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Jack Sheppard: A Romance, Vol. 2 (of 3)

by William Harrison Ainsworth · English · Gutenberg #44522 · 301,673 chars · public domain (US)

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Title: Jack Sheppard: A Romance, Vol. 2 (of 3)

Author: William Harrison Ainsworth

Illustrator: George Cruikshank


        
Release date: December 26, 2013 [eBook #44522]
                Most recently updated: October 23, 2024

Language: English

Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44522

Credits: Produced by David Widger


*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JACK SHEPPARD: A ROMANCE, VOL. 2 (OF 3) ***

JACK SHEPPARD

Volume II. (of III.)

A Romance

By W. Harrison Ainsworth


1839

     _“Upon my word, friend,” said I, “you have almost made me
     long to try what a robber I should make.” “There is a great
     art in it, if you did,” quoth he. “Ah! but,” said I,
     “there's a great deal in being hanged.”_

     _Life and Actions of Guzman d'Alfarache._


[Illustration: 007]

[Illustration: titlepage]




ILLUSTRATIONS:


Jack Shepard committing the Robbery in Willesden Church

Jack Sheppard gets drunk, and orders his Mother off

Jack Sheppard's escape from Willesden Cage

Mrs. Sheppard expostulating with her Son

Jack Sheppard and Blueskin in Mr.Wood's Bedroom

Jack Sheppard and Edgeworth Bess escaping from Clerkenwell Prison

Audacity of Jack Sheppard

Jack Sheppard visits his Mother in Bedlam

Jack Sheppard escaping from the Condemned Hold in Newgate




CHAPTER XIII. THE MAGDALENE.


The household of the worthy carpenter, it may be conceived, was
thrown into the utmost confusion and distress by the unaccountable
disappearance of the two boys. As time wore on, and they did not
return, Mr. Wood's anxiety grew so insupportable, that he seized his
hat with the intention of sallying forth in search of them, though
he did not know whither to bend his steps, when his departure was
arrested by a gentle knock at the door.

“There he is!” cried Winifred, starting up, joyfully, and proving
by the exclamation that her thoughts were dwelling upon one subject
only. “There he is!”

“I fear not,” said her father, with a doubtful shake of the head.
“Thames would let himself in; and Jack generally finds an entrance
through the backdoor or the shop-window, when he has been out at
untimely hours. But, go and see who it is, love. Stay! I'll go
myself.”

His daughter, however, anticipated him. She flew to the door, but
returned the next minute, looking deeply disappointed, and bringing
the intelligence that it was “only Mrs. Sheppard.”

“Who?” almost screamed Mrs. Wood.

“Jack Sheppard's mother,” answered the little girl, dejectedly; “she
has brought a basket of eggs from Willesden, and some flowers for
you.”

“For me!” vociferated Mrs. Wood, in indignant surprise. “Eggs for me!
You mistake, child. They must be for your father.”

“No; I'm quite sure she said they're for you,” replied Winifred; “but
she _does_ want to see father.”

“I thought as much,” sneered Mrs. Wood.

“I'll go to her directly,” said Wood, bustling towards the door. “I
dare say she has called to inquire about Jack.”

“I dare say no such thing,” interposed his better half,
authoritatively; “remain where you are, Sir.”

“At all events, let me send her away, my dear,” supplicated the
carpenter, anxious to avert the impending storm.

“Do you hear me?” cried the lady, with increasing vehemence. “Stir a
foot, at your peril.”

“But, my love,” still remonstrated Wood, “you know I'm going to look
after the boys----”

“After Mrs. Sheppard, you mean, Sir,” interrupted his wife,
ironically. “Don't think to deceive me by your false pretences.
Marry, come up! I'm not so easily deluded. Sit down, I command you.
Winny, show the person into this room. I'll see her myself; and
that's more than she bargained for, I'll be sworn.”

Finding it useless to struggle further, Mr. Wood sank, submissively,
into a chair, while his daughter hastened to execute her arbitrary
parent's commission.

“At length, I have my wish,” continued Mrs. Wood, regarding her
husband with a glance of vindictive triumph. “I shall behold the
shameless hussy, face to face; and, if I find her as good-looking
as she's represented, I don't know what I'll do in the end; but I'll
begin by scratching her eyes out.”

In this temper, it will naturally be imagined, that Mrs. Wood's
reception of the widow, who, at that moment, was ushered into the
room by Winifred, was not particularly kind and encouraging. As she
approached, the carpenter's wife eyed her from head to foot, in the
hope of finding something in her person or apparel to quarrel with.
But she was disappointed. Mrs. Sheppard's dress--extremely neat
and clean, but simply fashioned, and of the plainest and most
unpretending material,--offered nothing assailable; and her demeanour
was so humble, and her looks so modest, that--if she had been
ill-looking--she might, possibly, have escaped the shafts of
malice preparing to be levelled against her. But, alas! she was
beautiful--and beauty is a crime not to be forgiven by a jealous
woman.

As the lapse of time and change of circumstances have wrought a
remarkable alteration in the appearance of the poor widow, it may
not be improper to notice it here. When first brought under
consideration, she was a miserable and forlorn object; squalid in
attire, haggard in looks, and emaciated in frame. Now, she was the
very reverse of all this. Her dress, it has just been said, was
neatness and simplicity itself. Her figure, though slight, had all
the fulness of health; and her complexion--still pale, but without
its former sickly cast,--contrasted agreeably, by its extreme
fairness, with the dark brows and darker lashes that shaded eyes
which, if they had lost some of their original brilliancy, had gained
infinitely more in the soft and chastened lustre that replaced it.
One marked difference between the poor outcast, who, oppressed by
poverty, and stung by shame, had sought temporary relief in the
stupifying draught,--that worst “medicine of a mind diseased,”--and
those of the same being, freed from her vices, and restored to
comfort and contentment, if not to happiness, by a more prosperous
course of events, was exhibited in the mouth. For the fresh and
feverish hue of lip which years ago characterised this feature, was
now substituted a pure and wholesome bloom, evincing a total change
of habits; and, though the coarse character of the mouth remained,
in some degree, unaltered, it was so modified in expression, that it
could no longer be accounted a blemish. In fact, the whole face had
undergone a transformation. All its better points were improved,
while the less attractive ones (and they were few in comparison) were
subdued, or removed. What was yet more worthy of note was, that the
widow's countenance had an air of refinement about it, of which it
was utterly destitute before, and which seemed to intimate that her
true position in society was far above that wherein accident had
placed her.

“Well, Mrs. Sheppard,” said the carpenter, advancing to meet her, and
trying to look as cheerful and composed as he could; “what brings you
to town, eh?--Nothing amiss, I trust?”

“Nothing whatever, Sir,” answered the widow. “A neighbour offered
me a drive to Paddington; and, as I haven't heard of my son for some
time, I couldn't resist the temptation of stepping on to inquire
after him, and to thank you for your great goodness to us both,
I've brought a little garden-stuff and a few new-laid eggs for you,
Ma'am,” she added turning to Mrs. Wood, who appeared to be collecting
her energies for a terrible explosion, “in the hope that they may
prove acceptable. Here's a nosegay for you, my love,” she continued,
opening her basket, and presenting a fragrant bunch of flowers to
Winifred, “if your mother will allow me to give it you.”

“Don't touch it, Winny!” screamed Mrs. Wood, “it may be poisoned.”

“I'm not afraid, mother,” said the little girl, smelling at the
bouquet. “How sweet these roses are! Shall I put them into water?”

“Put them where they came from,” replied Mrs. Wood, severely, “and go
to bed.”

“But, mother, mayn't I sit up to see whether Thames returns?”
 implored Winifred.

“What can it matter to you whether he returns or not, child,”
 rejoined Mrs. Wood, sharply. “I've spoken. And my word's law--with
_you_, at least,” she added, bestowing a cutting glance upon her
husband.

The little girl uttered no remonstrance; but, replacing the flowers
in the basket, burst into tears, and withdrew.

Mrs. Sheppard, who witnessed this occurrence with dismay, looked
timorously at Wood, in expectation of some hint being given as to the
course she had better pursue; but, receiving none, for the carpenter
was too much agitated to attend to her, she ventured to express a
fear that she was intruding.

“Intruding!” echoed Mrs. Wood; “to be sure you are! I wonder how you
dare show your face in this house, hussy!”

“I thought you sent for me, Ma'am,” replied the widow, humbly.

“So I did,” retorted Mrs. Wood; “and I did so to see how far your
effrontery would carry you.”

“I'm sure I'm very sorry. I hope I haven't given any unintentional
offence?” said the widow, again meekly appealing to Wood.

“Don't exchange glances with him under my very nose, woman!” shrieked
Mrs. Wood; “I'll not bear it. Look at me, and answer me one question.
And, mind! no prevaricating--nothing but the truth will satisfy me.”

Mrs. Sheppard raised her eyes, and fixed them upon her interrogator.

“Are you not that man's mistress?” demanded Mrs. Wood, with a look
meant to reduce her supposed rival to the dust.

“I am no man's mistress,” answered the widow, crimsoning to her
temples, but preserving her meek deportment, and humble tone.

“That's false!” cried Mrs. Wood. “I'm too well acquainted with your
proceedings, Madam, to believe that. Profligate women are never
reclaimed. _He_ has told me sufficient of you--”

“My dear,” interposed Wood, “for goodness' sake--”

“I _will_ speak,” screamed his wife, totally disregarding the
interruption; “I _will_ tell this worthless creature what I know
about her,--and what I think of her.”

“Not now, my love--not now,” entreated Wood.

“Yes, _now_,” rejoined the infuriated dame; “perhaps, I may never
have another opportunity. She has contrived to keep out of my sight
up to this time, and I've no doubt she'll keep out of it altogether
for the future.”

“That was my doing, dearest,” urged the carpenter; “I was afraid if
you saw her that some such scene as this might occur.”

“Hear me, Madam, I beseech you,” interposed Mrs. Sheppard, “and, if
it please you to visit your indignation on any one let it be upon
me, and not on your excellent husband, whose only fault is in having
bestowed his charity upon so unworthy an object as myself.”

“Unworthy, indeed!” sneered Mrs. Wood.

“To him I owe everything,” continued the widow, “life itself--nay,
more than life,--for without his assistance I should have perished,
body and soul. He has been a father to me and my child.”

“I never doubted the latter point, I assure you, Madam,” observed
Mrs. Wood.

“You have said,” pursued the widow, “that she, who has once erred,
is irreclaimable. Do not believe it, Madam. It is not so. The poor
wretch, driven by desperation to the commission of a crime which her
soul abhors, is no more beyond the hope of reformation than she is
without the pale of mercy. I have suffered--I have sinned--I have
repented. And, though neither peace nor innocence can be restored to
my bosom; though tears cannot blot out my offences, nor sorrow drown
my shame; yet, knowing that my penitence is sincere, I do not despair
that my transgressions may be forgiven.”

“Mighty fine!” ejaculated Mrs. Wood, contemptuously.

“You cannot understand me, Madam; and it is well you cannot. Blest
with a fond husband, surrounded by every comfort, _you_ have never
been assailed by the horrible temptations to which misery has exposed
_me_. You have never known what it is to want food, raiment, shelter.
You have never seen the child within your arms perishing from hunger,
and no relief to be obtained. You have never felt the hearts of all
hardened against you; have never heard the jeer or curse from every
lip; nor endured the insult and the blow from every hand. I _have_
suffered all this. I could resist the tempter _now_, I am strong in
health,--in mind. But _then_--Oh! Madam, there are moments--moments
of darkness, which overshadow a whole existence--in the lives of
the poor houseless wretches who traverse the streets, when reason
is well-nigh benighted; when the horrible promptings of despair can,
alone, be listened to; and when vice itself assumes the aspect of
virtue. Pardon what I have said, Madam. I do not desire to extenuate
my guilt--far less to defend it; but I would show you, and such
as you--who, happily, are exempted from trials like mine--how
much misery has to do with crime. And I affirm to you, on my own
conviction, that she who falls, because she has not strength granted
her to struggle with affliction, _may_ be reclaimed,--may repent, and
be forgiven,--even as she, whose sins, 'though many, were forgiven
her'.

“It gladdens me to hear you talk thus, Joan,” said Wood, in a voice
of much emotion, while his eyes filled with tears, “and more than
repays me for all I have done for you.”

“If professions of repentance constitute a Magdalene, Mrs. Sheppard
is one, no doubt,” observed Mrs. Wood, ironically; “but I used to
think it required something more than _mere words_ to prove that a
person's character was abused.”

“Very right, my love,” said Wood, “very sensibly remarked. So it
does. Bu I can speak to that point. Mrs. Sheppard's conduct, from my
own personal knowledge, has been unexceptionable for the last twelve
years. During that period she has been a model of propriety.”

“Oh! of course,” rejoined Mrs. Wood; “I can't for an instant question
such distinterested testimony. Mrs. Sheppard, I'm sure, will say as
much for you. He's a model of conjugal attachment and fidelity, a
pattern to his family, and an example to his neighbours. Ain't he,
Madam?'”

“He is, indeed,” replied the widow, fervently; “more--much more than
that.”

“He's no such thing!” cried Mrs. Wood, furiously. “He's a base,
deceitful, tyrannical, hoary-headed libertine--that's what he is.
But, I'll expose him. I'll proclaim his misdoings to the world; and,
then, we shall see where he'll stand. Marry, come up! I'll show him
what an injured wife can do. If all wives were of my mind and my
spirit, husbands would soon be taught their own insignificance. But a
time _will_ come (and that before long,) when our sex will assert
its superiority; and, when we have got the upper hand, let 'em try to
subdue us if they can. But don't suppose, Madam, that anything I
say has reference to you. I'm speaking of virtuous women--of WIVES,
Madam. Mistresses neither deserve consideration nor commiseration.”

“I expect no commiseration,” returned Mrs. Sheppard, gently, “nor
do I need any. But, rather than be the cause of any further
misunderstanding between you and my benefactor, I will leave London
and its neighbourhood for ever.”

“Pray do so, Madam,” retorted Mrs. Wood, “and take your son with
you.”

“My son!” echoed the widow, trembling.

“Yes, your son, Madam. If you can do any good with him, it's more
than we can. The house will be well rid of him, for a more idle,
good-for-nothing reprobate never crossed its threshold.”

“Is this true, Sir?” cried Mrs. Sheppard, with an agonized look
at Wood. “I know you'll not deceive me. Is Jack what Mrs. Wood
represents him?”

“He's not exactly what I could desire him to be, Joan,” replied the
carpenter, reluctantly, “But a ragged colt sometimes makes the best
horse. He'll mend, I hope.”

“Never,” said Mrs. Wood,--“he'll never mend. He has taken more than
one step towards the gallows already. Thieves and pickpockets are his
constant companions.”

“Thieves!” exclaimed Mrs. Sheppard, horror-stricken.

“Jonathan Wild and Blueskin have got him into their hands,” continued
Mrs. Wood.

“Impossible!” exclaimed the widow, wildly.

“If you doubt my word, woman,” replied the carpenter's wife, coldly,
“ask Mr. Wood.”

“I know you'll contradict it, Sir,” said the widow, looking at Wood
as if she dreaded to have her fears confirmed,--“I know you will.”

“I wish I could, Joan,” returned the carpenter, sadly.

Mrs. Sheppard let fall her basket.

“My son,” she murmured, wringing her hands piteously--, “my son the
companion of thieves! My son in Jonathan Wild's power! It cannot be.”

“Why not?” rejoined Mrs. Wood, in a taunting tone. “Your son's father
was a thief; and Jonathan Wild (unless I'm misinformed,) was his
friend,--so it's not unnatural he should show some partiality towards
Jack.”

“Jonathan Wild was my husband's bitterest enemy,” said Mrs. Sheppard.
“He first seduced him from the paths of honesty, and then betrayed
him to a shameful death, and he has sworn to do the same thing by
my son. Oh, Heavens; that I should have ever indulged a hope of
happiness while that terrible man lives!”

“Compose yourself, Joan,” said Wood; “all will yet be well.”

“Oh, no,--no,” replied Mrs. Sheppard, distractedly. “All cannot
be well, if this is true. Tell me, Sir,” she added, with forced
calmness, and grasping Wood's arm; “what has Jack done? Tell me in a
word, that I may know the worst. I can bear anything but suspense.”

“You're agitating yourself unnecessarily, Joan,” returned Wood, in a
soothing voice. “Jack has been keeping bad company. That's the only
fault I know of.”

“Thank God for that!” ejaculated Mrs. Sheppard, fervently. “Then it
is not too late to save him. Where is he, Sir? Can I see him?”

“No, that you can't,” answered Mrs. Wood; “he has gone out without
leave, and has taken Thames Darrell with him. If I were Mr. Wood,
when he does return, I'd send him about his business. I wouldn't keep
an apprentice to set my authority at defiance.”

Mr. Wood's reply, if he intended any, was cut short by a loud
knocking at the door.

“'Odd's-my-life!--what's that?” he cried, greatly alarmed.

“It's Jonathan Wild come back with a troop of constables at
his heels, to search the house,” rejoined Mrs. Wood, in equal
trepidation. “We shall all be murdered. Oh! that Mr. Kneebone were
here to protect me!”

“If it _is_ Jonathan,” rejoined Wood, “it is very well for Mr.
Kneebone he's not here. He'd have enough to do to protect himself,
without attending to you. I declare I'm almost afraid to go to the
door. Something, I'm convinced, has happened to the boys.”

“Has Jonathan Wild been here to-day?” asked Mrs. Sheppard, anxiously.

“To be sure he has!” returned Mrs. Wood; “and Blueskin, too. They're
only just gone, mercy on us! what a clatter,” she added, as the
knocking was repeated more violently than before.

While the carpenter irresolutely quitted the room, with a strong
presentiment of ill upon his mind, a light quick step was heard
descending the stairs, and before he could call out to prevent it, a
man was admitted into the passage.

“Is this Misther Wudd's, my pretty miss?” demanded the rough voice of
the Irish watchman.

“It is”, seplied Winifred; “have you brought any tidings of Thames
Darrell!”

“Troth have I!” replied Terence: “but, bless your angilic face, how
did you contrive to guess that?”

“Is he well?--is he safe?--is he coming back,” cried the little girl,
disregarding the question.

“He's in St. Giles's round-house,” answered Terence; “but tell Mr.
Wudd I'm here, and have brought him a message from his unlawful son,
and don't be detainin' me, my darlin', for there's not a minute to
lose if the poor lad's to be recused from the clutches of that thief
and thief-taker o' the wurld, Jonathan Wild.”

The carpenter, upon whom no part of this hurried dialogue had been
lost, now made his appearance, and having obtained from Terence all
the information which that personage could impart respecting the
perilous situation of Thames, he declared himself ready to start
to Saint Giles's at once, and ran back to the room for his hat
and stick; expressing his firm determination, as he pocketed his
constable's staff with which he thought it expedient to arm himself,
of being direfully revenged upon the thief-taker: a determination in
which he was strongly encouraged by his wife. Terence, meanwhile, who
had followed him, did not remain silent, but recapitulated his story,
for the benefit of Mrs. Sheppard. The poor widow was thrown into an
agony of distress on learning that a robbery had been committed,
in which her son (for she could not doubt that Jack was one of the
boys,) was implicated; nor was her anxiety alleviated by Mrs. Wood,
who maintained stoutly, that if Thames had been led to do wrong, it
must be through the instrumentality of his worthless companion.

“And there you're right, you may dipind, marm,” observed Terence.
“Master Thames Ditt--what's his blessed name?--has honesty written
in his handsome phiz; but as to his companion, Jack Sheppard, I think
you call him, he's a born and bred thief. Lord bless you marm! we
sees plenty on 'em in our purfession. Them young prigs is all alike.
I seed he was one,--and a sharp un, too,--at a glance.”

“Oh!” exclaimed the widow, covering her face with her hands.

“Take a drop of brandy before we start, watchman,” said Wood, pouring
out a glass of spirit, and presenting it to Terence, who smacked his
lips as he disposed of it. “Won't you be persuaded, Joan?” he
added, making a similar offer to Mrs. Sheppard, which she gratefully
declined. “If you mean to accompany us, you may need it.”

“You are very kind, Sir,” returned the widow, “but I require no
support. Nothing stronger than water has passed my lips for years.”

“We may believe as much of that as we please, I suppose,” observed
the carpenter's wife, with a sneer. “Mr. Wood,” she continued, in
an authoritative tone, seeing her husband ready to depart, “one word
before you set out. If Jack Sheppard or his mother ever enter this
house again, I leave it--that's all. Now, do what you please. You
know _my_ fixed determination.”

Mr. Wood made no reply; but, hastily kissing his weeping daughter,
and bidding her be of good cheer, hurried off. He was followed with
equal celerity by Terence and the widow. Traversing what remained of
Wych Street at a rapid pace, and speeding along Drury Lane, the
trio soon found themselves in Kendrick Yard. When they came to the
round-house, Terry's courage failed him. Such was the terror inspired
by Wild's vindictive character, that few durst face him who had
given him cause for displeasure. Aware that he should incur the
thief-taker's bitterest animosity by what he had done, the watchman,
whose wrath against Quilt Arnold had evaporated during the walk,
thought it more prudent not to hazard a meeting with his master, till
the storm had, in some measure, blown over. Accordingly, having given
Wood such directions as he thought necessary for his guidance, and
received a handsome gratuity in return for his services, he departed.

