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

ly entered the house. But at the beginning of the affray, when he thought every one was too much occupied with his own concerns to remark his absence, he sl

she did not notice him, Jonathan glided away as noiselessly as he came, and ascended another short flight of stairs leading to the garret. As he crossed this chamber, his foot struck against something on the floor, which nearly thre

n the floor, which appeared to have been recently dislodged. "He has passed this way," cried Jonathan, exultingly; "I have him s

us climber gazed for a moment at the assemblage beneath, to ascertain that he was not discovered; and, having satisfied himself in this particular, he stepped out more boldly. On gaining a stack of chimneys at the back of the house, he came to a pause, and again unmasked his lantern. Nothing, however, could be discerned, except the crumbling brickwork. "Conf

ighbours. Apparently, Jonathan was well acquainted with the premises; for, feeling about in the dark, he speedily discovered a ladder, up the steps of

o stood before him in an attitude of

Size -- M

formation he had obtained from Wood; "I have

demanded the fu

n, uncocking the pistol, an

ou are a friend?

bandying words, when we might employ it so much more profitably. Your life, and that

" asked the oth

will. Now,

nished purse. But if I

gratitude will vanish with your danger. Pay foo

l I have about me,

for the risk I have run. However, come along. I needn't tell you to tread carefully. You know the dang

discern your face, I may be doing you an injustice. But there is something in your voice that mak

ith apparent frankness; "this ought to be sufficient answer to your doubts. Your pursuers are

plied Darrel

Blueskin and the Minters were dragging Wood to the pump. The unfortunate carpenter struggled violently, but ineffectually. His hat was placed upon one pole, his wig on another. His shouts for help were answered by roars of mockery and laughter. He continued alterna

fellow whom I placed in such jeopardy a shor

what of that? It'll be a lesson to him in future, and

scussion, let himself drop through the roof. His example was followed by Darrell. But, though the latter was somewhat embarrassed by his burthen, he peremptorily declined Jonathan's offer of assistance. Both, however, having safely landed, th

ped, and dre

ep whisper, to his companion; "but you s

n yet save you. And see!" he added, as the figures drew back, and the lights disappeared; "i

which it was fastened. A stout wooden shutter, opening inwardly, being removed, disclosed a grating of iron bars. This obstacle, which appeared to preclude the possibility of egress in that quarter, was speedily got rid

ne Paul Groves, who used to live here, and who contrived the machine. He used to call it his fire-escape-ha! ha! I've often used t

rse; and I trust you will let me know to wh

taking the money. "As I said before, I have l

an unaccountable misgiving at quitting this place.

were in your place I would take the chance of a future

; "the weakness is past. Which i

l speedily arrive at White Cross Street; White Cross Street, if you turn again to the right, will bring you into Queen Street; Queen Street, bearing to the l

," said Darrell as he pa

ay be useful to you. Perhaps you'll give me in return some token, by which I may

tossing him the glove. "Are you

a yard of it," a

, as he effected a secu

having started the hare, I

y, when he encountered a female, whom he took, in the darkness, to be Mrs. Sheppard. The pe

heard his voice; but I saw them on the stairs, and

ell, he has escaped through the

aven!" sh

ed Jonathan, sarcastically. "You thank Heaven for the escape

" asked the female

hat your child should be mistaken for his own; by which means it had a narrow escape from a tight cravat

ld?" exclaimed she, with

for I left your brat in the charge of Blueskin, who is still among the crowd in the street

exclaimed the female. "

dn't drop through the ceiling, did it? Are you quite sure it's flesh and

Mrs. Sheppard, rushing from th

" inquired the person who had firs

abe, and pressing it to her breast with raptu

to be grateful," added the

with angry wonder, "I've been nicely done here. Fool that I was to part wi

e went, he flung h

error. "They will kill me, if they find me, as they would

voices resounded from below, and torches were seen mounting the stai

"this room-I recollect

," said Mrs

dy, rushing towards it, and

Jonathan, who at this mo

up stairs," rep

endeavoured to oppose his entrance into the room; "she is here. Hist!" cried

terrible silence, broken o

ome others had entered the room r

moment afterwards beckoned, wi

dead," said he,

ead, then," replied Rowland,

of fate which drew her hither,"

an checks my purpose. The stain upon our family is only half effaced: I have sworn the death of the villain and his bastard, and I will keep my oath. Now, Si

than. "But I give no

d Rowland, placing

's about to cross the river. You'd better lose no time. He has got

ely pronounced, when

onathan, shortly afterwards passing th

room. These were the Master of the M

observed Baptist, with a p

the Hollander, shaking his h

r the water," continued Baptist, winking significantly

k. "But-sapperment!-I wish

Master, after a pause: "he'll become a gre

an ugly jerk. "Mind, I, Rykhart Van Galgebrok predict it. And now let's

iving way to a passionate flood of tears; "were it not for my c