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diff --git a/44522-0.txt b/44522-0.txt index f8fd532..37720e3 100644 --- a/44522-0.txt +++ b/44522-0.txt @@ -1,37 +1,4 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Jack Sheppard, Vol. II (of III), by W. 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, Vol. II (of III) - A Romance - -Author: W. Harrison Ainsworth - -Illustrator: George Cruikshank - -Release Date: December 26, 2013 [EBook #44522] -Last Updated: February 28, 2018 - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JACK SHEPPARD, VOL. II (OF III) *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger - - - - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44522 *** JACK SHEPPARD @@ -6060,358 +6027,4 @@ END VOLUME II End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Jack Sheppard, Vol. II (of III), by W. Harrison Ainsworth -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JACK SHEPPARD, VOL. II (OF III) *** - -***** This file should be named 44522-0.txt or 44522-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/5/2/44522/ - -Produced by David Widger - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Harrison Ainsworth </title> @@ -38,45 +39,7 @@ Jack Sheppard, Vol II, by W. Harrison Ainsworth </style> </head> <body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Jack Sheppard, Vol. II (of III), by W. 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, Vol. II (of III) -A Romance - -Author: W. Harrison Ainsworth - -Illustrator: George Cruikshank - -Release Date: December 26, 2013 [EBook #44522] -Last Updated: February 28, 2018 - - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JACK SHEPPARD, VOL. II (OF III) *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger - - - - - -</pre> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44522 ***</div> <div style="height: 8em;"> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> @@ -7335,379 +7298,6 @@ END VOLUME II <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div> - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Jack Sheppard, Vol. II (of III), by -W. Harrison Ainsworth - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JACK SHEPPARD, VOL. II (OF III) *** - -***** This file should be named 44522-h.htm or 44522-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/5/2/44522/ - -Produced by David Widger - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. 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-Jack Sheppard, Vol II, by W. Harrison Ainsworth
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-Project Gutenberg's Jack Sheppard, Vol. II (of III), by W. 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, Vol. II (of III)
-A Romance
-
-Author: W. Harrison Ainsworth
-
-Illustrator: George Cruikshank
-
-Release Date: December 26, 2013 [EBook #44522]
-Last Updated: February 28, 2018
-
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JACK SHEPPARD, VOL. II (OF III) ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by David Widger
-
-
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
-<div style="height: 8em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h1>
-JACK SHEPPARD
-</h1>
-<h3>
-VOLUME II (of III)
-</h3>
-<h2>
-A Romance
-</h2>
-<p>
-<br />
-</p>
-<h2>
-By W. Harrison Ainsworth
-</h2>
-<h4>
-1839
-</h4>
-<div class="middle">
-<pre xml:space="preserve">
-
-<i>“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.”</i>
-
-<i>Life and Actions of Guzman d'Alfarache.</i>
-</pre>
-</div>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/007s.jpg" alt="007s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/007.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a> -- <a
-href="images/007m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<div class="fig" style="width:80%;">
-<img src="images/tirtlepage.jpg" alt="tirtlepage" width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<p>
-<b>CONTENTS</b>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2H_ILL"> ILLUSTRATIONS: </a>
-</p>
-<p>
-<br />
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER XIII. THE MAGDALENE. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER XIV. THE FLASH KEN. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER XV. THE ROBBERY IN WILLESDEN CHURCH. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER XVI. JONATHAN WILD'S HOUSE IN THE OLD
-BAILEY. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER XVII. THE NIGHT-CELLAR. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER XVIII. HOW JACK SHEPPARD BROKE OUT OF THE
-CAGE AT WILLESDEN. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER XIX. GOOD AND EVIL. </a>
-</p>
-<p>
-<br />
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2H_4_0008"> <b>EPOCH THE THIRD, THE PRISON-BREAKER, 1724.</b>
-</a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER I. THE RETURN. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER II. THE BURGLARY AT DOLLIS HILL. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER III. JACK SHEPPARD'S QUARREL WITH
-JONATHAN WILD. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER IV. JACK SHEPPARD'S ESCAPE FROM THE NEW
-PRISON. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER V. THE DISGUISE. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER VI. WINIFRED RECEIVES TWO PROPOSALS. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER VII. JACK SHEPPARD WARNS THAMES DARRELL.
-</a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER VIII. OLD BEDLAM. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER IX. OLD NEWGATE. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER X. HOW JACK SHEPPARD GOT OUT OF THE
-CONDEMNED HOLD. </a>
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2H_ILL" id="link2H_ILL"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<p>
-<b>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</b>
-</p>
-<p>
-<br />
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#linkimage-0001"> Frontispiece: Jack Shepard committing the
-Robbery in Willesden Church </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#linkimage-0003"> Jack Sheppard gets drunk, and orders his Mother
-off </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#linkimage-0005"> Jack Sheppard's escape from Willesden Cage </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#linkimage-0006"> Mrs. Sheppard expostulating with her Son </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#linkimage-0007"> Jack Sheppard and Blueskin in Mr.Wood's Bedroom
-</a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#linkimage-0008"> Jack Sheppard and Edgeworth Bess escaping from
-Clerkenwell Prison </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#linkimage-0009"> Jack Sheppard escaping from the Condemned Hold
-in Newgate </a>
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER XIII. THE MAGDALENE.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he 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>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </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 “only Mrs. Sheppard.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Who?” almost screamed Mrs. Wood.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Jack Sheppard's mother,” answered the little girl, dejectedly; “she has
-brought a basket of eggs from Willesden, and some flowers for you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“For me!” vociferated Mrs. Wood, in indignant surprise. “Eggs for me! You
-mistake, child. They must be for your father.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No; I'm quite sure she said they're for you,” replied Winifred; “but she
-<i>does</i> want to see father.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I thought as much,” sneered Mrs. Wood.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I'll go to her directly,” said Wood, bustling towards the door. “I dare
-say she has called to inquire about Jack.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I dare say no such thing,” interposed his better half, authoritatively;
-“remain where you are, Sir.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“At all events, let me send her away, my dear,” supplicated the carpenter,
-anxious to avert the impending storm.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Do you hear me?” cried the lady, with increasing vehemence. “Stir a foot,
-at your peril.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“But, my love,” still remonstrated Wood, “you know I'm going to look after
-the boys——”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </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>
-“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.”
- </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—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.
-</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—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Don't touch it, Winny!” screamed Mrs. Wood, “it may be poisoned.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I'm not afraid, mother,” said the little girl, smelling at the bouquet.
-“How sweet these roses are! Shall I put them into water?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Put them where they came from,” replied Mrs. Wood, severely, “and go to
-bed.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“But, mother, mayn't I sit up to see whether Thames returns?” implored
-Winifred.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>you</i>,
-at least,” 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>
-“Intruding!” echoed Mrs. Wood; “to be sure you are! I wonder how you dare
-show your face in this house, hussy!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I thought you sent for me, Ma'am,” replied the widow, humbly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“So I did,” retorted Mrs. Wood; “and I did so to see how far your
-effrontery would carry you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I'm sure I'm very sorry. I hope I haven't given any unintentional
-offence?” said the widow, again meekly appealing to Wood.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Mrs. Sheppard raised her eyes, and fixed them upon her interrogator.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Are you not that man's mistress?” demanded Mrs. Wood, with a look meant
-to reduce her supposed rival to the dust.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I am no man's mistress,” answered the widow, crimsoning to her temples,
-but preserving her meek deportment, and humble tone.
-</p>
-<p>
-“That's false!” cried Mrs. Wood. “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—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My dear,” interposed Wood, “for goodness' sake—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I <i>will</i> speak,” screamed his wife, totally disregarding the
-interruption; “I <i>will</i> tell this worthless creature what I know
-about her,—and what I think of her.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Not now, my love—not now,” entreated Wood.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Yes, <i>now</i>,” 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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That was my doing, dearest,” urged the carpenter; “I was afraid if you
-saw her that some such scene as this might occur.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Unworthy, indeed!” sneered Mrs. Wood.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I never doubted the latter point, I assure you, Madam,” observed Mrs.
-Wood.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mighty fine!” ejaculated Mrs. Wood, contemptuously.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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,—in mind.