It was not without considerable demur and delay on the part of
Sharples that the carpenter and his companion could gain admittance
to the round-house. Reconnoitring them through a small grated
loophole, he refused to open the door till they had explained their
business. This, Wood, acting upon Terry's caution, was most unwilling
to do; but, finding he had no alternative, he reluctantly made known
his errand and the bolts were undrawn. Once in, the constable's
manner appeared totally changed. He was now as civil as he had just
been insolent. Apologizing for their detention, he answered the
questions put to him respecting the boys, by positively denying that
any such prisoners had been entrusted to his charge, but offered to
conduct him to every cell in the building to prove the truth of his
assertion. He then barred and double-locked the door, took out the
key, (a precautionary measure which, with a grim smile, he said he
never omitted,) thrust it into his vest, and motioning the couple to
follow him, led the way to the inner room. As Wood obeyed, his
foot slipped; and, casting his eyes upon the floor, he perceived
it splashed in several places with blood. From the freshness of the
stains, which grew more frequent as they approached the adjoining
chamber, it was evident some violence had been recently perpetrated,
and the carpenter's own blood froze within his veins as he thought,
with a thrill of horror, that, perhaps on this very spot, not many
minutes before his arrival, his adopted son might have been inhumanly
butchered. Nor was this impression removed as he stole a glance at
Mrs. Sheppard, and saw from her terrified look that she had made the
same alarming discovery as himself. But it was now too late to turn
back, and, nerving himself for the shock he expected to encounter,
he ventured after his conductor. No sooner had they entered the room
than Sharples, who waited to usher them in, hastily retreated, closed
the door, and turning the key, laughed loudly at the success of his
stratagem. Vexation at his folly in suffering himself to be thus
entrapped kept Wood for a short time silent. When he could find
words, he tried by the most urgent solicitations to prevail upon the
constable to let him out. But threats and entreaties--even promises
were ineffectual; and the unlucky captive, after exhausting his
powers of persuasion, was compelled to give up the point.

The room in which he was detained--that lately occupied by the
Mohocks, who, it appeared, had been allowed to depart,--was
calculated to inspire additional apprehension and disgust. Strongly
impregnated with the mingled odours of tobacco, ale, brandy, and
other liquors, the atmosphere was almost stifling. The benches
running round the room, though fastened to the walls by iron clamps,
had been forcibly wrenched off; while the table, which was similarly
secured to the boards, was upset, and its contents--bottles, jugs,
glasses, and bowls were broken and scattered about in all directions.
Everything proclaimed the mischievous propensities of the recent
occupants of the chamber.

Here lay a heap of knockers of all sizes, from the huge lion's head
to the small brass rapper: there, a collection of sign-boards, with
the names and calling of the owners utterly obliterated. On this side
stood the instruments with which the latter piece of pleasantry had
been effected,--namely, a bucket filled with paint and a brush: on
that was erected a trophy, consisting of a watchman's rattle, a laced
hat, with the crown knocked out, and its place supplied by a lantern,
a campaign wig saturated with punch, a torn steen-kirk and ruffles,
some half-dozen staves, and a broken sword.

As the carpenter's gaze wandered over this scene of devastation, his
attention was drawn by Mrs. Sheppard towards an appalling object
in one corner. This was the body of a man, apparently lifeless, and
stretched upon a mattress, with his head bound up in a linen cloth,
through which the blood had oosed. Near the body, which, it will be
surmised, was that of Abraham Mendez, two ruffianly personages were
seated, quietly smoking, and bestowing no sort of attention upon the
new-comers. Their conversation was conducted in the flash language,
and, though unintelligible to Wood, was easily comprehended by
this companion, who learnt, to her dismay, that the wounded man had
received his hurt from her son, whose courage and dexterity formed
the present subject of their discourse. From other obscure hints
dropped by the speakers, Mrs. Sheppard ascertained that Thames
Darrell had been carried off--where she could not make out--by
Jonathan Wild and Quilt Arnold; and that Jack had been induced
to accompany Blueskin to the Mint. This intelligence, which she
instantly communicated to the carpenter, drove him almost frantic.
He renewed his supplications to Sharples, but with no better success
than heretofore; and the greater part of the night was passed by him
and the poor widow, whose anxiety, if possible, exceeded his own, in
the most miserable state imaginable.

At length, about three o'clock, as the first glimmer of dawn became
visible through the barred casements of the round-house, the
rattling of bolts and chains at the outer door told that some one
was admitted. Whoever this might be, the visit seemed to have some
reference to the carpenter, for, shortly afterwards, Sharples made
his appearance, and informed the captives they were free. Without
waiting to have the information repeated, Wood rushed forth,
determined as soon as he could procure assistance, to proceed to
Jonathan Wild's house in the Old Bailey; while Mrs. Sheppard, whose
maternal fears drew her in another direction, hurried off to the
Mint.




CHAPTER XIV. THE FLASH KEN.


In an incredibly short space of time,--for her anxiety lent wings to
her feet,--Mrs. Sheppard reached the debtor's garrison. From a scout
stationed at the northern entrance, whom she addressed in the
jargon of the place, with which long usage had formerly rendered her
familiar, she ascertained that Blueskin, accompanied by a youth, whom
she knew by the description must be her son, had arrived there about
three hours before, and had proceeded to the Cross Shovels. This was
enough for the poor widow. She felt she was now near her boy,
and, nothing doubting her ability to rescue him from his perilous
situation, she breathed a fervent prayer for his deliverance; and
bending her steps towards the tavern in question, revolved within her
mind as she walked along the best means of accomplishing her purpose.
Aware of the cunning and desperate characters of the persons with
whom she would have to deal,--aware, also, that she was in a quarter
where no laws could be appealed to, nor assistance obtained, she felt
the absolute necessity of caution. Accordingly, when she arrived
at the Shovels, with which, as an old haunt in her bygone days
of wretchedness she was well acquainted, instead of entering the
principal apartment, which she saw at a glance was crowded with
company of both sexes, she turned into a small room on the left of
the bar, and, as an excuse for so doing, called for something to
drink. The drawers at the moment were too busy to attend to her, and
she would have seized the opportunity of examining, unperceived, the
assemblage within, through a little curtained window that overlooked
the adjoining chamber, if an impediment had not existed in the shape
of Baptist Kettleby, whose portly person entirely obscured the view.
The Master of the Mint, in the exercise of his two-fold office of
governor and publican, was mounted upon a chair, and holding forth
to his guests in a speech, to which Mrs. Sheppard was unwillingly
compelled to listen.

“Gentlemen of the Mint,” said the orator, “when I was first called,
some fifty years ago, to the important office I hold, there existed
across the water three places of refuge for the oppressed and
persecuted debtor.”

“We know it,” cried several voices.

“It happened, gentlemen,” pursued the Master, “on a particular
occasion, about the time I've mentioned, that the Archduke of
Alsatia, the Sovereign of the Savoy, and the Satrap of Salisbury
Court, met by accident at the Cross Shovels. A jolly night we made
of it, as you may suppose; for four such monarchs don't often come
together. Well, while we were smoking our pipes, and quaffing our
punch, Alsatia turns to me and says, 'Mint,' says he, 'you're well
off here.'--'Pretty well,' says I; 'you're not badly off at the
Friars, for that matter.'--'Oh! yes we are,' says he.--'How so?'
says I.--'It's all up with us,' says he; 'they've taken away our
charter.'--'They can't,' says I.--'They have,' says he.--'They
can't, I tell you,' says I, in a bit of a passion; 'it's
unconstitutional.'--'Unconstitutional or not,' says Salisbury Court
and Savoy, speaking together, 'it's true. We shall become a prey to
the Philistines, and must turn honest in self-defence.'--'No fear
o' that,' thought I.--'I see how it'll be,' observed Alsatia,
'everybody'll pay his debts, and only think of such a state of things
as that.'--'It's _not_ to be thought of,' says I, thumping the table
till every glass on it jingled; 'and I know a way as'll prevent
it.'--'What is it, Mint?' asked all three.--'Why, hang every
bailiff that sets a foot in your territories, and you're safe,' says
I.--'We'll do it,' said they, filling their glasses, and looking as
fierce as King George's grenadier guards; 'here's your health,
Mint.' But, gentlemen, though they talked so largely, and looked so
fiercely, they did _not_ do it; they did _not_ hang the bailiffs; and
where are they?”

“Ay, where are they?” echoed the company with indignant derision.

“Gentlemen,” returned the Master, solemnly, “it is a question
easily answered--they are NOWHERE! Had they hanged the bailiffs, the
bailiffs would not have hanged them. We ourselves have been similarly
circumstanced. Attacked by an infamous and unconstitutional statute,
passed in the reign of the late usurper, William of Orange, (for I
may remark that, if the right king had been upon the throne, that
illegal enactment would never have received the royal assent--the
Stuarts--Heaven preserve 'em!--always siding with the debtors);
attacked in this outrageous manner, I repeat, it has been all but
'_up_' with US! But the vigorous resistance offered on that memorable
occasion by the patriotic inhabitants of Bermuda to the aggressions
of arbitrary power, secured and established their privileges on a
firmer basis than heretofore; and, while their pusillanimous allies
were crushed and annihilated, they became more prosperous than ever.
Gentlemen, I am proud to say that _I_ originated--that _I_ directed
those measures. I hope to see the day, when not Southwark alone, but
London itself shall become one Mint,--when all men shall be debtors,
and none creditors,--when imprisonment for debt shall be utterly
abolished,--when highway-robbery shall be accounted a pleasant
pastime, and forgery an accomplishment,--when Tyburn and its gibbets
shall be overthrown,--capital punishments discontinued,--Newgate,
Ludgate, the Gatehouse, and the Compters razed to the
ground,--Bridewell and Clerkenwell destroyed,--the Fleet, the King's
Bench, and the Marshalsea remembered only by name! But, in the mean
time, as that day may possibly be farther off than I anticipate, we
are bound to make the most of the present. Take care of yourselves,
gentlemen, and your governor will take care of you. Before I sit
down, I have a toast to propose, which I am sure will be received,
as it deserves to be, with enthusiasm. It is the health of a
stranger,--of Mr. John Sheppard. His father was one of my old
customers, and I am happy to find his son treading in his steps.
He couldn't be in better hands than those in which he has placed
himself. Gentlemen,--Mr. Sheppard's good health, and success to him!”

Baptist's toast was received with loud applause, and, as he sat down
amid the cheers of the company, and a universal clatter of mugs and
glasses, the widow's view was no longer obstructed. Her eye wandered
quickly over that riotous and disorderly assemblage, until it settled
upon one group more riotous and disorderly than the rest, of which
her son formed the principal figure. The agonized mother could
scarcely repress a scream at the spectacle that met her gaze. There
sat Jack, evidently in the last stage of intoxication, with his
collar opened, his dress disarranged, a pipe in his mouth, a bowl of
punch and a half-emptied rummer before him,--there he sat, receiving
and returning, or rather attempting to return,--for he was almost
past consciousness,--the blandishments of a couple of females, one of
whom had passed her arm round his neck, while the other leaned over
the back of his chair and appeared from her gestures to be whispering
soft nonsense into his ear.

Both these ladies possessed considerable personal attractions.
The younger of the two, who was seated next to Jack, and seemed to
monopolize his attention, could not be more than seventeen, though
her person had all the maturity of twenty. She had delicate oval
features, light, laughing blue eyes, a pretty _nez retroussé_,
(why have we not the term, since we have the best specimens of the
feature?) teeth of pearly whiteness, and a brilliant complexion,
set off by rich auburn hair, a very white neck and shoulders,--the
latter, perhaps, a trifle too much exposed. The name of this damsel
was Edgeworth Bess; and, as her fascinations will not, perhaps, be
found to be without some influence upon the future fortunes of her
boyish admirer, we have thought it worth while to be thus particular
in describing them. The other _bona roba_, known amongst her
companions as Mistress Poll Maggot, was a beauty on a much larger
scale,--in fact, a perfect Amazon. Nevertheless though nearly six
feet high, and correspondingly proportioned, she was a model of
symmetry, and boasted, with the frame of a Thalestris or a Trulla,
the regular lineaments of the Medicean Venus. A man's laced
hat,--whether adopted from the caprice of the moment, or habitually
worn, we are unable to state,--cocked knowingly on her head,
harmonized with her masculine appearance. Mrs. Maggot, as well as her
companion Edgeworth Bess, was showily dressed; nor did either of them
disdain the aid supposed to be lent to a fair skin by the contents
of the patchbox. On an empty cask, which served him for a chair, and
opposite Jack Sheppard, whose rapid progress in depravity afforded
him the highest satisfaction, sat Blueskin, encouraging the two women
in their odious task, and plying his victim with the glass as often
as he deemed it expedient to do so. By this time, he had apparently
accomplished all he desired; for moving the bottle out of Jack's
reach, he appropriated it entirely to his own use, leaving the
devoted lad to the care of the females. Some few of the individuals
seated at the other tables seemed to take an interest in the
proceedings of Blueskin and his party, just as a bystander watches
any other game; but, generally speaking, the company were too much
occupied with their own concerns to pay attention to anything else.
The assemblage was for the most part, if not altogether, composed of
persons to whom vice in all its aspects was too familiar to present
much of novelty, in whatever form it was exhibited. Nor was Jack by
any means the only stripling in the room. Not far from him was a knot
of lads drinking, swearing, and playing at dice as eagerly and as
skilfully as any of the older hands. Near to these hopeful youths sat
a fence, or receiver, bargaining with a clouter, or pickpocket, for
a _suit_,--or, to speak in more intelligible language, a watch and
seals, two _cloaks_, commonly called watch-cases, and a _wedge-lobb,_
otherwise known as a silver snuff-box. Next to the receiver was a
gang of housebreakers, laughing over their exploits, and planning
fresh depredations; and next to the housebreakers came two
gallant-looking gentlemen in long periwigs and riding-dresses, and
equipped in all other respects for the road, with a roast fowl and
a bottle of wine before them. Amid this varied throng,--varied in
appearance, but alike in character,--one object alone, we have said,
rivetted Mrs. Sheppard's attention; and no sooner did she in some
degree recover from the shock occasioned by the sight of her son's
debased condition, than, regardless of any other consideration except
his instant removal from the contaminating society by which he was
surrounded, and utterly forgetting the more cautious plan she meant
to have adopted, she rushed into the room, and summoned him to follow
her.

“Halloa!” cried Jack, looking round, and trying to fix his inebriate
gaze upon the speaker,--“who's that?”

“Your mother,” replied Mrs. Sheppard. “Come home directly, Sir.”

“Mother be----!” returned Jack. “Who is it, Bess?”

“How should I know?” replied Edgeworth Bess. “But if it _is_ your
mother, send her about her business.”

“That I will,” replied Jack, “in the twinkling of a bedpost.”

“Glad to see you once more in the Mint, Mrs. Sheppard,” roared
Blueskin, who anticipated some fun. “Come and sit down by me.”

“Take a glass of gin, Ma'am,” cried Poll Maggot, holding up a bottle
of spirit; “it used to be your favourite liquor, I've heard.”

“Jack, my love,” cried Mrs. Sheppard, disregarding the taunt, “come
away.”

“Not I,” replied Jack; “I'm too comfortable where I am. Be off!”

“Jack!” exclaimed his unhappy parent.

“Mr. Sheppard, if you please, Ma'am,” interrupted the lad; “I allow
nobody to call me Jack. Do I, Bess, eh?”

“Nobody whatever, love,” replied Edgeworth Bess; “nobody but me,
dear.”

“And me,” insinuated Mrs. Maggot. “My little fancy man's quite as
fond of me as of you, Bess. Ain't you, Jacky darling?”

“Not quite, Poll,” returned Mr. Sheppard; “but I love you next to
her, and both of you better than _Her_,” pointing with the pipe to
his mother.

“Oh, Heavens!” cried Mrs. Sheppard.

“Bravo!” shouted Blueskin. “Tom Sheppard never said a better thing
than that--ho! ho!”

[Illustration: 054]

“Jack,” cried his mother, wringing her hands in distraction, “you'll
break my heart!”

“Poh! poh!” returned her son; “women don't so easily break their
hearts. Do they, Bess?”

“Certainly not,” replied the young lady appealed to, “especially
about their sons.”

“Wretch!” cried Mrs. Sheppard, bitterly.

“I say,” retorted Edgeworth Bess, with a very unfeminine imprecation,
“I shan't stand any more of that nonsense. What do you mean by
calling me wretch, Madam!” she added marching up to Mrs. Sheppard,
and regarding her with an insolent and threatening glance.

“Yes--what do you mean, Ma'am?” added Jack, staggering after her.

“Come with me, my love, come--come,” cried his mother, seizing his
hand, and endeavouring to force him away.

“He shan't go,” cried Edgeworth Bess, holding him by the other hand.
“Here, Poll, help me!”

Thus exhorted, Mrs. Maggot lent her powerful aid, and, between the
two, Jack was speedily relieved from all fears of being carried off
against his will. Not content with this exhibition of her prowess,
the Amazon lifted him up as easily as if he had been an infant,
and placed him upon her shoulders, to the infinite delight of the
company, and the increased distress of his mother.

“Now, let's see who'll dare to take him down,” she cried.

“Nobody shall,” cried Mr. Sheppard from his elevated position. “I'm
my own master now, and I'll do as I please. I'll turn cracksman,
like my father--rob old Wood--he has chests full of money, and I
know where they're kept--I'll rob him, and give the swag to you,
Poll--I'll--”

Jack would have said more; but, losing his balance, he fell to the
ground, and, when taken up, he was perfectly insensible. In this
state, he was laid upon a bench, to sleep off his drunken fit, while
his wretched mother, in spite of her passionate supplications and
resistance, was, by Blueskin's command, forcibly ejected from the
house, and driven out of the Mint.




CHAPTER XV. THE ROBBERY IN WILLESDEN CHURCH.


During the whole of the next day and night, the poor widow hovered
like a ghost about the precincts of the debtors' garrison,--for
admission (by the Master's express orders,) was denied her. She could
learn nothing of her son, and only obtained one solitary piece
of information, which added to, rather than alleviated her
misery,--namely, that Jonathan Wild had paid a secret visit to the
Cross Shovels. At one time, she determined to go to Wych Street,
and ask Mr. Wood's advice and assistance, but the thought of the
reception she was likely to meet with from his wife deterred her from
executing this resolution. Many other expedients occurred to her;
but after making several ineffectual attempts to get into the Mint
unobserved, they were all abandoned.

At length, about an hour before dawn on the second
day--Sunday--having spent the early part of the night in watching at
the gates of the robbers' sanctuary, and being almost exhausted from
want of rest, she set out homewards. It was a long walk she had to
undertake, even if she had endured no previous fatigue, but feeble as
she was, it was almost more than she could accomplish. Daybreak found
her winding her painful way along the Harrow Road; and, in order to
shorten the distance as much as possible, she took the nearest cut,
and struck into the meadows on the right. Crossing several fields,
newly mown, or filled with lines of tedded hay, she arrived, not
without great exertion, at the summit of a hill. Here her strength
completely failed her, and she was compelled to seek some repose.
Making her couch upon a heap of hay, she sank at once into a deep and
refreshing slumber.

When she awoke, the sun was high in Heaven. It was a bright and
beautiful day: _so_ bright, so beautiful, that even her sad heart was
cheered by it. The air, perfumed with the delicious fragrance of the
new-mown grass, was vocal with the melodies of the birds; the thick
foliage of the trees was glistening in the sunshine; all nature
seemed happy and rejoicing; but, above all, the serene Sabbath
stillness reigning around communicated a calm to her wounded spirit.

What a contrast did the lovely scene she now gazed upon present to
the squalid neighbourhood she had recently quitted! On all sides,
expanded prospects of country the most exquisite and most varied.
Immediately beneath her lay Willesden,--the most charming and
secluded village in the neighbourhood of the metropolis--with
its scattered farm-houses, its noble granges, and its old grey
church-tower just peeping above a grove of rook-haunted trees.

Towards this spot Mrs. Sheppard now directed her steps. She speedily
reached her own abode,--a little cottage, standing in the outskirts
of the village. The first circumstance that struck her on her arrival
seemed ominous. Her clock had stopped--stopped at the very hour on
which she had quitted the Mint! She had not the heart to wind it up
again.

After partaking of some little refreshment, and changing her attire,
Mrs. Sheppard prepared for church. By this time, she had so far
succeeded in calming herself, that she answered the greetings of the
neighbours whom she encountered on her way to the sacred edifice--if
sorrowfully, still composedly.

Every old country church is beautiful, but Willesden is the most
beautiful country church we know; and in Mrs. Sheppard's time it was
even more beautiful than at present, when the hand of improvement has
proceeded a little too rashly with alterations and repairs. With one
or two exceptions, there were no pews; and, as the intercourse
with London was then but slight, the seats were occupied almost
exclusively by the villagers. In one of these seats, at the end
of the aisle farthest removed from the chancel, the widow took her
place, and addressed herself fervently to her devotions.

The service had not proceeded far, when she was greatly disturbed by
the entrance of a person who placed himself opposite her, and sought
to attract her attention by a number of little arts, surveying her,
as he did so, with a very impudent and offensive stare. With
this person--who was no other than Mr. Kneebone--she was too well
acquainted; having, more than once, been obliged to repel his
advances; and, though his impertinence would have given her
little concern at another season, it now added considerably to her
distraction. But a far greater affliction was in store for her.

Just as the clergyman approached the altar, she perceived a boy
steal quickly into the church, and ensconce himself behind the
woollen-draper, who, in order to carry on his amatory pursuits with
greater convenience, and at the same time display his figure (of
which he was not a little vain) to the utmost advantage, preferred
a standing to a sitting posture. Of this boy she had only caught a
glimpse;--but that glimpse was sufficient to satisfy her it was her
son,--and, if she could have questioned her own instinctive love, she
could not question her antipathy, when she beheld, partly concealed
by a pillar immediately in the rear of the woollen-draper, the dark
figure and truculent features of Jonathan Wild. As she looked in this
direction, the thief-taker raised his eyes--those gray, blood-thirsty
eyes!--their glare froze the life-blood in her veins.

As she averted her gaze, a terrible idea crossed her. Why was he
there? why did the tempter dare to invade that sacred spot! She could
not answer her own questions, but vague fearful suspicions passed
through her mind. Meanwhile, the service proceeded; and the awful
command, “_Thou shalt not steal_!” was solemnly uttered by the
preacher, when Mrs. Sheppard, who had again looked round towards her
son, beheld a hand glance along the side of the woollen-draper.
She could not see what occurred, though she guessed it; but she saw
Jonathan's devilish triumphing glance, and read in it,--“Your son has
committed a robbery--here--in these holy walls--he is mine--mine for
ever!”

She uttered a loud scream, and fainted.

[Illustration: 007]




CHAPTER XVI. JONATHAN WILD'S HOUSE IN THE OLD BAILEY.


Just as St. Sepulchre's church struck one, on the eventful night of
the 10th of June, (to which it will not be necessary to recur,) a
horseman, mounted on a powerful charger, and followed at a respectful
distance by an attendant, galloped into the open space fronting
Newgate, and directed his course towards a house in the Old Bailey.
Before he could draw in the rein, his steed--startled apparently
by some object undistinguishable by the rider,--swerved with such
suddenness as to unseat him, and precipitate him on the ground. The
next moment, however, he was picked up, and set upon his feet by a
person who, having witnessed the accident, flew across the road to
his assistance.

