed several heinous
+offences, and one of a darker dye than any with which the reader has
+been made acquainted, his breast was not yet so callous as to be wholly
+insensible to the stings of conscience. Wearied at length with thinking
+on the past, and terrified by the prospect of the future, he threw
+himself on the straw with which the cage was littered, and endeavoured
+to compose himself to slumber. When he awoke, it was late in the day;
+but though he heard voices outside, and now and then caught a glimpse of
+a face peeping at him through the iron grating over the door, no one
+entered the prison, or held any communication with him. Feeling rather
+exhausted, it occurred to him that possibly some provisions might have
+been left by the constable; and, looking about, he perceived a pitcher
+of water and a small brown loaf on the floor. He ate of the bread with
+great appetite, and having drunk as much as he chose of the water,
+poured the rest on the floor. His hunger satisfied, his spirits began to
+revive, and with this change of mood all his natural audacity returned.
+And here he was first visited by that genius which, in his subsequent
+career, prompted him to so many bold and successful attempts. Glancing
+around his prison, he began to think it possible he might effect an
+escape from it. The door was too strong, and too well secured, to break
+open,--the walls too thick: but the ceiling,--if he could reach
+it--there, he doubted not, he could make an outlet. While he was
+meditating flight in this way, and tossing about on the straw, he
+chanced upon an old broken and rusty fork. Here was an instrument which
+might be of the greatest service to him in accomplishing his design. He
+put it carefully aside, resolved to defer the attempt till night. Time
+wore on somewhat slowly with the prisoner, who had to control his
+impatience in the best way he could; but as the shades of evening were
+darkening, the door was unlocked, and Mr. Dump popped his head into the
+cage. He brought another small loaf, and a can with which he replenished
+the pitcher, recommending Jack to be careful, as he would get nothing
+further till morning. To this Jack replied, that he should be perfectly
+contented, provided he might have a small allowance of gin. The latter
+request, though treated with supreme contempt by Mr. Dump, made an
+impression on some one outside; for not long after the constable
+departed, Jack heard a tap at the door, and getting up at the summons,
+he perceived the tube of a pipe inserted between the bars. At once
+divining the meaning of this ingenious device, he applied his mouth to
+the tube, and sucked away, while the person outside poured spirit into
+the bowl. Having drunk as much as he thought prudent, and thanked his
+unknown friend for his attention, Jack again lay down on the straw, and
+indulged himself with another nap, intending to get up as soon as it was
+perfectly dark. The strong potation he had taken, combined with fatigue
+and anxiety he had previously undergone, made him oversleep himself, and
+when he awoke it was just beginning to grow light. Cursing himself for
+his inertness, Jack soon shook off this drowsiness, and set to work in
+earnest. Availing himself of certain inequalities in the door, he soon
+managed to climb up to the roof; and securing his feet against a slight
+projection in the wall, began to use the fork with great effect. Before
+many minutes elapsed, he had picked a large hole in the plaster, which
+showered down in a cloud of dust; and breaking off several laths, caught
+hold of a beam, by which he held with one hand, until with the other he
+succeeded, not without some difficulty, in forcing out one of the tiles.
+The rest was easy. In a few minutes more he had made a breach in the
+roof wide enough to allow him to pass through. Emerging from this
+aperture, he was about to descend, when he was alarmed by hearing the
+tramp of horses' feet swiftly approaching, and had only time to hide
+himself behind one of the largest sign-boards before alluded to when two
+horsemen rode up. Instead of passing on, as Jack expected, these persons
+stopped opposite the cage, when one of them, as he judged from the
+sound, for he did not dare to look out of his hiding place, dismounted.
+A noise was next heard, as if some instrument were applied to the door
+with the intent to force it open, and Jack's fears were at once
+dispelled, At first, he had imagined they were officers of justice, come
+to convey him to a stronger prison: but the voice of one of the parties,
+which he recognised, convinced him they were his friends.
+
+"Look quick, Blueskin, and be cursed to you!" was growled in the deep
+tones of Jonathan Wild. "We shall have the whole village upon us while
+you're striking the jigger. Use the gilt, man!"
+
+"There's no need of picklock or crow-bar, here, Mr. Wild," cried Jack,
+placing his hat on the right arm of the guide-post, and leaning over the
+board, "I've done the trick myself."
+
+"Why, what the devil's this?" vociferated Jonathan, looking up. "Have
+you broken out of the cage, Jack?"
+
+"Something like it," replied the lad carelessly.
+
+"Bravo!" cried the thief-taker approvingly.
+
+"Well, that beats all I ever heard of!" roared Blueskin.
+
+"But are you really there?"
+
+"No, I'm here," answered Jack, leaping down. "I tell you what, Mr.
+Wild," he added, laughing, "it must be a stronger prison than Willesden
+cage that can hold me."
+
+"Ay, ay," observed Jonathan, "you'll give the keepers of his Majesty's
+jails some trouble before you're many years older, I'll warrant you. But
+get up behind, Blueskin. Some one may observe us."
+
+"Come, jump up," cried Blueskin, mounting his steed, "and I'll soon wisk
+you to town. Edgeworth Bess and Poll Maggot are dying to see you. I
+thought Bess would have cried her pretty eyes out when she heard you was
+nabbed. You need give yourself no more concern about Kneebone. Mr. Wild
+has done his business."
+
+"Ay--ay," laughed Jonathan. "The pocket-book you prigged contained the
+letters I wanted. He's now in spring-ankle warehouse with Sir Rowland
+Trenchard. So get up, and let's be off."
+
+"Before I leave this place, I must see my mother."
+
+"Nonsense," returned Jonathan gruffly. "Would you expose yourself to
+fresh risk? If it hadn't been for her you wouldn't have been placed in
+your late jeopardy."
+
+"I don't care for that," replied Jack. "See her I _will_. Leave me
+behind: I'm not afraid. I'll be at the Cross Shovels in the course of
+the day."
+
+"Nay, if you're bent upon this folly," observed Wild, who appeared to
+have his own reasons for humouring the lad, "I shan't hinder you.
+Blueskin will take care of the horses, and I'll go with you."
+
+So saying, he dismounted; and flinging his bridle to his companion, and
+ordering him to ride off to a little distance, he followed Jack, who had
+quitted the main road, and struck into a narrow path opposite the cage.
+This path, bordered on each side by high privet hedges of the most
+beautiful green, soon brought them to a stile.
+
+"There's the house," said Jack, pointing to a pretty cottage, the small
+wooden porch of which was covered with roses and creepers, with a little
+trim garden in front of it. "I'll be back in a minute."
+
+"Don't hurry yourself," said Jonathan, "I'll wait for you here."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+Good and Evil.
+
+
+As Jack opened the gate, and crossed the little garden, which exhibited
+in every part the neatness and attention of its owner, he almost
+trembled at the idea of further disturbing her peace of mind. Pausing
+with the intention of turning back, he glanced in the direction of the
+village church, the tower of which could just be seen through the trees.
+The rooks were cawing amid the boughs, and all nature appeared awaking
+to happiness. From this peaceful scene Jack's eye fell upon Jonathan,
+who, seated upon the stile, under the shade of an elder tree, was
+evidently watching him. A sarcastic smile seemed to play upon the
+chief-taker's lips; and abashed at his own irresolution, the lad went
+on.
+
+After knocking for some time at the door without effect, he tried the
+latch, and to his surprise found it open. He stepped in with a heavy
+foreboding of calamity. A cat came and rubbed herself against him as he
+entered the house, and seemed by her mewing to ask him for food. That
+was the only sound he heard.
+
+Jack was almost afraid of speaking; but at length he summoned courage to
+call out "Mother!"
+
+"Who's there?" asked a faint voice from the bed.
+
+"Your son," answered the boy.
+
+"Jack," exclaimed the widow, starting up and drawing back the curtain.
+"Is it indeed you, or am I dreaming?"
+
+"You're not dreaming, mother," he answered. "I'm come to say good bye to
+you, and to assure you of my safety before I leave this place."
+
+"Where are you going?" asked his mother.
+
+"I hardly know," returned Jack; "but it's not safe for me to remain much
+longer here."
+
+"True," replied the widow, upon whom all the terrible recollections of
+the day before crowded, "I know it isn't. I won't keep you long. But
+tell me how have you escaped from the confinement in which you were
+placed--come and sit by me--here--upon the bed--give me your hand--and
+tell me all about it."
+
+Her son complied, and sat down upon the patch-work coverlet beside her.
+
+"Jack," said Mrs. Sheppard, clasping him with a hand that burnt with
+fever, "I have been ill--dreadfully ill--I believe delirious--I thought
+I should have died last night--I won't tell you what agony you have
+caused me--I won't reproach you. Only promise me to amend--to quit your
+vile companions--and I will forgive you--will bless you. Oh! my dear,
+dear son, be warned in time. You are in the hands of a wicked, a
+terrible man, who will not stop till he has completed your destruction.
+Listen to your mother's prayers, and do not let her die broken-hearted."
+
+"It is too late," returned Jack, sullenly; "I can't be honest if I
+would."
+
+"Oh! do not say so," replied his wretched parent. "It is never too late.
+I know you are in Jonathan Wild's power, for I saw him near you in the
+church; and if ever the enemy of mankind was permitted to take human
+form, I beheld him then. Beware of him, my son! Beware of him! You know
+not what villany he is capable of. Be honest, and you will be happy. You
+are yet a child; and though you have strayed from the right path, a
+stronger hand than your own has led you thence. Return, I implore of
+you, to your master,--to Mr. Wood. Acknowledge your faults. He is all
+kindness, and will overlook them for your poor father's sake--for mine.
+Return to him, I say--"
+
+"I can't," replied Jack, doggedly.
+
+"Can't!" repeated his mother. "Why not?"
+
+"_I'll_ tell you," cried a deep voice from the back of the bed. And
+immediately afterwards the curtain was drawn aside, and disclosed the
+Satanic countenance of Jonathan Wild, who had crept into the house
+unperceived, "I'll tell you, why he can't go back to his master," cried
+the thief-taker, with a malignant grin. "He has robbed him."
+
+"Robbed him!" screamed the widow. "Jack!"
+
+Her son averted his gaze.
+
+"Ay, robbed him," reiterated Jonathan. "The night before last, Mr.
+Wood's house was broken into and plundered. Your son was seen by the
+carpenter's wife in company with the robbers. Here," he added, throwing
+a handbill on the bed, "are the particulars of the burglary, with the
+reward for Jack's apprehension."
+
+"Ah!" ejaculated the widow, hiding her face.
+
+"Come," said Wild, turning authoritatively to Jack,--"you have
+overstayed your time."
+
+"Do not go with him, Jack!" shrieked his mother. "Do not--do not!"
+
+"He _must!_" thundered Jonathan, "or he goes to jail."
+
+"If you must go to prison, I will go with you," cried Mrs. Sheppard:
+"but avoid that man as you would a serpent."
+
+"Come along," thundered Jonathan.
+
+"Hear me, Jack!" shrieked his mother. "You know not what you do. The
+wretch you confide in has sworn to hang you. As I hope for mercy, I
+speak the truth!--let him deny it if he can."
+
+"Pshaw!" said Wild. "I could hang him now if I liked. But he may remain
+with you if he pleases: _I_ sha'n't hinder him."
+
+"You hear, my son," said the widow eagerly. "Choose between good and
+evil;--between him and me. And mind, your life,--more than your
+life--hangs upon your choice."
+
+"It does so," said Wild. "Choose, Jack."
+
+The lad made no answer, but left the room.
+
+"He is gone!" cried Mrs. Sheppard despairingly.
+
+"For ever!" said the thief-taker, preparing to follow.
+
+"Devil!" cried the widow, catching his arm, and gazing with frantic
+eagerness in his face, "how many years will you give my son before you
+execute your terrible threat?"
+
+"NINE!" answered Jonathan sternly.
+
+
+END OF THE SECOND EPOCH.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+EPOCH THE THIRD.
+
+1724
+
+THE PRISON-BREAKER.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+The Return.
+
+
+Nearly nine years after the events last recorded, and about the middle
+of May, 1724, a young man of remarkably prepossessing appearance took
+his way, one afternoon, along Wych Street; and, from the curiosity with
+which he regarded the houses on the left of the road, seemed to be in
+search of some particular habitation. The age of this individual could
+not be more than twenty-one; his figure was tall, robust, and gracefully
+proportioned; and his clear gray eye and open countenance bespoke a
+frank, generous, and resolute nature. His features were regular, and
+finely-formed; his complexion bright and blooming,--a little shaded,
+however, by travel and exposure to the sun; and, with a praiseworthy
+contempt for the universal and preposterous fashion then prevailing, of
+substituting a peruke for the natural covering of the head, he allowed
+his own dark-brown hair to fall over his shoulders in ringlets as
+luxuriant as those that distinguished the court gallant in Charles the
+Second's days--a fashion, which we do not despair of seeing revived in
+our own days. He wore a French military undress of the period, with high
+jack-boots, and a laced hat; and, though his attire indicated no
+particular rank, he had completely the air of a person of distinction.
+Such was the effect produced upon the passengers by his good looks and
+manly deportment, that few--especially of the gentler and more
+susceptible sex--failed to turn round and bestow a second glance upon
+the handsome stranger. Unconscious of the interest he excited, and
+entirely occupied by his own thoughts--which, if his bosom could have
+been examined, would have been found composed of mingled hopes and
+fears--the young man walked on till he came to an old house, with great
+projecting bay windows on the first floor, and situated as nearly as
+possible at the back of St. Clement's church. Here he halted; and,
+looking upwards, read, at the foot of an immense sign-board, displaying
+a gaudily-painted angel with expanded pinions and an olive-branch, not
+the name he expected to find, but that of WILLIAM KNEEBONE,
+WOOLLEN-DRAPER.
+
+Tears started to the young man's eyes on beholding the change, and it
+was with difficulty he could command himself sufficiently to make the
+inquiries he desired to do respecting the former owner of the house. As
+he entered the shop, a tall portly personage advanced to meet him, whom
+he at once recognised as the present proprietor. Mr. Kneebone was
+attired in the extremity of the mode. A full-curled wig descended
+half-way down his back and shoulders; a neckcloth of "right Mechlin" was
+twisted round his throat so tightly as almost to deprive him of breath,
+and threaten him with apoplexy; he had lace, also, at his wrists and
+bosom; gold clocks to his hose, and red heels to his shoes. A stiff,
+formally-cut coat of cinnamon-coloured cloth, with rows of plate
+buttons, each of the size of a crown piece, on the sleeves, pockets, and
+skirts, reached the middle of his legs; and his costume was completed by
+the silver-hilted sword at his side, and the laced hat under his left
+arm.
+
+Bowing to the stranger, the woollen-draper very politely requested to
+know his business.
+
+"I'm almost afraid to state it," faltered the other; "but, may I ask
+whether Mr. Wood, the carpenter, who formerly resided here, is still
+living?"
+
+"If you feel any anxiety on his account, Sir, I'm happy to be able to
+relieve it," answered Kneebone, readily. "My good friend, Owen
+Wood,--Heaven preserve him!--_is_ still living. And, for a man who'll
+never see sixty again, he's in excellent preservation, I assure you."
+
+"You delight me with the intelligence," said the stranger, entirely
+recovering his cheerfulness of look.
+
+"I began to fear, from his having quitted the old place, that some
+misfortune must have befallen him."
+
+"Quite the contrary," rejoined the woollen-draper, laughing
+good-humouredly. "Everything has prospered with him in an extraordinary
+manner. His business has thriven; legacies have unexpectedly dropped
+into his lap; and, to crown all, he has made a large fortune by a lucky
+speculation in South-Sea stock,--made it, too, where so many others have
+lost fortunes, your humble servant amongst the number--ha! ha! In a
+word, Sir, Mr. Wood is now in very affluent circumstances. He stuck to
+the shop as long as it was necessary, and longer, in my opinion. When he
+left these premises, three years ago, I took them from him; or
+rather--to deal frankly with you,--he placed me in them rent-free, for,
+I'm not ashamed to confess it, I've had losses, and heavy ones; and, if
+it hadn't been for him, I don't know where I should have been. Mr. Wood,
+Sir," he added, with much emotion, "is one of the best of men, and would
+be the happiest, were it not that--" and he hesitated.
+
+"Well, Sir?" cried the other, eagerly.
+
+"His wife is still living," returned Kneebone, drily.
+
+"I understand," replied the stranger, unable to repress a smile. "But,
+it strikes me, I've heard that Mrs. Wood was once a favourite of yours."
+
+"So she was," replied the woollen-draper, helping himself to an enormous
+pinch of snuff with the air of a man who does not dislike to be rallied
+about his gallantry,--"so she was. But those days are over--quite over.
+Since her husband has laid me under such a weight of obligation, I
+couldn't, in honour, continue--hem!" and he took another explanatory
+pinch. "Added to which, she is neither so young as she was, nor, is her
+temper by any means improved--hem!"
+
+"Say no more on the subject, Sir," observed the stranger, gravely; "but
+let us turn to a more agreeable one--her daughter."
+
+"That is a far more agreeable one, I must confess," returned Kneebone,
+with a self-sufficient smirk.
+
+The stranger looked at him as if strongly disposed to chastise his
+impertinence.
+
+"Is she married?" he asked, after a brief pause.
+
+"Married!--no--no," replied the woollen-draper. "Winifred Wood will
+never marry, unless the grave can give up its dead. When a mere child
+she fixed her affections upon a youth named Thames Darrell, whom her
+father brought up, and who perished, it is supposed, about nine years
+ago; and she has determined to remain faithful to his memory."
+
+"You astonish me," said the stranger, in a voice full of emotion.
+
+"Why it _is_ astonishing, certainly," remarked Kneebone, "to find any
+woman constant--especially to a girlish attachment; but such is the
+case. She has had offers innumerable; for where wealth and beauty are
+combined, as in her instance, suitors are seldom wanting. But she was
+not to be tempted."
+
+"She is a matchless creature!" exclaimed the young man.
+
+"So I think," replied Kneebone, again applying to the snuff-box, and by
+that means escaping the angry glance levelled at him by his companion.
+
+"I have one inquiry more to make of you, Sir," said the stranger, as
+soon as he had conquered his displeasure, "and I will then trouble you
+no further. You spoke just now of a youth whom Mr. Wood brought up. As
+far as I recollect, there were two. What has become of the other?"
+
+"Why, surely you don't mean Jack Sheppard?" cried the woollen-draper in
+surprise.
+
+"That was the lad's name," returned the stranger.
+
+"I guessed from your dress and manner, Sir, that you must have been long
+absent from your own country," said Kneebone; "and now I'm convinced of
+it, or you wouldn't have asked that question. Jack Sheppard is the talk
+and terror of the whole town. The ladies can't sleep in their beds for
+him; and as to the men, they daren't go to bed at all. He's the most
+daring and expert housebreaker that ever used a crow-bar. He laughs at
+locks and bolts; and the more carefully you guard your premises from
+him, the more likely are you to insure an attack. His exploits and
+escapes are in every body's mouth. He has been lodged in every
+round-house in the metropolis, and has broken out of them all, and
+boasts that no prison can hold him. We shall see. His skill has not been
+tried. At present, he is under the protection of Jonathan Wild."
+
+"Does that villain still maintain his power?" asked the stranger
+sternly.
+
+"He does," replied Kneebone, "and, what is more surprising, it seems to
+increase. Jonathan completely baffles and derides the ends of justice.
+It is useless to contend with him, even with right on your side. Some
+years ago, in 1715, just before the Rebellion, I was rash enough to
+league myself with the Jacobite party, and by Wild's machinations got
+clapped into Newgate, whence I was glad to escape with my head upon my
+shoulders. I charged the thief-taker, as was the fact, with having
+robbed me, by means of the lad Sheppard, whom he instigated to deed, of
+the very pocket-book he produced in evidence against me; but it was of
+no avail--I couldn't obtain a hearing. Mr. Wood fared still worse.
+Bribed by a certain Sir Rowland Trenchard, Jonathan kidnapped the
+carpenter's adopted son, Thames Darrell, and placed him in the hands of
+a Dutch Skipper, with orders to throw him overboard when he got out to
+sea; and though this was proved as clear as day, the rascal managed
+matters so adroitly, and gave such a different complexion to the whole
+affair, that he came off with flying colours. One reason, perhaps, of
+his success in this case might be, that having arrested his associate in
+the dark transaction, Sir Rowland Trenchard, on a charge of high
+treason, he was favoured by Walpole, who found his account in retaining
+such an agent. Be this as it may, Jonathan remained the victor; and
+shortly afterwards,--at the price of a third of his estate, it was
+whispered,--he procured Trenchard's liberation from confinement."
+
+At the mention of the latter occurrence, a dark cloud gathered upon the
+stranger's brow.
+
+"Do you know anything further of Sir Rowland?" he asked.
+
+"Nothing more than this," answered Kneebone,--"that after the failure of
+his projects, and the downfall of his party, he retired to his seat,
+Ashton Hall, near Manchester, and has remained there ever since,
+entirely secluded from the world."
+
+The stranger was for a moment lost in reflection.
+
+"And now, Sir," he said, preparing to take his departure, "will you add
+to the obligation already conferred by informing me where I can meet
+with Mr. Wood?"
+
+"With pleasure," replied the woollen-draper. "He lives at Dollis Hill, a
+beautiful spot near Willesden, about four or five miles from town, where
+he has taken a farm. If you ride out there, and the place is well worth
+a visit, for the magnificent view it commands of some of the finest
+country in the neighbourhood of London,--you are certain to meet with
+him. I saw him yesterday, and he told me he shouldn't stir from home for
+a week to come. He called here on his way back, after he had been to
+Bedlam to visit poor Mrs. Sheppard."
+
+"Jack's mother?" exclaimed the young man. "Gracious Heaven!--is she the
+inmate of a mad-house?"
+
+"She is, Sir," answered the woollen-draper, sadly, "driven there by her
+son's misconduct. Alas! that the punishment of his offences should fall
+on her head. Poor soul! she nearly died when she heard he had robbed his
+master; and it might have been well if she had done so, for she never
+afterwards recovered her reason. She rambles continually about Jack, and
+her husband, and that wretch Jonathan, to whom, as far as can be
+gathered from her wild ravings, she attributes all her misery. I pity
+her from the bottom of my heart. But, in the midst of all her
+affliction, she has found a steady friend in Mr. Wood, who looks after
+her comforts, and visits her constantly. Indeed, I've heard him say
+that, but for his wife, he would shelter her under his own roof. That,
+Sir, is what I call being a Good Samaritan."
+
+The stranger said nothing, but hastily brushed away a tear. Perceiving
+he was about to take leave, Kneebone ventured to ask whom he had had
+the honour of addressing.
+
+Before the question could be answered, a side-door was opened, and a
+very handsome woman of Amazonian proportions presented herself, and
+marched familiarly up to Mr. Kneebone. She was extremely showily
+dressed, and her large hooped petticoat gave additional effect to her
+lofty stature. As soon as she noticed the stranger, she honoured him
+with an extremely impudent stare, and scarcely endeavoured to disguise
+the admiration with which his good looks impressed her.
+
+"Don't you perceive, my dear Mrs. Maggot, that I'm engaged," said
+Kneebone, a little disconcerted.
+
+"Who've you got with you?" demanded the Amazon, boldly.
+
+"The gentleman is a stranger to me, Poll," replied the woollen-draper,
+with increased embarrassment. "I don't know his name." And he looked at
+the moment as if he had lost all desire to know it.
+
+"Well, he's a pretty fellow at all events," observed Mrs. Maggot, eyeing
+him from head to heel with evident satisfaction;--"a devilish pretty
+fellow!"
+
+"Upon my word, Poll," said Kneebone, becoming very red, "you might have
+a little more delicacy than to tell him so before my face."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Mrs. Maggot, drawing up her fine figure to its full
+height; "because I condescend to live with you, am I never to look at
+another man,--especially at one so much to my taste as this? Don't think
+it!"
+
+"You had better retire, Madam," said the woollen-draper, sharply, "if
+you can't conduct yourself with more propriety."
+
+"Order those who choose to obey you," rejoined the lady scornfully.
+"Though you lorded it over that fond fool, Mrs. Wood, you shan't lord it
+over me, I can promise you. That for you!" And she snapped her fingers
+in his face.
+
+"Zounds!" cried Kneebone, furiously. "Go to your own room, woman,
+directly, or I'll make you!"
+
+"Make me!" echoed Mrs. Maggot, bursting into a loud contemptuous laugh.
+"Try!"
+
+Enraged at the assurance of his mistress, the woollen-draper
+endeavoured to carry his threat into execution, but all his efforts to
+remove her were unavailing. At length, after he had given up the point
+from sheer exhaustion, the Amazon seized him by the throat, and pushed
+him backwards with such force that he rolled over the counter.
+
+"There!" she cried, laughing, "that'll teach you to lay hands upon me
+again. You should remember, before you try your strength against mine,
+that when I rescued you from the watch, and you induced me to come and
+live with you, I beat off four men, any of whom was a match for you--ha!
+ha!"
+
+"My dear Poll!" said Kneebone, picking himself up, "I entreat you to
+moderate yourself."
+
+"Entreat a fiddlestick!" retorted Mrs. Maggot: "I'm tired of you, and
+will go back to my old lover, Jack Sheppard. He's worth a dozen of you.
+Or, if this good-looking young fellow will only say the word, I'll go
+with him."
+
+"You may go, and welcome, Madam!" rejoined Kneebone, spitefully. "But, I
+should think, after the specimen you've just given of your amiable
+disposition, no person would be likely to saddle himself with such an
+incumbrance."
+
+"What say you, Sir?" said the Amazon, with an engaging leer at the
+stranger. "_You_ will find me tractable enough; and, with _me_ by, your
+side you need fear neither constable nor watchman. I've delivered Jack
+Sheppard from many an assault. I can wield a quarterstaff as well as a
+prize-fighter, and have beaten Figg himself at the broadsword. Will you
+take me?"
+
+However tempting Mrs. Maggot's offer may appear, the young man thought
+fit to decline it, and, after a few words of well-merited compliment on
+her extraordinary prowess, and renewed thanks to Mr. Kneebone, he took
+his departure.
+
+"Good bye!" cried Mrs. Maggot, kissing her hand to him. "I'll find you
+out. And now," she added, glancing contemptuously at the
+woollen-draper, "I'll go to Jack Sheppard."
+
+"You shall first go to Bridewell, you jade!" rejoined Kneebone. "Here,
+Tom," he added, calling to a shop-boy, "run and fetch a constable."
+
+"He had better bring half-a-dozen," said the Amazon, taking up a
+cloth-yard wand, and quietly seating herself; "one won't do."
+
+On leaving Mr. Kneebone's house, the young man hastened to a hotel in
+the neighbourhood of Covent Garden, where, having procured a horse, he
+shaped his course towards the west end of the town. Urging his steed
+along Oxford Road,--as that great approach to the metropolis was then
+termed,--he soon passed Marylebone Lane, beyond which, with the
+exception of a few scattered houses, the country was completely open on
+the right, and laid out in pleasant fields and gardens; nor did he draw
+in the rein until he arrived at Tyburn-gate, where, before he turned off
+upon the Edgeware Road, he halted for a moment, to glance at the place
+of execution. This "fatal retreat for the unfortunate brave" was marked
+by a low wooden railing, within which stood the triple tree. Opposite
+the gallows was an open gallery, or scaffolding, like the stand at a
+racecourse, which, on state occasions, was crowded with spectators.
+Without the inclosure were reared several lofty gibbets, with their
+ghastly burthens. Altogether, it was a hideous and revolting sight.
+Influenced, probably, by what he had heard from Mr. Kneebone, respecting
+the lawless career of Jack Sheppard, and struck with the probable fate
+that awaited him, the young man, as he contemplated this scene, fell
+into a gloomy reverie. While he was thus musing, two horsemen rode past
+him; and, proceeding to a little distance, stopped likewise. One of them
+was a stout square-built man, with a singularly swarthy complexion, and
+harsh forbidding features. He was well mounted, as was his companion;
+and had pistols in his holsters, and a hanger at his girdle. The other
+individual, who was a little in advance, was concealed from the
+stranger's view. Presently, however, a sudden movement occurred, and
+disclosed his features, which were those of a young man of nearly his
+own age. The dress of this person was excessively showy, and consisted
+of a scarlet riding-habit, lined and faced with blue, and bedizened with
+broad gold lace, a green silk-knit waistcoat, embroidered with silver,
+and decorated with a deep fringe, together with a hat tricked out in the
+same gaudy style. His figure was slight, but well-built; and, in stature
+he did not exceed five feet four. His complexion was pale; and there was
+something sinister in the expression of his large black eyes. His head
+was small and bullet-shaped, and he did not wear a wig, but had his
+sleek black hair cut off closely round his temples. A mutual recognition
+took place at the same instant between the stranger and this individual.
+Both started. The latter seemed inclined to advance and address the
+former; but suddenly changing his mind, he shouted to his companion in
+tones familiar to the stranger's ear; and, striking spurs into his
+steed, dashed off at full speed along the Edgeware Road. Impelled by a
+feeling, into which we shall not pause to inquire, the stranger started
+after them; but they were better mounted, and soon distanced him.
+Remarking that they struck off at a turning on the left, he took the
+same road, and soon found himself on Paddington-Green. A row of
+magnificent, and even then venerable, elms threw their broad arms over
+this pleasant spot. From a man, who was standing beneath the shade of
+one these noble trees, information was obtained that the horsemen had
+ridden along the Harrow Road. With a faint view of overtaking them
+the pursuer urged his steed to a quicker pace. Arrived at
+Westbourne-Green--then nothing more than a common covered with gorse and
+furzebushes, and boasting only a couple of cottages and an alehouse--he
+perceived through the hedges the objects of his search slowly ascending
+the gentle hill that rises from Kensall-Green.
+
+By the time he had reached the summit of this hill, he had lost all
+trace of them; and the ardour of the chase having in some measure
+subsided, he began to reproach himself for his folly, in having
+wandered--as he conceived--so far out of his course. Before retracing
+his steps, however, he allowed his gaze to range over the vast and
+beautiful prospect spread out beneath him, which is now hidden, from the
+traveller's view by the high walls of the General Cemetery, and can,
+consequently, only be commanded from the interior of that attractive
+place of burial,--and which, before it was intersected by canals and
+railroads, and portioned out into hippodromes, was exquisite indeed.
+After feasting his eye upon this superb panorama, he was about to
+return, when he ascertained from a farmer that his nearest road to
+Willesden would be down a lane a little further on, to the right.
+Following this direction, he opened a gate, and struck into one of the
+most beautiful green lanes imaginable; which, after various windings,
+conducted him into a more frequented road, and eventually brought him to
+the place he sought. Glancing at the finger-post over the cage, which
+has been described as situated at the outskirts of the village, and
+seeing no directions to Dollis Hill, he made fresh inquiries as to where
+it lay, from an elderly man, who was standing with another countryman
+near the little prison.
+
+"Whose house do you want, master?" said the man, touching his hat.
+
+"Mr. Wood's," was the reply.
+
+"There is Dollis Hill," said the man, pointing to a well-wooded eminence
+about a mile distant, "and there," he added, indicating the roof of a
+house just visible above a grove of trees "is Mr. Wood's. If you ride
+past the church, and mount the hill, you'll come to Neasdon and then
+you'll not have above half a mile to go."
+
+The young man thanked his informant, and was about to follow his
+instructions, when the other called after him----
+
+"I say, master, did you ever hear tell of Mr. Wood's famous 'prentice?"
+
+"What apprentice?" asked the stranger, in surprise.
+
+"Why, Jack Sheppard, the notorious house-breaker,--him as has robbed
+half Lunnun, to be sure. You must know, Sir, when he was a lad, the day
+after he broke into his master's house in Wych Street, he picked a
+gentleman's pocket in our church, during sarvice time,--that he did, the
+heathen. The gentleman catched him i' th' fact, and we shut him up for
+safety i' that pris'n. But," said the fellow, with a laugh, "he soon
+contrived to make his way out on it, though. Ever since he's become so
+famous, the folks about here ha' christened it Jack Sheppard's cage. His
+mother used to live i' this village, just down yonder; but when her son
+took to bad ways, she went distracted,--and now she's i' Bedlam, I've
+heerd."
+
+"I tell e'e what, John Dump," said the other fellow, who had hitherto
+preserved silence, "I don't know whether you talkin' o' Jack Sheppard
+has put him into my head or not; but I once had him pointed out to me,
+and if that _were_ him as I seed then, he's just now ridden past us, and
+put up at the Six Bells."
+
+"The deuce he has!" cried Dump. "If you were sure o' that we might seize
+him, and get the reward for his apprehension."
+
+"That 'ud be no such easy matter," replied the countryman. "Jack's a
+desperate fellow, and is always well armed; besides, he has a comrade
+with him. But I'll tell e'e what we _might_ do----"
+
+The young man heard no more. Taking the direction pointed out, he rode
+off. As he passed the Six Bells, he noticed the steeds of the two
+horsemen at the door; and glancing into the house, perceived the younger
+of the two in the passage. The latter no sooner beheld him than he
+dashed hastily into an adjoining room. After debating with himself
+whether he should further seek an interview, which, though, now in his
+power, was so sedulously shunned by the other party, he decided in the
+negative; and contenting himself with writing upon a slip of paper the
+hasty words,--"You are known by the villagers,--be upon your guard,"--he
+gave it to the ostler, with instructions to deliver it instantly to the
+owner of the horse he pointed out, and pursued his course.
+
+Passing the old rectory, and still older church, with its reverend
+screen of trees, and slowly ascending a hill side, from whence he
+obtained enchanting peeps of the spire and college of Harrow, he reached
+the cluster of well-built houses which constitute the village of
+Neasdon. From this spot a road, more resembling the drive through a park
+than a public thoroughfare, led him gradually to the brow of Dollis
+Hill. It was a serene and charming evening, and twilight was gently
+stealing over the face of the country. Bordered by fine timber, the road
+occasionally offered glimpses of a lovely valley, until a wider opening
+gave a full view of a delightful and varied prospect. On the left lay
+the heights of Hampstead, studded with villas, while farther off a hazy
+cloud marked the position of the metropolis. The stranger concluded he
+could not be far from his destination, and a turn in the road showed him
+the house.
+
+Beneath two tall elms, whose boughs completely overshadowed the roof,
+stood Mr. Wood's dwelling,--a plain, substantial, commodious farm-house.
+On a bench at the foot of the trees, with a pipe in his mouth, and a
+tankard by his side, sat the worthy carpenter, looking the picture of
+good-heartedness and benevolence. The progress of time was marked in Mr.
+Wood by increased corpulence and decreased powers of vision,--by deeper
+wrinkles and higher shoulders, by scantier breath and a fuller habit.
+Still he looked hale and hearty, and the country life he led had
+imparted a ruddier glow to his cheek. Around him were all the evidences
+of plenty. A world of haystacks, bean-stacks, and straw-ricks flanked
+the granges adjoining his habitation; the yard was crowded with poultry,
+pigeons were feeding at his feet, cattle were being driven towards the
+stall, horses led to the stable, a large mastiff was rattling his chain,
+and stalking majestically in front of his kennel, while a number of
+farming-men were passing and repassing about their various occupations.
+At the back of the house, on a bank, rose an old-fashioned
+terrace-garden, full of apple-trees and other fruit-trees in blossom,
+and lively with the delicious verdure of early spring.
+
+Hearing the approach of the rider, Mr. Wood turned to look at him. It
+was now getting dusk, and he could only imperfectly distinguish the
+features and figure of the stranger.
+
+"I need not ask whether this is Mr. Wood's," said the latter, "since I
+find him at his own gate."
+
+"You are right, Sir," said the worthy carpenter, rising. "I am Owen
+Wood, at your service."
+
+"You do not remember me, I dare say," observed the stranger.
+
+"I can't say I do," replied Wood. "Your voice seems familiar to
+me--and--but I'm getting a little deaf--and my eyes don't serve me quite
+so well as they used to do, especially by this light."
+
+"Never mind," returned the stranger, dismounting; "you'll recollect me
+by and by, I've no doubt. I bring you tidings of an old friend."
+
+"Then you're heartily welcome, Sir, whoever you are. Pray, walk in.
+Here, Jem, take the gentleman's horse to the stable--see him dressed and
+fed directly. Now, Sir, will you please to follow me?"
+
+Mr. Wood then led the way up a rather high and, according to modern
+notions, incommodious flight of steps, and introduced his guest to a
+neat parlour, the windows of which were darkened by pots of flowers and
+creepers. There was no light in the room; but, notwithstanding this, the
+young man did not fail to detect the buxom figure of Mrs. Wood, now more
+buxom and more gorgeously arrayed than ever,--as well as a young and
+beautiful female, in whom he was at no loss to recognise the carpenter's
+daughter.
+
+Winifred Wood was now in her twentieth year. Her features were still
+slightly marked by the disorder alluded to in the description of her as
+a child,--but that was the only drawback to her beauty. Their expression
+was so amiable, that it would have redeemed a countenance a thousand
+times plainer than hers. Her figure was perfect,--tall, graceful,
+rounded,--and, then, she had deep liquid blue eyes, that rivalled the
+stars in lustre. On the stranger's appearance, she was seated near the
+window busily occupied with her needle.
+
+"My wife and daughter, Sir," said the carpenter, introducing them to his
+guest.
+
+Mrs. Wood, whose admiration for masculine beauty was by no means abated,
+glanced at the well-proportioned figure of the young man, and made him a
+very civil salutation. Winifred's reception was kind, but more distant,
+and after the slight ceremonial she resumed her occupation.
+
+"This gentleman brings us tidings of an old friend, my dear," said the
+carpenter.
+
+"Ay, indeed! And who may that be?" inquired his wife.
+
+"One whom you may perhaps have forgotten," replied the stranger, "but
+who can never forget the kindness he experienced at your hands, or at
+those of your excellent husband."
+
+At the sound of his voice every vestige of colour fled from Winifred's
+cheeks, and the work upon which she was engaged fell from her hand.
+
+"I have a token to deliver to you," continued the stranger, addressing
+her.
+
+"To me?" gasped Winifred.
+
+"This locket," he said, taking a little ornament attached to a black
+ribband from his breast, and giving it her,--"do you remember it?"
+
+"I do--I do!" cried Winifred.
+
+"What's all this?" exclaimed Wood in amazement.
+
+"Do you not know me, father?" said the young man, advancing towards him,
+and warmly grasping his hand. "Have nine years so changed me, that there
+is no trace left of your adopted son?"
+
+"God bless me!" ejaculated the carpenter, rubbing his eyes, "can--can it
+be?"
+
+"Surely," screamed Mrs. Wood, joining the group, "it isn't Thames
+Darrell come to life again?"
+
+"It is--it is!" cried Winifred, rushing towards him, and flinging her
+arms round his neck,--"it is my dear--dear brother!"
+
+"Well, this is what I never expected to see," said the carpenter,
+wiping his eyes; "I hope I'm not dreaming! Thames, my dear boy, as soon
+as Winny has done with you, let me embrace you."
+
+"My turn comes before yours, Sir," interposed his better half. "Come to
+my arms, Thames! Oh! dear! Oh! dear!"
+
+To repeat the questions and congratulations which now ensued, or
+describe the extravagant joy of the carpenter, who, after he had hugged
+his adopted son to his breast with such warmth as almost to squeeze the
+breath from his body, capered around the room, threw his wig into the
+empty fire-grate, and committed various other fantastic actions, in
+order to get rid of his superfluous satisfaction--to describe the
+scarcely less extravagant raptures of his spouse, or the more subdued,
+but not less heartfelt delight of Winifred, would be a needless task, as
+it must occur to every one's imagination. Supper was quickly served; the
+oldest bottle of wine was brought from the cellar; the strongest barrel
+of ale was tapped; but not one of the party could eat or drink--their
+hearts were too full.
+
+Thames sat with Winifred's hand clasped in his own, and commenced a
+recital of his adventures, which may be briefly told. Carried out to sea
+by Van Galgebrok, and thrown overboard, while struggling with the waves,
+he had been picked up by a French fishing-boat, and carried to Ostend.
+After encountering various hardships and privations for a long time,
+during which he had no means of communicating with England, he, at
+length, found his way to Paris, where he was taken notice of by Cardinal
+Dubois, who employed him as one of his secretaries, and subsequently
+advanced to the service of Philip of Orleans, from whom he received a
+commission. On the death of his royal patron, he resolved to return to
+his own country; and, after various delays, which had postponed it to
+the present time, he had succeeded in accomplishing his object.
+
+Winifred listened to his narration with the profoundest attention; and,
+when it concluded, her tearful eye and throbbing bosom told how deeply
+her feelings had been interested.
+
+The discourse, then, turned to Darrell's old playmate, Jack Sheppard;
+and Mr. Wood, in deploring his wild career, adverted to the melancholy
+condition to which it had reduced his mother.
+
+"For my part, it's only what I expected of him," observed Mrs. Wood,
+"and I'm sorry and surprised he hasn't swung for his crimes before this.
+The gallows has groaned for him for years. As to his mother, I've no
+pity for her. She deserves what has befallen her."
+
+"Dear mother, don't say so," returned Winifred. "One of the consequences
+of criminal conduct, is the shame and disgrace which--worse than any
+punishment the evil-doer can suffer--is brought by it upon the innocent
+relatives; and, if Jack had considered this, perhaps he would not have
+acted as he has done, and have entailed so much misery on his unhappy
+parent."
+
+"I always detested Mrs. Sheppard," cried the carpenter's wife bitterly;
+"and, I repeat, Bedlam's too good for her."
+
+"My dear," observed Wood, "you should be more charitable--"
+
+"Charitable!" repeated his wife, "that's your constant cry. Marry, come
+up! I've been a great deal too charitable. Here's Winny always urging
+you to go and visit Mrs. Sheppard in the asylum, and take her this, and
+send her that;--and I've never prevented you, though such mistaken
+liberality's enough to provoke a saint. And, then, forsooth, she must
+needs prevent your hanging Jack Sheppard after the robbery in Wych
+Street, when you might have done so. Perhaps you'll call that charity:
+_I_ call it defeating the ends of justice. See what a horrible rascal
+you've let loose upon the world!"
+
+"I'm sure, mother," rejoined Winifred, "if any one was likely to feel
+resentment, I was; for no one could be more frightened. But I was sorry
+for poor Jack--as I am still, and hoped he would mend."
+
+"Mend!" echoed Mrs. Wood, contemptuously, "he'll never mend till he
+comes to Tyburn."
+
+"At least, I will hope so," returned Winifred. "But, as I was saying, I
+was most dreadfully frightened on the night of the robbery! Though so
+young at the time, I remember every circumstance distinctly. I was
+sitting up, lamenting your departure, dear Thames, when, hearing an odd
+noise, I went to the landing, and, by the light of a dark lantern, saw
+Jack Sheppard, stealing up stairs, followed by two men with crape on
+their faces. I'm ashamed to say that I was too much terrified to scream
+out--but ran and hid myself."
+
+"Hold your tongue!" cried Mrs. Wood. "I declare you throw me into an
+ague. Do you think _I_ forget it? Didn't they help themselves to all the
+plate and the money--to several of my best dresses, and amongst others,
+to my favourite kincob gown; and I've never been able to get another
+like it! Marry, come up! I'd hang 'em all, if I could. Were such a thing
+to happen again, I'd never let Mr. Wood rest till he brought the
+villains to justice."
+
+"I hope such a thing never _will_ happen again, my dear," observed Wood,
+mildly, "but, when it does, it will be time to consider what course we
+ought to pursue."
+
+"Let them attempt it, if they dare!" cried Mrs. Wood, who had worked
+herself into a passion; "and, I'll warrant 'em, the boldest robber among
+'em shall repent it, if he comes across me."
+
+"No doubt, my dear," acquiesced the carpenter, "no doubt."
+
+Thames, who had been more than once on the point of mentioning his
+accidental rencounter with Jack Sheppard, not being altogether without
+apprehension, from the fact of his being in the neighbourhood,--now
+judged it more prudent to say nothing on the subject, from a fear of
+increasing Mrs. Wood's displeasure; and he was the more readily induced
+to do this, as the conversation began to turn upon his own affairs. Mr.
+Wood could give him no further information respecting Sir Rowland
+Trenchard than what he had obtained from Kneebone; but begged him to
+defer the further consideration of the line of conduct he meant to
+pursue until the morrow, when he hoped to have a plan to lay before
+him, of which he would approve.
+
+The night was now advancing, and the party began to think of separating.
+As Mrs. Wood, who had recovered her good humour, quitted the room she
+bestowed a hearty embrace on Thames, and she told him laughingly, that
+she would "defer all _she_ had to propose to him until to-morrow."
+
+To-morrow! She never beheld it.
+
+After an affectionate parting with Winifred, Thames was conducted by the
+carpenter to his sleeping apartment--a comfortable cosy chamber; such a
+one, in short, as can only be met with in the country, with its
+dimity-curtained bed, its sheets fragrant of lavender, its clean white
+furniture, and an atmosphere breathing of freshness. Left to himself, he
+took a survey of the room, and his heart leaped as he beheld over the,
+chimney-piece, a portrait of himself. It was a copy of the pencil sketch
+taken of him nine years ago by Winifred, and awakened a thousand tender
+recollections.
+
+When about to retire to rest, the rencounter with Jack Sheppard again
+recurred to him, and he half blamed himself for not acquainting Mr. Wood
+with the circumstances, and putting him upon his guard against the
+possibility of an attack. On weighing the matter over, he grew so uneasy
+that he resolved to descend, and inform him of his misgivings. But, when
+he got to the door with this intention, he became ashamed of his fears;
+and feeling convinced that Jack--bad as he might be--was not capable of
+such atrocious conduct as to plunder his benefactor twice, he contented
+himself with looking to the priming of his pistols, and placing them
+near him, to be ready in case of need, he threw himself on the bed and
+speedily fell asleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+The Burglary at Dollis Hill.
+
+
+Thames Darrell's fears were not, however, groundless. Danger, in the
+form he apprehended, was lurking outside: nor was he destined to enjoy
+long repose. On receiving the warning note from the ostler, Jack
+Sheppard and his companion left Willesden, and taking--as a blind--the
+direction of Harrow, returned at night-fall by a by-lane to Neasdon, and
+put up at a little public-house called the Spotted Dog. Here they
+remained till midnight when, calling for their reckoning and their
+steeds, they left the house.
+
+It was a night well-fitted to their enterprise, calm, still, and
+profoundly dark. As they passed beneath the thick trees that shade the
+road to Dollis Hill, the gloom was almost impenetrable. The robbers
+proceeded singly, and kept on the grass skirting the road, so that no
+noise was made by their horses' feet.
+
+As they neared the house, Jack Sheppard, who led the way, halted and
+addressed his companion in a low voice:--
+
+"I don't half like this job, Blueskin," he said; "it always went against
+the grain. But, since I've seen the friend and companion of my
+childhood, Thames Darrell, I've no heart for it. Shall we turn back?"
+
+"And disappoint Mr. Wild, Captain?" remonstrated the other, in a
+deferential tone. "You know this is a pet project. It might be dangerous
+to thwart him."
+
+"Pish!" cried Jack: "I don't value his anger a straw. All our fraternity
+are afraid of him; but _I_ laugh at his threats. He daren't quarrel with
+me: and if he does, let him look to himself. I've my own reasons for
+disliking this job."
+
+"Well, you know I always act under your orders, Captain," returned
+Blueskin; "and if you give the word to retreat, I shall obey, of course:
+but I know what Edgeworth Bess will say when we go home empty-handed."
+
+"Why what will she say?" inquired Sheppard.
+
+"That we were afraid," replied the other; "but never mind her."
+
+"Ay; but I do mind her," cried Jack upon whom his comrade's observation
+had produced the desired effect. "We'll do it."
+
+"That's right, Captain," rejoined Blueskin. "You pledged yourself to
+Mr. Wild--"
+
+"I did," interrupted Jack; "and I never yet broke an engagement. Though
+a thief, Jack Sheppard is a man of his word."
+
+"To be sure he is," acquiesced Blueskin. "I should like to meet the man
+who would dare to gainsay it."
+
+"One word before we begin, Blueskin," said Jack, authoritatively; "in
+case the family should be alarmed--mind, no violence. There's one person
+in the house whom I wouldn't frighten for the world."
+
+"Wood's daughter, I suppose?" observed the other.
+
+"You've hit it," answered Sheppard.
+
+"What say you to carrying her off, Captain?" suggested Blueskin. "If
+you've a fancy for the girl, we might do it."
+
+"No--no," laughed Jack. "Bess wouldn't bear a rival. But if you wish to
+do old Wood a friendly turn, you may bring his wife."
+
+"I shouldn't mind ridding him of her," said Blueskin, gruffly; "and if
+she comes in my way, may the devil seize me if I don't make short work
+with her!"
+
+"You forget," rejoined Jack, sternly, "I've just said I'll have no
+violence--mind that."
+
+With this, they dismounted; and fastening their horses to a tree,
+proceeded towards the house. It was still so dark, that nothing could be
+distinguished except the heavy masses of timber by which the premises
+were surrounded; but as they advanced, lights were visible in some of
+the windows. Presently they came to a wall, on the other side of which
+the dog began to bark violently; but Blueskin tossed him a piece of
+prepared meat, and uttering a low growl, he became silent. They then
+clambered over a hedge, and scaling another wall, got into the garden at
+the back of the house. Treading with noiseless step over the soft mould,
+they soon reached the building. Arrived there, Jack felt about for a
+particular window; and having discovered the object of his search, and
+received the necessary implements from his companion, he instantly
+commenced operations. In a few seconds, the shutter flew open,--then
+the window,--and they were in the room. Jack now carefully closed the
+shutters, while Blueskin struck a light, with which he set fire to a
+candle. The room they were in was a sort of closet, with the door locked
+outside; but this was only a moment's obstacle to Jack, who with a
+chisel forced back the bolt. The operation was effected with so much
+rapidity and so little noise, that even if any one had been on the
+alert, he could scarcely have detected it. They then took off their
+boots, and crept stealthily up stairs, treading upon the point of their
+toes so cautiously, that not a board creaked beneath their weight.
+Pausing at each door on the landing, Jack placed his ear to the keyhole,
+and listened intently. Having ascertained by the breathing which room
+Thames occupied, he speedily contrived to fasten him in. He then tried
+the door of Mr. Wood's bed-chamber--it was locked, with the key left in
+it. This occasioned a little delay; but Jack, whose skill as a workman
+in the particular line he had chosen was unequalled, and who laughed at
+difficulties, speedily cut out a panel by means of a centre-bit and
+knife, took the key from the other side, and unlocked the door. Covering
+his face with a crape mask, and taking the candle from his associate,
+Jack entered the room; and, pistol in hand, stepped up to the bed, and
+approached the light to the eyes of the sleepers. The loud noise
+proceeding from the couch proved that their slumbers were deep and real;
+and unconscious of the danger in which she stood, Mrs. Wood turned over
+to obtain a more comfortable position. During this movement, Jack
+grasped the barrel of his pistol, held in his breath, and motioned to
+Blueskin, who bared a long knife, to keep still. The momentary alarm
+over, he threw a piece of-wash leather over a bureau, so as to deaden
+the sound, and instantly broke it open with a small crow-bar. While he
+was filling his pockets with golden coin from this store, Blueskin had
+pulled the plate-chest from under the bed, and having forced it open,
+began filling a canvass bag with its contents,--silver coffee-pots,
+chocolate-dishes, waiters trays, tankards, goblets, and candlesticks.
+It might be supposed that these articles, when thrust together into the
+bag, would have jingled; but these skilful practitioners managed matters
+so well that no noise was made. After rifling the room of everything
+portable, including some of Mrs. Wood's ornaments and wearing apparel,
+they prepared to depart. Jack then intimated his intention of visiting
+Winifred's chamber, in which several articles of value were known to be
+kept; but as, notwithstanding his reckless character, he still retained
+a feeling of respect for the object of his boyish affections, he would
+not suffer Blueskin to accompany him, so he commanded him to keep watch
+over the sleepers--strictly enjoining him, however, to do them no
+injury. Again having recourse to the centre-bit,--for Winifred's door
+was locked,--Jack had nearly cut out a panel, when a sudden outcry was
+raised in the carpenter's chamber. The next moment, a struggle was
+heard, and Blueskin appeared at the door, followed by Mrs. Wood.
+
+Jack instandly extinguished the light, and called to his comrade to come
+after him.
+
+But Blueskin found it impossible to make off,--at least with the
+spoil,--Mrs. Wood having laid hold of the canvass-bag.
+
+"Give back the things!" cried the, lady. "Help!--help, Mr. Wood!"
+
+"Leave go!" thundered Blueskin--"leave go--you'd better!"--and he held
+the sack as firmly as he could with one hand, while with the other he
+searched for his knife.
+
+"No, I won't leave go!" screamed Mrs. Wood.
+"Fire!--murder--thieves!--I've got one of 'em!"
+
+"Come along," cried Jack.
+
+"I can't," answered Blueskin. "This she-devil has got hold of the sack.
+Leave go, I tell you!" and he forced open the knife with his teeth.
+
+"Help!--murder!--thieves!" screamed Mrs. Wood;--"Owen--Owen!--Thames,
+help!"
+
+"Coming!" cried Mr. Wood, leaping from the bed. "Where are you?"
+
+"Here," replied Mrs. Wood. "Help--I'll hold him!"
+
+"Leave her," cried Jack, darting down stairs, amid a furious ringing of
+bells,--"the house is alarmed,--follow me!"
+
+"Curses light on you!" cried Blueskin, savagely; "since you won't be
+advised, take your fate."
+
+And seizing her by the hair, he pulled back her head, and drew the knife
+with all his force across her throat. There was a dreadful stifled
+groan, and she fell heavily upon the landing.
+
+The screams of the unfortunate woman had aroused Thames from his
+slumbers. Snatching-up his pistols, he rushed to the door, but to his
+horror found it fastened. He heard the struggle on the landing, the fall
+of the heavy body, the groan,--and excited almost to frenzy by his
+fears, he succeeded in forcing open the door. By this time, several of
+the terrified domestics appeared with lights. A terrible spectacle was
+presented to the young man's gaze:--the floor deluged with blood--the
+mangled and lifeless body of Mrs. Wood,--Winifred fainted in the arms of
+a female attendant,--and Wood standing beside them almost in a state of
+distraction. Thus, in a few minutes, had this happy family been plunged
+into the depths of misery. At this juncture, a cry was raised by a
+servant from below, that the robbers were flying through the garden.
+Darting to a window looking in that direction, Thames threw it up, and
+discharged both his pistols, but without effect. In another minute, the
+tramp of horses' feet told that the perpetrators of the outrage had
+effected their escape.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Jack Sheppard's Quarrel with Jonathan Wild.
+
+
+Scarcely an hour after the horrible occurrence just related, as Jonathan
+Wild was seated in the audience-chamber of his residence at the Old
+Bailey, occupied, like Peachum, (for whose portrait he sat,) with his
+account-books and registers, he was interrupted by the sudden entrance
+of Quilt Arnold, who announced Jack Sheppard and Blueskin.
+
+"Ah!" cried Wild, laying down his pen and looking up with a smile of
+satisfaction. "I was just thinking of you Jack. What news. Have you done
+the trick at Dollis Hill?--brought off the swag--eh?"
+
+"No," answered Jack, flinging himself sullenly into a chair, "I've not."
+
+"Why how's this?" exclaimed Jonathan. "Jack Sheppard failed! I'd not
+believe it, if any one but himself told me so."
+
+"I'v not failed," returned Jack, angrily; "but we've done too much."
+
+"I'm no reader of riddles," said Jonathan. "Speak plainly."
+
+"Let this speak for me," said Sheppard, tossing a heavy bag of money
+towards him. "You can generally understand that language. There's more
+than I undertook to bring. It has been purchased by blood!"
+
+"What! have you cut old Wood's throat?" asked Wild, with great
+unconcern, as he took up the bag.
+
+"If I _had_, you'd not have seen me here," replied Jack, sullenly. "The
+blood that has been spilt is that of his wife."
+
+"It was her own fault," observed Blueskin, moodily. "She wouldn't let me
+go. I did it in self-defence."
