referred to, slid open, and revealed
the old man who had first supplied him with food. To explain the
motive of his present visit, it will be remembered that he was under
a misapprehension in regard to the cause of Jack's confinement. He
naturally supposed that our hero was acquainted with the unlawful
practises of the gang of coiners with which he was connected.

The old man, whose name was Foley, had been favorably impressed by the
bold bearing of Jack, and the idea had occurred to him that he might
be able to win him as an accomplice. He judged, that if once induced to
join them, he would prove eminently useful. Another motive which led
him to favor this project was, that it would be very embarrassing to
be compelled to keep Jack in perpetual custody, as well as involve a
considerable expense.

Jack was somewhat surprised at the old man's visit.

"How long are you going to keep me cooped up here?" he inquired,
impatiently.

"Don't you find your quarters comfortable?" asked Foley.

"As comfortable as any prison, I suppose."

"My young friend, don't talk of imprisonment. You make me shudder. You
must banish all thoughts of such a disagreeable subject."

"I wish I could," groaned poor Jack.

"Consider yourself as my guest, whom I delight to entertain."

"But, I don't like the entertainment."

"The more the pity."

"How long is this going to last? Even a prisoner knows the term of his
imprisonment."

"My young friend," said Foley, "I do not desire to control your
inclinations. I am ready to let you go whenever you say the word."

"You are?" returned Jack, incredulously. "Then suppose I ask you to let
me go immediately."

"Certainly, I will; but upon one condition."

"What is it?"

"It so happens, my young friend, that you are acquainted with a secret
which might prove troublesome to me."

"Indeed!" exclaimed Jack, mystified.

"Yes; you see I have found it out. Such things do not escape me."

"I don't know what you mean," returned Jack, perplexed.

"No doubt, no doubt,", said Foley, cunningly. "Of course, if I should
tell you that I was in the coining business, it would be altogether new
to you."

"On my honor," said Jack, "this is the first I knew of it. I never saw
or heard of you before I came into this house."

"Could Peg be mistaken?" thought Foley. "But no, no; he is only trying
to deceive me. I am too old a bird to be caught with such chaff."

"Of course, I won't dispute your word, my