“You're not hurt I hope, Sir Rowland?” inquired this individual.

“Not materially, Mr. Wild,” replied the other, “a little shaken,
that's all. Curses light on the horse!” he added, seizing the bridle
of his steed, who continued snorting and shivering, as if still under
the influence of some unaccountable alarm; “what can ail him?”

“_I_ know what ails him, your honour,” rejoined the groom, riding up
as he spoke; “he's seen somethin' not o' this world.”

“Most likely,” observed Jonathan, with a slight sneer; “the ghost of
some highwayman who has just breathed his last in Newgate, no doubt.”

“May be,” returned the man gravely.

“Take him home, Saunders,” said Sir Rowland, resigning his faulty
steed to the attendant's care, “I shall not require you further.
Strange!” he added, as the groom departed; “Bay Stuart has carried me
through a hundred dangers, but never played me such a trick before.”

“And never should again, were he mine,” rejoined Jonathan. “If the
best nag ever foaled were to throw me in this unlucky spot, I'd blow
his brains out.”

“What do you mean, Sir?” asked Trenchard.

“A fall against Newgate is accounted a sign of death by the halter,”
 replied Wild, with ill-disguised malignity.

“Tush!” exclaimed Sir Rowland, angrily.

“From that door,” continued the thief-taker, pointing to the
gloomy portal of the prison opposite which they were standing, “the
condemned are taken to Tyburn. It's a bad omen to be thrown near that
door.”

“I didn't suspect you of so much superstition, Mr. Wild,” observed
the knight, contemptuously.

“Facts convince the most incredulous,” answered Jonathan, drily.
“I've known several cases where the ignominious doom I've mentioned
has been foretold by such an accident as has just befallen you. There
was Major Price--you must recollect him, Sir Rowland,--he stumbled
as he was getting out of his chair at that very gate. Well, _he_ was
executed for murder. Then there was Tom Jarrot, the hackney-coachman,
who was pitched off the box against yonder curbstone, and broke his
leg. It was a pity he didn't break his neck, for he was hanged within
the year. Another instance was that of Toby Tanner--”

“No more of this,” interrupted Trenchard; “where is the boy?”

“Not far hence,” replied Wild. “After all our pains we were near
losing him, Sir Rowland.”

“How so?” asked the other, distrustfully.

“You shall hear,” returned Jonathan. “With the help of his comrade,
Jack Sheppard, the young rascal made a bold push to get out of the
round-house, where my janizaries had lodged him, and would have
succeeded too, if, by good luck,--for the devil never deserts so
useful an agent as I am, Sir Rowland,--I hadn't arrived in time
to prevent him. As it was, my oldest and trustiest setter, Abraham
Mendez, received a blow on the head from one of the lads that will
deprive me of his services for a week to come,--if, indeed it does
not disable him altogether. However, if I've lost one servant, I've
gained another, that's one comfort. Jack Sheppard is now wholly in my
hands.”

“What is this to me, Sir?” said Trenchard, cutting him short.

“Nothing whatever,” rejoined the thief-taker, coldly. “But it is
much to me. Jack Sheppard is to me what Thames Darrell is to you--an
object of hatred. I owed his father a grudge: that I settled long
ago. I owe his mother one, and will repay the debt, with interest, to
her son. I could make away with him at once, as you are about to make
away with your nephew, Sir Rowland,--but that wouldn't serve my turn.
To be complete, my vengeance must be tardy. Certain of my prey, I can
afford to wait for it. Besides, revenge is sweetened by delay; and I
indulge too freely in the passion to rob it of any of its zest. I've
watched this lad--this Sheppard--from infancy; and, though I have
apparently concerned myself little about him, I have never lost
sight of my purpose. I have suffered him to be brought up
decently--honestly; because I would make his fall the greater, and
deepen the wound I meant to inflict upon his mother. From this night
I shall pursue a different course; from this night his ruin may
be dated. He is in the care of those who will not leave the
task assigned to them--the utter perversion of his
principles--half-finished. And when I have steeped him to the lips
in vice and depravity; when I have led him to the commission of every
crime; when there is neither retreat nor advance for him; when he
has plundered his benefactor, and broken the heart of his
mother--then--but not till then, I will consign him to the fate to
which I consigned his father. This I have sworn to do--this I will
do.”

“Not unless your skull's bullet-proof,” cried a voice at his elbow;
and, as the words were uttered, a pistol was snapped at his head,
which,--fortunately or unfortunately, as the reader pleases,--only
burnt the priming. The blaze, however, was sufficient to reveal to
the thief-taker the features of his intended assassin. They were
those of the Irish watchman.

“Ah! Terry O'Flaherty!” vociferated Jonathan, in a tone that betrayed
hot the slightest discomposure. “Ah! Terry O'Flaherty!” he cried,
shouting after the Irishman, who took to his heels as soon as he
found his murderous attempt unsuccessful; “you may run, but you'll
not get out of my reach. I'll put a brace of dogs on your track,
who'll soon hunt you down. You shall swing for this after next
sessions, or my name's not Jonathan Wild. I told you, Sir Rowland,”
 he added, turning to the knight, and chuckling, “the devil never
deserts me.”

“Conduct me to your dwelling, Sir, without further delay,” said
Trenchard, sternly,--“to the boy.”

“The boy's not at my house,” replied Wild.

“Where is he, then?” demanded the other, hastily.

“At a place we call the Dark House at Queenhithe,” answered Jonathan,
“a sort of under-ground tavern or night-cellar, close to the
river-side, and frequented by the crew of the Dutch skipper, to whose
care he's to be committed. You need have no apprehensions about him,
Sir Rowland. He's safe enough now. I left him in charge of Quilt
Arnold and Rykhart Van Galgebrok--the skipper I spoke of--with strict
orders to shoot him if he made any further attempt at escape; and
they're not lads--the latter especially--to be trifled with. I deemed
it more prudent to send him to the Dark House than to bring him here,
in case of any search after him by his adoptive father--the carpenter
Wood. If you choose, you can see him put on board the Zeeslang
yourself, Sir Rowland. But, perhaps, you'll first accompany me to
my dwelling for a moment, that we may arrange our accounts before we
start. I've a few necessary directions to leave with my people, to
put 'em on their guard against the chance of a surprise. Suffer me to
precede you. This way, Sir Rowland.”

The thief-taker's residence was a large dismal-looking, habitation,
separated from the street by a flagged court-yard, and defended from
general approach by an iron railing. Even in the daylight, it had
a sombre and suspicious air, and seemed to slink back from the
adjoining houses, as if afraid of their society. In the obscurity in
which it was now seen, it looked like a prison, and, indeed, it was
Jonathan's fancy to make it resemble one as much as possible. The
windows were grated, the doors barred; each room had the name as well
as the appearance of a cell; and the very porter who stood at the
gate, habited like a jailer, with his huge bunch of keys at his
girdle, his forbidding countenance and surly demeanour seemed to be
borrowed from Newgate. The clanking of chains, the grating of locks,
and the rumbling of bolts must have been music in Jonathan's ears, so
much pains did he take to subject himself to such sounds. The scanty
furniture of the rooms corresponded with their dungeon-like aspect.
The walls were bare, and painted in stone-colour; the floors, devoid
of carpet; the beds, of hangings; the windows, of blinds; and,
excepting in the thief-taker's own audience-chamber, there was not a
chair or a table about the premises; the place of these conveniences
being elsewhere supplied by benches, and deal-boards laid across
joint-stools. Great stone staircases leading no one knew whither, and
long gloomy passages, impressed the occasional visitor with the idea
that he was traversing a building of vast extent; and, though this
was not the case in reality, the deception was so cleverly contrived
that it seldom failed of producing the intended effect. Scarcely any
one entered Mr. Wild's dwelling without apprehension, or quitted it
without satisfaction. More strange stories were told of it than of
any other house in London. The garrets were said to be tenanted by
coiners, and artists employed in altering watches and jewelry; the
cellars to be used as a magazine for stolen goods. By some it was
affirmed that a subterranean communication existed between the
thief-taker's abode and Newgate, by means of which he was enabled
to maintain a secret correspondence with the imprisoned felons: by
others, that an under-ground passage led to extensive vaults,
where such malefactors as he chose to screen from justice might lie
concealed till the danger was blown over. Nothing, in short, was
too extravagant to be related of it; and Jonathan, who delighted in
investing himself and his residence with mystery, encouraged, and
perhaps originated, these marvellous tales. However this may be, such
was the ill report of the place that few passed along the Old Bailey
without bestowing a glance of fearful curiosity at its dingy walls,
and wondering what was going on inside them; while fewer still,
of those who paused at the door, read, without some internal
trepidation, the formidable name--inscribed in large letters on its
bright brass-plate--of JONATHAN WILD.

Arrived at his habitation, Jonathan knocked in a peculiar manner at
the door, which was instantly opened by the grim-visaged porter just
alluded to. No sooner had Trenchard crossed the threshold than a
fierce barking was heard at the farther extremity of the passage,
and, the next moment, a couple of mastiffs of the largest size rushed
furiously towards him. The knight stood upon his defence; but he
would unquestionably have been torn in pieces by the savage hounds,
if a shower of oaths, seconded by a vigorous application of kicks
and blows from their master, had not driven them growling off.
Apologizing to Sir Rowland for this unpleasant reception, and
swearing lustily at his servant for occasioning it by leaving the
dogs at liberty, Jonathan ordered the man to light them to the
audience-room. The command was sullenly obeyed, for the fellow did
not appear to relish the rating. Ascending the stairs, and conducting
them along a sombre gallery, in which Trenchard noticed that every
door was painted black, and numbered, he stopped at the entrance of a
chamber; and, selecting a key from the bunch at his girdle, unlocked
it. Following his guide, Sir Rowland found himself in a large and
lofty apartment, the extent of which he could not entirely discern
until lights were set upon the table. He then looked around him
with some curiosity; and, as the thief-taker was occupied in giving
directions to his attendant in an undertone, ample leisure was
allowed him for investigation. At the first glance, he imagined he
must have stumbled upon a museum of rarities, there were so many
glass-cases, so many open cabinets, ranged against the walls; but the
next convinced him that if Jonathan was a virtuoso, his tastes did
not run in the ordinary channels. Trenchard was tempted to examine
the contents of some of these cases, but a closer inspection made him
recoil from them in disgust. In the one he approached was gathered
together a vast assortment of weapons, each of which, as appeared
from the ticket attached to it, had been used as an instrument of
destruction. On this side was a razor with which a son had murdered
his father; the blade notched, the haft crusted with blood: on that,
a bar of iron, bent, and partly broken, with which a husband had
beaten out his wife's brains. As it is not, however, our intention
to furnish a complete catalogue of these curiosities, we shall merely
mention that in front of them lay a large and sharp knife, once the
property of the public executioner, and used by him to dissever the
limbs of those condemned to death for high-treason; together with
an immense two-pronged flesh-fork, likewise employed by the same
terrible functionary to plunge the quarters of his victims in the
caldrons of boiling tar and oil. Every gibbet at Tyburn and Hounslow
appeared to have been plundered of its charnel spoil to enrich the
adjoining cabinet, so well was it stored with skulls and bones,
all purporting to be the relics of highwaymen famous in their
day. Halters, each of which had fulfilled its destiny, formed the
attraction of the next compartment; while a fourth was occupied by an
array of implements of housebreaking almost innumerable, and utterly
indescribable. All these interesting objects were carefully arranged,
classed, and, as we have said, labelled by the thief-taker. From this
singular collection Trenchard turned to regard its possessor, who
was standing at a little distance from him, still engaged in earnest
discourse with his attendant, and, as he contemplated his ruthless
countenance, on which duplicity and malignity had set their strongest
seals, he could not help calling to mind all he had heard of
Jonathan's perfidiousness to his employers, and deeply regretting
that he had placed himself in the power of so unscrupulous a
miscreant.

Jonathan Wild, at this time, was on the high-road to the greatness
which he subsequently, and not long afterwards, obtained. He was fast
rising to an eminence that no one of his nefarious profession ever
reached before him, nor, it is to be hoped, will ever reach again. He
was the Napoleon of knavery, and established an uncontrolled empire
over all the practitioners of crime. This was no light conquest;
nor was it a government easily maintained. Resolution, severity,
subtlety, were required for it; and these were qualities which
Jonathan possessed in an extraordinary degree. The danger or
difficulty of an exploit never appalled him. What his head conceived
his hand executed. Professing to stand between the robber and the
robbed, he himself plundered both. He it was who formed the grand
design of a robber corporation, of which he should be the sole head
and director, with the right of delivering those who concealed their
booty, or refused to share it with him, to the gallows. He divided
London into districts; appointed a gang to each district; and a
leader to each gang, whom he held responsible to himself. The country
was partitioned in a similar manner. Those whom he retained about
his person, or placed in offices of trust, were for the most part
convicted felons, who, having returned from transportation before
their term had expired, constituted, in his opinion, the safest
agents, inasmuch as they could neither be legal evidences against
him, nor withhold any portion of the spoil of which he chose to
deprive them. But the crowning glory of Jonathan, that which raised
him above all his predecessors in iniquity, and clothed this name
with undying notoriety--was to come. When in the plenitude of his
power, he commenced a terrible trade, till then unknown--namely, a
traffic in human blood. This he carried on by procuring witnesses
to swear away the lives of those persons who had incurred his
displeasure, or whom it might be necessary to remove.

No wonder that Trenchard, as he gazed at this fearful being, should
have some misgivings cross him.

Apparently, Jonathan perceived he was an object of scrutiny; for,
hastily dismissing his attendant, he walked towards the knight.

“So, you're admiring my cabinet, Sir Rowland,” he remarked, with a
sinister smile; “it _is_ generally admired; and, sometimes by parties
who afterwards contribute to the collection themselves,--ha! ha! This
skull,” he added, pointing to a fragment of mortality in the case
beside them, “once belonged to Tom Sheppard, the father of the lad
I spoke of just now. In the next box hangs the rope by which he
suffered. When I've placed another skull and another halter beside
them, I shall be contented.”

“To business, Sir!” said the knight, with a look of abhorrence.

“Ay, to business,” returned Jonathan, grinning, “the sooner the
better.”

“Here is the sum you bargained for,” rejoined Trenchard, flinging a
pocket-book on the table; “count it.”

Jonathan's eyes glistened as he told over the notes.

“You've given me more than the amount, Sir Rowland,” he said, after
he had twice counted them, “or I've missed my reckoning. There's a
hundred pounds too much.”

“Keep it,” said Trenchard, haughtily.

“I'll place it to your account, Sir Rowland,” answered the
thief-taker, smiling significantly. “And now, shall we proceed to
Queenhithe?”

“Stay!” cried the other, taking a chair, “a word with you, Mr. Wild.”

“As many as you please, Sir Rowland,” replied Jonathan, resuming his
seat. “I'm quite at your disposal.”

“I have a question to propose to you,” said Trenchard, “relating
to--” and he hesitated.

“Relating to the father of the boy--Thames Darrell,” supplied
Jonathan. “I guessed what was coming. You desire to know who he was,
Sir Rowland. Well, you _shall_ know.”

“Without further fee?” inquired the knight.

“Not exactly,” answered Jonathan, drily. “A secret is too valuable
a commodity to be thrown away. But I said I wouldn't drive a hard
bargain with you, and I won't. We are alone, Sir Rowland,” he added,
snuffing the candles, glancing cautiously around, and lowering his
tone, “and what you confide to me shall never transpire,--at least to
your disadvantage.”

“I am at a loss to understand you Sir,”, said Trenchard.

“I'll make myself intelligible before I've done,” rejoined Wild.
“I need not remind you, Sir Rowland, that I am aware you are deeply
implicated in the Jacobite plot which is now known to be hatching.”

“Ha!” ejaculated the other.

“Of course, therefore,” pursued Jonathan, “you are acquainted with
all the leaders of the proposed insurrection,--nay, must be in
correspondence with them.”

“What right have you to suppose this, Sir?” demanded Trenchard,
sternly.

“Have a moment's patience, Sir Rowland,” returned Wild; “and you
shall hear. If you will furnish me with a list of these rebels, and
with proofs of their treason, I will not only insure your safety, but
will acquaint you with the real name and rank of your sister Aliva's
husband, as well as with some particulars which will never otherwise
reach your ears, concerning your lost sister, Constance.”

“My sister Constance!” echoed the knight; “what of her?”

“You agree to my proposal, then?” said Jonathan.

“Do you take me for as great a villain as yourself, Sir?” said the
knight, rising.

“I took you for one who wouldn't hesitate to avail himself of any
advantage chance might throw in his way,” returned the thief-taker,
coldly. “I find I was in error. No matter. A time _may_ come,--and
that ere long,--when you will be glad to purchase my secrets,
and your own safety, at a dearer price than the heads of your
companions.”

“Are you ready?” said Trenchard, striding towards the door.

“I am,” replied Jonathan, following him, “and so,” he added in an
undertone, “are your captors.”

A moment afterwards, they quitted the house.




CHAPTER XVII. THE NIGHT-CELLAR.


After a few minutes' rapid walking, during which neither party
uttered a word, Jonathan Wild and his companion had passed Saint
Paul's, dived down a thoroughfare on the right, and reached Thames
Street.

At the period of this history, the main streets of the metropolis
were but imperfectly lighted, while the less-frequented avenues were
left in total obscurity; but, even at the present time, the maze of
courts and alleys into which Wild now plunged, would have perplexed
any one, not familiar with their intricacies, to thread them on a
dark night. Jonathan, however, was well acquainted with the road.
Indeed, it was his boast that he could find his way through any part
of London blindfolded; and by this time, it would seem, he had nearly
arrived at his destination; for, grasping his companion's arm, he led
him along a narrow entry which did not appear to have an outlet,
and came to a halt. Cautioning the knight, if he valued his neck,
to tread carefully, Jonathan then descended a steep flight of steps;
and, having reached the bottom in safety, he pushed open a door,
that swung back on its hinges as soon as it had admitted him; and,
followed by Trenchard, entered the night-cellar.

The vault, in which Sir Rowland found himself, resembled in some
measure the cabin of a ship. It was long and narrow, with a ceiling
supported by huge uncovered rafters, and so low as scarcely to allow
a tall man like himself to stand erect beneath it. Notwithstanding
the heat of the season,--which was not, however, found particularly
inconvenient in this subterranean region,--a large heaped-up fire
blazed ruddily in one corner, and lighted up a circle of as villanous
countenances as ever flame shone upon.

The guests congregated within the night-cellar were, in fact, little
better than thieves; but thieves who confined their depredations
almost exclusively to the vessels lying in the pool and docks of
the river. They had as many designations as grades. There were game
watermen and game lightermen, heavy horsemen and light horsemen,
scuffle-hunters, and long-apron men, lumpers, journeymen coopers,
mud-larks, badgers, and ratcatchers--a race of dangerous vermin
recently, in a great measure, extirpated by the vigilance of the
Thames Police, but at this period flourishing in vast numbers.
Besides these plunderers, there were others with whom the disposal of
their pillage necessarily brought them into contact, and who
seldom failed to attend them during their hours of relaxation and
festivity;--to wit, dealers in junk, old rags, and marine stores,
purchasers of prize-money, crimps, and Jew receivers. The latter
formed by far the most knavish-looking and unprepossessing portion of
the assemblage. One or two of the tables were occupied by groups
of fat frowzy women in flat caps, with rings on their thumbs, and
baskets by their sides; and no one who had listened for a single
moment to their coarse language and violent abuse of each other,
would require to be told they were fish-wives from Billingsgate.

The present divinity of the cellar was a comely middle-aged dame,
almost as stout, and quite as shrill-voiced, as the Billingsgate
fish-wives above-mentioned, Mrs. Spurling, for so was she named,
had a warm nut-brown complexion, almost as dark as a Creole; and a
moustache on her upper lip, that would have done no discredit to the
oldest dragoon in the King's service. This lady was singularly lucky
in her matrimonial connections. She had been married four times:
three of her husbands died of hempen fevers; and the fourth, having
been twice condemned, was saved from the noose by Jonathan Wild,
who not only managed to bring him off, but to obtain for him the
situation of under-turnkey in Newgate.

On the appearance of the thief-taker, Mrs. Spurling was standing near
the fire superintending some culinary preparation; but she no sooner
perceived him, than hastily quitting her occupation, she elbowed a
way for him and the knight through the crowd, and ushered them, with
much ceremony, into an inner room, where they found the objects of
their search, Quilt Arnold and Rykhart Van Galgebrok, seated at a
small table, quietly smoking. This service rendered, without waiting
for any farther order, she withdrew.

Both the janizary and the skipper arose as the others entered the
room.

“This is the gentleman,” observed Jonathan, introducing Trenchard to
the Hollander, “who is about to intrust his young relation to your
care.”

“De gentleman may rely on my showing his relation all de attention
in my power,” replied Van Galgebrok, bowing profoundly to the knight;
“but if any unforseen accident--such as a slip overboard--should
befal de jonker on de voyage, he mushn't lay de fault entirely on my
shoulders--haw! haw!”

“Where is he?” asked Sir Rowland, glancing uneasily around. “I do not
see him.”

“De jonker. He's here,” returned the skipper, pointing significantly
downwards. “Bring him out, Quilt.”

So saying, he pushed aside the table, and the janizary stooping down,
undrew a bolt and opened a trap-door.

“Come out!” roared Quilt, looking into the aperture. “You're wanted.”

But as no answer was returned, he trust his arm up to the shoulder
into the hole, and with some little difficulty and exertion of
strength, drew forth Thames Darrell.

The poor boy, whose hands were pinioned behind him, looked very pale,
but neither trembled, nor exhibited any other symptom of alarm.

“Why didn't you come out when I called you, you young dog?” cried
Quilt in a savage tone.

“Because I knew what you wanted me for!” answered Thames firmly.

“Oh! you did, did you?” said the janizary. “And what do you suppose
we mean to do with you, eh?”

“You mean to kill me,” replied Thames, “by my cruel uncle's command.
Ah! there he stands!” he exclaimed as his eye fell for the first
time upon Sir Rowland. “Where is my mother?” he added, regarding the
knight with a searching glance.