+
+"I care not why you did it," said Jack, sternly. "We work together no
+more."
+
+"Come, come, Captain," remonstrated Blueskin. "I thought you'd have got
+rid of your ill-humour by this time. You know as well as I do that it
+was accident."
+
+"Accident or not," rejoined Sheppard; "you're no longer pall of mine."
+
+"And so this is my reward for having made you the tip-top cracksman you
+are," muttered Blueskin;--"to be turned off at a moment's notice,
+because I silenced a noisy woman. It's too hard. Think better of it."
+
+"My mind's made up," rejoined Jack, coldly,--"we part to-night."
+
+"I'll not go," answered the other. "I love you like a son, and will
+follow you like a dog. You'd not know what to do without me, and shan't
+drive me off."
+
+"Well!" remarked Jonathan, who had paid little attention to the latter
+part of the conversation: "this is an awkward business certainly: but we
+must do the best we can in it. You must keep out of the way till it's
+blown over. I can accommodate you below."
+
+"I don't require it," returned Sheppard. "I'm tired of the life I'm
+leading. I shall quit it and go abroad."
+
+"I'll go with you," said Blueskin.
+
+"Before either of you go, you will ask my permission," said Jonathan,
+coolly.
+
+"How!" exclaimed Sheppard. "Do you mean to say you will interfere--"
+
+"I mean to say this," interrupted Wild, with contemptuous calmness,
+"that I'll neither allow you to leave England nor the profession you've
+engaged in. I wouldn't allow you to be honest even if you could be
+so,--which I doubt. You are my slave--and such you shall continue.'"
+
+"Slave?" echoed Jack.
+
+"Dare to disobey," continued Jonathan: "neglect my orders, and I will
+hang you."
+
+Sheppard started to his feet.
+
+"Hear me," he cried, restraining himself with difficulty. "It is time
+you should know whom you have to deal with. Henceforth, I utterly throw
+off the yoke you have laid upon me. I will neither stir hand nor foot
+for you more. Attempt to molest me, and I split. You are more in my
+power than I am in yours. Jack Sheppard is a match for Jonathan Wild,
+any day."
+
+"That he is," added Blueskin, approvingly.
+
+Jonathan smiled contemptuously.
+
+"One motive alone shall induce me to go on with you," said Jack.
+
+"What's that?" asked Wild.
+
+"The youth whom you delivered to Van Galgebrok,--Thames Darrell, is
+returned."
+
+"Impossible!" cried Jonathan. "He was thrown overboard, and perished at
+sea."
+
+"He is alive," replied Jack, "I have seen him, and might have conversed
+with him if I had chosen. Now, I know you can restore him to his rights,
+if you choose. Do so; and I am yours as heretofore."
+
+"Humph!" exclaimed Jonathan.
+
+"Your answer!" cried Sheppard. "Yes, or no?"
+
+"I will make no terms with you," rejoined Wild, sternly. "You have
+defied me, and shall feel my power. You have been useful to me, or I
+would not have spared you thus long. I swore to hang you two years ago,
+but I deferred my purpose."
+
+"Deferred!" echoed Sheppard.
+
+"Hear me out," said Jonathan. "You came hither under my protection, and
+you shall depart freely,--nay, more, you shall have an hour's grace.
+After that time, I shall place my setters on your heels."
+
+"You cannot prevent my departure," replied Jack, dauntlessly, "and
+therefore your offer is no favour. But I tell you in return, I shall
+take no pains to hide myself. If you want me, you know where to find
+me."
+
+"An hour," said Jonathan, looking at his watch,--"remember!"
+
+"If you send for me to the Cross Shovels in the Mint, where I'm going
+with Blueskin, I will surrender myself without resistance," returned
+Jack.
+
+"You will spare the officers a labour then," rejoined Jonathan.
+
+"Can't I settle this business, Captain," muttered Blueskin, drawing a
+pistol.
+
+"Don't harm him," said Jack, carelessly: "he dares not do it."
+
+So saying, he left the room.
+
+"Blueskin," said Jonathan, as that worthy was about to follow, "I advise
+you to remain with me."
+
+"No," answered the ruffian, moodily. "If you arrest him, you must arrest
+me also."
+
+"As you will," said Jonathan, seating himself.
+
+Jack and his comrade went to the Mint, where he was joined by Edgeworth
+Bess, with whom he sat down most unconcernedly to supper. His revelry,
+however, was put an end at the expiration of the time mentioned by
+Jonathan, by the entrance of a posse of constables with Quilt Arnold and
+Abraham Mendez at their head. Jack, to the surprise of all his
+companions, at once surrendered himself: but Blueskin would have made a
+fierce resistance, and attempted a rescue if he had not been ordered by
+his leader to desist. He then made off. Edgeworth Bess, who passed for
+Sheppard's wife, was secured. They were hurried before a magistrate, and
+charged by Jonathan Wild with various robberies; but, as Jack Sheppard
+stated that he had most important disclosures to make, as well as
+charges to bring forward against his accuser, he was committed with his
+female companion to the New Prison in Clerkenwell for further
+examination.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+Jack Sheppard's Escape from the New Prison.
+
+
+In consequence of Jack Sheppard's desperate character, it was judged
+expedient by the keeper of the New Prison to load him with fetters of
+unusual weight, and to place him in a cell which, from its strength and
+security, was called the Newgate Ward. The ward in which he was
+confined, was about six yards in length, and three in width, and in
+height, might be about twelve feet. The windows which were about nine
+feet from the floor, had no glass; but were secured by thick iron bars,
+and an oaken beam. Along the floor ran an iron bar to which Jack's chain
+was attached, so that he could move along it from one end of the chamber
+to the other. No prisoner except Edgeworth Bess was placed in the same
+cell with him. Jack was in excellent spirits; and by his wit, drollery
+and agreeable demeanour, speedily became a great favourite with the
+turnkey, who allowed him every indulgence consistent with his situation.
+The report of his detention caused an immense sensation. Numberless
+charges were preferred against him, amongst others, information was
+lodged of the robbery at Dollis Hill, and murder of Mrs. Wood, and a
+large reward offered for the apprehension of Blueskin; and as, in
+addition to this, Jack had threatened to impeach Wild, his next
+examination was looked forward to with the greatest interest.
+
+The day before this examination was appointed to take place--the third
+of the prisoner's detention--an old man, respectably dressed, requested
+permission to see him. Jack's friends were allowed to visit him,; but as
+he had openly avowed his intention of attempting an escape, their
+proceedings were narrowly watched. The old man was conducted to Jack's
+cell by the turnkey, who remained near him during their interview. He
+appeared to be a stranger to the prisoner, and the sole motive of his
+visit, curiosity. After a brief conversation, which Sheppard sustained
+with his accustomed liveliness, the old man turned to Bess and addressed
+a few words of common-place gallantry to her. While this was going on,
+Jack suddenly made a movement which attracted the turnkey's attention;
+and during that interval the old man slipped some articles wrapped in a
+handkerchief into Bess's hands, who instantly secreted them in her
+bosom. The turnkey looked round the next moment, but the manoeuvre
+escaped his observation. After a little further discourse the old man
+took his departure.
+
+Left alone with Edgeworth Bess, Jack burst into a loud laugh of
+exultation.
+
+"Blueskin's a friend in need," he said. "His disguise was capital; but I
+detected it in a moment. Has he given you the tools?"
+
+"He has," replied Bess, producing the handkerchief.
+
+"Bravo," cried Sheppard, examining its contents, which proved to be a
+file, a chisel, two or three gimblets, and a piercer. "Jonathan Wild
+shall find it's not easy to detain me. As sure as he is now living, I'll
+pay him a visit in the Old Bailey before morning. And then I'll pay off
+old scores. It's almost worth while being sent to prison to have the
+pleasure of escaping. I shall now be able to test my skill." And running
+on in this way, he carefully concealed the tools.
+
+Whether the turnkey entertained any suspicion of the old man, Jack could
+not tell, but that night he was more than usually rigorous in his
+search; and having carefully examined the prisoners and finding nothing
+to excite his suspicions, he departed tolerably satisfied.
+
+As soon as he was certain he should be disturbed no more, Jack set to
+work, and with the aid of the file in less than an hour had freed
+himself from his fetters. With Bess's assistance he then climbed up to
+the window, which, as has just been stated, was secured by iron bars of
+great thickness crossed by a stout beam of oak. The very sight of these
+impediments, would have appalled a less courageous spirit than
+Sheppard's--but nothing could daunt him. To work then he went, and with
+wonderful industry filed off two of the iron bars. Just as he completed
+this operation, the file broke. The oaken beam, nine inches in
+thickness, was now the sole but most formidable obstacle to his flight.
+With his gimblet he contrived to bore a number of holes so close
+together that at last one end of the bar, being completely pierced
+through, yielded; and pursuing the same with the other extremity, it
+fell out altogether.
+
+This last operation was so fatiguing, that for a short time he was
+obliged to pause to recover the use of his fingers. He then descended;
+and having induced Bess to take off some part of her clothing, he tore
+the gown and petticoat into shreds and twisted them into a sort of rope
+which he fastened to the lower bars of the window. With some difficulty
+he contrived to raise her to the window, and with still greater
+difficulty to squeeze her through it--her bulk being much greater than
+his own. He then made a sort of running noose, passed it over her body,
+and taking firmly hold of the bars, prepared to guide her descent. But
+Bess could scarcely summon resolution enough to hazard the experiment;
+and it was only on Jack's urgent intreaties, and even threats, that she
+could be prevailed on to trust herself to the frail tenure of the rope
+he had prepared. At length, however, she threw herself off; and Jack
+carefully guiding the rope she landed in safety.
+
+The next moment he was by her side.
+
+But the great point was still unaccomplished. They had escaped from the
+New Prison, it is true; but the wall of Clerkenwell Bridewell, by which
+that jail was formerly surrounded, and which was more than twenty feet
+high, and protected by formidable and bristling _chevaux de frise_,
+remained to be scaled. Jack, however, had an expedient for mastering
+this difficulty. He ventured to the great gates, and by inserting his
+gimblets into the wood at intervals, so as to form points upon which he
+could rest his foot, he contrived, to ascend them; and when at the top,
+having fastened a portion of his dress to the spikes, he managed, not
+without considerable risk, to draw up his female companion. Once over
+the iron spikes, Bess exhibited no reluctance to be let down on the
+other side of the wall. Having seen his mistress safe down, Jack
+instantly descended, leaving the best part of his clothes, as a memorial
+of his flight, to the jailor.
+
+And thus he effected his escape from the New Prison.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+The Disguise.
+
+
+In a hollow in the meadows behind the prison whence Jack Sheppard had
+escaped,--for, at this time, the whole of the now thickly-peopled
+district north of Clerkenwell Bridewell was open country, stretching out
+in fertile fields in the direction of Islington--and about a quarter of
+a mile off, stood a solitary hovel, known as Black Mary's Hole. This
+spot, which still retains its name, acquired the appellation from an old
+crone who lived there, and who, in addition to a very equivocal
+character for honesty, enjoyed the reputation of being a witch. Without
+inquiring into the correctness of the latter part of the story, it may
+be sufficient to state, that Black Mary was a person in whom Jack
+Sheppard thought he could confide, and, as Edgeworth Bess was incapable
+of much further exertion, he determined to leave her in the old woman's
+care till the following night, while he shifted for himself and
+fulfilled his design--for, however rash or hazardous a project might be,
+if once conceived, Jack always executed it,--of visiting Jonathan Wild
+at his house in the Old Bailey.
+
+It was precisely two o'clock on the morning of Whit-monday, the 25th of
+May 1724, when the remarkable escape before detailed was completed: and,
+though it wanted full two hours to daybreak, the glimmer of a waning
+moon prevented it from being totally dark. Casting a hasty glance, as he
+was about to turn an angle of the wall, at the great gates and upper
+windows of the prison, and perceiving no symptoms of pursuit, Jack
+proceeded towards the hovel at a very deliberate pace, carefully
+assisting his female companion over every obstacle in the road, and
+bearing her in his arms when, as was more than once the case, she sank
+from fright and exhaustion. In this way he crossed one or two public
+gardens and a bowling-green,--the neighbourhood of Clerkenwell then
+abounded in such places of amusement,--passed the noted Ducking Pond,
+where Black Mary had been frequently immersed; and, striking off to the
+left across the fields, arrived in a few minutes at his destination.
+
+Descending the hollow, or rather excavation,--for it was an old disused
+clay-pit, at the bottom of which the cottage was situated,--he speedily
+succeeded in arousing the ancient sibyl, and having committed Edgeworth
+Bess to her care, with a promise of an abundant reward in case she
+watched diligently over her safety, and attended to her comforts till
+his return,--to all which Black Mary readily agreed,--he departed with a
+heart lightened of half its load.
+
+Jack's first object was to seek out Blueskin, whom he had no doubt he
+should find at the New Mint, at Wapping, for the Old Mint no longer
+afforded a secure retreat to the robber; and, with this view, he
+made the best of his way along a bye-lane leading towards
+Hockley-in-the-Hole. He had not proceeded far when he was alarmed by the
+tramp of a horse, which seemed to be rapidly approaching, and he had
+scarcely time to leap the hedge and conceal himself behind a tree, when
+a tall man, enveloped in an ample cloak, with his hat pulled over his
+brows, rode by at full speed. Another horseman followed quickly at the
+heels of the first; but just as he passed the spot where Jack stood, his
+steed missed its footing, and fell. Either ignorant of the accident, or
+heedless of it, the foremost horseman pursued his way without even
+turning his head.
+
+Conceiving the opportunity too favourable to be lost, Jack sprang
+suddenly over the hedge, and before the man, who was floundering on the
+ground with one foot in the stirrup, could extricate himself from his
+embarrassing position, secured his pistols, which he drew from the
+holsters, and held them to his head. The fellow swore lustily, in a
+voice which Jack instantly recognised as that of Quilt Arnold, and
+vainly attempted to rise and draw his sword.
+
+"Dog!" thundered Sheppard, putting the muzzle of the pistol so close to
+the janizary's ear, that the touch of the cold iron made him start,
+"don't you know me?"
+
+"Blood and thunder!" exclaimed Quilt, opening his eyes with
+astonishment. "It can't be Captain Sheppard!"
+
+"It _is_," replied Jack; "and you had better have met the devil on your
+road than me. Do you remember what I said when you took me at the Mint
+four days ago? I told you my turn would come. It _has_ come,--and sooner
+than you expected."
+
+"So I find, Captain," rejoined Quilt, submissively; "but you're too
+noble-hearted to take advantage of my situation. Besides, I acted for
+others, and not for myself."
+
+"I know it," replied Sheppard, "and therefore I spare your life."
+
+"I was sure you wouldn't injure me, Captain," remarked Quilt, in a
+wheedling tone, while he felt about for his sword; "you're far too brave
+to strike a fallen man."
+
+"Ah! traitor!" cried Jack, who had noticed the movement; "make such
+another attempt, and it shall cost you your life." So saying, he
+unbuckled the belt to which the janizary's hanger was attached, and
+fastened it to his own girdle.
+
+"And now," he continued, sternly, "was it your master who has just
+ridden by?"
+
+"No," answered Quilt, sullenly.
+
+"Who, then?" demanded Jack. "Speak, or I fire!"
+
+"Well, if you _will_ have it, it's Sir Rowland Trenchard."
+
+"Sir Rowland Trenchard!" echoed Jack, in amazement. "What are you doing
+with him?"
+
+"It's a long story, Captain, and I've no breath to tell it,--unless you
+choose to release me," rejoined Quilt.
+
+"Get up, then," said Jack, freeing his foot from the stirrup.
+"Now--begin."
+
+Quilt, however, seemed unwilling to speak.
+
+"I should be sorry to proceed to extremities," continued Sheppard, again
+raising the pistol.
+
+"Well, since you force me to betray my master's secrets," replied Quilt,
+sullenly, "I've ridden express to Manchester to deliver a message to Sir
+Rowland."
+
+"Respecting Thames Darrell?" observed Jack.
+
+"Why, how the devil did you happen to guess that?" cried the janizary.
+
+"No matter," replied Sheppard. "I'm glad to find I'm right. You informed
+Sir Rowland that Thames Darrell was returned?"
+
+"Exactly so," replied Quilt, "and he instantly decided upon returning to
+London with me. We've ridden post all the way, and I'm horribly tired,
+or you wouldn't have mastered me so easily."
+
+"Perhaps not," replied Jack, to whom an idea had suddenly occurred.
+"Now, Sir, I'll trouble you for your coat. I've left mine on the spikes
+of the New Prison, and must borrow yours."
+
+"Why, surely you can't be in earnest, Captain. You wouldn't rob Mr.
+Wild's chief janizary?"
+
+"I'd rob Mr. Wild himself if I met him," retorted Jack. "Come, off with
+it, sirrah, or I'll blow out your brains, in the first place, and strip
+you afterwards."
+
+"Well, rather than you should commit so great a crime, Captain, here it
+is," replied Quilt, handing him the garment in question. "Anything
+else?"
+
+"Your waistcoat."
+
+"'Zounds! Captain, I shall get my death of cold. I was in hopes you'd be
+content with my hat and wig."
+
+"I shall require them as well," rejoined Sheppard; "and your boots."
+
+"My boots! Fire and fury! They won't fit you; they are too large.
+Besides, how am I to ride home without them?"
+
+"Don't distress yourself," returned Jack, "you shall walk. Now," he
+added, as his commands were reluctantly obeyed, "help me on with them."
+
+Quilt knelt down, as if he meant to comply; but, watching his
+opportunity, he made a sudden grasp at Sheppard's leg, with the
+intention of overthrowing him.
+
+But Jack was too nimble for him. Striking out his foot, he knocked half
+a dozen teeth down the janizary's throat; and, seconding the kick with a
+blow on the head from the butt-end of the pistol, stretched him,
+senseless and bleeding on the ground.
+
+"Like master like man," observed Jack as he rolled the inanimate body to
+the side of the road. "From Jonathan Wild's confidential servant what
+could be expected but treachery?"
+
+With this, he proceeded to dress himself in Quilt Arnold's clothes,
+pulled the wig over his face and eyes so as completely to conceal his
+features, slouched the hat over his brows, drew the huge boots above his
+knees, and muffled himself up in the best way he could. On searching the
+coat, he found, amongst other matters, a mask, a key, and a pocket-book.
+The latter appeared to contain several papers, which Jack carefully put
+by, in the hope that they might turn out of importance in a scheme of
+vengeance which he meditated against the thief-taker. He then mounted
+the jaded hack, which had long since regained its legs, and was quietly
+browsing the grass at the road-side, and, striking spurs into its side,
+rode off. He had not proceeded far when he encountered Sir Rowland, who,
+having missed his attendant, had returned to look after him.
+
+"What has delayed you?" demanded the knight impatiently.
+
+"My horse has had a fall," replied Jack, assuming to perfection--for he
+was a capital mimic,--the tones of Quilt Arnold. "It was some time
+before I could get him to move."
+
+"I fancied I heard voices," rejoined Sir Rowland.
+
+"So did I," answered Jack; "we had better move on. This is a noted place
+for highwaymen."
+
+"I thought you told me that the rascal who has so long been the terror
+of the town--Jack Sheppard--was in custody."
+
+"So he is," returned Jack; "but there's no saying how long he may remain
+so. Besides, there are greater rascals than Jack Sheppard at liberty,
+Sir Rowland."
+
+Sir Rowland made no reply, but angrily quickened his pace. The pair then
+descended Saffron-hill, threaded Field-lane, and, entering Holborn,
+passed over the little bridge which then crossed the muddy waters of
+Fleet-ditch, mounted Snow-hill, and soon drew in the bridle before
+Jonathan Wild's door. Aware of Quilt Arnold's mode of proceeding, Jack
+instantly dismounted, and, instead of knocking, opened the door with the
+pass-key. The porter instantly made his appearance, and Sheppard ordered
+him to take care of the horses.
+
+"Well, what sort of journey have you had, Quilt?" asked the man as he
+hastened to assist Sir Rowland to dismount.
+
+"Oh! we've lost no time, as you perceive," replied Jack. "Is the
+governor within?"
+
+"Yes; you'll find him in the audience-chamber. He has got Blueskin with
+him."
+
+"Ah! indeed! what's he doing here?" inquired Jack.
+
+"Come to buy off Jack Sheppard, I suppose," replied the fellow. "But it
+won't do. Mr. Wild has made up his mind, and, when that's the case, all
+the persuasion on earth won't turn him. Jack will be tried to-morrow;
+and, as sure as my name's Obadiah Lemon he'll take up his quarters at
+the King's-Head," pointing to Newgate, "over the way."
+
+"Well, we shall see," replied Jack. "Look to the horses, Obadiah. This
+way, Sir Rowland."
+
+As familiar as Quilt Arnold himself with every part of Wild's mysterious
+abode, as well as with the ways of its inmates, Jack, without a
+moment's hesitation, took up a lamp which was burning in the hall, and
+led his companion up the great stone stairs. Arrived at the
+audience-chamber, he set down the light upon a stand, threw open the
+door, and announced in a loud voice, but with the perfect intonation of
+the person he represented,--"Sir Rowland Trenchard."
+
+Jonathan, who was engaged in conversation with Blueskin, instantly
+arose, and bowed with cringing ceremoniousness to the knight. The latter
+haughtily returned his salutation, and flung himself, as if exhausted,
+into a chair.
+
+"You've arrived sooner than I expected, Sir Rowland," observed the
+thief-taker. "Lost no time on the road--eh!--I didn't expect you till
+to-morrow at the earliest. Excuse me an instant while I dismiss this
+person.--You've your answer, Blueskin," he added, pushing that
+individual, who seemed unwilling to depart, towards the door; "it's
+useless to urge the matter further. Jack is registered in the Black
+Book."
+
+"One word before I go," urged Blueskin.
+
+"Not a syllable," replied Wild. "If you talk as long as an Old Bailey
+counsel, you'll not alter my determination."
+
+"Won't my life do as well as his?" supplicated the other.
+
+"Humph!" exclaimed Jonathan, doubtfully. "And you would surrender
+yourself--eh?"
+
+"I'll surrender myself at once, if you'll engage to bring him off; and
+you'll get the reward from old Wood. It's two hundred pounds. Recollect
+that."
+
+"Faithful fellow!" murmured Jack. "I forgive him his disobedience."
+
+"Will you do it?" persisted Blueskin.
+
+"No," replied Wild; "and I've only listened to your absurd proposal to
+see how far your insane attachment to this lad would carry you."
+
+"I _do_ love him," cried Blueskin, "and that's the long and short of it.
+I've taught him all he can do; and there isn't his fellow, and never
+will be again. I've seen many a clever cracksman, but never one like
+him. If you hang Jack Sheppard, you'll cut off the flower o' the
+purfession. But I'll not believe it of you. It's all very well to read
+him a lesson, and teach him obedience; but you've gone far enough for
+that."
+
+"Not quite," rejoined the thief-taker, significantly.
+
+"Well," growled Blueskin, "you've had my offer."
+
+"And you my warning," retorted Wild. "Good night!"
+
+"Blueskin," whispered Jack, in his natural tones, as the other passed
+him, "wait without."
+
+"Power o' mercy!" cried Blueskin starting.
+
+"What's the matter?" demanded Jonathan, harshly.
+
+"Nothin'--nothin'," returned Blueskin; "only I thought--"
+
+"You saw the hangman, no doubt," said Jack. "Take courage, man; it is
+only Quilt Arnold. Come, make yourself scarce. Don't you see Mr. Wild's
+busy." And then he added, in an under tone, "Conceal yourself outside,
+and be within call."
+
+Blueskin nodded, and left the room. Jack affected to close the door, but
+left it slightly ajar.
+
+"What did you say to him?" inquired Jonathan, suspiciously.
+
+"I advised him not to trouble you farther about Jack Sheppard," answered
+the supposed janizary.
+
+"He seems infatuated about the lad," observed Wild. "I shall be obliged
+to hang him to keep him company. And now, Sir Rowland," he continued,
+turning to the knight, "to our own concerns. It's a long time since we
+met, eight years and more. I hope you've enjoyed your health. 'Slife!
+you are wonderfully altered. I should scarcely have known you."
+
+The knight was indeed greatly changed. Though not much passed the middle
+term of life, he seemed prematurely stricken with old age. His frame was
+wasted, and slightly bent; his eyes were hollow, his complexion haggard,
+and his beard, which had remained unshorn during his hasty journey, was
+perfectly white. His manner, however, was as stern and haughty as ever,
+and his glances retained their accustomed fire.
+
+"I did not come hither to consult you as to the state of my health,
+Sir," he observed, displeased by Jonathan's allusion to the alteration
+in his appearance.
+
+"True," replied Wild. "You were no doubt surprised by the unlooked-for
+intelligence I sent you of your nephew's return?"
+
+"Was it _unlooked-for_ on your part?" demanded the knight,
+distrustfully.
+
+"On my soul, yes," rejoined Jonathan. "I should as soon have expected
+the bones of Tom Sheppard to reunite themselves and walk out of that
+case, as Thames Darrell to return. The skipper, Van Galgebrok, affirmed
+to me,--nay, gave me the additional testimony of two of his crew,--that
+he was thrown overboard. But it appears he was picked up by fishermen,
+and carried to France, where he has remained ever since, and where it
+would have been well for him if he had remained altogether."
+
+"Have you seen him?" asked Trenchard.
+
+"I have," replied Wild; "and nothing but the evidence of my senses would
+have made me believe he was living, after the positive assurance I
+received to the contrary. He is at present with Mr. Wood,--the person
+whom you may remember adopted him,--at Dollis Hill, near Willesden; and
+it's a singular but fortunate circumstance, so far as we are concerned,
+that Mrs. Wood chanced to be murdered by Blueskin, the fellow who just
+left the room, on the very night of his return, as it has thrown the
+house into such confusion, and so distracted them, that he has had no
+time as yet for hostile movements."
+
+"And what course do you propose to pursue in reference to him?" asked
+Sir Rowland.
+
+"My plan is a very simple one," rejoined the thief-taker smiling
+bitterly. "I would treat him as you treated his father, Sir Rowland."
+
+"Murder him!" cried Trenchard shuddering.
+
+"Ay, murder him, if you like the term," returned Wild. "I should call it
+putting him out of the way. But no matter how you phrase it, the end is
+the same."
+
+"I cannot consent to it," replied Sir Rowland firmly. "Since the sea
+has spared him, I will spare him. It is in vain to struggle against the
+arm of fate. I will shed no more blood."
+
+"And perish upon the gibbet," rejoined Jonathan contemptuously.
+
+"Flight is still left me," replied Trenchard. "I can escape to France."
+
+"And do you think I'll allow you to depart," cried Jonathan in a
+menacing tone, "and compromise _my_ safety? No, no. We are linked
+together in this matter, and must go through with it. You cannot--shall
+not retreat."
+
+"Death and hell!" cried Sir Rowland, rising and drawing his sword; "do
+you think you can shackle my free will, villain?"
+
+"In this particular instance I do, Sir Rowland," replied Jonathan,
+calmly, "because you are wholly in my power. But be patient, I am your
+fast friend. Thames Darrell MUST die. Our mutual safety requires it.
+Leave the means to me."
+
+"More blood! more blood!" cried Trenchard, passing his hand with agony
+across his brow. "Shall I never banish those horrible phantoms from my
+couch--the father with his bleeding breast and dripping hair!--the
+mother with her wringing hands and looks of vengeance and reproach!--And
+must another be added to their number--their son! Horror!--let me be
+spared this new crime! And yet the gibbet--my name tarnished--my
+escutcheon blotted by the hangman!--No, I cannot submit to that."
+
+"I should think not," observed Jonathan, who had some practice in the
+knight's moods, and knew how to humour him. "It's a miserable weakness
+to be afraid of bloodshed.--The general who gives an order for wholesale
+carnage never sleeps a wink the less soundly for the midnight groans of
+his victims, and we should deride him as a coward if he did. And life is
+much the same, whether taken in battle, on the couch, or by the
+road-side. Besides those whom I've slain with my own hands, I've
+brought upwards of thirty persons to the gallows. Most of their relics
+are in yonder cases; but I don't remember that any of them have
+disturbed my rest. The mode of destruction makes no difference. It's
+precisely the same thing to me to bid my janizaries cut Thames Darrell's
+throat, as to order Jack Sheppard's execution."
+
+As Jonathan said this, Jack's hand involuntarily sought a pistol.
+
+"But to the point," continued Wild, unconscious of the peril in which
+the remark had placed him,--"to the point. On the terms that procured
+your liberation from Newgate, I will free you from this new danger."
+
+"Those terms were a third of my estate," observed Trenchard bitterly.
+
+"What of that," rejoined Jonathan. "Any price was better than your head.
+If Thames Darrell escapes, you will lose both life and property."
+
+"True, true," replied the knight, with an agonized look; "there is no
+alternative."
+
+"None whatever," rejoined Wild. "Is it a bargain?"
+
+"Take half of my estate--take all--my life, if you will--I am weary of
+it!" cried Trenchard passionately.
+
+"No," replied Jonathan, "I'll not take you at your word, as regards the
+latter proposition. We shall both, I hope, live to enjoy our
+shares--long after Thames Darrell is forgotten--ha! ha! A third of your
+estate I accept. And as these things should always be treated as matters
+of business, I'll just draw up a memorandum of our arrangement."
+
+And, as he spoke, he took up a sheet of paper, and hastily traced a few
+lines upon it.
+
+"Sign this," he said, pushing the document towards Sir Rowland.
+
+The knight mechanically complied with his request.
+
+"Enough!" cried Jonathan, eagerly pocketing the memorandum. "And now, in
+return for your liberality, I'll inform you of a secret with which it is
+important you should be acquainted."
+
+"A secret!" exclaimed Trenchard. "Concerning whom?"
+
+"Mrs. Sheppard," replied Jonathan, mysteriously.
+
+"Mrs. Sheppard!" echoed Jack, surprised out of his caution.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Wild, looking angrily towards his supposed attendant.
+
+"I beg pardon, Sir," replied Jack, with the accent and manner of the
+janizary; "I was betrayed into the exclamation by my surprise that
+anything in which Sir Rowland Trenchard was interested could have
+reference to so humble a person as Mrs. Sheppard."
+
+"Be pleased, then, in future not to let your surprise find vent in
+words," rejoined Jonathan, sternly. "My servants, like Eastern mutes,
+must have eyes, and ears,--and _hands_, if need be,--but no tongues. You
+understand me, sirrah?"
+
+"Perfectly," replied Jack. "I'm dumb."
+
+"Your secret?" demanded Trenchard, impatiently.
+
+"I need not remind you, Sir Rowland," replied Wild, "that you had two
+sisters--Aliva and Constance."
+
+"Both are dead," observed the knight, gloomily.
+
+"Not so;" answered Wild. "Constance is yet living."
+
+"Constance alive? Impossible!" ejaculated Trenchard.
+
+"I've proofs to the contrary," replied Jonathan.
+
+"If this is the case, where is she?"
+
+"In Bedlam," replied the thief-taker, with a Satanic grin.
+
+"Gracious Heaven!" exclaimed the knight, upon whom a light seemed
+suddenly to break. "You mentioned Mrs. Sheppard. What has she to with
+Constance Trenchard?"
+
+"Mrs. Sheppard _is_ Constance Trenchard," replied Jonathan, maliciously.
+
+Here Jack Sheppard was unable to repress an exclamation of astonishment.
+
+"Again," cried Jonathan, sternly: "beware!"
+
+"What!" vociferated Trenchard. "My sister the wife of one condemned
+felon! the parent of another! It cannot be."
+
+"It _is_ so, nevertheless," replied Wild. "Stolen by a gipsy when
+scarcely five years old, Constance Trenchard, after various
+vicissitudes, was carried to London, where she lived in great poverty,
+with the dregs of society. It is useless to trace out her miserable
+career; though I can easily do so if you require it. To preserve
+herself, however, from destitution, or what she considered worse, she
+wedded a journeyman carpenter, named Sheppard."
+
+"Alas! that one so highly born should submit to such a degradation?"
+groaned the knight.
+
+"I see nothing surprising in it," rejoined Jonathan. "In the first
+place, she had no knowledge of her birth; and, consequently, no false
+pride to get rid of. In the second, she was wretchedly poor, and
+assailed by temptations of which you can form no idea. Distress like
+hers might palliate far greater offences than she ever committed. With
+the same inducements we should all do the same thing. Poor girl! she was
+beautiful once; so beautiful as to make _me_, who care little for the
+allurements of women, fancy myself enamoured of her."
+
+Jack Sheppard again sought his pistol, and was only withheld from
+levelling it at the thief-taker's head, by the hope that he might gather
+some further information respecting his mother. And he had good reason
+before long to congratulate himself on his forbearance.
+
+"What proof have you of the truth of this story?" inquired Trenchard.
+
+"This," replied Jonathan, taking a paper from a portfolio, and handing
+it to the knight, "this written evidence, signed by Martha Cooper, the
+gipsy, by whom the girl was stolen, and who was afterwards executed for
+a similar crime. It is attested, you will observe, by the Reverend Mr.
+Purney, the present ordinary of Newgate."
+
+"I am acquainted with Mr. Purney's hand-writing," said Jack, advancing,
+"and can at once decide whether this is a forgery or not."
+
+"Look at it, then," said Wild, giving him the portfolio.
+
+"It's the ordinary's signature, undoubtedly," replied Jack.
+
+And as he gave back the portfolio to Sir Rowland he contrived,
+unobserved, to slip the precious document into his sleeve, and from
+thence into his pocket.
+
+"And, does any of our bright blood flow in the veins of a ruffianly
+housebreaker?" cried Trenchard, with a look of bewilderment. "I'll not
+believe it."
+
+"Others may, if you won't," muttered Jack, retiring. "Thank Heaven! I'm
+not basely born."
+
+"Now, mark me," said Jonathan, "and you'll find I don't do things by
+halves. By your father, Sir Montacute Trenchard's will, you are
+aware,--and, therefore, I need not repeat it, except for the special
+purpose I have in view,--you are aware, I say, that, by this will, in
+case your sister Aliva, died without issue, or, on the death of such
+issue, the property reverts to Constance and _her_ issue."
+
+"I hear," said Sir Rowland, moodily.
+
+"And I," muttered Jack.
+
+"Thames Darrell once destroyed," pursued Jonathan. "Constance--or,
+rather, Mrs. Sheppard--becomes entitled to the estates; which
+eventually--provided he escaped the gallows--would descend to her son."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Jack, drawing in his breath, and leaning forward with
+intense curiosity.
+
+"Well, Sir?" gasped Sir Rowland.
+
+"But this need give you no uneasiness," pursued Jonathan; "Mrs.
+Sheppard, as I told you, is in Bedlam, an incurable maniac; while her
+son is in the New Prison, whence he will only be removed to Newgate and
+Tyburn."
+
+"So you think," muttered Jack, between his ground teeth.
+
+"To make your mind perfectly easy on the score of Mrs. Sheppard,"
+continued Jonathan; "after we've disposed of Thames Darrell, I'll visit
+her in Bedlam; and, as I understand I form one of her chief terrors,
+I'll give her such a fright that I'll engage she shan't long survive
+it."
+
+"Devil!" muttered Jack, again grasping his pistol. But, feeling secure
+of vengeance, he determined to abide his time.
+
+"And now, having got rid of the minor obstacles," said Jonathan, "I'll
+submit a plan for the removal of the main difficulty. Thames Darrell,
+I've said, is at Mr. Wood's at Dollis Hill, wholly unsuspicious of any
+designs against him, and, in fact, entirely ignorant of your being
+acquainted with his return, or even of his existence. In this state, it
+will be easy to draw him into a snare. To-morrow night--or rather
+to-night, for we are fast verging on another day--I propose to lure him
+out of the house by a stratagem which I am sure will prove infallible;
+and, then, what so easy as to knock him on the head. To make sure work
+of it, I'll superintend the job myself. Before midnight, I'll answer for
+it, it shall be done. My janizaries shall go with me. You hear what I
+say, Quilt?" he added, looking at Jack.
+
+"I do," replied Sheppard.
+
+"Abraham Mendez will like the task,--for he has entertained a hatred to
+the memory of Thames Darrell ever since he received the wound in the
+head, when the two lads attempted to break out of St. Giles's
+round-house. I've despatched him to the New Prison. But I expect him
+back every minute."
+
+"The New Prison!" exclaimed Sheppard. "What is he gone there for?"
+
+"With a message to the turnkey to look after his prisoner," replied
+Wild, with a cunning smile. "Jack Sheppard had a visitor, I understand,
+yesterday, and may make an attempt to escape. It's as well to be on the
+safe side."
+
+"It is," replied Jack.
+
+At this moment, his quick ears detected the sound of footsteps on the
+stairs. He drew both his pistols, and prepared for a desperate
+encounter.
+
+"There is another mystery I would have solved," said Trenchard,
+addressing Wild; "you have told me much, but not enough."
+
+"What do you require further?" asked Jonathan.
+
+"The name and rank of Thames Darrell's father," said the knight.
+
+"Another time," replied the thief-taker, evasively.
+
+"I will have it now," rejoined Trenchard, "or our agreement is void."
+
+"You cannot help yourself, Sir Rowland," replied Jonathan,
+contemptuously.
+
+"Indeed!" replied the knight, drawing his sword, "the secret, villain,
+or I will force it from you."
+
+Before Wild could make any reply, the door was thrown violently open,
+and Abraham Mendez rushed into the room, with a face of the utmost
+consternation.
+
+"He hash eshcaped!" cried the Jew.
+
+"Who? Jack!" exclaimed Jonathan.
+
+"Yesh," replied Abraham. "I vent to de New Prish'n, and on wishitin' his
+shel vid de turnkey, vot should ve find but de shains on de ground, de
+vinder broken, and Jack and Agevorth Besh gone."
+
+"Damnation!" cried Jonathan, stamping his foot with uncontrollable rage.
+"I'd rather have given a thousand pounds than this had happened. But he
+might have broken out of prison, and yet not got over the wall of
+Clerkenwell Bridewell. Did you search the yard, fool?"
+
+"Ve did," replied Abraham; "and found his fine goat and ruffles torn to
+shtrips on de shpikes near de creat cate. It vosh plain he vent dat
+vay."
+
+Jonathan gave utterance to a torrent of imprecations.
+
+While he thus vented his rage, the door again opened, and Quilt Arnold
+rushed into the room, bleeding, and half-dressed.
+
+"'Sblood! what's this!" cried Jonathan, in the utmost surprise. "Quilt
+Arnold, is that you?"
+
+"It is, Sir," sputtered the janizary. "I've been robbed, maltreated, and
+nearly murdered by Jack Sheppard."
+
+"By Jack Sheppard!" exclaimed the thief-taker.
+
+"Yes; and I hope you'll take ample vengeance upon him," said Quilt.
+
+"I will, when I catch him, rely on it," rejoined Wild.
+
+"You needn't go far to do that," returned Quilt; "there he stands."
+
+"Ay, here I am," said Jack, throwing off his hat and wig, and marching
+towards the group, amongst whom there was a general movement of surprise
+at his audacity. "Sir Rowland, I salute you as your nephew."
+
+"Back, villain!" said the knight, haughtily. "I disown you. The whole
+story of your relationship is a fabrication."
+
+"Time will show," replied Jack with equal haughtiness. "But, however, it
+may turn out, I disown _you_."
+
+"Well, Jack," said Jonathan, who had looked at him with surprise not
+unmixed with admiration, "you are a bold and clever fellow, I must
+allow. Were I not Jonathan Wild, I'd be Jack Sheppard. I'm almost sorry
+I've sworn to hang you. But, it can't be helped. I'm a slave to my word.
+Were I to let you go, you'd say I feared you. Besides, you've secrets
+which must not be disclosed. Nab and Quilt to the door! Jack, you are my
+prisoner."
+
+"And you flatter yourself you can detain me?" laughed Jack.
+
+"At least I'll try," replied Jonathan, sarcastically. "You must be a
+cleverer lad than even _I_ take you for, if you get out of this place."
+
+"What ho! Blueskin!" shouted Jack.
+
+"Here I am, Captain," cried a voice from without. And the door was
+suddenly thrown open, and the two janizaries felled to the ground by the
+strong arm of the stalwart robber.
+
+"Your boast, you see, was a little premature, Mr. Wild," said Sheppard.
+"Adieu, my worthy uncle. Fortunately, I've secured the proof of my
+birth."
+
+"Confusion!" thundered Wild. "Close the doors below! Loose the dogs!
+Curses! they don't hear me! I'll ring the alarm-bell." And he raised his
+arm with the intention of executing his purpose, when a ball from Jack's
+pistol passed through the back of his hand, shattering the limb. "Aha!
+my lad!" he cried without appearing to regard the pain of the wound;
+"now I'll show you no quarter." And, with the uninjured hand he drew a
+pistol, which he fired, but without effect, at Jack.
+
+"Fly, Captain, fly!" vociferated Blueskin; "I shan't be able to keep
+these devils down. Fly! they shall knock me on the head--curse
+'em!--before they shall touch you."
+
+"Come along!" cried Jack, darting through the door. "The key's on the
+outside--quick! quick!"
+
+Instantly alive to this chance, Blueskin broke away. Two shots were
+fired at him by Jonathan; one of which passed through his hat, and the
+other through the fleshy part of his arm; but he made good his retreat.
+The door was closed--locked,--and the pair were heard descending the
+stairs.
+
+"Hell's curses!" roared Jonathan. "They'll escape. Not a moment is to be
+lost."
+
+So saying, he took hold of a ring in the floor, and disclosed a flight
+of steps, down which he hurried, followed by the janizaries. This means
+of communication instantly brought them to the lobby. But Jack and his
+companion were already gone.
+
+Jonathan threw open the street-door. Upon the pavement near the court
+lay the porter, who had been prostrated by a blow from the butt-end of a
+pistol. The man, who was just able to move, pointed towards
+Giltspur-street. Jonathan looked in that direction, and beheld the
+fugitives riding off in triumph.
+
+"To-night it is _their_ turn," said Jonathan, binding up his wounded
+fingers with a handkerchief. "To-morrow it will be _mine_."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Winifred receives two Proposals.
+
+
+The tragical affair at Dollis Hill, it need scarcely be said, was a
+dreadful blow to the family. Mr. Wood bore up with great fortitude
+against the shock, attended the inquest, delivered his evidence with
+composure, and gave directions afterwards for the funeral, which took
+place on the day but one following--Sunday. As soon, however, as the
+last solemn rites were over, and the remains of the unfortunate woman
+committed to their final resting-place in Willesden churchyard, his
+firmness completely deserted him, and he sank beneath the weight of his
+affliction. It was fortunate that by this time Winifred had so far
+recovered, as to be able to afford her father the best and only solace
+that, under the circumstances, he could have received,--her personal
+attentions.
+
+The necessity which had previously existed of leaving the ghastly
+evidence of the murderous deed undisturbed,--the presence of the mangled
+corpse,--the bustle of the inquest, at which her attendance was
+required,--all these circumstances produced a harrowing effect upon the
+young girl's imagination. But when all was over, a sorrowful calm
+succeeded, and, if not free from grief, she was tranquil. As to Thames,
+though deeply and painfully affected by the horrible occurrence that had
+marked his return to his old friends, he was yet able to control his
+feelings, and devote himself to the alleviation of the distress of the
+more immediate sufferers by the calamity.
+
+It was Sunday evening--a soft delicious evening, and, from the happy,
+_cheerful_ look of the house, none would have dreamed of the dismal
+tragedy so lately acted within its walls. The birds were singing
+blithely amid the trees,--the lowing of the cows resounded from the
+yard,--a delicious perfume from the garden was wafted through the open
+window,--at a distance, the church-bells of Willesden were heard tolling
+for evening service. All these things spoke of peace;--but there are
+seasons when the pleasantest external influences have a depressing
+effect on the mind, by painfully recalling past happiness. So, at least,
+thought one of two persons who were seated together in a small
+back-parlour of the house at Dollis Hill. She was a lovely girl, attired
+in deep mourning, and having an expression of profound sorrow on her
+charming features. Her companion was a portly handsome man, also dressed
+in a full suit of the deepest mourning, with the finest of lace at his
+bosom and wrists, and a sword in a black sheath by his side. These
+persons were Mr. Kneebone and Winifred.
+
+The funeral, it has just been said, took place on that day. Amongst
+others who attended the sad ceremony was Mr. Kneebone. Conceiving
+himself called upon, as the intimate friend of the deceased, to pay this
+last tribute of respect to her memory, he appeared as one of the chief
+mourners. Overcome by his affliction, Mr. Wood had retired to his own
+room, where he had just summoned Thames. Much to her annoyance,
+therefore, Winifred was left alone with the woollen-draper, who
+following up a maxim of his own, "that nothing was gained by too much
+bashfulness," determined to profit by the opportunity. He had only been
+prevented, indeed, by a fear of Mrs. Wood from pressing his suit long
+ago. This obstacle removed, he thought he might now make the attempt.
+Happen what might, he could not be in a worse position.
+
+"We have had a sad loss, my dear Winifred," he began,--"for I must use
+the privilege of an old friend, and address you by that familiar
+name,--we have had a sad loss in the death of your lamented parent,
+whose memory I shall for ever revere."
+
+Winifred's eyes filled with tears. This was not exactly what the
+woollen-draper desired. So he resolved to try another tack.
+
+"What a very remarkable thing it is," he observed, applying to his
+snuff-box, "that Thames Darrell, whom we all supposed dead,"--Kneebone
+in his heart sincerely wished he _had_ been so,--"should turn out to be
+alive after all. Strange, I shouldn't know him when he called on me."
+
+"It _is_ strange," replied Winifred, artlessly. "_I_ knew him at once."
+
+"Of course," rejoined Kneebone, a little maliciously, "but that's easily
+accounted for. May I be permitted, as a very old and very dear friend of
+your lamented parent, whose loss I shall ever deplore, to ask you one
+question?"
+
+"Undoubtedly," replied Winifred.
+
+"And you will answer it frankly?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Now for it," thought the woollen-draper, "I shall, at least, ascertain
+how the land lies.--Well, then, my dear," he added aloud, "do you still
+entertain the strong attachment you did to Captain Darrell?"
+
+Winifred's cheeks glowed with blushes, and fixing her eyes, which
+flashed with resentment, upon the questioner, she said:
+
+"I have promised to answer your question, and I will do so. I love him
+as a brother."
+
+"_Only_ as a brother?" persisted Kneebone.
+
+If Winifred remained silent, her looks would have disarmed a person of
+less assurance than the woollen-draper.
+
+"If you knew how much importance I attach to your answer," he continued
+passionately, "you would not refuse me one. Were Captain Darrell to
+offer you his hand, would you accept it?"
+
+"Your impertinence deserves very different treatment, Sir," said
+Winifred; "but, to put an end to this annoyance, I will tell you--I
+would not."
+
+"And why not?" asked Kneebone, eagerly.
+
+"I will not submit to be thus interrogated," said Winifred, angrily.
+
+"In the name of your lamented parent, whose memory I shall for ever
+revere, I implore you to answer me," urged Kneebone, "why--why would you
+not accept him?"
+
+"Because our positions are different," replied Winifred, who could not
+resist this appeal to her feelings.
+
+"You are a paragon of prudence and discretion," rejoined the
+woollen-draper, drawing his chair closer to hers. "Disparity of rank is
+ever productive of unhappiness in the married state. When Captain
+Darrell's birth is ascertained, I've no doubt he'll turn out a
+nobleman's son. At least, I hope so for his sake as well as my own," he
+added, mentally. "He has quite the air of one. And now, my angel, that I
+am acquainted with your sentiments on this subject, I shall readily
+fulfil a promise which I made to your lamented parent, whose loss I
+shall ever deplore."
+
+"A promise to my mother?" said Winifred, unsuspiciously.
+
+"Yes, my angel, to _her_--rest her soul! She extorted it from me, and
+bound me by a solemn oath to fulfil it."
+
+"Oh! name it."
+
+"You are a party concerned. Promise me that you will not disobey the
+injunctions of her whose memory we must both of us ever revere. Promise
+me."
+
+"If in my power--certainly. But, what is it! What _did_ you promise?"
+
+"To offer you my heart, my hand, my life," replied Kneebone, falling at
+her feet.
+
+"Sir!" exclaimed Winifred, rising.
+
+"Inequality of rank can be no bar to _our_ union," continued Kneebone.
+"Heaven be praised, _I_ am not the son of a nobleman."
+
+In spite of her displeasure, Winifred could not help smiling at the
+absurdity of this address. Taking this for encouragement, her suitor
+proceeded still more extravagantly. Seizing her hand he covered it with
+kisses.
+
+"Adorable girl!" he cried, in the most impassioned tone, and with the
+most impassioned look he could command. "Adorable girl, I have long
+loved you to desperation. Your lamented mother, whose loss I shall ever
+deplore, perceived my passion and encouraged it. Would she were alive to
+back my suit!"
+
+"This is beyond all endurance," said Winifred, striving to withdraw her
+hand. "Leave me, Sir; I insist."
+
+"Never!" rejoined Kneebone, with increased ardour,--"never, till I
+receive from your own lips the answer which is to make me the happiest
+or the most miserable of mankind. Hear me, adorable girl! You know not
+the extent of my devotion. No mercenary consideration influences me.
+Love--admiration for your matchless beauty alone sways me. Let your
+father--if he chooses, leave all his wealth to his adopted son. I care
+not. Possessed of _you_, I shall have a treasure such as kings could not
+boast."
+
+"Pray cease this nonsense," said Winifred, "and quit the room, or I will
+call for assistance."
+
+At this juncture, the door opened, and Thames entered the room. As the
+woollen-draper's back was towards him, he did not perceive him, but
+continued his passionate addresses.
+
+"Call as you please, beloved girl," he cried, "I will not stir till I am
+answered. You say that you only love Captain Darrell as a brother--"
+
+"Mr. Kneebone!"
+
+"That you would not accept him were he to offer--"
+
+"Be silent, Sir."
+
+"He then," continued the woollen-draper, "is no longer considered--"
+
+"How, Sir?" cried Thames, advancing, "what is the meaning of your
+reference to my name? Have you dared to insult this lady? If so--"
+
+"Insult her!" replied Kneebone, rising, and endeavouring to hide his
+embarrassment under a look of defiance. "Far from, it, Sir. I have made
+her an honourable proposal of marriage, in compliance with the request
+of her lamented parent, whose memory--"
+
+"Dare to utter that falsehood in my hearing again, scoundrel,"
+interrupted Thames fiercely, "and I will put it out of your power to
+repeat the offence. Leave the room! leave the house, Sir! and enter it
+again at your peril."
+
+"I shall do neither, Sir," replied Kneebone, "unless I am requested by
+this lady to withdraw,--in which case I shall comply with her request.
+And you have to thank her presence, hot-headed boy, that I do not
+chastise your insolence as it deserves."
+
+"Go, Mr. Kneebone,--pray go!" implored Winifred. "Thames, I entreat--"
+
+"Your wishes are my laws, beloved, girl," replied Kneebone, bowing
+profoundly. "Captain Darren," he added, sternly, "you shall hear from
+me."
+
+"When you please, Sir," said Thames, coldly.
+
+And the woollen-draper departed.
+
+"What is all this, dear Winny?" inquired Thames, as soon as they were
+alone.
+
+"Nothing--nothing," she answered, bursting into tears. "Don't ask me
+about it now."
+
+"Winny," said Thames, tenderly, "something which that self-sufficient
+fool has said has so far done me a service in enabling me to speak upon
+a subject which I have long had upon my lips, but have not had courage
+to utter."
+
+"Thames!"
+
+"You seem to doubt my love," he continued,--"you seem to think that
+change of circumstances may produce some change in my affections. Hear
+me then, now, before I take one step to establish my origin, or secure
+my rights. Whatever those rights may be, whoever I am, my heart is
+yours. Do you accept it?"
+
+"Dear Thames!"
+
+"Forgive this ill-timed avowal of my love. But, answer me. Am I
+mistaken? Is your heart mine?"
+
+"It is--it is; and has ever been," replied Winifred, falling upon his
+neck.
+
+Lovers' confidences should be respected. We close the chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+Jack Sheppard warns Thames Darrell.
+
+
+On the following night--namely Monday,--the family assembled together,
+for the first time since the fatal event, in the chamber to which Thames
+had been introduced on his arrival at Dollis Hill. As this had been Mrs.
+Wood's favourite sitting-room, and her image was so intimately
+associated with it, neither the carpenter nor his daughter could muster
+courage to enter it before. Determined, however, to conquer the feeling
+as soon as possible, Wood had given orders to have the evening meal
+served there; but, notwithstanding all his good resolutions upon his
+first entrance, he had much ado to maintain his self-command. His wife's
+portrait had been removed from the walls, and the place it had occupied
+was only to be known by the cord by which it had been suspended. The
+very blank, however, affected him more deeply than if it had been left.
+Then a handkerchief was thrown over the cage, to prevent the bird from
+singing; it was _her_ favourite canary. The flowers upon the
+mantel-shelf were withered and drooping--_she_ had gathered them. All
+these circumstances,--slight in themselves, but powerful in their
+effect,--touched the heart of the widowed carpenter, and added to his
+depression.
+
+Supper was over. It had been discussed in silence. The cloth was
+removed, and Wood, drawing the table as near the window as possible--for
+it was getting dusk--put on his spectacles, and opened that sacred
+volume from which the best consolation in affliction is derived, and
+left the lovers--for such they may now be fairly termed--to their own
+conversation. Having already expressed our determination not to betray
+any confidences of this sort, which, however interesting to the parties
+concerned, could not possibly be so to others, we shall omit also the
+"love passages," and proceeding to such topics as may have general
+interest, take up the discourse at the point when Thames Darrell
+expressed his determination of starting for Manchester, as soon as Jack
+Sheppard's examination had taken place.
+
+"I am surprised we have received no summons for attendance to-day," he
+remarked; "perhaps the other robber may be secured."
+
+"Or Jack have escaped," remarked Winny.
+
+"I don't think that's likely. But, this sad affair disposed of, I will
+not rest till I have avenged my murdered parents."
+
+"'_The avenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer_'," said Wood,
+who was culling for himself certain texts from the scriptures.
+
+"It is the voice of inspiration," said Thames; "and I receive it as a
+solemn command. The villain has enjoyed his security too long."
+
+"'_Bloody and deceitful men shall not live half their days_'," said
+Wood, reading aloud another passage.
+
+"And yet, _he_ has been spared thus long; perhaps with a wise purpose,"
+rejoined Thames. "But, though the storm has spared him, _I_ will not."
+
+"'_No doubt_,'" said Wood, who had again turned over the leaves of the
+sacred volume--', "_no doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he
+escaped the seas, yet vengeance suffereth not to live_'."
+
+"No feelings of consanguinity shall stay my vengeance," said Thames,
+sternly. "I will have no satisfaction but his life."
+
+"'_Thou shalt take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer which is
+guilty of death, but he shall surely be put to death_'," said Wood
+referring to another text.
+
+"Do not steel your heart against him, dear Thames," interposed
+Winifred.
+
+"'_And thine eye shall not pity_,'" said her father, in a tone of
+rebuke, "'_but, life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth,
+hand for hand, foot for foot_.'"
+
+As these words were delivered by the carpenter with stern emphasis, a
+female servant entered the room, and stated that a gentleman was at the
+door, who wished to speak with Captain Darell on business of urgent
+importance.
+
+"With me?" said Thames. "Who is it?"
+
+"He didn't give his name, Sir," replied the maid; "but he's a young
+gentleman."
+
+"Don't go near him, dear Thames," said Winifred; "he may have some ill
+intention."
+
+"Pshaw!" cried Thames. "What! refuse to see a person who desires to
+speak with me. Say I will come to him."
+
+"Law! Miss," observed the maid, "there's nothing mischievous in the
+person's appearance, I'm sure. He's as nice and civil-spoken a gentleman
+as need be; by the same token," she added, in an under tone, "that he
+gave me a span new crown piece."
+
+"'_The thief cometh in the night, and the troop of robbers spoileth
+without_,'" said Wood, who had a text for every emergency.
