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 w