“Your mother is dead,” interposed Wild, scowling.

“Dead!” echoed the boy. “Oh no--no! You say this to terrify me--to
try me. But I will not believe you. Inhuman as he is, he would not
kill her. Tell me, Sir,” he added, advancing towards the knight,
“tell me has this man spoken falsely?--Tell me my mother is alive,
and do what you please with me.”

“Tell him so, and have done with him, Sir Rowland,” observed Jonathan
coldly.

“Tell me the truth, I implore you,” cried Thames. “Is she alive?”

“She is not,” replied Trenchard, overcome by conflicting emotions,
and unable to endure the boy's agonized look.

“Are you answered?” said Jonathan, with a grin worthy of a demon.

“My mother!--my poor mother!” ejaculated Thames, falling on his
knees, and bursting into tears. “Shall I never see that sweet face
again,--never feel the pressure of those kind hands more--nor listen
to that gentle voice! Ah! yes, we shall meet again in Heaven, where I
shall speedily join you. Now then,” he added more calmly, “I am ready
to die. The only mercy you can show me is to kill me.”

“Then we won't even show you that mercy,” retorted the thief-taker
brutally. “So get up, and leave off whimpering. Your time isn't come
yet.”

“Mr. Wild,” said Trenchard, “I shall proceed no further in this
business. Set the boy free.”

“If I disobey you, Sir Rowland,” replied the thief-taker, “you'll
thank me for it hereafter. Gag him,” he added, pushing Thames rudely
toward Quilt Arnold, “and convey him to the boat.”

“A word,” cried the boy, as the janizary was preparing to obey his
master's orders. “What has become of Jack Sheppard?”

“Devil knows!” answered Quilt; “but I believe he's in the hands
of Blueskin, so there's no doubt he'll soon be on the high-road to
Tyburn.”

“Poor Jack!” sighed Thames. “You needn't gag me,” he added, “I'll not
cry out.”

“We won't trust you, my youngster,” answered the janizary. And,
thrusting a piece of iron into his mouth, he forced him out of the
room.

Sir Rowland witnessed these proceedings like one stupified. He
neither attempted to prevent his nephew's departure, nor to follow
him.

Jonathan kept his keen eye fixed upon him, as he addressed himself
for a moment to the Hollander.

“Is the case of watches on board?” he asked in an under tone.

“Ja,” replied the skipper.

“And the rings?”

“Ja.”

“That's well. You must dispose of the goldsmith's note I gave you
yesterday, as soon as you arrive at Rotterdam. It'll be advertised
to-morrow.”

“De duivel!” exclaimed Van Galgebrok, “Very well. It shall be done as
you direct. But about dat jonker,” he continued, lowering his voice;
“have you anything to add consarnin' him? It's almosht a pity to put
him onder de water.”

“Is the sloop ready to sail?” asked Wild, without noticing the
skipper's remark.

“Ja,” answered Van; “at a minut's nodish.”

“Here are your despatches,” said Jonathan with a significant look,
and giving him a sealed packet. “Open them when you get on board--not
before, and act as they direct you.”

“I ondershtand,” replied the skipper, putting his finger to his nose;
“it shall be done.”

“Sir Rowland,” said Jonathan, turning to the knight, “will it please
you to remain here till I return, or will you accompany us?”

“I will go with you,” answered Trenchard, who, by this time, had
regained his composure, and with it all his relentlessness of
purpose.

“Come, then,” said Wild, marching towards the door, “we've no time to
lose.”

Quitting the night-cellar, the trio soon arrived at the riverside.
Quilt Arnold was stationed at the stair-head, near which the boat
containing the captive boy was moored. A few words passed between
him and the thief-taker as the latter came up; after which, all the
party--with the exception of Quilt, who was left on shore--embarked
within the wherry, which was pushed from the strand and rowed swiftly
along the stream--for the tide was in its favour--by a couple of
watermen. Though scarcely two hours past midnight, it was perfectly
light. The moon had arisen, and everything could be as plainly
distinguished as during the day. A thin mist lay on the river, giving
the few craft moving about in it a ghostly look. As they approached
London Bridge, the thief-taker whispered Van Galgebrok, who acted as
steersman, to make for a particular arch--near the Surrey shore. The
skipper obeyed, and in another moment, they swept through the narrow
lock. While the watermen were contending with the eddies occasioned
by the fall below the bridge, Jonathan observed a perceptible shudder
run through Trenchard's frame.

“You remember that starling, Sir Rowland,” he said maliciously, “and
what occurred on it, twelve years ago?”

“Too well,” answered the knight, frowning. “Ah! what is that?” he
cried, pointing to a dark object floating near them amid the boiling
waves, and which presented a frightful resemblance to a human face.

“We'll see,” returned the thief-taker. And, stretching out his hand,
he lifted the dark object from the flood.

It proved to be a human head, though with scarcely a vestige of the
features remaining. Here and there, patches of flesh adhered to the
bones, and the dank dripping hair hanging about what had once been
the face, gave it a ghastly appearance.

“It's the skull of a _rebel_,” said Jonathan, with marked emphasis on
the word, “blown by the wind from a spike on the bridge above us.
I don't know whose brainless head it may be, but it'll do for my
collection.” And he tossed it carelessly into the bottom of the boat.

After this occurence, not a word was exchanged between them until
they came in sight of the sloop, which was lying at anchor off
Wapping. Arrived at her side, it was soon evident, from the throng of
seamen in Dutch dresses that displayed themselves, that her crew were
on the alert, and a rope having been thrown down to the skipper, he
speedily hoisted himself on deck. Preparations were next made for
taking Thames on board. Raising him in his arms, Jonathan passed
the rope round his body, and in this way the poor boy was drawn up
without difficulty.

While he was swinging in mid air, Thames regarded his uncle with a
stern look, and cried in a menacing voice, “We shall meet again.”

“Not in this world,” returned Jonathan. “Weigh anchor, Van!” he
shouted to the skipper, “and consult your despatches.”

“Ja--ja,” returned the Hollander. And catching hold of Thames, he
quitted the deck.

Shortly afterwards, he re-appeared with the information that the
captive was safe below; and giving the necessary directions to
his crew, before many minutes had elapsed, the Zeeslang spread her
canvass to the first breeze of morning.

By the thief-taker's command, the boat was then rowed toward a muddy
inlet, which has received in more recent times the name of Execution
Dock. As soon as she reached this spot, Wild sprang ashore, and was
joined by several persons,--among whom was Quilt Arnold, leading
a horse by the bridle,--he hastened down the stairs to meet him. A
coach was also in attendance, at a little distance.

Sir Rowland, who had continued absorbed in thought, with his eyes
fixed upon the sloop, as she made her way slowly down the river,
disembarked more leisurely.

“At length I am my own master,” murmured the knight, as his foot
touched the strand.

“Not so, Sir Rowland,” returned Jonathan; “you are my prisoner.”

“How!” ejaculated Trenchard, starting back and drawing his sword.

“You are arrested for high treason,” rejoined Wild, presenting a
pistol at his head, while he drew forth a parchment,--“here is my
warrant.”

“Traitor!” cried Sir Rowland--“damned--double-dyed traitor!”

“Away with him,” vociferated Jonathan to his myrmidons, who, having
surrounded Trenchard, hurried him off to the coach before he could
utter another word,--“first to Mr. Walpole, and then to Newgate. And
now, Quilt,” he continued, addressing the janizary, who approached
him with the horse, “fly to St. Giles's round-house, and if, through
the agency of that treacherous scoundrel, Terry O'Flaherty, whom I've
put in my Black List, old Wood should have found his way there, and
have been detained by Sharpies as I directed, you may release him. I
don't care how soon he learns that he has lost his adopted son. When
I've escorted you proud fool to his new quarters, I'll proceed to the
Mint and look after Jack Sheppard.”

With this, he mounted his steed and rode off.




CHAPTER XVIII. HOW JACK SHEPPARD BROKE OUT OF THE CAGE AT WILLESDEN.


The heart-piercing scream uttered by Mrs. Sheppard after the
commission of the robbery in Willesden church was productive of
unfortunate consequences to her son. Luckily, she was bereft
of consciousness, and was thus spared the additional misery of
witnessing what afterwards befell him. Startled by the cry, as may be
supposed, the attention of the whole congregation was drawn towards
the quarter whence it proceeded. Amongst others, a person near the
door, roused by the shriek, observed a man make his exit with
the utmost precipitation. A boy attempted to follow; but as
the suspicions of the lookers-on were roused by the previous
circumstances, the younger fugitive was seized and detained.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kneebone, having been alarmed by something in the
widow's look before her feelings found vent in the manner above
described, thrust his hand instinctively into his coat in search
of his pocket-book,--about the security of which, as it contained
several letters and documents implicating himself and others in the
Jacobite plot, he was, not unnaturally, solicitous,--and finding it
gone, he felt certain he had been robbed. Turning quickly round,
in the hope of discovering the thief, he was no less surprised than
distressed--for in spite of his faults, the woollen-draper was a
good-natured fellow--to perceive Jack Sheppard in custody. The truth
at once flashed across his mind. This, then, was the cause of the
widow's wild inexplicable look,--of her sudden shriek! Explaining
his suspicious in a whisper to Jack's captor, who proved to be a
church-warden and a constable, by name John Dump,--Mr. Kneebone
begged him to take the prisoner into the churchyard. Dump instantly
complied, and as soon as Jack was removed from the sacred edifice,
his person was searched from head to foot--but without success. Jack
submitted to this scrutiny with a very bad grace, and vehemently
protested his innocence. In vain did the woollen-draper offer to
set him free if he would restore the stolen article, or give up
his associate, to whom it was supposed he might have handed it. He
answered with the greatest assurance, that he knew nothing whatever
of the matter--had seen no pocket-book, and no associate to give up.
Nor did he content himself with declaring his guiltlessness of the
crime imputed to him, but began in his turn to menace his captor and
accuser, loading the latter with the bitterest upbraidings. By
this time, the churchyard was crowded with spectators, some of whom
dispersed in different directions in quest of the other robber. But
all that could be ascertained in the village was, that a man had
ridden off a short time before in the direction of London. Of this
man Kneebone resolved to go in pursuit; and leaving Jack in charge of
the constable, he proceeded to the small inn,--which bore then, as it
bears now, the name of the Six Bells,--where, summoning the hostler,
his steed was instantly brought him, and, springing on its back, he
rode away at full speed.

Meanwhile, after a consultation between Mr. Dump and the village
authorities, it was agreed to lock up the prisoner in the cage. As
he was conveyed thither, an incident occurred that produced a
considerable impression on the feelings of the youthful offender.
Just as they reached the eastern outlet of the churchyard--where the
tall elms cast a pleasant shade over the rustic graves--a momentary
stoppage took place. At this gate two paths meet. Down that on
the right the young culprit was dragged--along that on the left a
fainting woman was borne in the arms of several females. It was his
mother, and as he gazed on her pallid features and motionless frame,
Jack's heart severely smote him. He urged his conductors to a quicker
pace to get out of sight of the distressing spectacle, and even felt
relieved when he was shut out from it and the execrations of the mob
by the walls of the little prison.

The cage at Willesden was, and is--for it is still standing--a small
round building about eight feet high, with a pointed tiled roof,
to which a number of boards, inscribed with the names of the parish
officers, and charged with a multitude of admonitory notices to
vagrants and other disorderly persons, are attached. Over these
boards the two arms of a guide-post serve to direct the way-farer--on
the right hand to the neighbouring villages of Neasdon and Kingsbury,
and on the left to the Edgeware Road and the healthy heights of
Hampstead. The cage has a strong door, with an iron grating at
the top, and further secured by a stout bolt and padlock. It is
picturesquely situated beneath a tree on the high road, not far from
the little hostel before mentioned, and at no great distance from the
church.

For some time after he was locked up in this prison Jack continued in
a very dejected state. Deserted by his older companion in iniquity,
and instigator to crime, he did not know what might become of
him; nor, as we have observed, was the sad spectacle he had just
witnessed, without effect. Though within the last two days he had
committed several heinous offences, and one of a darker dye than any
with which the reader has been made acquainted, his breast was
not yet so callous as to be wholly insensible to the stings of
conscience. Wearied at length with thinking on the past, and
terrified by the prospect of the future, he threw himself on the
straw with which the cage was littered, and endeavoured to compose
himself to slumber. When he awoke, it was late in the day; but though
he heard voices outside, and now and then caught a glimpse of a face
peeping at him through the iron grating over the door, no one entered
the prison, or held any communication with him. Feeling rather
exhausted, it occurred to him that possibly some provisions might
have been left by the constable; and, looking about, he perceived a
pitcher of water and a small brown loaf on the floor. He ate of the
bread with great appetite, and having drunk as much as he chose of
the water, poured the rest on the floor. His hunger satisfied, his
spirits began to revive, and with this change of mood all his natural
audacity returned. And here he was first visited by that genius
which, in his subsequent career, prompted him to so many bold and
successful attempts. Glancing around his prison, he began to think it
possible he might effect an escape from it. The door was too strong,
and too well secured, to break open,--the walls too thick: but the
ceiling,--if he could reach it--there, he doubted not, he could make
an outlet. While he was meditating flight in this way, and tossing
about on the straw, he chanced upon an old broken and rusty fork.
Here was an instrument which might be of the greatest service to him
in accomplishing his design. He put it carefully aside, resolved to
defer the attempt till night. Time wore on somewhat slowly with the
prisoner, who had to control his impatience in the best way he could;
but as the shades of evening were darkening, the door was unlocked,
and Mr. Dump popped his head into the cage. He brought another small
loaf, and a can with which he replenished the pitcher, recommending
Jack to be careful, as he would get nothing further till morning. To
this Jack replied, that he should be perfectly contented, provided
he might have a small allowance of gin. The latter request, though
treated with supreme contempt by Mr. Dump, made an impression on some
one outside; for not long after the constable departed, Jack heard a
tap at the door, and getting up at the summons, he perceived the tube
of a pipe inserted between the bars. At once divining the meaning of
this ingenious device, he applied his mouth to the tube, and sucked
away, while the person outside poured spirit into the bowl. Having
drunk as much as he thought prudent, and thanked his unknown friend
for his attention, Jack again lay down on the straw, and indulged
himself with another nap, intending to get up as soon as it was
perfectly dark. The strong potation he had taken, combined with
fatigue and anxiety he had previously undergone, made him oversleep
himself, and when he awoke it was just beginning to grow light.
Cursing himself for his inertness, Jack soon shook off this
drowsiness, and set to work in earnest. Availing himself of certain
inequalities in the door, he soon managed to climb up to the roof;
and securing his feet against a slight projection in the wall, began
to use the fork with great effect. Before many minutes elapsed, he
had picked a large hole in the plaster, which showered down in a
cloud of dust; and breaking off several laths, caught hold of a beam,
by which he held with one hand, until with the other he succeeded,
not without some difficulty, in forcing out one of the tiles. The
rest was easy. In a few minutes more he had made a breach in the
roof wide enough to allow him to pass through. Emerging from this
aperture, he was about to descend, when he was alarmed by hearing the
tramp of horses' feet swiftly approaching, and had only time to hide
himself behind one of the largest sign-boards before alluded to when
two horsemen rode up. Instead of passing on, as Jack expected, these
persons stopped opposite the cage, when one of them, as he judged
from the sound, for he did not dare to look out of his hiding place,
dismounted. A noise was next heard, as if some instrument were
applied to the door with the intent to force it open, and Jack's
fears were at once dispelled, At first, he had imagined they were
officers of justice, come to convey him to a stronger prison: but the
voice of one of the parties, which he recognised, convinced him they
were his friends.

“Look quick, Blueskin, and be cursed to you!” was growled in the
deep tones of Jonathan Wild. “We shall have the whole village upon us
while you're striking the jigger. Use the gilt, man!”

[Illustration: 108]

“There's no need of picklock or crow-bar, here, Mr. Wild,” cried
Jack, placing his hat on the right arm of the guide-post, and leaning
over the board, “I've done the trick myself.”

“Why, what the devil's this?” vociferated Jonathan, looking up. “Have
you broken out of the cage, Jack?”

“Something like it,” replied the lad carelessly.

“Bravo!” cried the thief-taker approvingly.

“Well, that beats all I ever heard of!” roared Blueskin.

“But are you really there?”

“No, I'm here,” answered Jack, leaping down. “I tell you what,
Mr. Wild,” he added, laughing, “it must be a stronger prison than
Willesden cage that can hold me.”

“Ay, ay,” observed Jonathan, “you'll give the keepers of his
Majesty's jails some trouble before you're many years older, I'll
warrant you. But get up behind, Blueskin. Some one may observe us.”

“Come, jump up,” cried Blueskin, mounting his steed, “and I'll soon
wisk you to town. Edgeworth Bess and Poll Maggot are dying to see
you. I thought Bess would have cried her pretty eyes out when she
heard you was nabbed. You need give yourself no more concern about
Kneebone. Mr. Wild has done his business.”

“Ay--ay,” laughed Jonathan. “The pocket-book you prigged contained
the letters I wanted. He's now in spring-ankle warehouse with Sir
Rowland Trenchard. So get up, and let's be off.”

“Before I leave this place, I must see my mother.”

“Nonsense,” returned Jonathan gruffly. “Would you expose yourself to
fresh risk? If it hadn't been for her you wouldn't have been placed
in your late jeopardy.”

“I don't care for that,” replied Jack. “See her I _will_. Leave me
behind: I'm not afraid. I'll be at the Cross Shovels in the course of
the day.”

“Nay, if you're bent upon this folly,” observed Wild, who appeared
to have his own reasons for humouring the lad, “I shan't hinder you.
Blueskin will take care of the horses, and I'll go with you.”

So saying, he dismounted; and flinging his bridle to his companion,
and ordering him to ride off to a little distance, he followed Jack,
who had quitted the main road, and struck into a narrow path opposite
the cage. This path, bordered on each side by high privet hedges of
the most beautiful green, soon brought them to a stile.

“There's the house,” said Jack, pointing to a pretty cottage, the
small wooden porch of which was covered with roses and creepers, with
a little trim garden in front of it. “I'll be back in a minute.”

“Don't hurry yourself,” said Jonathan, “I'll wait for you here.”




CHAPTER XIX. GOOD AND EVIL.


As Jack opened the gate, and crossed the little garden, which
exhibited in every part the neatness and attention of its owner, he
almost trembled at the idea of further disturbing her peace of
mind. Pausing with the intention of turning back, he glanced in the
direction of the village church, the tower of which could just be
seen through the trees. The rooks were cawing amid the boughs, and
all nature appeared awaking to happiness. From this peaceful scene
Jack's eye fell upon Jonathan, who, seated upon the stile, under the
shade of an elder tree, was evidently watching him. A sarcastic smile
seemed to play upon the chief-taker's lips; and abashed at his own
irresolution, the lad went on.

After knocking for some time at the door without effect, he tried the
latch, and to his surprise found it open. He stepped in with a heavy
foreboding of calamity. A cat came and rubbed herself against him as
he entered the house, and seemed by her mewing to ask him for food.
That was the only sound he heard.

Jack was almost afraid of speaking; but at length he summoned courage
to call out “Mother!”

“Who's there?” asked a faint voice from the bed.

“Your son,” answered the boy.

“Jack,” exclaimed the widow, starting up and drawing back the
curtain. “Is it indeed you, or am I dreaming?”

“You're not dreaming, mother,” he answered. “I'm come to say good bye
to you, and to assure you of my safety before I leave this place.”

“Where are you going?” asked his mother.

“I hardly know,” returned Jack; “but it's not safe for me to remain
much longer here.”

“True,” replied the widow, upon whom all the terrible recollections
of the day before crowded, “I know it isn't. I won't keep you long.
But tell me how have you escaped from the confinement in which you
were placed--come and sit by me--here--upon the bed--give me your
hand--and tell me all about it.”

[Illustration: 117]

Her son complied, and sat down upon the patch-work coverlet beside
her.

“Jack,” said Mrs. Sheppard, clasping him with a hand that burnt
with fever, “I have been ill--dreadfully ill--I believe delirious--I
thought I should have died last night--I won't tell you what
agony you have caused me--I won't reproach you. Only promise me to
amend--to quit your vile companions--and I will forgive you--will
bless you. Oh! my dear, dear son, be warned in time. You are in the
hands of a wicked, a terrible man, who will not stop till he has
completed your destruction. Listen to your mother's prayers, and do
not let her die broken-hearted.”

“It is too late,” returned Jack, sullenly; “I can't be honest if I
would.”

“Oh! do not say so,” replied his wretched parent. “It is never too
late. I know you are in Jonathan Wild's power, for I saw him near you
in the church; and if ever the enemy of mankind was permitted to take
human form, I beheld him then. Beware of him, my son! Beware of him!
You know not what villany he is capable of. Be honest, and you will
be happy. You are yet a child; and though you have strayed from the
right path, a stronger hand than your own has led you thence. Return,
I implore of you, to your master,--to Mr. Wood. Acknowledge your
faults. He is all kindness, and will overlook them for your poor
father's sake--for mine. Return to him, I say--”

“I can't,” replied Jack, doggedly.

“Can't!” repeated his mother. “Why not?”

“_I'll_ tell you,” cried a deep voice from the back of the bed. And
immediately afterwards the curtain was drawn aside, and disclosed the
Satanic countenance of Jonathan Wild, who had crept into the house
unperceived, “I'll tell you, why he can't go back to his master,”
 cried the thief-taker, with a malignant grin. “He has robbed him.”

“Robbed him!” screamed the widow. “Jack!”

Her son averted his gaze.

“Ay, robbed him,” reiterated Jonathan. “The night before last, Mr.
Wood's house was broken into and plundered. Your son was seen by
the carpenter's wife in company with the robbers. Here,” he added,
throwing a handbill on the bed, “are the particulars of the burglary,
with the reward for Jack's apprehension.”

“Ah!” ejaculated the widow, hiding her face.

“Come,” said Wild, turning authoritatively to Jack,--“you have
overstayed your time.”

“Do not go with him, Jack!” shrieked his mother. “Do not--do not!”

“He _must!_” thundered Jonathan, “or he goes to jail.”

“If you must go to prison, I will go with you,” cried Mrs. Sheppard:
“but avoid that man as you would a serpent.”