-But <i>then</i>—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, <i>may</i> be
-reclaimed,—may repent, and be forgiven,—even as she, whose
-sins, 'though many, were forgiven her'.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>mere words</i> to prove that a person's
-character was abused.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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?'”
- </p>
-<p>
-“He is, indeed,” replied the widow, fervently; “more—much more than
-that.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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 <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, that anything I say has reference to you. I'm speaking of
-virtuous women—of WIVES, Madam. Mistresses neither deserve
-consideration nor commiseration.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Pray do so, Madam,” retorted Mrs. Wood, “and take your son with you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My son!” echoed the widow, trembling.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thieves!” exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, horror-stricken.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Jonathan Wild and Blueskin have got him into their hands,” continued Mrs.
-Wood.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Impossible!” exclaimed the widow, wildly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“If you doubt my word, woman,” replied the carpenter's wife, coldly, “ask
-Mr. Wood.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I wish I could, Joan,” returned the carpenter, sadly.
-</p>
-<p>
-Mrs. Sheppard let fall her basket.
-</p>
-<p>
-“My son,” she murmured, wringing her hands piteously—, “my son the
-companion of thieves! My son in Jonathan Wild's power! It cannot be.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Compose yourself, Joan,” said Wood; “all will yet be well.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Mr. Wood's reply, if he intended any, was cut short by a loud knocking at
-the door.
-</p>
-<p>
-“'Odd's-my-life!—what's that?” he cried, greatly alarmed.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“If it <i>is</i> 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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Has Jonathan Wild been here to-day?” asked Mrs. Sheppard, anxiously.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</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>
-“Is this Misther Wudd's, my pretty miss?” demanded the rough voice of the
-Irish watchman.
-</p>
-<p>
-“It is”, seplied Winifred; “have you brought any tidings of Thames
-Darrell!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Troth have I!” replied Terence: “but, bless your angilic face, how did
-you contrive to guess that?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Is he well?—is he safe?—is he coming back,” cried the little
-girl, disregarding the question.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </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 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>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Oh!” exclaimed the widow, covering her face with her hands.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You are very kind, Sir,” returned the widow, “but I require no support.
-Nothing stronger than water has passed my lips for years.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>my</i>
-fixed determination.”
- </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 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 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-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.
-</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,—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.
-</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—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.
-</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 Wild's house in the Old Bailey;
-while Mrs. Sheppard, whose maternal fears drew her in another direction,
-hurried off to the Mint.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER XIV. THE FLASH KEN.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>n 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“We know it,” cried several voices.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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 <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.'—'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 <i>not</i> do it; they
-did <i>not</i> hang the bailiffs; and where are they?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ay, where are they?” echoed the company with indignant derision.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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 '<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—that <i>I</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!”
- </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,—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.
-</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 retroussé</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,—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,—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 <i>suit</i>,—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 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Halloa!” cried Jack, looking round, and trying to fix his inebriate gaze
-upon the speaker,—“who's that?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Your mother,” replied Mrs. Sheppard. “Come home directly, Sir.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mother be——!” returned Jack. “Who is it, Bess?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“How should I know?” replied Edgeworth Bess. “But if it <i>is</i> your
-mother, send her about her business.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That I will,” replied Jack, “in the twinkling of a bedpost.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Glad to see you once more in the Mint, Mrs. Sheppard,” roared Blueskin,
-who anticipated some fun. “Come and sit down by me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Jack, my love,” cried Mrs. Sheppard, disregarding the taunt, “come away.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Not I,” replied Jack; “I'm too comfortable where I am. Be off!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Jack!” exclaimed his unhappy parent.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Mr. Sheppard, if you please, Ma'am,” interrupted the lad; “I allow nobody
-to call me Jack. Do I, Bess, eh?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nobody whatever, love,” replied Edgeworth Bess; “nobody but me, dear.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And me,” insinuated Mrs. Maggot. “My little fancy man's quite as fond of
-me as of you, Bess. Ain't you, Jacky darling?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Not quite, Poll,” returned Mr. Sheppard; “but I love you next to her, and
-both of you better than <i>Her</i>,” pointing with the pipe to his mother.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Oh, Heavens!” cried Mrs. Sheppard.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Bravo!” shouted Blueskin. “Tom Sheppard never said a better thing than
-that—ho! ho!”
- </p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/054s.jpg" alt="054s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/054.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a> -- <a
-href="images/054m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-“Jack,” cried his mother, wringing her hands in distraction, “you'll break
-my heart!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Poh! poh!” returned her son; “women don't so easily break their hearts.
-Do they, Bess?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Certainly not,” replied the young lady appealed to, “especially about
-their sons.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Wretch!” cried Mrs. Sheppard, bitterly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Yes—what do you mean, Ma'am?” added Jack, staggering after her.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Come with me, my love, come—come,” cried his mother, seizing his
-hand, and endeavouring to force him away.
-</p>
-<p>
-“He shan't go,” cried Edgeworth Bess, holding him by the other hand.
-“Here, Poll, help me!”
- </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>
-“Now, let's see who'll dare to take him down,” she cried.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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—”
- </p>
-<p>
-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>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER XV. THE ROBBERY IN WILLESDEN CHURCH.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">D</span>uring 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-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.
-</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,—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-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.
-</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—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 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—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.
-</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;—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.
-</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, “<i>Thou shalt
-not steal</i>!” 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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-She uttered a loud scream, and fainted.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/007s.jpg" alt="007s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/007.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a> -- <a
-href="images/007m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER XVI. JONATHAN WILD'S HOUSE IN THE OLD BAILEY.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">J</span>ust 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You're not hurt I hope, Sir Rowland?” inquired this individual.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“<i>I</i> know what ails him, your honour,” rejoined the groom, riding up
-as he spoke; “he's seen somethin' not o' this world.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Most likely,” observed Jonathan, with a slight sneer; “the ghost of some
-highwayman who has just breathed his last in Newgate, no doubt.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“May be,” returned the man gravely.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What do you mean, Sir?” asked Trenchard.
-</p>
-<p>
-“A fall against Newgate is accounted a sign of death by the halter,”
- replied Wild, with ill-disguised malignity.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Tush!” exclaimed Sir Rowland, angrily.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I didn't suspect you of so much superstition, Mr. Wild,” observed the
-knight, contemptuously.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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, <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—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No more of this,” interrupted Trenchard; “where is the boy?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Not far hence,” replied Wild. “After all our pains we were near losing
-him, Sir Rowland.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“How so?” asked the other, distrustfully.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What is this to me, Sir?” said Trenchard, cutting him short.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Conduct me to your dwelling, Sir, without further delay,” said Trenchard,
-sternly,—“to the boy.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“The boy's not at my house,” replied Wild.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Where is he, then?” demanded the other, hastily.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-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.
-</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 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.
-</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—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.
-</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>
-“So, you're admiring my cabinet, Sir Rowland,” he remarked, with a
-sinister smile; “it <i>is</i> 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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“To business, Sir!” said the knight, with a look of abhorrence.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ay, to business,” returned Jonathan, grinning, “the sooner the better.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Here is the sum you bargained for,” rejoined Trenchard, flinging a
-pocket-book on the table; “count it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Jonathan's eyes glistened as he told over the notes.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Keep it,” said Trenchard, haughtily.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I'll place it to your account, Sir Rowland,” answered the thief-taker,
-smiling significantly. “And now, shall we proceed to Queenhithe?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Stay!” cried the other, taking a chair, “a word with you, Mr. Wild.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“As many as you please, Sir Rowland,” replied Jonathan, resuming his seat.
-“I'm quite at your disposal.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I have a question to propose to you,” said Trenchard, “relating to—”
- and he hesitated.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>shall</i> know.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Without further fee?” inquired the knight.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I am at a loss to understand you Sir,”, said Trenchard.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ha!” ejaculated the other.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Of course, therefore,” pursued Jonathan, “you are acquainted with all the
-leaders of the proposed insurrection,—nay, must be in correspondence
-with them.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What right have you to suppose this, Sir?” demanded Trenchard, sternly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My sister Constance!” echoed the knight; “what of her?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You agree to my proposal, then?” said Jonathan.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Do you take me for as great a villain as yourself, Sir?” said the knight,
-rising.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>may</i> 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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Are you ready?” said Trenchard, striding towards the door.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I am,” replied Jonathan, following him, “and so,” he added in an
-undertone, “are your captors.”
