was knit into many a line and furrow;
and in his eyes the light, though searching, was more sober and staid
than became his years. A disagreeable expression played about the
mouth; and the shape of the face, which was long and thin, considerably
detracted from the prepossessing effect of a handsome aquiline nose,
fine teeth, and a dark, manly, though sallow complexion. There was a
mingled air of shrewdness and distraction in the expression of his face.
He seemed to pay very little attention to the play, or to anything about
him; but he testified very considerable alacrity, when the play was
over, in putting her cloak around his young companion, and in threading
their way through the thick crowd that the boxes were now pouring forth.

Paul and his companion silently, and each with very different motives
from the other, followed them. They were now at the door of the theatre.

A servant stepped forward and informed the gentleman that his carriage
was a few paces distant, but that it might be some time before it could
drive up to the theatre.

"Can you walk to the carriage, my dear?" said the gentleman to his young
charge; and she answering in the affirmative, they both left the house,
preceded by the servant.

"Come on!" said Long Ned, hastily, and walking in the same direction
which the strangers had taken. Paul readily agreed. They soon overtook
the strangers. Long Ned walked the nearest to the gentleman, and brushed
by him in passing. Presently a voice cried, "Stop thief!" and Long Ned,
saying to Paul, "Shift for yourself, run!" darted from our hero's side
into the crowd, and vanished in a twinkling. Before Paul could recover
his amaze, he found himself suddenly seized by the collar; he turned
abruptly, and saw the dark face of the young lady's companion.

"Rascal!" cried the gentleman, "my watch!"

"Watch!" repeated Paul, bewildered, and only for the sake of the young
lady refraining from knocking down his arrester,--"watch!"

"Ay, young man!" cried a fellow in a great-coat, who now suddenly
appeared on the other side of Paul; "this gentleman's watch. Please your
honour," addressing the complainant, "I be a watch too; shall I take up
this chap?"

"By all means," cried the gentleman; "I would not have lost my watch
for twice its value. I can swear I saw this fellow's companion snatch
it from my fob. The thief's gone; but we have at least the accomplice. I
give him in strict charge to you, watchman; take the co