“Come along,” thundered Jonathan.

“Hear me, Jack!” shrieked his mother. “You know not what you do. The
wretch you confide in has sworn to hang you. As I hope for mercy, I
speak the truth!--let him deny it if he can.”

“Pshaw!” said Wild. “I could hang him now if I liked. But he may
remain with you if he pleases: _I_ sha'n't hinder him.”

“You hear, my son,” said the widow eagerly. “Choose between good
and evil;--between him and me. And mind, your life,--more than your
life--hangs upon your choice.”

“It does so,” said Wild. “Choose, Jack.”

The lad made no answer, but left the room.

“He is gone!” cried Mrs. Sheppard despairingly.

“For ever!” said the thief-taker, preparing to follow.

“Devil!” cried the widow, catching his arm, and gazing with frantic
eagerness in his face, “how many years will you give my son before
you execute your terrible threat?”

“NINE!” answered Jonathan sternly.


END THE SECOND EPOCH.







EPOCH THE THIRD, THE PRISON-BREAKER, 1724.




CHAPTER I. THE RETURN.


Nearly nine years after the events last recorded, and about the
middle of May, 1724, a young man of remarkably prepossessing
appearance took his way, one afternoon, along Wych Street; and, from
the curiosity with which he regarded the houses on the left of the
road, seemed to be in search of some particular habitation. The age
of this individual could not be more than twenty-one; his figure was
tall, robust, and gracefully proportioned; and his clear gray eye and
open countenance bespoke a frank, generous, and resolute nature. His
features were regular, and finely-formed; his complexion bright and
blooming,--a little shaded, however, by travel and exposure to
the sun; and, with a praiseworthy contempt for the universal and
preposterous fashion then prevailing, of substituting a peruke for
the natural covering of the head, he allowed his own dark-brown hair
to fall over his shoulders in ringlets as luxuriant as those that
distinguished the court gallant in Charles the Second's days--a
fashion, which we do not despair of seeing revived in our own
days. He wore a French military undress of the period, with high
jack-boots, and a laced hat; and, though his attire indicated
no particular rank, he had completely the air of a person of
distinction. Such was the effect produced upon the passengers by his
good looks and manly deportment, that few--especially of the gentler
and more susceptible sex--failed to turn round and bestow a second
glance upon the handsome stranger. Unconscious of the interest he
excited, and entirely occupied by his own thoughts--which, if his
bosom could have been examined, would have been found composed of
mingled hopes and fears--the young man walked on till he came to an
old house, with great projecting bay windows on the first floor, and
situated as nearly as possible at the back of St. Clement's church.
Here he halted; and, looking upwards, read, at the foot of an immense
sign-board, displaying a gaudily-painted angel with expanded pinions
and an olive-branch, not the name he expected to find, but that of
WILLIAM KNEEBONE, WOOLLEN-DRAPER.

Tears started to the young man's eyes on beholding the change, and it
was with difficulty he could command himself sufficiently to make the
inquiries he desired to do respecting the former owner of the house.
As he entered the shop, a tall portly personage advanced to meet him,
whom he at once recognised as the present proprietor. Mr. Kneebone
was attired in the extremity of the mode. A full-curled wig descended
half-way down his back and shoulders; a neckcloth of “right Mechlin”
 was twisted round his throat so tightly as almost to deprive him of
breath, and threaten him with apoplexy; he had lace, also, at his
wrists and bosom; gold clocks to his hose, and red heels to his
shoes. A stiff, formally-cut coat of cinnamon-coloured cloth, with
rows of plate buttons, each of the size of a crown piece, on the
sleeves, pockets, and skirts, reached the middle of his legs; and his
costume was completed by the silver-hilted sword at his side, and the
laced hat under his left arm.

Bowing to the stranger, the woollen-draper very politely requested to
know his business.

“I'm almost afraid to state it,” faltered the other; “but, may I ask
whether Mr. Wood, the carpenter, who formerly resided here, is still
living?”

“If you feel any anxiety on his account, Sir, I'm happy to be able
to relieve it,” answered Kneebone, readily. “My good friend, Owen
Wood,--Heaven preserve him!--_is_ still living. And, for a man who'll
never see sixty again, he's in excellent preservation, I assure you.”

“You delight me with the intelligence,” said the stranger, entirely
recovering his cheerfulness of look.

“I began to fear, from his having quitted the old place, that some
misfortune must have befallen him.”

“Quite the contrary,” rejoined the woollen-draper, laughing
good-humouredly. “Everything has prospered with him in an
extraordinary manner. His business has thriven; legacies have
unexpectedly dropped into his lap; and, to crown all, he has made a
large fortune by a lucky speculation in South-Sea stock,--made it,
too, where so many others have lost fortunes, your humble servant
amongst the number--ha! ha! In a word, Sir, Mr. Wood is now in
very affluent circumstances. He stuck to the shop as long as it was
necessary, and longer, in my opinion. When he left these premises,
three years ago, I took them from him; or rather--to deal frankly
with you,--he placed me in them rent-free, for, I'm not ashamed to
confess it, I've had losses, and heavy ones; and, if it hadn't been
for him, I don't know where I should have been. Mr. Wood, Sir,” he
added, with much emotion, “is one of the best of men, and would be
the happiest, were it not that--” and he hesitated.

“Well, Sir?” cried the other, eagerly.

“His wife is still living,” returned Kneebone, drily.

“I understand,” replied the stranger, unable to repress a smile.
“But, it strikes me, I've heard that Mrs. Wood was once a favourite
of yours.”

“So she was,” replied the woollen-draper, helping himself to an
enormous pinch of snuff with the air of a man who does not dislike
to be rallied about his gallantry,--“so she was. But those days are
over--quite over. Since her husband has laid me under such a weight
of obligation, I couldn't, in honour, continue--hem!” and he took
another explanatory pinch. “Added to which, she is neither so young
as she was, nor, is her temper by any means improved--hem!”

“Say no more on the subject, Sir,” observed the stranger, gravely;
“but let us turn to a more agreeable one--her daughter.”

“That is a far more agreeable one, I must confess,” returned
Kneebone, with a self-sufficient smirk.

The stranger looked at him as if strongly disposed to chastise his
impertinence.

“Is she married?” he asked, after a brief pause.

“Married!--no--no,” replied the woollen-draper. “Winifred Wood will
never marry, unless the grave can give up its dead. When a mere child
she fixed her affections upon a youth named Thames Darrell, whom her
father brought up, and who perished, it is supposed, about nine years
ago; and she has determined to remain faithful to his memory.”

“You astonish me,” said the stranger, in a voice full of emotion.

“Why it _is_ astonishing, certainly,” remarked Kneebone, “to find any
woman constant--especially to a girlish attachment; but such is the
case. She has had offers innumerable; for where wealth and beauty are
combined, as in her instance, suitors are seldom wanting. But she was
not to be tempted.”

“She is a matchless creature!” exclaimed the young man.

“So I think,” replied Kneebone, again applying to the snuff-box,
and by that means escaping the angry glance levelled at him by his
companion.

“I have one inquiry more to make of you, Sir,” said the stranger, as
soon as he had conquered his displeasure, “and I will then trouble
you no further. You spoke just now of a youth whom Mr. Wood brought
up. As far as I recollect, there were two. What has become of the
other?”

“Why, surely you don't mean Jack Sheppard?” cried the woollen-draper
in surprise.

“That was the lad's name,” returned the stranger.

“I guessed from your dress and manner, Sir, that you must have been
long absent from your own country,” said Kneebone; “and now I'm
convinced of it, or you wouldn't have asked that question. Jack
Sheppard is the talk and terror of the whole town. The ladies can't
sleep in their beds for him; and as to the men, they daren't go to
bed at all. He's the most daring and expert housebreaker that ever
used a crow-bar. He laughs at locks and bolts; and the more carefully
you guard your premises from him, the more likely are you to insure
an attack. His exploits and escapes are in every body's mouth. He has
been lodged in every round-house in the metropolis, and has broken
out of them all, and boasts that no prison can hold him. We shall
see. His skill has not been tried. At present, he is under the
protection of Jonathan Wild.”

“Does that villain still maintain his power?” asked the stranger
sternly.

“He does,” replied Kneebone, “and, what is more surprising, it seems
to increase. Jonathan completely baffles and derides the ends of
justice. It is useless to contend with him, even with right on your
side. Some years ago, in 1715, just before the Rebellion, I was
rash enough to league myself with the Jacobite party, and by Wild's
machinations got clapped into Newgate, whence I was glad to escape
with my head upon my shoulders. I charged the thief-taker, as was the
fact, with having robbed me, by means of the lad Sheppard, whom he
instigated to deed, of the very pocket-book he produced in evidence
against me; but it was of no avail--I couldn't obtain a hearing. Mr.
Wood fared still worse. Bribed by a certain Sir Rowland Trenchard,
Jonathan kidnapped the carpenter's adopted son, Thames Darrell, and
placed him in the hands of a Dutch Skipper, with orders to throw him
overboard when he got out to sea; and though this was proved as
clear as day, the rascal managed matters so adroitly, and gave such
a different complexion to the whole affair, that he came off with
flying colours. One reason, perhaps, of his success in this case
might be, that having arrested his associate in the dark transaction,
Sir Rowland Trenchard, on a charge of high treason, he was favoured
by Walpole, who found his account in retaining such an agent. Be this
as it may, Jonathan remained the victor; and shortly afterwards,--at
the price of a third of his estate, it was whispered,--he procured
Trenchard's liberation from confinement.”

At the mention of the latter occurrence, a dark cloud gathered upon
the stranger's brow.

“Do you know anything further of Sir Rowland?” he asked.

“Nothing more than this,” answered Kneebone,--“that after the failure
of his projects, and the downfall of his party, he retired to his
seat, Ashton Hall, near Manchester, and has remained there ever
since, entirely secluded from the world.”

The stranger was for a moment lost in reflection.

“And now, Sir,” he said, preparing to take his departure, “will you
add to the obligation already conferred by informing me where I can
meet with Mr. Wood?”

“With pleasure,” replied the woollen-draper. “He lives at Dollis
Hill, a beautiful spot near Willesden, about four or five miles from
town, where he has taken a farm. If you ride out there, and the place
is well worth a visit, for the magnificent view it commands of
some of the finest country in the neighbourhood of London,--you are
certain to meet with him. I saw him yesterday, and he told me he
shouldn't stir from home for a week to come. He called here on his
way back, after he had been to Bedlam to visit poor Mrs. Sheppard.”

“Jack's mother?” exclaimed the young man. “Gracious Heaven!--is she
the inmate of a mad-house?”

“She is, Sir,” answered the woollen-draper, sadly, “driven there
by her son's misconduct. Alas! that the punishment of his offences
should fall on her head. Poor soul! she nearly died when she heard
he had robbed his master; and it might have been well if she had
done so, for she never afterwards recovered her reason. She rambles
continually about Jack, and her husband, and that wretch Jonathan, to
whom, as far as can be gathered from her wild ravings, she attributes
all her misery. I pity her from the bottom of my heart. But, in the
midst of all her affliction, she has found a steady friend in Mr.
Wood, who looks after her comforts, and visits her constantly.
Indeed, I've heard him say that, but for his wife, he would shelter
her under his own roof. That, Sir, is what I call being a Good
Samaritan.”

The stranger said nothing, but hastily brushed away a tear.
Perceiving he was about to take leave, Kneebone ventured to ask whom
he had had the honour of addressing.

Before the question could be answered, a side-door was opened, and a
very handsome woman of Amazonian proportions presented herself, and
marched familiarly up to Mr. Kneebone. She was extremely showily
dressed, and her large hooped petticoat gave additional effect to her
lofty stature. As soon as she noticed the stranger, she honoured
him with an extremely impudent stare, and scarcely endeavoured to
disguise the admiration with which his good looks impressed her.

“Don't you perceive, my dear Mrs. Maggot, that I'm engaged,” said
Kneebone, a little disconcerted.

“Who've you got with you?” demanded the Amazon, boldly.

“The gentleman is a stranger to me, Poll,” replied the
woollen-draper, with increased embarrassment. “I don't know his
name.” And he looked at the moment as if he had lost all desire to
know it.

“Well, he's a pretty fellow at all events,” observed Mrs. Maggot,
eyeing him from head to heel with evident satisfaction;--“a devilish
pretty fellow!”

“Upon my word, Poll,” said Kneebone, becoming very red, “you might
have a little more delicacy than to tell him so before my face.”

“What!” exclaimed Mrs. Maggot, drawing up her fine figure to its full
height; “because I condescend to live with you, am I never to look
at another man,--especially at one so much to my taste as this? Don't
think it!”

“You had better retire, Madam,” said the woollen-draper, sharply, “if
you can't conduct yourself with more propriety.”

“Order those who choose to obey you,” rejoined the lady scornfully.
“Though you lorded it over that fond fool, Mrs. Wood, you shan't lord
it over me, I can promise you. That for you!” And she snapped her
fingers in his face.

“Zounds!” cried Kneebone, furiously. “Go to your own room, woman,
directly, or I'll make you!”

“Make me!” echoed Mrs. Maggot, bursting into a loud contemptuous
laugh. “Try!”

Enraged at the assurance of his mistress, the woollen-draper
endeavoured to carry his threat into execution, but all his efforts
to remove her were unavailing. At length, after he had given up the
point from sheer exhaustion, the Amazon seized him by the throat, and
pushed him backwards with such force that he rolled over the counter.

“There!” she cried, laughing, “that'll teach you to lay hands upon
me again. You should remember, before you try your strength against
mine, that when I rescued you from the watch, and you induced me to
come and live with you, I beat off four men, any of whom was a match
for you--ha! ha!”

“My dear Poll!” said Kneebone, picking himself up, “I entreat you to
moderate yourself.”

“Entreat a fiddlestick!” retorted Mrs. Maggot: “I'm tired of you, and
will go back to my old lover, Jack Sheppard. He's worth a dozen of
you. Or, if this good-looking young fellow will only say the word,
I'll go with him.”

“You may go, and welcome, Madam!” rejoined Kneebone, spitefully.
“But, I should think, after the specimen you've just given of your
amiable disposition, no person would be likely to saddle himself with
such an incumbrance.”

“What say you, Sir?” said the Amazon, with an engaging leer at the
stranger. “_You_ will find me tractable enough; and, with _me_
by, your side you need fear neither constable nor watchman.
I've delivered Jack Sheppard from many an assault. I can wield a
quarterstaff as well as a prize-fighter, and have beaten Figg himself
at the broadsword. Will you take me?”

However tempting Mrs. Maggot's offer may appear, the young man
thought fit to decline it, and, after a few words of well-merited
compliment on her extraordinary prowess, and renewed thanks to Mr.
Kneebone, he took his departure.

“Good bye!” cried Mrs. Maggot, kissing her hand to him. “I'll
find you out. And now,” she added, glancing contemptuously at the
woollen-draper, “I'll go to Jack Sheppard.”

“You shall first go to Bridewell, you jade!” rejoined Kneebone.
“Here, Tom,” he added, calling to a shop-boy, “run and fetch a
constable.”

“He had better bring half-a-dozen,” said the Amazon, taking up a
cloth-yard wand, and quietly seating herself; “one won't do.”

On leaving Mr. Kneebone's house, the young man hastened to a hotel in
the neighbourhood of Covent Garden, where, having procured a horse,
he shaped his course towards the west end of the town. Urging his
steed along Oxford Road,--as that great approach to the metropolis
was then termed,--he soon passed Marylebone Lane, beyond which, with
the exception of a few scattered houses, the country was completely
open on the right, and laid out in pleasant fields and gardens;
nor did he draw in the rein until he arrived at Tyburn-gate, where,
before he turned off upon the Edgeware Road, he halted for a moment,
to glance at the place of execution. This “fatal retreat for the
unfortunate brave” was marked by a low wooden railing, within which
stood the triple tree. Opposite the gallows was an open gallery,
or scaffolding, like the stand at a racecourse, which, on state
occasions, was crowded with spectators. Without the inclosure
were reared several lofty gibbets, with their ghastly burthens.
Altogether, it was a hideous and revolting sight. Influenced,
probably, by what he had heard from Mr. Kneebone, respecting the
lawless career of Jack Sheppard, and struck with the probable fate
that awaited him, the young man, as he contemplated this scene, fell
into a gloomy reverie. While he was thus musing, two horsemen rode
past him; and, proceeding to a little distance, stopped likewise.
One of them was a stout square-built man, with a singularly swarthy
complexion, and harsh forbidding features. He was well mounted, as
was his companion; and had pistols in his holsters, and a hanger at
his girdle. The other individual, who was a little in advance, was
concealed from the stranger's view. Presently, however, a sudden
movement occurred, and disclosed his features, which were those of
a young man of nearly his own age. The dress of this person was
excessively showy, and consisted of a scarlet riding-habit, lined
and faced with blue, and bedizened with broad gold lace, a green
silk-knit waistcoat, embroidered with silver, and decorated with a
deep fringe, together with a hat tricked out in the same gaudy style.
His figure was slight, but well-built; and, in stature he did
not exceed five feet four. His complexion was pale; and there was
something sinister in the expression of his large black eyes. His
head was small and bullet-shaped, and he did not wear a wig, but
had his sleek black hair cut off closely round his temples. A mutual
recognition took place at the same instant between the stranger and
this individual. Both started. The latter seemed inclined to advance
and address the former; but suddenly changing his mind, he shouted to
his companion in tones familiar to the stranger's ear; and, striking
spurs into his steed, dashed off at full speed along the Edgeware
Road. Impelled by a feeling, into which we shall not pause to
inquire, the stranger started after them; but they were better
mounted, and soon distanced him. Remarking that they struck off at a
turning on the left, he took the same road, and soon found himself on
Paddington-Green. A row of magnificent, and even then venerable, elms
threw their broad arms over this pleasant spot. From a man, who was
standing beneath the shade of one these noble trees, information was
obtained that the horsemen had ridden along the Harrow Road. With
a faint view of overtaking them the pursuer urged his steed to a
quicker pace. Arrived at Westbourne-Green--then nothing more than a
common covered with gorse and furzebushes, and boasting only a couple
of cottages and an alehouse--he perceived through the hedges the
objects of his search slowly ascending the gentle hill that rises
from Kensall-Green.

By the time he had reached the summit of this hill, he had lost all
trace of them; and the ardour of the chase having in some measure
subsided, he began to reproach himself for his folly, in having
wandered--as he conceived--so far out of his course. Before retracing
his steps, however, he allowed his gaze to range over the vast and
beautiful prospect spread out beneath him, which is now hidden, from
the traveller's view by the high walls of the General Cemetery,
and can, consequently, only be commanded from the interior of that
attractive place of burial,--and which, before it was intersected
by canals and railroads, and portioned out into hippodromes, was
exquisite indeed. After feasting his eye upon this superb panorama,
he was about to return, when he ascertained from a farmer that his
nearest road to Willesden would be down a lane a little further on,
to the right. Following this direction, he opened a gate, and struck
into one of the most beautiful green lanes imaginable; which, after
various windings, conducted him into a more frequented road, and
eventually brought him to the place he sought. Glancing at the
finger-post over the cage, which has been described as situated at
the outskirts of the village, and seeing no directions to Dollis
Hill, he made fresh inquiries as to where it lay, from an elderly
man, who was standing with another countryman near the little prison.

“Whose house do you want, master?” said the man, touching his hat.

“Mr. Wood's,” was the reply.

“There is Dollis Hill,” said the man, pointing to a well-wooded
eminence about a mile distant, “and there,” he added, indicating the
roof of a house just visible above a grove of trees “is Mr. Wood's.
If you ride past the church, and mount the hill, you'll come to
Neasdon and then you'll not have above half a mile to go.”

The young man thanked his informant, and was about to follow his
instructions, when the other called after him----

“I say, master, did you ever hear tell of Mr. Wood's famous
'prentice?”

“What apprentice?” asked the stranger, in surprise.

“Why, Jack Sheppard, the notorious house-breaker,--him as has robbed
half Lunnun, to be sure. You must know, Sir, when he was a lad, the
day after he broke into his master's house in Wych Street, he picked
a gentleman's pocket in our church, during sarvice time,--that he
did, the heathen. The gentleman catched him i' th' fact, and we
shut him up for safety i' that pris'n. But,” said the fellow, with
a laugh, “he soon contrived to make his way out on it, though. Ever
since he's become so famous, the folks about here ha' christened it
Jack Sheppard's cage. His mother used to live i' this village,
just down yonder; but when her son took to bad ways, she went
distracted,--and now she's i' Bedlam, I've heerd.”

“I tell e'e what, John Dump,” said the other fellow, who had hitherto
preserved silence, “I don't know whether you talkin' o' Jack Sheppard
has put him into my head or not; but I once had him pointed out to
me, and if that _were_ him as I seed then, he's just now ridden past
us, and put up at the Six Bells.”

“The deuce he has!” cried Dump. “If you were sure o' that we might
seize him, and get the reward for his apprehension.”

“That 'ud be no such easy matter,” replied the countryman. “Jack's a
desperate fellow, and is always well armed; besides, he has a comrade
with him. But I'll tell e'e what we _might_ do----”

The young man heard no more. Taking the direction pointed out, he
rode off. As he passed the Six Bells, he noticed the steeds of the
two horsemen at the door; and glancing into the house, perceived the
younger of the two in the passage. The latter no sooner beheld him
than he dashed hastily into an adjoining room. After debating with
himself whether he should further seek an interview, which, though,
now in his power, was so sedulously shunned by the other party, he
decided in the negative; and contenting himself with writing upon a
slip of paper the hasty words,--“You are known by the villagers,--be
upon your guard,”--he gave it to the ostler, with instructions to
deliver it instantly to the owner of the horse he pointed out, and
pursued his course.

Passing the old rectory, and still older church, with its reverend
screen of trees, and slowly ascending a hill side, from whence he
obtained enchanting peeps of the spire and college of Harrow, he
reached the cluster of well-built houses which constitute the village
of Neasdon. From this spot a road, more resembling the drive through
a park than a public thoroughfare, led him gradually to the brow of
Dollis Hill. It was a serene and charming evening, and twilight
was gently stealing over the face of the country. Bordered by fine
timber, the road occasionally offered glimpses of a lovely valley,
until a wider opening gave a full view of a delightful and varied
prospect. On the left lay the heights of Hampstead, studded with
villas, while farther off a hazy cloud marked the position of the
metropolis. The stranger concluded he could not be far from his
destination, and a turn in the road showed him the house.