- </p>
-<p>
-A moment afterwards, they quitted the house.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER XVII. THE NIGHT-CELLAR.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>fter 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 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.
-</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—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.
-</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 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>
-“This is the gentleman,” observed Jonathan, introducing Trenchard to the
-Hollander, “who is about to intrust his young relation to your care.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Where is he?” asked Sir Rowland, glancing uneasily around. “I do not see
-him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“De jonker. He's here,” returned the skipper, pointing significantly
-downwards. “Bring him out, Quilt.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So saying, he pushed aside the table, and the janizary stooping down,
-undrew a bolt and opened a trap-door.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Come out!” roared Quilt, looking into the aperture. “You're wanted.”
- </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>
-The poor boy, whose hands were pinioned behind him, looked very pale, but
-neither trembled, nor exhibited any other symptom of alarm.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Why didn't you come out when I called you, you young dog?” cried Quilt in
-a savage tone.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Because I knew what you wanted me for!” answered Thames firmly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Oh! you did, did you?” said the janizary. “And what do you suppose we
-mean to do with you, eh?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Your mother is dead,” interposed Wild, scowling.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Tell him so, and have done with him, Sir Rowland,” observed Jonathan
-coldly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Tell me the truth, I implore you,” cried Thames. “Is she alive?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“She is not,” replied Trenchard, overcome by conflicting emotions, and
-unable to endure the boy's agonized look.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Are you answered?” said Jonathan, with a grin worthy of a demon.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mr. Wild,” said Trenchard, “I shall proceed no further in this business.
-Set the boy free.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“A word,” cried the boy, as the janizary was preparing to obey his
-master's orders. “What has become of Jack Sheppard?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Poor Jack!” sighed Thames. “You needn't gag me,” he added, “I'll not cry
-out.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</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>
-“Is the case of watches on board?” he asked in an under tone.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ja,” replied the skipper.
-</p>
-<p>
-“And the rings?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ja.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Is the sloop ready to sail?” asked Wild, without noticing the skipper's
-remark.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ja,” answered Van; “at a minut's nodish.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I ondershtand,” replied the skipper, putting his finger to his nose; “it
-shall be done.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir Rowland,” said Jonathan, turning to the knight, “will it please you
-to remain here till I return, or will you accompany us?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I will go with you,” answered Trenchard, who, by this time, had regained
-his composure, and with it all his relentlessness of purpose.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Come, then,” said Wild, marching towards the door, “we've no time to
-lose.”
- </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—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You remember that starling, Sir Rowland,” he said maliciously, “and what
-occurred on it, twelve years ago?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“We'll see,” 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>
-“It's the skull of a <i>rebel</i>,” 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.
-</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, “We shall meet again.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Not in this world,” returned Jonathan. “Weigh anchor, Van!” he shouted to
-the skipper, “and consult your despatches.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ja—ja,” 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 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.
-</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>
-“At length I am my own master,” murmured the knight, as his foot touched
-the strand.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Not so, Sir Rowland,” returned Jonathan; “you are my prisoner.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“How!” ejaculated Trenchard, starting back and drawing his sword.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You are arrested for high treason,” rejoined Wild, presenting a pistol at
-his head, while he drew forth a parchment,—“here is my warrant.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Traitor!” cried Sir Rowland—“damned—double-dyed traitor!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-With this, he mounted his steed and rode off.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER XVIII. HOW JACK SHEPPARD BROKE OUT OF THE CAGE AT WILLESDEN.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he 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.
-</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—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-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.
-</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,—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/108s.jpg" alt="108s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/108.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a> -- <a
-href="images/108m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Why, what the devil's this?” vociferated Jonathan, looking up. “Have you
-broken out of the cage, Jack?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Something like it,” replied the lad carelessly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Bravo!” cried the thief-taker approvingly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well, that beats all I ever heard of!” roared Blueskin.
-</p>
-<p>
-“But are you really there?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Before I leave this place, I must see my mother.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I don't care for that,” replied Jack. “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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </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>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Don't hurry yourself,” said Jonathan, “I'll wait for you here.”
- </p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER XIX. GOOD AND EVIL.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>s 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.
-</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 “Mother!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Who's there?” asked a faint voice from the bed.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Your son,” answered the boy.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Jack,” exclaimed the widow, starting up and drawing back the curtain. “Is
-it indeed you, or am I dreaming?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Where are you going?” asked his mother.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I hardly know,” returned Jack; “but it's not safe for me to remain much
-longer here.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/117s.jpg" alt="117s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/117.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a> -- <a
-href="images/117m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-Her son complied, and sat down upon the patch-work coverlet beside her.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is too late,” returned Jack, sullenly; “I can't be honest if I would.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I can't,” replied Jack, doggedly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Can't!” repeated his mother. “Why not?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“<i>I'll</i> 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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Robbed him!” screamed the widow. “Jack!”
- </p>
-<p>
-Her son averted his gaze.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah!” ejaculated the widow, hiding her face.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Come,” said Wild, turning authoritatively to Jack,—“you have
-overstayed your time.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Do not go with him, Jack!” shrieked his mother. “Do not—do not!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“He <i>must!</i>” thundered Jonathan, “or he goes to jail.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“If you must go to prison, I will go with you,” cried Mrs. Sheppard: “but
-avoid that man as you would a serpent.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Come along,” thundered Jonathan.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Pshaw!” said Wild. “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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It does so,” said Wild. “Choose, Jack.”
- </p>
-<p>
-The lad made no answer, but left the room.
-</p>
-<p>
-“He is gone!” cried Mrs. Sheppard despairingly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“For ever!” said the thief-taker, preparing to follow.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“NINE!” answered Jonathan sternly.
-</p>
-<h3>
-END THE SECOND EPOCH.
-</h3>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-EPOCH THE THIRD, THE PRISON-BREAKER, 1724.
-</h2>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER I. THE RETURN.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span>early 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.
-</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 “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.
-</p>
-<p>
-Bowing to the stranger, the woollen-draper very politely requested to know
-his business.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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!—<i>is</i> still living. And, for a man who'll never
-see sixty again, he's in excellent preservation, I assure you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You delight me with the intelligence,” said the stranger, entirely
-recovering his cheerfulness of look.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I began to fear, from his having quitted the old place, that some
-misfortune must have befallen him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well, Sir?” cried the other, eagerly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“His wife is still living,” returned Kneebone, drily.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Say no more on the subject, Sir,” observed the stranger, gravely; “but
-let us turn to a more agreeable one—her daughter.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That is a far more agreeable one, I must confess,” returned Kneebone,
-with a self-sufficient smirk.
-</p>
-<p>
-The stranger looked at him as if strongly disposed to chastise his
-impertinence.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Is she married?” he asked, after a brief pause.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You astonish me,” said the stranger, in a voice full of emotion.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Why it <i>is</i> 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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“She is a matchless creature!” exclaimed the young man.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Why, surely you don't mean Jack Sheppard?” cried the woollen-draper in
-surprise.
-</p>
-<p>
-“That was the lad's name,” returned the stranger.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Does that villain still maintain his power?” asked the stranger sternly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-At the mention of the latter occurrence, a dark cloud gathered upon the
-stranger's brow.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Do you know anything further of Sir Rowland?” he asked.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-The stranger was for a moment lost in reflection.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Jack's mother?” exclaimed the young man. “Gracious Heaven!—is she
-the inmate of a mad-house?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-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.
-</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>
-“Don't you perceive, my dear Mrs. Maggot, that I'm engaged,” said
-Kneebone, a little disconcerted.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Who've you got with you?” demanded the Amazon, boldly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Upon my word, Poll,” said Kneebone, becoming very red, “you might have a
-little more delicacy than to tell him so before my face.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You had better retire, Madam,” said the woollen-draper, sharply, “if you
-can't conduct yourself with more propriety.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Zounds!” cried Kneebone, furiously. “Go to your own room, woman,
-directly, or I'll make you!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Make me!” echoed Mrs. Maggot, bursting into a loud contemptuous laugh.
-“Try!”
- </p>
-<p>
-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>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My dear Poll!” said Kneebone, picking himself up, “I entreat you to
-moderate yourself.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What say you, Sir?” said the Amazon, with an engaging leer at the
-stranger. “<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?”
