here just now, that Sir Rowland was speaking of, who
fastened up the jewel-case for her ladyship."

"A jewel-case!" exclaimed Jonathan. "Ah, I see it all!" he cried, with a
quick glance. "Jack Sheppard's fingers are lime-twigs. Was anything
missed after the lad's departure, Sir Rowland?"

"Not that I'm aware of," said the knight.--"Stay! something occurs to
me." And he conferred apart with Jonathan.

"That's it!" cried Wild when Trenchard concluded. "This young fool is
come to restore the article--whatever it may be--which Lady Trafford was
anxious to conceal, and which his companion purloined. It's precisely
what such a simpleton would do. We have him as safe as a linnet in a
cage; and could wring his neck round as easily. Oblige me by acting
under my guidance in the matter, Sir Rowland. I'm an old hand at such
things. Harkee," he added, "Mr. What's-your-name!"

"Charcam," replied the attendant, bowing.

"Very well, Mr. Charcoal, you may bring in the boy. But not a word to
him of Lady Trafford's absence--mind that. A robbery has been committed,
and your master suspects this lad as an accessory to the offence. He,
therefore, desires to interrogate him. It will be necessary to secure
his companion; and as you say he is not in the house, some caution must
be used in approaching him, or he may chance to take to his heels, for
he's a slippery little rascal. When you've seized him, cough thrice
thus,--and two rough-looking gentlemen will make their appearance. Don't
be alarmed by their manners, Mr. Charcoal. They're apt to be surly to
strangers, but it soon wears off. The gentleman with the red beard will
relieve you of your prisoner. The other must call a coach as quickly as
he can."

"For whom, Sir?" inquired Charcam. "For me--his master, Mr. Jonathan
Wild."

"Are you Mr. Jonathan Wild?" asked the attendant, in great trepidation.

"I _am_, Charcoal. But don't let my name frighten you. Though," said the
thief-taker, with a complacent smile, "all the world seems to tremble at
it. Obey my orders, and you've nothing to fear. About them quickly. Lead
the lad to suppose that he'll be introduced to Lady Trafford. You
understand me, Charcoal."

The attendant did _not_ understand him. He was confounded by the
presence in which he found himself. But, not daring to confess his want
of comprehension, he made a profound reverence, and retired.

CHAPTER IX.

Consequences of the Theft.

"How do you mean to act, Si