+
+"Lor' ha' mussy, Sir!--how you _do_ talk," said the woman; "this is no
+robber, I'm sure. I should have known at a glance if it was. He's more
+like a lord than--"
+
+As she spoke, steps were heard approaching; the door was thrown open,
+and a young man marched boldly into the room.
+
+The intruder was handsomely, even richly, attired in a scarlet
+riding-suit, embroidered with gold; a broad belt, to which a hanger was
+attached, crossed his shoulders; his boots rose above his knee, and he
+carried a laced hat in his hand. Advancing to the middle of the chamber,
+he halted, drew himself up, and fixed his dark, expressive eyes, on
+Thames Darrell. His appearance excited the greatest astonishment and
+consternation amid the group. Winifred screamed. Thames sprang to his
+feet, and half drew his sword, while Wood, removing his spectacles to
+assure himself that his eyes did not deceive him, exclaimed in a tone
+and with a look that betrayed the extremity of surprise--"Jack
+Sheppard!"
+
+"Jack Sheppard!" echoed the maid. "Is this Jack Sheppard? Oh, la! I'm
+undone! We shall all have our throats cut! Oh! oh!" And she rushed,
+screaming, into the passage where she fell down in a fit.
+
+The occasion of all this confusion and dismay, meanwhile, remained
+perfectly motionless; his figure erect, and with somewhat of dignity in
+his demeanour. He kept his keen eyes steadily fixed on Thames, as if
+awaiting to be addressed.
+
+"Your audacity passes belief," cried the latter, as soon as his surprise
+would allow him utterance. "If you have contrived to break out of your
+confinement, villain, this is the last place where you ought to show
+yourself."
+
+"And, therefore, the first I would visit," replied Jack, boldly. "But,
+pardon my intrusion. I was _resolved_ to see you. And, fearing you might
+not come to me, I forced my way hither, even with certainty of
+discomposing your friends."
+
+"Well, villain!" replied Thames, "I know not the motive of your visit.
+But, if you have come to surrender yourself to justice, it is well. You
+cannot depart hence."
+
+"Cannot?" echoed Jack, a slight smile crossing his features. "But, let
+that pass. My motive in coming hither is to serve you, and save your
+life. If you choose to requite me by detaining me, you are at liberty to
+do so. I shall make no defence. That I am not ignorant of the reward
+offered for my capture this will show," he added, taking a large placard
+headed '_Murder_' from his pocket, and throwing it on the floor. "My
+demeanour ought to convince you that I came with no hostile intention.
+And, to show you that I have no intention of flying, I will myself close
+and lock the door. There is the key. Are you now satisfied?"
+
+"No," interposed Wood, furiously, "I shall never be satisfied till I
+see you hanged on the highest gibbet at Tyburn."
+
+"A time may come when you will be gratified, Mr. Wood," replied Jack,
+calmly.
+
+"May come!--it _will_ come!--it _shall_ come!" cried the carpenter,
+shaking his hand menacingly at him. "I have some difficulty in
+preventing myself from becoming your executioner. Oh! that I should have
+nursed such a viper!"
+
+"Hear me, Sir," said Jack.
+
+"No, I won't hear you, murderer," rejoined Wood.
+
+"I am no murderer," replied Sheppard. "I had no thought of injuring your
+wife, and would have died rather than commit so foul a crime."
+
+"Think not to delude me, audacious wretch," cried the carpenter. "Even
+if you are not a principal, you are an accessory. If you had not brought
+your companion here, it would not have happened. But you shall swing,
+rascal,--you shall swing."
+
+"My conscience acquits me of all share in the offence," replied Jack,
+humbly. "But the past is irremediable, and I did not come hither to
+exculpate myself, I came to save _your_ life," he added, turning to
+Thames.
+
+"I was not aware it was in danger," rejoined Darrell.
+
+"Then you ought to be thankful to me for the warning. You _are_ in
+danger."
+
+"From some of your associates?"
+
+"From your uncle, from _my_ uncle,--Sir Rowland Trenchard."
+
+"What means this idle boasting, villain?" said Thames. "_Your_ uncle,
+Sir Rowland?"
+
+"It is no idle boasting," replied the other. "You are cousin to the
+housebreaker, Jack Sheppard."
+
+"If it were so, he would have great reason to be proud of the
+relationship, truly," observed Wood, shrugging his shoulders.
+
+"It is easy to make an assertion like this," said Thames,
+contemptuously.
+
+"And equally easy to prove it," replied Jack, giving him the paper he
+had abstracted from Wild. "Read that."
+
+Thames hastily cast his eyes over it, and transferred it, with a look
+of incredulity, to Wood.
+
+"Gracious Heavens! this is more wonderful than all the rest," cried the
+carpenter, rubbing his eyes. "Thames, this is no forgery."
+
+"You believe it, father?"
+
+"From the bottom of my heart. I always thought Mrs. Sheppard superior to
+her station."
+
+"So did I," said Winifred. "Let me look at the paper."
+
+"Poor soul!--poor soul!" groaned Wood, brushing the tears from his
+vision. "Well, I'm glad she's spared this. Oh! Jack, Jack, you've much
+to answer for!"
+
+"I have, indeed," replied Sheppard, in a tone of contrition.
+
+"If this document is correct," continued Wood, "and I am persuaded it is
+so,--you are as unfortunate as wicked. See what your misconduct has
+deprived you of--see what you might have been. This is retribution."
+
+"I feel it," replied Jack, in a tone of agony, "and I feel it more on my
+poor mother's account than my own."
+
+"She has suffered enough for you," said Wood.
+
+"She has, she has," said Jack, in a broken voice.
+
+"Weep on, reprobate," cried the carpenter, a little softened. "Those
+tears will do you good."
+
+"Do not distress him, dear father," said Winifred; "he suffers deeply.
+Oh, Jack! repent, while it is yet time, of your evil conduct. I will
+pray for you."
+
+"I cannot repent,--I cannot pray," replied Jack, recovering his hardened
+demeanour. "I should never have been what I am, but for you."
+
+"How so?" inquired Winifred.
+
+"I loved you," replied Jack,--"don't start--it is over now--I loved you,
+I say, as a boy. _hopelessly_, and it made me desperate. And now I find,
+when it is too late, that I _might_ have deserved you--that I am as well
+born as Thames Darrell. But I mustn't think of these things, or I shall
+grow mad. I have said your life is in danger, Thames. Do not slight my
+warning. Sir Rowland Trenchard is aware of your return to England. I saw
+him last night at Jonathan Wild's, after my escape from the New Prison.
+He had just arrived from Manchester, whence he had been summoned by that
+treacherous thief-taker. I overheard them planning your assassination.
+It is to take place to-night."
+
+"O Heavens!" screamed Winifred, while her father lifted up his hands in
+silent horror.
+
+"And when I further tell you," continued Jack, "that, after yourself and
+my mother, _I_ am the next heir to the estates of my grandfather, Sir
+Montacute Trenchard, you will perhaps own that my caution is
+sufficiently disinterested."
+
+"Could I credit your wild story, I might do so," returned Thames, with a
+look of perplexity.
+
+"Here are Jonathan Wild's written instructions to Quilt Arnold,"
+rejoined Sheppard, producing the pocket-book he had found in the
+janizary's clothes. "This letter will vouch for me that a communication
+has taken place between your enemies."
+
+Thames glanced at the despatch, and, after a moment's reflection,
+inquired, "In what way is the attempt upon my life to be made?"
+
+"That I couldn't ascertain," replied Jack; "but I advise you to be upon
+your guard. For aught I know, they may be in the neighbourhood at this
+moment."
+
+"Here!" ejaculated Wood, with a look of alarm. "Oh lord! I hope not."
+
+"This I do know," continued Jack,--"Jonathan Wild superintends the
+attack."
+
+"Jonathan Wild!" repeated the carpenter, trembling. "Then it's all over
+with us. Oh dear!--how sorry I am I ever left Wych Street. We may be all
+murdered in this unprotected place, and nobody be the wiser."
+
+"There's some one in the garden at this moment," cried Jack; "I saw a
+face at the window."
+
+"Where--where?" cried Thames.
+
+"Don't stir," replied Jack. "I will at once convince you of the truth of
+my assertions, and ascertain whether the enemy really is at hand."
+
+So saying, he advanced towards the window, threw open the sash, and
+called out in the voice of Thames Darrell, "Who's there?"
+
+He was answered by a shot from a pistol. The ball passed over his head,
+and lodged in the ceiling.
+
+"I was right," replied Jack, returning as coolly as if nothing had
+happened. "It is Jonathan. Your uncle--_our_ uncle is with him. I saw
+them both."
+
+"May I trust you?" cried Thames, eagerly.
+
+"You may," replied Jack: "I'll fight for you to the last gasp."
+
+"Follow me, then," cried Thames, drawing his sword, and springing
+through the window.
+
+"To the world's end," answered Jack, darting after him.
+
+"Thames!--Thames!" cried Winifred, rushing to the window. "He will be
+murdered!--Help!"
+
+"My child!--my love!" cried Wood, dragging her forcibly back.
+
+Two shots were fired, and presently the clashing of swords was heard
+below.
+
+After some time, the scuffle grew more and more distant, until nothing
+could be heard.
+
+Wood, meanwhile, had summoned his men-servants, and having armed them
+with such weapons as could be found, they proceeded to the garden, where
+the first object they encountered was Thames Darrell, extended on the
+ground, and weltering in his blood. Of Jack Sheppard or the assailants
+they could not discover a single trace.
+
+As the body was borne to the house in the arms of the farming-men, Mr.
+Wood fancied he heard the exulting laugh of Jonathan Wild.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Old Bedlam.
+
+
+When Thames Darrell and Jack Sheppard sprang through the window, they
+were instantly assailed by Wild, Trenchard, and their attendants. Jack
+attacked Jonathan with such fury, that he drove him into a shrubbery,
+and might perhaps have come off the victor, if his foot had not slipped
+as he made a desperate lunge. In this state it would have been all over
+with him, as, being stunned by the fall, it was some moments before he
+could recover himself, if another party had not unexpectedly come to his
+rescue. This was Blueskin, who burst through the trees, and sword in
+hand assaulted the thief-taker. As soon as Jack gained his legs, he
+perceived Blueskin lying, as he thought, dead in the plantation, with a
+severe cut across his temples, and while he was stooping to assist him,
+he heard groans at a little distance. Hastening in the direction of the
+sound, he discovered Thames Darrell, stretched upon the ground.
+
+"Are you hurt, Thames?" asked Jack, anxiously.
+
+"Not dangerously, I hope," returned Thames; "but fly--save yourself."
+
+"Where are the assassins?" cried Sheppard.
+
+"Gone," replied the wounded man. "They imagine their work is done. But I
+may yet live to thwart them."
+
+"I will carry you to the house, or fetch Mr. Wood," urged Jack.
+
+"No, no," rejoined Thames; "fly--or I will not answer for your safety.
+If you desire to please me, you will go."
+
+"And leave you thus?" rejoined Jack. "I cannot do it."
+
+"Go, I insist," cried Thames, "or take the consequences upon yourself. I
+cannot protect you."
+
+Thus urged, Jack reluctantly departed. Hastening to the spot where he
+had tied his horse to a tree, he vaulted into the saddle, and rode off
+across the fields,--for he was fearful of encountering the hostile
+party,--till he reached the Edgeware Road. Arrived at Paddington, he
+struck across Marylebone Fields,--for as yet the New Road was undreamed
+of,--and never moderated his speed until he reached the city. His
+destination was the New Mint. At this place of refuge, situated in the
+heart of Wapping, near the river-side, he arrived in less than an hour,
+in a complete state of exhaustion.
+
+In consequence of the infamous abuse of its liberties, an act for the
+entire suppression of the Old Mint was passed in the ninth year of the
+reign of George the First, not many months before the date of the
+present epoch of this history; and as, after the destruction of
+Whitefriars, which took place in the reign of Charles the Second, owing
+to the protection afforded by its inmates to the Levellers and
+Fifth-monarchy-men, when the inhabitants of Alsatia crossed the water,
+and settled themselves in the borough of Southwark,--so now, driven out
+of their fastnesses, they again migrated, and recrossing the Thames,
+settled in Wapping, in a miserable quarter between Artichoke Lane and
+Nightingale Lane, which they termed the New Mint. Ousted from his old
+retreat, the Cross Shovels, Baptist Kettleby opened another tavern,
+conducted upon the same plan as the former, which he denominated the
+Seven Cities of Refuge. His subjects, however, were no longer entirely
+under his control; and, though he managed to enforce some little
+attention to his commands, it was evident his authority was waning fast.
+Aware that they would not be allowed to remain long unmolested, the New
+Minters conducted themselves so outrageously, and with such
+extraordinary insolence, that measures were at this time being taken for
+their effectual suppression.
+
+To the Seven Cities of Refuge Jack proceeded. Having disposed of his
+steed and swallowed a glass of brandy, without taking any other
+refreshment, he threw himself on a couch, where he sank at once into a
+heavy slumber. When he awoke it was late in the day, and he was
+surprised to find Blueskin seated by his bed-side, watching over him
+with a drawn sword on his knee, a pistol in each hand, and a
+blood-stained cloth bound across his brow.
+
+"Don't disturb yourself," said his follower, motioning him to keep
+still; "it's all right."
+
+"What time is it?" inquired Jack.
+
+"Past noon," replied Blueskin. "I didn't awake you, because you seemed
+tired."
+
+"How did you escape?" asked Sheppard, who, as he shook off his slumber,
+began to recall the events of the previous night.
+
+"Oh, easily enough," rejoined the other. "I suppose I must have been
+senseless for some time; for, on coming to myself, I found this gash in
+my head, and the ground covered with blood. However, no one had
+discovered me, so I contrived to drag myself to my horse. I thought if
+you were living, and not captured, I should find you here,--and I was
+right. I kept watch over you, for fear of a surprise on the part of
+Jonathan. But what's to be done?"
+
+"The first thing I do," replied Jack, "will be to visit my poor mother
+in Bedlam."
+
+"You'd better take care of your mother's son instead," rejoined
+Blueskin. "It's runnin' a great risk."
+
+"Risk, or no risk, I shall go," replied Jack. "Jonathan has threatened
+to do her some mischief. I am resolved to see her, without delay, and
+ascertain if it's possible to remove her."
+
+"It's a hopeless job," grumbled Blueskin, "and harm will come of it.
+What are you to do with a mad mother at a time when you need all your
+wits to take care of yourself?"
+
+"Don't concern yourself further about me," returned Jack. "Once for all,
+I shall go."
+
+"Won't you take me?"
+
+"No; you must await my return here."
+
+"Then I must wait a long time," grumbled Blueskin. "You'll never
+return."
+
+"We shall see," replied Jack. "But, if I should _not_ return, take this
+purse to Edgeworth Bess. You'll find her at Black Mary's Hole."
+
+And, having partaken of a hasty breakfast, he set out. Taking his way
+along East Smithfield, mounting Little Tower-hill, and threading the
+Minories and Hounsditch, he arrived without accident or molestation, at
+Moorfields.
+
+Old Bethlehem, or Bedlam,--every trace of which has been swept away, and
+the hospital for lunatics removed to Saint George's Field,--was a vast
+and magnificent structure. Erected in Moorfields in 1675, upon the model
+of the Tuileries, it is said that Louis the Fourteenth was so incensed
+at the insult offered to his palace, that he had a counterpart of St.
+James's built for offices of the meanest description. The size and
+grandeur of the edifice, indeed, drew down the ridicule of several of
+the wits of the age: by one of whom--the facetious Tom Brown--it was
+said, "Bedlam is a pleasant place, and abounds with amusements;--the
+first of which is the building, so stately a fabric for persons wholly
+insensible of the beauty and use of it: the outside being a perfect
+mockery of the inside, and admitting of two amusing queries,--Whether
+the persons that ordered the building of it, or those that inhabit it,
+were the maddest? and, whether the name and thing be not as disagreeable
+as harp and harrow." By another--the no less facetious Ned Ward--it was
+termed, "A costly college for a crack-brained society, raised in a mad
+age, when the chiefs of the city were in a great danger of losing their
+senses, and so contrived it the more noble for their own reception; or
+they would never have flung away so much money to so foolish a purpose."
+The cost of the building exceeded seventeen thousand pounds. However the
+taste of the architecture may be questioned, which was the formal French
+style of the period, the general effect was imposing. Including the
+wings, it presented a frontage of five hundred and forty feet. Each wing
+had a small cupola; and, in the centre of the pile rose a larger dome,
+surmounted by a gilded ball and vane. The asylum was approached by a
+broad gravel walk, leading through a garden edged on either side by a
+stone balustrade, and shaded by tufted trees. A wide terrace then led to
+large iron gates,' over which were placed the two celebrated figures of
+Raving and Melancholy Madness, executed by the elder Cibber, and
+commemorated by Pope in the Dunciad, in the well-known lines:--
+
+    "Close to those walls where Folly holds her throne,
+    And laughs to think Monroe would take her down,
+    Where, o'er the gates, by his famed father's hand,
+    _Great Cibber's brazen, brainless brothers stand_."
+
+Internally, it was divided by two long galleries, one over the other.
+These galleries were separated in the middle by iron grates. The wards
+on the right were occupied by male patients, on the left by the female.
+In the centre of the upper gallery was a spacious saloon, appropriated
+to the governors of the asylum. But the besetting evil of the place, and
+that which drew down the severest censures of the writers
+above-mentioned, was that this spot,--which of all others should have
+been most free from such intrusion--was made a public exhibition. There
+all the loose characters thronged, assignations were openly made, and
+the spectators diverted themselves with the vagaries of its miserable
+inhabitants.
+
+Entering the outer gate, and traversing the broad gravel walk
+before-mentioned, Jack ascended the steps, and was admitted, on feeing
+the porter, by another iron gate, into the hospital. Here he was almost
+stunned by the deafening clamour resounding on all sides. Some of the
+lunatics were rattling their chains; some shrieking; some singing; some
+beating with frantic violence against the doors. Altogether, it was the
+most dreadful noise he had ever heard. Amidst it all, however, there
+were several light-hearted and laughing groups walking from cell to cell
+to whom all this misery appeared matter of amusement. The doors of
+several of the wards were thrown open for these parties, and as Jack
+passed, he could not help glancing at the wretched inmates. Here was a
+poor half-naked creature, with a straw crown on his head, and a wooden
+sceptre in his hand, seated on the ground with all the dignity of a
+monarch on his throne. There was a mad musician, seemingly rapt in
+admiration of the notes he was extracting from a child's violin. Here
+was a terrific figure gnashing his teeth, and howling like a wild
+beast;--there a lover, with hands clasped together and eyes turned
+passionately upward. In this cell was a huntsman, who had fractured his
+skull while hunting, and was perpetually hallooing after the hounds;--in
+that, the most melancholy of all, the grinning gibbering lunatic, the
+realization of "moody madness, laughing wild."
+
+Hastening from this heart-rending spectacle, Jack soon reached the
+grating that divided the men's compartment from that appropriated to the
+women. Inquiring for Mrs. Sheppard, a matron offered to conduct him to
+her cell.
+
+"You'll find her quiet enough to-day, Sir," observed the woman, as they
+walked along; "but she has been very outrageous latterly. Her nurse says
+she may live some time; but she seems to me to be sinking fast."
+
+"Heaven help her!" sighed Jack. "I hope not."
+
+"Her release would be a mercy," pursued the matron. "Oh! Sir, if you'd
+seen her as I've seen her, you'd not wish her a continuance of misery."
+
+As Jack made no reply, the woman proceeded.
+
+"They say her son's taken at last, and is to be hanged. I'm glad of it,
+I'm sure; for it's all owing to him his poor mother's here. See what
+crime does, Sir. Those who act wickedly bring misery on all connected
+with them. And so gentle as the poor creature is, when she's not in her
+wild fits--it would melt a heart of stone to see her. She will cry for
+days and nights together. If Jack Sheppard could behold his mother in
+this state, he'd have a lesson he'd never forget--ay, and a severer one
+than even the hangman could read him. Hardened as he may be, that would
+touch him. But he has never been near her--never."
+
+Rambling in this way, the matron at length came to a halt, and taking
+out a key, pointed to a door and said, "This is Mrs. Sheppard's ward,
+Sir."
+
+"Leave us together, my good woman," said Jack, putting a guinea into her
+hand.
+
+"As long as you please, Sir," answered the matron, dropping a curtsey.
+"There, Sir," she added, unlocking the door, "you can go in. Don't be
+frightened of her. She's not mischievous--and besides she's chained, and
+can't reach you."
+
+So saying, she retired, and Jack entered the cell.
+
+Prepared as he was for a dreadful shock, and with his nerves strung to
+endure it, Jack absolutely recoiled before the appalling object that met
+his gaze. Cowering in a corner upon a heap of straw sat his unfortunate
+mother, the complete wreck of what she had been. Her eyes glistened in
+the darkness--for light was only admitted through a small grated
+window--like flames, and, as she fixed them on him, their glances seemed
+to penetrate his very soul. A piece of old blanket was fastened across
+her shoulders, and she had no other clothing except a petticoat. Her
+arms and feet were uncovered, and of almost skeleton thinness. Her
+features were meagre, and ghastly white, and had the fixed and horrible
+stamp of insanity. Her head had been shaved, and around it was swathed a
+piece of rag, in which a few straws were stuck. Her thin fingers were
+armed with nails as long as the talons of a bird. A chain, riveted to an
+iron belt encircling her waist, bound her to the wall. The cell in which
+she was confined was about six feet long and four wide; the walls were
+scored all over with fantastic designs, snatches of poetry, short
+sentences and names,--the work of its former occupants, and of its
+present inmate.
+
+When Jack entered the cell, she was talking to herself in the muttering
+unconnected way peculiar to her distracted condition; but, after her eye
+had rested on him some time, the fixed expression of her features
+relaxed, and a smile crossed them. This smile was more harrowing even
+than her former rigid look.
+
+"You are an angel," she cried, with a look beaming with delight.
+
+"Rather a devil," groaned her son, "to have done this."
+
+"You are an angel, I say," continued the poor maniac; "and my Jack would
+have been like you, if he had lived. But he died when he was a
+child--long ago--long ago--long ago."
+
+"Would he had done so!" cried Jack.
+
+"Old Van told me if he grew up he would be hanged. He showed me a black
+mark under his ear, where the noose would be tied. And so I'll tell you
+what I did--"
+
+And she burst into a laugh that froze Jack's blood in his veins.
+
+"What did you do?" he asked, in a broken voice.
+
+"I strangled him--ha! ha! ha!--strangled him while he was at my
+breast--ha! ha!"--And then with a sudden and fearful change of look, she
+added, "That's what has driven me mad, I killed my child to save him
+from the gallows--oh! oh! One man hanged in a family is enough. If I'd
+not gone mad, they would have hanged me."
+
+"Poor soul!" ejaculated her son.
+
+"I'll tell you a dream I had last night," continued the unfortunate
+being. "I was at Tyburn. There was a gallows erected, and a great mob
+round it--thousands of people, and all with white faces like corpses. In
+the midst of them there was a cart with a man in it--and that man was
+Jack--my son Jack--they were going to hang him. And opposite to him,
+with a book in his hand,--but it couldn't be a prayer-book,--sat
+Jonathan Wild, in a parson's cassock and band. I knew him in spite of
+his dress. And when they came to the gallows, Jack leaped out of the
+cart, and the hangman tied up Jonathan instead--ha! ha! How the mob
+shouted and huzzaed--and I shouted too--ha! ha! ha!"
+
+"Mother!" cried Jack, unable to endure this agonizing scene longer.
+"Don't you know me, mother?"
+
+"Ah!" shrieked Mrs. Sheppard. "What's that?--Jack's voice!"
+
+"It is," replied her son.
+
+"The ceiling is breaking! the floor is opening! he is coming to me!"
+cried the unhappy woman.
+
+"He stands before you," rejoined her son.
+
+"Where?" she cried. "I can't see him. Where is he?"
+
+"Here," answered Jack.
+
+"Are you his ghost, then?"
+
+"No--no," answered Jack. "I am your most unhappy son."
+
+"Let me touch you, then; let me feel if you are really flesh and blood,"
+cried the poor maniac, creeping towards him on all fours.
+
+Jack did not advance to meet her. He could not move; but stood like one
+stupified, with his hands clasped together, and eyes almost starting out
+of their sockets, fixed upon his unfortunate parent.
+
+"Come to me!" cried the poor maniac, who had crawled as far as the chain
+would permit her,--"come to me!" she cried, extending her thin arm
+towards him.
+
+Jack fell on his knees beside her.
+
+"Who are you?" inquired Mrs. Sheppard, passing her hands over his face,
+and gazing at him with a look that made him shudder.
+
+"Your son," replied Jack,--"your miserable, repentant son."
+
+"It is false," cried Mrs. Sheppard. "You are not. Jack was not half your
+age when he died. They buried him in Willesden churchyard after the
+robbery."
+
+"Oh, God!" cried Jack, "she does not know me. Mother--dear mother!" he
+added, clasping her in his arms, "Look at me again."
+
+"Off!" she exclaimed, breaking from his embrace with a scream. "Don't
+touch me. I'll be quiet. I'll not speak of Jack or Jonathan. I won't dig
+their graves with my nails. Don't strip me quite. Leave me my blanket!
+I'm very cold at night. Or, if you must take off my clothes, don't dash
+cold water on my head. It throbs cruelly."
+
+"Horror!" cried Jack.
+
+"Don't scourge me," she cried, trying to hide herself in the farthest
+corner of the cell. "The lash cuts to the bone. I can't bear it. Spare
+me, and I'll be quiet--quiet--quiet!"
+
+"Mother!" said Jack, advancing towards her.
+
+"Off!" she cried with a prolonged and piercing shriek. And she buried
+herself beneath the straw, which she tossed above her head with the
+wildest gestures.
+
+"I shall kill her if I stay longer," muttered her son, completely
+terrified.
+
+While he was considering what would be best to do, the poor maniac, over
+whose bewildered brain another change had come, raised her head from
+under the straw, and peeping round the room, asked in a low voice, "If
+they were gone?"
+
+"Who?" inquired Jack.
+
+"The nurses," she answered.
+
+"Do they treat you ill?" asked her son.
+
+"Hush!" she said, putting her lean fingers to her lips. "Hush!--come
+hither, and I'll tell you."
+
+Jack approached her.
+
+"Sit beside me," continued Mrs. Sheppard. "And, now I'll tell you what
+they do. Stop! we must shut the door, or they'll catch us. See!" she
+added, tearing the rag from her head,--"I had beautiful black hair once.
+But they cut it all off."
+
+"I shall go mad myself if I listen to her longer," said Jack, attempting
+to rise. "I must go."
+
+"Don't stir, or they'll chain you to the wall," said his mother
+detaining him. "Now, tell me why they brought you here?"
+
+"I came to see you, dear mother!" answered Jack.
+
+"Mother!" she echoed,--"mother! why do you call me by that name?"
+
+"Because you are my mother."
+
+"What!" she exclaimed, staring eagerly in his face. "Are you my son? Are
+you Jack?"
+
+"I am," replied Jack. "Heaven be praised she knows me at last."
+
+"Oh, Jack!" cried his mother, falling upon his neck, and covering him
+with kisses.
+
+"Mother--dear mother!" said Jack, bursting into tears.
+
+"You will never leave me," sobbed the poor woman, straining him to her
+breast.
+
+"Never--never!"
+
+The words were scarcely pronounced, when the door was violently thrown
+open, and two men appeared at it. They were Jonathan Wild and Quilt
+Arnold.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Jack, starting to his feet.
+
+"Just in time," said the thief-taker. "You are my prisoner, Jack."
+
+"You shall take my life first," rejoined Sheppard.
+
+And, as he was about to put himself into a posture of defence, his
+mother clasped him in her arms.
+
+"They shall not harm you, my love!" she exclaimed.
+
+The movement was fatal to her son. Taking advantage of his embarrassed
+position, Jonathan and his assistant rushed upon him, and disarmed him.
+
+"Thank you, Mrs. Sheppard," cried the thief-taker, as he slipped a pair
+of handcuffs over Jack's wrists, "for the help you have given us in
+capturing your son. Without you, we might have had some trouble."
+
+Aware apparently in some degree, of the mistake she had committed, the
+poor maniac sprang towards him with frantic violence, and planted her
+long nails in his cheek.
+
+"Keep off, you accursed jade!" roared Jonathan, "--off, I say, or--" And
+he struck her a violent blow with his clenched hand.
+
+The miserable woman staggered, uttered a deep groan, and fell senseless
+on the straw.
+
+"Devil!" cried Jack; "that blow shall cost you your life."
+
+"It'll not need to be repeated, at all events," rejoined Jonathan,
+looking with a smile of malignant satisfaction at the body. "And,
+now,--to Newgate."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Old Newgate.
+
+
+At the beginning of the twelfth century,--whether in the reign of Henry
+the First, or Stephen is uncertain,--a fifth gate was added to the four
+principal entrances of the city of London; then, it is almost needless
+to say, surrounded by ramparts, moats, and other defences. This gate,
+called _Newgate_, "as being latelier builded than the rest," continued,
+for upwards of three hundred years, to be used as a place of
+imprisonment for felons and trespassers; at the end of which time,
+having grown old, ruinous, and "horribly loathsome," it was rebuilt and
+enlarged by the executors of the renowned Sir Richard Whittington, the
+Lord Mayor of London: whence it afterwards obtained amongst a certain
+class of students, whose examinations were conducted with some
+strictness at the Old Bailey, and their highest degrees taken at
+Hyde-park-corner, the appellation of Whittington's College, or, more
+briefly, the Whit. It may here be mentioned that this gate, destined to
+bequeath its name--a name, which has since acquired a terrible
+significance,--to every successive structure erected upon its site, was
+granted, in 1400, by charter by Henry the Sixth to the citizens of
+London, in return for their royal services, and thenceforth became the
+common jail to that city and the county of Middlesex. Nothing material
+occurred to Newgate, until the memorable year 1666, when it was utterly
+destroyed by the Great Fire. It is with the building raised after this
+direful calamity that our history has to deal.
+
+Though by no means so extensive or commodious as the modern prison, Old
+Newgate was a large and strongly-built pile. The body of the edifice
+stood on the south side of Newgate Street, and projected at the western
+extremity far into the area opposite Saint Sepulchre's Church. One small
+wing lay at the north of the gate, where Giltspur Street Compter now
+stands; and the Press Yard, which was detached from the main building,
+was situated at the back of Phoenix Court. The south or principal front,
+looking, _down_ the Old Bailey, and not _upon it_, as is the case of the
+present structure, with its massive walls of roughened freestone,--in
+some places darkened by the smoke, in others blanched, by exposure to
+the weather,--its heavy projecting cornice, its unglazed doubly-grated
+windows, its gloomy porch decorated with fetters, and defended by an
+enormous iron door, had a stern and striking effect. Over the Lodge,
+upon a dial was inscribed the appropriate motto, "_Venio sicut fur_."
+The Gate, which crossed Newgate Street, had a wide arch for carriages,
+and a postern, on the north side, for foot-passengers. Its architecture
+was richly ornamental, and resembled the style of a triumphal entrance
+to a capital, rather than a dungeon having battlements and hexagonal
+towers, and being adorned on the western side with a triple range of
+pilasters of the Tuscan order, amid the intercolumniations of which were
+niches embellished with statues. The chief of these was a figure of
+Liberty, with a cat at her feet, in allusion to the supposed origin of
+the fortunes of its former founder, Sir Richard Whittington. On the
+right of the postern against the wall was affixed a small grating,
+sustaining the debtor's box; and any pleasure which the passer-by might
+derive from contemplating the splendid structure above described was
+damped at beholding the pale faces and squalid figures of the captives
+across the bars of its strongly-grated windows. Some years after the
+date of this history, an immense ventilator was placed at the top of the
+Gate, with the view of purifying the prison, which, owing to its
+insufficient space and constantly-crowded state, was never free from
+that dreadful and contagious disorder, now happily unknown, the
+jail-fever. So frightful, indeed, were the ravages of this malady, to
+which debtors and felons were alike exposed, that its miserable victims
+were frequently carried out by cart-loads, and thrown into a pit in the
+burial-ground of Christ-church, without ceremony.
+
+Old Newgate was divided into three separate prisons,--the Master's Side,
+the Common Side, and the Press Yard. The first of these, situated a the
+south of the building, with the exception of one ward over the gateway,
+was allotted to the better class of debtors, whose funds enabled them to
+defray their chamber-rent, fees, and garnish. The second, comprising the
+bulk of the jail, and by many degrees worse in point of accommodation,
+having several dismal and noisome wards under ground, was common both to
+debtors and malefactors,--an association little favourable to the morals
+or comforts of the former, who, if they were brought there with any
+notions of honesty, seldom left with untainted principles. The last,--in
+all respects the best and airiest of the three, standing, as has been
+before observed, in Phoenix Court, at the rear of the main fabric,--was
+reserved for state-offenders, and such persons as chose to submit to the
+extortionate demands of the keeper: from twenty to five hundred pounds
+premium, according to the rank and means of the applicant, in addition
+to a high weekly rent, being required for accommodation in this quarter.
+Some excuse for this rapacity may perhaps be found in the fact, that
+five thousand pounds was paid for the purchase of the Press Yard by Mr.
+Pitt, the then governor of Newgate. This gentleman, tried for high
+treason, in 1716, on suspicion of aiding Mr. Forster, the rebel
+general's escape, but acquitted, reaped a golden harvest during the
+occupation of his premises by the Preston rebels, when a larger sum was
+obtained for a single chamber than (in the words of a sufferer on the
+occasion) "would have paid the rent of the best house in Saint James's
+Square or Piccadilly for several years."
+
+Nor was this all. Other, and more serious impositions, inasmuch as they
+affected a poorer class of persons, were practised by the underlings of
+the jail. On his first entrance, a prisoner, if unable or unwilling to
+comply with the exactions of the turnkeys, was thrust into the Condemned
+Hold with the worst description of criminals, and terrified by threats
+into submission. By the old regulations, the free use of strong liquors
+not being interdicted, a tap-house was kept in the Lodge, and also in a
+cellar on the Common Side,--under the superintendence of Mrs. Spurling,
+formerly, it may be remembered, the hostess of the Dark House at
+Queenhithe,--whence wine, ale, and brandy of inferior quality were
+dispensed, in false measures, and at high prices, throughout the prison,
+which in noise and debauchery rivalled, if it did not surpass, the
+lowest tavern.
+
+The chief scene of these disgusting orgies,--the cellar, just referred
+to,--was a large low-roofed vault, about four feet below the level of
+the street, perfectly dark, unless when illumined by a roaring fire, and
+candles stuck in pyramidal lumps of clay, with a range of butts and
+barrels at one end, and benches and tables at the other, where the
+prisoners, debtors, and malefactors male and female, assembled as long
+as their money lasted, and consumed the time in drinking, smoking, and
+gaming with cards and dice. Above was a spacious hall, connected with it
+by a flight of stone steps, at the further end of which stood an immense
+grated door, called in the slang of the place "The Jigger," through the
+bars of which the felons in the upper wards were allowed to converse
+with their friends, or if they wished to enter the room, or join the
+revellers below, they were at liberty to do so, on payment of a small
+fine. Thus, the same system of plunder was everywhere carried on. The
+jailers robbed the prisoners: the prisoners robbed one another.
+
+Two large wards were situated in the Gate; one of which, the Stone Ward,
+appropriated to the master debtors, looked towards Holborn; the other
+called the Stone Hall, from a huge stone standing in the middle of it,
+upon which the irons of criminals under sentence of death were knocked
+off previously to their being taken to the place of execution, faced
+Newgate Street. Here the prisoners took exercise; and a quaint, but
+striking picture has been left of their appearance when so engaged, by
+the author of the English Rogue. "At my first being acquainted with the
+place," says this writer, in the 'Miseries of a Prison,' "the prisoners,
+methought, walking up and down the Stone Hall, looked like so many
+wrecks upon the sea. Here the ribs of a thousand pounds beating against
+the Needles--those dangerous rocks, credulity here floated, to and fro,
+silks, stuffs, camlets, and velvet, without giving place to each other,
+according to their dignity; here rolled so many pipes of canary, whose
+bungholes lying open, were so damaged that the merchant may go hoop for
+his money," A less picturesque, but more truthful, and, therefore, more
+melancholy description of the same scene, is furnished by the shrewd and
+satirical Ned Ward, who informs us, in the "Delectable History of
+Whittington's College," that "When the prisoners are disposed to
+recreate themselves with walking, they go up into a spacious room,
+called the Stone Hall; where, when you see them taking a turn together,
+it would puzzle one to know which is the gentleman, which the mechanic,
+and which the beggar, for they are all suited in the same garb of
+squalid poverty, making a spectacle of more pity than executions; only
+to be out at the elbows is in fashion here, and a great indecorum not to
+be threadbare."
+
+In an angle of the Stone Hall was the Iron Hold, a chamber containing a
+vast assortment of fetters and handcuffs of all weights and sizes. Four
+prisoners, termed "The Partners," had charge of this hold. Their duty
+was to see who came in, or went out; to lock up, and open the different
+wards; to fetter such prisoners as were ordered to be placed in irons;
+to distribute the allowances of provision; and to maintain some show of
+decorum; for which latter purpose they were allowed to carry whips and
+truncheons. When any violent outrage was committed,--and such matters
+were of daily, sometimes hourly, occurrence,--a bell, the rope of which
+descended into the hall, brought the whole of the turnkeys to their
+assistance. A narrow passage at the north of the Stone Hall led to the
+Bluebeard's room of this enchanted castle, a place shunned even by the
+reckless crew who were compelled to pass it. It was a sort of
+cooking-room, with an immense fire-place flanked by a couple of
+cauldrons, and was called Jack Ketch's Kitchen, because the quarters of
+persons executed for treason were there boiled by the hangman in oil,
+pitch, and tar, before they were affixed on the city gates, or on London
+Bridge. Above this revolting spot was the female debtor's ward; below it
+a gloomy cell, called Tangier; and, lower still, the Stone Hold, a most
+terrible and noisome dungeon, situated underground, and unvisited by a
+single ray of daylight. Built and paved with stone, without beds, or any
+other sort of protection from the cold, this dreadful hole, accounted
+the most dark and dismal in the prison, was made the receptacle of such
+miserable wretches as could not pay the customary fees. Adjoining it was
+the Lower Ward,--"Though, in what degree of latitude it was situated,"
+observes Ned Ward, "I cannot positively demonstrate, unless it lay
+ninety degrees beyond the North Pole; for, instead of being dark there
+but half a year, it is dark all the year round." It was only a shade
+better than the Stone Hold. Here were imprisoned the fines; and,
+"perhaps," adds the before-cited authority, "if he behaved himself, an
+outlawed person might creep in among them." Ascending the gate once more
+on the way back, we find over the Stone Hall another large room, called
+Debtors' Hall, facing Newgate Street, with "very good air and light." A
+little too much of the former, perhaps; as the windows being unglazed,
+the prisoners were subjected to severe annoyance from the weather and
+easterly winds.
+
+Of the women felons' rooms nothing has yet been said. There were two.
+One called Waterman's Hall, a horrible place adjoining the postern under
+the gate, whence, through a small barred aperture, they solicited alms
+from the passengers: the other, a large chamber, denominated My Lady's
+Hold, was situated in the highest part of the jail, at the northern
+extremity. Neither of these wards had beds, and the unfortunate inmates
+were obliged to take their rest on the oaken floor. The condition of the
+rooms was indescribably filthy and disgusting; nor were the habits of
+the occupants much more cleanly. In other respects, they were equally
+indecorous and offensive. "It is with no small concern," writes an
+anonymous historian of Newgate, "that I am obliged to observe that the
+women in every ward of this prison are exceedingly worse than the worst
+of the men not only in respect to their mode of living, but more
+especially as to their conversation, which, to their great shame, is as
+profane and wicked as hell itself can possibly be."
+
+There were two Condemned Holds,--one for each sex. That for the men lay
+near the Lodge, with which it was connected by a dark passage. It was a
+large room, about twenty feet long and fifteen broad, and had an arched
+stone roof. In fact, it had been anciently the right hand postern under
+the gate leading towards the city. The floor was planked with oak, and
+covered with iron staples, hooks, and ring-bolts, with heavy chains
+attached to them. There was only one small grated window in this hold,
+which admitted but little light.
+
+Over the gateway towards Snow Hill, were two strong wards, called the
+Castle and the Red Room. They will claim particular attention hereafter.
+
+Many other wards,--especially on the Master Debtor's side,--have been
+necessarily omitted in the foregoing hasty enumeration. But there were
+two places of punishment which merit some notice from their peculiarity.
+The first of these, the Press Room, a dark close chamber, near
+Waterman's Hall, obtained its name from an immense wooden machine kept
+in it, with which such prisoners as refused to plead to their
+indictments were pressed to death--a species of inquisitorial torture
+not discontinued until so lately as the early part of the reign of
+George the Third, when it was abolished by an express statute. Into the
+second, denominated the Bilbowes,--also a dismal place,--refractory
+prisoners were thrust, and placed in a kind of stocks, whence the name.
+
+The Chapel was situated in the south-east angle of the jail; the
+ordinary at the time of this history being the Reverend Thomas Purney;
+the deputy chaplain, Mr. Wagstaff.
+
+Much has been advanced by modern writers respecting the demoralising
+effect of prison society; and it has been asserted, that a youth once
+confined in Newgate, is certain to come out a confirmed thief. However
+this may be now, it was unquestionably true of old Newgate. It was the
+grand nursery of vice.--"A famous university," observes Ned Ward, in the
+London Spy, "where, if a man has a mind to educate a hopeful child in
+the daring science of padding; the light-fingered subtlety of
+shoplifting: the excellent use of jack and crow; for the silently
+drawing bolts, and forcing barricades; with the knack of sweetening; or
+the most ingenious dexterity of picking pockets; let him but enter in
+this college on the Common Side, and confine him close to his study but
+for three months; and if he does not come out qualified to take any
+degree of villainy, he must be the most honest dunce that ever had the
+advantage of such eminent tutors."
+
+To bring down this imperfect sketch of Newgate to the present time, it
+may be mentioned, that, being found inadequate to the purpose required,
+the old jail was pulled down in 1770. Just at the completion of the new
+jail, in 1780, it was assailed by the mob during the Gordon riots,
+fired, and greatly damaged. The devastations, however, were speedily
+made good, and, in two years more, it was finished.
+
+It is a cheering reflection, that in the present prison, with its clean,
+well-whitewashed, and well-ventilated wards, its airy courts, its
+infirmary, its improved regulations, and its humane and intelligent
+officers, many of the miseries of the old jail are removed. For these
+beneficial changes society is mainly indebted to the unremitting
+exertions of the philanthropic HOWARD.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+How Jack Sheppard got out of the Condemned Hold.
+
+
+Monday, the 31st of August 1724,--a day long afterwards remembered by
+the officers of Newgate,--was distinguished by an unusual influx of
+visitors to the Lodge. On that morning the death warrant had arrived
+from Windsor, ordering Sheppard for execution, (since his capture by
+Jonathan Wild in Bedlam, as related in a former chapter, Jack had been
+tried, convicted, and sentenced to death,) together with three other
+malefactors on the following Friday. Up to this moment, hopes had been
+entertained of a respite, strong representations in his favour having
+been made in the highest quarter; but now that his fate seemed sealed,
+the curiosity of the sight-seeing public to behold him was redoubled.
+The prison gates were besieged like the entrance of a booth at a fair;
+and the Condemned Hold where he was confined, and to which visitors were
+admitted at the moderate rate of a guinea a-head, had quite the
+appearance of a showroom. As the day wore on, the crowds
+diminished,--many who would not submit to the turnkey's demands were
+sent away ungratified,--and at five o'clock, only two strangers, Mr.
+Shotbolt, the head turnkey of Clerkenwell Prison, and Mr. Griffin, who
+held the same office in Westminster Gatehouse were left in the Lodge.
+Jack, who had formerly been in the custody of both these gentlemen, gave
+them a very cordial welcome; apologized for the sorry room he was
+compelled to receive them in; and when they took leave, insisted on
+treating them to a double bowl of punch, which they were now discussing
+with the upper jailer, Mr. Ireton, and his two satellites, Austin and
+Langley. At a little distance from the party, sat a tall,
+sinister-looking personage, with harsh inflexible features, a gaunt but
+muscular frame, and large bony hands. He was sipping a glass of cold gin
+and water, and smoking a short black pipe. His name was Marvel, and his
+avocation, which was as repulsive as his looks, was that of public
+executioner. By his side sat a remarkably stout dame, to whom he paid as
+much attention as it was in his iron nature to pay. She had a nut-brown
+skin, a swarthy upper lip, a merry black eye, a prominent bust, and a
+tun-like circumference of waist. A widow for the fourth time, Mrs.
+Spurling, (for she it was,) either by her attractions of purse or
+person, had succeeded in moving the stony heart of Mr. Marvel, who, as
+he had helped to deprive her of her former husbands, thought himself in
+duty bound to offer to supply their place. But the lady was not so
+easily won; and though she did not absolutely reject him, gave him very
+slight hopes. Mr. Marvel, therefore, remained on his probation. Behind
+Mrs. Spurling stood her negro attendant, Caliban; a hideous, misshapen,
+malicious monster, with broad hunched shoulders, a flat nose, and ears
+like those of a wild beast, a head too large for his body, and a body
+too long for his legs. This horrible piece of deformity, who acted as
+drawer and cellarman, and was a constant butt to the small wits of the
+jail, was nicknamed the Black Dog of Newgate.
+
+In the general survey of the prison, taken in the preceding chapter, but
+little was said of the Lodge. It may be well, therefore, before
+proceeding farther, to describe it more minutely. It was approached from
+the street by a flight of broad stone steps, leading to a ponderous
+door, plated with iron, and secured on the inner side by huge bolts, and
+a lock, with wards of a prodigious size. A little within stood a second
+door, or rather wicket, lower than the first, but of equal strength, and
+surmounted by a row of sharp spikes. As no apprehension was entertained
+of an escape by this outlet,--nothing of the kind having been attempted
+by the boldest felon ever incarcerated in Newgate,--both doors were
+generally left open during the daytime. At six o'clock, the wicket was
+shut; and at nine, the jail was altogether locked up. Not far from the
+entrance, on the left, was a sort of screen, or partition-wall, reaching
+from the floor to the ceiling, formed of thick oaken planks riveted
+together by iron bolts, and studded with broad-headed nails. In this
+screen, which masked the entrance of a dark passage communicating with
+the Condemned Hold, about five feet from the ground, was a hatch,
+protected by long spikes set six inches apart, and each of the thickness
+of an elephant's tusk. The spikes almost touched the upper part of the
+hatch: scarcely space enough for the passage of a hand being left
+between their points and the beam. Here, as has already been observed,
+condemned malefactors were allowed to converse with such of their guests
+as had not interest or money enough to procure admission to them in the
+hold. Beyond the hatch, an angle, formed by a projection in the wall of
+some three or four feet, served to hide a door conducting to the
+interior of the prison. At the farther end of the Lodge, the floor was
+raised to the height of a couple of steps; whence the whole place, with
+the exception of the remotest corner of the angle before-mentioned,
+could be commanded at a single glance. On this elevation a table was now
+placed, around which sat the turnkeys and their guests, regaling
+themselves on the fragrant beverage provided by the prisoner. A brief
+description will suffice for them. They were all stout ill-favoured men,
+attired in the regular jail-livery of scratch wig and snuff-coloured
+suit; and had all a strong family likeness to each other. The only
+difference between the officers of Newgate and their brethren was, that
+they had enormous bunches of keys at their girdles, while the latter had
+left their keys at home.
+
+"Well, I've seen many a gallant fellow in my time, Mr. Ireton," observed
+the chief turnkey of Westminster Gatehouse, as he helped himself to his
+third glass of punch; "but I never saw one like Jack Sheppard."
+
+"Nor I," returned Ireton, following his example: "and I've had some
+experience too. Ever since he came here, three months ago, he has been
+the life and soul of the place; and now the death warrant has arrived,
+instead of being cast down, as most men would be, and as all others
+_are_, he's gayer than ever. Well, _I_ shall be sorry to lose him, Mr.
+Griffin. We've made a pretty penny by him--sixty guineas this blessed
+day."
+
+"No more!" cried Griffin, incredulously; "I should have thought you must
+have made double that sum at least."
+
+"Not a farthing more, I assure you," rejoined Ireton, pettishly; "we're
+all on the square here. I took the money myself, and _ought_ to know."
+
+"Oh! certainly," answered Griffin; "certainly."
+
+"I offered Jack five guineas as his share," continued Ireton; "but he
+wouldn't take it himself, and gave it to the poor debtors and felons,
+who are now drinking it out in the cellar on the Common Side."
+
+"Jack's a noble fellow," exclaimed the head-jailer of Clerkenwell
+Prison, raising his glass; "and, though he played me a scurvy trick,
+I'll drink to his speedy deliverance."
+
+"At Tyburn, eh, Mr. Shotbolt?" rejoined the executioner. "I'll pledge
+you in that toast with all my heart."
+
+"Well, for my part," observed Mrs. Spurling, "I hope he may never see
+Tyburn. And, if I'd my own way with the Secretary of State, he never
+_should_. It's a thousand pities to hang so pretty a fellow. There
+haven't been so many ladies in the Lodge since the days of Claude Du
+Val, the gentleman highwayman; and they all declare it'll break their
+hearts if he's scragged."
+
+"Bah!" ejaculated Marvel, gruffly.
+
+"You think our sex has no feeling, I suppose, Sir," cried Mrs. Spurling,
+indignantly; "but I can tell you we have. And, what's more, I tell you,
+if Captain Sheppard _is_ hanged, you need never hope to call _me_ Mrs.
+Marvel."
+
+"'Zounds!" cried the executioner, in astonishment. "Do you know what you
+are talking about, Mrs. Spurling? Why, if Captain Sheppard should get
+off, it 'ud be fifty guineas out of my way. There's the grand laced
+coat he wore at his trial, which I intend for my wedding-dress."
+
+"Don't mention such a thing, Sir," interrupted the tapstress. "I
+couldn't bear to see you in it. Your speaking of the trial brings the
+whole scene to my mind. Ah! I shall never forget the figure Jack cut on
+that occasion. What a buzz of admiration ran round the court as he
+appeared! And, how handsome and composed he looked! Everybody wondered
+that such a stripling could commit such desperate robberies. His
+firmness never deserted him till his old master, Mr. Wood, was examined.
+Then he _did_ give way a bit. And when Mr. Wood's daughter,--to whom,
+I've heard tell, he was attached years ago,--was brought up, his courage
+forsook him altogether, and he trembled, and could scarcely stand. Poor
+young lady! _She_ trembled too, and was unable to give her evidence.
+When sentence was passed there wasn't a dry eye in the court."
+
+"Yes, there was one," observed Ireton.
+
+"I guess who you mean," rejoined Shotbolt. "Mr. Wild's."
+
+"Right," answered Ireton. "It's strange the antipathy he bears to
+Sheppard. I was standing near Jack at that awful moment, and beheld the
+look Wild fixed on him. It was like the grin of a fiend, and made my
+flesh creep on my bones. When the prisoner was removed from the dock, we
+met Jonathan as we passed through the yard. He stopped us, and,
+addressing Jack in a taunting tone, said, 'Well, I've been as good as my
+word!'--'True,' replied Sheppard; 'and I'll be as good as mine!' And so
+they parted."
+
+"And I hope he will, if it's anything to Jonathan's disadvantage,"
+muttered Mrs. Spurling, half aside.
+
+"I'm surprised Mr. Wild hasn't been to inquire after him to-day,"
+observed Langley; "it's the first time he's missed doing so since the
+trial."
+
+"He's gone to Enfield after Blueskin, who has so long eluded his
+vigilance," rejoined Austin. "Quilt Arnold called this morning to say
+so. Certain information, it seems, has been received from a female, that
+Blueskin would be at a flash-ken near the Chase at five o'clock to-day,
+and they're all set out in the expectation of nabbing him."
+
+"Mr. Wild had a narrow escape lately, in that affair of Captain
+Darrell," observed Shotbolt.
+
+"I don't exactly know the rights of that affair," rejoined Griffin, with
+some curiosity.
+
+"Nor any one else, I suspect," answered Ireton, winking significantly.
+"It's a mysterious transaction altogether. But, as much as is known is
+this: Captain Darrell, who resides with Mr. Wood at Dollis Hill, was
+assaulted and half-killed by a party of ruffians, headed, he swore, by
+Mr. Wild, and his uncle, Sir Rowland Trenchard. Mr. Wild, however,
+proved, on the evidence of his own servants, that he was at the Old
+Bailey at the time; and Sir Rowland proved that _he_ was in Manchester.
+So the charge was dismissed. Another charge was then brought against
+them by the Captain, who accused them of kidnapping him when a boy, and
+placing him in the hands of a Dutch skipper, named Van Galgebrok, with
+instructions to throw him overboard, which was done, though he
+afterwards escaped. But this accusation, for want of sufficient
+evidence, met with the same fate as the first, and Jonathan came off
+victorious. It was thought, however, if the skipper _could_ have been
+found, that the result of the case would have been materially different.
+This was rather too much to expect; for we all know, if Mr. Wild wishes
+to keep a man out of the way, he'll speedily find the means to do so."
+
+"Ay, ay," cried the jailers, laughing.
+
+"_I_ could have given awkward evidence in that case, if I'd been so
+inclined," said Mrs. Spurling, "ay and found Van Galgebrok too. But I
+never betray an old customer."
+
+"Mr. Wild is a great man," said the hangman, replenishing his pipe, "and
+we owe him much, and ought to support him. Were any thing to happen to
+him, Newgate wouldn't be what it is, nor Tyburn either."
+
+"Mr. Wild has given you some employment, Mr. Marvel," remarked Shotbolt.
+
+"A little, Sir," replied the executioner, with a grim smile.
+
+"Out of the twelve hundred subjects I've tucked up, I may safely place
+half to his account. If ever he requires my services, he shall find I'm
+not ungrateful. And though I say it that shouldn't say it, no man can
+tie a better knot. Mr. Wild, gentlemen, and the nubbin' cheat."
+
+"Fill your glasses, gentlemen," observed Ireton, "and I'll tell you a
+droll thing Jack said this morning. Amongst others who came to see him,
+was a Mr. Kneebone, a woollen-draper in Wych Street, with whose pockets,
+it appears, Jack, when a lad, made a little too free. As this gentleman
+was going away, he said to Jack in a jesting manner, 'that he should be
+glad to see him to-night at supper.' Upon which the other answered,
+'that he accepted his invitation with pleasure, and would make a point
+of waiting upon him,' Ha! ha! ha!"
+
+"_Did_ he say so?" cried Shotbolt. "Then I advise you to look sharply
+after him, Mr. Ireton; for may I be hanged myself if I don't believe
+he'll be as good as his word."
+
+At this juncture, two women, very smartly attired in silk hoods and
+cloaks, appeared at the door of the Lodge.
+
+"Ah! who have we here?" exclaimed Griffin.
+
+"Only Jack's two wives--Edgeworth Bess and Poll Maggot," replied Austin,
+laughing.
+
+"They can't go into the Condemned Hold," said Ireton, consequentially;
+"it's against Mr. Wild's orders. They must see the prisoner at the
+hatch."
+
+"Very well, Sir," replied Austin, rising and walking towards them.
+"Well, my pretty dears," he added, "--to see your husband, eh? You must
+make the most of your time. You won't have him long. You've heard the
+news, I suppose?"
+
+"That the death warrant's arrived," returned Edgeworth Bess, bursting
+into a flood of tears; "oh, yes! we've heard it."
+
+"How does Jack bear it?" inquired Mrs. Maggot.
+
+"Like a hero," answered Austin.
+
+"I knew he would," replied the Amazon. "Come Bess,--no whimpering. Don't
+unman him. Are we to see him here?"
+
+"Yes, my love."
+
+"Well, then, lose no time in bringing him to us," said Mrs. Maggot.
+"There's a guinea to drink our health," she added, slipping a piece of
+money into his hand.