- </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>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You shall first go to Bridewell, you jade!” rejoined Kneebone. “Here,
-Tom,” he added, calling to a shop-boy, “run and fetch a constable.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“He had better bring half-a-dozen,” said the Amazon, taking up a
-cloth-yard wand, and quietly seating herself; “one won't do.”
- </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,—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.
-</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 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Whose house do you want, master?” said the man, touching his hat.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Mr. Wood's,” was the reply.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-The young man thanked his informant, and was about to follow his
-instructions, when the other called after him——
-</p>
-<p>
-“I say, master, did you ever hear tell of Mr. Wood's famous 'prentice?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What apprentice?” asked the stranger, in surprise.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>were</i> him as I seed then, he's just now ridden past us, and put
-up at the Six Bells.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“The deuce he has!” cried Dump. “If you were sure o' that we might seize
-him, and get the reward for his apprehension.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>might</i> do——”
- </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,—“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-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,—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-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>
-“I need not ask whether this is Mr. Wood's,” said the latter, “since I
-find him at his own gate.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You are right, Sir,” said the worthy carpenter, rising. “I am Owen Wood,
-at your service.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You do not remember me, I dare say,” observed the stranger.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </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,—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,—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“My wife and daughter, Sir,” 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>
-“This gentleman brings us tidings of an old friend, my dear,” said the
-carpenter.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ay, indeed! And who may that be?” inquired his wife.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </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>
-“I have a token to deliver to you,” continued the stranger, addressing
-her.
-</p>
-<p>
-“To me?” gasped Winifred.
-</p>
-<p>
-“This locket,” he said, taking a little ornament attached to a black
-ribband from his breast, and giving it her,—“do you remember it?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I do—I do!” cried Winifred.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What's all this?” exclaimed Wood in amazement.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“God bless me!” ejaculated the carpenter, rubbing his eyes, “can—can
-it be?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Surely,” screamed Mrs. Wood, joining the group, “it isn't Thames Darrell
-come to life again?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is—it is!” cried Winifred, rushing towards him, and flinging her
-arms round his neck,—“it is my dear—dear brother!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My turn comes before yours, Sir,” interposed his better half. “Come to my
-arms, Thames! Oh! dear! Oh! dear!”
- </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—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.
-</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 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>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I always detested Mrs. Sheppard,” cried the carpenter's wife bitterly;
-“and, I repeat, Bedlam's too good for her.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My dear,” observed Wood, “you should be more charitable—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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>I</i>
-call it defeating the ends of justice. See what a horrible rascal you've
-let loose upon the world!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mend!” echoed Mrs. Wood, contemptuously, “he'll never mend till he comes
-to Tyburn.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Hold your tongue!” cried Mrs. Wood. “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—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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I hope such a thing never <i>will</i> happen again, my dear,” observed
-Wood, mildly, “but, when it does, it will be time to consider what course
-we ought to pursue.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No doubt, my dear,” acquiesced the carpenter, “no doubt.”
- </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,—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.
-</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 “defer all <i>she</i> had to propose to him until to-morrow.”
- </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—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—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER II. THE BURGLARY AT DOLLIS HILL.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>hames 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.
-</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:—
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Pish!” cried Jack: “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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Why what will she say?” inquired Sheppard.
-</p>
-<p>
-“That we were afraid,” replied the other; “but never mind her.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ay; but I do mind her,” cried Jack upon whom his comrade's observation
-had produced the desired effect. “We'll do it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That's right, Captain,” rejoined Blueskin. “You pledged yourself to Mr.
-Wild—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I did,” interrupted Jack; “and I never yet broke an engagement. Though a
-thief, Jack Sheppard is a man of his word.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“To be sure he is,” acquiesced Blueskin. “I should like to meet the man
-who would dare to gainsay it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Wood's daughter, I suppose?” observed the other.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You've hit it,” answered Sheppard.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What say you to carrying her off, Captain?” suggested Blueskin. “If
-you've a fancy for the girl, we might do it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You forget,” rejoined Jack, sternly, “I've just said I'll have no
-violence—mind that.”
- </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 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/166s.jpg" alt="166s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/166.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a> -- <a
-href="images/166m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-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.
-</p>
-<p>
-Jack instantly extinguished the light, and called to his comrade to come
-after him.
-</p>
-<p>
-But Blueskin found it impossible to make off,—at least with the
-spoil,—Mrs. Wood having laid hold of the canvass-bag.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Give back the things!” cried the, lady. “Help!—help, Mr. Wood!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“No, I won't leave go!” screamed Mrs. Wood. “Fire!—murder—thieves!—I've
-got one of 'em!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Come along,” cried Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Help!—murder!—thieves!” screamed Mrs. Wood;—“Owen—Owen!—Thames,
-help!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Coming!” cried Mr. Wood, leaping from the bed. “Where are you?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Here,” replied Mrs. Wood. “Help—I'll hold him!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Leave her,” cried Jack, darting down stairs, amid a furious ringing of
-bells,—“the house is alarmed,—follow me!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Curses light on you!” cried Blueskin, savagely; “since you won't be
-advised, take your fate.”
- </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,—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER III. JACK SHEPPARD'S QUARREL WITH JONATHAN WILD.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span>carcely 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No,” answered Jack, flinging himself sullenly into a chair, “I've not.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Why how's this?” exclaimed Jonathan. “Jack Sheppard failed! I'd not
-believe it, if any one but himself told me so.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I've not failed,” returned Jack, angrily; “but we've done too much.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I'm no reader of riddles,” said Jonathan. “Speak plainly.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What! have you cut old Wood's throat?” asked Wild, with great unconcern,
-as he took up the bag.
-</p>
-<p>
-“If I <i>had</i>, you'd not have seen me here,” replied Jack, sullenly.
-“The blood that has been spilt is that of his wife.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It was her own fault,” observed Blueskin, moodily. “She wouldn't let me
-go. I did it in self-defence.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I care not why you did it,” said Jack, sternly. “We work together no
-more.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Accident or not,” rejoined Sheppard; “you're no longer pall of mine.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My mind's made up,” rejoined Jack, coldly,—“we part to-night.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I don't require it,” returned Sheppard. “I'm tired of the life I'm
-leading. I shall quit it and go abroad.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I'll go with you,” said Blueskin.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Before either of you go, you will ask my permission,” said Jonathan,
-coolly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“How!” exclaimed Sheppard. “Do you mean to say you will interfere—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.'”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Slave?” echoed Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Dare to disobey,” continued Jonathan: “neglect my orders, and I will hang
-you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Sheppard started to his feet.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That he is,” added Blueskin, approvingly.
-</p>
-<p>
-Jonathan smiled contemptuously.
-</p>
-<p>
-“One motive alone shall induce me to go on with you,” said Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What's that?” asked Wild.
-</p>
-<p>
-“The youth whom you delivered to Van Galgebrok,—Thames Darrell, is
-returned.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Impossible!” cried Jonathan. “He was thrown overboard, and perished at
-sea.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Humph!” exclaimed Jonathan.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Your answer!” cried Sheppard. “Yes, or no?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Deferred!” echoed Sheppard.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“An hour,” said Jonathan, looking at his watch,—“remember!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You will spare the officers a labour then,” rejoined Jonathan.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Can't I settle this business, Captain,” muttered Blueskin, drawing a
-pistol.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Don't harm him,” said Jack, carelessly: “he dares not do it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So saying, he left the room.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Blueskin,” said Jonathan, as that worthy was about to follow, “I advise
-you to remain with me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No,” answered the ruffian, moodily. “If you arrest him, you must arrest
-me also.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“As you will,” 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, 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>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER IV. JACK SHEPPARD'S ESCAPE FROM THE NEW PRISON.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>n 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-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.
-</p>
-<p>
-Left alone with Edgeworth Bess, Jack burst into a loud laugh of
-exultation.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“He has,” replied Bess, producing the handkerchief.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-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.
-</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—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—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>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/184s.jpg" alt="184s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/184.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a> -- <a
-href="images/184m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<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 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>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER V. THE DISGUISE.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>n 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.
-</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,—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-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.
-</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 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>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Blood and thunder!” exclaimed Quilt, opening his eyes with astonishment.