Beneath two tall elms, whose boughs completely overshadowed the
roof, stood Mr. Wood's dwelling,--a plain, substantial, commodious
farm-house. On a bench at the foot of the trees, with a pipe in his
mouth, and a tankard by his side, sat the worthy carpenter, looking
the picture of good-heartedness and benevolence. The progress of time
was marked in Mr. Wood by increased corpulence and decreased powers
of vision,--by deeper wrinkles and higher shoulders, by scantier
breath and a fuller habit. Still he looked hale and hearty, and the
country life he led had imparted a ruddier glow to his cheek.
Around him were all the evidences of plenty. A world of haystacks,
bean-stacks, and straw-ricks flanked the granges adjoining his
habitation; the yard was crowded with poultry, pigeons were feeding
at his feet, cattle were being driven towards the stall, horses led
to the stable, a large mastiff was rattling his chain, and stalking
majestically in front of his kennel, while a number of farming-men
were passing and repassing about their various occupations. At the
back of the house, on a bank, rose an old-fashioned terrace-garden,
full of apple-trees and other fruit-trees in blossom, and lively with
the delicious verdure of early spring.

Hearing the approach of the rider, Mr. Wood turned to look at him. It
was now getting dusk, and he could only imperfectly distinguish the
features and figure of the stranger.

“I need not ask whether this is Mr. Wood's,” said the latter, “since
I find him at his own gate.”

“You are right, Sir,” said the worthy carpenter, rising. “I am Owen
Wood, at your service.”

“You do not remember me, I dare say,” observed the stranger.

“I can't say I do,” replied Wood. “Your voice seems familiar to
me--and--but I'm getting a little deaf--and my eyes don't serve me
quite so well as they used to do, especially by this light.”

“Never mind,” returned the stranger, dismounting; “you'll recollect
me by and by, I've no doubt. I bring you tidings of an old friend.”

“Then you're heartily welcome, Sir, whoever you are. Pray, walk in.
Here, Jem, take the gentleman's horse to the stable--see him dressed
and fed directly. Now, Sir, will you please to follow me?”

Mr. Wood then led the way up a rather high and, according to modern
notions, incommodious flight of steps, and introduced his guest to a
neat parlour, the windows of which were darkened by pots of flowers
and creepers. There was no light in the room; but, notwithstanding
this, the young man did not fail to detect the buxom figure of Mrs.
Wood, now more buxom and more gorgeously arrayed than ever,--as
well as a young and beautiful female, in whom he was at no loss to
recognise the carpenter's daughter.

Winifred Wood was now in her twentieth year. Her features were still
slightly marked by the disorder alluded to in the description of
her as a child,--but that was the only drawback to her beauty. Their
expression was so amiable, that it would have redeemed a countenance
a thousand times plainer than hers. Her figure was perfect,--tall,
graceful, rounded,--and, then, she had deep liquid blue eyes, that
rivalled the stars in lustre. On the stranger's appearance, she was
seated near the window busily occupied with her needle.

“My wife and daughter, Sir,” said the carpenter, introducing them to
his guest.

Mrs. Wood, whose admiration for masculine beauty was by no means
abated, glanced at the well-proportioned figure of the young man, and
made him a very civil salutation. Winifred's reception was kind,
but more distant, and after the slight ceremonial she resumed her
occupation.

“This gentleman brings us tidings of an old friend, my dear,” said
the carpenter.

“Ay, indeed! And who may that be?” inquired his wife.

“One whom you may perhaps have forgotten,” replied the stranger, “but
who can never forget the kindness he experienced at your hands, or at
those of your excellent husband.”

At the sound of his voice every vestige of colour fled from
Winifred's cheeks, and the work upon which she was engaged fell from
her hand.

“I have a token to deliver to you,” continued the stranger,
addressing her.

“To me?” gasped Winifred.

“This locket,” he said, taking a little ornament attached to a black
ribband from his breast, and giving it her,--“do you remember it?”

“I do--I do!” cried Winifred.

“What's all this?” exclaimed Wood in amazement.

“Do you not know me, father?” said the young man, advancing towards
him, and warmly grasping his hand. “Have nine years so changed me,
that there is no trace left of your adopted son?”

“God bless me!” ejaculated the carpenter, rubbing his eyes, “can--can
it be?”

“Surely,” screamed Mrs. Wood, joining the group, “it isn't Thames
Darrell come to life again?”

“It is--it is!” cried Winifred, rushing towards him, and flinging her
arms round his neck,--“it is my dear--dear brother!”

“Well, this is what I never expected to see,” said the carpenter,
wiping his eyes; “I hope I'm not dreaming! Thames, my dear boy, as
soon as Winny has done with you, let me embrace you.”

“My turn comes before yours, Sir,” interposed his better half. “Come
to my arms, Thames! Oh! dear! Oh! dear!”

To repeat the questions and congratulations which now ensued, or
describe the extravagant joy of the carpenter, who, after he had
hugged his adopted son to his breast with such warmth as almost to
squeeze the breath from his body, capered around the room, threw his
wig into the empty fire-grate, and committed various other fantastic
actions, in order to get rid of his superfluous satisfaction--to
describe the scarcely less extravagant raptures of his spouse, or the
more subdued, but not less heartfelt delight of Winifred, would be
a needless task, as it must occur to every one's imagination. Supper
was quickly served; the oldest bottle of wine was brought from the
cellar; the strongest barrel of ale was tapped; but not one of the
party could eat or drink--their hearts were too full.

Thames sat with Winifred's hand clasped in his own, and commenced a
recital of his adventures, which may be briefly told. Carried out to
sea by Van Galgebrok, and thrown overboard, while struggling with the
waves, he had been picked up by a French fishing-boat, and carried
to Ostend. After encountering various hardships and privations for
a long time, during which he had no means of communicating with
England, he, at length, found his way to Paris, where he was
taken notice of by Cardinal Dubois, who employed him as one of his
secretaries, and subsequently advanced to the service of Philip of
Orleans, from whom he received a commission. On the death of his
royal patron, he resolved to return to his own country; and, after
various delays, which had postponed it to the present time, he had
succeeded in accomplishing his object.

Winifred listened to his narration with the profoundest attention;
and, when it concluded, her tearful eye and throbbing bosom told how
deeply her feelings had been interested.

The discourse, then, turned to Darrell's old playmate, Jack
Sheppard; and Mr. Wood, in deploring his wild career, adverted to the
melancholy condition to which it had reduced his mother.

“For my part, it's only what I expected of him,” observed Mrs. Wood,
“and I'm sorry and surprised he hasn't swung for his crimes before
this. The gallows has groaned for him for years. As to his mother,
I've no pity for her. She deserves what has befallen her.”

“Dear mother, don't say so,” returned Winifred. “One of the
consequences of criminal conduct, is the shame and disgrace
which--worse than any punishment the evil-doer can suffer--is brought
by it upon the innocent relatives; and, if Jack had considered this,
perhaps he would not have acted as he has done, and have entailed so
much misery on his unhappy parent.”

“I always detested Mrs. Sheppard,” cried the carpenter's wife
bitterly; “and, I repeat, Bedlam's too good for her.”

“My dear,” observed Wood, “you should be more charitable--”

“Charitable!” repeated his wife, “that's your constant cry. Marry,
come up! I've been a great deal too charitable. Here's Winny always
urging you to go and visit Mrs. Sheppard in the asylum, and take her
this, and send her that;--and I've never prevented you, though such
mistaken liberality's enough to provoke a saint. And, then, forsooth,
she must needs prevent your hanging Jack Sheppard after the robbery
in Wych Street, when you might have done so. Perhaps you'll call
that charity: _I_ call it defeating the ends of justice. See what a
horrible rascal you've let loose upon the world!”

“I'm sure, mother,” rejoined Winifred, “if any one was likely to feel
resentment, I was; for no one could be more frightened. But I was
sorry for poor Jack--as I am still, and hoped he would mend.”

“Mend!” echoed Mrs. Wood, contemptuously, “he'll never mend till he
comes to Tyburn.”

“At least, I will hope so,” returned Winifred. “But, as I was saying,
I was most dreadfully frightened on the night of the robbery! Though
so young at the time, I remember every circumstance distinctly. I was
sitting up, lamenting your departure, dear Thames, when, hearing
an odd noise, I went to the landing, and, by the light of a dark
lantern, saw Jack Sheppard, stealing up stairs, followed by two men
with crape on their faces. I'm ashamed to say that I was too much
terrified to scream out--but ran and hid myself.”

“Hold your tongue!” cried Mrs. Wood. “I declare you throw me into an
ague. Do you think _I_ forget it? Didn't they help themselves to all
the plate and the money--to several of my best dresses, and amongst
others, to my favourite kincob gown; and I've never been able to get
another like it! Marry, come up! I'd hang 'em all, if I could. Were
such a thing to happen again, I'd never let Mr. Wood rest till he
brought the villains to justice.”

“I hope such a thing never _will_ happen again, my dear,” observed
Wood, mildly, “but, when it does, it will be time to consider what
course we ought to pursue.”

“Let them attempt it, if they dare!” cried Mrs. Wood, who had worked
herself into a passion; “and, I'll warrant 'em, the boldest robber
among 'em shall repent it, if he comes across me.”

“No doubt, my dear,” acquiesced the carpenter, “no doubt.”

Thames, who had been more than once on the point of mentioning
his accidental rencounter with Jack Sheppard, not being
altogether without apprehension, from the fact of his being in the
neighbourhood,--now judged it more prudent to say nothing on the
subject, from a fear of increasing Mrs. Wood's displeasure; and he
was the more readily induced to do this, as the conversation began
to turn upon his own affairs. Mr. Wood could give him no further
information respecting Sir Rowland Trenchard than what he had
obtained from Kneebone; but begged him to defer the further
consideration of the line of conduct he meant to pursue until the
morrow, when he hoped to have a plan to lay before him, of which he
would approve.

The night was now advancing, and the party began to think of
separating. As Mrs. Wood, who had recovered her good humour, quitted
the room she bestowed a hearty embrace on Thames, and she told him
laughingly, that she would “defer all _she_ had to propose to him
until to-morrow.”

To-morrow! She never beheld it.

After an affectionate parting with Winifred, Thames was conducted by
the carpenter to his sleeping apartment--a comfortable cosy chamber;
such a one, in short, as can only be met with in the country, with
its dimity-curtained bed, its sheets fragrant of lavender, its clean
white furniture, and an atmosphere breathing of freshness. Left to
himself, he took a survey of the room, and his heart leaped as he
beheld over the, chimney-piece, a portrait of himself. It was a copy
of the pencil sketch taken of him nine years ago by Winifred, and
awakened a thousand tender recollections.

When about to retire to rest, the rencounter with Jack Sheppard again
recurred to him, and he half blamed himself for not acquainting Mr.
Wood with the circumstances, and putting him upon his guard against
the possibility of an attack. On weighing the matter over, he grew so
uneasy that he resolved to descend, and inform him of his misgivings.
But, when he got to the door with this intention, he became ashamed
of his fears; and feeling convinced that Jack--bad as he might
be--was not capable of such atrocious conduct as to plunder his
benefactor twice, he contented himself with looking to the priming of
his pistols, and placing them near him, to be ready in case of need,
he threw himself on the bed and speedily fell asleep.




CHAPTER II. THE BURGLARY AT DOLLIS HILL.


Thames Darrell's fears were not, however, groundless. Danger, in
the form he apprehended, was lurking outside: nor was he destined
to enjoy long repose. On receiving the warning note from the ostler,
Jack Sheppard and his companion left Willesden, and taking--as a
blind--the direction of Harrow, returned at night-fall by a by-lane
to Neasdon, and put up at a little public-house called the Spotted
Dog. Here they remained till midnight when, calling for their
reckoning and their steeds, they left the house.

It was a night well-fitted to their enterprise, calm, still, and
profoundly dark. As they passed beneath the thick trees that shade
the road to Dollis Hill, the gloom was almost impenetrable. The
robbers proceeded singly, and kept on the grass skirting the road, so
that no noise was made by their horses' feet.

As they neared the house, Jack Sheppard, who led the way, halted and
addressed his companion in a low voice:--

“I don't half like this job, Blueskin,” he said; “it always went
against the grain. But, since I've seen the friend and companion of
my childhood, Thames Darrell, I've no heart for it. Shall we turn
back?”

“And disappoint Mr. Wild, Captain?” remonstrated the other, in
a deferential tone. “You know this is a pet project. It might be
dangerous to thwart him.”

“Pish!” cried Jack: “I don't value his anger a straw. All our
fraternity are afraid of him; but _I_ laugh at his threats. He
daren't quarrel with me: and if he does, let him look to himself.
I've my own reasons for disliking this job.”

“Well, you know I always act under your orders, Captain,” returned
Blueskin; “and if you give the word to retreat, I shall obey, of
course: but I know what Edgeworth Bess will say when we go home
empty-handed.”

“Why what will she say?” inquired Sheppard.

“That we were afraid,” replied the other; “but never mind her.”

“Ay; but I do mind her,” cried Jack upon whom his comrade's
observation had produced the desired effect. “We'll do it.”

“That's right, Captain,” rejoined Blueskin. “You pledged yourself to
Mr. Wild--”

“I did,” interrupted Jack; “and I never yet broke an engagement.
Though a thief, Jack Sheppard is a man of his word.”

“To be sure he is,” acquiesced Blueskin. “I should like to meet the
man who would dare to gainsay it.”

“One word before we begin, Blueskin,” said Jack, authoritatively;
“in case the family should be alarmed--mind, no violence. There's one
person in the house whom I wouldn't frighten for the world.”

“Wood's daughter, I suppose?” observed the other.

“You've hit it,” answered Sheppard.

“What say you to carrying her off, Captain?” suggested Blueskin. “If
you've a fancy for the girl, we might do it.”

“No--no,” laughed Jack. “Bess wouldn't bear a rival. But if you wish
to do old Wood a friendly turn, you may bring his wife.”

“I shouldn't mind ridding him of her,” said Blueskin, gruffly; “and
if she comes in my way, may the devil seize me if I don't make short
work with her!”

“You forget,” rejoined Jack, sternly, “I've just said I'll have no
violence--mind that.”

With this, they dismounted; and fastening their horses to a tree,
proceeded towards the house. It was still so dark, that nothing
could be distinguished except the heavy masses of timber by which the
premises were surrounded; but as they advanced, lights were visible
in some of the windows. Presently they came to a wall, on the other
side of which the dog began to bark violently; but Blueskin tossed
him a piece of prepared meat, and uttering a low growl, he became
silent. They then clambered over a hedge, and scaling another wall,
got into the garden at the back of the house. Treading with noiseless
step over the soft mould, they soon reached the building. Arrived
there, Jack felt about for a particular window; and having discovered
the object of his search, and received the necessary implements from
his companion, he instantly commenced operations. In a few seconds,
the shutter flew open,--then the window,--and they were in the room.
Jack now carefully closed the shutters, while Blueskin struck a
light, with which he set fire to a candle. The room they were in was
a sort of closet, with the door locked outside; but this was only a
moment's obstacle to Jack, who with a chisel forced back the bolt.
The operation was effected with so much rapidity and so little noise,
that even if any one had been on the alert, he could scarcely have
detected it. They then took off their boots, and crept stealthily up
stairs, treading upon the point of their toes so cautiously, that
not a board creaked beneath their weight. Pausing at each door on the
landing, Jack placed his ear to the keyhole, and listened intently.
Having ascertained by the breathing which room Thames occupied, he
speedily contrived to fasten him in. He then tried the door of Mr.
Wood's bed-chamber--it was locked, with the key left in it. This
occasioned a little delay; but Jack, whose skill as a workman in
the particular line he had chosen was unequalled, and who laughed at
difficulties, speedily cut out a panel by means of a centre-bit
and knife, took the key from the other side, and unlocked the door.
Covering his face with a crape mask, and taking the candle from his
associate, Jack entered the room; and, pistol in hand, stepped up to
the bed, and approached the light to the eyes of the sleepers.

[Illustration: 166]

The loud noise proceeding from the couch proved that their slumbers were
deep and real; and unconscious of the danger in which she stood, Mrs.
Wood turned over to obtain a more comfortable position. During this
movement, Jack grasped the barrel of his pistol, held in his breath,
and motioned to Blueskin, who bared a long knife, to keep still. The
momentary alarm over, he threw a piece of-wash leather over a bureau,
so as to deaden the sound, and instantly broke it open with a small
crow-bar. While he was filling his pockets with golden coin from this
store, Blueskin had pulled the plate-chest from under the bed,
and having forced it open, began filling a canvass bag with its
contents,--silver coffee-pots, chocolate-dishes, waiters trays,
tankards, goblets, and candlesticks. It might be supposed that these
articles, when thrust together into the bag, would have jingled; but
these skilful practitioners managed matters so well that no noise was
made. After rifling the room of everything portable, including
some of Mrs. Wood's ornaments and wearing apparel, they prepared
to depart. Jack then intimated his intention of visiting Winifred's
chamber, in which several articles of value were known to be kept;
but as, notwithstanding his reckless character, he still retained a
feeling of respect for the object of his boyish affections, he would
not suffer Blueskin to accompany him, so he commanded him to keep
watch over the sleepers--strictly enjoining him, however, to do them
no injury. Again having recourse to the centre-bit,--for Winifred's
door was locked,--Jack had nearly cut out a panel, when a sudden
outcry was raised in the carpenter's chamber. The next moment, a
struggle was heard, and Blueskin appeared at the door, followed by
Mrs. Wood.

Jack instantly extinguished the light, and called to his comrade to
come after him.

But Blueskin found it impossible to make off,--at least with the
spoil,--Mrs. Wood having laid hold of the canvass-bag.

“Give back the things!” cried the, lady. “Help!--help, Mr. Wood!”

“Leave go!” thundered Blueskin--“leave go--you'd better!”--and he
held the sack as firmly as he could with one hand, while with the
other he searched for his knife.

“No, I won't leave go!” screamed Mrs. Wood.
“Fire!--murder--thieves!--I've got one of 'em!”

“Come along,” cried Jack.

“I can't,” answered Blueskin. “This she-devil has got hold of the
sack. Leave go, I tell you!” and he forced open the knife with his
teeth.

“Help!--murder!--thieves!” screamed Mrs. Wood;--“Owen--Owen!--Thames,
help!”

“Coming!” cried Mr. Wood, leaping from the bed. “Where are you?”

“Here,” replied Mrs. Wood. “Help--I'll hold him!”

“Leave her,” cried Jack, darting down stairs, amid a furious ringing
of bells,--“the house is alarmed,--follow me!”

“Curses light on you!” cried Blueskin, savagely; “since you won't be
advised, take your fate.”

And seizing her by the hair, he pulled back her head, and drew the
knife with all his force across her throat. There was a dreadful
stifled groan, and she fell heavily upon the landing.

The screams of the unfortunate woman had aroused Thames from his
slumbers. Snatching-up his pistols, he rushed to the door, but to his
horror found it fastened. He heard the struggle on the landing, the
fall of the heavy body, the groan,--and excited almost to frenzy
by his fears, he succeeded in forcing open the door. By this time,
several of the terrified domestics appeared with lights. A terrible
spectacle was presented to the young man's gaze:--the floor deluged
with blood--the mangled and lifeless body of Mrs. Wood,--Winifred
fainted in the arms of a female attendant,--and Wood standing beside
them almost in a state of distraction. Thus, in a few minutes, had
this happy family been plunged into the depths of misery. At this
juncture, a cry was raised by a servant from below, that the robbers
were flying through the garden. Darting to a window looking in that
direction, Thames threw it up, and discharged both his pistols, but
without effect. In another minute, the tramp of horses' feet told
that the perpetrators of the outrage had effected their escape.




CHAPTER III. JACK SHEPPARD'S QUARREL WITH JONATHAN WILD.


Scarcely an hour after the horrible occurrence just related, as
Jonathan Wild was seated in the audience-chamber of his residence at
the Old Bailey, occupied, like Peachum, (for whose portrait he sat,)
with his account-books and registers, he was interrupted by the
sudden entrance of Quilt Arnold, who announced Jack Sheppard and
Blueskin.

“Ah!” cried Wild, laying down his pen and looking up with a smile of
satisfaction. “I was just thinking of you Jack. What news. Have you
done the trick at Dollis Hill?--brought off the swag--eh?”

“No,” answered Jack, flinging himself sullenly into a chair, “I've
not.”

“Why how's this?” exclaimed Jonathan. “Jack Sheppard failed! I'd not
believe it, if any one but himself told me so.”

“I've not failed,” returned Jack, angrily; “but we've done too much.”

“I'm no reader of riddles,” said Jonathan. “Speak plainly.”

“Let this speak for me,” said Sheppard, tossing a heavy bag of money
towards him. “You can generally understand that language. There's
more than I undertook to bring. It has been purchased by blood!”

“What! have you cut old Wood's throat?” asked Wild, with great
unconcern, as he took up the bag.

“If I _had_, you'd not have seen me here,” replied Jack, sullenly.
“The blood that has been spilt is that of his wife.”

“It was her own fault,” observed Blueskin, moodily. “She wouldn't let
me go. I did it in self-defence.”

“I care not why you did it,” said Jack, sternly. “We work together no
more.”

“Come, come, Captain,” remonstrated Blueskin. “I thought you'd have
got rid of your ill-humour by this time. You know as well as I do
that it was accident.”

“Accident or not,” rejoined Sheppard; “you're no longer pall of
mine.”

“And so this is my reward for having made you the tip-top cracksman
you are,” muttered Blueskin;--“to be turned off at a moment's notice,
because I silenced a noisy woman. It's too hard. Think better of it.”

“My mind's made up,” rejoined Jack, coldly,--“we part to-night.”

“I'll not go,” answered the other. “I love you like a son, and will
follow you like a dog. You'd not know what to do without me, and
shan't drive me off.”

“Well!” remarked Jonathan, who had paid little attention to the
latter part of the conversation: “this is an awkward business
certainly: but we must do the best we can in it. You must keep out of
the way till it's blown over. I can accommodate you below.”

“I don't require it,” returned Sheppard. “I'm tired of the life I'm
leading. I shall quit it and go abroad.”