+
+"Here, Caliban," shouted the under-turnkey, "unlock Captain Sheppard's
+padlock, and tell him his wives are in the Lodge waiting to see him."
+
+"Iss, Massa Austin," replied the black. And taking the keys, he departed
+on the errand.
+
+As soon as he was gone, the two women divested themselves of their hoods
+and cloaks, and threw them, as if inadvertently, into the farthest part
+of the angle in the wall. Their beautifully proportioned figures and
+rather over-displayed shoulders attracted the notice of Austin, who
+inquired of the chief turnkey "whether he should stand by them during
+the interview?"
+
+"Oh! never mind them," said Mrs. Spurling, who had been hastily
+compounding another bowl of punch. "Sit down, and enjoy yourself. I'll
+keep a look out that nothing happens."
+
+By this time Caliban had returned, and Jack appeared at the hatch. He
+was wrapped in a loose dressing-gown of light material, and stood near
+the corner where the women's dresses had just been thrown down, quite
+out of sight of all the party, except Mrs. Spurling, who sat on the
+right of the table.
+
+"Have you got Jonathan out of the way?" he asked, in an eager whisper.
+
+"Yes, yes," replied Edgeworth Bess. "Patience Kite has lured him to
+Enfield on a false scent after Blueskin. You need fear no interruption
+from him, or any of his myrmidons."
+
+"That's well!" cried Jack. "Now stand before me, Poll. I've got the
+watch-spring saw in my sleeve. Pretend to weep both of you as loudly as
+you can. This spike is more than half cut through. I was at work at it
+yesterday and the day before. Keep up the clamour for five minutes, and
+I'll finish it."
+
+Thus urged, the damsels began to raise their voices in loud lamentation.
+
+"What the devil are you howling about?" cried Langley. "Do you think we
+are to be disturbed in this way? Make less noise, hussies, or I'll turn
+you out of the Lodge."
+
+"For shame, Mr. Langley," rejoined Mrs. Spurling: "I blush for you, Sir!
+To call yourself a man, and interfere with the natural course of
+affection! Have you no feeling for the situation of those poor
+disconsolate creatures, about to be bereaved of all they hold dear? Is
+it nothing to part with a husband to the gallows? I've lost four in the
+same way, and know what it is." Here she began to blubber loudly for
+sympathy.
+
+"Comfort yourself, my charmer," said Mr. Marvel, in a tone intended to
+be consolatory. "I'll be their substitute."
+
+"_You!_" cried the tapstress, with a look of horror: "Never!"
+
+"Confusion!" muttered Jack, suddenly pausing in his task, "the saw has
+broken just as I am through the spike."
+
+"Can't we break it off?" replied Mrs. Maggot.
+
+"I fear not," replied Jack, despondingly.
+
+"Let's try, at all events," returned the Amazon.
+
+And grasping the thick iron rod, she pushed with all her force against
+it, while Jack seconded her efforts from within. After great exertions
+on both parts, the spike yielded to their combined strength, and snapped
+suddenly off.
+
+"Holloa--what's that?" cried Austin, starting up.
+
+"Only my darbies," returned Jack, clinking his chains.
+
+"Oh! that was all, was it?" said the turnkey, quietly reseating himself.
+
+"Now, give me the woollen cloth to tie round my fetters," whispered
+Sheppard. "Quick."
+
+"Here it is," replied Edgeworth Bess.
+
+"Give me your hand, Poll, to help me through," cried Jack, as he
+accomplished the operation. "Keep a sharp look out, Bess."
+
+"Stop!" interposed Edgeworth Bess; "Mr. Langley is getting up, and
+coming this way. We're lost."
+
+"Help me through at all hazards, Poll," cried Jack, straining towards
+the opening.
+
+"The danger's past," whispered Bess. "Mrs. Spurling has induced him to
+sit down again. Ah! she looks this way, and puts her finger to her lips.
+She comprehends what we're about. We're all safe!"
+
+"Don't lose a moment then," cried Jack, forcing himself into the
+aperture, while the Amazon, assisted by Bess, pulled him through it.
+
+"There!" cried Mrs. Maggot, as she placed him without noise upon the
+ground; "you're safe so far."
+
+"Come, my disconsolate darlings," cried Austin, "it only wants five
+minutes to six. I expect Mr. Wild here presently. Cut it as short as you
+can."
+
+"Only two minutes more, Sir," intreated Edgeworth Bess, advancing
+towards him in such a manner as to screen Jack, who crept into the
+farthest part of the angle,--"only two minutes, and we've done."
+
+"Well, well, I'm not within a minute," rejoined the turnkey.
+
+"We shall never be able to get you out unseen, Jack," whispered Poll
+Maggot. "You must make a bold push."
+
+"Impossible," replied Sheppard, in the same tone. "That would be certain
+destruction. I can't run in these heavy fetters. No: I must face it out.
+Tell Bess to slip out, and I'll put on her cloak and hood."
+
+Meanwhile, the party at the table continued drinking and chatting as
+merrily as before.
+
+"I can't help thinking of Jack Sheppard's speech to Mr. Kneebone,"
+observed Shotbolt, as he emptied his tenth tumbler; "I'm sure he's
+meditating an escape, and hopes to accomplish it to-night."
+
+"Poh! poh!" rejoined Ireton; "it was mere idle boasting. I examined the
+Condemned Hold myself carefully this morning, and didn't find a nail out
+of its place. Recollect, he's chained to the ground by a great
+horse-padlock, and is never unloosed except when he comes to that hatch.
+If he escapes at all, it must be before our faces."
+
+"It wouldn't surprise me if he did," remarked Griffin. "He's audacity
+enough for anything. He got out in much the same way from the
+Gatehouse,--stole the keys, and passed through a room where I was
+sitting half-asleep in a chair."
+
+"Caught you napping, eh?" rejoined Ireton, with a laugh. "Well, he won't
+do that here. I'll forgive him if he does."
+
+"And so will I," said Austin. "We're too wide awake for that. Ain't we,
+partner?" he added, appealing to Langley, whom punch had made rather
+dozy.
+
+"I should think so," responded the lethargic turnkey, with a yawn.
+
+During this colloquy, Jack had contrived unobserved to put on the hood
+and cloak, and being about the size of the rightful owner, presented a
+very tolerable resemblance to her. This done, Edgeworth Bess, who
+watched her opportunity, slipped out of the Lodge.
+
+"Halloa!" exclaimed Austin, who had caught a glimpse of her departing
+figure, "one of the women is gone!"
+
+"No--no," hastily interposed Mrs. Spurling; "they're both here. Don't
+you see they're putting on their cloaks?"
+
+"That's false!" rejoined Marvel, in a low tone; "I perceive what has
+taken place."
+
+"Oh! goodness!" ejaculated the tapstress, in alarm. "You won't betray
+him."
+
+"Say the word, and I'm mum," returned the executioner.
+
+"Will you be mine!"
+
+"It's a very unfair advantage to take--very," replied Mrs. Spurling;
+"however I consent."
+
+"Then I'll lend a helping hand. I shall lose my fees and the laced coat.
+But it's better to have the bride without the weddin' dress, than the
+weddin' dress without the bride."
+
+At this moment, Saint Sepulchre's clock struck six.
+
+"Close the wicket, Austin," vociferated Ireton, in an authoritative
+tone.
+
+"Good bye!" cried Jack, as if taking leave of his mistresses,
+"to-morrow, at the same time."
+
+"We'll be punctual," replied Mrs. Maggot. "Good bye, Jack! Keep up your
+spirits."
+
+"Now for it!--life or death!" exclaimed Jack, assuming the gait of a
+female, and stepping towards the door.
+
+As Austin rose to execute his principal's commands, and usher the women
+to the gate, Mrs. Spurling and Marvel rose too. The latter walked
+carelessly towards the hatch, and leaning his back against the place
+whence the spike had been removed, so as completely to hide it,
+continued smoking his pipe as coolly as if nothing had happened.
+
+Just as Jack gained the entrance, he heard a man's footstep behind him,
+and aware that the slightest indiscretion would betray him, he halted,
+uncertain what to do.
+
+"Stop a minute, my dear," cried Austin. "You forget that you promised me
+a kiss the last time you were here."
+
+"Won't one from me do as well?" interposed Mrs. Maggot.
+
+"Much better," said Mrs. Spurling, hastening to the rescue. "I want to
+speak to Edgeworth Bess myself."
+
+So saying, she planted herself between Jack and the turnkey. It was a
+moment of breathless interest to all engaged in the attempt.
+
+"Come--the kiss!" cried Austin, endeavouring to pass his arm familiarly
+round the Amazon's waist.
+
+"Hands off!" she exclaimed, "or you'll repent it."
+
+"Why, what'll you do?" demanded the turnkey.
+
+"Teach you to keep your distance!" retorted Mrs. Maggot, dealing him a
+buffet that sent him reeling several yards backwards.
+
+"There! off with you!" whispered Mrs. Spurling, squeezing Jack's arm,
+and pushing him towards the door, "and, don't come here again."
+
+Before Austin could recover himself, Jack and Mrs. Maggot had
+disappeared.
+
+"Bolt the wicket!" shouted Ireton, who, with the others, had been not a
+little entertained by the gallant turnkey's discomfiture.
+
+This was done, and Austin returned with a crest-fallen look to the
+table. Upon which Mrs. Spurling, and her now accepted suitor, resumed
+their seats.
+
+"You'll be as good as your word, my charmer," whispered the executioner.
+
+"Of course," responded the widow, heaving a deep sigh. "Oh! Jack!
+Jack!--you little know what a price I've paid for you!"
+
+"Well, I'm glad those women are gone," remarked Shotbolt. "Coupling
+their presence with Jack's speech, I couldn't help fearing some mischief
+might ensue."
+
+"That reminds me he's still at large," returned Ireton. "Here, Caliban,
+go and fasten his padlock."
+
+"Iss, Massa Ireton," replied the black.
+
+"Stop, Caliban," interposed Mrs. Spurling, who wished to protract the
+discovery of the escape as long as possible. "Before you go, bring me
+the bottle of pine-apple rum I opened yesterday. I should like Mr.
+Ireton and his friends to taste it. It is in the lower cupboard. Oh! you
+haven't got the key--then _I_ must have it, I suppose. How provoking!"
+she added, pretending to rummage her pockets; "one never _can_ find a
+thing when one wants it."
+
+"Never mind it, my dear Mrs. Spurling," rejoined Ireton; "we can taste
+the rum when he returns. We shall have Mr. Wild here presently, and I
+wouldn't for the world--Zounds!" he exclaimed, as the figure of the
+thief-taker appeared at the wicket, "here he is. Off with you, Caliban!
+Fly, you rascal!"
+
+"Mr. Wild here!" exclaimed Mrs. Spurling in alarm. "Oh gracious! he's
+lost."
+
+"Who's lost?" demanded Ireton.
+
+"The key," replied the widow.
+
+All the turnkeys rose to salute the thief-taker, whose habitually-sullen
+countenance looked gloomier than usual. Ireton rushed forward to open
+the wicket for him.
+
+"No Blueskin, I perceive, Sir," he observed, in a deferential tone, as
+Wild entered the Lodge.
+
+"No," replied Jonathan, moodily. "I've been deceived by false
+information. But the wench who tricked me shall bitterly repent it. I
+hope this is all. I begin to fear I might be purposely go out of the
+way. Nothing has gone wrong here?"
+
+"Nothing whatever," replied Ireton. "Jack is just gone back to the
+Condemned Hold. His two wives have been here."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Jonathan, with a sudden vehemence that electrified the
+chief turnkey; "what's this! a spike gone! 'Sdeath! the women, you say,
+have been here. He has escaped."
+
+"Impossible, Sir," replied Ireton, greatly alarmed.
+
+"Impossible!" echoed Wild, with a fearful imprecation. "No, Sir, it's
+quite possible--more than possible. It's certain. I'll lay my life he's
+gone. Come with me to the Condemned Hold directly, and, if I find my
+fears confirmed, I'll--"
+
+He was here interrupted by the sudden entrance of the black, who rushed
+precipitately into the room, letting fall the heavy bunch of keys in his
+fright.
+
+"O Massa Ireton! Massa Wild!" ejaculated Caliban, "Shack Sheppart gone!"
+
+"Gone? you black devil!--Gone?" cried Ireton.
+
+"Iss, Massa. Caliban sarch ebery hole in de place, but Shack no dere.
+Only him big hoss padlock--noting else."
+
+"I knew it," rejoined Wild, with concentrated rage; "and he escaped you
+all, in broad day, before your faces. You may well say it's impossible!
+His Majesty's jail of Newgate is admirably guarded, I must say. Ireton,
+you are in league with him."
+
+"Sir," said the chief turnkey, indignantly.
+
+"You _are_, Sir," thundered Jonathan; "and, unless you find him, you
+shan't hold your place a week. I don't threaten idly, as you know. And
+you, Austin; and you Langley, I say the same thing to you."
+
+"But, Mr. Wild," implored the turnkeys.
+
+"I've said it," rejoined Jonathan, peremptorily. "And you, Marvel, you
+must have been a party--"
+
+"I, Sir!"
+
+"If he's not found, I'll get a new hangman."
+
+"Zounds!" cried Marvel, "I--"
+
+"Hush!" whispered the tapstress, "or I retract my promise."
+
+"Mrs. Spurling," said Jonathan, who overheard the whisper, "you owe your
+situation to me. If you have aided Jack Sheppard's escape, you shall owe
+your discharge to me also."
+
+"As you please, Sir," replied the tapstress, coolly. "And the next time
+Captain Darrell wants a witness, I promise you he shan't look for one in
+vain."
+
+"Ha! hussy, dare you threaten?" cried Wild; but, checking himself, he
+turned to Ireton and asked, "How long have the women been gone?"
+
+"Scarcely five minutes," replied the latter.
+
+"One of you fly to the market," returned Jonathan; "another to the
+river; a third to the New Mint. Disperse in every direction. We'll have
+him yet. A hundred pounds to the man who takes him."
+
+So saying, he rushed out, followed by Ireton and Langley.
+
+"A hundred pounds!" exclaimed Shotbolt. "That's a glorious reward. Do
+you think he'll pay it?"
+
+"I'm sure of it," replied Austin.
+
+"Then I'll have it before to-morrow morning," said the keeper of the New
+Prison, to himself. "If Jack Sheppard sups with Mr. Kneebone, I'll make
+one of the party."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Dollis Hill revisited.
+
+
+About an hour after the occurrences at Newgate, the door of the small
+back-parlour already described at Dollis Hill was opened by Winifred,
+who, gliding noiselessly across the room, approached a couch, on which
+was extended a sleeping female, and, gazing anxiously at her pale
+careworn countenance, murmured,--"Heaven be praised! she still
+slumbers--slumbers peacefully. The opiate has done its duty. Poor thing!
+how beautiful she looks! but how like death!"
+
+Deathlike, indeed, was the repose of the sleeper,--deathlike and deep.
+Its very calmness was frightful. Her lips were apart, but no breath
+seemed to issue from them; and, but for a slight--very slight
+palpitation of the bosom, the vital principle might be supposed to be
+extinct. This lifeless appearance was heightened by the extreme
+sharpness of her features--especially the nose and chin,--and by the
+emaciation of her limbs, which was painfully distinct through her
+drapery. Her attenuated arms were crossed upon her breast; and her black
+brows and eyelashes contrasted fearfully with the livid whiteness of her
+skin. A few short, dark locks, escaping from beneath her head-dress,
+showed that her hair had been removed, and had only been recently
+allowed to grow again.
+
+"Poor Mrs. Sheppard!" sighed Winifred, as she contemplated the beautiful
+wreck before her,--"Poor Mrs. Sheppard! when I see her thus, and think
+of all she has endured, of all she may yet have to endure, I could
+almost pray for her release from trouble. I dare not reflect upon the
+effect that her son's fate,--if the efforts to save him are
+ineffectual,--may have upon her enfeebled frame, and still worse upon
+her mind. What a mercy that the blow aimed at her by the ruffian, Wild,
+though it brought her to the brink of the grave, should have restored
+her to reason! Ah! she stirs."
+
+As she said this, she drew a little aside, while Mrs. Sheppard heaved a
+deep sigh, and opened her eyes, which now looked larger, blacker, and
+more melancholy than ever.
+
+"Where am I?" she cried, passing her hand across her brow.
+
+"With your friends, dear Mrs. Sheppard," replied Winifred, advancing.
+
+"Ah! you are there, my dear young lady," said the widow, smiling
+faintly; "when I first waken, I'm always in dread of finding myself
+again in that horrible asylum."
+
+"You need never be afraid of that," returned Winifred, affectionately;
+"my father will take care you never leave him more."
+
+"Oh! how much I owe him!" said the widow, with fervour, "for bringing
+me here, and removing me from those dreadful sights and sounds, that
+would have driven me distracted, even if I had been in my right mind.
+And how much I owe _you_, too, dearest Winifred, for your kindness and
+attention. Without you I should never have recovered either health or
+reason. I can never be grateful enough. But, though _I_ cannot reward
+you, Heaven will."
+
+"Don't say anything about it, dear Mrs. Sheppard," rejoined Winifred,
+controlling her emotion, and speaking as cheerfully as she could; "I
+would do anything in the world for you, and so would my father, and so
+would Thames; but he _ought_, for he's your nephew, you know. We all
+love you dearly."
+
+"Bless you! bless you!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, averting her face to hide
+her tears.
+
+"I mustn't tell you what Thames means to do for you if ever he gains his
+rights," continued Winifred; "but I _may_ tell you what my father means
+to do."
+
+"He has done too much already," answered the widow. "I shall need little
+more."
+
+"But, _do_ hear what it is," rejoined Winifred; "you know I'm shortly to
+be united to your nephew,--that is," she added, blushing, "when he can
+be married by his right name, for my father won't consent to it before."
+
+"Your father will never oppose your happiness, my dear, I'm sure," said
+Mrs. Sheppard; "but, what has this to do with me?"
+
+"You shall hear," replied Winifred; "when this marriage takes place, you
+and I shall be closely allied, but my father wishes for a still closer
+alliance."
+
+"I don't unterstand you," returned Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"To be plain, then," said Winifred, "he has asked me whether I have any
+objection to you as a mother."
+
+"And what--what was your answer?" demanded the widow, eagerly.
+
+"Can't you guess?" returned Winifred, throwing her arms about her neck.
+"That he couldn't choose any one so agreeable to me."
+
+"Winifred," said Mrs. Sheppard, after a brief pause, during which she
+appeared overcome by her feelings,--she said, gently disengaging herself
+from the young girl's embrace, and speaking in a firm voice, "you must
+dissuade your father from this step."
+
+"How?" exclaimed the other. "Can you not love him?"
+
+"Love him!" echoed the widow. "The feeling is dead within my breast. My
+only love is for my poor lost son. I can esteem him, regard him; but,
+love him as he _ought_ to be loved--that I cannot do."
+
+"Your esteem is all he will require," urged Winifred.
+
+"He has it, and will ever have it," replied Mrs. Sheppard,
+passionately,--"he has my boundless gratitude, and devotion. But I am
+not worthy to be any man's wife--far less _his_ wife. Winifred, you are
+deceived in me. You know not what a wretched guilty thing I am. You know
+not in what dark places my life has been cast; with what crimes it has
+been stained. But the offences I _have_ committed are venial in
+comparison with what I should commit were I to wed your father. No--no,
+it must never be."
+
+"You paint yourself worse than you are, dear Mrs. Sheppard," rejoined
+Winifred kindly. "Your faults were the faults of circumstances."
+
+"Palliate them as you may," replied the widow, gravely, "they _were_
+faults; and as such, cannot be repaired by a greater wrong. If you love
+me, do not allude to this subject again."
+
+"I'm sorry I mentioned it at all, since it distresses you," returned
+Winifred; "but, as I knew my father intended to propose to you, if poor
+Jack should be respited--"
+
+"_If_ he should be respited?" repeated Mrs. Sheppard, with startling
+eagerness. "Does your father doubt it? Speak! tell me!"
+
+Winifred made no answer.
+
+"Your hesitation convinces me he does," replied the widow. "Is Thames
+returned from London?"
+
+"Not yet," replied the other; "but I expect him every minute. My
+father's chief fear, I must tell you, is from the baneful influence of
+Jonathan Wild."
+
+"That fiend is ever in my path," exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, with a look,
+the wildness of which greatly alarmed her companion. "I cannot scare him
+thence."
+
+"Hark!" cried Winifred, "Thames is arrived. I hear the sound of his
+horse's feet in the yard. Now you will learn the result."
+
+"Heaven support me!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, faintly.
+
+"Breathe at this phial," said Winifred.
+
+Shortly afterwards,--it seemed an age to the anxious mother,--Mr. Wood
+entered the room, followed by Thames. The latter looked very pale,
+either from the effect of his wound, which was not yet entirely healed,
+or from suppressed emotion,--partly, perhaps, from both causes,--and
+wore his left arm in a sling.
+
+"Well!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, raising herself, and looking at him as if
+her life depended upon the answer. "He is respited?"
+
+"Alas! no," replied Thames, sadly. "The warrant for his execution is
+arrived. There is no further hope."
+
+"My poor son!" groaned the widow, sinking backwards.
+
+"Heaven have mercy on his soul!" ejaculated Wood.
+
+"Poor Jack!" cried Winifred, burying her face in her lover's bosom.
+
+Not a word was uttered for some time, nor any sound heard except the
+stilled sobs of the unfortunate mother.
+
+At length, she suddenly started to her feet; and before Winifred could
+prevent her, staggered up to Thames.
+
+"When is he to suffer?" she demanded, fixing her large black eyes, which
+burnt with an insane gleam, upon him.
+
+"On Friday," he replied.
+
+"Friday!" echoed Mrs. Sheppard; "and to-day is Monday. He has three days
+to live. Only three days. Three short days. Horrible!"
+
+"Poor soul! her senses are going again," said Mr. Wood, terrified by
+the wildness of her looks. "I was afraid it would be so."
+
+"Only three days," reiterated the widow, "three short short days,--and
+then all is over. Jonathan's wicked threat is fulfilled at last. The
+gallows is in view--I see it with all its hideous apparatus!--ough!" and
+shuddering violently, she placed her hands before her, as if to exclude
+some frightful vision from her sight.
+
+"Do not despair, my sweet soul," said Wood, in a soothing tone.
+
+"Do not despair!" echoed Mrs. Sheppard, with a laugh that cut the ears
+of those who listened to it like a razor,--"Do not despair! And who or
+what shall give me comfort when my son is gone? I have wept till my eyes
+are dry,--suffered till my heart is broken,--prayed till the voice of
+prayer is dumb,--and all of no avail. He will be hanged--hanged--hanged.
+Ha! ha! What have I left but despair and madness? Promise me one thing,
+Mr. Wood," she continued, with a sudden change of tone, and convulsively
+clutching the carpenter's arm, "promise it me."
+
+"Anything, my dear," replied Wood, "What is it?"
+
+"Bury us together in one grave in Willesden churchyard. There is a small
+yew-tree west of the church. Beneath that tree let us lie. In one grave,
+mind. Do you promise to do this?"
+
+"Solemnly," rejoined the carpenter.
+
+"Enough," said the widow, gratefully. "I must see him to-night."
+
+"Impossible, dear Mrs. Sheppard," said Thames. "To-morrow I will take
+you to him."
+
+"To-morrow will be too late," replied the widow, in a hollow voice, "I
+feel it will. I must go to-night, or I shall never behold him again. I
+must bless him before I die. I have strength enough to drag myself
+there, and I do not want to return."
+
+"Be pacified, sweet soul," said Wood, looking meaningly at Thames; "you
+_shall_ go, and I will accompany you."
+
+"A mother's blessing on you," replied Mrs. Sheppard, fervently. "And
+now," she added, with somewhat more composure, "leave me, dear friends,
+I entreat, for a few minutes to collect my scattered thoughts--to
+prepare myself for what I have to go through--to pray for my son."
+
+"Shall we do so?" whispered Winifred to her father.
+
+"By all means," returned Wood; "don't delay an instant." And, followed
+by the young couple, who gazed wistfully at the poor sufferer, he
+hastily quitted the room, and locked the door after him.
+
+Mrs. Sheppard was no sooner alone than she fell upon her knees by the
+side of the couch, and poured forth her heart in prayer. So absorbed was
+she by her passionate supplications that she was insensible to anything
+passing around her, until she felt a touch upon her shoulder, and heard
+a well-known voice breathe in her ear--"Mother!"
+
+She started at the sound as if an apparition had called her, screamed,
+and fell into her son's outstretched arms. "Mother! dear mother!" cried
+Jack, folding her to his breast.
+
+"My son! my dear, dear son!" returned Mrs. Sheppard, returning his
+embrace with all a parent's tenderness.
+
+Jack was completely overcome. His chest heaved violently, and big tears
+coursed rapidly down his cheeks.
+
+"I don't deserve it," he said, at length; "but I would have risked a
+thousand deaths to enjoy this moment's happiness."
+
+"And you must have risked much to obtain it, my love. I have scarcely
+recovered from the shock of hearing of your condemnation, when I behold
+you free!"
+
+"Not two hours since," rejoined Jack, "I was chained down in the
+Condemned Hold in Newgate. With a small saw, conveyed to me a few days
+since by Thames Darrell, which I contrived to conceal upon my person, I
+removed a spike in the hatch, and, with the aid of some other friends,
+worked my way out. Having heard from Thames that you were better, and
+that your sole anxiety was about me, I came to give you the _first_
+intelligence of my escape."
+
+"Bless you for it. But you will stay here?"
+
+"I dare not. I must provide for my safety."
+
+"Mr. Wood will protect you," urged Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"He has not the power--perhaps not the will to do so. And if he would,
+_I_ would not subject him to the annoyance. The moment my escape is
+known, a large reward will be placed on my head. My dress, my person
+will be minutely described. Jonathan Wild and his bloodhounds, with a
+hundred others, incited by the reward, will be upon my track. Nay, for
+aught I know, some of them may even now have got scent of me."
+
+"You terrify me," cried Mrs. Sheppard. "Oh! if this is the case, do not
+stay an instant. Fly! fly!"
+
+"As soon as I can do so with safety, I will return, or send to you,"
+said Jack.
+
+"Do not endanger yourself on my account," rejoined his mother. "I am
+quite easy now; receive my blessing, my dear son; and if we never meet
+again, rest assured my last prayer shall be for you."
+
+"Do not talk thus, dear mother," returned Jack, gazing anxiously at her
+pale countenance, "or I shall not be able to quit you. You must live for
+me."
+
+"I will try to do so," replied the widow, forcing a smile. "One last
+embrace. I need not counsel you to avoid those fatal courses which have
+placed you in such fearful jeopardy."
+
+"You need not," replied Jack, in a tone of the deepest compunction.
+"And, oh! forgive me, though I can never forgive myself, for the misery
+I have caused you."
+
+"Forgive you!" echoed his mother, with a look radiant with delight. "I
+have nothing to forgive. Ah!" she screamed, with a sudden change of
+manner; and pointing to the window, which Jack had left open, and at
+which a dark figure was standing, "there is Jonathan Wild!"
+
+"Betrayed!" exclaimed Jack, glancing in the same direction. "The
+door!--the door!--death!" he added, as he tried the handle, "it is
+locked--and I am unarmed. Madman that I am to be so!"
+
+"Help!" shrieked Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"Be silent," said Jonathan, striding deliberately into the room; "these
+cries will avail you nothing. Whoever answers them must assist me to
+capture your son. Be silent, I say, if you value his safety."
+
+Awed by Jonathan's manner, Mrs. Sheppard repressed the scream that rose
+to her lips, and both mother and son gazed with apprehension at the
+heavy figure of the thief-taker, which, viewed in the twilight, seemed
+dilated to twice its natural size, and appeared almost to block up the
+window. In addition to his customary arms, Jonathan carried a bludgeon
+with a large heavy knob, suspended from his wrist by a loop; a favourite
+weapon, which he always took with him on dangerous expeditions, and
+which, if any information had been requisite, would have told Sheppard
+that the present was one of them.
+
+"Well, Jack," he said, after a pause, "are you disposed to go back
+quietly with me?"
+
+"You'll ascertain that when you attempt to touch me," rejoined Sheppard,
+resolutely.
+
+"My janizaries are within call," returned Wild. "I'm armed; you are
+not."
+
+"It matters not. You shall not take me alive."
+
+"Spare him! spare him!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, falling on her knees.
+
+"Get up, mother," cried Jack; "do not kneel to him. I wouldn't accept my
+life from him. I've foiled him hitherto, and will foil him yet. And,
+come what will, I'll balk him of the satisfaction of hanging me."
+
+Jonathan raised his bludgeon, but controlled himself by a powerful
+effort.
+
+"Fool!" he cried, "do you think I wouldn't have secured you before this
+if I hadn't some motive for my forbearance?"
+
+"And that motive is fear," replied Jack contemptuously.
+
+"Fear!" echoed Wild, in a terrible tone,--"fear! Repeat that word again,
+and nothing shall save you."
+
+"Don't anger him, my dear son," implored the poor widow, with a look of
+anguish at Jack. "Perhaps he means well."
+
+"Mad as you are, you're the more sensible of the two, I must say,"
+rejoined Jonathan.
+
+"Spare him!" cried Mrs, Sheppard, who fancied she had made some
+impression on the obdurate breast of the thief-taker,--"spare him! and I
+will forgive you, will thank you, bless you. Spare him! spare him!"
+
+"On one condition I _will_ spare him," returned Wild; "on one condition
+only."
+
+"What is it?" asked the poor woman.
+
+"Either he or you must return with me," answered Jonathan.
+
+"Take _me_, then," replied the widow. And she would have rushed to him,
+if she had not been forcibly withheld by her son.
+
+"Do not go near him, mother," cried Jack; "do not believe him. There is
+some deep treachery hidden beneath his words."
+
+"I _will_ go," said Mrs. Sheppard, struggling to get free.
+
+"Attend to me, Mrs. Sheppard," said Jonathan, looking calmly on at this
+distressing scene, "Attend to me, and do not heed him. I swear to you,
+solemnly swear to you, I will save your son's life, nay more, will
+befriend him, will place him out of the reach of his enemies, if you
+consent to become my wife."
+
+"Execrable villain!" exclaimed Jack.
+
+"You hear that," cried Mrs. Sheppard; "he swears to save you."
+
+"Well," replied her son; "and you spurn the proposal."
+
+"No; she accepts it," rejoined Jonathan, triumphantly. "Come along, Mrs.
+Sheppard. I've a carriage within call shall convey you swiftly to town.
+Come! come!"
+
+"Hear me, mother," cried Jack, "and I will explain to you _why_ the
+villain makes this strange and revolting proposal. He well knows that
+but two lives--those of Thames Darrell and Sir Rowland Trenchard,--stand
+between you and the vast possessions of the family. Those lives
+removed,--and Sir Rowland is completely in his power, the estates would
+be yours--HIS! if he were your husband. Now do you see his motive?"
+
+"I see nothing but your danger," replied his mother, tenderly.
+
+"Granted it were as you say, Jack," said Wild;--"and I sha'n't take the
+trouble to contradict you--the estates would be _yours_ hereafter."
+
+"Liar!" cried Jack. "Do you affect ignorance that I am a condemned
+felon, and can inherit nothing? But do not imagine that under any
+circumstances I would accept your terms. My mother shall never degrade
+herself by a connection with you."
+
+"Degrade herself," rejoined Jonathan, brutally. "Do you think I would
+take a harlot to my bed, if it didn't suit my purposes to do so?"
+
+"He says right," replied Mrs. Sheppard, distractedly. "I am only fit for
+such as him. Take me! take me!"
+
+"Before an hour you shall be mine," said Jonathan advancing towards her.
+
+"Back!" cried Jack fiercely: "lay a finger on her, and I will fell you
+to the ground. Mother! do you know what you do? Would you sell yourself
+to this fiend?"
+
+"I would sell myself, body and soul, to save you," rejoined his mother,
+bursting from his grasp.
+
+Jonathan caught her in his arms.
+
+"Come away!" he cried, with the roar of a demon.
+
+This laugh and his looks alarmed her.
+
+"It _is_ the fiend!" she exclaimed, recoiling. "Save me!--save me!"
+
+"Damnation!" vociferated Jonathan, savagely. "We've no time for any
+Bedlam scenes now. Come along, you mad jade. I'll teach you submission
+in time."
+
+With this, he endeavoured to force her off; but, before he could
+accomplish his purpose, he was arrested, and his throat seized by Jack.
+In the struggle, Mrs. Sheppard broke from him, and filled the room with
+her shrieks.
+
+"I'll now pay the debt I owe you," cried Jack, tightening his grip till
+the thief-taker blackened in the face.
+
+"Dog!" cried Wild, freeing himself by a powerful effort, and dealing
+Jack a violent blow with the heavy bludgeon, which knocked him
+backwards, "you are not yet a match for Jonathan Wild. Neither you nor
+your mother shall escape me. But I must summon my janizaries." So
+saying, he raised a whistle to his lips, and blew a loud call; and, as
+this was unanswered, another still louder. "Confusion!" he cried;
+"something has happened. But I won't be cheated of my prize."
+
+"Help! help!" shrieked Mrs. Sheppard, fleeing from him to the farthest
+corner of the room.
+
+But it was of no avail. Jonathan again seized her, when the door was
+thrown open, and Thames Darrell, followed by Mr. Wood and several
+serving-men, all well armed, rushed into the room. A glance sufficed to
+show the young man how matters stood. He flew to the window, and would
+have passed his sword through the thief-taker's body, if the latter had
+not quickly interposed the person of Mrs. Sheppard, so that if the blow
+had been stricken she must have received it.
+
+"Quilt!--Mendez!--Where are you?" vociferated Wild, sounding his whistle
+for the third time.
+
+"You call in vain," rejoined Thames. "Your assistants are in my power.
+Yield, villain!"
+
+"Never!" replied Jonathan.
+
+"Put down your burthen, monster!" shouted Wood, pointing an immense
+blunderbuss at him.
+
+"Take her," cried Jonathan; and, flinging the now inanimate body of the
+poor widow, who had fainted in the struggle, into the arms of Thames, he
+leapt through the window, and by the time the latter could consign her
+to Wood, and dart after him, he had disappeared.
+
+"Pursue him," cried Thames to the attendants, "and see that he does not
+escape."
+
+The order was promptly obeyed.
+
+"Jack," continued Thames, addressing Sheppard, who had only just
+recovered from the blow, and regained his feet, "I don't ask _how_ you
+came here, nor do I blame your rashness in doing so. Fortunately, ever
+since Wild's late murderous attack, the household has all been well
+armed. A post-chaise seen in the road first alarmed us. On searching
+the grounds, we found two suspicious-looking fellows in the garden, and
+had scarcely secured them, when your mother's cries summoned us hither,
+just in time to preserve her."
+
+"Your arrival was most providential," said Jack.
+
+"You must not remain here another instant," replied Thames. "My horse is
+at the door, saddled, with pistols in the holsters,--mount him and fly."
+
+"Thames, I have much to say," said Jack, "much that concerns your
+safety."
+
+"Not now," returned Thames, impatiently. "I cannot--will not suffer you
+to remain here."
+
+"I will go, if you will consent to meet me at midnight near the old
+house in Wych Street," replied Jack. "By that time, I shall have fully
+considered a plan which occurs to me for defeating the schemes of your
+enemies."
+
+"Before that time you will be captured, if you expose yourself thus,"
+rejoined Thames. "However, I will be there. Farewell."
+
+"Till midnight," replied Jack.
+
+And imprinting a kiss upon his mother's cold lips, he left the room. He
+found the horse where Thames told him he would find him, mounted, and
+rode off across the fields in the direction of town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+The Well Hole.
+
+
+Jonathan Wild's first object, as soon as he had made good his retreat,
+was to ascertain what had become of his janizaries, and, if possible, to
+release them. With this view, he hurried to the spot where he had left
+the post-chaise, and found it drawn up at the road-side, the postilion
+dismounted, and in charge of a couple of farming-men. Advancing towards
+them, sword in hand, Jonathan so terrified the hinds by his fierce looks
+and determined manner, that, after a slight show of resistance, they
+took to their heels, leaving him master of the field. He then threw
+open the door of the vehicle, in which he found his janizaries with
+their arms pinioned, and, leaping into it, ordered the man to drive off.
+The postilion obeyed, and dashed off as hard as his horses could gallop
+along the beautiful road leading to Neasdon and Willesden, just as the
+serving-men made their appearance. Arrived at the latter place,
+Jonathan, who, meanwhile, had contrived to liberate his attendants from
+their bonds, drew up at the Six Bells, and hiring a couple of horses,
+despatched his attendants in search of Jack Sheppard, while he proceeded
+to town. Dismissing the post-chaise at the Old Bailey, he walked to
+Newgate to ascertain what had occurred since the escape. It was just
+upon the stroke of nine as he entered the Lodge, and Mr. Austin was
+dismissing a host of inquirers who had been attracted thither by the
+news,--for it had already been extensively noised abroad. Some of these
+persons were examining the spot where the spike had been cut off; others
+the spike itself, now considered a remarkable object; and all were
+marvelling how Jack could have possibly squeezed himself through such a
+narrow aperture, until it was explained to them by Mr. Austin that the
+renowned housebreaker was of slender bodily conformation, and therefore
+able to achieve a feat, which he, Mr. Austin, or any man of similar
+dimensions, would have found wholly impossible. Affixed to the wall, in
+a conspicuous situation, was a large placard, which, after minutely
+describing Sheppard's appearance and attire, concluded thus:--"_Whoever
+will discover or apprehend the above_ JOHN SHEPPARD, _so that he be
+brought to justice, shall receive_ ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS REWARD, _to be
+paid by_ MR. PITT, _the keeper of Newgate_."
+
+This placard attracted universal attention. While Jonathan was
+conversing with Austin, from whom he took care to conceal the fact of
+his having seen Sheppard since his escape, Ireton entered the Lodge.
+
+"Altogether unsuccessful, Sir," said the chief turnkey, with a look of
+disappointment, not unmixed with apprehension, as he approached Wild.
+"I've been to all the flash cases in town, and can hear nothing of him
+or his wives. First, I went to Country Tom's, the Goat, in Long Lane.
+Tom swore he hadn't set eyes on him since the trial. I next proceeded to
+Jenny Bunch's, the Ship, in Trig Lane--there I got the same answer. Then
+to the Feathers, in Drury Lane. Then to the Golden Ball, in the same
+street. Then to Martin's brandy-shop, in Fleet Street. Then to Dan
+Ware's, in Hanging Sword Court. Then to the Dean's Head, in St. Martin's
+Le Grand. And, lastly, to the Seven Cities o' Refuge, in the New Mint.
+And nowhere could I obtain the slightest information."
+
+"Humph!" exclaimed Wild.
+
+"Have you been more successful, Sir?" ventured Ireton.
+
+Jonathan shook his head.
+
+"Mr. Shotbolt thinks he has a scheme that can't fail," interposed
+Austin; "but he wishes to know whether you'll be as good as your word,
+in respect to the great reward you offered for Jack's capture."
+
+"Have I ever broken my word in such matters, that he dares put the
+question?" rejoined Jonathan sternly. "Tell Mr. Shotbolt that if he, or
+any other person, takes Jack Sheppard before to-morrow morning, I'll
+double it. Do you hear?"
+
+"I do, Sir," replied Austin respectfully.
+
+"Two hundred pounds, if he's lodged in Newgate before to-morrow
+morning," continued Wild. "Make it known among your friends." And he
+strode out of the place.
+
+"Two hundred pounds!" exclaimed Ireton, "besides the governor's
+offer--that's three hundred. I must go to work again. Keep a sharp look
+out, Austin, and see that we lose no one else. I should be sorry if
+Shotbolt got the reward."
+
+"Devilish hard! I'm not allowed a chance," grumbled Austin, as he was
+left alone. "However, some one _must_ look after the jail; and they're
+all gone but me. It's fortunate we've no more Jack Sheppards, or I
+should stand but a poor chance. Well, I don't think they'll any of 'em
+nab him, that's one comfort."
+
+On quitting the Lodge, Wild repaired to his own habitation. Telling the
+porter that he would attend to the house himself, he bade him go in
+search of Jack Sheppard. There was something in Jonathan's manner, as he
+issued this command, that struck the man as singular, and he afterwards
+recalled it. He, however, made no remark at the time, but instantly
+prepared to set out. As soon as he was gone, Jonathan went up stairs to
+the audience-chamber; and, sitting down, appeared for some time buried
+in reflection. The dark and desperate thoughts that were passing through
+his mind at this time will presently be shown. After a while, he raised
+his eyes; and, if their glance could have been witnessed at the moment,
+it could not have been easily forgotten. Muttering something to himself,
+he appeared to be telling upon his fingers the advantages and
+disadvantages of some scheme he had in contemplation. That he had
+resolved upon its execution, whatever it might be, was evident from his
+saying aloud,--
+
+"I will do it. So good an opportunity may never occur again."
+
+Upon this he arose, and paced the room hastily backwards and forwards,
+as if further arranging his plans. He then unlocked a cabinet, opened a
+secret drawer, and, lifter ransacking its contents, discovered a paper
+he was in search of, and a glove. Laying these carefully aside, he
+restored the drawer to its place. His next occupation was to take out
+his pistols, examine the priming, and rub the flints. His sword then
+came in for his scrutiny: he felt at, and appeared satisfied with its
+edge. This employment seemed to afford him the highest satisfaction; for
+a diabolical grin--it cannot be called a smile--played upon his face all
+the time he was engaged in it. His sword done with, he took up the
+bludgeon; balanced it in his hand; upon the points of his fingers; and
+let it fall with a smash, intentionally, upon the table.
+
+"After all," he said, "this is the safest weapon. No instrument I've
+ever used has done me such good service. It _shall_ be the bludgeon." So
+saying, he slung it upon his wrist.
+
+Taking up a link, which was blazing beside him, he walked across the
+room; and touching a spring in the wall, a secret door flew open. Beyond
+was a narrow bridge, crossing a circular building, at the bottom of
+which lay a deep well. It was a dark mysterious place, and what it was
+used for no one exactly knew; but it was called by those who had seen it
+the Well Hole. The bridge was protected on either side by a railing with
+bannisters placed at wide intervals. Steps to aid the descent, which was
+too steep to be safe without them, led to, a door on the opposite side.
+This door, which was open, Jonathan locked and took out the key. As he
+stood upon the bridge, he held down the light, and looked into the
+profound abyss. The red glare fell upon the slimy brick-work, and tinged
+the inky waters below. A slight cough uttered by Jonathan at the moment
+awakened the echoes of the place, and was returned in hollow
+reverberations. "There'll be a louder echo here presently," thought
+Jonathan. Before leaving the place he looked upwards, and could just
+discern the blue vault and pale stars of Heaven through an iron grating
+at the top.
+
+On his return to the room, Jonathan purposely left the door of the Well
+Hole ajar. Unlocking a cupboard, he then took out some cold meat and
+other viands, with a flask of wine, and a bottle of brandy, and began to
+eat and drink voraciously. He had very nearly cleared the board, when a
+knock was heard below, and descending at the summons, he found his two
+janizaries. They had both been unsuccessful. As Jonathan scarcely
+expected a more satisfactory result, he made no comment; but, ordering
+Quilt to continue his search, and not to return until he had found the
+fugitive, called Abraham Mendez into the house, and shut the door.
+
+"I want you for the job I spoke of a short time ago, Nab," he said. "I
+mean to have no one but yourself in it. Come up stairs, and take a glass
+of brandy."
+
+Abraham grinned, and silently followed his master, who, as soon as they
+reached the audience-chamber, poured out a bumper of spirits, and
+presented it to him. The Jew swallowed it at a draught.
+
+"By my shoul!" he exclaimed, smacking his lips, "dat ish goot--very
+goot."
+
+"You shall finish the bottle when the job's done," replied Jonathan.
+
+"Vat ish it, Mishter Vild?" inquired Mendez. "Shir Rowland Trenchard's
+affair--eh?"
+
+"That's it," rejoined Jonathan; "I expect him here every minute. When
+you've admitted him, steal into the room, hide yourself, and don't move
+till I utter the words, 'You've a long journey before you.' That's your
+signal."
+
+"And a famoush goot shignal it ish," laughed Abraham. "He hash a long
+journey before him--ha! ha!"
+
+"Peace!" cried Jonathan. "There's his knock. Go, and let him in. And
+mind you don't arouse his suspicions."
+
+"Never fear--never fear," rejoined Abraham, as he took up the link, and
+left the room.
+
+Jonathan cast a hasty glance around, to see that all was properly
+arranged for his purpose; placed a chair with its back to the door;
+disposed the lights on the table so as to throw the entrance of the room
+more into shadow; and then flung himself into a seat to await Sir
+Rowland's arrival.
+
+He had not to wait long. Enveloped in a large cloak, Sir Rowland stalked
+into the room, and took the seat assigned him; while the Jew, who
+received a private signal from Jonathan, set down the link near the
+entrance of the Well Hole, and, having made fast the door, crept behind
+one of the cases.
+
+Fancying they were alone, Sir Rowland threw aside his cloak, and
+produced a heavy bag of money, which he flung upon the table; and, when
+Wild had feasted his greedy eyes sufficiently upon its golden contents,
+he handed him a pocket-book filled with notes.
+
+"You have behaved like a man of honour, Sir Rowland," said Wild, after
+he had twice told over the money. "Right to a farthing."
+
+"Give me an acquittance," said Trenchard.
+
+"It's scarcely necessary," replied Wild; "however, if you require it,
+certainly. There it is. 'Received from Sir Rowland Trenchard, 15,000
+L.--Jonathan Wild: August 31st, 1724.' Will that do?"
+
+"It will," replied Trenchard. "This is our last transaction together."
+
+"I hope not," replied Wild.
+
+"It is the last," continued the knight, sternly; "and I trust we may
+never meet again, I have paid you this large sum--not because you are
+entitled to it, for you have failed in what you undertook to do, but
+because I desire to be troubled with you no further. I have now settled
+my affairs, and made every preparation for my departure to France, where
+I shall spend the remainder of my days. And I have made such
+arrangements that at my decease tardy justice will be done my injured
+nephew."
+
+"You have made no such arrangements as will compromise me, I hope, Sir
+Rowland?" said Wild, hastily.
+
+"While I live you are safe," rejoined Trenchard; "after my death I can
+answer for nothing."
+
+"'Sblood!" exclaimed Wild, uneasily. "This alters the case materially.
+When were you last confessed, Sir Rowland?" he added abruptly.
+
+"Why do you ask?" rejoined the other haughtily.
+
+"Because--because I'm always distrustful of a priest," rejoined
+Jonathan.
+
+"I have just parted from one," said Trenchard.
+
+"So much the worse," replied Jonathan, rising and taking a turn, as if
+uncertain what to do.
+
+"So much the better," rejoined Sir Rowland. "He who stands on the verge
+of the grave, as I do, should never be unprepared."
+
+"You're strangely superstitious, Sir Rowland," said Jonathan, halting,
+and looking steadfastly at him.
+
+"If I were so, I should not be here," returned Trenchard.
+
+"How so?" asked Wild, curiously.
+
+"I had a terrible dream last night. I thought my sister and her murdered
+husband dragged me hither, to this very room, and commanded you to slay
+me."
+
+"A terrible dream, indeed," said Jonathan thoughtfully. "But you
+mustn't indulge these gloomy thoughts. Let me recommend a glass of
+wine."
+
+"My penance forbids it," said Trenchard, waving his hand. "I cannot
+remain here long."
+
+"You will remain longer than you anticipate," muttered Wild.
+
+"Before I go," continued Sir Rowland, "I must beg of you to disclose to
+me all you know relative to the parentage of Thames Darrell."
+
+"Willingly," replied Wild. "Thinking it likely you might desire to have
+this information, I prepared accordingly. First, look at this glove. It
+belonged to his father, and was worn by him on the night he was
+murdered. You will observe that a coronet is embroidered on it."
+
+"Ha!" exclaimed Trenchard, starting, "is he so highly born?"
+
+"This letter will inform you," replied Wild, placing a document in his
+hand.
+
+"What is this!" cried Sir Rowland. "I know the hand--ha! my friend! and
+I have murdered _him_! And my sister was thus nobly, thus illustriously
+wedded. O God! O God!"
+
+And he appeared convulsed with agony.
+
+"Oh! if I had known this," he exclaimed, "what guilt, what remorse might
+have been spared me!"
+
+"Repentance comes too late when the deed's done," returned Wild,
+bitterly.
+
+"It is not too late to repair the wrong I have done my nephew," cried
+Trenchard. "I will set about it instantly. He shall have the estates. I
+will return to Manchester at once."
+
+"You had better take some refreshment before you start," rejoined Wild.
+"'_You've a long journey before you._'"
+
+As the signal was given, the Jew, who had been some time in expectation
+of it, darted swiftly and silently behind Sir Rowland, and flung a cloth
+over his head, while Jonathan, rushing upon him in front, struck him
+several quick and violent blows in the face with the bludgeon. The
+white cloth was instantly dyed with crimson; but, regardless of this,
+Jonathan continued his murderous assault. The struggles of the wounded
+man were desperate--so desperate, that in his agony he overset the
+table, and, in the confusion, tore off the cloth, and disclosed a face
+horribly mutilated, and streaming with blood. So appalling was the
+sight, that even the murderers--familiar as they were with scenes of
+slaughter,--looked aghast at it.
+
+During this dreadful pause the wretched man felt for his sword. It had
+been removed from the scabbard by the Jew. He uttered a deep groan, but
+said nothing.
+
+"Despatch him!" roared Jonathan.
+
+Having no means of defence, Sir Rowland cleared the blood from his
+vision; and, turning to see whether there was any means of escape, he
+descried the open door behind him leading to the Well Hole, and
+instantly darted through it.
+
+"As I could wish!" cried Jonathan. "Bring the light, Nab."
+
+The Jew snatched up the link, and followed him.
+
+A struggle of the most terrific kind now ensued. The wounded man had
+descended the bridge, and dashed himself against the door beyond it;
+but, finding it impossible to force his way further, he turned to
+confront his assailants. Jonathan aimed a blow at him, which, if it had
+taken place, must have instantly terminated the strife; but, avoiding
+this, he sprang at the thief-taker, and grappled with him. Firmly built,
+as it was, the bridge creaked in such a manner with their contending
+efforts, that Abraham durst not venture beyond the door, where he stood,
+holding the light, a horrified spectator of the scene. The contest,
+however, though desperate, was brief. Disengaging his right arm,
+Jonathan struck his victim a tremendous blow on the head with the
+bludgeon, that fractured his skull; and, exerting all his strength,
+threw him over the rails, to which he clung with the tenacity of
+despair.
+
+"Spare me!" he groaned, looking upwards. "Spare me!"
+
+Jonathan, however, instead of answering him, searched for his knife,
+with the intention of severing his wrist. But not finding it, he had
+again recourse to the bludgeon, and began beating the hand fixed on the
+upper rail, until, by smashing the fingers, he forced it to relinquish
+its hold. He then stamped upon the hand on the lower bannister, until
+that also relaxed its gripe.
+
+Sir Rowland then fell.
+
+A hollow plunge, echoed and re-echoed by the walls, marked his descent
+into the water.
+
+"Give me the link," cried Jonathan.
+
+Holding down the light, he perceived that the wounded man had risen to
+the surface, and was trying to clamber up the slippery sides of the
+well.
+
+"Shoot him! shoot him! Put him out of hish mishery," cried the Jew.
+
+"What's the use of wasting a shot?" rejoined Jonathan, savagely. "He
+can't get out."
+
+After making several ineffectual attempts to keep himself above water,
+Sir Rowland sunk, and his groans, which had become gradually fainter and
+fainter, were heard no more.
+
+"All's over," muttered Jonathan.
+
+"Shall ve go back to de other room?" asked the Jew. "I shall breathe
+more freely dere. Oh! Christ! de door's shut! It musht have schwung to
+during de schuffle!"
+
+"Shut!" exclaimed Wild. "Then we're imprisoned. The spring can't be
+opened on this side."
+
+"Dere's de other door!" cried Mendez, in alarm.
+
+"It only leads to the fencing crib," replied Wild. "There's no outlet
+that way."
+
+"Can't ve call for asshistanche?"
+
+"And who'll find us, if we do?" rejoined Wild, fiercely. "But they
+_will_ find the evidences of slaughter in the other room,--the table
+upset,--the bloody cloth,--the dead man's sword,--the money,--and my
+memorandum, which I forgot to remove. Hell's curses! that after all my
+precautions I should be thus entrapped. It's all your fault, you shaking
+coward! and, but that I feel sure you'll swing for your carelessness,
+I'd throw you into the well, too."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+The Supper at Mr. Kneebone's.
+
+
+Persuaded that Jack Sheppard would keep his appointment with Mr.
+Kneebone, and feeling certain of capturing him if he did so, Shotbolt,
+on quitting Newgate, hurried to the New Prison to prepare for the
+enterprise. After debating with himself for some time whether he should
+employ an assistant, or make the attempt alone, his love of gain
+overcame his fears, and he decided upon the latter plan. Accordingly,
+having armed himself with various weapons, including a stout oaken staff
+then ordinarily borne by the watch, and put a coil of rope and a gag in
+his pocket, to be ready in case of need, he set out, about ten o'clock,
+on the expedition.
+
+Before proceeding to Wych Street, he called at the Lodge to see how
+matters were going on, and found Mrs. Spurling and Austin at their
+evening meal, with Caliban in attendance.
+
+"Well, Mr. Shotbolt," cried the turnkey, "I've good news for you. Mr.
+Wild has doubled his offer, and the governor has likewise proclaimed a
+reward of one hundred guineas for Jack's apprehension."
+
+"You don't say so!" exclaimed Shotbolt.
+
+"Read that," rejoined Austin, pointing to the placard. "I ought to tell
+you that Mr. Wild's reward is conditional upon Jack's being taken before
+to-morrow morning. So I fear there's little chance of any one getting
+it."
+
+"You think so, eh?" chuckled Shotbolt, who was eagerly perusing the
+reward, and congratulating himself upon his caution; "you think so--ha!
+ha! Well, don't go to bed, that's all."
+
+"What for?" demanded the turnkey.
+
+"Because the prisoner's arrival might disturb you--ha! ha!"
+
+"I'll lay you twenty guineas you don't take him to-night," rejoined
+Austin.
+
+"Done!" cried Shotbolt. "Mrs. Spurling, you're a witness to the bet.
+Twenty guineas, mind. I shan't let you off a farthing. Egad! I shall
+make a good thing of it."
+
+"Never count your chickens till they're hatched," observed Mrs.
+Spurling, drily.
+
+"_My_ chickens are hatched, or, at least, nearly so," replied Shotbolt,
+with increased merriment. "Get ready your heaviest irons, Austin. I'll
+send you word when I catch him."
+
+"You'd better send _him_," jeered the turnkey.
+
+"So I will," rejoined Shotbolt; "so I will. If I don't, you shall clap
+me in the Condemned Hold in his stead. Good-bye, for the pressent--ha!
+ha!" And, laughing loudly at his own facetiousness, he quitted the
+Lodge.
+
+"I'll lay my life he's gone on a fox-and-goose-chase to Mr. Kneebone's,"
+remarked Austin, rising to fasten the door.
+
+"I shouldn't wonder," replied Mrs. Spurling, as if struck by a sudden
+idea. And, while the turnkey was busy with the keys, she whispered to
+the black, "Follow him, Caliban. Take care he don't see you,--and bring
+me word where he goes, and what he does."
+
+"Iss, missis," grinned the black.
+
+"Be so good as to let Caliban out, Mr. Austin," continued the tapstress;
+"he's only going on an errand."
+
+Austin readily complied with her request. As he returned to the table,
+he put his finger to his nose; and, though he said nothing, he thought
+he had a much better chance of winning his wager.
+
+Unconscious that his movements were watched, Shotbolt, meanwhile,
+hastened towards Wych Street. On the way, he hired a chair with a couple
+of stout porters, and ordered them to follow him. Arrived within a short
+distance of his destination, he came to a halt, and pointing out a dark
+court nearly opposite the woollen-draper's abode, told the chairmen to
+wait there till they were summoned.