-“It can't be Captain Sheppard!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It <i>is</i>,” 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 <i>has</i> come,—and
-sooner than you expected.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I know it,” replied Sheppard, “and therefore I spare your life.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“And now,” he continued, sternly, “was it your master who has just ridden
-by?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No,” answered Quilt, sullenly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Who, then?” demanded Jack. “Speak, or I fire!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well, if you <i>will</i> have it, it's Sir Rowland Trenchard.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir Rowland Trenchard!” echoed Jack, in amazement. “What are you doing
-with him?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It's a long story, Captain, and I've no breath to tell it,—unless
-you choose to release me,” rejoined Quilt.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Get up, then,” said Jack, freeing his foot from the stirrup. “Now—begin.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Quilt, however, seemed unwilling to speak.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I should be sorry to proceed to extremities,” continued Sheppard, again
-raising the pistol.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Respecting Thames Darrell?” observed Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Why, how the devil did you happen to guess that?” cried the janizary.
-</p>
-<p>
-“No matter,” replied Sheppard. “I'm glad to find I'm right. You informed
-Sir Rowland that Thames Darrell was returned?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Why, surely you can't be in earnest, Captain. You wouldn't rob Mr. Wild's
-chief janizary?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well, rather than you should commit so great a crime, Captain, here it
-is,” replied Quilt, handing him the garment in question. “Anything else?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Your waistcoat.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“'Zounds! Captain, I shall get my death of cold. I was in hopes you'd be
-content with my hat and wig.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I shall require them as well,” rejoined Sheppard; “and your boots.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My boots! Fire and fury! They won't fit you; they are too large. Besides,
-how am I to ride home without them?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Don't distress yourself,” returned Jack, “you shall walk. Now,” he added,
-as his commands were reluctantly obeyed, “help me on with them.”
- </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>
-“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?”
- </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>
-“What has delayed you?” demanded the knight impatiently.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I fancied I heard voices,” rejoined Sir Rowland.
-</p>
-<p>
-“So did I,” answered Jack; “we had better move on. This is a noted place
-for highwaymen.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I thought you told me that the rascal who has so long been the terror of
-the town—Jack Sheppard—was in custody.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </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>
-“Well, what sort of journey have you had, Quilt?” asked the man as he
-hastened to assist Sir Rowland to dismount.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Oh! we've lost no time, as you perceive,” replied Jack. “Is the governor
-within?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Yes; you'll find him in the audience-chamber. He has got Blueskin with
-him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah! indeed! what's he doing here?” inquired Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well, we shall see,” replied Jack. “Look to the horses, Obadiah. This
-way, Sir Rowland.”
- </p>
-<p>
-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.”
- </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>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“One word before I go,” urged Blueskin.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Not a syllable,” replied Wild. “If you talk as long as an Old Bailey
-counsel, you'll not alter my determination.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Won't my life do as well as his?” supplicated the other.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Humph!” exclaimed Jonathan, doubtfully. “And you would surrender yourself—eh?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Faithful fellow!” murmured Jack. “I forgive him his disobedience.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Will you do it?” persisted Blueskin.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I <i>do</i> 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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Not quite,” rejoined the thief-taker, significantly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well,” growled Blueskin, “you've had my offer.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And you my warning,” retorted Wild. “Good night!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Blueskin,” whispered Jack, in his natural tones, as the other passed him,
-“wait without.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Power o' mercy!” cried Blueskin starting.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What's the matter?” demanded Jonathan, harshly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Nothin'—nothin',” returned Blueskin; “only I thought—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Blueskin nodded, and left the room. Jack affected to close the door, but
-left it slightly ajar.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What did you say to him?” inquired Jonathan, suspiciously.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I advised him not to trouble you farther about Jack Sheppard,” answered
-the supposed janizary.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </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>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“True,” replied Wild. “You were no doubt surprised by the unlooked-for
-intelligence I sent you of your nephew's return?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Was it <i>unlooked-for</i> on your part?” demanded the knight,
-distrustfully.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Have you seen him?” asked Trenchard.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And what course do you propose to pursue in reference to him?” asked Sir
-Rowland.
-</p>
-<p>
-“My plan is a very simple one,” rejoined the thief-taker smiling bitterly.
-“I would treat him as you treated his father, Sir Rowland.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Murder him!” cried Trenchard shuddering.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And perish upon the gibbet,” rejoined Jonathan contemptuously.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Flight is still left me,” replied Trenchard. “I can escape to France.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And do you think I'll allow you to depart,” cried Jonathan in a menacing
-tone, “and compromise <i>my</i> safety? No, no. We are linked together in
-this matter, and must go through with it. You cannot—shall not
-retreat.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Death and hell!” cried Sir Rowland, rising and drawing his sword; “do you
-think you can shackle my free will, villain?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-As Jonathan said this, Jack's hand involuntarily sought a pistol.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Those terms were a third of my estate,” observed Trenchard bitterly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What of that,” rejoined Jonathan. “Any price was better than your head.
-If Thames Darrell escapes, you will lose both life and property.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“True, true,” replied the knight, with an agonized look; “there is no
-alternative.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“None whatever,” rejoined Wild. “Is it a bargain?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Take half of my estate—take all—my life, if you will—I
-am weary of it!” cried Trenchard passionately.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-And, as he spoke, he took up a sheet of paper, and hastily traced a few
-lines upon it.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sign this,” he said, pushing the document towards Sir Rowland.
-</p>
-<p>
-The knight mechanically complied with his request.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“A secret!” exclaimed Trenchard. “Concerning whom?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mrs. Sheppard,” replied Jonathan, mysteriously.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Mrs. Sheppard!” echoed Jack, surprised out of his caution.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah!” exclaimed Wild, looking angrily towards his supposed attendant.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>hands</i>, if need be,—but no tongues.
-You understand me, sirrah?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Perfectly,” replied Jack. “I'm dumb.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Your secret?” demanded Trenchard, impatiently.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I need not remind you, Sir Rowland,” replied Wild, “that you had two
-sisters—Aliva and Constance.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Both are dead,” observed the knight, gloomily.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Not so;” answered Wild. “Constance is yet living.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Constance alive? Impossible!” ejaculated Trenchard.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I've proofs to the contrary,” replied Jonathan.
-</p>
-<p>
-“If this is the case, where is she?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“In Bedlam,” replied the thief-taker, with a Satanic grin.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Gracious Heaven!” exclaimed the knight, upon whom a light seemed suddenly
-to break. “You mentioned Mrs. Sheppard. What has she to with Constance
-Trenchard?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mrs. Sheppard <i>is</i> Constance Trenchard,” replied Jonathan,
-maliciously.
-</p>
-<p>
-Here Jack Sheppard was unable to repress an exclamation of astonishment.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Again,” cried Jonathan, sternly: “beware!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What!” vociferated Trenchard. “My sister the wife of one condemned felon!
-the parent of another! It cannot be.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It <i>is</i> 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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas! that one so highly born should submit to such a degradation?”
- groaned the knight.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>me</i>, who care little for the
-allurements of women, fancy myself enamoured of her.”
- </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>
-“What proof have you of the truth of this story?” inquired Trenchard.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I am acquainted with Mr. Purney's hand-writing,” said Jack, advancing,
-“and can at once decide whether this is a forgery or not.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Look at it, then,” said Wild, giving him the portfolio.
-</p>
-<p>
-“It's the ordinary's signature, undoubtedly,” 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>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Others may, if you won't,” muttered Jack, retiring. “Thank Heaven! I'm
-not basely born.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>her</i> issue.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I hear,” said Sir Rowland, moodily.
-</p>
-<p>
-“And I,” muttered Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ha!” exclaimed Jack, drawing in his breath, and leaning forward with
-intense curiosity.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well, Sir?” gasped Sir Rowland.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“So you think,” muttered Jack, between his ground teeth.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Devil!” muttered Jack, again grasping his pistol. But, feeling secure of
-vengeance, he determined to abide his time.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I do,” replied Sheppard.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“The New Prison!” exclaimed Sheppard. “What is he gone there for?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is,” 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>
-“There is another mystery I would have solved,” said Trenchard, addressing
-Wild; “you have told me much, but not enough.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What do you require further?” asked Jonathan.