“I'll go with you,” said Blueskin.

“Before either of you go, you will ask my permission,” said Jonathan,
coolly.

“How!” exclaimed Sheppard. “Do you mean to say you will interfere--”

“I mean to say this,” interrupted Wild, with contemptuous calmness,
“that I'll neither allow you to leave England nor the profession
you've engaged in. I wouldn't allow you to be honest even if you
could be so,--which I doubt. You are my slave--and such you shall
continue.'”

“Slave?” echoed Jack.

“Dare to disobey,” continued Jonathan: “neglect my orders, and I will
hang you.”

Sheppard started to his feet.

“Hear me,” he cried, restraining himself with difficulty. “It is time
you should know whom you have to deal with. Henceforth, I utterly
throw off the yoke you have laid upon me. I will neither stir hand
nor foot for you more. Attempt to molest me, and I split. You are
more in my power than I am in yours. Jack Sheppard is a match for
Jonathan Wild, any day.”

“That he is,” added Blueskin, approvingly.

Jonathan smiled contemptuously.

“One motive alone shall induce me to go on with you,” said Jack.

“What's that?” asked Wild.

“The youth whom you delivered to Van Galgebrok,--Thames Darrell, is
returned.”

“Impossible!” cried Jonathan. “He was thrown overboard, and perished
at sea.”

“He is alive,” replied Jack, “I have seen him, and might have
conversed with him if I had chosen. Now, I know you can restore him
to his rights, if you choose. Do so; and I am yours as heretofore.”

“Humph!” exclaimed Jonathan.

“Your answer!” cried Sheppard. “Yes, or no?”

“I will make no terms with you,” rejoined Wild, sternly. “You have
defied me, and shall feel my power. You have been useful to me, or
I would not have spared you thus long. I swore to hang you two years
ago, but I deferred my purpose.”

“Deferred!” echoed Sheppard.

“Hear me out,” said Jonathan. “You came hither under my protection,
and you shall depart freely,--nay, more, you shall have an hour's
grace. After that time, I shall place my setters on your heels.”

“You cannot prevent my departure,” replied Jack, dauntlessly, “and
therefore your offer is no favour. But I tell you in return, I shall
take no pains to hide myself. If you want me, you know where to find
me.”

“An hour,” said Jonathan, looking at his watch,--“remember!”

“If you send for me to the Cross Shovels in the Mint, where I'm going
with Blueskin, I will surrender myself without resistance,” returned
Jack.

“You will spare the officers a labour then,” rejoined Jonathan.

“Can't I settle this business, Captain,” muttered Blueskin, drawing a
pistol.

“Don't harm him,” said Jack, carelessly: “he dares not do it.”

So saying, he left the room.

“Blueskin,” said Jonathan, as that worthy was about to follow, “I
advise you to remain with me.”

“No,” answered the ruffian, moodily. “If you arrest him, you must
arrest me also.”

“As you will,” said Jonathan, seating himself.

Jack and his comrade went to the Mint, where he was joined by
Edgeworth Bess, with whom he sat down most unconcernedly to supper.
His revelry, however, was put an end at the expiration of the time
mentioned by Jonathan, by the entrance of a posse of constables with
Quilt Arnold and Abraham Mendez at their head. Jack, to the surprise
of all his companions, at once surrendered himself: but Blueskin
would have made a fierce resistance, and attempted a rescue if he had
not been ordered by his leader to desist. He then made off. Edgeworth
Bess, who passed for Sheppard's wife, was secured. They were hurried
before a magistrate, and charged by Jonathan Wild with various
robberies; but, as Jack Sheppard stated that he had most important
disclosures to make, as well as charges to bring forward against his
accuser, he was committed with his female companion to the New Prison
in Clerkenwell for further examination.




CHAPTER IV. JACK SHEPPARD'S ESCAPE FROM THE NEW PRISON.


In consequence of Jack Sheppard's desperate character, it was judged
expedient by the keeper of the New Prison to load him with fetters of
unusual weight, and to place him in a cell which, from its strength
and security, was called the Newgate Ward. The ward in which he was
confined, was about six yards in length, and three in width, and in
height, might be about twelve feet. The windows which were about nine
feet from the floor, had no glass; but were secured by thick iron
bars, and an oaken beam. Along the floor ran an iron bar to which
Jack's chain was attached, so that he could move along it from one
end of the chamber to the other. No prisoner except Edgeworth Bess
was placed in the same cell with him. Jack was in excellent spirits;
and by his wit, drollery and agreeable demeanour, speedily became a
great favourite with the turnkey, who allowed him every indulgence
consistent with his situation. The report of his detention caused
an immense sensation. Numberless charges were preferred against him,
amongst others, information was lodged of the robbery at Dollis
Hill, and murder of Mrs. Wood, and a large reward offered for the
apprehension of Blueskin; and as, in addition to this, Jack had
threatened to impeach Wild, his next examination was looked forward
to with the greatest interest.

The day before this examination was appointed to take place--the
third of the prisoner's detention--an old man, respectably dressed,
requested permission to see him. Jack's friends were allowed to
visit him; but as he had openly avowed his intention of attempting
an escape, their proceedings were narrowly watched. The old man was
conducted to Jack's cell by the turnkey, who remained near him during
their interview. He appeared to be a stranger to the prisoner, and
the sole motive of his visit, curiosity. After a brief conversation,
which Sheppard sustained with his accustomed liveliness, the old man
turned to Bess and addressed a few words of common-place gallantry
to her. While this was going on, Jack suddenly made a movement which
attracted the turnkey's attention; and during that interval the
old man slipped some articles wrapped in a handkerchief into Bess's
hands, who instantly secreted them in her bosom. The turnkey looked
round the next moment, but the manoeuvre escaped his observation.
After a little further discourse the old man took his departure.

Left alone with Edgeworth Bess, Jack burst into a loud laugh of
exultation.

“Blueskin's a friend in need,” he said. “His disguise was capital;
but I detected it in a moment. Has he given you the tools?”

“He has,” replied Bess, producing the handkerchief.

“Bravo,” cried Sheppard, examining its contents, which proved to be a
file, a chisel, two or three gimblets, and a piercer. “Jonathan Wild
shall find it's not easy to detain me. As sure as he is now living,
I'll pay him a visit in the Old Bailey before morning. And then I'll
pay off old scores. It's almost worth while being sent to prison to
have the pleasure of escaping. I shall now be able to test my skill.”
 And running on in this way, he carefully concealed the tools.

Whether the turnkey entertained any suspicion of the old man, Jack
could not tell, but that night he was more than usually rigorous in
his search; and having carefully examined the prisoners and finding
nothing to excite his suspicions, he departed tolerably satisfied.

As soon as he was certain he should be disturbed no more, Jack set
to work, and with the aid of the file in less than an hour had freed
himself from his fetters. With Bess's assistance he then climbed up
to the window, which, as has just been stated, was secured by iron
bars of great thickness crossed by a stout beam of oak. The very
sight of these impediments, would have appalled a less courageous
spirit than Sheppard's--but nothing could daunt him. To work then
he went, and with wonderful industry filed off two of the iron bars.
Just as he completed this operation, the file broke. The oaken
beam, nine inches in thickness, was now the sole but most formidable
obstacle to his flight. With his gimblet he contrived to bore a
number of holes so close together that at last one end of the bar,
being completely pierced through, yielded; and pursuing the same with
the other extremity, it fell out altogether.

This last operation was so fatiguing, that for a short time he
was obliged to pause to recover the use of his fingers. He then
descended; and having induced Bess to take off some part of her
clothing, he tore the gown and petticoat into shreds and twisted
them into a sort of rope which he fastened to the lower bars of the
window. With some difficulty he contrived to raise her to the window,
and with still greater difficulty to squeeze her through it--her
bulk being much greater than his own. He then made a sort of running
noose, passed it over her body, and taking firmly hold of the
bars, prepared to guide her descent. But Bess could scarcely summon
resolution enough to hazard the experiment; and it was only on Jack's
urgent intreaties, and even threats, that she could be prevailed on
to trust herself to the frail tenure of the rope he had prepared. At
length, however, she threw herself off; and Jack carefully guiding
the rope she landed in safety.

[Illustration: 184]

The next moment he was by her side.

But the great point was still unaccomplished. They had escaped from
the New Prison, it is true; but the wall of Clerkenwell Bridewell,
by which that jail was formerly surrounded, and which was more than
twenty feet high, and protected by formidable and bristling _chevaux
de frise_, remained to be scaled. Jack, however, had an expedient
for mastering this difficulty. He ventured to the great gates, and
by inserting his gimblets into the wood at intervals, so as to form
points upon which he could rest his foot, he contrived, to ascend
them; and when at the top, having fastened a portion of his dress to
the spikes, he managed, not without considerable risk, to draw up
his female companion. Once over the iron spikes, Bess exhibited no
reluctance to be let down on the other side of the wall. Having seen
his mistress safe down, Jack instantly descended, leaving the best
part of his clothes, as a memorial of his flight, to the jailor.

And thus he effected his escape from the New Prison.




CHAPTER V. THE DISGUISE.


In a hollow in the meadows behind the prison whence Jack Sheppard
had escaped,--for, at this time, the whole of the now thickly-peopled
district north of Clerkenwell Bridewell was open country, stretching
out in fertile fields in the direction of Islington--and about a
quarter of a mile off, stood a solitary hovel, known as Black
Mary's Hole. This spot, which still retains its name, acquired the
appellation from an old crone who lived there, and who, in addition
to a very equivocal character for honesty, enjoyed the reputation of
being a witch. Without inquiring into the correctness of the latter
part of the story, it may be sufficient to state, that Black Mary
was a person in whom Jack Sheppard thought he could confide, and, as
Edgeworth Bess was incapable of much further exertion, he determined
to leave her in the old woman's care till the following night, while
he shifted for himself and fulfilled his design--for, however rash or
hazardous a project might be, if once conceived, Jack always executed
it,--of visiting Jonathan Wild at his house in the Old Bailey.

It was precisely two o'clock on the morning of Whit-monday, the
25th of May 1724, when the remarkable escape before detailed was
completed: and, though it wanted full two hours to daybreak, the
glimmer of a waning moon prevented it from being totally dark.
Casting a hasty glance, as he was about to turn an angle of the wall,
at the great gates and upper windows of the prison, and perceiving
no symptoms of pursuit, Jack proceeded towards the hovel at a very
deliberate pace, carefully assisting his female companion over every
obstacle in the road, and bearing her in his arms when, as was more
than once the case, she sank from fright and exhaustion. In this
way he crossed one or two public gardens and a bowling-green,--the
neighbourhood of Clerkenwell then abounded in such places of
amusement,--passed the noted Ducking Pond, where Black Mary had been
frequently immersed; and, striking off to the left across the fields,
arrived in a few minutes at his destination.

Descending the hollow, or rather excavation,--for it was an
old disused clay-pit, at the bottom of which the cottage was
situated,--he speedily succeeded in arousing the ancient sibyl, and
having committed Edgeworth Bess to her care, with a promise of an
abundant reward in case she watched diligently over her safety, and
attended to her comforts till his return,--to all which Black Mary
readily agreed,--he departed with a heart lightened of half its load.

Jack's first object was to seek out Blueskin, whom he had no doubt he
should find at the New Mint, at Wapping, for the Old Mint no longer
afforded a secure retreat to the robber; and, with this view, he
made the best of his way along a bye-lane leading towards
Hockley-in-the-Hole. He had not proceeded far when he was alarmed by
the tramp of a horse, which seemed to be rapidly approaching, and
he had scarcely time to leap the hedge and conceal himself behind
a tree, when a tall man, enveloped in an ample cloak, with his
hat pulled over his brows, rode by at full speed. Another horseman
followed quickly at the heels of the first; but just as he passed the
spot where Jack stood, his steed missed its footing, and fell. Either
ignorant of the accident, or heedless of it, the foremost horseman
pursued his way without even turning his head.

Conceiving the opportunity too favourable to be lost, Jack sprang
suddenly over the hedge, and before the man, who was floundering on
the ground with one foot in the stirrup, could extricate himself from
his embarrassing position, secured his pistols, which he drew from
the holsters, and held them to his head. The fellow swore lustily, in
a voice which Jack instantly recognised as that of Quilt Arnold, and
vainly attempted to rise and draw his sword.

“Dog!” thundered Sheppard, putting the muzzle of the pistol so close
to the janizary's ear, that the touch of the cold iron made him
start, “don't you know me?”

“Blood and thunder!” exclaimed Quilt, opening his eyes with
astonishment. “It can't be Captain Sheppard!”

“It _is_,” replied Jack; “and you had better have met the devil on
your road than me. Do you remember what I said when you took me
at the Mint four days ago? I told you my turn would come. It _has_
come,--and sooner than you expected.”

“So I find, Captain,” rejoined Quilt, submissively; “but you're too
noble-hearted to take advantage of my situation. Besides, I acted for
others, and not for myself.”

“I know it,” replied Sheppard, “and therefore I spare your life.”

“I was sure you wouldn't injure me, Captain,” remarked Quilt, in a
wheedling tone, while he felt about for his sword; “you're far too
brave to strike a fallen man.”

“Ah! traitor!” cried Jack, who had noticed the movement; “make such
another attempt, and it shall cost you your life.” So saying, he
unbuckled the belt to which the janizary's hanger was attached, and
fastened it to his own girdle.

“And now,” he continued, sternly, “was it your master who has just
ridden by?”

“No,” answered Quilt, sullenly.

“Who, then?” demanded Jack. “Speak, or I fire!”

“Well, if you _will_ have it, it's Sir Rowland Trenchard.”

“Sir Rowland Trenchard!” echoed Jack, in amazement. “What are you
doing with him?”

“It's a long story, Captain, and I've no breath to tell it,--unless
you choose to release me,” rejoined Quilt.

“Get up, then,” said Jack, freeing his foot from the stirrup.
“Now--begin.”

Quilt, however, seemed unwilling to speak.

“I should be sorry to proceed to extremities,” continued Sheppard,
again raising the pistol.

“Well, since you force me to betray my master's secrets,” replied
Quilt, sullenly, “I've ridden express to Manchester to deliver a
message to Sir Rowland.”

“Respecting Thames Darrell?” observed Jack.

“Why, how the devil did you happen to guess that?” cried the
janizary.

“No matter,” replied Sheppard. “I'm glad to find I'm right. You
informed Sir Rowland that Thames Darrell was returned?”

“Exactly so,” replied Quilt, “and he instantly decided upon returning
to London with me. We've ridden post all the way, and I'm horribly
tired, or you wouldn't have mastered me so easily.”

“Perhaps not,” replied Jack, to whom an idea had suddenly occurred.
“Now, Sir, I'll trouble you for your coat. I've left mine on the
spikes of the New Prison, and must borrow yours.”

“Why, surely you can't be in earnest, Captain. You wouldn't rob Mr.
Wild's chief janizary?”

“I'd rob Mr. Wild himself if I met him,” retorted Jack. “Come, off
with it, sirrah, or I'll blow out your brains, in the first place,
and strip you afterwards.”

“Well, rather than you should commit so great a crime, Captain, here
it is,” replied Quilt, handing him the garment in question. “Anything
else?”

“Your waistcoat.”

“'Zounds! Captain, I shall get my death of cold. I was in hopes you'd
be content with my hat and wig.”

“I shall require them as well,” rejoined Sheppard; “and your boots.”

“My boots! Fire and fury! They won't fit you; they are too large.
Besides, how am I to ride home without them?”

“Don't distress yourself,” returned Jack, “you shall walk. Now,”
 he added, as his commands were reluctantly obeyed, “help me on with
them.”

Quilt knelt down, as if he meant to comply; but, watching his
opportunity, he made a sudden grasp at Sheppard's leg, with the
intention of overthrowing him.

But Jack was too nimble for him. Striking out his foot, he knocked
half a dozen teeth down the janizary's throat; and, seconding
the kick with a blow on the head from the butt-end of the pistol,
stretched him, senseless and bleeding on the ground.

“Like master like man,” observed Jack as he rolled the inanimate body
to the side of the road. “From Jonathan Wild's confidential servant
what could be expected but treachery?”

With this, he proceeded to dress himself in Quilt Arnold's clothes,
pulled the wig over his face and eyes so as completely to conceal his
features, slouched the hat over his brows, drew the huge boots
above his knees, and muffled himself up in the best way he could. On
searching the coat, he found, amongst other matters, a mask, a key,
and a pocket-book. The latter appeared to contain several papers,
which Jack carefully put by, in the hope that they might turn out of
importance in a scheme of vengeance which he meditated against the
thief-taker. He then mounted the jaded hack, which had long since
regained its legs, and was quietly browsing the grass at the
road-side, and, striking spurs into its side, rode off. He had not
proceeded far when he encountered Sir Rowland, who, having missed his
attendant, had returned to look after him.

“What has delayed you?” demanded the knight impatiently.

“My horse has had a fall,” replied Jack, assuming to perfection--for
he was a capital mimic,--the tones of Quilt Arnold. “It was some time
before I could get him to move.”

“I fancied I heard voices,” rejoined Sir Rowland.

“So did I,” answered Jack; “we had better move on. This is a noted
place for highwaymen.”

“I thought you told me that the rascal who has so long been the
terror of the town--Jack Sheppard--was in custody.”

“So he is,” returned Jack; “but there's no saying how long he may
remain so. Besides, there are greater rascals than Jack Sheppard at
liberty, Sir Rowland.”

Sir Rowland made no reply, but angrily quickened his pace. The pair
then descended Saffron-hill, threaded Field-lane, and, entering
Holborn, passed over the little bridge which then crossed the muddy
waters of Fleet-ditch, mounted Snow-hill, and soon drew in the
bridle before Jonathan Wild's door. Aware of Quilt Arnold's mode
of proceeding, Jack instantly dismounted, and, instead of knocking,
opened the door with the pass-key. The porter instantly made his
appearance, and Sheppard ordered him to take care of the horses.

“Well, what sort of journey have you had, Quilt?” asked the man as he
hastened to assist Sir Rowland to dismount.

“Oh! we've lost no time, as you perceive,” replied Jack. “Is the
governor within?”

“Yes; you'll find him in the audience-chamber. He has got Blueskin
with him.”

“Ah! indeed! what's he doing here?” inquired Jack.

“Come to buy off Jack Sheppard, I suppose,” replied the fellow. “But
it won't do. Mr. Wild has made up his mind, and, when that's the
case, all the persuasion on earth won't turn him. Jack will be tried
to-morrow; and, as sure as my name's Obadiah Lemon he'll take up his
quarters at the King's-Head,” pointing to Newgate, “over the way.”

“Well, we shall see,” replied Jack. “Look to the horses, Obadiah.
This way, Sir Rowland.”

As familiar as Quilt Arnold himself with every part of Wild's
mysterious abode, as well as with the ways of its inmates, Jack,
without a moment's hesitation, took up a lamp which was burning in
the hall, and led his companion up the great stone stairs. Arrived at
the audience-chamber, he set down the light upon a stand, threw
open the door, and announced in a loud voice, but with the perfect
intonation of the person he represented,--“Sir Rowland Trenchard.”

Jonathan, who was engaged in conversation with Blueskin, instantly
arose, and bowed with cringing ceremoniousness to the knight. The
latter haughtily returned his salutation, and flung himself, as if
exhausted, into a chair.

“You've arrived sooner than I expected, Sir Rowland,” observed the
thief-taker. “Lost no time on the road--eh!--I didn't expect you till
to-morrow at the earliest. Excuse me an instant while I dismiss
this person.--You've your answer, Blueskin,” he added, pushing that
individual, who seemed unwilling to depart, towards the door; “it's
useless to urge the matter further. Jack is registered in the Black
Book.”

“One word before I go,” urged Blueskin.

“Not a syllable,” replied Wild. “If you talk as long as an Old Bailey
counsel, you'll not alter my determination.”

“Won't my life do as well as his?” supplicated the other.

“Humph!” exclaimed Jonathan, doubtfully. “And you would surrender
yourself--eh?”

“I'll surrender myself at once, if you'll engage to bring him off;
and you'll get the reward from old Wood. It's two hundred pounds.
Recollect that.”

“Faithful fellow!” murmured Jack. “I forgive him his disobedience.”

“Will you do it?” persisted Blueskin.

“No,” replied Wild; “and I've only listened to your absurd proposal
to see how far your insane attachment to this lad would carry you.”

“I _do_ love him,” cried Blueskin, “and that's the long and short of
it. I've taught him all he can do; and there isn't his fellow, and
never will be again. I've seen many a clever cracksman, but never one
like him. If you hang Jack Sheppard, you'll cut off the flower o'
the purfession. But I'll not believe it of you. It's all very well
to read him a lesson, and teach him obedience; but you've gone far
enough for that.”

“Not quite,” rejoined the thief-taker, significantly.

“Well,” growled Blueskin, “you've had my offer.”

“And you my warning,” retorted Wild. “Good night!”

“Blueskin,” whispered Jack, in his natural tones, as the other passed
him, “wait without.”

“Power o' mercy!” cried Blueskin starting.

“What's the matter?” demanded Jonathan, harshly.

“Nothin'--nothin',” returned Blueskin; “only I thought--”

“You saw the hangman, no doubt,” said Jack. “Take courage, man; it
is only Quilt Arnold. Come, make yourself scarce. Don't you see Mr.
Wild's busy.” And then he added, in an under tone, “Conceal yourself
outside, and be within call.”

Blueskin nodded, and left the room. Jack affected to close the door,
but left it slightly ajar.

“What did you say to him?” inquired Jonathan, suspiciously.

“I advised him not to trouble you farther about Jack Sheppard,”
 answered the supposed janizary.

“He seems infatuated about the lad,” observed Wild. “I shall be
obliged to hang him to keep him company. And now, Sir Rowland,” he
continued, turning to the knight, “to our own concerns. It's a long
time since we met, eight years and more. I hope you've enjoyed your
health. 'Slife! you are wonderfully altered. I should scarcely have
known you.”

The knight was indeed greatly changed. Though not much passed the
middle term of life, he seemed prematurely stricken with old age.
His frame was wasted, and slightly bent; his eyes were hollow, his
complexion haggard, and his beard, which had remained unshorn during
his hasty journey, was perfectly white. His manner, however, was as
stern and haughty as ever, and his glances retained their accustomed
fire.