+
+"I'm a peace-officer," he added, "about to arrest a notorious criminal.
+He'll be brought out at this door, and may probably make some
+resistance. But you must get him into the chair as fast as you can, and
+hurry off to Newgate."
+
+"And what'll we get for the job, yer hon'r?" asked the foremost
+chairman, who, like most of his tribe at the time, was an Irishman.
+
+"Five guineas. Here's a couple in hand."
+
+"Faix, then we'll do it in style," cried the fellow. "Once in this
+chair, yer hon'r, and I'll warrant he'll not get out so aisily as Jack
+Sheppard did from the New Pris'n."
+
+"Hold your tongue, sirrah," rejoined Shotbolt, not over-pleased by the
+remark, "and mind what I tell you. Ah! what's that?" he exclaimed, as
+some one brushed hastily past him. "If I hadn't just left him, I could
+have sworn it was Mrs. Spurling's sooty imp, Caliban."
+
+Having seen the chairmen concealed in the entry, Shotbolt proceeded to
+Mr. Kneebone's habitation, the shutters of which were closed, and
+knocked at the door. The summons was instantly answered by a shop-boy.
+
+"Is your master at home?" inquired the jailer.
+
+"He is," replied a portly personage, arrayed in a gorgeous yellow
+brocade dressing-gown, lined with cherry-coloured satin, and having a
+crimson velvet cap, surmounted by a gold tassel, on his head. "My name
+is Kneebone," added the portly personage, stepping forward. "What do you
+want with me?"
+
+"A word in private," replied the other.
+
+"Stand aside, Tom," commanded Kneebone. "Now Sir," he added, glancing
+suspiciously at the applicant "your business?"
+
+"My business is to acquaint you that Jack Sheppard has escaped, Mr.
+Kneebone," returned Shotbolt.
+
+"The deuce he has! Why, it's only a few hours since I beheld him chained
+down with half a hundred weight of iron, in the strongest ward at
+Newgate. It's almost incredible. Are you sure you're not misinformed,
+Sir?"
+
+"I was in the Lodge at the time," replied the jailer.
+
+"Then, of course, you must know. Well, it's scarcely credible. When I
+gave him an invitation to supper, I little thought he'd accept it. But,
+egad! I believe he _will_."
+
+"I'm convinced of it," replied Shotbolt; "and it was on that very
+account I came here." And he proceeded to unfold his scheme to the
+woollen-draper.
+
+"Well, Sir," said Kneebone, when the other concluded, "I shall certainly
+not oppose his capture, but, at the same time, I'll lend you no
+assistance. If he keeps _his_ word, I'll keep _mine_. You must wait till
+supper's over."
+
+"As you please, Sir,--provided you don't let him off."
+
+"That I'll engage not to do. I've another reason for supposing he'll pay
+me a visit. I refused to sign a petition in his behalf to the Recorder;
+not from any ill-will to him, but because it was prepared by a person
+whom I particularly dislike--Captain Darrell."
+
+"A very sufficient reason," answered the jailer.
+
+"Tom," continued Kneebone, calling to the shop-boy, "don't go home. I
+may want you. Light the lantern. And, if you hear any odd noise in the
+parlour, don't mind it."
+
+"Not in the least, Sir," replied Tom, in a drowsy tone, and with a look
+seeming to imply that he was too much accustomed to odd noises at night
+to heed them.
+
+"Now, step this way, Mr. What's-your-name?"
+
+"Shotbolt, Sir," replied the jailer.
+
+"Very well, Mr. Slipshod; follow me." And he led the way to an inner
+room, in the middle of which stood a table, covered with a large white
+cloth.
+
+"Jack Sheppard knows this house, I believe, Sir," observed Shotbolt.
+
+"Every inch of it," replied the woollen-draper. "He _ought_ to do,
+seeing that he served his apprenticeship in it to Mr. Wood, by whom it
+was formerly occupied. His name is carved upon a beam up stairs."
+
+"Indeed!" said Shotbolt. "Where can I hide myself?" he added, glancing
+round the room in search of a closet.
+
+"Under the table. The cloth nearly touches the floor. Give me your
+staff. It'll be in your way."
+
+"Suppose he brings Blueskin, or some other ruffian with him," hesitated
+the jailer.
+
+"Suppose he does. In that case I'll help you. We shall be equally
+matched. You're not afraid, Mr. Shoplatch."
+
+"Not in the least," replied Shotbolt, creeping beneath the table;
+"there's my staff. Am I quite hidden?"
+
+"Not quite;--keep your feet in. Mind you don't stir till supper's over.
+I'll stamp twice when we've done."
+
+"I forgot to mention there's a trifling reward for his capture," cried
+Shotbolt, popping his head from under the cloth. "If we take him, I
+don't mind giving you a share--say a fourth--provided you lend a helping
+hand."
+
+"Curse your reward!" exclaimed Kneebone, angrily. "Do you take me for a
+thief-catcher, like Jonathan Wild, that you dare to affront me by such a
+proposal?"
+
+"No offence, Sir," rejoined the jailer, humbly. "I didn't imagine for a
+moment that you'd accept it, but I thought it right to make you the
+offer."
+
+"Be silent, and conceal yourself. I'm about to ring for supper."
+
+The woollen-draper's application to the bell was answered by a very
+pretty young woman, with dark Jewish features, roguish black eyes, sleek
+glossy hair, a trim waist, and a remarkably neat figure: the very model,
+in short, of a bachelor's housekeeper.
+
+"Rachel," said Mr. Kneebone, addressing his comely attendant; "put a few
+more plates on the table, and bring up whatever there is in the larder.
+I expect company."
+
+"Company!" echoed Rachel; "at this time of night?"
+
+"Company, child," repeated Kneebone. "I shall want a bottle or two of
+sack, and a flask of usquebaugh."
+
+"Anything else, Sir?"
+
+"No:--stay! you'd better not bring up any silver forks or spoons."
+
+"Why, surely you don't think your guests would steal them," observed
+Rachel, archly.
+
+"They shan't have the opportunity," replied Kneebone. And, by way of
+checking his housekeeper's familiarity, he pointed significantly to the
+table.
+
+"Who's there?" cried Rachel. "I'll see." And before she could be
+prevented, she lifted up the cloth, and disclosed Shotbolt. "Oh,
+Gemini!" she exclaimed. "A man!"
+
+"At your service, my dear," replied the jailer.
+
+"Now your curiosity's satisfied, child," continued Kneebone, "perhaps,
+you'll attend to my orders."
+
+Not a little perplexed by the mysterious object she had seen, Rachel
+left the room, and, shortly afterwards returned with the materials of a
+tolerably good supper;--to wit, a couple of cold fowls, a tongue, the
+best part of a sirloin of beef, a jar of pickles, and two small dishes
+of pastry. To these she added the wine and spirits directed, and when
+all was arranged looked inquisitively at her master.
+
+"I expect a very extraordinary person to supper, Rachel," he remarked.
+
+"The gentleman under the table," she answered. "He _does_ seem a very
+extraordinary person."
+
+"No; another still more extraordinary."
+
+"Indeed!--who is it?"
+
+"Jack Sheppard."
+
+"What! the famous housebreaker. I thought he was in Newgate."
+
+"He's let out for a few hours," laughed Kneebone; "but he's going back
+again after supper."
+
+"Oh, dear! how I should like to see him. I'm told he's so handsome."
+
+"I'm sorry I can't indulge you," replied her master, a little piqued. "I
+shall want nothing more. You had better go to bed."
+
+"It's no use going to bed," answered Rachel. "I shan't sleep a wink
+while Jack Sheppard's in the house."
+
+"Keep in your own room, at all events," rejoined Kneebone.
+
+"Very well," said Rachel, with a toss of her pretty head, "very well.
+I'll have a peep at him, if I die for it," she muttered, as she went
+out.
+
+Mr. Kneebone, then, sat down to await the arrival of his expected guest.
+Half an hour passed, but Jack did not make his appearance. The
+woollen-draper looked at his watch. It was eleven o'clock. Another long
+interval elapsed. The watch was again consulted. It was now a quarter
+past twelve. Mr. Kneebone, who began to feel sleepy, wound it up, and
+snuffed the candles.
+
+"I suspect our friend has thought better of it, and won't come," he
+remarked.
+
+"Have a little patience, Sir," rejoined the jailer.
+
+"How are you off there, Shoplatch?" inquired Kneebone. "Rather cramped,
+eh?"
+
+"Rather so, Sir," replied the other, altering his position. "I shall be
+able to stretch my limbs presently--ha! ha!"
+
+"Hush!" cried Kneebone, "I hear a noise without. He's coming."
+
+The caution was scarcely uttered, when the door opened, and Jack
+Sheppard presented himself. He was wrapped in a laced roquelaure, which
+he threw off on his entrance into the room. It has been already
+intimated that Jack had an excessive passion for finery; and it might
+have been added, that the chief part of his ill-gotten gains was devoted
+to the embellishment of his person. On the present occasion, he appeared
+to have bestowed more than ordinary attention on his toilette. His
+apparel was sumptuous in the extreme, and such as was only worn by
+persons of the highest distinction. It consisted of a full-dress coat of
+brown flowered velvet, laced with silver; a waistcoat of white satin,
+likewise richly embroidered; shoes with red heels, and large diamond
+buckles; pearl-coloured silk stockings with gold clocks; a muslin
+cravat, or steen-kirk, as it was termed, edged with the fine point lace;
+ruffles of the same material, and so ample as almost to hide the tips of
+his fingers; and a silver-hilted sword. This costume, though somewhat
+extravagant, displayed his slight, but perfectly-proportioned figure to
+the greatest advantage. The only departure which he made from the
+fashion of the period, was in respect to the peruke--an article he could
+never be induced to wear. In lieu of it, he still adhered to the sleek
+black crop, which, throughout life, formed a distinguishing feature in
+his appearance. Ever since the discovery of his relationship to the
+Trenchard family, a marked change had taken place in Jack's demeanour
+and looks, which were so much refined and improved that he could
+scarcely be recognised as the same person. Having only seen him in the
+gloom of a dungeon, and loaded with fetters, Kneebone had not noticed
+this alteration: but he was now greatly struck by it. Advancing towards
+him, he made him a formal salutation, which was coldly returned.
+
+"I am expected, I find," observed Jack, glancing at the well-covered
+board.
+
+"You are," replied Kneebone. "When I heard of your escape, I felt sure I
+should see you."
+
+"You judged rightly," rejoined Jack; "I never yet broke an engagement
+with friend or foe--and never will."
+
+"A bold resolution," said the woollen-draper. "You must have made some
+exertion to keep your present appointment. Few men could have done as
+much."
+
+"Perhaps not," replied Jack, carelessly. "I would have done more, if
+necessary."
+
+"Well, take a chair," rejoined Kneebone. "I've waited supper, you
+perceive."
+
+"First, let me introduce my friends," returned Jack, stepping to the
+door.
+
+"Friends!" echoed Kneebone, with a look of dismay. "My invitation did
+not extend to them."
+
+Further remonstrance, however, was cut short by the sudden entrance of
+Mrs. Maggot and Edgeworth Bess. Behind them stalked Blueskin, enveloped
+in a rough great-coat, called--appropriately enough in this instance,--a
+wrap-rascal. Folding his arms, he placed his back against the door, and
+burst into a loud laugh. The ladies were, as usual, very gaily dressed;
+and as usual, also, had resorted to art to heighten their attractions--
+
+    From patches, justly placed, they borrow'd graces,
+    And with vermilion lacquer'd o'er their faces.
+
+Edgeworth Bess wore a scarlet tabby negligee,--a sort of undress, or
+sack, then much in vogue,--which suited her to admiration, and upon her
+head had what was called a fly-cap, with richly-laced lappets. Mrs.
+Maggot was equipped in a light blue riding-habit, trimmed with silver, a
+hunting-cap and a flaxen peruke, and, instead of a whip, carried a stout
+cudgel.
+
+For a moment, Kneebone had hesitated about giving the signal to
+Shotbolt, but, thinking a more favourable opportunity might occur, he
+determined not to hazard matters by undue precipitation. Placing chairs,
+therefore, he invited the ladies to be seated, and, paying a similar
+attention to Jack, began to help to the various dishes, and otherwise
+fulfil the duties of a host. While this was going on, Blueskin, seeing
+no notice whatever taken of him, coughed loudly and repeatedly. But
+finding his hints totally disregarded, he, at length, swaggered up to
+the table, and thrust in a chair.
+
+"Excuse me," he said, plunging his fork into a fowl, and transferring it
+to his plate. "This tongue looks remarkably nice," he added, slicing off
+an immense wedge, "excuse me--ho! ho!"
+
+"You make yourself at home, I perceive," observed Kneebone, with a look
+of ineffable disgust.
+
+"I generally do," replied Blueskin, pouring out a bumper of sack. "Your
+health, Kneebone."
+
+"Allow me to offer you a glass of usquebaugh, my dear," said Kneebone,
+turning from him, and regarding Edgeworth Bess with a stare so
+impertinent, that even that not over-delicate young lady summoned up a
+blush.
+
+"With pleasure, Sir," replied Edgeworth Bess. "Dear me!" she added, as
+she pledged the amorous woollen-draper, "what a beautiful ring that is."
+
+"Do you think so?" replied Kneebone, taking it off, and placing it on
+her finger, which he took the opportunity of kissing at the same time;
+"wear it for my sake."
+
+"Oh, dear!" simpered Edgeworth Bess, endeavouring to hide her confusion
+by looking steadfastly at her plate.
+
+"You don't eat," continued Kneebone, addressing Jack, who had remained
+for some time thoughtful, and pre-occupied with his head upon his hand.
+
+"The Captain has seldom much appetite," replied Blueskin, who, having
+disposed of the fowl, was commencing a vigorous attack upon the sirloin.
+"I eat for both."
+
+"So it seems," observed the woollen-draper, "and for every one else,
+too."
+
+"I say, Kneebone," rejoined Blueskin, as he washed down an immense
+mouthful with another bumper, "do you recollect how nearly Mr. Wild and
+I were nabbing you in this very room, some nine years ago?"
+
+"I do," replied Kneebone; "and now," he added, aside, "the case is
+altered. I'm nearly nabbing _you_."
+
+"A good deal has occurred since then, eh, Captain!" said Blueskin,
+nudging Jack.
+
+"Much that I would willingly forget. Nothing that I desire to remember,"
+replied Sheppard, sternly. "On that night,--in this room,--in your
+presence, Blueskin,--in yours Mr. Kneebone, Mrs. Wood struck me a blow
+which made me a robber."
+
+"She has paid dearly for it," muttered Blueskin.
+
+"She has," rejoined Sheppard. "But I wish her hand had been as deadly as
+yours. On that night,--that fatal night,--Winifred crushed all the hopes
+that were rising in my heart. On that night, I surrendered myself to
+Jonathan Wild, and became--what I am."
+
+"On that night, you first met me, love," said Edgeworth Bess,
+endeavouring to take his hand, which he coldly withdrew.
+
+"And me," added Mrs. Maggot tenderly.
+
+"Would I had never seen either of you!" cried Jack, rising and pacing
+the apartment with a hurried step.
+
+"Well, I'm sure Winifred could never have loved you as well as I do,"
+said Mrs. Maggot.
+
+"_You_!" cried Jack, scornfully. "Do you compare _your_ love--a love
+which all may purchase--with _hers_? No one has ever loved me."
+
+"Except me, dear," insinuated Edgeworth Bess. "I've been always true to
+you."
+
+"Peace!" retorted Jack, with increased bitterness. "I'm your dupe no
+longer."
+
+"What the devil's in the wind now, Captain?" cried Blueskin, in
+astonishment.
+
+"I'll tell you," replied Jack, with forced calmness. "Within the last
+few minutes, all my guilty life has passed before me. Nine years ago, I
+was honest--was happy. Nine years ago, I worked in this very house--had
+a kind indulgent master, whom I robbed--twice robbed, at your
+instigation, villain; a mistress, whom you have murdered; a companion,
+whose friendship I have for ever forfeited; a mother, whose heart I have
+well-nigh broken. In this room was my ruin begun: in this room it should
+be ended."
+
+"Come, come, don't take on thus, Captain," cried Blueskin, rising and
+walking towards him. "If any one's to blame, it's me. I'm ready to bear
+it all."
+
+"Can you make me honest?" cried Jack. "Can you make me other than a
+condemned felon? Can you make me not Jack Sheppard?"
+
+"No," replied Blueskin; "and I wouldn't if I could."
+
+"Curse you!" cried Jack, furiously,--"curse you!--curse you!"
+
+"Swear away, Captain," rejoined Blueskin, coolly. "It'll ease your
+mind."
+
+"Do you mock me?" cried Jack, levelling a pistol at him.
+
+"Not I," replied Blueskin. "Take my life, if you're so disposed. You're
+welcome to it. And let's see if either of these women, who prate of
+their love for you, will do as much."
+
+"This is folly," cried Jack, controlling himself by a powerful effort.
+
+"The worst of folly," replied Blueskin, returning to the table, and
+taking up a glass; "and, to put an end to it, I shall drink the health
+of Jack Sheppard, the housebreaker, and success to him in all his
+enterprises. And now, let's see who'll refuse the pledge."
+
+"_I_ will," replied Sheppard, dashing the glass from his hand. "Sit
+down, fool!"
+
+"Jack," said Kneebone, who had been considerably interested by the
+foregoing scene, "are these regrets for your past life sincere?"
+
+"Suppose them so," rejoined Jack, "what then?"
+
+"Nothing--nothing," stammered Kneebone, his prudence getting the better
+of his sympathy. "I'm glad to hear it, that's all," he added, taking out
+his snuff-box, his never-failing resource in such emergencies. "It won't
+do to betray the officer," he muttered.
+
+"O lud! what an exquisite box!" cried Edgeworth Bess. "Is it gold?"
+
+"Pure gold," replied Kneebone. "It was given me by poor dear Mrs. Wood,
+whose loss I shall ever deplore."
+
+"Pray, let me have a pinch!" said Edgeworth Bess, with a captivating
+glance. "I am so excessively fond of snuff."
+
+The woollen-draper replied by gallantly handing her the box, which was
+instantly snatched from her by Blueskin, who, after helping himself to
+as much of its contents as he could conveniently squeeze between his
+thumb and finger, put it very coolly in his pocket.
+
+The action did not pass unnoticed by Sheppard.
+
+"Restore it," he cried, in an authoritative voice.
+
+"O'ons! Captain," cried Blueskin, as he grumblingly obeyed the command;
+"if you've left off business yourself, you needn't interfere with other
+people."
+
+"I should like a little of that plum-tart," said Mrs. Maggot; "but I
+don't see a spoon."
+
+"I'll ring for one," replied Kneebone, rising accordingly; "but I fear
+my servants are gone to bed."
+
+Blueskin, meanwhile, having drained and replenished his glass, commenced
+chaunting a snatch of a ballad:--
+
+    Once on a time, as I've heard tell.
+    In Wych Street Owen Wood did dwell;
+    A carpenter he was by trade,
+    And money, I believe, he made.
+        _With his foodle doo_!
+
+    This carpenter he had a wife,
+    The plague and torment of his life,
+    Who, though she did her husband scold,
+    Loved well a woollen-draper bold.
+        _With her foodle doo_!
+
+"I've a toast to propose," cried Sheppard, filling a bumper. "You won't
+refuse it, Mr. Kneebone?"
+
+"He'd better not," muttered Blueskin.
+
+"What is it?" demanded the woollen-draper, as he returned to the table,
+and took up a glass.
+
+"The speedy union of Thames Darrell with Winifred Wood," replied Jack.
+
+Kneebone's cheeks glowed with rage, and he set down the wine untasted,
+while Blueskin resumed his song.
+
+    Now Owen Wood had one fair child,
+    Unlike her mother, meek and mild;
+    Her love the draper strove to gain,
+    But she repaid him with disdain.
+        _With his foodle doo_!
+
+"Peace!" cried Jack.
+
+But Blueskin was not to be silenced. He continued his ditty, in spite of
+the angry glances of his leader.
+
+    In vain he fondly urged his suit,
+    And, all in vain, the question put;
+    She answered,--"Mr. William Kneebone,
+    Of me, Sir, you shall never be bone."
+        _With your foodle doo_!
+
+    "Thames Darrell has my heart alone,
+    A noble youth, e'en _you_ must own;
+    And, if from him my love could stir,
+    Jack Sheppard I should much prefer!"
+        _With his foodle doo_!
+
+"Do you refuse my toast?" cried Jack, impatiently.
+
+"I do," replied Kneebone.
+
+"Drink this, then," roared Blueskin. And pouring the contents of a small
+powder-flask into a bumper of brandy, he tendered him the mixture.
+
+At this juncture, the door was opened by Rachel.
+
+"What did you ring for, Sir?" she asked, eyeing the group with
+astonishment.
+
+"Your master wants a few table-spoons, child," said Mrs. Maggot.
+
+"Leave the room," interposed Kneebone, angrily.
+
+"No, I shan't," replied Rachel, saucily. "I came to see Jack Sheppard,
+and I won't go till you point him out to me. You told me he was going
+back to Newgate after supper, so I mayn't have another opportunity."
+
+"Oh! he told you that, did he?" said Blueskin, marching up to her, and
+chucking her under the chin. "I'll show you Captain Sheppard, my dear.
+There he stands. I'm his lieutenant,--Lieutenant Blueskin. We're two
+good-looking fellows, ain't we?"
+
+"Very good-looking," replied Rachel. "But, where's the strange gentleman
+I saw under the table?"
+
+"Under the table!" echoed Blueskin, winking at Jack. "When did you see
+him, my love?"
+
+"A short time ago," replied the housekeeper, unsuspiciously.
+
+"The plot's out!" cried Jack. And, without another word, he seized the
+table with both hands, and upset it; scattering plates, dishes, bottles,
+jugs, and glasses far and wide. The crash was tremendous. The lights
+rolled over, and were extinguished. And, if Rachel had not carried a
+candle, the room would have been plunged in total darkness. Amid the
+confusion, Shotbolt sprang to his feet, and levelling a pistol at Jack's
+head, commanded him to surrender; but, before any reply could be made,
+the jailer's arm was struck up by Blueskin, who, throwing himself upon
+him, dragged him to the ground. In the struggle the pistol went off, but
+without damage to either party. The conflict was of short duration; for
+Shotbolt was no match for his athletic antagonist. He was speedily
+disarmed; and the rope and gag being found upon him, were exultingly
+turned against him by his conqueror, who, after pinioning his arms
+tightly behind his back, forced open his mouth with the iron, and
+effectually prevented the utterance of any further outcries. While the
+strife was raging, Edgeworth Bess walked up to Rachel, and advised her,
+if she valued her life, not to scream or stir from the spot; a caution
+which the housekeeper, whose curiosity far outweighed her fears,
+received in very good part.
+
+In the interim, Jack advanced to the woollen-draper, and regarding him
+sternly, thus addressed him:
+
+"You have violated the laws of hospitality, Mr. Kneebone, I came hither
+as your guest. You have betrayed me."
+
+"What faith is to be kept with a felon?" replied the woollen-draper,
+disdainfully.
+
+"He who breaks faith with his benefactor may well justify himself thus,"
+answered Jack. "I have not trusted you. Others who have done, have found
+you false."
+
+"I don't understand you," replied Kneebone, in some confusion.
+
+"You soon shall," rejoined Sheppard. "Where are the packets committed to
+your charge by Sir Rowland Trenchard?"
+
+"The packets!" exclaimed Kneebone, in alarm.
+
+"It is useless to deny it," replied Jack. "You were watched to-night by
+Blueskin. You met Sir Rowland at the house of a Romisch priest, Father
+Spencer. Two packets were committed to your charge, which you undertook
+to deliver,--one to another priest, Sir Rowland's chaplain, at
+Manchester, the other to Mr. Wood. Produce them!"
+
+"Never!" replied Kneebone.
+
+"Then, by Heaven! you are a dead man!" replied Jack, cocking a pistol,
+and pointing it deliberately at his head. "I give you one minute for
+reflection. After that time nothing shall save you."
+
+There was a brief, breathless pause. Even Blueskin looked on with
+anxiety.
+
+"It is past," said Jack, placing his finger on the trigger.
+
+"Hold!" cried Kneebone, flinging down the packets; "they are nothing to
+me."
+
+"But they are everything to me," cried Jack, stooping to pick them up.
+"These packets will establish Thames Darrell's birth, win him his
+inheritance, and procure him the hand of Winifred Wood."
+
+"Don't be too sure of that," rejoined Kneebone, snatching up the staff,
+and aiming a blow at his head, which was fortunately warded off by Mrs.
+Maggot, who promptly interposed her cudgel.
+
+"Defend yourself!" cried Jack, drawing his sword.
+
+"Leave his punishment to me, Jack," said Mrs. Maggot. "I've the
+Bridewell account to settle."
+
+"Be it so," replied Jack, putting up his blade. "I've a good deal to do.
+Show him no quarter, Poll. He deserves none."
+
+"And shall find none," replied the Amazon. "Now, Mr. Kneebone," she
+added, drawing up her magnificent figure to its full height, and making
+the heavy cudgel whistle through the air, "look to yourself."
+
+"Stand off, Poll," rejoined the woollen-draper; "I don't want to hurt
+you. It shall never be said that I raised my arm willingly against a
+woman."
+
+"I'll forgive you all the harm you do me," rejoined the Amazon. "What!
+you still hesitate! Will that rouse you, coward?" And she gave him a
+smart rap on the head.
+
+"Coward!" cried Kneebone. "Neither man nor woman shall apply that term
+to me. If you forget your sex, jade, I must forget mine."
+
+With this, he attacked her vigorously in his turn.
+
+It was a curious sight to see how this extraordinary woman, who, it has
+been said, was not less remarkable for the extreme delicacy of her
+features, and the faultless symmetry of her figure, than for her
+wonderful strength and agility, conducted herself in the present
+encounter; with what dexterity she parried every blow aimed against her
+by her adversary, whose head and face, already marked by various ruddy
+streams, showed how successfully her own hits had been made;--how she
+drew him hither and thither, now leading him on, now driving him
+suddenly back; harassing and exhausting him in every possible way, and
+making it apparent that she could at any moment put an end to the fight,
+and only delayed the finishing stroke to make his punishment the more
+severe.
+
+Jack, meanwhile, with Blueskin's assistance, had set the table once more
+upon its legs, and placing writing materials, which he took from a
+shelf, upon it, made Shotbolt, who was still gagged, but whose arms were
+for the moment unbound, sit down before them.
+
+"Write as I dictate," he cried, placing a pen in the jailer's hand and a
+pistol to his ear.
+
+Shotbolt nodded in token of acquiescence, and emitted an odd guttural
+sound.
+
+"Write as follows," continued Jack. "'I have succeeded in capturing Jack
+Sheppard. The reward is mine. Get all ready for his reception. In a few
+minutes after the delivery of this note he will be in Newgate.' Sign
+it," he added, as, after some further threats, the letter was indited
+according to his dictation, "and direct it to Mr. Austin. That's well.
+And, now, to find a messenger."
+
+"Mr. Kneebone's man is in the shop," said Rachel; "he'll take it."
+
+"Can I trust him?" mused Jack. "Yes; he'll suspect nothing. Give him
+this letter, child, and bid him take it to the Lodge at Newgate without
+loss of time. Blueskin will go with you,--for fear of a mistake."
+
+"You might trust me," said Rachel, in an offended tone; "but never
+mind."
+
+And she left the room with Blueskin, who very politely offered her his
+arm.
+
+Meanwhile, the combat between Kneebone and Mrs. Maggot had been brought
+to a termination. When the woollen-draper was nearly worn out, the
+Amazon watched her opportunity, and hitting him on the arm, disabled it.
+
+"That's for Mrs. Wood," she cried, as the staff fell from his grasp.
+
+"I'm at your mercy, Poll," rejoined Kneebone, abjectly.
+
+"That's for Winifred," vociferated the Amazon, bringing the cudgel
+heavily upon his shoulder.
+
+"Damnation!" cried Kneebone.
+
+"That's for myself," rejoined Mrs. Maggot, dealing him a blow, which
+stretched him senseless on the floor.
+
+"Bravo, Poll!" cried Jack, who having again pinioned Shotbolt, was now
+tracing a few hasty lines on a sheet of paper. "You've given him a
+broken head, I perceive."
+
+"He'll scarcely need a plaister," replied Mrs. Maggot, laughing. "Here,
+Bess, give me the cord, and I'll tie him to this chest of drawers. I
+don't think he'll come to himself too soon. But it's best to be on the
+safe side."
+
+"Decidedly so," replied Edgeworth Bess; "and I'll take this opportunity,
+while Jack's back is turned,--for he's grown so strangely
+particular,--of easing him of his snuff-box. Perhaps," she added, in a
+whisper, as she appropriated the before-named article, "he has a
+pocket-book."
+
+"Hush!" replied Mrs. Maggot; "Jack will hear you. We'll come back for
+that by and by, and the dressing-gown."
+
+At this moment, Rachel and Blueskin returned. Their momentary absence
+seemed to have worked wonders; for now the most perfect understanding
+appeared to subsist between them.
+
+"Have you sent off the note?" inquired Jack.
+
+"We have, Captain," replied Blueskin. "I say _we_, because Miss Rachel
+and I have struck up a match. Shall I bring off anything?" he added,
+looking eagerly round.
+
+"No," replied Jack, peremptorily.
+
+Having now sealed his letter, Sheppard took a handkerchief, and tying it
+over Shotbolt's face, so as completely to conceal the features, clapped
+his hat upon his head, and pushed it over his brows. He, next, seized
+the unlucky jailer, and forced him along, while Blueskin expedited his
+movements by administering a few kicks behind.
+
+When they got to the door, Jack opened it, and, mimicking the voice of
+the jailer, shouted, "Now, my lads, all's ready?"
+
+"Here we are," cried the chairmen, hurrying out of the court with their
+swinging vehicle, "where is he?"
+
+"Here," replied Sheppard, dragging out Shotbolt by the collar, while
+Blueskin pushed him behind, and Mrs. Maggot held up a lantern, which she
+found in the shop. "In with him!"
+
+"Ay--ay, yer hon'r," cried the foremost chairman, lending a helping
+hand. "Get in wid ye, ye villin!"
+
+And, despite his resistance, Shotbolt was thrust into the chair, which
+was instantly fastened upon him.
+
+"There, he's as safe as Jack Sheppard in the Condemned Hould," laughed
+the man.
+
+"Off with you to Newgate!" cried Jack, "and don't let him out till you
+get inside the Lodge. There's a letter for the head turnkey, Mr.
+Irreton. D'ye hear."
+
+"Yes, yer hon'r," replied the chairman, taking the note.
+
+"What are you waiting for?" asked Jack, impatiently.
+
+"The gen'l'man as hired us," replied the chairman.
+
+"Oh! he'll be after you directly. He's settling an account in the house.
+Lose no time. The letter will explain all."
+
+The chair was then rapidly put in motion, and speedily disappeared.
+
+"What's to be done next?" cried Blueskin, returning to Rachel, who was
+standing with Edgeworth Bess near the door.
+
+"I shall go back and finish my supper," said Mrs. Maggot.
+
+"And so shall I," replied Edgeworth Bess.
+
+"Stop a minute," cried Jack, detaining his mistresses. "Here we
+part,--perhaps for ever. I've already told you I'm about to take a long
+journey, and it's more than probable I shall never return."
+
+"Don't say so," cried Mrs. Maggot. "I should be perfectly miserable if
+_I_ thought you in earnest."
+
+"The very idea is dreadful," whimpered Edgeworth Bess.
+
+"Farewell!" cried Jack, embracing them. "Take this key to Baptist
+Kettleby. On seeing it, he'll deliver you a box, which it will unlock,
+and in which you'll find a matter of fifty guineas and a few trinkets.
+Divide the money between you, and wear the ornaments for my sake. But,
+if you've a spark of love for me, don't meddle with anything in that
+house."
+
+"Not for worlds!" exclaimed both ladies together.
+
+"Farewell!" cried Jack, breaking from them, and rushing down the street.
+
+"What shall we do, Poll?" hesitated Edgeworth Bess.
+
+"Go in, to be sure, simpleton," replied Mrs. Maggot, "and bring off all
+we can. I know where everything valuable is kept. Since Jack has left
+us, what does it matter whether he's pleased or not?"
+
+At this moment, a whistle was heard.
+
+"Coming!" cried Blueskin, who was still lingering with Rachel. "The
+Captain's in such a desperate hurry, that there's no time for
+love-making. Adieu! my charmer. You'll find those young ladies extremely
+agreeable acquaintances. Adieu!"
+
+And, snatching a hasty kiss, he darted after Jack.
+
+The chair, meanwhile, with its unhappy load, was transported at a brisk
+pace to Newgate. Arrived there, the porter thundered at the massive door
+of the Lodge, which was instantly opened--Shotbolt's note having been
+received just before. All the turnkeys were assembled. Ireton and
+Langley had returned from a second unsuccessful search; Marvel had come
+thither to bid good-night to Mrs. Spurling; Austin had never quitted his
+post. The tapstress was full of curiosity; but she appeared more easy
+than the others. Behind her stood Caliban, chuckling to himself, and
+grinning from ear to ear.
+
+"Well, who'd have thought of Shotbolt beating us all in this way!" said
+Ireton. "I'm sorry for old Newgate that another jail should have it.
+It's infernally provoking."
+
+"Infernally provoking!" echoed Langley.
+
+"Nobody has so much cause for complaint as me," growled Austin. "I've
+lost my wager."
+
+"Twenty pounds," rejoined Mrs. Spurling. "I witnessed the bet."
+
+"Here he is!" cried Ireton, as the knocking was heard without. "Get
+ready the irons, Caliban."
+
+"Wait a bit, massa," replied the grinning negro,--"lilly bit--see all
+right fust."
+
+By this time, the chair had been brought into the Lodge.
+
+"You've got him?" demanded Ireton.
+
+"Safe inside," replied the chairman, wiping the heat from his brow;
+"we've run all the way."
+
+"Where's Mr. Shotbolt?" asked Austin.
+
+"The gen'l'man'll be here directly. He was detained. T' other gen'l'man
+said the letter 'ud explain all."
+
+"Detained!" echoed Marvel. "That's odd. But, let's see the prisoner."
+
+The chair was then opened.
+
+"Shotbolt! by--" cried Austin, as the captive was dragged forth. "I've
+won, after all."
+
+Exclamations of wonder burst from all. Mrs. Spurling bit her lips to
+conceal her mirth. Caliban absolutely crowed with delight.
+
+"Hear the letter," said Ireton, breaking the seal. "'_This is the way in
+which I will serve all who attempt to apprehend me_.' It is signed JACK
+SHEPPARD."
+
+"And, so Jack Sheppard has sent back Shotbolt in this pickle," said
+Langley.
+
+"So it appears," replied Marvel. "Untie his arms, and take off that
+handkerchief. The poor fellow's half smothered."
+
+"I guess what share you've had in this," whispered Austin to Mrs.
+Spurling.
+
+"Never mind," replied the tapstress. "You've won your wager."
+
+Half an hour after this occurrence, when it had been sufficiently
+laughed at and discussed; when the wager had been settled, and the
+chairman dismissed with the remaining three guineas, which Shotbolt was
+compelled to pay; Ireton arose, and signified his intention of stepping
+across the street to inform Mr. Wild of the circumstance.
+
+"As it's getting late, and the porter may be gone to bed," he observed;
+"I'll take the pass-key, and let myself in. Mr. Wild is sure to be up.
+He never retires to rest till daybreak--if at all. Come with me,
+Langley, and bring the lantern."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+How Jack Sheppard was again captured.
+
+
+Jack Sheppard, after whistling to Blueskin, hurried down a short
+thoroughfare leading from Wych Street to the back of Saint Clement's
+Church, where he found Thames Darrell, who advanced to meet him.
+
+"I was just going," said Thames. "When I parted from you at Mr.
+Kneebone's door, you begged me to await your return here, assuring me
+you would not detain me five minutes. Instead of which, more than half
+an hour has elapsed."
+
+"You won't complain of the delay when I tell you what I've done,"
+answered Jack. "I've obtained two packets, containing letters from Sir
+Rowland Trenchard, which I've no doubt will establish your title to the
+estates. Take them, and may they prove as serviceable to you as I
+desire."
+
+"Jack," replied Thames, greatly moved, "I wish I could devise any means
+of brightening your own dark prospects."
+
+"That's impossible," replied Jack. "I am utterly lost."
+
+"Not utterly," rejoined the other.
+
+"Utterly," reiterated Jack, gloomily,--"as regards all I hold dear.
+Listen to me, Thames. I'm about to leave this country for ever. Having
+ascertained that a vessel sails for France from the river at daybreak
+to-morrow morning, I have secured a passage in her, and have already had
+the few effects I possess, conveyed on board. Blueskin goes with me. The
+faithful fellow will never leave me."
+
+"Never, while I've breath in my body, Captain," rejoined Blueskin, who
+had joined them. "England or France, London or Paris, it's all one to
+me, so I've you to command me."
+
+"Stand out of earshot," rejoined his leader. "I'll call you when you're
+wanted."
+
+And Blueskin withdrew.
+
+"I cannot but approve the course you are about to take, Jack," said
+Thames, "though on some accounts I regret it. In after years you can
+return to your own country--to your friends."
+
+"Never," replied Sheppard bitterly. "My friends need not fear my return.
+They shall hear of me no more. Under another name,--not my own hateful
+one,--I will strive to distinguish myself in some foreign service, and
+win myself a reputation, or perish honourably. But I will never--never
+return."
+
+"I will not attempt to combat your resolution, Jack," returned Thames,
+after a pause. "But I dread the effect your departure may have upon your
+poor mother. Her life hangs upon a thread, and this may snap it."
+
+"I wish you hadn't mentioned her," said Jack, in a broken voice, while
+his whole frame shook with emotion. "What I do is for the best, and I
+can only hope she may have strength to bear the separation. You must say
+farewell to her, for I cannot. I don't ask you to supply my place--for
+that is, perhaps, impossible. But, be like a son to her."
+
+"Do not doubt me," replied Thames, warmly pressing his hand.
+
+"And now, I've one further request," faltered Jack; "though I scarcely
+know how to make it. It is to set me right with Winifred. Do not let her
+think worse of me than I deserve,--or even so ill. Tell her, that more
+than once, when about to commit some desperate offence, I have been
+restrained by her gentle image. If hopeless love for her made me a
+robber, it has also saved me many a crime. Will you tell her that?"
+
+"I will," replied Thames, earnestly.
+
+"Enough," said Jack, recovering his composure. "And now, to your own
+concerns. Blueskin, who has been on the watch all night, has dogged Sir
+Rowland Trenchard to Jonathan Wild's house; and, from the mysterious
+manner in which he was admitted by the thief-taker's confidential
+servant, Abraham Mendez, and not by the regular porter, there is little
+doubt but they are alone, and probably making some arrangements prior to
+our uncle's departure from England."
+
+"Is he leaving England?" demanded Thames, in astonishment.
+
+"He sails to-morrow morning in the very vessel by which I start,"
+replied Jack. "Now, if as I suspect,--from the documents just placed in
+your possession,--Sir Rowland meditates doing you justice after his
+departure, it is possible his intentions may be frustrated by the
+machinations of Wild, whose interest is obviously to prevent such an
+occurrence, unless we can surprise them together, and, by proving to Sir
+Rowland that we possess the power of compelling a restitution of your
+rights, force the other treacherous villain into compliance. Jonathan,
+in all probability, knows nothing of these packets; and their production
+may serve to intimidate him. Will you venture?"
+
+"It is a hazardous experiment," said Thames, after a moment's
+reflection; "but I will make it. You must not, however, accompany me,
+Jack. The risk I run is nothing to yours."
+
+"I care for no risk, provided I can serve you," rejoined Sheppard.
+"Besides, you'll not be able to get in without me. It won't do to knock
+at the door, and Jonathan Wild's house is not quite so easy of entrance
+as Mr. Wood's."
+
+"I understand," replied Thames; "be it as you will."
+
+"Then, we'll lose no more time," returned Jack. "Come along, Blueskin."
+
+Starting at a rapid pace in the direction of the Old Bailey, and
+crossing Fleet Bridge, "for oyster tubs renowned," the trio skirted the
+right bank of the muddy stream until they reached Fleet Lane, up which
+they hurried. Turning off again on the left, down Seacoal Lane, they
+arrived at the mouth of a dark, narrow alley, into which they plunged;
+and, at the farther extremity found a small yard, overlooked by the
+blank walls of a large gloomy habitation. A door in this house opened
+upon the yard. Jack tried it, and found it locked.
+
+"If I had my old tools with me, we'd soon master this obstacle," he
+muttered. "We shall be obliged to force it."
+
+"Try the cellar, Captain," said Blueskin, stamping upon a large board
+in the ground. "Here's the door. This is the way the old thief brings in
+all his heavy plunder, which he stows in out-of-the-way holes in his
+infernal dwelling. I've seen him often do it."
+
+While making these remarks, Blueskin contrived, by means of a chisel
+which he chanced to have about him, to lift up the board, and,
+introducing his fingers beneath it, with Jack's assistance speedily
+opened it altogether, disclosing a dark hole, into which he leapt.
+
+"Follow me, Thames," cried Jack, dropping into the chasm.
+
+They were now in a sort of cellar, at one end of which was a door. It
+was fastened inside. But, taking the chisel from Blueskin, Jack quickly
+forced back the bolt.
+
+As they entered the room beyond, a fierce growl was heard.
+
+"Let me go first," said Blueskin; "the dogs know me. Soho! boys." And,
+walking up to the animals, which were chained to the wall, they
+instantly recognised him, and suffered the others to pass without
+barking.
+
+Groping their way through one or two dark and mouldy-smelling vaults,
+the party ascended a flight of steps, which brought them to the hall. As
+Jack conjectured, no one was there, and, though a lamp was burning on a
+stand, they decided upon proceeding without it. They then swiftly
+mounted the stairs, and stopped before the audience-chamber. Applying
+his ear to the keyhole, Jack listened, but could detect no sound. He,
+next cautiously tried the door, but found it fastened inside.
+
+"I fear we're too late," he whispered to Thames. "But, we'll soon see.
+Give me the chisel, Blueskin." And, dexterously applying the implement,
+he forced open the lock.
+
+They then entered the room, which was perfectly dark.
+
+"This is strange," said Jack, under his breath. "Sir Rowland must be
+gone. And, yet, I don't know. The key's in the lock, on the inner side.
+Be on your guard."
+
+"I am so," replied Thames, who had followed him closely.
+
+"Shall I fetch the light, Captain?" whispered Blueskin.
+
+"Yes," replied Jack. "I don't know how it is," he added in a low voice
+to Thames, as they were left alone, "but I've a strange foreboding of
+ill. My heart fails me. I almost wish we hadn't come."
+
+As he said this, he moved forward a few paces, when, finding his feet
+glued to the ground by some adhesive substance, he stooped to feel what
+it was, but instantly withdrew his hand, with an exclamation of horror.
+
+"God in Heaven!" he cried, "the floor is covered with blood. Some foul
+murder has been committed. The light!--the light!"
+
+Astounded at his cries, Thames sprang towards him. At this moment,
+Blueskin appeared with the lamp, and revealed a horrible spectacle,--the
+floor deluged with blood,--various articles of furniture upset,--papers
+scattered about,--the murdered man's cloak, trampled upon, and smeared
+with gore,--his hat, crushed and similarly stained,--his sword,--the
+ensanguined cloth,--with several other ghastly evidences of the
+slaughterous deed. Further on, there were impressions of bloody
+footsteps along the floor.
+
+"Sir Rowland is murdered!" cried Jack, as soon as he could find a
+tongue.
+
+"It is plain he has been destroyed by his perfidious accomplice,"
+rejoined Thames. "Oh God! how fearfully my father is avenged!"
+
+"True," replied Jack, sternly; "but we have our uncle to avenge. What's
+this?" he added, stooping to pick up a piece of paper lying at his
+feet--it was Jonathan's memorandum. "This is the explanation of the
+bloody deed."
+
+"Here's a pocket-book full of notes, and a heavy bag of gold," said
+Blueskin, examining the articles on the floor.
+
+"The sum which incited the villain to the murder," replied Jack. "But he
+can't be far off. He must be gone to dispose of the body. We shall have
+him on his return."
+
+"I'll see where these footsteps lead to," said Blueskin, holding the
+light to the floor. "Here are some more papers, Captain."
+
+"Give them to me," replied Jack. "Ah!" he exclaimed, "a letter,
+beginning 'dearest Aliva,'--that's your mother's name, Thames."
+
+"Let me see it," cried Thames, snatching it from him. "It _is_ addressed
+to my mother," he added, as his eye glanced rapidly over it, "and by my
+father. At length, I shall ascertain my name. Bring the light this
+way--quick! I cannot decipher the signature."
+
+Jack was about to comply with the request, when an unlooked-for
+interruption occurred. Having traced the footsteps to the wall, and
+perceiving no outlet, Blueskin elevated the lamp, and discovered marks
+of bloody fingers on the boards.
+
+"He must have gone this way," muttered Blueskin. "I've often heard of a
+secret door in this room, though I never saw it. It must be somewhere
+hereabouts. Ah!" he exclaimed, as his eye fell upon a small knob in the
+wall, "there's the spring!"
+
+He touched it, and the door flew open.
+
+The next moment, he was felled to the ground by Jonathan Wild, who
+sprang into the room, followed by Abraham bearing the link. A single
+glance served to show the thief-taker how matters stood. From the slight
+sounds that had reached him in his place of confinement, he was aware
+that some persons had found their way to the scene of slaughter, and in
+a state of the most intense anxiety awaited the result of their
+investigation, prepared for the worst. Hearing the spring touched, he
+dashed through on the instant, and struck down the person who presented
+himself, with his bludgeon. On beholding the intruders, his fears
+changed to exultation, and he uttered a roar of satisfaction as he
+glared at them, which could only be likened to the cry of some savage
+denizen of the plains.
+
+On his appearance, Jack levelled a pistol at his head. But his hand was
+withheld by Thames.
+
+"Don't fire," cried the latter. "It is important not to slay him. He
+shall expiate his offences on the gibbet. You are my prisoner,
+murderer."
+
+"_Your_ prisoner!" echoed Jonathan, derisively. "You mistake,--you are
+mine. And so is your companion,--the convict Sheppard."
+
+"Waste not another word with him, Thames," cried Jack. "Upon him!"
+
+"Yield, villain, or die!" shouted Thames, drawing his sword and
+springing towards him.
+
+"There's my answer!" rejoined Wild, hurling the bludgeon at him, with
+such fatal effect, that striking him on the head it brought him
+instantly to the ground.
+
+"Ah! traitor!" cried Jack, pulling the trigger of his pistol.
+
+Anticipating this, Wild avoided the shot by suddenly, ducking his head.
+He had a narrow escape, however; for, passing within an inch of him, the
+bullet burried itself deeply in the wall.
+
+Before he could fire a second shot, Jack had to defend himself from the
+thief-taker, who, with his drawn hanger, furiously assaulted him.
+Eluding the blow, Jack plucked his sword from the scabbard, and a
+desperate conflict began.
+
+"Pick up that blade, Nab," vociferated Wild, finding himself hotly
+pressed, "and stab him. I won't give him a chance."
+
+"Cowardly villain!" cried Jack, as the Jew, obeying the orders of his
+principal, snatched up the weapon of the murdered man, and assailed him.
+"But I'll yet disappoint you."
+
+And springing backwards, he darted suddenly through the door.
+
+"After him," cried Wild; "he mustn't escape. Dead or alive, I'll have
+him. Bring the link."
+
+And, followed by Abraham, he rushed out of the room.
+
+Just as Jack got half way down the stairs, and Wild and the Jew reached
+the upper landing, the street-door was opened by Langley and Ireton, the
+latter of whom carried a lantern.
+
+"Stop him!" shouted Jonathan from the stair-head, "stop him! It's Jack
+Sheppard!"
+
+"Give way!" cried Jack fiercely. "I'll cut down him who opposes me."
+
+The head turnkey, in all probability, would have obeyed. But, being
+pushed forward by his subordinate officer, he was compelled to make a
+stand.
+
+"You'd better surrender quietly, Jack," he cried; "you've no chance."'
+
+Instead of regarding him, Jack glanced over the iron bannisters, and
+measured the distance. But the fall was too great, and he abandoned the
+attempt.
+
+"We have him!" cried Jonathan, hurrying down the steps. "He can't
+escape."
+
+As this was said, Jack turned with the swiftness of thought, and
+shortening his sword, prepared to plunge it into the thief-taker's
+heart. Before he could make the thrust, however, he was seized behind by
+Ireton, who flung himself upon him.
+
+"Caught!" shouted the head-turnkey. "I give you joy of the capture, Mr.
+Wild," he added, as Jonathan came up, and assisted him to secure and
+disarm the prisoner. "I was coming to give you intelligence of a comical
+trick played by this rascal, when I find him here--the last place, I
+own, where I should have expected to find him."
+
+"You've arrived in the very nick of time," rejoined Jonathan; "and I'll
+take care your services are not overlooked."
+
+"Mr. Ireton," cried Jack, in accents of the most urgent entreaty,
+"before you take me hence, I implore you--if you would further the ends
+of justice--search this house. One of the most barbarous murders ever
+committed has just been perpetrated by the monster Wild. You will find
+proofs of the bloody deed in his room. But go thither at once, I beseech
+you, before he has time to remove them."
+
+"Mr. Ireton is welcome to search every room in my house if he pleases,"
+said Jonathan, in a tone of bravado. "As soon as we've conveyed you to
+Newgate, I'll accompany him."
+
+"Mr. Ireton will do no such thing," replied the head-turnkey. "Bless
+your soul! d'ye think I'm to be gammoned by such nonsense. Not I. I'm
+not quite such a greenhorn as Shotbolt, Jack, whatever you may think."
+
+"For mercy's sake go up stairs," implored Sheppard. "I have not told you
+half. There's a man dying--Captain Darrell. Take me with you. Place a
+pistol at my ear, and shoot me, if I've told you false."
+
+"And, what good would that do?" replied Ireton, sarcastically. "To shoot
+you would be to lose the reward. You act your part capitally, but it
+won't do."
+
+"Won't you go?" cried Jack passionately. "Mr. Langley, I appeal to you.
+Murder, I say, has been done! Another murder will be committed if you
+don't prevent it. The blood will rest on your head. Do you hear me, Sir?
+Won't you stir!"
+
+"Not a step," replied Langley, gruffly.
+
+"Off with him to Newgate!" cried Jonathan. "Ireton, as you captured him,
+the reward is yours. But I request that a third may be given to
+Langley."
+
+"It shall be, Sir," replied Ireton, bowing. "Now come along, Jack."
+
+"Miscreants!" cried Sheppard, almost driven frantic by the violence of
+his emotions; "you're all in league with him."
+
+"Away with him!" cried Jonathan. "I'll see him fettered myself. Remain
+at the door, Nab," he added, loitering for a moment behind the others,
+"and let no one in, or out."
+
+Jack, meanwhile, was carried to Newgate. Austin could scarcely credit
+his senses when he beheld him. Shotbolt, who had in some degree
+recovered from the effects of his previous mortification, was thrown
+into an ecstacy of delight, and could not sufficiently exult over the
+prisoner. Mrs. Spurling had retired for the night. Jack appealed to the
+new auditors, and again detailed his story, but with no better success
+than heretofore. His statement was treated with derision. Having seen
+him heavily ironed, and placed in the Condemned Hold, Jonathan recrossed
+the street.
+
+He found Abraham on guard as he had left him.
+
+"Has any one been here?" he asked.
+
+"No von," replied the Jew.
+
+"That's well," replied Wild, entering the house, and fastening the door.
+"And now to dispose of our dead. Why, Nab, you shake as if you'd got an
+ague?" he added, turning to the Jew, whose teeth chattered audibly.
+
+"I haven't quite recovered the fright I got in the Vell-Hole," replied
+Abraham.
+
+On returning to the audience-chamber, Jonathan found the inanimate body
+of Thames Darrell lying where he had left it; but, on examining it, he
+remarked that the pockets were turned inside out, and had evidently been
+rifled. Startled by this circumstance, he looked around, and perceived
+that the trap-door,--which has been mentioned as communicating with a
+secret staircase,--was open. He, next, discovered that Blueskin was
+gone; and, pursuing his scrutiny, found that he had carried off all the
+banknotes, gold, and letters,--including, what Jonathan himself was not
+aware of,--the two packets which he had abstracted from the person of
+Thames. Uttering a terrible imprecation, Jonathan snatched up the link,
+and hastily descended the stairs, leaving the Jew behind him. After a
+careful search below, he could detect no trace of Blueskin. But, finding
+the cellar-door open, concluded he had got out that way.
+
+Returning to the audience-chamber in a by-no-means enviable state of
+mind, he commanded the Jew to throw the body of Thames into the Well
+Hole.
+
+"You musht do dat shob yourself, Mishter Vild," rejoined Abraham,
+shaking his head. "No prize shall indushe me to enter dat horrid plashe
+again."
+
+"Fool!" cried Wild, taking up the body, "what are you afraid of? After
+all," he added, pausing, "he may be of more use to me alive than dead."
+
+Adhering to this change of plan, he ordered Abraham to follow him, and,
+descending the secret stairs once more, carried the wounded man into the
+lower part of the premises. Unlocking several doors, he came to a dark
+vault, that would have rivalled the gloomiest cell in Newgate, into
+which he thrust Thames, and fastened the door.
+
+"Go to the pump, Nab," he said, when this was done, "and fill a pail
+with water. We must wash out those stains up stairs, and burn the cloth.
+Blood, they say, won't come out. But I never found any truth in the
+saying. When I've had an hour's rest, I'll be after Blueskin."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+How Blueskin underwent the Peine Forte et Dure.
+
+
+As soon as it became known, through the medium of the public prints on
+the following day, that Jack Sheppard had broken out of prison, and had
+been again captured during the night, fresh curiosity was excited, and
+larger crowds than ever flocked to Newgate, in the hope of obtaining
+admission to his cell; but by the governor's express commands, Wild
+having privately counselled the step, no one was allowed to see him. A
+question next arose whether the prisoner could be executed under the
+existing warrant,--some inclining to one opinion, some to another. To
+settle the point, the governor started to Windsor, delegating his trust
+in the interim to Wild, who took advantage of his brief rule to adopt
+the harshest measures towards the prisoner. He had him removed from the
+Condemned Hold, stripped of his fine apparel, clothed in the most sordid
+rags, loaded with additional fetters, and thrust into the Stone
+Hold,--already described as the most noisome cell in the whole prison.
+Here, without a glimpse of daylight; visited by no one except Austin at
+stated intervals, who neither answered a question nor addressed a word
+to him; fed upon the worst diet, literally mouldy bread and ditch-water;
+surrounded by stone walls; with a flagged floor for his pillow, and
+without so much as a blanket to protect him from the death-like cold
+that pierced his frame,--Jack's stout heart was subdued, and he fell
+into the deepest dejection, ardently longing for the time when even a
+violent death should terminate his sufferings. But it was not so
+ordered. Mr. Pitt returned with intelligence that the warrant was
+delayed, and, on taking the opinion of two eminent lawyers of the day,
+Sir William Thomson and Mr. Serjeant Raby, it was decided that it must
+be proved in a regular and judicial manner that Sheppard was the
+identical person who had been convicted and had escaped, before a fresh
+order could be made for his execution; and that the matter must,
+therefore, stand over until the next sessions, to be held at the Old
+Bailey in October, when it could be brought before the court.