-</p>
-<p>
-“The name and rank of Thames Darrell's father,” said the knight.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Another time,” replied the thief-taker, evasively.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I will have it now,” rejoined Trenchard, “or our agreement is void.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You cannot help yourself, Sir Rowland,” replied Jonathan, contemptuously.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Indeed!” replied the knight, drawing his sword, “the secret, villain, or
-I will force it from you.”
- </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>
-“He hash eshcaped!” cried the Jew.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Who? Jack!” exclaimed Jonathan.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </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>
-“'Sblood! what's this!” cried Jonathan, in the utmost surprise. “Quilt
-Arnold, is that you?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is, Sir,” sputtered the janizary. “I've been robbed, maltreated, and
-nearly murdered by Jack Sheppard.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“By Jack Sheppard!” exclaimed the thief-taker.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Yes; and I hope you'll take ample vengeance upon him,” said Quilt.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I will, when I catch him, rely on it,” rejoined Wild.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You needn't go far to do that,” returned Quilt; “there he stands.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Back, villain!” said the knight, haughtily. “I disown you. The whole
-story of your relationship is a fabrication.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Time will show,” replied Jack with equal haughtiness. “But, however, it
-may turn out, I disown <i>you</i>.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And you flatter yourself you can detain me?” laughed Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“At least I'll try,” replied Jonathan, sarcastically. “You must be a
-cleverer lad than even <i>I</i> take you for, if you get out of this
-place.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What ho! Blueskin!” shouted Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Come along!” cried Jack, darting through the door. “The key's on the
-outside—quick! quick!”
- </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—locked,—and the pair were heard descending the
-stairs.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Hell's curses!” roared Jonathan. “They'll escape. Not a moment is to be
-lost.”
- </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>
-“To-night it is <i>their</i> turn,” said Jonathan, binding up his wounded
-fingers with a handkerchief. “To-morrow it will be <i>mine</i>.”
- </p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER VI. WINIFRED RECEIVES TWO PROPOSALS.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-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.
-</p>
-<p>
-It was Sunday evening—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,—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.
-</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 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </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>
-“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 <i>had</i> been so,—“should turn
-out to be alive after all. Strange, I shouldn't know him when he called on
-me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It <i>is</i> strange,” replied Winifred, artlessly. “<i>I</i> knew him at
-once.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Undoubtedly,” replied Winifred.
-</p>
-<p>
-“And you will answer it frankly?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Certainly.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-Winifred's cheeks glowed with blushes, and fixing her eyes, which flashed
-with resentment, upon the questioner, she said:
-</p>
-<p>
-“I have promised to answer your question, and I will do so. I love him as
-a brother.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“<i>Only</i> as a brother?” persisted Kneebone.
-</p>
-<p>
-If Winifred remained silent, her looks would have disarmed a person of
-less assurance than the woollen-draper.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Your impertinence deserves very different treatment, Sir,” said Winifred;
-“but, to put an end to this annoyance, I will tell you—I would not.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And why not?” asked Kneebone, eagerly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I will not submit to be thus interrogated,” said Winifred, angrily.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Because our positions are different,” replied Winifred, who could not
-resist this appeal to her feelings.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“A promise to my mother?” said Winifred, unsuspiciously.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Yes, my angel, to <i>her</i>—rest her soul! She extorted it from
-me, and bound me by a solemn oath to fulfil it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Oh! name it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“If in my power—certainly. But, what is it! What <i>did</i> you
-promise?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“To offer you my heart, my hand, my life,” replied Kneebone, falling at
-her feet.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir!” exclaimed Winifred, rising.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Inequality of rank can be no bar to <i>our</i> union,” continued
-Kneebone. “Heaven be praised, <i>I</i> am not the son of a nobleman.”
- </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>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“This is beyond all endurance,” said Winifred, striving to withdraw her
-hand. “Leave me, Sir; I insist.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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
-<i>you</i>, I shall have a treasure such as kings could not boast.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Pray cease this nonsense,” said Winifred, “and quit the room, or I will
-call for assistance.”
- </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>
-“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—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mr. Kneebone!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That you would not accept him were he to offer—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Be silent, Sir.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“He then,” continued the woollen-draper, “is no longer considered—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“How, Sir?” cried Thames, advancing, “what is the meaning of your
-reference to my name? Have you dared to insult this lady? If so—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Go, Mr. Kneebone,—pray go!” implored Winifred. “Thames, I entreat—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Your wishes are my laws, beloved, girl,” replied Kneebone, bowing
-profoundly. “Captain Darren,” he added, sternly, “you shall hear from me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“When you please, Sir,” said Thames, coldly.
-</p>
-<p>
-And the woollen-draper departed.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What is all this, dear Winny?” inquired Thames, as soon as they were
-alone.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Nothing—nothing,” she answered, bursting into tears. “Don't ask me
-about it now.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thames!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Dear Thames!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Forgive this ill-timed avowal of my love. But, answer me. Am I mistaken?
-Is your heart mine?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is—it is; and has ever been,” replied Winifred, falling upon his
-neck.
-</p>
-<p>
-Lovers' confidences should be respected. We close the chapter.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER VII. JACK SHEPPARD WARNS THAMES DARRELL.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span>n 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 <i>her</i> favourite canary. The flowers upon the mantel-shelf were
-withered and drooping—<i>she</i> 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.
-</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—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I am surprised we have received no summons for attendance to-day,” he
-remarked; “perhaps the other robber may be secured.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Or Jack have escaped,” remarked Winny.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I don't think that's likely. But, this sad affair disposed of, I will not
-rest till I have avenged my murdered parents.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“'<i>The avenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer</i>',” said
-Wood, who was culling for himself certain texts from the scriptures.
-</p>
-<p>
-“It is the voice of inspiration,” said Thames; “and I receive it as a
-solemn command. The villain has enjoyed his security too long.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“'<i>Bloody and deceitful men shall not live half their days</i>',” said
-Wood, reading aloud another passage.
-</p>
-<p>
-“And yet, <i>he</i> has been spared thus long; perhaps with a wise
-purpose,” rejoined Thames. “But, though the storm has spared him, <i>I</i>
-will not.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“'<i>No doubt</i>,'” said Wood, who had again turned over the leaves of
-the sacred volume—', “<i>no doubt this man is a murderer, whom,
-though he escaped the seas, yet vengeance suffereth not to live</i>'.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No feelings of consanguinity shall stay my vengeance,” said Thames,
-sternly. “I will have no satisfaction but his life.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“'<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>',” said Wood
-referring to another text.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Do not steel your heart against him, dear Thames,” interposed Winifred.
-</p>
-<p>
-“'<i>And thine eye shall not pity</i>,'” said her father, in a tone of
-rebuke, “'<i>but, life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth,
-hand for hand, foot for foot</i>.'”
- </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>
-“With me?” said Thames. “Who is it?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“He didn't give his name, Sir,” replied the maid; “but he's a young
-gentleman.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Don't go near him, dear Thames,” said Winifred; “he may have some ill
-intention.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Pshaw!” cried Thames. “What! refuse to see a person who desires to speak
-with me. Say I will come to him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“'<i>The thief cometh in the night, and the troop of robbers spoileth
-without</i>,'” said Wood, who had a text for every emergency.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Lor' ha' mussy, Sir!—how you <i>do</i> 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—”
- </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 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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</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>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And, therefore, the first I would visit,” replied Jack, boldly. “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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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 '<i>Murder</i>'
-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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No,” interposed Wood, furiously, “I shall never be satisfied till I see
-you hanged on the highest gibbet at Tyburn.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“A time may come when you will be gratified, Mr. Wood,” replied Jack,
-calmly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“May come!—it <i>will</i> come!—it <i>shall</i> 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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Hear me, Sir,” said Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“No, I won't hear you, murderer,” rejoined Wood.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>your</i> life,” he added, turning to
-Thames.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I was not aware it was in danger,” rejoined Darrell.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Then you ought to be thankful to me for the warning. You <i>are</i> in
-danger.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“From some of your associates?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“From your uncle, from <i>my</i> uncle,—Sir Rowland Trenchard.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What means this idle boasting, villain?” said Thames. “<i>Your</i> uncle,
-Sir Rowland?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is no idle boasting,” replied the other. “You are cousin to the
-housebreaker, Jack Sheppard.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“If it were so, he would have great reason to be proud of the
-relationship, truly,” observed Wood, shrugging his shoulders.