“I did not come hither to consult you as to the state of my
health, Sir,” he observed, displeased by Jonathan's allusion to the
alteration in his appearance.

“True,” replied Wild. “You were no doubt surprised by the
unlooked-for intelligence I sent you of your nephew's return?”

“Was it _unlooked-for_ on your part?” demanded the knight,
distrustfully.

“On my soul, yes,” rejoined Jonathan. “I should as soon have expected
the bones of Tom Sheppard to reunite themselves and walk out of
that case, as Thames Darrell to return. The skipper, Van Galgebrok,
affirmed to me,--nay, gave me the additional testimony of two of his
crew,--that he was thrown overboard. But it appears he was picked
up by fishermen, and carried to France, where he has remained ever
since, and where it would have been well for him if he had remained
altogether.”

“Have you seen him?” asked Trenchard.

“I have,” replied Wild; “and nothing but the evidence of my senses
would have made me believe he was living, after the positive
assurance I received to the contrary. He is at present with Mr.
Wood,--the person whom you may remember adopted him,--at Dollis Hill,
near Willesden; and it's a singular but fortunate circumstance, so
far as we are concerned, that Mrs. Wood chanced to be murdered by
Blueskin, the fellow who just left the room, on the very night of
his return, as it has thrown the house into such confusion, and
so distracted them, that he has had no time as yet for hostile
movements.”

“And what course do you propose to pursue in reference to him?” asked
Sir Rowland.

“My plan is a very simple one,” rejoined the thief-taker smiling
bitterly. “I would treat him as you treated his father, Sir Rowland.”

“Murder him!” cried Trenchard shuddering.

“Ay, murder him, if you like the term,” returned Wild. “I should call
it putting him out of the way. But no matter how you phrase it, the
end is the same.”

“I cannot consent to it,” replied Sir Rowland firmly. “Since the sea
has spared him, I will spare him. It is in vain to struggle against
the arm of fate. I will shed no more blood.”

“And perish upon the gibbet,” rejoined Jonathan contemptuously.

“Flight is still left me,” replied Trenchard. “I can escape to
France.”

“And do you think I'll allow you to depart,” cried Jonathan in a
menacing tone, “and compromise _my_ safety? No, no. We are
linked together in this matter, and must go through with it. You
cannot--shall not retreat.”

“Death and hell!” cried Sir Rowland, rising and drawing his sword;
“do you think you can shackle my free will, villain?”

“In this particular instance I do, Sir Rowland,” replied Jonathan,
calmly, “because you are wholly in my power. But be patient, I am
your fast friend. Thames Darrell MUST die. Our mutual safety requires
it. Leave the means to me.”

“More blood! more blood!” cried Trenchard, passing his hand with
agony across his brow. “Shall I never banish those horrible phantoms
from my couch--the father with his bleeding breast and dripping
hair!--the mother with her wringing hands and looks of vengeance
and reproach!--And must another be added to their number--their son!
Horror!--let me be spared this new crime! And yet the gibbet--my name
tarnished--my escutcheon blotted by the hangman!--No, I cannot submit
to that.”

“I should think not,” observed Jonathan, who had some practice in
the knight's moods, and knew how to humour him. “It's a miserable
weakness to be afraid of bloodshed.--The general who gives an order
for wholesale carnage never sleeps a wink the less soundly for the
midnight groans of his victims, and we should deride him as a coward
if he did. And life is much the same, whether taken in battle, on the
couch, or by the road-side. Besides those whom I've slain with my own
hands, I've brought upwards of thirty persons to the gallows. Most
of their relics are in yonder cases; but I don't remember that any
of them have disturbed my rest. The mode of destruction makes no
difference. It's precisely the same thing to me to bid my janizaries
cut Thames Darrell's throat, as to order Jack Sheppard's execution.”

As Jonathan said this, Jack's hand involuntarily sought a pistol.

“But to the point,” continued Wild, unconscious of the peril in which
the remark had placed him,--“to the point. On the terms that procured
your liberation from Newgate, I will free you from this new danger.”

“Those terms were a third of my estate,” observed Trenchard bitterly.

“What of that,” rejoined Jonathan. “Any price was better than
your head. If Thames Darrell escapes, you will lose both life and
property.”

“True, true,” replied the knight, with an agonized look; “there is no
alternative.”

“None whatever,” rejoined Wild. “Is it a bargain?”

“Take half of my estate--take all--my life, if you will--I am weary
of it!” cried Trenchard passionately.

“No,” replied Jonathan, “I'll not take you at your word, as regards
the latter proposition. We shall both, I hope, live to enjoy our
shares--long after Thames Darrell is forgotten--ha! ha! A third of
your estate I accept. And as these things should always be treated
as matters of business, I'll just draw up a memorandum of our
arrangement.”

And, as he spoke, he took up a sheet of paper, and hastily traced a
few lines upon it.

“Sign this,” he said, pushing the document towards Sir Rowland.

The knight mechanically complied with his request.

“Enough!” cried Jonathan, eagerly pocketing the memorandum. “And now,
in return for your liberality, I'll inform you of a secret with which
it is important you should be acquainted.”

“A secret!” exclaimed Trenchard. “Concerning whom?”

“Mrs. Sheppard,” replied Jonathan, mysteriously.

“Mrs. Sheppard!” echoed Jack, surprised out of his caution.

“Ah!” exclaimed Wild, looking angrily towards his supposed attendant.

“I beg pardon, Sir,” replied Jack, with the accent and manner of the
janizary; “I was betrayed into the exclamation by my surprise that
anything in which Sir Rowland Trenchard was interested could have
reference to so humble a person as Mrs. Sheppard.”

“Be pleased, then, in future not to let your surprise find vent in
words,” rejoined Jonathan, sternly. “My servants, like Eastern mutes,
must have eyes, and ears,--and _hands_, if need be,--but no tongues.
You understand me, sirrah?”

“Perfectly,” replied Jack. “I'm dumb.”

“Your secret?” demanded Trenchard, impatiently.

“I need not remind you, Sir Rowland,” replied Wild, “that you had two
sisters--Aliva and Constance.”

“Both are dead,” observed the knight, gloomily.

“Not so;” answered Wild. “Constance is yet living.”

“Constance alive? Impossible!” ejaculated Trenchard.

“I've proofs to the contrary,” replied Jonathan.

“If this is the case, where is she?”

“In Bedlam,” replied the thief-taker, with a Satanic grin.

“Gracious Heaven!” exclaimed the knight, upon whom a light seemed
suddenly to break. “You mentioned Mrs. Sheppard. What has she to with
Constance Trenchard?”

“Mrs. Sheppard _is_ Constance Trenchard,” replied Jonathan,
maliciously.

Here Jack Sheppard was unable to repress an exclamation of
astonishment.

“Again,” cried Jonathan, sternly: “beware!”

“What!” vociferated Trenchard. “My sister the wife of one condemned
felon! the parent of another! It cannot be.”

“It _is_ so, nevertheless,” replied Wild. “Stolen by a gipsy
when scarcely five years old, Constance Trenchard, after various
vicissitudes, was carried to London, where she lived in great
poverty, with the dregs of society. It is useless to trace out her
miserable career; though I can easily do so if you require it. To
preserve herself, however, from destitution, or what she considered
worse, she wedded a journeyman carpenter, named Sheppard.”

“Alas! that one so highly born should submit to such a degradation?”
 groaned the knight.

“I see nothing surprising in it,” rejoined Jonathan. “In the first
place, she had no knowledge of her birth; and, consequently, no false
pride to get rid of. In the second, she was wretchedly poor, and
assailed by temptations of which you can form no idea. Distress like
hers might palliate far greater offences than she ever committed.
With the same inducements we should all do the same thing. Poor girl!
she was beautiful once; so beautiful as to make _me_, who care little
for the allurements of women, fancy myself enamoured of her.”

Jack Sheppard again sought his pistol, and was only withheld from
levelling it at the thief-taker's head, by the hope that he might
gather some further information respecting his mother. And he had
good reason before long to congratulate himself on his forbearance.

“What proof have you of the truth of this story?” inquired Trenchard.

“This,” replied Jonathan, taking a paper from a portfolio, and
handing it to the knight, “this written evidence, signed by
Martha Cooper, the gipsy, by whom the girl was stolen, and who was
afterwards executed for a similar crime. It is attested, you
will observe, by the Reverend Mr. Purney, the present ordinary of
Newgate.”

“I am acquainted with Mr. Purney's hand-writing,” said Jack,
advancing, “and can at once decide whether this is a forgery or not.”

“Look at it, then,” said Wild, giving him the portfolio.

“It's the ordinary's signature, undoubtedly,” replied Jack.

And as he gave back the portfolio to Sir Rowland he contrived,
unobserved, to slip the precious document into his sleeve, and from
thence into his pocket.

“And, does any of our bright blood flow in the veins of a ruffianly
housebreaker?” cried Trenchard, with a look of bewilderment. “I'll
not believe it.”

“Others may, if you won't,” muttered Jack, retiring. “Thank Heaven!
I'm not basely born.”

“Now, mark me,” said Jonathan, “and you'll find I don't do things
by halves. By your father, Sir Montacute Trenchard's will, you are
aware,--and, therefore, I need not repeat it, except for the special
purpose I have in view,--you are aware, I say, that, by this will, in
case your sister Aliva, died without issue, or, on the death of such
issue, the property reverts to Constance and _her_ issue.”

“I hear,” said Sir Rowland, moodily.

“And I,” muttered Jack.

“Thames Darrell once destroyed,” pursued Jonathan. “Constance--or,
rather, Mrs. Sheppard--becomes entitled to the estates; which
eventually--provided he escaped the gallows--would descend to her
son.”

“Ha!” exclaimed Jack, drawing in his breath, and leaning forward with
intense curiosity.

“Well, Sir?” gasped Sir Rowland.

“But this need give you no uneasiness,” pursued Jonathan; “Mrs.
Sheppard, as I told you, is in Bedlam, an incurable maniac; while her
son is in the New Prison, whence he will only be removed to Newgate
and Tyburn.”

“So you think,” muttered Jack, between his ground teeth.

“To make your mind perfectly easy on the score of Mrs. Sheppard,”
 continued Jonathan; “after we've disposed of Thames Darrell, I'll
visit her in Bedlam; and, as I understand I form one of her chief
terrors, I'll give her such a fright that I'll engage she shan't long
survive it.”

“Devil!” muttered Jack, again grasping his pistol. But, feeling
secure of vengeance, he determined to abide his time.

“And now, having got rid of the minor obstacles,” said Jonathan,
“I'll submit a plan for the removal of the main difficulty.
Thames Darrell, I've said, is at Mr. Wood's at Dollis Hill, wholly
unsuspicious of any designs against him, and, in fact, entirely
ignorant of your being acquainted with his return, or even of his
existence. In this state, it will be easy to draw him into a snare.
To-morrow night--or rather to-night, for we are fast verging on
another day--I propose to lure him out of the house by a stratagem
which I am sure will prove infallible; and, then, what so easy as to
knock him on the head. To make sure work of it, I'll superintend the
job myself. Before midnight, I'll answer for it, it shall be done. My
janizaries shall go with me. You hear what I say, Quilt?” he added,
looking at Jack.

“I do,” replied Sheppard.

“Abraham Mendez will like the task,--for he has entertained a hatred
to the memory of Thames Darrell ever since he received the wound in
the head, when the two lads attempted to break out of St. Giles's
round-house. I've despatched him to the New Prison. But I expect him
back every minute.”

“The New Prison!” exclaimed Sheppard. “What is he gone there for?”

“With a message to the turnkey to look after his prisoner,”
 replied Wild, with a cunning smile. “Jack Sheppard had a visitor,
I understand, yesterday, and may make an attempt to escape. It's as
well to be on the safe side.”

“It is,” replied Jack.

At this moment, his quick ears detected the sound of footsteps on
the stairs. He drew both his pistols, and prepared for a desperate
encounter.

“There is another mystery I would have solved,” said Trenchard,
addressing Wild; “you have told me much, but not enough.”

“What do you require further?” asked Jonathan.

“The name and rank of Thames Darrell's father,” said the knight.

“Another time,” replied the thief-taker, evasively.

“I will have it now,” rejoined Trenchard, “or our agreement is void.”

“You cannot help yourself, Sir Rowland,” replied Jonathan,
contemptuously.

“Indeed!” replied the knight, drawing his sword, “the secret,
villain, or I will force it from you.”

Before Wild could make any reply, the door was thrown violently open,
and Abraham Mendez rushed into the room, with a face of the utmost
consternation.

“He hash eshcaped!” cried the Jew.

“Who? Jack!” exclaimed Jonathan.

“Yesh,” replied Abraham. “I vent to de New Prish'n, and on wishitin'
his shel vid de turnkey, vot should ve find but de shains on de
ground, de vinder broken, and Jack and Agevorth Besh gone.”

“Damnation!” cried Jonathan, stamping his foot with uncontrollable
rage. “I'd rather have given a thousand pounds than this had
happened. But he might have broken out of prison, and yet not got
over the wall of Clerkenwell Bridewell. Did you search the yard,
fool?”

“Ve did,” replied Abraham; “and found his fine goat and ruffles torn
to shtrips on de shpikes near de creat cate. It vosh plain he vent
dat vay.”

Jonathan gave utterance to a torrent of imprecations.

While he thus vented his rage, the door again opened, and Quilt
Arnold rushed into the room, bleeding, and half-dressed.

“'Sblood! what's this!” cried Jonathan, in the utmost surprise.
“Quilt Arnold, is that you?”

“It is, Sir,” sputtered the janizary. “I've been robbed, maltreated,
and nearly murdered by Jack Sheppard.”

“By Jack Sheppard!” exclaimed the thief-taker.

“Yes; and I hope you'll take ample vengeance upon him,” said Quilt.

“I will, when I catch him, rely on it,” rejoined Wild.

“You needn't go far to do that,” returned Quilt; “there he stands.”

“Ay, here I am,” said Jack, throwing off his hat and wig, and
marching towards the group, amongst whom there was a general movement
of surprise at his audacity. “Sir Rowland, I salute you as your
nephew.”

“Back, villain!” said the knight, haughtily. “I disown you. The whole
story of your relationship is a fabrication.”

“Time will show,” replied Jack with equal haughtiness. “But, however,
it may turn out, I disown _you_.”

“Well, Jack,” said Jonathan, who had looked at him with surprise not
unmixed with admiration, “you are a bold and clever fellow, I must
allow. Were I not Jonathan Wild, I'd be Jack Sheppard. I'm almost
sorry I've sworn to hang you. But, it can't be helped. I'm a slave
to my word. Were I to let you go, you'd say I feared you. Besides,
you've secrets which must not be disclosed. Nab and Quilt to the
door! Jack, you are my prisoner.”

“And you flatter yourself you can detain me?” laughed Jack.

“At least I'll try,” replied Jonathan, sarcastically. “You must be
a cleverer lad than even _I_ take you for, if you get out of this
place.”

“What ho! Blueskin!” shouted Jack.

“Here I am, Captain,” cried a voice from without. And the door was
suddenly thrown open, and the two janizaries felled to the ground by
the strong arm of the stalwart robber.

“Your boast, you see, was a little premature, Mr. Wild,” said
Sheppard. “Adieu, my worthy uncle. Fortunately, I've secured the
proof of my birth.”

“Confusion!” thundered Wild. “Close the doors below! Loose the dogs!
Curses! they don't hear me! I'll ring the alarm-bell.” And he raised
his arm with the intention of executing his purpose, when a ball from
Jack's pistol passed through the back of his hand, shattering the
limb. “Aha! my lad!” he cried without appearing to regard the pain
of the wound; “now I'll show you no quarter.” And, with the uninjured
hand he drew a pistol, which he fired, but without effect, at Jack.

“Fly, Captain, fly!” vociferated Blueskin; “I shan't be able to
keep these devils down. Fly! they shall knock me on the head--curse
'em!--before they shall touch you.”

“Come along!” cried Jack, darting through the door. “The key's on the
outside--quick! quick!”

Instantly alive to this chance, Blueskin broke away. Two shots were
fired at him by Jonathan; one of which passed through his hat, and
the other through the fleshy part of his arm; but he made good
his retreat. The door was closed--locked,--and the pair were heard
descending the stairs.

“Hell's curses!” roared Jonathan. “They'll escape. Not a moment is to
be lost.”

So saying, he took hold of a ring in the floor, and disclosed a
flight of steps, down which he hurried, followed by the janizaries.
This means of communication instantly brought them to the lobby. But
Jack and his companion were already gone.

Jonathan threw open the street-door. Upon the pavement near the court
lay the porter, who had been prostrated by a blow from the butt-end
of a pistol. The man, who was just able to move, pointed towards
Giltspur-street. Jonathan looked in that direction, and beheld the
fugitives riding off in triumph.

“To-night it is _their_ turn,” said Jonathan, binding up his wounded
fingers with a handkerchief. “To-morrow it will be _mine_.”




CHAPTER VI. WINIFRED RECEIVES TWO PROPOSALS.


The tragical affair at Dollis Hill, it need scarcely be said, was a
dreadful blow to the family. Mr. Wood bore up with great fortitude
against the shock, attended the inquest, delivered his evidence with
composure, and gave directions afterwards for the funeral, which took
place on the day but one following--Sunday. As soon, however, as the
last solemn rites were over, and the remains of the unfortunate woman
committed to their final resting-place in Willesden churchyard, his
firmness completely deserted him, and he sank beneath the weight of
his affliction. It was fortunate that by this time Winifred had so
far recovered, as to be able to afford her father the best and only
solace that, under the circumstances, he could have received,--her
personal attentions.

The necessity which had previously existed of leaving the ghastly
evidence of the murderous deed undisturbed,--the presence of the
mangled corpse,--the bustle of the inquest, at which her attendance
was required,--all these circumstances produced a harrowing effect
upon the young girl's imagination. But when all was over, a sorrowful
calm succeeded, and, if not free from grief, she was tranquil. As
to Thames, though deeply and painfully affected by the horrible
occurrence that had marked his return to his old friends, he was yet
able to control his feelings, and devote himself to the alleviation
of the distress of the more immediate sufferers by the calamity.

It was Sunday evening--a soft delicious evening, and, from the happy,
_cheerful_ look of the house, none would have dreamed of the dismal
tragedy so lately acted within its walls. The birds were singing
blithely amid the trees,--the lowing of the cows resounded from the
yard,--a delicious perfume from the garden was wafted through the
open window,--at a distance, the church-bells of Willesden were heard
tolling for evening service. All these things spoke of peace;--but
there are seasons when the pleasantest external influences have a
depressing effect on the mind, by painfully recalling past happiness.
So, at least, thought one of two persons who were seated together in
a small back-parlour of the house at Dollis Hill. She was a lovely
girl, attired in deep mourning, and having an expression of profound
sorrow on her charming features. Her companion was a portly handsome
man, also dressed in a full suit of the deepest mourning, with the
finest of lace at his bosom and wrists, and a sword in a black sheath
by his side. These persons were Mr. Kneebone and Winifred.

The funeral, it has just been said, took place on that day. Amongst
others who attended the sad ceremony was Mr. Kneebone. Conceiving
himself called upon, as the intimate friend of the deceased, to pay
this last tribute of respect to her memory, he appeared as one of the
chief mourners. Overcome by his affliction, Mr. Wood had retired
to his own room, where he had just summoned Thames. Much to
her annoyance, therefore, Winifred was left alone with the
woollen-draper, who following up a maxim of his own, “that nothing
was gained by too much bashfulness,” determined to profit by the
opportunity. He had only been prevented, indeed, by a fear of Mrs.
Wood from pressing his suit long ago. This obstacle removed, he
thought he might now make the attempt. Happen what might, he could
not be in a worse position.

“We have had a sad loss, my dear Winifred,” he began,--“for I must
use the privilege of an old friend, and address you by that familiar
name,--we have had a sad loss in the death of your lamented parent,
whose memory I shall for ever revere.”

Winifred's eyes filled with tears. This was not exactly what the
woollen-draper desired. So he resolved to try another tack.

“What a very remarkable thing it is,” he observed, applying to
his snuff-box, “that Thames Darrell, whom we all supposed
dead,”--Kneebone in his heart sincerely wished he _had_ been
so,--“should turn out to be alive after all. Strange, I shouldn't
know him when he called on me.”

“It _is_ strange,” replied Winifred, artlessly. “_I_ knew him at
once.”

“Of course,” rejoined Kneebone, a little maliciously, “but that's
easily accounted for. May I be permitted, as a very old and very dear
friend of your lamented parent, whose loss I shall ever deplore, to
ask you one question?”

“Undoubtedly,” replied Winifred.

“And you will answer it frankly?”

“Certainly.”

“Now for it,” thought the woollen-draper, “I shall, at least,
ascertain how the land lies.--Well, then, my dear,” he added aloud,
“do you still entertain the strong attachment you did to Captain
Darrell?”

Winifred's cheeks glowed with blushes, and fixing her eyes, which
flashed with resentment, upon the questioner, she said:

“I have promised to answer your question, and I will do so. I love
him as a brother.”

“_Only_ as a brother?” persisted Kneebone.

If Winifred remained silent, her looks would have disarmed a person
of less assurance than the woollen-draper.

“If you knew how much importance I attach to your answer,” he
continued passionately, “you would not refuse me one. Were Captain
Darrell to offer you his hand, would you accept it?”

“Your impertinence deserves very different treatment, Sir,” said
Winifred; “but, to put an end to this annoyance, I will tell you--I
would not.”

“And why not?” asked Kneebone, eagerly.

“I will not submit to be thus interrogated,” said Winifred, angrily.

“In the name of your lamented parent, whose memory I shall for ever
revere, I implore you to answer me,” urged Kneebone, “why--why would
you not accept him?”

“Because our positions are different,” replied Winifred, who could
not resist this appeal to her feelings.

“You are a paragon of prudence and discretion,” rejoined the
woollen-draper, drawing his chair closer to hers. “Disparity of rank
is ever productive of unhappiness in the married state. When Captain
Darrell's birth is ascertained, I've no doubt he'll turn out a
nobleman's son. At least, I hope so for his sake as well as my own,”
 he added, mentally. “He has quite the air of one. And now, my angel,
that I am acquainted with your sentiments on this sub

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