+
+The unfortunate prisoner, meanwhile, who was not informed of the
+respite, languished in his horrible dungeon, and, at the expiration of
+three weeks, became so seriously indisposed that it was feared he could
+not long survive. He refused his food,--and even when better provisions
+were offered him, rejected them. As his death was by no means what
+Jonathan desired, he resolved to remove him to a more airy ward, and
+afford him such slight comforts as might tend to his restoration, or at
+least keep him alive until the period of execution. With this view, Jack
+was carried--for he was no longer able to move without assistance--to a
+ward called the Castle, situated over the gateway on the western side,
+in what was considered the strongest part of the jail. The walls were of
+immense thickness; the small windows double-grated and unglazed; the
+fire-place was without a grate; and a barrack-bed, divided into two
+compartments, occupied one corner. It was about twelve feet high, nine
+wide, and fourteen long; and was approached by double doors each six
+inches thick. As Jack appeared to be sinking fast, his fetters were
+removed, his own clothes were returned to him, and he was allowed a
+mattress and a scanty supply of bed-linen. Mrs. Spurling attended him as
+his nurse, and, under her care, he speedily revived. As soon as he
+became convalescent, and all fears of his premature dissolution were at
+an end, Wild recommenced his rigorous treatment. The bedding was
+removed; Mrs. Spurling was no longer allowed to visit him; he was again
+loaded with irons; fastened by an enormous horse-padlock to a staple in
+the floor; and only allowed to take repose in a chair. A single blanket
+constituted his sole covering at night. In spite of all this, he grew
+daily better and stronger, and his spirits revived. Hitherto, no
+visiters had been permitted to see him. As the time when his identity
+had to be proved approached, this rigour was, in a trifling degree,
+relaxed, and a few persons were occasionally admitted to the ward, but
+only in the presence of Austin. From none of these could Jack ascertain
+what had become of Thames, or learn any particulars concerning the
+family at Dollis Hill, or of his mother. Austin, who had been evidently
+schooled by Wild, maintained a profound silence on this head. In this
+way, more than a month passed over. October arrived; and in another week
+the court would be sitting at the Old Bailey.
+
+One night, about this time, just as Austin was about to lock the great
+gate, Jonathan Wild and his two janizaries entered the Lodge with a
+prisoner bound hand and foot. It was Blueskin. On the cords being
+removed, he made a desperate spring at Wild, bore him to the ground,
+clutched at his throat, and would, infallibly, have strangled him, if
+the keepers had not all thrown themselves upon him, and by main force
+torn him off. His struggles were so violent, that, being a man of
+tremendous strength, it was some time before they could master him, and
+it required the combined efforts of all the four partners to put him
+into irons. It appeared from what he said that he had been captured when
+asleep,--that his liquor had been drugged,--otherwise, he would never
+have allowed himself to be taken alive. Wild, he asserted, had robbed
+him of a large sum of money, and till it was restored he would never
+plead.
+
+"We'll see that," replied Jonathan. "Take him to the bilbowes. Put him
+in the stocks, and there let him sleep off his drunken fit. Whether he
+pleads or not, he shall swing with his confederate, Jack Sheppard."
+
+At this allusion to his leader, a shudder passed through Blueskin's
+athletic frame.
+
+"Where is he?" he cried. "Let me see him. Let me have a word with him,
+and you may take all the money."
+
+Jonathan made no answer, but motioned the partners to take him away.
+
+As soon as Blueskin was removed, Wild intimated his intention of
+visiting the Castle. He was accompanied by Ireton and Austin. The
+massive door was unlocked, and they entered the cell. What was their
+surprise to find it vacant, and the prisoner gone! Jonathan, could
+scarcely believe his eyes. He looked fiercely and inquiringly from one
+to the other of his companions; but, though both of them were
+excessively frightened, neither appeared guilty. Before a word could be
+said, however, a slight noise was heard in the chimney, and Jack with
+his irons on descended from it. Without betraying the slightest
+confusion, or making a single remark, he quietly resumed his seat.
+
+"Amazement!" cried Wild. "How has he unfastened his padlock? Austin, it
+must be owing to your negligence."
+
+"My negligence, Mr. Wild," said the turnkey, trembling in every joint.
+"I assure you, Sir, when I left him an hour ago, it was locked. I tried
+it myself, Sir. I'm as much astonished as you. But I can't account for
+it!"
+
+"At all events, you shall answer for it," thundered Wild, with a bitter
+imprecation.
+
+"He's not to blame," said Jack, rising. "I opened the padlock with this
+crooked nail, which I found in the floor. If you had arrived ten minutes
+later, or if there hadn't been an iron bar in the chimney, that hindered
+my progress, I should have been beyond your reach."
+
+"You talk boldly," replied Wild. "Go to the Iron Hold, Austin, and tell
+two of the partners to bring another padlock of the largest size, and
+the heaviest handcuffs they can find. We'll try whether he'll get loose
+again."
+
+Sheppard said nothing, but a disdainful smile curled his lips.
+
+Austin departed, and presently afterwards returned with the two
+subordinate officers, each of whom wore a leathern apron round his
+waist, and carried a large hammer. As soon as the manacles were slipped
+over the prisoner's wrists, and the new padlock secured to the staple,
+they withdrew.
+
+"Leave me alone with him a moment," said Jonathan. And the jailers also
+retired.
+
+"Jack," said Wild, with a glance of malignant triumph, "I will now tell
+you what I have done. All my plans have succeeded. Before a month has
+elapsed, your mother will be mine. The Trenchard estates will likewise
+be mine, for Sir Rowland is no more, and the youth, Thames, will never
+again see daylight. Blueskin, who had evaded me with the papers and the
+money, is a prisoner here, and will perish on the same gallows as
+yourself. My vengeance is completely gratified."
+
+Without waiting for a reply, but darting a malevolent look at the
+prisoner, he quitted the cell, the door of which was instantly
+double-locked and bolted.
+
+"I've not quite done yet," said Jonathan, as he joined the turnkeys. "I
+should like to see whether Blueskin is a little more composed. I've a
+question to ask him. Give me the keys and the light. I'll go alone."
+
+So saying, he descended a short spiral staircase, and, entering a long
+stone gallery, from which several other passages branched, took one of
+them, and after various turnings--for he was familiar with all the
+intricacies of the prison--arrived at the cell of which he was in
+search. Selecting a key from the heavy bunch committed to him by Austin,
+he threw open the door, and beheld Blueskin seated at the back of the
+small chamber, handcuffed, and with his feet confined in a heavy pair of
+stocks. He was asleep when Jonathan entered, and growled at being
+disturbed. But, as soon as he perceived who it was, he roused himself,
+and glared fiercely at the intruder from under his bent brows.
+
+"What do you want?" he asked, in a gruff voice.
+
+"I want to know what you've done with the rest of the notes--with the
+gold--and the papers you took away from my room!" rejoined Wild.
+
+"Then you'll never know more than this," retorted Blueskin, with a grin
+of satisfaction;--"they're in a place of safety, where _you_'ll never
+find 'em, but where somebody else _will_, and that before long."
+
+"Hear me, Blueskin," said Jonathan, restraining his choler. "If you'll
+tell me where to look for these things, and I _do_ find them, I'll set
+you free. And you shall have a share of the gold for yourself."
+
+"I'll tell you what I'll do," rejoined the other. "Set Captain Sheppard
+free, and when I hear he's safe,--not before,--I'll put the money and
+papers into your possession, and some other matters, too, that you know
+nothing about."
+
+"Impracticable dolt!" exclaimed Jonathan, furiously. "Do you think I'd
+part with the sweetest morsel of revenge on those terms? No! But I'll
+have the secret out of you by other means."
+
+So saying, he violently shut and locked the door.
+
+About ten days after this interview, Blueskin, having been indicted by
+Wild for several robberies, and true bills found against him, was placed
+at the bar of the Old Bailey to be arraigned; when he declared that he
+would not plead to the indictment, unless the sum of five hundred
+pounds, taken from him by Jonathan Wild, was first restored to him. This
+sum, claimed by Wild under the statute 4th and 5th of William and Mary,
+entitled "_An act for encouraging the apprehending of Highwaymen_," was
+granted to him by the court.
+
+As Blueskin still continued obstinate, the judgment appointed to be
+executed upon such prisoners as stood mute, was then read. It was as
+follows, and, when uttered, produced a strong effect upon all who heard
+it, except the prisoner, who, in no respect, altered his sullen and
+dogged demeanour.
+
+"Prisoner at the bar," thus ran the sentence, "you shall be taken to the
+prison from whence you came, and put into a mean room, stopped from the
+light; and shall there be laid on the bare ground, without any litter,
+straw, or other covering, and without any garment. You shall lie upon
+your back; your head shall be covered; and your feet shall be bare. One
+of your arms shall be drawn to one side of the room, and the other arm
+to the other side, and your legs shall be served in the like manner.
+Then, there shall be laid upon your body as much iron, or stone as you
+can bear, and more. And the first day, you shall have three morsels of
+barley bread, without any drink; and the second day, you shall be
+allowed to drink as much as you can, at three times, of the water that
+is next to the prison-door, except running-water, without any bread. And
+this shall be your diet till you die."
+
+"Prisoner at the bar," continued the clerk of the court, "he against
+whom this judgment is given, forfeits his goods to the king."
+
+An awful silence prevailed throughout the court. Every eye was fixed
+upon the prisoner. But, as he made no answer, he was removed.
+
+Before the full sentence was carried into execution, he was taken into a
+small room adjoining the court. Here Marvel, the executioner, who was in
+attendance, was commanded by Wild to tie his thumbs together, which he
+did with whipcord so tightly, that the string cut to the bone. But, as
+this produced no effect, and did not even elicit a groan, the prisoner
+was carried back to Newgate.
+
+The Press Room, to which Blueskin was conveyed on his arrival at the
+jail, was a small square chamber, walled and paved with stone. In each
+corner stood a stout square post reaching to the ceiling. To these a
+heavy wooden apparatus was attached, which could be raised or lowered at
+pleasure by pullies. In the floor were set four ring-bolts, about nine
+feet apart. When the prisoner was brought into this room, he was again
+questioned; but, continuing contumacious, preparations were made for
+inflicting the torture. His great personal strength being so well known,
+it was deemed prudent by Marvel to have all the four partners, together
+with Caliban, in attendance. The prisoner, however, submitted more
+quietly than was anticipated. He allowed his irons and clothes to be
+taken off without resistance. But just as they were about to place him
+on the ground, he burst from their hold, and made a desperate spring at
+Jonathan, who was standing with his arms folded near the door watching
+the scene. The attempt was unsuccessful. He was instantly overpowered,
+and stretched upon the ground. The four men fell upon him, holding his
+arms and legs, while Caliban forced back his head. In this state, he
+contrived to get the poor black's hand into his mouth, and nearly bit
+off one of his fingers before the sufferer could be rescued. Meanwhile,
+the executioner had attached strong cords to his ankles and wrists, and
+fastened them tightly to the iron rings. This done, he unloosed the
+pulley, and the ponderous machine, which resembled a trough, slowly
+descended upon the prisoner's breast. Marvel, then, took two iron
+weights, each of a hundred pounds, and placed them in the press. As this
+seemed insufficient, after a lapse of five minutes, he added another
+hundred weight. The prisoner breathed with difficulty. Still, his robust
+frame enabled him to hold out. After he had endured this torture for an
+hour, at a sign from Wild another hundred weight was added. In a few
+minutes, an appalling change was perceptible. The veins in his throat
+and forehead swelled and blackened; his eyes protruded from their
+sockets, and stared wildly; a thick damp gathered on his brow: and blood
+gushed from his mouth, nostrils, and ears.
+
+"Water!" he gasped.
+
+The executioner shook his head.
+
+"Do you submit?" interrogated Wild.
+
+Blueskin answered by dashing his head violently against the flagged
+floor. His efforts at self-destruction were, however, prevented.
+
+"Try fifty pounds more," said Jonathan.
+
+"Stop!" groaned Blueskin.
+
+"Will you plead?" demanded Wild, harshly.
+
+"I will," answered the prisoner.
+
+"Release him," said Jonathan. "We have cured his obstinacy, you
+perceive," he added to Marvel.
+
+"I _will_ live," cried Blueskin, with a look of the deadliest hatred at
+Wild, "to be revenged on you."
+
+And, as the weights were removed, he fainted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+How Jack Sheppard's Portrait was painted.
+
+
+Early in the morning of Thursday, the 15th of October, 1724, the door of
+the Castle was opened by Austin, who, with a look of unusual importance,
+announced to the prisoner that four gentlemen were shortly coming up
+with the governor to see him,--"four _such_ gentlemen," he added, in a
+tone meant to impress his auditor with a due sense of the honour
+intended him, "as you don't meet every day."
+
+"Is Mr. Wood among them?" asked Jack, eagerly.
+
+"Mr. Wood!--no," replied the turnkey. "Do you think I'd take the trouble
+to announce _him_? These are persons of consequence, I tell you."
+
+"Who are they?" inquired Sheppard.
+
+"Why, first," rejoined Austin, "there's Sir James Thornhill, historical
+painter to his Majesty, and the greatest artist of the day. Those grand
+designs in the dome of St. Paul's are his work. So is the roof of the
+state-room at Hampton Court Palace, occupied by Queen Anne, and the
+Prince of Denmark. So is the chapel of All Souls at Oxford, and the
+great hall at Blenheim, and I don't know how many halls and chapels
+besides. He's now engaged on the hall at Greenwich Hospital."
+
+"I've heard of him," replied Jack, impatiently. "Who are the others?"
+
+"Let me see. There's a friend of Sir James--a young man, an engraver of
+masquerade tickets and caricatures,--his name I believe is Hogarth.
+Then, there's Mr. Gay, the poet, who wrote the 'Captives,' which was
+lately acted at Drury Lane, and was so much admired by the Princess of
+Wales. And, lastly, there's Mr. Figg, the noted prize-fighter, from the
+New Amphitheatre in Marylebone Fields."
+
+"Figg's an old friend of mine," rejoined Jack; "he was my instructor in
+the small sword and back sword exercise. I'm glad he's come to see me."
+
+"You don't inquire what brings Sir James Thornhill here?" said Austin.
+
+"Curiosity, I suppose," returned Jack, carelessly.
+
+"No such thing," rejoined the jailer; "he's coming on business."
+
+"On what business, in the name of wonder?" asked Sheppard.
+
+"To paint your portrait," answered the jailer.
+
+"My portrait!" echoed Jack.
+
+"By desire of his Majesty," said the jailer, consequentially. "He has
+heard of your wonderful escapes, and wishes to see what you're like.
+There's a feather in your cap! No house-breaker was ever so highly
+honoured before."
+
+"And have my escapes really made so much noise as to reach the ear of
+royalty?" mused Jack. "I have done nothing--nothing to what I _could_
+do--to what I _will_ do!"
+
+"You've done quite enough," rejoined Austin; "more than you'll ever do
+again."
+
+"And then to be taken thus, in these disgraceful bonds!" continued Jack,
+"to be held up as a sight for ever!"
+
+"Why, how else would you be taken?" exclaimed the jailer, with a coarse
+laugh. "It's very well Mr. Wild allowed you to have your fine clothes
+again, or you might have been taken in a still more disgraceful garb.
+For my part, I think those shackles extremely becoming. But, here they
+are."
+
+Voices being heard at the door, Austin flew to open it, and admitted Mr.
+Pitt, the governor, a tall pompous personage, who, in his turn, ushered
+in four other individuals. The first of these, whom he addressed as Mr.
+Gay, was a stout, good-looking, good-humoured man, about thirty-six,
+with a dark complexion, an oval face, fine black eyes, full of fire and
+sensibility, and twinkling with roguish humour--an expression fully
+borne out by the mouth, which had a very shrewd and sarcastic curl. The
+poet's appearance altogether was highly prepossessing. With a strong
+tendency to satire, but without a particle of malice or ill-nature in
+its display. Gay, by his strokes of pleasantry, whether in his writings
+or conversation, never lost a friend. On the contrary, he was a
+universal favourite, and numbered amongst his intimate acquaintances the
+choicest spirits of the time,--Pope, Swift, Arbuthnot, and "all the
+better brothers." His demeanour was polished; his manners singularly
+affable and gentle; and he was remarkable, for the generosity of his
+temper. In worldly matters Gay was not fortunate. Possessed, at one
+time, of a share in the South Sea stock, he conceived himself worth
+twenty thousand pounds. But, on the bursting of that bubble, his hopes
+vanished with it. Neither did his interest,--which was by no means
+inconsiderable,--nor his general popularity, procure him the preferment
+he desired. A constant attendant at court, he had the mortification to
+see every one promoted but himself, and thus bewails his ill-luck.
+
+    Places, I found, were daily given away,
+    And yet no friendly gazette mentioned Gay.
+
+The prodigious success of the "Beggars' Opera," which was produced about
+four years after the date of this history, rewarded him for all his
+previous disappointments, though it did not fully justify the well-known
+epigram, alluding to himself and the manager, and "make Gay _rich_, and
+Rich _gay_." At the time of his present introduction, his play of "The
+Captives," had just been produced at Drury Lane, and he was meditating
+his "Fables," which were published two years afterwards.
+
+Behind the poet came Sir James Thornhill. The eminent painter had
+handsome, expressive features, an aquiline nose, and a good deal of
+dignity in his manner. His age was not far from fifty. He was
+accompanied by a young man of about seven-and-twenty, who carried his
+easel, set it in its place, laid the canvass upon it, opened the paint
+box, took out the brushes and palette, and, in short, paid him the most
+assiduous attention. This young man, whose features, though rather plain
+and coarse, bore the strongest impress of genius, and who had a dark
+gray, penetrating eye, so quick in its glances that it seemed to survey
+twenty objects at once, and yet only to fasten upon one, bore the
+honoured name of William Hogarth. Why he paid so much attention to Sir
+James Thornhill may be explained anon.
+
+The rear of the party was brought up by a large, powerfully-built man,
+with a bluff, honest, but rugged countenance, slashed with many a cut
+and scar, and stamped with that surly, sturdy, bull-dog-like look, which
+an Englishman always delights to contemplate, because he conceives it to
+be characteristic of his countrymen. This formidable person, who was no
+other than the renowned Figg, the "Atlas of the sword," as he is termed
+by Captain Godfrey, had removed his hat and "skull covering," and was
+wiping the heat from his bepatched and close-shaven pate. His shirt also
+was unbuttoned, and disclosed a neck like that of an ox, and a chest
+which might have served as a model for a Hercules. He had a flattish,
+perhaps, it should be called, a _flattened_ nose, and a brown,
+leathern-looking hide, that seemed as if it had not unfrequently
+undergone the process of tanning. Under his arm he carried a thick,
+knotted crab-stick. The above description of
+
+   --the great Figg, by the prize-fighting swains
+    Sole monarch acknowledged of Mary'bone plains--
+
+may sound somewhat tame by the side of the glowing account given of him
+by his gallant biographer, who asserts that "there was a majesty shone
+in his countenance, and blazed in his actions, beyond all I ever saw;"
+but it may, possibly, convey a more accurate notion of his personal
+appearance. James Figg was the most perfect master of self-defence of
+his day. Seconded by his strength and temper, his skill rendered him
+invincible and he is reputed never to have lost a battle. His
+imperturbable demeanour in the fight has been well portrayed by Captain
+Godfrey, who here condescends to lay aside his stilts. "His right leg
+bold and firm, and his left, which could hardly ever be disturbed, gave
+him a surprising advantage, and struck his adversary with despair and
+panic. He had a peculiar way of stepping in, in a parry; knew his arm,
+and its just time of moving; put a firm faith in that, and never let his
+opponent escape. He was just as much a greater master than any other I
+ever saw, as he was a greater judge of time and measure." Figg's prowess
+in a combat with Button has been celebrated by Dr. Byrom,--a poet of
+whom his native town, Manchester, may be justly proud; and his features
+and figure have been preserved by the most illustrious of his companions
+on the present occasion,--Hogarth,--in the levee in the "Rake's
+Progress," and in "Southwark Fair."
+
+On the appearance of his visitors, Sheppard arose,--his gyves clanking
+heavily as he made the movement,--and folding his arms, so far as his
+manacles would permit him, upon his breast, steadily returned the
+glances fixed upon him.
+
+"This is the noted house-breaker and prison-breaker, gentlemen," said
+Mr. Pitt, pointing to the prisoner.
+
+"Odd's life!" cried Gay, in astonishment; "is this slight-made stripling
+Jack Sheppard? Why, I expected to see a man six foot high at the least,
+and as broad across the shoulders as our friend Figg. This is a mere
+boy. Are you sure you haven't mistaken the ward, Mr. Pitt?"
+
+"There is no mistake, Sir," rejoined the prisoner, drawing himself up,
+"I am Jack Sheppard."
+
+"Well, I never was more surprised in my life," said the poet,--"never!"
+
+"He's just the man _I_ expected to see," observed Hogarth, who, having
+arranged everything to Thornhill's satisfaction, had turned to look at
+the prisoner, and was now with his chin upon his wrist, and his elbow
+supported by the other hand, bending his keen gray eyes upon him, "just
+the man! Look at that light, lithe figure,--all muscle and activity,
+with not an ounce of superfluous flesh upon it. In my search after
+strange characters, Mr. Gay, I've been in many odd quarters of our
+city--have visited haunts frequented only by thieves--the Old Mint, the
+New Mint, the worst part of St. Giles's, and other places--but I've
+nowhere seen any one who came up so completely to my notion of a
+first-rate housebreaker as the individual before us. Wherever I saw him,
+I should pick him out as a man designed by nature to plan and
+accomplish the wonderful escapes he has effected."
+
+As he spoke, a smile crossed Sheppard's countenance.
+
+"He understands me, you perceive," said Hogarth.
+
+"Well, I won't dispute your judgment in such matters, Mr. Hogarth,"
+replied Gay. "But I appeal to you, Sir James, whether it isn't
+extraordinary that so very slight a person should be such a desperate
+robber as he is represented--so young, too, for such an _old_ offender.
+Why, he can scarcely be twenty."
+
+"I am one-and-twenty," observed Jack.
+
+"One-and-twenty, ah!" repeated Gay. "Well, I'm not far from the mark."
+
+"He is certainly extremely youthful-looking and very slightly made,"
+said Thornhill, who had been attentively studying Sheppard's
+countenance. "But I agree with Hogarth, that he is precisely the person
+to do what he has done. Like a thorough-bred racer, he would sustain
+twice as much fatigue as a person of heavier mould. Can I be
+accommodated with a seat, Mr. Pitt?"
+
+"Certainly, Sir James, certainly," replied the governor. "Get a chair,
+Austin."
+
+While this order was obeyed, Figg, who had been standing near the door,
+made his way to the prisoner, and offered him his huge hand, which Jack
+warmly grasped.
+
+"Well, Jack," said the prize-fighter, in a rough, but friendly voice,
+and with a cut-and-thrust abrupt manner peculiar to himself; "how are
+you, lad, eh? Sorry to see you here. Wouldn't take my advice. Told you
+how it would be. One mistress enough to ruin a man,--two, the devil.
+Laughed at me, then. Laugh on the wrong side of your mouth, now."
+
+"You're not come here to insult me, Mr. Figg?" said Jack, peevishly.
+
+"Insult you! not I;" returned Figg. "Heard of your escapes. Everybody
+talking of you. Wished to see you. Old pupil. Capital swordsman. Shortly
+to be executed. Come to take leave. Trifle useful?" he added, slipping a
+few gold pieces into Jack's hand.
+
+"You are very kind," said Jack, returning the money; "but I don't
+require assistance."
+
+"Too proud, eh?" rejoined the prize-fighter. "Won't be under an
+obligation."
+
+"There you're wrong, Mr. Figg," replied Jack, smiling; "for, before I'm
+taken to Tyburn, I mean to borrow a shirt for the occasion from you."
+
+"Have it, and welcome," rejoined Figg. "Always plenty to spare. Never
+bought a shirt in my life, Mr. Gay," he added, turning to the poet.
+"Sold a good many, though."
+
+"How do you manage that, Mr. Figg?" asked Gay.
+
+"Thus," replied the prize-fighter. "Proclaim a public fight. Challenge
+accepted. Fifty pupils. Day before, send round to each to borrow a
+shirt. Fifty sent home. All superfine holland. Wear one on the stage on
+the following day. Cut to pieces--slashed--bloodied. Each of my scholars
+thinks it his own shirt. Offer to return it to each in private. All make
+the same answer--'d--n you, keep it.'"
+
+"An ingenious device," laughed Gay.
+
+Sir James Thornhill's preparations being completed, Mr. Pitt desired to
+know if he wanted anything further, and being answered in the negative,
+he excused himself on the plea that his attendance was required in the
+court at the Old Bailey, which was then sitting, and withdrew.
+
+"Do me the favour to seat yourself, Jack," said Sir James. "Gentlemen, a
+little further off, if you please."
+
+Sheppard immediately complied with the painter's request; while Gay and
+Figg drew back on one side, and Hogarth on the other. The latter took
+from his pocket a small note-book and pencil.
+
+"I'll make a sketch, too," he said. "Jack Sheppard's face is well worth
+preserving."
+
+After narrowly examining the countenance of the sitter, and motioning
+him with his pencil into a particular attitude, Sir James Thornhill
+commenced operations; and, while he rapidly transferred his lineaments
+to the canvass, engaged him in conversation, in the course of which he
+artfully contrived to draw him into a recital of his adventures. The
+_ruse_ succeeded almost beyond his expectation. During the narration
+Jack's features lighted up, and an expression, which would have been in
+vain looked for in repose, was instantly caught and depicted by the
+skilful artist. All the party were greatly interested by Sheppard's
+history--especially Figg, who laughed loud and long at the escape from
+the Condemned Hold. When Jack came to speak of Jonathan Wild, his
+countenance fell.
+
+"We must change the subject," remarked Thornhill, pausing in his task;
+"this will never do."
+
+"Quite right, Sir James," said Austin. "We never suffer him to mention
+Mr. Wild's name. He never appears to so little advantage as when
+speaking of him."
+
+"I don't wonder at it," rejoined Gay.
+
+Here Hogarth received a private signal from Thornhill to attract
+Sheppard's attention.
+
+"And so you've given up all hope of escaping, eh, Jack?" remarked
+Hogarth.
+
+"That's scarcely a fair question, Mr. Hogarth, before the jailer,"
+replied Jack. "But I tell you frankly, and Mr. Austin, may repeat it if
+he pleases to his master, Jonathan Wild,--I have _not_."
+
+"Well said, Jack," cried Figg. "Never give in."
+
+"Well," observed Hogarth, "if, fettered as you are, you contrive to
+break out of this dungeon, you'll do what no man ever did before."
+
+A peculiar smile illuminated Jack's features.
+
+"There it is!" cried Sir James, eagerly. "There's the exact expression I
+want. For the love of Heaven, Jack, don't move!--Don't alter a muscle,
+if you can help it."
+
+And, with a few magical touches, he stamped the fleeting expression on
+the canvass.
+
+"I have it too!" exclaimed Hogarth, busily plying his pencil. "Gad! it's
+a devilish fine face when lit up."
+
+"As like as life, Sir," observed Austin, peeping over Thornhill's
+shoulder at the portrait. "As like as life."
+
+"The very face," exclaimed Gay, advancing to look at it;--"with all the
+escapes written in it."
+
+"You flatter me," smiled Sir James. "But, I own, I think it _is_ like."
+
+"What do you think of _my_ sketch, Jack?" said Hogarth, handing him the
+drawing.
+
+"It's like enough, I dare say," rejoined Sheppard. "But it wants
+something _here_." And he pointed significantly to the hand.
+
+"I see," rejoined Hogarth, rapidly sketching a file, which he placed in
+the hands of the picture. "Will that do?" he added, returning it.
+
+"It's better," observed Sheppard, meaningly. "But you've given me what I
+don't possess."
+
+"Hum!" said Hogarth, looking fixedly at him. "I don't see how I can
+improve it."
+
+"May I look at it, Sir!" said Austin, stepping towards him.
+
+"No," replied Hogarth, hastily effacing the sketch. "I'm never satisfied
+with a first attempt."
+
+"Egad, Jack," said Gay, "you should write your adventures. They would be
+quite as entertaining as the histories of Guzman D'Alfarache, Lazarillo
+de Tormes, Estevanillo Gonzalez, Meriton Latroon, or any of my favourite
+rogues,--and far more instructive."
+
+"You had better write them for me, Mr. Gay," rejoined Jack.
+
+"If you'll write them, I'll illustrate them," observed Hogarth.
+
+"An idea has just occurred to me," said Gay, "which Jack's narrative has
+suggested. I'll write an opera the scene of which shall be laid
+altogether in Newgate, and the principal character shall be a
+highmaywan. I'll not forget your two mistresses, Jack."
+
+"Nor Jonathan Wild, I hope," interposed Sheppard.
+
+"Certainly not," replied Gay. "I'll gibbet the rascal. But I forget," he
+added, glancing at Austin; "it's high treason to speak disrespectfully
+of Mr. Wild in his own domain."
+
+"I hear nothing, Sir," laughed Austin.
+
+"I was about to add," continued Gay, "that my opera shall have no music
+except the good old ballad tunes. And we'll see whether it won't put
+the Italian opera out of fashion, with Cutzoni, Senesino, and the
+'divine' Farinelli at its head."
+
+"You'll do a national service, then," said Hogarth. "The sums lavished
+upon those people are perfectly disgraceful, and I should be enchanted
+to see them hooted from the stage. But I've an idea as well as you,
+grounded in some measure upon Sheppard's story. I'll take two
+apprentices, and depict their career. One, by perseverance and industry
+shall obtain fortune, credit, and the highest honours; while the other
+by an opposite course, and dissolute habits, shall eventually arrive at
+Tyburn."
+
+"Your's will be nearer the truth, and have a deeper moral, Mr. Hogarth,"
+remarked Jack, dejectedly. "But if my career were truly exhibited, it
+must be as one long struggle against destiny in the shape of--"
+
+"Jonathan Wild," interposed Gay. "I knew it. By the by, Mr. Hogarth,
+didn't I see you last night at the ridotto with Lady Thornhill and her
+pretty daughter?"
+
+"Me!--no, Sir," stammered Hogarth, colouring. And he hazarded a wink at
+the poet over the paper on which he was sketching. Luckily, Sir James
+was so much engrossed by his own task, that both the remark and gesture
+escaped him.
+
+"I suppose I was mistaken," returned Gay. "You've been quizzing my
+friend Kent, I perceive, in your Burlington Gate."
+
+"A capital caricature that," remarked Thornhill, laughing. "What does
+Mr. Kent say to it?"
+
+"He thinks so highly of it, that he says if he had a daughter he would
+give her to the artist," answered Gay, a little maliciously.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Sir James.
+
+"'Sdeath!" cried Hogarth, aside to the poet. "You've ruined my hopes."
+
+"Advanced them rather," replied Gay, in the same tone. "Miss Thornhill's
+a charming girl. _I_ think a wife a needless incumbrance, and mean to
+die a bachelor. But, if I were in your place, I know what I'd do--"
+
+"What--what would you do?" asked Hogarth, eagerly.
+
+"Run away with her," replied Gay.
+
+"Pish!" exclaimed Hogarth. But he afterwards acted upon the suggestion.
+
+"Good-b'ye, Jack," said Figg, putting on his hat. "Rather in the way.
+Send you the shirt. Here, turnkey. Couple of guineas to drink Captain
+Sheppard's speedy escape. Thank him, not me, man. Give this fellow the
+slip, if you can, Jack. If not, keep up your spirits. Die game."
+
+"Never fear," replied Jack. "If I get free, I'll have a bout with you at
+all weapons. If not, I'll take a cheerful glass with you at the City of
+Oxford, on my way to Tyburn."
+
+"Give you the best I have in either case," replied Figg. "Good-b'ye!"
+And with a cordial shake of the hand he took his departure.
+
+Sir James Thornhill, then, rose.
+
+"I won't trouble you further, Jack," he remarked. "I've done all I can
+to the portrait here. I must finish it at home."
+
+"Permit me to see it, Sir James!" requested Jack. "Ah!" he exclaimed, as
+the painting was turned towards him. "What would my poor mother say to
+it?"
+
+"I was sorry to see that about your mother, Jack," observed Hogarth.
+
+"What of her?" exclaimed Jack, starting up. "Is she dead?"
+
+"No--no," answered Hogarth. "Don't alarm yourself. I saw it this morning
+in the Daily Journal--an advertisement, offering a reward--"
+
+"A reward!" echoed Jack. "For what?"
+
+"I had the paper with me. 'Sdeath! what can I have done with it? Oh!
+here it is," cried Hogarth, picking it from the ground. "I must have
+dropped it when I took out my note-book. There's the paragraph. '_Mrs.
+Sheppard left Mr. Wood's house at Dollis Hill on Tuesday_'--that's two
+days ago,--'_hasn't been heard of since_.'"
+
+"Let me see," cried Jack, snatching the paper, and eagerly perusing the
+advertisement. "Ah!" he exclaimed, in a tone of anguish. "She has fallen
+into the villain's hands."
+
+"What villain?" cried Hogarth.
+
+"Jonathan Wild, I'll be sworn," said Gay.
+
+"Right!--right!" cried Jack, striking his fettered hands against his
+breast. "She is in his power, and I am here, chained hand and foot,
+unable to assist her."
+
+"I could make a fine sketch of him now," whispered Hogarth to Gay.
+
+"I told you how it was, Sir James," said Austin, addressing the knight,
+who was preparing for his departure, "he attributes every misfortune
+that befals him to Mr. Wild."
+
+"And with some justice," replied Thornhill, drily.
+
+"Allow me to assist you, Sir James," said Hogarth.
+
+"Many thanks, Sir," replied Thornhill, with freezing politeness; "but Id
+not require assistance."
+
+"I tell you what, Jack," said Gay, "I've several urgent engagements this
+morning; but I'll return to-morrow, and hear the rest of your story.
+And, if I can render you any service, you may command me."
+
+"To-morrow will be too late," said Sheppard, moodily.
+
+The easel and palette having been packed up, and the canvass carefully
+removed by Austin, the party took leave of the prisoner, who was so much
+abstracted that he scarcely noticed their departure. Just as Hogarth got
+to the door, the turnkey stopped him.
+
+"You have forgotten your knife, Mr. Hogarth," he observed,
+significantly.
+
+"So I have," replied Hogarth, glancing at Sheppard.
+
+"I can do without it," muttered Jack.
+
+The door was then locked, and he was left alone.
+
+At three o'clock, on the same day, Austin brought up Jack's provisions,
+and, after carefully examining his fetters, and finding all secure, told
+him if he wanted anything further he must mention it, as he should not
+be able to return in the evening, his presence being required elsewhere.
+Jack replied in the negative, and it required all his mastery over
+himself to prevent the satisfaction which this announcement afforded
+him from being noticed by the jailer.
+
+With the usual precautions, Austin then departed.
+
+"And now," cried Jack, leaping up, "for an achievement, compared with
+which all I have yet done shall be as nothing!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+The Iron Bar.
+
+
+Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handcuffs.
+This he accomplished by holding the chain that connected them firmly
+between his teeth, and squeezing his fingers as closely together as
+possible, succeeded in drawing his wrists through the manacles. He next
+twisted the heavy gyves round and round, and partly by main strength,
+partly by a dexterous and well-applied jerk, sapped asunder the central
+link by which they were attached to the padlock. Taking off his
+stockings, he then drew up the basils as far as he was able, and tied
+the fragments of the broken chain to his legs, to prevent them from
+clanking, and impeding his future exertions.
+
+Jack's former attempt to pass up the chimney, it may be remembered, was
+obstructed by an iron bar. To remove this obstacle it was necessary make
+an extensive breach in the wall. With the broken links of the chain,
+which served him in lieu of more efficient implements, he commenced
+operations just above the chimney-piece, and soon contrived to pick a
+hole in the plaster.
+
+He found the wall, as he suspected, solidly constructed of brick and
+stone; and with the slight and inadequate tools which he possessed, it
+was a work of infinite labour and skill to get out a single brick. That
+done, however, he was well aware the rest would be comparatively easy,
+and as he threw the brick to the ground, he exclaimed triumphantly, "The
+first step is taken--the main difficulty is overcome."
+
+Animated by this trifling success, he proceeded with fresh ardour, and
+the rapidity of his progress was proclaimed by the heap of bricks,
+stones, and mortar which before long covered the floor. At the
+expiration of an hour, by dint of unremitting exertion, he had made so
+large a breach in the chimney, that he could stand upright in it. He was
+now within a foot of the bar, and introducing himself into the hole,
+speedily worked his way to it.
+
+Regardless of the risk he incurred from some heavy stone dropping on his
+head or feet,--regardless also of the noise made by the falling rubbish,
+and of the imminent danger which he consequently ran of being
+interrupted by some of the jailers, should the sound reach their ears,
+he continued to pull down large masses of the wall, which he flung upon
+the floor of the cell.
+
+Having worked thus for another quarter of an hour without being sensible
+of fatigue, though he was half stifled by the clouds of dust which his
+exertions raised, he had made a hole about three feet wide, and six
+high, and uncovered the iron bar. Grasping it firmly with both hands, he
+quickly wrenched if from the stones in which it was mortised, and leapt
+to the ground. On examination it proved to be a flat bar of iron, nearly
+a yard in length, and more than an inch square. "A capital instrument
+for my purpose," thought Jack, shouldering it, "and worth all the
+trouble I have had in procuring it."
+
+While he was thus musing, he fancied he heard the lock tried. A chill
+ran through his frame, and, grasping the heavy weapon with which chance
+had provided him, prepared to strike down the first person who should
+enter the cell. After listening attentively for a short time without
+drawing breath, he became convinced that his apprehensions were
+groundless, and, greatly relieved, sat down upon the chair to rest
+himself and prepare for further efforts.
+
+Acquainted with every part of the jail, Jack well knew that his only
+chance of effecting an escape must be by the roof. To reach it would be
+a most difficult undertaking. Still it was possible, and the difficulty
+was only a fresh incitement.
+
+The mere enumeration of the obstacles that existed would have deterred
+any spirit less daring than Sheppard's from even hazarding the attempt.
+Independently of other risks, and of the chance of breaking his neck in
+the descent, he was aware that to reach the leads he should have to
+break open six of the strongest doors of the prison. Armed, however,
+with the implement he had so fortunately obtained, he did not despair of
+success.
+
+"My name will only be remembered as that of a robber," he mused; "but it
+shall be remembered as that of a bold one: and this night's achievement,
+if it does nothing else, shall prevent me from being classed with the
+common herd of depredators."
+
+Roused by this reflection, filled with the deepest anxiety for his
+mother, and burning to be avenged upon Jonathan Wild, he grasped the
+iron bar, which, when he sat down, he had laid upon his knees, and
+stepped quickly across the room. In doing so, he had to clamber up the
+immense heap of bricks and rubbish which now littered the floor,
+amounting almost to a car-load, and reaching up nearly to the top of the
+chimney-piece.
+
+"Austin will stare," thought Jack, "when he comes here in the morning.
+It will cost them something to repair their stronghold, and take them
+more time to build it up again than I have taken to pull it down."
+
+Before proceeding with his task, he considered whether it would be
+possible to barricade the door; but, reflecting that the bar would be an
+indispensable assistant in his further efforts, he abandoned the idea,
+and determined to rely implicitly on that good fortune which had
+hitherto attended him on similar occasions.
+
+Having once more got into the chimney, he climbed to a level with the
+ward above, and recommenced operations as vigorously as before. He was
+now aided with a powerful implement, with which he soon contrived to
+make a hole in the wall.
+
+"Every brick I take out," cried Jack, as fresh rubbish clattered down
+the chimney, "brings me nearer my mother."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+The Red Room.
+
+
+The ward into which Jack was endeavouring to break was called the Red
+Room, from the circumstance of its walls having once been painted in
+that colour; all traces of which had, however, long since disappeared.
+Like the Castle, which it resembled in all respects except that it was
+destitute even of a barrack-bedstead, the Red Room was reserved for
+state-prisoners, and had not been occupied since the year 1716, when the
+jail, as has before been mentioned, was crowded by the Preston rebels.
+
+Having made a hole in the wall sufficiently large to pass through, Jack
+first tossed the bar into the room and then crept after it. As soon as
+he had gained his feet, he glanced round the bare blank walls of the
+cell, and, oppressed by the musty, close atmosphere, exclaimed, "I'll
+let a little fresh air into this dungeon. They say it hasn't been opened
+for eight years--but I won't be eight years in getting out of it."
+
+In stepping across the room, some sharp point in the floor pierced his
+foot, and stooping to examine it, he found that the wound had been
+inflicted by a long rusty nail, which projected from the boards. Totally
+disregarding the pain, he picked up the nail, and reserved it for future
+use. Nor was he long in making it available.
+
+On examining the door, he found it secured by a large rusty lock, which
+he endeavoured to pick with the nail he had just acquired; but all his
+efforts proving ineffectual, he removed the plate that covered it with
+the bar, and with his fingers contrived to draw back the bolt.
+
+Opening the door he then stepped into a dark narrow passage leading, as
+he was well aware, to the chapel. On the left there were doors
+communicating with the King's Bench Ward and the Stone Ward, two large
+holds on the Master Debtors' side. But Jack was too well versed in the
+geography of the place to attempt either of them. Indeed, if he had been
+ignorant of it, the sound of voices which he could faintly distinguish,
+would have served as a caution to him.
+
+Hurrying on, his progress was soon checked by a strong door, several
+inches in thickness, and nearly as wide as the passage. Running his hand
+carefully over it in search of the lock, he perceived to his dismay that
+it was fastened on the other side. After several vain attempts to burst
+it open, he resolved, as a last alternative, to break through the wall
+in the part nearest to the lock. This was a much more serious task than
+he anticipated. The wall was of considerable thickness, and built
+altogether of stone; and the noise he was compelled to make in using the
+heavy bar, which brought sparks with every splinter he struck off, was
+so great, that he feared it must be heard by the prisoners on the
+Debtors' side. Heedless, however, of the consequences, he pursued his
+task.
+
+Half an hour's labour, during which he was obliged more than once to
+pause to regain breath, sufficed to make a hole wide enough to allow a
+passage for his arm up to the elbow. In this way he was able to force
+back a ponderous bolt from its socket; and to his unspeakable joy, found
+that the door instantly yielded.
+
+Once more cheered by daylight, he hastened forward, and entered the
+chapel.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+The Chapel.
+
+
+Situated at the upper part of the south-east angle of the jail, the
+chapel of Old Newgate was divided on the north side into three grated
+compartments, or pens as they were termed, allotted to the common
+debtors and felons. In the north-west angle, there was a small pen for
+female offenders, and, on the south, a more commodious enclosure
+appropriated to the master-debtors and strangers. Immediately beneath
+the pulpit stood a large circular pew where malefactors under sentence
+of death sat to hear the condemned sermon delivered to them, and where
+they formed a public spectacle to the crowds, which curiosity generally
+attracted on those occasions.
+
+To return. Jack had got into one of the pens at the north side of the
+chapel. The enclosure by which it was surrounded was about twelve feet
+high; the under part being composed of taken planks, the upper of a
+strong iron grating, surmounted by sharp iron spikes. In the middle
+there was a gate. It was locked. But Jack speedily burst it open with
+the iron bar.
+
+Clearing the few impediments in his way, he soon reached the condemned
+pew, where it had once been his fate to sit; and extending himself on
+the seat endeavoured to snatch a moment's repose. It was denied him, for
+as he closed his eyes--though but for an instant--the whole scene of his
+former visit to the place rose before him. There he sat as before, with
+the heavy fetters on his limbs, and beside him sat his three companions,
+who had since expiated their offences on the gibbet. The chapel was
+again crowded with visitors, and every eye--even that of Jonathan Wild
+who had come thither to deride him,--was fixed upon him. So perfect was
+the illusion, that he could almost fancy he heard the solemn voice of
+the ordinary warning him that his race was nearly run, and imploring him
+to prepare for eternity. From this perturbed state he was roused by
+thoughts of his mother, and fancying he heard her gentle voice urging
+him on to fresh exertion, he started up.
+
+On one side of the chapel there was a large grated window, but, as it
+looked upon the interior of the jail, Jack preferred following the
+course he had originally decided upon to making any attempt in this
+quarter.
+
+Accordingly, he proceeded to a gate which stood upon the south, and
+guarded the passage communicating with the leads. It was grated and
+crested with spikes, like that he had just burst open, and thinking it a
+needless waste of time to force it, he broke off one of the spikes,
+which he carried with him for further purposes, and then climbed over
+it.
+
+A short flight of steps brought him to a dark passage, into which he
+plunged. Here he found another strong door, making the fifth he had
+encountered. Well aware that the doors in this passage were much
+stronger than those in the entry he had just quitted he was neither
+surprised nor dismayed to find it fastened by a lock of unusual size.
+After repeatedly trying to remove the plate, which was so firmly screwed
+down that it resisted all his efforts, and vainly attempting to pick it
+with the spike and nail; he, at length, after half an hour's ineffectual
+labour, wrenched off the box by means of the iron bar, and the door, as
+he laughingly expressed it, "became his humble servant."
+
+But this difficulty was only overcome to be succeeded by one still
+greater. Hastening along the passage he came to the sixth door. For this
+he was prepared; but he was not prepared for the almost insurmountable
+obstacles which it presented. Running his hand hastily over it, he was
+startled to find it one complicated mass of bolts and bars. It seemed as
+if all the precautions previously taken were here accumulated. Any one
+less courageous than himself would have abandoned the attempt from a
+conviction of its utter hopelessness; but, though it might for a moment
+damp his ardour, it could not deter him.
+
+Once again, he passed his hand over the surface and carefully noted all
+the obstacles. There was a lock, apparently more than a foot wide,
+strongly plated, and girded to the door with thick iron hoops. Below it
+a prodigiously large bolt was shot into the socket, and, in order to
+keep it there, was fastened by a hasp, and further protected by an
+immense padlock. Besides this, the door was crossed and recrossed by
+iron bars, clenched by broad-headed nails. An iron fillet secured the
+socket of the bolt and the box of the lock to the main post of the
+doorway.
+
+Nothing disheartened by this survey, Jack set to work upon the lock,
+which he attacked with all his implements;--now attempting to pick it
+with the nail;--now to wrench it off with the bar: but all without
+effect. He not only failed in making any impression, but seemed to
+increase the difficulties, for after an hour's toil he had broken the
+nail and slightly bent the iron bar.
+
+Completely overcome by fatigue, with strained muscles, and bruised
+hands; streaming with perspiration, and with lips so parched that he
+would gladly have parted with a treasure if he had possessed it for a
+draught of water; he sank against the wall, and while in this state was
+seized with, a sudden and strange alarm. He fancied that the turnkeys
+had discovered his flight and were in pursuit of him,--that they had
+climbed up the chimney,--entered the Red Room,--tracked him from door to
+door, and were now only detained by the gate which he had left unbroken
+in the chapel. He even thought he could detect the voice of Jonathan,
+urging and directing them.
+
+So strongly was he impressed with this idea, that grasping the iron bar
+with both hands, he dashed it furiously against the door, making the
+passage echo with the blows.
+
+By degrees, his fears vanished, and hearing nothing, he grew calmer. His
+spirits revived, and encouraging himself with the idea that the present
+impediment, though the greatest, was the last, he set himself seriously
+to consider how it might best be overcome.
+
+On reflection, it occurred to him that he might, perhaps, be able to
+loosen the iron fillet; a notion no sooner conceived than executed. With
+incredible labour, and by the aid of both spike and nail, he succeeded
+in getting the point of the bar beneath the fillet. Exerting all his
+energies, and using the bar as a lever, he forced off the iron band,
+which was full seven feet high, seven inches wide, and two thick, and
+which brought with it in its fall the box of the lock and the socket of
+the bolt, leaving no further hinderance.
+
+Overjoyed beyond measure at having vanquished this
+apparently-insurmountable obstacle, Jack darted through the door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+The Leads.
+
+
+Ascending a short flight of steps, Jack found at the summit a door,
+which being bolted in the inside he speedily opened.
+
+The fresh air, which blew in his face, greatly revived him. He had now
+reached what was called the Lower Leads,--a flat, covering a part of the
+prison contiguous to the gateway, and surrounded on all sides by walls
+about fourteen feet high. On the north stood the battlements of one of
+the towers of the gate. On this side a flight of wooden steps, protected
+by a hand-rail, led to a door opening upon the summit of the prison.
+This door was crested with spikes, and guarded on the right by a
+bristling semicircle of spikes. Hastily ascending these steps, Jack
+found the door, as he anticipated, locked. He could have easily forced
+it, but preferred a more expeditious mode of reaching the roof which
+suggested itself to him. Mounting the door he had last opened, he placed
+his hands on the wall above, and quickly drew himself up.
+
+Just as he got on the roof of the prison, St. Sepulchre's clock struck
+eight. It was instantly answered by the deep note of St. Paul's; and the
+concert was prolonged by other neighbouring churches. Jack had thus been
+six hours in accomplishing his arduous task.
+
+Though nearly dark, there was still light enough left to enable him to
+discern surrounding objects. Through the gloom he distinctly perceived
+the dome of St. Paul's, hanging like a black cloud in the air; and
+nearer to him he remarked the golden ball on the summit of the College
+of Physicians, compared by Garth to a "gilded pill." Other towers and
+spires--St. Martin's on Ludgate-hill, and Christchurch in Newgate
+Street, were also distinguishable. As he gazed down into the courts of
+the prison, he could not help shuddering, lest a false step might
+precipitate him below.
+
+To prevent the recurrence of any such escape as that just described, it
+was deemed expedient, in more recent times, to keep a watchman at the
+top of Newgate. Not many years ago, two men, employed on this duty,
+quarrelled during the night, and in the morning their bodies were found
+stretched upon the pavement of the yard beneath.
+
+Proceeding along the wall, Jack reached the southern tower, over the
+battlements of which he clambered, and crossing it, dropped upon the
+roof of the gate. He then scaled the northern tower, and made his way to
+the summit of that part of the prison which fronted Giltspur Street.
+Arrived at the extremity of the building, he found that it overlooked
+the flat-roof of a house which, as far as he could judge in the
+darkness, lay at a depth of about twenty feet below.
+
+Not choosing to hazard so great a fall, Jack turned to examine the
+building, to see whether any more favourable point of descent presented
+itself, but could discover nothing but steep walls, without a single
+available projection. As he looked around, he beheld an incessant stream
+of passengers hurrying on below. Lights glimmered in the windows of the
+different houses; and a lamp-lighter was running from post to post on
+his way to Snow Hill.
+
+Finding it impossible to descend on any side, without incurring serious
+risk, Jack resolved to return for his blanket, by the help of which he
+felt certain of accomplishing a safe landing on the roof of the house in
+Giltspur Street.
+
+Accordingly, he began to retrace his steps, and pursuing the course he
+had recently taken, scaling the two towers, and passing along the wall
+of the prison, he descended by means of the door upon the Lower Leads.
+Before he re-entered the prison, he hesitated from a doubt whether he
+was not fearfully increasing his risk of capture; but, convinced that he
+had no other alternative, he went on.
+
+During all this time, he had never quitted the iron bar, and he now
+grasped it with the firm determination of selling his life dearly, if he
+met with any opposition. A few seconds sufficed to clear the passage,
+through which it had previously cost him more than two hours to force
+his way. The floor was strewn with screws, nails, fragments of wood and
+stone, and across the passage lay the heavy iron fillet. He did not
+disturb any of this litter, but left it as a mark of his prowess.
+
+He was now at the entrance of the chapel, and striking the door over
+which he had previously climbed a violent blow with the bar, it flew
+open. To vault over the pews was the work of a moment; and having gained
+the entry leading to the Red Room he passed through the first door; his
+progress being only impeded by the pile of broken stones, which he
+himself had raised.
+
+Listening at one of the doors leading to the Master Debtors' side, he
+heard a loud voice chanting a Bacchanalian melody, and the boisterous
+laughter that accompanied the song, convinced him that no suspicion was
+entertained in this quarter. Entering the Red Room, he crept through the
+hole in the wall, descended the chimney, and arrived once more in his
+old place of captivity.
+
+How different were his present feelings compared with those he had
+experienced on quitting it. _Then_, though full of confidence, he half
+doubted his power of accomplishing his designs. _Now_, he _had_ achieved
+them, and felt assured of success. The vast heap of rubbish on the floor
+had been so materially increased by the bricks and plaster thrown down
+in his attack upon the wall of the Red Room, that it was with some
+difficulty he could find the blanket which was almost buried beneath the
+pile. He next searched for his stockings and shoes, and when found, put
+them on.
+
+While he was thus employed, his nerves underwent a severe shock. A few
+bricks, dislodged probably by his last descent, came clattering down the
+chimney, and as it was perfectly dark, gave him the notion that some one
+was endeavouring to force an entrance into the room.
+
+But these fears, like those he had recently experienced, speedily
+vanished, and he prepared to return to the roof, congratulating himself
+that owing to the opportune falling of the bricks, he had in all
+probability escaped serious injury.
+
+Throwing the blanket over his left arm and shouldering the iron bar, he
+again clambered up the chimney; regained the Red Room; hurried along the
+first passage; crossed the Chapel; threaded the entry to the Lower
+Leads; and, in less than ten minutes after quitting the Castle, had
+reached the northern extremity of the prison.
+
+Previously to his descent he had left the nail and spike on the wall,
+and with these he fastened the blanket to the stone coping. This done,
+he let himself carefully down by it, and having only a few feet to drop,
+alighted in safety.
+
+Having now fairly got out of Newgate for the second time, with a heart
+throbbing with exultation, he hastened to make good his escape. To his
+great joy he found a small garret-door in the roof of the opposite house
+open. He entered it; crossed the room, in which there was only a small
+truckle-bed, over which he stumbled; opened another door and gained the
+stair-head. As he was about to descend his chains slightly rattled. "Oh,
+lud! what's that?" exclaimed a female voice, from an adjoining room.
+"Only the dog," replied the rough tones of a man.
+
+Securing the chain in the best way he could, Jack then hurried down two
+pair of stairs, and had nearly reached the lobby, when a door suddenly
+opened, and two persons appeared, one of whom held a light. Retreating
+as quickly as he could, Jack opened the first door he came to, entered a
+room, and searching in the dark for some place of concealment,
+fortunately discovered a skreen, behind which he crept.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+What befell Jack Sheppard in the Turner's House.
+
+
+Jack was scarcely concealed when the door opened, and the two persons of
+whom he had caught a glimpse below entered the room. What was his
+astonishment to recognise in the few words they uttered the voices of
+Kneebone and Winifred! The latter was apparently in great distress, and
+the former seemed to be using his best efforts to relieve her anxiety.
+
+"How very fortunate it is," he observed, "that I happened to call upon
+Mr. Bird, the turner, to give him an order this evening. It was quite an
+unexpected pleasure to meet you and your worthy father."
+
+"Pray cease these compliments," returned Winifred, "and, if you have any
+communication to make, do not delay it. You told me just now that you
+wished to speak a few words to me in private, concerning Thames Darrell,
+and for that purpose I have left my father below with Mr. Bird and have
+come hither. What have you got to say?"
+
+"Too much," replied Kneebone, shaking his head; "sadly too much."
+
+"Do not needlessly alarm me, I beseech you," replied Winifred. "Whatever
+your intelligence may be I will strive to bear it. But do not awaken my
+apprehension, unless you have good cause for so doing.--What do you know
+of Thames?--Where is he?"
+
+"Don't agitate yourself, dearest girl," rejoined the woollen-draper; "or
+I shall never be able to commence my relation."
+
+"I am calm--perfectly calm," replied Winifred. "Pray, make no further
+mystery; but tell me all without reserve."
+
+"Since you require it, I must obey," replied Kneebone; "but prepare
+yourself for a terrible shock."
+
+"For mercy's sake, go on!" cried Winifred.
+
+"At all hazards then then you shall know the truth," replied the
+woollen-draper, in a tone of affected solicitude,--"but are you really
+prepared?"
+
+"Quite--quite!" replied Winifred. "This suspense is worse than torture."
+
+"I am almost afraid to utter it," said Kneebone; "but Thames Darrell is
+murdered."
+
+"Murdered!" ejaculated Winifred.
+
+"Basely and inhumanly murdered, by Jack Sheppard and Blueskin,"
+continued Kneebone.
+
+"Oh! no--no--no," cried Winifred, "I cannot believe it. You must be
+misinformed, Mr. Kneebone. Jack may be capable of much that is wicked,
+but he would never lift his hand against his friend,--of that I am
+assured."