-</p>
-<p>
-“It is easy to make an assertion like this,” said Thames, contemptuously.
-</p>
-<p>
-“And equally easy to prove it,” replied Jack, giving him the paper he had
-abstracted from Wild. “Read that.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Thames hastily cast his eyes over it, and transferred it, with a look of
-incredulity, to Wood.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Gracious Heavens! this is more wonderful than all the rest,” cried the
-carpenter, rubbing his eyes. “Thames, this is no forgery.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You believe it, father?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“From the bottom of my heart. I always thought Mrs. Sheppard superior to
-her station.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“So did I,” said Winifred. “Let me look at the paper.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I have, indeed,” replied Sheppard, in a tone of contrition.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I feel it,” replied Jack, in a tone of agony, “and I feel it more on my
-poor mother's account than my own.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“She has suffered enough for you,” said Wood.
-</p>
-<p>
-“She has, she has,” said Jack, in a broken voice.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Weep on, reprobate,” cried the carpenter, a little softened. “Those tears
-will do you good.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I cannot repent,—I cannot pray,” replied Jack, recovering his
-hardened demeanour. “I should never have been what I am, but for you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“How so?” inquired Winifred.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I loved you,” replied Jack,—“don't start—it is over now—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—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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“O Heavens!” screamed Winifred, while her father lifted up his hands in
-silent horror.
-</p>
-<p>
-“And when I further tell you,” continued Jack, “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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Could I credit your wild story, I might do so,” returned Thames, with a
-look of perplexity.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Thames glanced at the despatch, and, after a moment's reflection,
-inquired, “In what way is the attempt upon my life to be made?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Here!” ejaculated Wood, with a look of alarm. “Oh lord! I hope not.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“This I do know,” continued Jack,—“Jonathan Wild superintends the
-attack.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“There's some one in the garden at this moment,” cried Jack; “I saw a face
-at the window.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Where—where?” cried Thames.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So saying, he advanced towards the window, threw open the sash, and called
-out in the voice of Thames Darrell, “Who's there?”
- </p>
-<p>
-He was answered by a shot from a pistol. The ball passed over his head,
-and lodged in the ceiling.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I was right,” replied Jack, returning as coolly as if nothing had
-happened. “It is Jonathan. Your uncle—<i>our</i> uncle is with him.
-I saw them both.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“May I trust you?” cried Thames, eagerly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You may,” replied Jack: “I'll fight for you to the last gasp.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Follow me, then,” cried Thames, drawing his sword, and springing through
-the window.
-</p>
-<p>
-“To the world's end,” answered Jack, darting after him.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Thames!—Thames!” cried Winifred, rushing to the window. “He will be
-murdered!—Help!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My child!—my love!” 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>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER VIII. OLD BEDLAM.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>hen 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Are you hurt, Thames?” asked Jack, anxiously.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Not dangerously, I hope,” returned Thames; “but fly—save yourself.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Where are the assassins?” cried Sheppard.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Gone,” replied the wounded man. “They imagine their work is done. But I
-may yet live to thwart them.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I will carry you to the house, or fetch Mr. Wood,” urged Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“No, no,” rejoined Thames; “fly—or I will not answer for your
-safety. If you desire to please me, you will go.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And leave you thus?” rejoined Jack. “I cannot do it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Go, I insist,” cried Thames, “or take the consequences upon yourself. I
-cannot protect you.”
- </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,—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.
-</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, 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.
-</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>
-“Don't disturb yourself,” said his follower, motioning him to keep still;
-“it's all right.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What time is it?” inquired Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Past noon,” replied Blueskin. “I didn't awake you, because you seemed
-tired.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“How did you escape?” asked Sheppard, who, as he shook off his slumber,
-began to recall the events of the previous night.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“The first thing I do,” replied Jack, “will be to visit my poor mother in
-Bedlam.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You'd better take care of your mother's son instead,” rejoined Blueskin.
-“It's runnin' a great risk.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Don't concern yourself further about me,” returned Jack. “Once for all, I
-shall go.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Won't you take me?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No; you must await my return here.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then I must wait a long time,” grumbled Blueskin. “You'll never return.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“We shall see,” replied Jack. “But, if I should <i>not</i> return, take
-this purse to Edgeworth Bess. You'll find her at Black Mary's Hole.”
- </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,—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:—
-</p>
-<pre xml:space="preserve">
-“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,
-<i>Great Cibber's brazen, brainless brothers stand</i>.”
- </pre>
-<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. 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.
-</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;—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.”
- </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 Mrs. Sheppard, a matron offered to conduct him to her cell.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Heaven help her!” sighed Jack. “I hope not.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-As Jack made no reply, the woman proceeded.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </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, “This is Mrs. Sheppard's ward, Sir.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Leave us together, my good woman,” said Jack, putting a guinea into her
-hand.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </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—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.
-</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>
-“You are an angel,” she cried, with a look beaming with delight.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Rather a devil,” groaned her son, “to have done this.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Would he had done so!” cried Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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—”
- </p>
-<p>
-And she burst into a laugh that froze Jack's blood in his veins.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What did you do?” he asked, in a broken voice.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Poor soul!” ejaculated her son.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mother!” cried Jack, unable to endure this agonizing scene longer. “Don't
-you know me, mother?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah!” shrieked Mrs. Sheppard. “What's that?—Jack's voice!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is,” replied her son.
-</p>
-<p>
-“The ceiling is breaking! the floor is opening! he is coming to me!” cried
-the unhappy woman.
-</p>
-<p>
-“He stands before you,” rejoined her son.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Where?” she cried. “I can't see him. Where is he?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Here,” answered Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Are you his ghost, then?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No—no,” answered Jack. “I am your most unhappy son.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</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>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-Jack fell on his knees beside her.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Who are you?” inquired Mrs. Sheppard, passing her hands over his face,
-and gazing at him with a look that made him shudder.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Your son,” replied Jack,—“your miserable, repentant son.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Oh, God!” cried Jack, “she does not know me. Mother—dear mother!”
- he added, clasping her in his arms, “Look at me again.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Horror!” cried Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mother!” said Jack, advancing towards her.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I shall kill her if I stay longer,” 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, “If they were
-gone?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Who?” inquired Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“The nurses,” she answered.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Do they treat you ill?” asked her son.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Hush!” she said, putting her lean fingers to her lips. “Hush!—come
-hither, and I'll tell you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Jack approached her.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I shall go mad myself if I listen to her longer,” said Jack, attempting
-to rise. “I must go.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Don't stir, or they'll chain you to the wall,” said his mother detaining
-him. “Now, tell me why they brought you here?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I came to see you, dear mother!” answered Jack.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Mother!” she echoed,—“mother! why do you call me by that name?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Because you are my mother.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What!” she exclaimed, staring eagerly in his face. “Are you my son? Are
-you Jack?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I am,” replied Jack. “Heaven be praised she knows me at last.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Oh, Jack!” cried his mother, falling upon his neck, and covering him with
-kisses.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Mother—dear mother!” said Jack, bursting into tears.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You will never leave me,” sobbed the poor woman, straining him to her
-breast.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Never—never!”
- </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>
-“Ah!” exclaimed Jack, starting to his feet.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Just in time,” said the thief-taker. “You are my prisoner, Jack.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You shall take my life first,” 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>
-“They shall not harm you, my love!” 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>
-“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.”
- </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>
-“Keep off, you accursed jade!” roared Jonathan, “—off, I say, or—”
- 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>
-“Devil!” cried Jack; “that blow shall cost you your life.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER IX. OLD NEWGATE.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>t 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 <i>Newgate</i>, “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.
-</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,—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, “<i>Venio
-sicut fur</i>.” 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.
-</p>
-<p>
-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.”
- </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,—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-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.
-</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. “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.”
- </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 “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.
-</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. “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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-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.
-</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,—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.
-</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.—“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.”
- </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 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>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER X. HOW JACK SHEPPARD GOT OUT OF THE CONDEMNED HOLD.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span>onday, 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.