+
+"Generous girl!" cried Jack from behind the skreen.
+
+"I have proofs to the contrary," replied Kneebone. "The murder was
+committed after the robbery of my house by Sheppard and his accomplices.
+I did not choose to mention my knowledge of this fact to your worthy
+father; but you may rely on its correctness."
+
+"You were right not to mention it to him," rejoined Winifred, "for he is
+in such a state of distress at the mysterious disappearance of Mrs.
+Sheppard, that I fear any further anxiety might prove fatal to him. And
+yet I know not--for the object of his visit here to-night was to serve
+Jack, who, if your statement is correct, which I cannot however for a
+moment believe, does not deserve his assistance."
+
+"You may rest assured he does not," rejoined Kneebone, emphatically,
+"but I am at a loss to understand in what way your father proposes to
+assist him."
+
+"Mr. Bird, the turner, who is an old friend of our's, has some
+acquaintance with the turnkeys of Newgate," replied Winifred, "and by
+his means my father hoped to convey some implements to Jack, by which he
+might effect another escape."
+
+"I see," remarked Kneebone. "This must be prevented," he added to
+himself.
+
+"Heaven grant you may have been wrongly informed with respect to
+Thames!" exclaimed Winifred; "but, I beseech you, on no account to
+mention what you have told me to my poor father. He is not in a state of
+mind to bear it."
+
+"Rely on me," rejoined Kneebone. "One word before we part, adorable
+girl--only one," he continued, detaining her. "I would not venture to
+renew my suit while Thames lived, because I well knew your affections
+were fixed upon him. But now that this bar is removed, I trust I may,
+without impropriety, urge it."
+
+"No more of this," said Winifred, angrily. "Is this a season to speak on
+such a subject?"
+
+"Perhaps not," rejoined the woollen-draper; "but the uncontrollable
+violence of my passion must plead my excuse. My whole life shall be
+devoted to you, beloved girl. And when you reflect how much at heart
+your poor mother, whose loss we must ever deplore, had our union, you
+will, I am persuaded, no longer refuse me."
+
+"Sir!" exclaimed Winifred.
+
+"You will make me the happiest of mankind," cried the woollen-draper,
+falling on his knees, and seizing her hand, which he devoured with
+kisses.
+
+"Let me go," cried Winifred. "I disbelieve the whole story you have told
+me."
+
+"By Heaven!" cried Kneebone, with increasing fervour, "it is true--as
+true as my affection for you."
+
+"I do not doubt it," retorted Winifred, scornfully; "because I attach
+credit neither to one nor the other. If Thames _is_ murdered, you are
+his assassin. Let me go, Sir."
+
+The woollen-draper made no answer, but hastily starting up, bolted the
+door.
+
+"What do you mean?" cried Winifred in alarm.
+
+"Nothing more than to obtain a favourable answer to my suit," replied
+Kneebone.
+
+"This is not the way to obtain it," said Winifred, endeavouring to reach
+the door.
+
+"You shall not go, adorable girl," cried Kneebone, catching her in his
+arms, "till you have answered me. You must--you shall be mine."
+
+"Never," replied Winifred. "Release me instantly, or I will call my
+father."
+
+"Do so," replied Kneebone; "but remember the door is locked."
+
+"Monster!" cried Winifred. "Help! help!"
+
+"You call in vain," returned Kneebone.
+
+"Not so," replied Jack, throwing down the skreen. "Release her
+instantly, villain!"
+
+Both Winifred and her suitor started at this sudden apparition. Jack,
+whose clothes were covered with dust, and whose face was deathly pale
+from his recent exertion, looked more like a phantom than a living
+person.
+
+"In the devil's name, is that you, Jack!" ejaculated Kneebone.
+
+"It is," replied Sheppard. "You have uttered a wilful and deliberate
+falsehood in asserting that I have murdered Thames, for whom you well
+know I would lay down my life. Retract your words instantly, or take the
+consequences."
+
+"What should I retract, villain?" cried the woollen-draper, who at the
+sound of Jack's voice had regained his confidence. "To the best of my
+belief, Thames Darrell has been murdered by you."
+
+"A lie!" exclaimed Jack in a terrible tone. And before Kneebone could
+draw his sword, he felled him to the ground with the iron bar.
+
+"You have killed him," cried Winifred in alarm.
+
+"No," answered Jack, approaching her, "though, if I had done so, he
+would have merited his fate. You do not believe his statement?"
+
+"I do not," replied Winifred. "I could not believe you capable of so
+foul a deed. But oh! by what wonderful chance have you come hither so
+seasonably?"
+
+"I have just escaped from Newgate," replied Jack; "and am more than
+repaid for the severe toil I have undergone, in being able to save you.
+But tell me," he added with much anxiety, "has nothing been heard of
+Thames since the night of my former escape?"
+
+"Nothing whatever," answered Winifred. "He left Dollis Hill at ten
+o'clock on that night, and has not since returned. My father has made
+every possible inquiry, and offered large rewards; but has not been able
+to discover the slightest trace of him. His suspicions at first fell
+upon you. But he has since acquitted you of any share in it."
+
+"Oh, Heaven!" exclaimed Jack.
+
+"He has been indefatigable in his search," continued Winifred, "and has
+even journeyed to Manchester. But though he visited Sir Rowland
+Trenchard's seat, Ashton Hall, he could gain no tidings of him, or of
+his uncle, Sir Rowland, who, it seems, has left the country."
+
+"Never to return," remarked Jack, gloomily. "Before to-morrow morning I
+will ascertain what has become of Thames, or perish in the attempt. And
+now tell me what has happened to my poor mother?"
+
+"Ever since your last capture, and Thames's mysterious disappearance,
+she has been dreadfully ill," replied Winifred; "so ill, that each day
+was expected to be her last. She has also been afflicted with occasional
+returns of her terrible malady. On Tuesday night, she was rather better,
+and I had left her for a short time, as I thought, asleep on the sofa in
+the little parlour of which she is so fond--"
+
+"Well," exclaimed Jack.
+
+"On my return, I found the window open, and the room vacant. She was
+gone."
+
+"Did you discover any trace of footsteps?" inquired Jack eagerly.
+
+"There were some marks near the window; but whether recently made or not
+could not be ascertained," replied Winifred.
+
+"Oh God!" exclaimed Jack, in a tone of the bitterest anguish. "My worst
+fears are realized. She is in Wild's power."
+
+"I ought to add," continued Winifred, "that one of her shoes was picked
+up in the garden, and that prints of her feet were discovered along the
+soft mould; whether made in flying from any one, or from rushing forth
+in distracted terror, it is impossible to say. My father thought the
+latter. He has had the whole country searched; but hitherto without
+success."
+
+"I know _where_ she will be found, and _how_," rejoined Jack with a
+shudder.
+
+"I have something further to tell you," pursued Winifred. "Shortly
+after your last visit to Dollis Hill, my father was one evening waylaid
+by a man, who informed him that he had something to communicate
+respecting Thames, and had a large sum of money, and some important
+documents to deliver to him, which would be given up, provided he would
+undertake to procure your liberation."
+
+"It was Blueskin," observed Jack.
+
+"So my father thought," replied Winifred; "and he therefore instantly
+fired upon him. But though the shot took effect, as was evident from the
+stains on the ground, the villain escaped."
+
+"Your father did right," replied Jack, with some bitterness. "But if he
+had not fired that shot, he might have saved Thames, and possessed
+himself of papers which would have established his birth, and his right
+to the estates of the Trenchard family."
+
+"Would you have had him spare my mother's murderer?" cried Winifred.
+
+"Ho, no," replied Jack. "And yet--but it is only part of the chain of
+ill-luck that seems wound around me. Listen to me, Winifred."
+
+And he hastily related the occurrences in Jonathan Wild's house.
+
+The account of the discovery of Sir Rowland's murder filled Winifred
+with alarm; but when she learnt what had befallen Thames--how he had
+been stricken down by the thief-taker's bludgeon, and left for dead, she
+uttered a piercing scream, fainted, and would have fallen, if Jack had
+not caught her in his arms.
+
+Jack had well-nigh fallen too. The idea that he held in his arms the
+girl whom he had once so passionately loved, and for whom he still
+retained an ardent but hopeless attachment, almost overcame him. Gazing
+at her with eyes blinded with tears, he imprinted one brotherly kiss
+upon her lips. It was the first--and the last!
+
+At this juncture, the handle of the door was tried, and the voice of Mr.
+Wood was heard without, angrily demanding admittance.
+
+"What's the matter?" he cried. "I thought I heard a scream. Why is the
+door fastened? Open it directly!"
+
+"Are you alone?" asked Jack, mimicking the voice of Kneebone.
+
+"What for?" demanded Wood. "Open the door, I say, or I'll burst it
+open."
+
+Carefully depositing Winifred on a sofa, Jack then extinguished the
+light, and, as he unfastened the door, crept behind it. In rushed Mr.
+Wood, with a candle in his hand, which Jack instantly blew out, and
+darted down stairs. He upset some one--probably Mr. Bird,--who was
+rushing up stairs, alarmed by Mr. Wood's cries: but, regardless of this,
+he darted along a passage, gained the shop, and passed through an open
+door into the street.
+
+And thus he was once more free, having effected one of the most
+wonderful escapes ever planned or accomplished.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+Fast and Loose.
+
+
+About seven o'clock on the same night, Jonathan Wild's two janizaries,
+who had been for some time in attendance in the hall of his dwelling at
+the Old Bailey, were summoned to the audience-chamber. A long and secret
+conference then took place between the thief-taker and his myrmidons,
+after which they were severally dismissed.
+
+Left alone, Jonathan lighted a lamp, and, opening the trap-door,
+descended the secret stairs. Taking the opposite course from that which
+he had hitherto pursued when it has been necessary to attend him in his
+visits to the lower part of his premises, he struck into a narrow
+passage on the right, which he tracked till he came to a small door,
+like the approach to a vault. Unlocking it, he entered the chamber,
+which by no means belied its external appearance.
+
+On a pallet in one corner lay a pale emaciated female. Holding the lamp
+over her rigid but beautiful features, Jonathan, with some anxiety,
+placed his hand upon her breast to ascertain whether the heart still
+beat. Satisfied with his scrutiny, he produced a pocket-flask, and
+taking off the silver cup with which it was mounted, filled it with the
+contents of the flask, and then seizing the thin arm of the sleeper,
+rudely shook it. Opening her large black eyes, she fixed them upon him
+for a moment with a mixture of terror and loathing, and then averted her
+gaze.
+
+"Drink this," cried Jonathan, handing her the cup. "You'll feel better
+after it."
+
+Mechanically raising the potion to her lips, the poor creature swallowed
+it without hesitation.
+
+"Is it poison?" she asked.
+
+"No," replied Jonathan, with a brutal laugh. "I'm not going to get rid
+of you just yet. It's gin--a liquor you used to like. You'll find the
+benefit of it by and by. You've a good deal to go through to-night."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, "are you come to renew your terrible
+proposals?"
+
+"I'm come to execute my threats," replied Wild. "To-night you shall be
+my wedded wife."
+
+"I will die first," replied Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"You may die _afterwards_ as soon as you please," retorted Jonathan;
+"but live till then you _shall_. I've sent for the priest."
+
+"Mercy!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, vainly trying to discover a gleam of
+compassion in the thief-taker's inexorable countenance,--"Mercy! mercy!"
+
+"Pshaw!" rejoined Jonathan. "You should be glad to be made an honest
+woman."
+
+"Oh! let me die," groaned the widow. "I have not many days,--perhaps,
+not many hours to live. But kill me rather than commit this outrage."
+
+"That wouldn't answer my purpose," replied Jonathan, savagely. "I didn't
+carry you off from old Wood to kill you, but to wed you."
+
+"What motive can you have for so vile a deed?" asked Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"You know my motive well enough," answered Jonathan. "However, I'll
+refresh your memory. I once might have married you for your beauty,--now
+I marry you for your wealth."
+
+"My wealth," replied Mrs. Sheppard. "I have nothing."
+
+"You are heiress to the Trenchard property," rejoined Jonathan, "one of
+the largest estates in Lancashire."
+
+"Not while Thames Darrell and Sir Rowland live."
+
+"Sir Rowland is dead," replied Jonathan, gloomily. "Thames Darrell only
+waits my mandate to follow him. Before our marriage there will be no
+life between you and the estates."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"Look here," cried Jonathan, stooping down and taking hold of a ring in
+the floor, with which by a great effort he raised up a flag. "In this
+pit," he added, pointing to the chasm below, "your brother is buried.
+Here your nephew will speedily be thrown."
+
+"Horrible!" cried Mrs. Sheppard, shuddering violently. "But your
+dreadful projects will recoil on your own head. Heaven will not permit
+the continuance of such wickedness as you practise."
+
+"I'll take my chance," replied Jonathan, with a sinister smile. "My
+schemes have succeeded tolerably well hitherto."
+
+"A day of retribution will assuredly arrive," rejoined Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"Till then, I shall remain content," returned Wild. "And now, Mrs.
+Sheppard, attend to what I'm about to say to you. Years ago, when you
+were a girl and in the bloom of your beauty, I loved you."
+
+"Loved me! _You_!"
+
+"I loved you," continued Jonathan, "and struck by your appearance, which
+seemed above your station, inquired your history, and found you had been
+stolen by a gipsy in Lancashire. I proceeded to Manchester, to
+investigate the matter further, and when there ascertained, beyond a
+doubt, that you were the eldest daughter of Sir Montacute Trenchard.
+This discovery made, I hastened back to London to offer you my hand, but
+found you had married in the mean time a smock-faced, smooth-tongued
+carpenter named Sheppard. The important secret remained locked in my
+breast, but I resolved to be avenged. I swore I would bring your husband
+to the gallows,--would plunge you in such want, such distress, that you
+should have no alternative but the last frightful resource of
+misery,--and I also swore, that if you had a son he should share the
+same fate as his father."
+
+"And terribly you have kept your vow," replied Mrs. Sheppard.
+
+"I have," replied Jonathan. "But I am now coming to the point which most
+concerns you. Consent to become my wife, and do not compel me to have
+recourse to violence to effect my purpose, and I will spare your son."
+
+Mrs. Sheppard looked fixedly at him, as if she would penetrate the
+gloomy depth of his soul.
+
+"Swear that you will do this," she cried.
+
+"I swear it," rejoined Jonathan, readily.
+
+"But what is an oath to you!" cried the widow, distrustfully. "You will
+not hesitate to break it, if it suits your purpose. I have suffered too
+much from your treachery. I will not trust you."
+
+"As you please," replied Jonathan, sternly. "Recollect you are in my
+power. Jack's life hangs on your determination."
+
+"What shall I do?" cried Mrs. Sheppard, in a voice of agony.
+
+"Save him," replied Jonathan. "You _can_ do so."
+
+"Bring him here,--let me see him--let me embrace him--let me be assured
+that he is safe, and I am yours. I swear it."
+
+"Hum!" exclaimed Jonathan.
+
+"You hesitate--you are deceiving me."
+
+"By my soul, no," replied Jonathan, with affected sincerity. "You shall
+see him to-morrow."
+
+"Delay the marriage till then. I will never consent till I see him."
+
+"Yon ask impossibilities," replied Jonathan, sullenly. "All is prepared.
+The marriage cannot--shall not be delayed. Yon must be mine to-night."
+
+"Force shall not make me yours till Jack is free," replied the widow,
+resolutely.
+
+"An hour hence, I shall return with the priest," replied Jonathan,
+striding towards the door.
+
+And, with a glance of malignant exultation, he quitted the vault, and
+locked the door.
+
+"An hour hence, I shall be beyond your malice," said Mrs. Sheppard,
+sinking backwards upon the pallet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+The last Meeting between Jack Sheppard and his Mother.
+
+
+After escaping from the turner's house, Jack Sheppard skirted St.
+Sepulchre's church, and hurrying down Snow Hill, darted into the first
+turning on the left. Traversing Angel Court, and Green Arbour
+Court,--celebrated as one of Goldsmith's retreats,--he speedily reached
+Seacoal Lane, and pursuing the same course, which he and Thames had
+formerly taken, arrived at the yard at the back of Jonathan's
+habitation.
+
+A door, it may be remembered, opened from Wild's dwelling into this
+yard. Before he forced an entrance, Jack tried it, and, to his great
+surprise and delight, found it unfastened. Entering the house, he found
+himself in a narrow passage leading to the back stairs. He had not taken
+many steps when he perceived Quilt Arnold in the upper gallery, with a
+lamp in his hand. Hearing a noise below, Quilt called out, supposing it
+occasioned by the Jew. Jack hastily retreated, and taking the first
+means of concealment that occurred to him, descended the cellar steps.
+
+Quilt, meanwhile, came down, examined the door, and finding it unfastened,
+locked it with a bitter imprecation on his brother-janizary's carelessness.
+This done, he followed the course which Jack had just taken. As he
+crossed the cellar, he passed so near to Jack who had concealed himself
+behind a piece of furniture that he almost touched him. It was Jack's
+intention to have knocked him down with the iron bar; but he was so
+struck with the janizary's looks, that he determined to spare him till
+he had ascertained his purpose. With this view, he suffered him to pass
+on.
+
+Quilt's manner, indeed, was that of a man endeavouring to muster up
+sufficient resolution for the commission of some desperate crime. He
+halted,--looked fearfully around,--stopped again, and exclaimed aloud,
+"I don't like the job; and yet it must be done, or Mr. Wild will hang
+me." With this, he appeared to pluck up his courage, and stepped forward
+more boldly.
+
+"Some dreadful deed is about to be committed, which I may perhaps
+prevent," muttered Jack to himself. "Heaven grant I may not be too
+late!"
+
+Followed by Jack Sheppard, who kept sufficiently near him to watch his
+proceedings, and yet not expose himself, Quilt unlocked one or two doors
+which he left open, and after winding his way along a gloomy passage,
+arrived at the door of a vault. Here he set down the lamp, and took out
+a key, and as he did so the expression of his countenance was so
+atrocious, that Jack felt assured he was not wrong in his suspicions.
+
+By this time, the door was unlocked, and drawing his sword, Quilt
+entered the cell. The next moment, an exclamation was heard in the voice
+of Thames. Darting forward at this sound, Jack threw open the door, and
+beheld Quilt kneeling over Thames, who'se hands and feet were bound with
+cords, and about to plunge his sword into his breast. A blow from the
+iron bar instantly stretched the ruffian on the floor. Jack then
+proceeded to liberate the captive from his bondage.
+
+"Jack!" exclaimed Thames. "Is it you?"
+
+"It is," replied Sheppard, as he untied the cords. "I might return the
+question. Were it not for your voice, I don't think I should know you.
+You are greatly altered."
+
+Captivity had, indeed, produced a striking alteration in Thames. He
+looked like the shadow of himself--thin, feeble, hollow-eyed--his beard
+unshorn--nothing could be more miserable.
+
+"I have never been out of this horrible dungeon since we last met," he
+said; "though how long ago that is, I scarcely know. Night and day have
+been alike to me."
+
+"Six weeks have elapsed since that fatal night," replied Jack. "During
+the whole of that time I have been a close prisoner in Newgate, whence I
+have only just escaped."
+
+"Six weeks!" exclaimed Thames, in a melancholy tone. "It seems like six
+long months to me."
+
+"I do not doubt it," returned Jack; "none but those who have experienced
+it can understand the miseries of imprisonment."
+
+"Do not speak of it," rejoined Thames, with a look of horror. "Let us
+fly from this frightful place."
+
+"I will conduct you to the outlet," replied Jack; "but I cannot leave it
+till I have ascertained whether my mother also is a prisoner here."
+
+"I can answer that," replied Thames. "She is. The monster, Wild, when he
+visited my dungeon last night, told me, to add to my misery, that she
+occupied a cell near me."
+
+"Arm yourself with that ruffian's weapons," replied Jack, "and let us
+search for her."
+
+Thames complied. But he was so feeble, that it seemed scarcely possible
+he could offer any effectual resistance in case of an attack.
+
+"Lean on me," said Jack.
+
+Taking the light, they then proceeded along the passage. There was no
+other door in it, and Jack therefore struck into another entry which
+branched off to the right. They had not proceeded far when a low moan
+was heard.
+
+"She is here," cried Jack, darting forward.
+
+A few steps brought him to the door of the vault in which his mother was
+immured. It was locked. Jack had brought away the bunch of keys which he
+had taken from Quilt Arnold, but, none of them would open it. He was
+therefore obliged to use the iron bar, which he did with as much caution
+as circumstances would permit. At the first blow, Mrs. Sheppard uttered
+a piercing scream.
+
+"Wretch!" she cried, "you shall not force me to your hateful purpose. I
+will never wed you. I have a weapon--a knife--and if you attempt to open
+the door, will plunge it to my heart."
+
+"Oh God!" exclaimed Jack, paralysed by her cries. "What shall I do? If I
+persist, I shall destroy her."
+
+"Get hence," continued Mrs. Sheppard, with a frenzied laugh. "You shall
+never behold me alive."
+
+"Mother!" cried Jack, in a broken voice. "It is your son."
+
+"It is false," cried Mrs. Sheppard. "Think not to deceive me, monster. I
+know my son's voice too well. He is in Newgate. Hence!"
+
+"Mother! dear mother!" cried Jack, in a voice, the tones of which were
+altered by his very anxiety to make them distinct, "listen to me. I have
+broken from prison, and am come to save you."
+
+"It is _not_ Jack's voice," rejoined Mrs. Sheppard. "I am not to be
+deceived. The knife is at my breast. Stir a foot, and I strike."
+
+"Oh Heavens!" cried Jack, driven to his wits' end. "Mother--dear mother!
+Once again, I beseech you to listen to me. I am come to rescue you from
+Wild's violence. I must break open the door. Hold your hand for a
+moment."
+
+"You have heard my fixed determination, villain," cried Mrs. Sheppard.
+"I know my life is valuable to you, or you would not spare it. But I
+will disappoint you. Get you gone. Your purposes are defeated."
+
+"Footsteps are approaching," cried Thames. "Heed her not. It is but a
+wild threat."
+
+"I know not how to act," exclaimed Jack, almost driven to desperation.
+
+"I hear you plotting with your wicked associates," cried Mrs. Sheppard.
+"I have baffled you."
+
+"Force the door," said Thames, "or you will be too late."
+
+"Better she die by her own hand, than by that monster's," cried Jack,
+brandishing the bar. "Mother, I come to you."
+
+With this, he struck the door a heavy blow.
+
+He listened. There was a deep groan, and the sound of a fall within.
+
+"I have killed her," exclaimed Jack, dropping the bar,--"by your advice,
+Thames. Oh God! pardon me."
+
+"Do not delay," cried Thames. "She may yet be saved. I am too weak to
+aid you."
+
+Jack again seized the bar, and, dashing it furiously against the door,
+speedily burst it open.
+
+The unfortunate woman was stretched upon the floor, with a bloody knife
+in her hand.
+
+"Mother!" cried Jack, springing towards her.
+
+"Jack!" she cried, raising her head. "Is it you?"
+
+"It is," replied her son, "Oh! why would you not listen to me?"
+
+"I was distracted," replied Mrs. Sheppard, faintly.
+
+"I have killed you," cried Jack, endeavouring to staunch the effusion of
+blood from her breast. "Forgive--forgive me!"
+
+"I have nothing to forgive," replied Mrs. Sheppard. "I alone am to
+blame."
+
+"Can I not carry you where you can obtain help?" cried Jack in a agony
+of distress.
+
+"It is useless," replied Mrs. Sheppard: "nothing can save me. I die
+happy--quite happy in beholding you. Do not remain with me. You may fall
+into the hands of your enemy. Fly! fly!"
+
+"Do not think of me, mother, but of yourself," cried Jack, in an agony
+of tears.
+
+"You have always been, far dearer to me than myself," replied Mrs.
+Sheppard. "But I have one last request to make. Let me lie in Willesden
+churchyard."
+
+"You shall--you shall," answered Jack.
+
+"We shall meet again ere long, my son," cried Mrs. Sheppard, fixing her
+glazing eyes upon him.
+
+"Oh God! she is dying," exclaimed Jack in a voice suffocated by emotion.
+"Forgive me--oh, forgive me!"
+
+"Forgive you--bless you!" she gasped.
+
+A cold shiver ran through her frame, and her gentle spirit passed away
+for ever.
+
+"Oh, God! that I might die too," cried Jack, falling on his knees beside
+her.
+
+After the first violent outbreak of grief had in some degree subsided,
+Thames addressed him.
+
+"You must not remain here," he said. "You can render no further service
+to your poor mother."
+
+"I can avenge her," cried Jack in a terrible tone.
+
+"Be ruled by me," returned Thames. "You will act most in accordance with
+her wishes, could she dictate them, by compliance. Do not waste time in
+vain regrets, but let us remove the body, that we may fulfil her last
+injunctions."
+
+After some further arguments, Jack assented to this proposal.
+
+"Go on first with the light," he said. "I will bear the body." And he
+raised it in his arms.
+
+Just as they reached the end of the passage, they heard the voices of
+Jonathan and the Jew in Thames's late place of confinement. Wild had
+evidently discovered the body of Quilt Arnold, and was loudly expressing
+his anger and astonishment.
+
+"Extinguish the light," cried Jack; "turn to the left. Quick! Quick!"
+
+The order was only just given in time. They had scarcely gained the
+adjoining cellar when Jonathan and the Jew rushed past in the direction
+of the vault.
+
+"Not a moment is to be lost," cried Jack: "follow me."
+
+So saying, he hurried up stairs, opened the back door, and was quickly
+in the yard. Having ascertained that Thames was at his heels, he
+hurried with his ghastly burthen down Seacoal Lane.
+
+"Where are you going?" cried Thames, who, though wholly disencumbered,
+was scarcely able to keep up with him.
+
+"I know not--and care not," replied Jack.
+
+At this moment, a coach passed them, and was instantly hailed by Thames.
+
+"You had better let me convey her to Dollis Hill," he said.
+
+"Be it so," replied Jack.
+
+Luckily it was so dark, and there was no lamp near, that the man did not
+notice the condition of the body, which was placed in the vehicle by the
+two young men.
+
+"What will you do?" asked Thames.
+
+"Leave me to my fate," rejoined Jack. "Take care of your charge."
+
+"Doubt me not," replied Thames.
+
+"Bury her in Willesden churchyard, as she requested, on Sunday," said
+Jack. "I will be there at the time."
+
+So saying, he closed the door.
+
+The coachman having received his order, and being offered an extra fare
+if he drove quickly, set off at full speed.
+
+As Jack departed, a dark figure, emerging from behind a wall, rushed
+after him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+The Pursuit.
+
+
+After running to some distance down Seacoal Lane, Jack stopped to give a
+last look at the vehicle which was bearing away the remains of his
+beloved and ill-fated mother. It was scarcely out of sight, when two
+persons, whom, he instantly recognised as Jonathan and Abraham Mendez,
+turned the corner of the street, and made it evident from their shouts,
+that they likewise perceived him.
+
+Starting off at a rapid pace, Jack dashed down Turnagain-lane, skirted
+the eastern bank of Fleet-ditch, crossed Holborn Bridge, and began to
+ascend the neighbouring hill. By the time he had reached St. Andrew's
+Church, his pursuers had gained the bridge, and the attention of such
+passengers as crowded the streets was attracted towards him by their
+vociferations. Amongst others, the watchman whose box was placed against
+the churchyard wall, near the entrance to Shoe-lane, rushed out and
+sprung his rattle, which was immediately answered by another rattle from
+Holborn-bars.
+
+Darting down Field-lane, Jack struck into a labyrinth of streets on the
+left; but though he ran as swiftly as he could, he was not unperceived.
+His course had been observed by the watchman, who directed Wild which
+way to take.
+
+"It is Jack Sheppard, the noted housebreaker," cried Jonathan, at the
+top of his sonorous voice. "He has just broken out of Newgate. After
+him! A hundred pounds to the man who takes him."
+
+Sheppard's name operated like magic on the crowd. The cry was echoed by
+twenty different voices. People ran out of their shops to join the
+pursuit; and, by the time Wild had got into Field-lane, he had a troop
+of fifty persons at his heels--all eager to assist in the capture.
+
+"Stop thief!" roared Jonathan, who perceived the fugitive hurrying along
+a street towards Hatton Garden. "It is Sheppard--Jack Sheppard--stop
+him!" And his shouts were reiterated by the pack of bloodhounds at his
+heels.
+
+Jack, meanwhile, heard, the shouts, and, though alarmed by them, held on
+a steady course. By various twistings and turnings, during all which
+time his pursuers, who were greatly increased in numbers, kept him in
+view, he reached Gray's-Inn-lane. Here he was hotly pursued. Fatigued by
+his previous exertions, and incumbered by his fetters, he was by no
+means--though ordinarily remarkably swift of foot--a match for his foes,
+who were fast gaining upon him.
+
+At the corner of Liquorpond Street stood the old Hampstead
+coach-office; and, on the night in question, a knot of hostlers,
+waggoners, drivers, and stable-boys was collected in the yard. Hearing
+the distant shouts, these fellows rushed down to the entrance of the
+court, and arrived there just as Jack passed it. "Stop thief!" roared
+Jonathan. "Stop thief!" clamoured the rabble behind.
+
+At no loss to comprehend that Jack was the individual pointed out by
+these outcries, two of the nearest of the group made a dash at him. But
+Jack eluded their grasp. A large dog was then set at him by a
+stable-boy; but, striking the animal with his faithful iron-bar, he
+speedily sent him yelping back. The two hostlers, however, kept close at
+his heels; and Jack, whose strength began to flag, feared he could not
+hold much longer. Determined, however, not be taken with life, he held
+on.
+
+Still keeping ahead of his pursuers, he ran along the direct road, till
+the houses disappeared and he got into the open country. Here he was
+preparing to leap over the hedge into the fields on the left, when he
+was intercepted by two horsemen, who, hearing the shouts, rode up and
+struck at him with the butt-ends of their heavy riding-whips. Warding
+off the blows as well as he could with the bar, Jack struck both the
+horses on the head, and the animals plunged so violently, that they not
+only prevented their riders from assailing him, but also kept off the
+hostlers; and, in the confusion that ensued, Jack managed to spring over
+the fence, and shaped his course across the field in the direction of
+Sir John Oldcastle's.
+
+The stoppage had materially lessened the distance between him and his
+pursuers, who now amounted to more than a hundred persons, many of whom
+carried lanterns and links. Ascertaining that it was Sheppard of whom
+this concourse was in pursuit, the two horsemen leapt the hedge, and
+were presently close upon him. Like a hare closely pressed, Jack
+attempted to double, but the device only brought him nearer his foes,
+who were crossing the field in every direction, and rending the air with
+their shouts. The uproar was tremendous--men yelling--dogs barking,--but
+above all was heard the stentorian voice of Jonathan, urging them on.
+Jack was so harrassed that he felt half inclined to stand at bay.
+
+While he was straining every sinew, his foot slipped, and he fell, head
+foremost, into a deep trench, which he had not observed in the dark.
+This fall saved him, for the horsemen passed over him. Creeping along
+quickly on his hands and knees, he found the entrance to a covered
+drain, into which he crept. He was scarcely concealed when he heard the
+horsemen, who perceived they had overshot their mark, ride back.
+
+By this time, Jonathan and the vast mob attending him, had come up, and
+the place was rendered almost as light as day by the links.
+
+"He must be somewhere hereabouts," cried one of the horsemen,
+dismounting. "We were close upon him when he suddenly disappeared."
+
+Jonathan made no answer, but snatching a torch from a bystander, jumped
+into the trench and commenced a diligent search. Just as he had arrived
+at the mouth of the drain, and Jack felt certain he must be discovered,
+a loud shout was raised from the further end of the field that the
+fugitive was caught. All the assemblage, accompanied by Jonathan, set
+off in this direction, when it turned out that the supposed housebreaker
+was a harmless beggar, who had been found asleep under a hedge.
+
+Jonathan's vexation at the disappointment was expressed in the bitterest
+imprecations, and he returned as speedily as he could to the trench. But
+he had now lost the precise spot; and thinking he had examined the
+drain, turned his attention to another quarter.
+
+Meanwhile, the excitement of the chase had in some degree subsided. The
+crowd dispersed in different directions, and most fortunately a heavy
+shower coming on, put them altogether to flight. Jonathan, however,
+still lingered. He seemed wholly insensible to the rain, though it
+presently descended in torrents, and continued his search as ardently as
+before.
+
+After occupying himself thus for the best part of an hour, he thought
+Jack must have given him the slip. Still, his suspicions were so strong,
+that he ordered Mendez to remain on guard near the spot all night, and,
+by the promise of a large reward induced two other men to keep him
+company.
+
+As he took his departure, he whispered to the Jew: "Take him dead or
+alive; but if we fail now, and you heard him aright in Seacoal Lane, we
+are sure of him at his mother's funeral on Sunday."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+How Jack Sheppard got rid of his Irons.
+
+
+About an hour after this, Jack ventured to emerge from his place of
+concealment. It was still raining heavily, and profoundly dark. Drenched
+to the skin,--in fact, he had been lying in a bed of muddy water,--and
+chilled to the very bone, he felt so stiff, that he could scarcely move.
+
+Listening attentively, he fancied he heard the breathing of some one
+near him, and moved cautiously in the opposite direction. In spite of
+his care, he came in contact with a man, who, endeavouring to grasp him,
+cried, in the voice of Mendez, "Who goes dere? Shpeak! or I fire!"
+
+No answer being returned, the Jew instantly discharged his pistol, and
+though the shot did no damage, the flash discovered Sheppard. But as the
+next moment all was profound darkness, Jack easily managed to break away
+from them.
+
+Without an idea where he was going, Jack pursued his way through the
+fields; and, as he proceeded, the numbness of his limbs in some degree
+wore off, and his confidence returned. He had need of all the
+inexhaustible energy of his character to support him through his
+toilsome walk over the wet grass, or along the slippery ploughed land.
+At last, he got into a lane, but had not proceeded far when he was again
+alarmed by the sound of a horse's tread.
+
+Once more breaking through the hedge he took to the fields. He was now
+almost driven to despair. Wet as he was, he felt if he lay down in the
+grass, he should perish with cold; while, if he sought a night's lodging
+in any asylum, his dress, stained with blood and covered with dirt,
+would infallibly cause him to be secured and delivered into the hands of
+justice. And then the fetters, which were still upon his legs:--how was
+he to get rid of them?
+
+Tired and dispirited, he still wandered on. Again returning to the main
+road, he passed through Clapton; and turning off on the left, arrived at
+the foot of Stamford Hill. He walked on for an hour longer, till he
+could scarcely drag one leg after another. At length, he fell down on
+the road, fully expecting each moment would prove his last.
+
+How long he continued thus he scarcely knew; but just before dawn, he
+managed to regain his legs, and, crawling up a bank, perceived he was
+within a quarter of a mile of Tottenham. A short way off in the fields
+he descried a sort of shed or cow-house, and thither he contrived to
+drag his weary limbs. Opening the door, he found it littered with straw,
+on which he threw himself, and instantly fell asleep.
+
+When he awoke it was late in the day, and raining heavily. For some time
+he could not stir, but felt sick and exhausted. His legs were dreadfully
+swelled; his hands bruised; and his fetters occasioned him intolerable
+pain. His bodily suffering, however, was nothing compared with his
+mental anguish. All the events of the previous day rushed to his
+recollection; and though he had been unintentionally the cause of his
+mother's death, he reproached himself as severely as if he had been her
+actual murderer.
+
+"Had I not been the guilty wretch I am," he cried, bursting into an
+agony of tears, "she would never have died thus."
+
+This strong feeling of remorse having found a natural vent, in some
+degree subsided, and he addressed himself to his present situation.
+Rousing himself, he went to the door. It had ceased raining, but the
+atmosphere was moist and chill, and the ground deluged by the recent
+showers. Taking up a couple of large stones which lay near, Jack tried
+to beat the round basils of the fetters into an oval form, so as to
+enable him to slip his heels through them.
+
+While he was thus employed a farming man came into the barn. Jack
+instantly started to his feet, and the man, alarmed at his appearance,
+ran off to a neighbouring house. Before he could return, Jack had made
+good his retreat; and, wandering about the lanes and hedges, kept out of
+sight as much as possible.
+
+On examining his pockets, he found about twenty guineas in gold, and
+some silver. But how to avail himself of it was the question, for in his
+present garb he was sure to be recognised. When night fell, he crept
+into the town of Tottenham. As he passed along the main thoroughfare, he
+heard his own name pronounced, and found that it was a hawker, crying a
+penny history of his escapes. A crowd was collected round the fellow,
+who was rapidly disposing of his stock.
+
+"Here's the full, true, and particular account of Jack Sheppard's last
+astonishing and never-to-be-forgotten escape from the Castle of
+Newgate," bawled the hawker, "with a print of him taken from the life,
+showing the manner, how he was shackled and handcuffed. Only one
+penny--two copies--two pence--thank you, Sir. Here's the----"
+
+"Let me have one," cried a servant maid, running across the street, and
+in her haste forgetting to shut the door,--"here's the money. Master and
+missis have been talking all day long about Jack Sheppard, and I'm dying
+to read his life."
+
+"Here you have it, my dear," returned the hawker. "Sold again!"
+
+"If you don't get back quickly, Lucy," observed a bystander, "Jack
+Sheppard will be in the house before you."
+
+This sally occasioned a general laugh.
+
+"If Jack would come to my house, I'd contrive to hide him," remarked a
+buxom dame. "Poor fellow! I'm glad he has escaped."
+
+"Jack seems to be a great favourite with the fair sex," observed a
+smirking grocer's apprentice.
+
+"Of course," rejoined the bystander, who had just spoken, and who was of
+a cynical turn,--"the greater the rascal, the better they like him."
+
+"Here's a particular account of Jack's many robberies and escapes,"
+roared the hawker,--"how he broke into the house of his master, Mr.
+Wood, at Dollis Hill--"
+
+"Let me have one," said a carpenter, who was passing by at the
+moment,--"Mr. Wood was an old friend of mine--and I recollect seeing
+Jack when he was bound 'prentice to him."
+
+"A penny, if you please, Sir," said the hawker.--"Sold again! Here you
+have the full, true, and particular account of the barbarous murder
+committed by Jack Sheppard and his associate, Joseph Blake, _alias_
+Blueskin, upon the body of Mrs. Wood--"
+
+"That's false!" cried a voice behind him.
+
+The man turned at the exclamation, and so did several of the bystanders;
+but they could not make out who had uttered it.
+
+Jack, who had been lingering near the group, now walked on.
+
+In the middle of the little town stood the shop of a Jew dealer in old
+clothes. The owner was at the door unhooking a few articles of wearing
+apparel which he had exposed outside for sale. Amongst other things, he
+had just brought down an old laced bavaroy, a species of surtout much
+worn at the period.
+
+"What do you want fot that coat, friend?" asked Jack, as he came up.
+
+"More than you'll pay for it, friend," snuffled the Jew.
+
+"How do you know that?" rejoined Jack. "Will you take a guinea for it?"
+
+"Double that sum might tempt me," replied the Jew; "it's a nobleman's
+coat, upon my shoul!"
+
+"Here's the money," replied Jack, taking the coat.
+
+"Shall I help you on with it, Sir?" replied the Jew, becoming suddenly
+respectful.
+
+"No," replied Jack.
+
+"I half suspect this is a highwayman," thought the Jew; "he's so ready
+with his cash. I've some other things inside, Sir, which you might wish
+to buy,--some pistols."
+
+Jack was about to comply; but not liking the man's manner, he walked on.
+
+Further on, there was a small chandler's shop, where Jack observed an
+old woman seated at the counter, attended by a little girl. Seeing
+provisions in the window, Jack ventured in and bought a loaf. Having
+secured this,--for he was almost famished,--he said that he had lost a
+hammer and wished to purchase one. The old woman told him she had no
+such article to dispose of, but recommended him to a neighbouring
+blacksmith.
+
+Guided by the glare of the forge, which threw a stream of ruddy light
+across the road, Jack soon found the place of which he was in search.
+Entering the workshop, he found the blacksmith occupied in heating the
+tire of a cart wheel. Suspending his labour on Jack's appearance, the
+man demanded his business. Making up a similar story to that which he
+had told the old woman, he said he wanted to purchase a hammer and a
+file.
+
+The man looked hard at him.
+
+"Answer me one question first?" he said; "I half suspect you're Jack
+Sheppard."
+
+"I am," replied Jack, without hesitation; for he felt assured from the
+man's manner that he might confide in him.
+
+"You're a bold fellow, Jack," rejoined the blacksmith. "But you've done
+well to trust me. I'll take off your irons--for I guess that's the
+reason why you want the hammer and file--on one condition."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"That you give 'em to me."
+
+"Readily."
+
+Taking Jack into a shed behind the workshop the smith in a short time
+freed him from his fetters. He not only did this, but supplied him with
+an ointment which allayed the swelling of his limbs, and crowned all by
+furnishing him with a jug of excellent ale.
+
+"I'm afraid, Jack, you'll come to the gallows," observed the smith;
+"buth if you do, I'll go to Tyburn to see you. But I'll never part with
+your irons."
+
+Noticing the draggled condition Jack was in, he then fetched him a
+bucket of water, with which Jack cleansed himself as well as he could,
+and thanking the honest smith, who would take nothing for his trouble,
+left the shop.
+
+Having made a tolerably good meal upon the loaf, overcome by fatigue,
+Jack turned into a barn in Stoke Newington, and slept till late in the
+day, when he awakened much refreshed. The swelling in his limbs had also
+subsided. It rained heavily all day, so he did not stir forth.
+
+Towards night, however, he ventured out, and walked on towards London.
+When he arrived at Hoxton, he found the walls covered with placards
+offering a reward for his apprehension, and he everywhere appeared to be
+the general subject of conversation. Prom a knot of idlers at a
+public-house, he learnt that Jonathan Wild had just ridden past, and
+that his setters were scouring the country in every direction.
+
+Entering London, he bent his way towards the west-end; and having some
+knowledge of a secondhand tailor's shop in Rupert Street, proceeded
+thither, and looked out a handsome suit of mourning, with a sword,
+cloak, and hat, and demanded the price. The man asked twelve guineas,
+but after a little bargaining, he came down to ten.
+
+Taking his new purchase under his arm, Jack proceeded to a small tavern
+in the same street, where, having ordered dinner, he went to a bed-room
+to attire himself. He had scarcely completed his toilet, when he was
+startled by a noise at the door, and heard his own name pronounced in no
+friendly accents. Fortunately, the window was not far from the ground;
+so opening it gently, he dropped into a backyard, and from thence got
+into the street.
+
+Hurrying down the Haymarket, he was arrested by a crowd who were
+collected round a street-singer. Jack paused for a moment, and found
+that his own adventures formed the subject of the ballad. Not daring,
+however, to listen to it, he ran on.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+How Jack Sheppard attended his Mother's Funeral.
+
+
+That night Jack walked to Paddington, and took up his quarters at a
+small tavern, called the Wheat-sheaf, near the green. On the next
+morning--Sunday--the day on which he expected his mother's funeral to
+take place, he set out along the Harrow Road.
+
+It was a clear, lovely, October morning. The air was sharp and bracing,
+and the leaves which had taken their autumnal tints were falling from
+the trees. The road which wound by Westbourne Green, gave him a full
+view of the hill of Hampstead with its church, its crest of houses, and
+its villas peeping from out the trees.
+
+Jack's heart was too full to allow him to derive any pleasure from this
+scene; so he strolled on without raising his eyes till he arrived at
+Kensal Green. Here he obtained some breakfast, and mounting the hill
+turned off into the fields on the right. Crossing them, he ascended an
+eminence, which, from its singular shape, seems to have been the site of
+a Roman encampment, and which commands a magnificent prospect.
+
+Leaning upon a gate he looked down into the valley. It was the very spot
+from which his poor mother had gazed after her vain attempt to rescue
+him at the Mint; but, though he was ignorant of this, her image was
+alone present to him. He beheld the grey tower of Willesden Church,
+embosomed in its grove of trees, now clothed, in all the glowing livery
+of autumn. There was the cottage she had inhabited for so many
+years,--in those fields she had rambled,--at that church she had prayed.
+And he had destroyed all this. But for him she might have been alive and
+happy. The recollection was too painful, and he burst into an agony of
+tears.
+
+Aroused by the sound of the church bells, he resolved, at whatever risk,
+to attend Divine service. With this view, he descended the hill and
+presently found a footpath leading to the church. But he was destined to
+have every tide of feeling awakened--every wound opened. The path he had
+selected conducted him to his mother's humble dwelling. When she
+occupied, it, it was neatness itself; the little porch was overrun with
+creepers--the garden trim and exquisitely kept. Now, it was a wilderness
+of weeds. The glass in the windows was broken--the roof unthatched--the
+walls dilapidated. Jack turned away with an aching heart. It seemed an
+emblem of the ruin he had caused.
+
+As he proceeded, other painful reminiscences were aroused. At every step
+he seemed to be haunted by the ghost of the past. There was the stile on
+which Jonathan had sat, and he recollected distinctly the effect of his
+mocking glance--how it had hardened his heart against his mother's
+prayer. "O God!" he exclaimed, "I am severely punished."
+
+He had now gained the high road. The villagers were thronging to church.
+Bounding the corner of a garden wall, he came upon his former place of
+imprisonment. Some rustic hand had written upon the door "JACK
+SHEPPARD'S CAGE;" and upon the wall was affixed a large placard
+describing his person, and offering a reward for his capture. Muffling
+up his face, Jack turned away; but he had not proceeded many steps when
+he heard a man reading aloud an account of his escapes from a newspaper.
+
+Hastening to the church, he entered it by the very door near which his
+first crime had been committed. His mother's scream seemed again to ring
+in his ears, and he was so deeply affected that, fearful of exciting
+attention, he was about to quit the sacred edifice, when he was stopped
+by the entrance of Thames, who looked pale as death, with Winifred
+leaning on his arm. They were followed by Mr. Wood in the deepest
+mourning.
+
+Shrinking involuntarily back into the farthest corner of the seat, Jack
+buried his face in his hands. The service began. Jack who had not been
+in a place of worship for many years was powerfully affected.
+Accidentally raising his eyes, he saw that he was perceived by the
+family from Dollis Hill, and that he was an object of the deepest
+interest to them.
+
+As soon as the service was over, Thames contrived to approach him, and
+whispered, "Be cautious,--the funeral will take place after evening
+service."
+
+Jack would not hazard a glance at Winifred; but, quitting the church,
+got into an adjoining meadow, and watched the party slowly ascending the
+road leading to Dollis Hill. At a turn in the road, he perceived
+Winifred looking anxiously towards him, and when she discovered him, she
+waved her hand.
+
+Returning to the churchyard, he walked round it; and on the western
+side, near a small yew-tree discovered a new-made grave.
+
+"Whose grave is this?" he inquired of a man who was standing near it.
+
+"I can't say," answered the fellow; "but I'll inquire from the sexton,
+William Morgan. Here, Peter," he added to a curly-headed lad, who was
+playing on one of the grassy tombs, "ask your father to step this way."
+
+The little urchin set off, and presently returned with the sexton.
+
+"It's Mrs. Sheppard's grave,--the mother of the famous housebreaker,"
+said Morgan, in answer to Jack's inquiry;--"and it's well they let her
+have Christian burial after all--for they say she destroyed herself for
+her son. The crowner's 'quest sat on her yesterday--and if she hadn't
+been proved out of her mind, she would have been buried at four
+lane-ends."
+
+Jack could stand no more. Placing a piece of money in Morgan's hands, he
+hurried out of the churchyard.
+
+"By my soul," said the sexton, "that's as like Jack Sheppard as any one
+I ever seed i' my born days."
+
+Hastening to the Six Bells, Jack ordered some refreshment, and engaged a
+private room, where he remained till the afternoon absorbed in grief.
+
+Meantime, a change had taken place in the weather. The day had become
+suddenly overcast. The wind blew in fitful gusts, and scattered the
+yellow leaves from the elms and horse-chestnuts. Roused by the bell
+tolling for evening service, Jack left the house. On reaching the
+churchyard, he perceived the melancholy procession descending the hill.
+Just then, a carriage drawn by four horses, drove furiously up to the
+Six Bells; but Jack was too much absorbed to take any notice of it.
+
+At this moment, the bell began to toll in a peculiar manner, announcing
+the approach of the corpse. The gate was opened; the coffin brought into
+the churchyard; and Jack, whose eyes were filled with tears, saw Mr.
+Wood and Thames pass him, and followed at a foot's pace behind them.
+
+Meanwhile, the clergyman, bare-headed and in his surplice, advanced to
+meet them. Having read the three first verses of the impressive service
+appointed for the burial of the dead, he returned to the church, whither
+the coffin was carried through the south-western door, and placed in the
+centre of the aisle--Mr. Wood and Thames taking their places on either
+side of it, and Jack at a little distance behind.
+
+Jack had been touched in the morning, but he was now completely
+prostrated. In the midst of the holy place, which he had formerly
+profaned, lay the body of his unfortunate mother, and he could not help
+looking upon her untimely end as the retributive vengeance of Heaven for
+the crime he had committed. His grief was so audible, that it attracted
+the notice of some of the bystanders, and Thames was obliged to beg him
+to control it. In doing this, he chanced to raise his eyes and half
+fancied he beheld, shaded by a pillar at the extremity of the western
+aisle, the horrible countenance of the thief-taker.
+
+Before the congregation separated, the clergyman descended from the
+pulpit; and, followed by the coffin-bearers and mourners, and by Jack at
+a respectful distance, entered the churchyard.
+
+The carriage, which it has been mentioned drove up to the Six Bells,
+contained four persons,--Jonathan Wild, his two janizaries, and his
+porter, Obadiah Lemon. As soon as they had got out, the vehicle was
+drawn up at the back of a tree near the cage. Having watched the funeral
+at some distance, Jonathan fancied he could discern the figure of Jack;
+but not being quite sure, he entered the church. He was daring enough to
+have seized and carried him off before the whole congregation, but he
+preferred waiting.
+
+Satisfied with his scrutiny, he returned, despatched Abraham and Obadiah
+to the northwest corner of the church, placed Quilt behind a buttress
+near the porch, and sheltered himself behind one of the mighty elms.
+
+The funeral procession had now approached the grave, around which many
+of the congregation, who were deeply interested by the sad ceremonial,
+had gathered. A slight rain fell at the time; and a few leaves, caught
+by the eddies, whirled around. Jonathan mixed with the group, and, sure
+of his prey, abided his time.
+
+The clergyman, meanwhile, proceeded with the service, while the coffin
+was deposited at the brink of the grave.
+
+Just as the attendants were preparing to lower the corpse into the
+earth, Jack fell on his knees beside the coffin, uttering the wildest
+exclamations of grief, reproaching himself with the murder of his
+mother, and invoking the vengeance of Heaven on his own head.
+
+A murmur ran through the assemblage, by several of whom Jack was
+recognised. But such was the violence of his grief,--such the
+compunction he exhibited, that all but one looked on with an eye of
+compassion. That person advanced towards him.
+
+"I have killed her," cried Jack.
+
+"You have," rejoined Jonathan, laying a forcible grasp on his shoulder.
+"You are my prisoner."
+
+Jack started to his feet; but before he could defend himself, his right
+arm was grasped by the Jew who had silently approached him.
+
+"Hell-hounds!" he cried; "release me!"
+
+At the same moment, Quilt Arnold rushed forward with such haste, that,
+stumbling over William Morgan, he precipitated him into the grave.
+
+"Wretch!" cried Jack. "Are you not content with the crimes you have
+committed,--but you must carry your villany to this point. Look at the
+poor victim at your feet."
+
+Jonathan made no reply, but ordered his myrmidons to drag the prisoner
+along.
+
+Thames, meanwhile, had drawn his sword, and was about to rush upon
+Jonathan; but he was withheld by Wood.
+
+"Do not shed more blood," cried the carpenter.
+
+Groans and hoots were now raised by the crowd, and there was an evident
+disposition to rescue. A small brickbat was thrown, which struck
+Jonathan in the face.
+
+"You shall not pass," cried several of the crowd.
+
+"I knew his poor mother, and for her sake I'll not see this done," cried
+John Dump.
+
+"Slip on the handcuffs," cried the thief-taker. "And now let's see
+who'll dare to oppose me. I am Jonathan Wild. I have arrested him in the
+King's name."
+
+A deep indignant groan followed.
+
+"Let me see the earth thrown over her," implored Jack; "and take me
+where you please."
+
+"No," thundered Wild.
+
+"Allow him that small grace," cried Wood.
+
+"No, I tell you," rejoined Jonathan, shouldering his way out of the
+crowd.
+
+"My mother,--my poor mother!" exclaimed Jack.
+
+But, in spite of his outcries and resistance, he was dragged along by
+Jonathan and his janizaries.
+
+At the eastern gate of the churchyard stood the carriage with the steps
+lowered. The mob pursued the thief-taker and his party all the way, and
+such missiles as could be collected were hurled at them. They even
+threatened to cut the traces and take off the wheels from the carriage.
+The Jew got in first. The prisoner was then thrust in by Quilt. Before
+Jonathan followed he turned to face his assailants.
+
+"Back!" he cried fiercely. "I am an officer in the execution of my duty.
+And he who opposes me in it shall feel the weight of my hand."
+
+He then sprung into the coach, the door of which was closed by Obadiah,
+who mounted the box.
+
+"To Newgate," cried Jonathan, putting his head out of the window.
+
+A deep roar followed this order, and several missiles were launched at
+the vehicle, which was driven off at a furious pace.
+
+And while her son was reconveyed to prison the body of the unfortunate
+Mrs. Sheppard was committed to the earth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+How Jack Sheppard was brought back to Newgate.
+
+
+Jack Sheppard's escape from Newgate on the night of the 15th of October
+was not discovered till the following morning; for although the
+intelligence was brought by several parties to the Lodge in the course
+of the night, Austin, who was the officer in attendance, paid no
+attention to them.
+
+After pursuing the fugitive as before related, Jonathan Wild returned to
+his own habitation, where he was occupied during the remainder of the
+night with Quilt Arnold and Obadiah Lemon in removing everything which,
+in case of a search, might tend to criminate him. Satisfied in this
+respect, he flung himself into a chair, for his iron frame seldom
+required the indulgence of a bed, and sought an hour's repose before he
+began the villanies of another day.
+
+He was aroused from his slumber, about six o'clock, by the return of
+Abraham Mendez, who not choosing to confess that Jack had eluded his
+vigilance, contended himself with stating that he had kept watch till
+daybreak, when he had carefully searched the field, and, finding no
+trace of him, had thought it better to return.
+
+This information was received by Jonathan with a lowering brow. He
+comforted himself, however, with the certainty which he felt of
+capturing his prey on the Sunday. His breakfast despatched, which he ate
+with a wolfish appetite, he walked over to Newgate, chuckling as he went
+at the consternation which his appearance would create amongst the
+turnkeys.
+
+Entering the Lodge, the first person he beheld was Austin, who was only
+just up, and whose toilette appeared scarcely completed. A glance
+satisfied Jonathan that the turnkey was not aware of the prisoner's
+escape; and he resolved not to destroy what he considered a good jest,
+by a premature disclosure of it.
+
+"You are out betimes this morning, Mr. Wild," observed Austin, as he put
+on his coat, and adjusted his minor bob. "Something fresh on hand, I
+suppose?"
+
+"I'm come to inquire after Jack Sheppard," returned Jonathan.
+
+"Don't alarm yourself about him, Sir," replied Austin. "He's safe
+enough, I assure you."
+
+"I should like to satisfy myself on that score," rejoined Wild, drily.
+
+"So you shall, Sir," replied Austin, who at this moment recollected,
+with some uneasiness, the applications at the lodge-door during the
+night. "I hope you don't imagine anything has gone wrong, Sir."
+
+"It matters not what I think," replied Wild. "Come with me to the
+Castle."
+
+"Instantly, Sir," replied Austin; "instantly. Here, Caliban, attend to
+the door, and keep the wicket locked till I return. D'ye hear. Now,
+Sir."