-</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,—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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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 <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—sixty guineas this blessed
-day.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No more!” cried Griffin, incredulously; “I should have thought you must
-have made double that sum at least.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Not a farthing more, I assure you,” rejoined Ireton, pettishly; “we're
-all on the square here. I took the money myself, and <i>ought</i> to
-know.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Oh! certainly,” answered Griffin; “certainly.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“At Tyburn, eh, Mr. Shotbolt?” rejoined the executioner. “I'll pledge you
-in that toast with all my heart.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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 <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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Bah!” ejaculated Marvel, gruffly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>is</i> hanged, you need never hope to call <i>me</i>
-Mrs. Marvel.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“'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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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 <i>did</i> 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! <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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Yes, there was one,” observed Ireton.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I guess who you mean,” rejoined Shotbolt. “Mr. Wild's.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And I hope he will, if it's anything to Jonathan's disadvantage,”
- muttered Mrs. Spurling, half aside.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mr. Wild had a narrow escape lately, in that affair of Captain Darrell,”
- observed Shotbolt.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I don't exactly know the rights of that affair,” rejoined Griffin, with
-some curiosity.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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 <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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ay, ay,” cried the jailers, laughing.
-</p>
-<p>
-“<i>I</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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mr. Wild has given you some employment, Mr. Marvel,” remarked Shotbolt.
-</p>
-<p>
-“A little, Sir,” replied the executioner, with a grim smile.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“<i>Did</i> 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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-At this juncture, two women, very smartly attired in silk hoods and
-cloaks, appeared at the door of the Lodge.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah! who have we here?” exclaimed Griffin.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Only Jack's two wives—Edgeworth Bess and Poll Maggot,” replied
-Austin, laughing.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That the death warrant's arrived,” returned Edgeworth Bess, bursting into
-a flood of tears; “oh, yes! we've heard it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“How does Jack bear it?” inquired Mrs. Maggot.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Like a hero,” answered Austin.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I knew he would,” replied the Amazon. “Come Bess,—no whimpering.
-Don't unman him. Are we to see him here?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Yes, my love.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Here, Caliban,” shouted the under-turnkey, “unlock Captain Sheppard's
-padlock, and tell him his wives are in the Lodge waiting to see him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Iss, Massa Austin,” 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 “whether he should stand by them during the interview?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </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>
-“Have you got Jonathan out of the way?” he asked, in an eager whisper.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Thus urged, the damsels began to raise their voices in loud lamentation.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Comfort yourself, my charmer,” said Mr. Marvel, in a tone intended to be
-consolatory. “I'll be their substitute.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“<i>You!</i>” cried the tapstress, with a look of horror: “Never!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Confusion!” muttered Jack, suddenly pausing in his task, “the saw has
-broken just as I am through the spike.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Can't we break it off?” replied Mrs. Maggot.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I fear not,” replied Jack, despondingly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Let's try, at all events,” 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>
-“Holloa—what's that?” cried Austin, starting up.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Only my darbies,” returned Jack, clinking his chains.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Oh! that was all, was it?” said the turnkey, quietly reseating himself.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Now, give me the woollen cloth to tie round my fetters,” whispered
-Sheppard. “Quick.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Here it is,” replied Edgeworth Bess.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Give me your hand, Poll, to help me through,” cried Jack, as he
-accomplished the operation. “Keep a sharp look out, Bess.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Stop!” interposed Edgeworth Bess; “Mr. Langley is getting up, and coming
-this way. We're lost.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Help me through at all hazards, Poll,” cried Jack, straining towards the
-opening.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Don't lose a moment then,” cried Jack, forcing himself into the aperture,
-while the Amazon, assisted by Bess, pulled him through it.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/303s.jpg" alt="303s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/303.jpg"><i>Original Size</i></a> -- <a
-href="images/303m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-“There!” cried Mrs. Maggot, as she placed him without noise upon the
-ground; “you're safe so far.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well, well, I'm not within a minute,” rejoined the turnkey.
-</p>
-<p>
-“We shall never be able to get you out unseen, Jack,” whispered Poll
-Maggot. “You must make a bold push.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Meanwhile, the party at the table continued drinking and chatting as
-merrily as before.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Caught you napping, eh?” rejoined Ireton, with a laugh. “Well, he won't
-do that here. I'll forgive him if he does.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I should think so,” 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>
-“Halloa!” exclaimed Austin, who had caught a glimpse of her departing
-figure, “one of the women is gone!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No—no,” hastily interposed Mrs. Spurling; “they're both here. Don't
-you see they're putting on their cloaks?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That's false!” rejoined Marvel, in a low tone; “I perceive what has taken
-place.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Oh! goodness!” ejaculated the tapstress, in alarm. “You won't betray
-him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Say the word, and I'm mum,” returned the executioner.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Will you be mine!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It's a very unfair advantage to take—very,” replied Mrs. Spurling;
-“however I consent.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-At this moment, Saint Sepulchre's clock struck six.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Close the wicket, Austin,” vociferated Ireton, in an authoritative tone.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Good bye!” cried Jack, as if taking leave of his mistresses, “to-morrow,
-at the same time.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“We'll be punctual,” replied Mrs. Maggot. “Good bye, Jack! Keep up your
-spirits.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Now for it!—life or death!” 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>
-“Stop a minute, my dear,” cried Austin. “You forget that you promised me a
-kiss the last time you were here.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Won't one from me do as well?” interposed Mrs. Maggot.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Much better,” said Mrs. Spurling, hastening to the rescue. “I want to
-speak to Edgeworth Bess myself.”
- </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>
-“Come—the kiss!” cried Austin, endeavouring to pass his arm
-familiarly round the Amazon's waist.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Hands off!” she exclaimed, “or you'll repent it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Why, what'll you do?” demanded the turnkey.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Teach you to keep your distance!” retorted Mrs. Maggot, dealing him a
-buffet that sent him reeling several yards backwards.
-</p>
-<p>
-“There! off with you!” whispered Mrs. Spurling, squeezing Jack's arm, and
-pushing him towards the door, “and, don't come here again.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Before Austin could recover himself, Jack and Mrs. Maggot had disappeared.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Bolt the wicket!” shouted Ireton, who, with the others, had been not a
-little entertained by the gallant turnkey's discomfiture.
-</p>
-<p>
-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>
-“You'll be as good as your word, my charmer,” whispered the executioner.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Of course,” responded the widow, heaving a deep sigh. “Oh! Jack! Jack!—you
-little know what a price I've paid for you!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That reminds me he's still at large,” returned Ireton. “Here, Caliban, go
-and fasten his padlock.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Iss, Massa Ireton,” replied the black.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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>I</i> must have it, I suppose. How provoking!” she
-added, pretending to rummage her pockets; “one never <i>can</i> find a
-thing when one wants it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mr. Wild here!” exclaimed Mrs. Spurling in alarm. “Oh gracious! he's
-lost.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Who's lost?” demanded Ireton.
-</p>
-<p>
-“The key,” 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>
-“No Blueskin, I perceive, Sir,” he observed, in a deferential tone, as
-Wild entered the Lodge.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nothing whatever,” replied Ireton. “Jack is just gone back to the
-Condemned Hold. His two wives have been here.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Impossible, Sir,” replied Ireton, greatly alarmed.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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—”
- </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>
-“O Massa Ireton! Massa Wild!” ejaculated Caliban, “Shack Sheppart gone!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Gone? you black devil!—Gone?” cried Ireton.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Iss, Massa. Caliban sarch ebery hole in de place, but Shack no dere. Only
-him big hoss padlock—noting else.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said the chief turnkey, indignantly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You <i>are</i>, 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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“But, Mr. Wild,” implored the turnkeys.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I've said it,” rejoined Jonathan, peremptorily. “And you, Marvel, you
-must have been a party—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I, Sir!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“If he's not found, I'll get a new hangman.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Zounds!” cried Marvel, “I—”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Hush!” whispered the tapstress, “or I retract my promise.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ha! hussy, dare you threaten?” cried Wild; but, checking himself, he
-turned to Ireton and asked, “How long have the women been gone?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Scarcely five minutes,” replied the latter.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So saying, he rushed out, followed by Ireton and Langley.
-</p>
-<p>
-“A hundred pounds!” exclaimed Shotbolt. “That's a glorious reward. Do you
-think he'll pay it?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I'm sure of it,” replied Austin.
-</p>
-<p>
-“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.”
- </p>
-<h3>
-END VOLUME II
-</h3>
-<div style="height: 6em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
-
-
-
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Jack Sheppard, Vol. II (of III), by
-W. Harrison Ainsworth
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