+
+Taking the keys, he led the way, followed by Jonathan, who chuckled
+internally at the shock that awaited the poor fellow.
+
+The door was opened, and Austin entered the cell, when he absolutely
+recoiled before the spectacle he beheld, and could scarcely have looked
+more alarmed if the prison had tumbled about his ears. Petrified and
+speechless, he turned an imploring look at Wild, who was himself filled
+with astonishment at the pile of rubbish lying before him.
+
+"'Sdeath!" cried Jonathan, staring at the breach in the wall. "Some one
+_must_ have assisted him. Unless he has dealings with the devil, he
+could never have done this alone."
+
+"I firmly believe he _has_ dealings with the devil," replied Austin,
+trembling from head to foot. "But, perhaps, he has not got beyond the
+room above. It's as strong, if not stronger, than this. I'll see."
+
+So saying, he scrambled over the rubbish, and got into the chimney. But
+though the breach was large enough to admit him below, he could not
+squeeze his bulky person through the aperture into the Red Room.
+
+"I believe he's gone," he said, returning to Jonathan. "The door's open,
+and the room empty."
+
+"You believe--you _know_ it," replied Jonathan, fixing one of his
+sternest and most searching glances upon him. "Nothing you can say to
+the contrary will convince me that you have not been accessory to his
+flight."
+
+"I, Sir!--I swear----"
+
+"Tush!" interrupted Jonathan, harshly. "I shall state my suspicions to
+the governor. Come down with me to the Lodge directly. All further
+examinations must be conducted in the presence of proper witnesses."
+
+With these words, he strode out of the room, darted down the stone
+stairs, and, on his arrival at the Lodge, seized the rope of the great
+bell communicating with the interior of the prison, which he rang
+violently. As this was never done, except in some case of great
+emergency, the application was instantly answered by all the other
+turnkeys, by Marvel, the four partners, and Mrs. Spurling. Nothing could
+exceed the dismay of these personages when they learnt why they had
+been summoned. All seemed infected with Austin's terrors except Mrs.
+Spurling, who did not dare to exhibit her satisfaction otherwise than by
+privately pinching the arm of her expected husband.
+
+Headed by Jonathan, all the turnkeys then repaired to the upper part of
+the jail, and, approaching the Red Room by a circuitous route, several
+doors were unlocked, and they came upon the scene of Jack's exploits.
+Stopping before each door, they took up the plates of the locks,
+examined the ponderous bolts, and were struck with the utmost
+astonishment at what they beheld.
+
+Arriving at the chapel, their wonder increased. All the jailers declared
+it utterly impossible he could have accomplished his astonishing task
+unaided; but who had lent him assistance was a question they were unable
+to answer. Proceeding to the entry to the Lower Leads, they came to the
+two strong doors, and their surprise was so great at Jack's marvellous
+performance, that they could scarcely persuade themselves that human
+ingenuity could have accomplished it.
+
+"Here's a door," remarked Ireton, when he got to that nearest the leads,
+"which I could have sworn would have resisted anything. I shall have no
+faith in future in bolts and bars."
+
+Mounting the roof of the prison, they traced the fugitive's course to
+the further extremity of the building, where they found his blanket
+attached to the spike proving that he escaped in that direction.
+
+After severely examining Austin, and finding it proved, on the testimony
+of his fellow-jailers, that he could not have aided Jack in his flight,
+Jonathan retracted his harsh sentence, and even went so far as to say
+that he would act as mediator between him and the governor.
+
+This was some satisfaction to the poor fellow, who was dreadfully
+frightened, as indeed he might well be, it being the opinion of the
+jailers and others who afterwards examined the place, that Jack had
+accomplished, single-handed, in a few hours, and, as far as it could be
+ascertained, with imperfect implements, what it would have taken half a
+dozen men several days, provided with proper tools, to effect. In their
+opinion a hundred pounds would not repair the damage done to the prison.
+
+As soon as Jack's escape became known, thousands of persons flocked to
+Newgate to behold his workmanship; and the jailers reaped am abundant
+harvest from their curiosity.
+
+Jonathan, meanwhile, maintained profound secrecy as to his hopes of
+capturing the fugitive; and when Jack was brought back to Newgate on the
+Sunday evening, his arrival was wholly unexpected.
+
+At a little after five, on that day, four horses dashed round the corner
+of the Old Bailey, and drew up before the door of the Lodge. Hearing the
+stoppage, Austin rushed out, and could scarcely believe his eyes when he
+beheld Jack Sheppard in the custody of Quilt Arnold and Abraham Mendez.
+
+Jack's recapture was speedily made known to all the officers of the
+jail, and the Lodge was instantly crowded. The delight of the turnkeys
+was beyond all bounds; but poor Mrs. Spurling was in a state of
+distraction and began to abuse Jonathan so violently that her future
+husband was obliged to lay forcible hands upon her and drag her away.
+
+By Wild's command the prisoner was taken to the Condemned Hold, whither
+he was followed by the whole posse of officers and by the partners; two
+of whom carried large hammers and two the fetters. There was only one
+prisoner in the ward. He was chained to the ground, but started up at
+their approach. It was Blueskin. When he beheld Jack he uttered a deep
+groan.
+
+"Captain," he cried, in a voice of the bitterest anguish, "have these
+dogs again hunted you down? If you hadn't been so unlucky, I should have
+been with you before to-morrow night."
+
+Jack made no answer, nor did he even cast his eyes upon his follower.
+But Jonathan, fixing a terrible look upon him, cried.
+
+"Ha! say you so? You must be looked to. My lads," he continued,
+addressing the partners; "when you've finished this job give that
+fellow a fresh set of darbies. I suspect he has been at work upon those
+he has on."
+
+"The link of the chain next the staple is sawn through," said Ireton,
+stooping to examine Blueskin's fetters.
+
+"Search him and iron him afresh;" commanded Jonathan. "But first let us
+secure Sheppard. We'll then remove them both to the Middle Stone Hold,
+where a watch shall be kept over them night and day till they're taken
+to Tyburn. As they're so fond of each other's society they shan't part
+company even on that occasion, but shall swing from the same tree."
+
+"You'll never live to see that day," cried Blueskin, fixing a menacing
+look upon him.
+
+"What weight are these irons?" asked Jonathan, coolly addressing one of
+the partners.
+
+"More than three hundred weight, Sir," replied the man. "They're the
+heaviest set we have,--and were forged expressly for Captain Sheppard."
+
+"They're not half heavy enough," replied Wild. "Let him be handcuffed,
+and doubly ironed on both legs; and when we get him into the Stone Ward,
+he shall not only be chained down to the ground, but shall have two
+additional fetters running through the main links, fastened on each side
+of him. We'll see whether he'll get rid of his new bonds?" he added with
+a brutal laugh, which was echoed by the bystanders.
+
+"Mark me," said Jack, sternly; "I have twice broken out of this prison
+in spite of all your precautions. And were you to load me with thrice
+the weight of iron you have ordered you should not prevent my escaping a
+third time."
+
+"That's right, Captain," cried Blueskin. "We'll give them the slip yet,
+and hang that butcherly thief-taker upon his own gibbet."
+
+"Be silent dog," cried Jonathan. And with his clenched hand he struck
+him a violent blow in the face.
+
+For the first time, perhaps, in his life, he repented of his brutality.
+The blow was scarcely dealt, when, with a bound like that of a tiger,
+Blueskin sprang upon him. The chain, which had been partially cut
+through, snapped near the staple. Before any assistance could be
+rendered by the jailers, who stood astounded, Blueskin had got Wild in
+his clutches. His strength has been described as prodigious; but now,
+heightened by his desire for vengeance, it was irresistible. Jonathan,
+though a very powerful man, was like an infant in his gripe. Catching
+hold of his chin, he bent back the neck, while with his left hand he
+pulled out a clasp knife, which he opened with his teeth, and grasping
+Wild's head with his arm, notwithstanding his resistance, cut deeply
+into his throat. The folds of a thick muslin neckcloth in some degree
+protected him, but the gash was desperate. Blueskin drew the knife
+across his throat a second time, widening and deepening the wound; and
+wrenching back the head to get it into a more favourable position, would
+infallibly have severed it from the trunk, if the officers, who by this
+time had recovered from their terror, had not thrown themselves upon
+him, and withheld him.
+
+"Now's your time," cried Blueskin, struggling desperately with his
+assailants and inflicting severe cuts with his knife. "Fly,
+Captain--fly!"
+
+Aroused to a sense of the possibility of escape, Jack, who had viewed
+the deadly assault with savage satisfaction, burst from his captors and
+made for the door. Blueskin fought his way towards it, and exerting all
+his strength, cutting right and left as he proceeded, reached it at the
+same time. Jack in all probability, would have escaped, if Langley, who
+was left in the Lodge, had not been alarmed at the noise and rushed
+thither. Seeing Jack at liberty, he instantly seized him, and a struggle
+commenced.
+
+At this moment, Blueskin came up, and kept off the officers with his
+knife. He used his utmost efforts to liberate Jack from Langley, but
+closely pressed on all sides, he was not able to render any effectual
+assistance.
+
+"Fly!" cried Jack; "escape if you can; don't mind me."
+
+Casting one look of anguish at his leader, Blueskin then darted down
+the passage.
+
+The only persons in the Lodge were Mrs. Spurling and Marvel. Hearing the
+noise of the scuffle, the tapstress, fancying it was Jack making an
+effort to escape, in spite of the remonstrances of the executioner,
+threw open the wicket. Blueskin therefore had nothing to stop him.
+Dashing through the open door, he crossed the Old Bailey, plunged into a
+narrow court on the opposite side of the way, and was out of sight in a
+minute, baffling all pursuit.
+
+On their return, the jailers raised up Jonathan, who was weltering in
+his blood, and who appeared to be dying. Efforts were made to staunch
+his wounds and surgical assistance sent for.
+
+"Has he escaped?" asked the thief-taker, faintly.
+
+"Blueskin," said Ireton.
+
+"No--Sheppard?" rejoined Wild.
+
+"No, no, Sir," replied Ireton. "He's here."
+
+"That's right," replied Wild, with a ghastly smile. "Remove him to the
+Middle Stone Hold,--watch over him night and day, do you mind?"
+
+"I do, Sir."
+
+"Irons--heavy irons--night and day."
+
+"Depend upon it, Sir."
+
+"Go with him to Tyburn,--never lose sight of him till the noose is tied.
+Where's Marvel?"
+
+"Here, Sir," replied the executioner.
+
+"A hundred guineas if you hang Jack Sheppard. I have it about me. Take
+it, if I die."
+
+"Never fear, Sir," replied Marvel.
+
+"Oh! that I could live to see it," gasped Jonathan. And with a hideous
+expression of pain, he fainted.
+
+"He's dead," exclaimed Austin.
+
+"I am content," said Jack. "My mother is avenged. Take me to the Stone
+Room. Blueskin, you are a true friend."
+
+The body of Jonathan was then conveyed to his own habitation, while Jack
+was taken to the Middle Stone Room, and ironed in the manner Wild had
+directed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+What happened at Dollis Hill.
+
+
+"At length this tragedy is at an end," said Mr. Wood, as, having seen
+the earth thrown over the remains of the unfortunate Mrs. Sheppard, he
+turned to quit the churchyard. "Let us hope that, like her who 'loved
+much,' her sins are forgiven her."
+
+Without another word, and accompanied by Thames, he then took his way to
+Dollis Hill in a state of the deepest depression. Thames did not attempt
+to offer him any consolation, for he was almost as much dejected. The
+weather harmonized with their feelings. It rained slightly, and a thick
+mist gathered in the air, and obscured the beautiful prospect.
+
+On his arrival at Dollis Hill, Mr. Wood was so much exhausted that he
+was obliged to retire to his own room, where he continued for some hours
+overpowered by grief. The two lovers sat together, and their sole
+discourse turned upon Jack and his ill-fated mother.
+
+As the night advanced, Mr. Wood again made his appearance in a more
+composed frame of mind, and, at his daughter's earnest solicitation, was
+induced to partake of some refreshment. An hour was then passed in
+conversation as to the possibility of rendering any assistance to Jack;
+in deploring his unhappy destiny; and in the consideration of the course
+to be pursued in reference to Jonathan Wild.
+
+While they were thus occupied, a maid-servant entered the room, and
+stated that a person was without who had a packet for Captain Darrell,
+which must be delivered into his own hands. Notwithstanding the
+remonstrances of Wood and Winifred, Thames instantly followed the
+domestic, and found a man, with his face muffled up, at the door, as she
+had described. Somewhat alarmed at his appearance, Thames laid his hand
+upon his sword.
+
+"Fear nothing, Sir," said the man, in a voice which Thames instantly
+recognised as that of Blueskin. "I am come to render you a service.
+There are the packets which my Captain hazarded his life to procure for
+you, and which he said would establish your right to the estates of the
+Trenchard family. There are also the letters which were scattered about
+Wild's room after the murder of Sir Rowland. And there," he added,
+placing in his hands a heavy bag of money, and a pocket-book, "is a sum
+little short of fifteen thousand pounds."
+
+"How have you procured these things?" asked Thames, in the utmost
+astonishment.
+
+"I carried them off on the fatal night when we got into Wild's house,
+and you were struck down," replied Blueskin. "They have ever since been
+deposited in a place of safety. You have nothing more to fear from
+Wild."
+
+"How so?" asked Thames.
+
+"I have saved the executioner a labour, by cutting his throat," replied
+Blueskin. "And, may I be cursed if I ever did anything in my whole life
+which gave me so much satisfaction."
+
+"Almighty God! is this possible?" exclaimed Thames.
+
+"You will find it true," replied Blueskin. "All I regret is, that I
+failed in liberating the Captain. If he had got off, they might have
+hanged me, and welcome."
+
+"What can be done for him?" cried Thames.
+
+"That's not an easy question to answer," rejoined Blueskin. "But I shall
+watch night and day about Newgate, in the hope of getting him out. He
+wouldn't require my aid, but before I stopped Jonathan's mouth, he had
+ordered him to be doubly-ironed, and constantly watched. And, though the
+villain can't see his orders executed, I've no doubt some one else
+will."
+
+"Poor Jack!" exclaimed Thames. "I would sacrifice all my fortune--all my
+hopes--to liberate him."
+
+"If you're in earnest," rejoined Blueskin, "give me that bag of gold. It
+contains a thousand pounds; and, if all other schemes fail, I'll engage
+to free him on the way to Tyburn."
+
+"May I trust you?" hesitated Thames.
+
+"Why did I not keep the money when I had it?" returned Blueskin,
+angrily. "Not a farthing of it shall be expended except in the Captain's
+service."
+
+"Take it," replied Thames.
+
+"You have saved his life," replied Blueskin. "And now, mark me. You owe
+what I have done for you, to him, not to me. Had I not known that you
+and your affianced bride are dearer to him than life I should have used
+this money to secure my own safety. Take it, and take the estates, in
+Captain Sheppard's name. Promise me one thing before I leave you."
+
+"What is it?" asked Thames.
+
+"If the Captain _is_ taken to Tyburn, be near the place of execution--at
+the end of the Edgeware Road."
+
+"I will."
+
+"In case of need you will lend a helping hand?"
+
+"Yes--yes."
+
+"Swear it!"
+
+"I do."
+
+"Enough!" rejoined Blueskin. And he departed, just as Wood, who had
+become alarmed by Thames's long absence, made his appearance with a
+blunderbuss in his hand.
+
+Hastily acquainting him with the treasures he had unexpectedly obtained,
+Thames returned to the room to apprize Winifred of his good fortune. The
+packets were hastily broken open; and, while Wood was absorbed in the
+perusal of the despatch addressed to him by Sir Rowland, Thames sought
+out, and found the letter which he had been prevented from finishing on
+the fatal night at Jonathan Wild's. As soon as he had read it, he let it
+fall from his grasp.
+
+Winifred instantly picked it up.
+
+"You are no longer Thames Darrell," she said, casting her eyes rapidly
+over it; "but the Marquis de Chatillon."
+
+"My father was of the blood-royal of France," exclaimed Thames.
+
+"Eh-day! what's this?" cried Wood, looking up from beneath his
+spectacles. "Who--who is the Marquis de Chatillon?"
+
+"Your adopted son, Thames Darrell," answered Winifred.
+
+"And the Marchioness is your daughter," added Thames.
+
+"O, Lord!" ejaculated Wood. "My head fairly turns round. So many
+distresses--so many joys coming at the same time are too much for me.
+Read that letter, Thames--my lord marquis, I mean. Read it, and you'll
+find that your unfortunate uncle, Sir Rowland, surrenders to you all the
+estates in Lancashire. You've nothing to do but to take possession."
+
+"What a strange history is mine!" said Thames. "Kidnapped, and sent to
+France by one uncle, it was my lot to fall into the hands of
+another,--my father's own brother, the Marshal Gaucher de Chatillon; to
+whom, and to the Cardinal Dubois, I owed all my good fortune."
+
+"The ways of Providence are inscrutable," observed Wood.
+
+"When in France, I heard from the Marshal that his brother had perished
+in London on the night of the Great Storm. It was supposed he was
+drowned in crossing the river, as his body had never been found. Little
+did I imagine at the time that it was my own father to whom he
+referred."
+
+"I think I remember reading something about your father in the papers,"
+observed Wood. "Wasn't he in some way connected with the Jacobite
+plots?"
+
+"He was," replied Thames. "He had been many years in this country before
+his assassination took place. In this letter, which is addressed to my
+ill-fated mother, he speaks of his friendship for Sir Rowland, whom it
+seems he had known abroad; but entreats her to keep the marriage secret
+for a time, for reasons which are not fully developed."
+
+"And so Sir Rowland murdered his friend," remarked Wood. "Crime upon
+crime."
+
+"Unconsciously, perhaps," replied Thames. "But be it as it may, he is
+now beyond the reach of earthly punishment."
+
+"But Wild still lives," cried Wood.
+
+"He; also, has paid the penalty of his offences," returned Thames. "He
+has fallen by the hand of Blueskin, who brought me these packets."
+
+"Thank God for that!" cried Wood, heartily. "I could almost forgive the
+wretch the injury he did me in depriving me of my poor dear wife--No,
+not quite _that_," he added, a little confused.
+
+"And now," said Thames, (for we must still preserve the name,) "you will
+no longer defer my happiness."
+
+"Hold!" interposed Winifred, gravely. "I release you from your promise.
+A carpenter's daughter is no fit match for a peer of France."
+
+"If my dignity must be purchased by the loss of you, I renounce it,"
+cried Thames. "You will not make it valueless in my eyes," he added,
+catching her in his arms, and pressing her to his breast.
+
+"Be it as you please," replied Winifred. "My lips would belie my heart
+were I to refuse you."
+
+"And now, father, your blessing--your consent!" cried Thames.
+
+"You have both," replied Wood, fervently. "I am too much honoured--too
+happy in the union. Oh! that I should live to be father-in-law to a peer
+of France! What would my poor wife say to it, if she could come to life
+again? Oh, Thames!--my lord marquis, I mean--you have made me the
+happiest--the proudest of mankind."
+
+Not many days after this event, on a bright October morning, the bells
+rang a merry peal from the old gray tower of Willesden church. All the
+village was assembled in the churchyard. Young and old were dressed in
+their gayest apparel; and it was evident from the smiles that lighted up
+every countenance, from the roguish looks of the younger swains, and the
+demure expression of several pretty rustic maidens, that a ceremony,
+which never fails to interest all classes,--a wedding,--was about to
+take place.
+
+At the gate opening upon the road leading to Dollis Hill were stationed
+William Morgan and John Dump. Presently, two carriages dashed down the
+hill, and drew up before it. From the first of these alighted Thames,
+or, as he must now be styled, the Marquis de Chatillon. From the second
+descended Mr. Wood--and after him came his daughter.
+
+The sun never shone upon a lovelier couple than now approached the
+altar. The church was crowded to excess by the numbers eager to witness
+the ceremony; and as soon as it was over the wedded pair were followed
+to the carriage, and the loudest benedictions uttered for their
+happiness.
+
+In spite of the tumultuous joy which agitated him, the bridegroom could
+not prevent the intrusion of some saddening thoughts, as he reflected
+upon the melancholy scene which he had so recently witnessed in the same
+place.
+
+The youthful couple had been seated in the carriage a few minutes when
+they were joined by Mr. Wood, who had merely absented himself to see
+that a public breakfast, which he had ordered at the Six Bells for all
+who chose to partake of it, was in readiness. He likewise gave
+directions that in the after part of the day a whole bullock should be
+roasted on the green and distributed, together with a barrel of the
+strongest ale.
+
+In the evening, a band of village musicians, accompanied by most of the
+young inhabitants of Willesden, strolled out to Dollis Hill, where they
+formed a rustic concert under the great elm before the door. Here they
+were regaled with another plentiful meal by the hospitable carpenter,
+who personally superintended the repast.
+
+These festivities, however, were not witnessed by the newly-married
+pair, who had departed immediately after the ceremony for Manchester.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+How Jack Sheppard was taken to Westminster Hall.
+
+
+Loaded with the heaviest fetters, and constantly watched by two of the
+jailers' assistants, who neither quitted him for a single moment, nor
+suffered any visitor to approach him, Jack Sheppard found all attempts
+to escape impracticable.
+
+He was confined in the Middle Stone Ward, a spacious apartment, with
+good light and air, situated over the gateway on the western side, and
+allotted to him, not for his own convenience, but for that of the
+keepers, who, if he had been placed in a gloomier or more incommodious
+dungeon, would have necessarily had to share it with him.
+
+Through this, his last trial, Jack's spirits never deserted him. He
+seemed resigned but cheerful, and held frequent and serious discourses
+with the ordinary, who felt satisfied of his sincere penitence. The only
+circumstance which served to awaken a darker feeling in his breast was,
+that his implacable foe Jonathan Wild had survived the wound inflicted
+by Blueskin, and was slowly recovering.
+
+As soon as he could be moved with safety, Jonathan had himself
+transported to Newgate, where he was carried into the Middle Ward, that
+he might feast his eyes upon his victim. Having seen every precaution
+taken to ensure his safe custody, he departed, muttering to himself, "I
+shall yet live to see him hanged--I shall live to see him hanged."
+
+Animated by his insatiate desire of vengeance, he seemed to gain
+strength daily,--so much so, that within a fortnight after receiving his
+wound he was able to stir abroad.
+
+On Thursday, the 12th of November, after having endured nearly a month's
+imprisonment, Jack Sheppard was conveyed from Newgate to Westminster
+Hall. He was placed in a coach, handcuffed, and heavily fettered, and
+guarded by a vast posse of officers to Temple Bar, where a fresh relay
+of constables escorted him to Westminster.
+
+By this time, Jack's reputation had risen to such a height with the
+populace,--his exploits having become the universal theme of discourse,
+that the streets were almost impassable for the crowds collected to
+obtain a view of him. The vast area in front of Westminster Hall was
+thronged with people, and it was only by a vigorous application of their
+staves that the constables could force a passage for the vehicle. At
+length, however, the prisoner was got out, when such was the rush of the
+multitude that several persons were trampled down, and received severe
+injuries.
+
+Arrived in the Hall, the prisoner's handcuffs were removed, and he was
+taken before the Court of King's Bench. The record of his conviction at
+the Old Bailey sessions was then read; and as no objection was offered
+to it, the Attorney-General moved that his execution might take place on
+Monday next. Upon this, Jack earnestly and eloquently addressed himself
+to the bench, and besought that a petition which he had prepared to be
+laid before the King might be read. This request, however, was refused;
+and he was told that the only way in which he could entitle himself to
+his Majesty's clemency would be by discovering who had abetted him in
+his last escape; the strongest suspicions being entertained that he had
+not affected it alone.
+
+Sheppard replied by a solemn assertion, "that he had received no
+assistance except from Heaven."--An answer for which he was immediately
+reprimanded by the court. It having been stated that it was wholly
+impossible he could have removed his irons in the way he represented, he
+offered, if his handcuffs were replaced, to take them off in the
+presence of the court. The proposal, however, was not acceded to; and
+the Chief Justice Powis, after enumerating his various offences and
+commenting upon their heinousness, awarded sentence of death against him
+for the following Monday.
+
+As Jack was removed, he noticed Jonathan Wild at a little distance from
+him, eyeing him with a look of the most savage satisfaction. The
+thief-taker's throat was bound up with thick folds of linen, and his
+face had a ghastly and cadaverous look, which communicated an
+undefinable and horrible expression to his glances.
+
+Meanwhile, the mob outside had prodigiously increased, and had begun to
+exhibit some disposition to riot. The coach in which the prisoner had
+been conveyed was already broken to pieces, and the driver was glad to
+escape with life. Terrific shouts were raised by the rabble, who
+threatened to tear Wild in pieces if he showed himself.
+
+Amid this tumult, several men armed with tremendous bludgeons, with
+their faces besmeared with grease and soot, and otherwise disguised,
+were observed to be urging the populace to attempt a rescue. They were
+headed by an athletic-looking, swarthy-featured man, who was armed with
+a cutlass, which he waved over his head to cheer on his companions.
+
+These desperadoes had been the most active in demolishing the coach, and
+now, being supported by the rabble, they audaciously approached the very
+portals of the ancient Hall. The shouts, yells, and groans which they
+uttered, and which were echoed by the concourse in the rear, were
+perfectly frightful.
+
+Jonathan, who with the other constables had reconnoitred this band, and
+recognised in its ring-leader, Blueskin, commanded the constables to
+follow him, and made a sally for the purpose of seizing him. Enfeebled
+by his wound, Wild had lost much of his strength, though nothing of his
+ferocity and energy,--and fiercely assailing Blueskin, he made a
+desperate but unsuccessful attempt to apprehend him.
+
+He was, however, instantly beaten back; and the fury of the mob was so
+great that it was with difficulty he could effect a retreat. The whole
+force of the constables, jailers and others was required to keep the
+crowd out of the Hall. The doors were closed and barricaded, and the mob
+threatened to burst them open if Jack was not delivered to them.
+
+Things now began to wear so serious a aspect that a messenger was
+secretly despatched to the Savoy for troops, and in half an hour a
+regiment of the guards arrived, who by dint of great exertion succeeded
+in partially dispersing the tumultuous assemblage. Another coach was
+then procured, in which the prisoner was placed.
+
+Jack's appearance was hailed with the loudest cheers, but when Jonathan
+followed and took a place beside him in the vehicle, determined, he
+said, never to lose sight of him, the abhorrence of the multitude was
+expressed by execrations, hoots, and yells of the most terrific kind. So
+dreadful were these shouts as to produce an effect upon the hardened
+feelings of Jonathan, who shrank out of sight.
+
+It was well for him that he had taken his place by Sheppard, as regard
+for the latter alone prevented the deadliest missiles being hurled at
+him. As it was, the mob went on alternately hooting and huzzaing as the
+names of Wild and Sheppard were pronounced, while some individuals,
+bolder than the rest, thrust their faces into the coach-window, and
+assured Jack that he should never be taken to Tyburn.
+
+"We'll see that, you yelping hounds!" rejoined Jonathan, glaring
+fiercely at them.
+
+In this way, Jack was brought back to Newgate, and again chained down in
+the Middle Ward.
+
+It was late before Jonathan ventured to his own house, where he remained
+up all night, and kept his janizaries and other assistants well armed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+How Jonathan Wild's House was burnt down.
+
+
+The day appointed for the execution was now close at hand, and the
+prisoner, who seemed to have abandoned all hopes of escape, turned his
+thoughts entirely from worldly considerations.
+
+On Sunday, he was conveyed to the chapel, through which he had passed on
+the occasion of his great escape, and once more took his seat in the
+Condemned Pew. The Rev. Mr. Purney, the ordinary, who had latterly
+conceived a great regard for Jack, addressed him in a discourse, which,
+while it tended to keep alive his feelings of penitence, was calculated
+to afford him much consolation. The chapel was crowded to excess. But
+here,--even here, the demon was suffered to intrude, and Jack's thoughts
+were distracted by Jonathan Wild, who stood at a little distance from
+him, and kept his bloodthirsty eyes fixed on him during the whole of the
+service.
+
+On that night, an extraordinary event occurred, which convinced the
+authorities that every precaution must be taken in conducting Jack to
+Tyburn,--a fact of which they had been previously made aware, though
+scarcely to the same extent, by the riotous proceedings near Westminster
+Hall. About nine o'clock, an immense mob collected before the Lodge at
+Newgate. It was quite dark; but as some of the assemblage carried links,
+it was soon ascertained to be headed by the same party who had mainly
+incited the former disturbance. Amongst the ring-leaders was Blueskin,
+whose swarthy features and athletic figure were easily distinguished.
+Another was Baptist Kettleby, and a third, in a Dutch dress, was
+recognised by his grizzled beard as the skipper, Van Galgebrok.
+
+Before an hour had elapsed, the concourse was fearfully increased. The
+area in front of the jail was completely filled. Attempts were made upon
+the door of the Lodge; but it was too strong to be forced. A cry was
+then raised by the leaders to attack Wild's house, and the fury of the
+mob was instantly directed to that quarter. Wrenched from their holds,
+the iron palisades in front of the thief-taker's dwelling were used as
+weapons to burst open the door.
+
+While this was passing, Jonathan opened one of the upper windows, and
+fired several shots upon the assailants. But though he made Blueskin and
+Kettleby his chief marks, he missed both. The sight of the thief-taker
+increased the fury of the mob to a fearful degree. Terrific yells rent
+the air. The heavy weapon thundered against the door; and it speedily
+yielded to their efforts.
+
+"Come on, my lads!" vociferated Blueskin, "we'll unkennel the old fox."
+
+As he spoke, several shots were fired from the upper part of the house,
+and two men fell mortally wounded. But this only incensed the assailing
+party the more. With a drawn cutlass in one hand and a cocked pistol in
+the other, Blueskin rushed up stairs. The landing was defended by Quilt
+Arnold and the Jew. The former was shot by Blueskin through the head,
+and his body fell over the bannisters. The Jew, who was paralysed by his
+companion's fate, offered no resistance, and was instantly seized.
+
+"Where is your accursed master?" demanded Blueskin, holding the sword to
+his throat.
+
+The Jew did not speak, but pointed to the audience-chamber. Committing
+him to the custody of the others, Blueskin, followed by a numerous band,
+darted in that direction. The door was locked; but, with the bars of
+iron, it was speedily burst open. Several of the assailants carried
+links, so that the room was a blaze of light. Jonathan, however, was
+nowhere to be seen.
+
+Rushing towards the entrance of the well-hole, Blueskin touched the
+secret spring. He was not there. Opening the trap-door, he then
+descended to the vaults--searched each cell, and every nook and corner
+separately. Wild had escaped.
+
+Robbed of their prey, the fury of the mob became ungovernable. At
+length, at the end of a passage, next to the cell where Mrs. Sheppard
+had been confined, Blueskin discovered a trap-door which he had not
+previously noticed. It was instantly burst open, when the horrible
+stench that issued from it convinced them that it must be a receptacle
+for the murdered victims of the thief-taker.
+
+Holding a link into the place, which had the appearance of a deep pit,
+Blueskin noticed a body richly dressed. He dragged it out, and
+perceiving, in spite of the decayed frame, that it was the body of Sir
+Rowland Trenchard, commanded his attendants to convey it up stairs--an
+order which was promptly obeyed.
+
+Returning to the audience-chamber, Blueskin had the Jew brought before
+him. The body of Sir Rowland was then laid on the large table. Opposite
+to it was placed the Jew. Seeing from the threatening looks of his
+captors, that they were about to wreak their vengeance upon him, the
+miserable wretch besought mercy in abject terms, and charged his master
+with the most atrocious crimes. His relation of the murder of Sir
+Rowland petrified even his fierce auditors.
+
+One of the cases in Jonathan's museum was now burst open, and a rope
+taken from it. In spite of his shrieks, the miserable Jew was then
+dragged into the well-hole, and the rope being tied round his neck, he
+was launched from the bridge.
+
+The vengeance of the assailants did not stop here. They broke open the
+entrance into Jonathan's store-room--plundered it of everything
+valuable--ransacked every closet, drawer, and secret hiding-place, and
+stripped them of their contents. Large hoards of money were discovered,
+gold and silver plate, cases of watches, and various precious articles.
+Nothing, in short, portable or valuable was left. Old implements of
+housebreaking were discovered; and the thief-taker's most hidden
+depositories were laid bare.
+
+The work of plunder over, that of destruction commenced. Straw and other
+combustibles being collected, were placed in the middle of the
+audience-chamber. On these were thrown all the horrible contents of
+Jonathan's museum, together with the body of Sir Rowland Trenchard. The
+whole was then fired, and in a few minutes the room was a blaze. Not
+content with this, the assailants set fire to the house in half-a-dozen
+other places; and the progress of the flames was rapid and destructive.
+
+Meanwhile, the object of all this fearful disturbance had made his
+escape to Newgate, from the roof of which he witnessed the destruction
+of his premises. He saw the flames burst from the windows, and perhaps
+in that maddening spectacle suffered torture equivalent to some of the
+crimes he had committed.
+
+While he was thus standing, the flames of his house, which made the
+whole street as light as day, and ruddily illumined the faces of the mob
+below, betrayed him to them, and he was speedily driven from his
+position by a shower of stones and other missiles.
+
+The mob now directed their attention to Newgate; and, from their
+threats, appeared determined to fire it. Ladders, paviour's rams,
+sledge-hammers, and other destructive implements were procured, and, in
+all probability, their purpose would have been effected, but for the
+opportune arrival of a detachment of the guards, who dispersed them, not
+without some loss of life.
+
+Several prisoners were taken, but the ring-leaders escaped. Engines
+were brought to play upon Wild's premises, and upon the adjoining
+houses. The latter were saved; but of the former nothing but the
+blackened stone walls were found standing on the morrow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+The Procession to Tyburn.
+
+
+The noise of this disturbance did not fail to reach the interior of the
+prison. In fact, the reflection of the flames lighted up the ward in
+which Jack Sheppard was confined.
+
+The night his execution was therefore passed in a most anxious state of
+mind; nor was his uneasiness allayed by the appearance of Jonathan Wild,
+who, after he had been driven from the roof of the jail, repaired to the
+Middle Stone Ward in a fit of ungovernable passion, to vent his rage
+upon the prisoner, whom he looked upon as the cause of the present
+calamity. Such was his fury, that if he had not been restrained by the
+presence of the two turnkeys, he might perhaps have anticipated the
+course of justice, by laying violent hands upon his victim.
+
+After venting his wrath in the wildest manner, and uttering the most
+dreadful execrations, Jonathan retired to another part of the prison,
+where he passed the night in consultation with the governor, as to the
+best means of conveying the prisoner securely to Tyburn. Mr. Pitt
+endeavoured to dissuade him from attending in person, representing the
+great risk he would incur from the mob, which was certain to be
+assembled. But Jonathan was not to be deterred.
+
+"I have sworn to see him hanged," he said, "and nothing shall keep me
+away--nothing, by----."
+
+By Wild's advice, the usual constabulary force was greatly augmented.
+Messengers were despatched to all the constables and head-boroughs to be
+in attendance,--to the sheriffs to have an extraordinary number of their
+officers in attendance,--and to the Savoy, to obtain the escort of a
+troop of grenadier-guards. In short, more preparations were made than if
+a state criminal was about to be executed.
+
+The morning of Monday the 16th of November 1724 at length dawned. It was
+a dull, foggy day, and the atmosphere was so thick and heavy, that, at
+eight o'clock, the curious who arrived near the prison could scarcely
+discern the tower of St. Sepulchre's church.
+
+By and by the tramp of horses' feet was heard slowly ascending Snow
+Hill, and presently a troop of grenadier guards rode into the area
+facing Newgate. These were presently joined by a regiment of foot. A
+large body of the constables of Westminster next made their appearance,
+the chief of whom entered the Lodge, where they were speedily joined by
+the civic authorities. At nine o'clock, the sheriffs arrived, followed
+by their officers and javelin-men.
+
+Meantime, the Stone Hall was crowded by all the inmates of the jail,
+debtors, felons, turnkeys, and officers who could obtain permission to
+witness the ceremony of the prisoner's irons being struck off. Caliban,
+who, through the interest of Mr. Ireton, was appointed to the office,
+stood with a hammer in one hand, and a punch in the other, near the
+great stone block, ready to fulfil his duty. Close behind him stood the
+tall gaunt figure of Marvel, with his large bony hands, his scraggy
+neck, and ill-favoured countenance. Next to the executioner stood his
+wife--the former Mrs. Spurling. Mrs. Marvel held her handkerchief to her
+eyes, and appeared in great distress. But her husband, whose deportment
+to her was considerably changed since the fatal knot had been tied, paid
+no attention whatever to her grief.
+
+At this moment, the bell of Newgate began to toll, and was answered by
+another bell from St. Sepulchre's. The great door of the Stone Hall was
+thrown open, and the sheriffs, preceded by the javelin-men, entered the
+room. They were followed by Jonathan, who carried a stout stick under
+his arm, and planted himself near the stone. Not a word was uttered by
+the assemblage; but a hush of expectation reigned throughout.
+
+Another door was next opened, and, preceded by the ordinary, with the
+sacred volume in his hand, the prisoner entered the room. Though
+encumbered by his irons, his step was firm, and his demeanour dignified.
+His countenance was pale as death, but not a muscle quivered; nor did he
+betray the slightest appearance of fear. On the contrary, it was
+impossible to look at him without perceiving that his resolution was
+unshaken.
+
+Advancing with a slow firm step to the stone-block he placed his left
+foot upon it, drew himself up to his full height, and fixed a look so
+stern upon Jonathan, that the thief-taker quailed before it.
+
+The black, meantime, began to ply his hammer, and speedily unriveted the
+chains. The first stroke appeared to arouse all the vindictive passions
+of Jonathan. Fixing a ferocious and exulting look upon Jack Sheppard, he
+exclaimed.
+
+"At length, my vengeance is complete."
+
+"Wretch!" cried Jack, raising his hand in a menacing manner, "your
+triumph will be short-lived. Before a year has expired, you will share
+the same fate."
+
+"If I do, I care not," rejoined Wild; "I shall have lived to see you
+hanged."
+
+"O Jack, dear, dear Jack!" cried Mrs. Marvel, who was now quite
+dissolved in tears, "I shall never survive this scene."
+
+"Hold your tongue, hussy!" cried her husband gruffly. "Women ought never
+to show themselves on these occasions, unless they can behave themselves
+properly."
+
+"Farewell, Jack," cried twenty voices.
+
+Sheppard looked round, and exchanged kindly glances with several of
+those who addressed him.
+
+"My limbs feel so light, now that my irons are removed," he observed
+with a smile, "that I am half inclined to dance."
+
+"You'll dance upon nothing, presently," rejoined Jonathan, brutally.
+
+"Farewell for ever," said Jack, extending his hand to Mrs. Marvel.
+
+"Farewell!" blubbered the executioner's wife, pressing his hand to her
+lips. "Here are a pair of gloves and a nosegay for you. Oh dear!--oh
+dear! Be careful of him," she added to her husband, "and get it over
+quickly, or never expect to see me again."
+
+"Peace, fool!" cried Marvel, angrily. "Do you think I don't know my own
+business?"
+
+Austin and Langley then advanced to the prisoner, and, twinning their
+arms round his, led him down to the Lodge, whither he was followed by
+the sheriffs, the ordinary, Wild, and the other officials.
+
+Meantime, every preparation had been made outside for his departure. At
+the end of two long lines of foot-guards stood the cart with a powerful
+black horse harnessed to it. At the head of the cart was placed the
+coffin. On the right were several mounted grenadiers: on the left, some
+half dozen javelin-men. Soldiers were stationed at different points of
+the street to keep off the mob, and others were riding backwards and
+forwards to maintain an open space for the passage of the procession.
+
+The assemblage which was gathered together was almost countless. Every
+house-top, every window, every wall, every projection, had its
+occupants. The wall of St. Sepulchre's church was covered--so was the
+tower. The concourse extended along Giltspur Street as far as
+Smithfield. No one was allowed to pass along Newgate Street, which was
+barricaded and protected by a strong constabulary force.
+
+The first person who issued from the Lodge was Mr. Marvel, who proceeded
+to the cart, and took his seat upon the coffin. The hangman is always an
+object of peculiar detestation to the mob, a tremendous hooting hailed
+his appearance, and both staves and swords were required to preserve
+order.
+
+A deep silence, however, now prevailed, broken only by the tolling of
+the bells of Newgate and St. Sepulchre's. The mighty concourse became
+for a moment still. Suddenly, such a shout as has seldom smitten human
+ears rent the air. "He comes!" cried a thousand voices, and the shout
+ascended to Smithfield, descended to Snow Hill, and told those who were
+assembled on Holborn Hill that Sheppard had left the prison.
+
+Between the two officers, with their arms linked in his, Jack Sheppard
+was conducted to the cart. He looked around, and as he heard that
+deafening shout,--as he felt the influence of those thousand eyes fixed
+upon him,--as he listened to the cheers, all his misgivings--if he had
+any--vanished, and he felt more as if he were marching to a triumph,
+than proceeding to a shameful death.
+
+Jack had no sooner taken his place in the cart, than he was followed by
+the ordinary, who seated himself beside him, and, opening the book of
+prayer, began to read aloud. Excited by the scene, Jack, however, could
+pay little attention to the good man's discourse, and was lost in a
+whirl of tumultuous emotions.
+
+The calvacade was now put slowly in motion. The horse-soldiers wheeled
+round and cleared a path: the foot closed in upon the cart. Then came
+the javelin-men, walking four abreast, and lastly, a long line of
+constables, marching in the same order.
+
+The procession had just got into line of march, when a dreadful groan,
+mixed with yells, hootings, and execrations, was heard. This was
+occasioned by Jonathan Wild, who was seen to mount his horse and join
+the train. Jonathan, however, paid no sort of attention to this
+demonstration of hatred. He had buckled on his hanger, and had two brace
+of pistols in his belt, as well as others in this holsters.
+
+By this time, the procession had reached the west end of the wall of St.
+Sepulchre's church, where, in compliance with an old custom, it halted.
+By the will of Mr. Robert Dow, merchant tailor, it was appointed that
+the sexton of St. Sepulchre's should pronounce a solemn exhortation upon
+every criminal on his way to Tyburn, for which office he was to receive
+a small stipend. As soon as the cavalcade stopped, the sexton advanced,
+and, ringing a handbell, pronounced the following admonition.
+
+"_All good people pray heartily unto God for this poor sinner, who is
+now going to take his death, for whom this great bell doth toll_.
+
+"_You who are condemned to die, repent with lamentable tears. Ask mercy
+of the Lord for the salvation of your own soul, through the merits of
+the death and passion of Jesus Christ, who now sits at the right hand of
+God, to make intercession for you, if you penitently return to him. The
+Lord have mercy upon you_!"
+
+This ceremony concluded, the calvacade was again put in motion.
+
+Slowly descending Snow Hill, the train passed on its way, attended by
+the same stunning vociferations, cheers, yells, and outcries, which had
+accompanied it on starting from Newgate. The guards had great difficulty
+in preserving a clear passage without resorting to severe measures, for
+the tide, which poured upon them behind, around, in front, and at all
+sides, was almost irresistible. The houses on Snow Hill were thronged,
+like those in Old Bailey. Every window, from the groundfloor to the
+garret had its occupant, and the roofs were covered with spectators.
+Words of encouragement and sympathy were addressed to Jack, who, as he
+looked around, beheld many a friendly glance fixed upon him.
+
+In this way, they reached Holborn Bridge. Here a little delay occurred.
+The passage was so narrow that there was only sufficient room for the
+cart to pass, with a single line of foot-soldiers on one side; and, as
+the walls of the bridge were covered with spectators, it was not deemed
+prudent to cross it till these persons were dislodged.
+
+While this was effected, intelligence was brought that a formidable mob
+was pouring down Field Lane, the end of which was barricaded. The
+advanced guard rode on to drive away any opposition, while the main body
+of the procession crossed the bridge, and slowly toiled up Holborn Hill.
+
+The entrance of Shoe Lane, and the whole line of the wall of St.
+Andrew's church, the bell of which was tolling, was covered with
+spectators. Upon the steps leading to the gates of the church stood two
+persons whom Jack instantly recognised. These were his mistresses, Poll
+Maggot and Edgeworth Bess. As soon as the latter beheld him, she uttered
+a loud scream, and fainted. She was caught by some of the bystanders,
+who offered by her every assistance in their power. As to Mrs. Maggot,
+whose nerves were more firmly strung, she contented herself with waving
+her hand affectionately to her lover, and encouraging him by her
+gestures.
+
+While this was taking place, another and more serious interruption
+occurred. The advanced guard had endeavoured to disperse the mob in
+Field Lane, but were not prepared to meet with the resistance they
+encountered. The pavement had been hastily picked up, and heaped across
+the end of the street, upon which planks, barrels, and other barricades,
+were laid. Most of the mob were armed with pikes, staves, swords,
+muskets, and other weapons, and offered a most desperate resistance to
+the soldiery, whom they drove back with a shower of paving-stones.
+
+The arrival of the cart at the end of Field Lane, appeared the signal
+for an attempt at rescue. With a loud shout, and headed by a
+powerfully-built man, with a face as black as that of a mulatto, and
+armed with a cutlass, the rabble leapt over the barricades, and rushed
+towards the vehicle. An immediate halt took place. The soldiers
+surrounded the cart, drew their swords, and by striking the rioters
+first with the blunt edge of their blades, and afterwards with the sharp
+points, succeeded in driving them back.
+
+Amid this skirmish Jonathan greatly distinguished himself. Drawing his
+hanger he rode amongst the crowd, trampled upon those most in advance,
+and made an attempt to seize their leader, in whom he recognised
+Blueskin.
+
+Baffled in their attempt, the mob uttered a roar, such as only a
+thousand angry voices can utter, and discharged a volley of missiles at
+the soldiery. Stones and brickbats were showered on all sides, and Mr.
+Marvel was almost dislodged from his seat on the coffin by a dead dog,
+which was hurled against him, and struck him in the face.
+
+At length, however, by dealing blows right and left with their swords,
+and even inflicting severe cuts on the foremost of the rabble, the
+soldiers managed to gain a clear course, and to drive back the
+assailants; who, as they retreated behind the barricades, shouted in
+tones of defiance, "To Tyburn! to Tyburn!"
+
+The object of all this tumult, meanwhile, never altered his position,
+but sat back in the cart, as if resolved not to make even a struggle to
+regain his liberty.
+
+The procession now wound its way, without further interruption, along
+Holborn. Like a river swollen by many currents, it gathered force from
+the various avenues that poured their streams into it. Fetter Lane, on
+the left, Gray's Inn, on the right, added their supplies. On all hands
+Jack was cheered, and Jonathan hooted.
+
+At length, the train approached St. Giles's. Here, according to another
+old custom, already alluded to, a criminal taken to execution was
+allowed to halt at a tavern, called the Crown, and take a draught from
+St. Giles's bowl, "as his last refreshment on earth." At the door of
+this tavern, which was situated on the left of the street, not more than
+a hundred yards distant from the church, the bell of which began to toll
+as soon as the procession came in sight, the cart drew up, and the whole
+cavalcade halted. A wooden balcony in one of the adjoining houses was
+thronged with ladies, all of whom appeared to take a lively interest in
+the scene, and to be full of commiseration for the criminal, not,
+perhaps, unmixed with admiration of his appearance. Every window in the
+public house was filled with guests; and, as in the case of St.
+Andrew's, the churchyard wall of St. Giles's was lined with spectators.
+
+A scene now ensued, highly characteristic of the age, and the occasion.
+The doleful procession at once assumed a festive character. Many of the
+soldiers dismounted, and called for drink. Their example was
+immediately imitated by the officers, constables, javelin men, and other
+attendants; and nothing was to be heard but shouts of laughter and
+jesting,--nothing seen but the passing of glasses, and the emptying of
+foaming jugs. Mr. Marvel, who had been a little discomposed by the
+treatment he had experienced on Holborn Hill, very composedly filled and
+lighted his pipe.
+
+One group at the door attracted Jack's attention, inasmuch as it was
+composed of several of his old acquaintances--Mr. Kneebone, Van
+Galgebrok, and Baptist Kettleby--all of whom greeted him cordially.
+Besides these, there was a sturdy-looking fellow, whom he instantly
+recognised as the honest blacksmith who had freed him from his irons at
+Tottenham.
+
+"I am here, you see," said the smith.
+
+"So I perceive," replied Jack.
+
+At this moment, the landlord of the Crown, a jovial-looking stout
+personage, with a white apron round his waist, issued from the house,
+bearing a large wooden bowl filled with ale, which he offered to Jack,
+who instantly rose to receive it. Raising the bowl in his right hand,
+Jack glanced towards the balcony, in which the group of ladies were
+seated, and begged to drink their healths; he then turned to Kneebone
+and the others, who extended their hands towards him, and raised it to
+his lips. Just as he was about to drain it, he encountered the basilisk
+glance of Jonathan Wild, and paused.
+
+"I leave this bowl for you," he cried, returning it to the landlord
+untasted.
+
+"Your father said so before you," replied Jonathan, malignantly; "and
+yet it has tarried thus long."
+
+"You will call for it before six months are passed," rejoined Jack,
+sternly.
+
+Once again the cavalcade was in motion, and winding its way by St.
+Giles's church, the bell of which continued tolling all the time, passed
+the pound, and entered Oxford Road, or, as it was then not unfrequently
+termed, Tyburn Road. After passing Tottenham Court Road, very few
+houses were to be seen on the right hand, opposite Wardour Street it was
+open country.
+
+The crowd now dispersed amongst the fields, and thousands of persons
+were seen hurrying towards Tyburn as fast as their legs could carry
+them, leaping over hedges, and breaking down every impediment in their
+course.
+
+Besides those who conducted themselves more peaceably, the conductors of
+the procession noticed with considerable uneasiness, large bands of men
+armed with staves, bludgeons, and other weapons, who were flying across
+the field in the same direction. As it was feared that some mischief
+would ensue, Wild volunteered, if he were allowed a small body of men,
+to ride forward to Tyburn, and keep the ground clear until the arrival
+of the prisoner.
+
+This suggestion being approved, was instantly acted upon, and the
+thief-taker, accompanied by a body of the grenadiers, rode forward.
+
+The train, meantime, had passed Marylebone Lane, when it again paused
+for a moment, at Jack's request, near the door of a public-house called
+the City of Oxford.
+
+Scarcely had it come to a halt, when a stalwart man shouldered his way,
+in spite of their opposition, through the lines of soldiery to the cart,
+and offered his large horny hand to the prisoner.
+
+"I told you I would call to bid you farewell, Mr. Figg," said Jack.
+
+"So you did," replied the prize-fighter. "Sorry you're obliged to keep
+your word. Heard of your last escape. Hoped you'd not be retaken. Never
+sent for the shirt."
+
+"I didn't want it," replied Jack; "but who are those gentlemen?"
+
+"Friends of yours," replied Figg; "come to see you;--Sir James
+Thornhill, Mr. Hogarth, and Mr. Gay. They send you every good wish."
+
+"Offer them my hearty thanks," replied Jack, waving his hand to the
+group, all of whom returned the salutation. "And now, farewell, Mr.
+Figg! In a few minutes, all will be over."
+
+Figg turned aside to hide the tears that started to his eyes,--for the
+stout prize-fighter, with a man's courage, had a woman's heart,--and the
+procession again set forward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+The Closing Scene.
+
+
+Tyburn was now at hand. Over the sea of heads arose a black and dismal
+object. It was the gallows. Jack, whose back was towards it, did not see
+it; but he heard, from the pitying exclamations of the crowd, that it
+was in view. This circumstance produced no further alteration in his
+demeanour except that he endeavoured to abstract himself from the
+surrounding scene, and bend his attention to the prayers which the
+ordinary was reciting.
+
+Just as he had succeeded in fixing his attention, it was again shaken,
+and he was almost unnerved by the sight of Mr. Wood, who was standing at
+the edge of a raised platform, anxiously waving his hand to him.
+
+Jack instantly sprang to his feet, and as his guards construed the
+motion into an attempt to escape, several of them drew their swords and
+motioned to him to sit down. But Jack did not heed them. His looks were
+fixed on his old benefactor.
+
+"God in Heaven bless you, unhappy boy!" cried. Wood, bursting into
+tears, "God bless you!"
+
+Jack extended his hand towards him, and looked anxiously for Thames; but
+he was nowhere to be seen. A severe pang shot through Jack's heart, and
+he would have given worlds if he possessed them to have seen his friend
+once more. The wish was vain: and, endeavouring to banish every earthly
+thought, he addressed himself deeply and sincerely to prayer.
+
+While this was passing, Jonathan had ridden back to Marvel to tell him
+that all was ready, and to give him his last instructions.
+
+"You'll lose no time," said the thief-taker. "A hundred pounds if you do
+it quickly."
+
+"Rely on me," rejoined the executioner, throwing away his pipe, which
+was just finished.
+
+A deep dread calm, like that which precedes a thunderstorm, now
+prevailed amongst the assemblage. The thousand voices which a few
+moments before had been so clamorous were now hushed. Not a breath was
+drawn. The troops had kept a large space clear around the gallows. The
+galleries adjoining it were crowded with spectators,--so was the roof of
+a large tavern, then the only house standing at the end of the Edgeware
+Road,--so were the trees,--the walls of Hyde Park,--a neighbouring barn,
+a shed,--in short, every available position.
+
+The cart, meantime, had approached the fatal tree. The guards, horse and
+foot, and constables formed a wide circle round it to keep off the mob.
+It was an awful moment--so awful, that every other feeling except deep
+interest in the scene seemed suspended.
+
+At this terrible juncture, Jack maintained his composure,--a smile
+played upon his face before the cap was drawn over it,--and the last
+words he uttered were, "My poor mother! I shall soon join her!" The rope
+was then adjusted, and the cart began to move.
+
+The next instant, he was launched into eternity!
+
+Scarcely had he been turned off a moment, when a man with swarthy
+features leapt into the cart with an open clasp-knife in his hand, and,
+before he could be prevented, severed the rope, and cut down the body.
+It was Blueskin. His assistance came too late. A ball from Wild's pistol
+passed through his heart, and a volley of musketry poured from the
+guards lodged several balls in the yet breathing body of his leader.
+
+Blueskin, however, was not unattended. A thousand eager assistants
+pressed behind him. Jack's body was caught, and passed from hand to hand
+over a thousand heads, till it was far from the fatal tree.
+
+The shouts of indignation--the frightful yells now raised baffle
+description. A furious attack was made on Jonathan, who, though he
+defended himself like a lion, was desperately wounded, and would
+inevitably have perished if he had not been protected by the guards,
+who were obliged to use both swords and fire-arms upon the mob in his
+defence. He was at length rescued from his assailants,--rescued to
+perish, seven months afterwards, with every ignominy, at the very gibbet
+to which he had brought his victim.
+
+The body of Jack Sheppard, meanwhile, was borne along by that tremendous
+host, which rose and fell like the waves of the ocean, until it
+approached the termination of the Edgeware Road.
+
+At this point a carriage with servants in sumptuous liveries was
+stationed. At the open door stood a young man in a rich garb with a mask
+on his face, who was encouraging the mob by words and gestures. At
+length, the body was brought towards him. Instantly seizing it, the
+young man placed it in the carriage, shut the door, and commanded his
+servants to drive off. The order was promptly obeyed, and the horses
+proceeded at a furious pace along the Edgeware Road.
+
+Half an hour afterwards the body of Jack was carefully examined. It had
+been cut down before life was extinct, but a ball from one of the
+soldiers had pierced his heart.
+
+Thus died Jack Sheppard.
+
+That night a grave was dug in Willesden churchyard, next to that in
+which Mrs. Sheppard had been interred. Two persons, besides the
+clergyman and sexton, alone attended the ceremony. They were a young man
+and an old one, and both appeared deeply affected. The coffin was
+lowered into the grave, and the mourners departed. A simple wooden
+monument was placed over the grave, but without any name or date. In
+after years, some pitying hand supplied the inscription, which ran
+thus--
+
+[Illustration: JACK SHEPPARD]
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Jack Sheppard, by William Harrison Ainsworth
+
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