ite with the
turnkey, who allowed him every indulgence consistent with his situation.
The report of his detention caused an immense sensation. Numberless
charges were preferred against him, amongst others, information was
lodged of the robbery at Dollis Hill, and murder of Mrs. Wood, and a
large reward offered for the apprehension of Blueskin; and as, in
addition to this, Jack had threatened to impeach Wild, his next
examination was looked forward to with the greatest interest.

The day before this examination was appointed to take place--the third
of the prisoner's detention--an old man, respectably dressed, requested
permission to see him. Jack's friends were allowed to visit him,; but as
he had openly avowed his intention of attempting an escape, their
proceedings were narrowly watched. The old man was conducted to Jack's
cell by the turnkey, who remained near him during their interview. He
appeared to be a stranger to the prisoner, and the sole motive of his
visit, curiosity. After a brief conversation, which Sheppard sustained
with his accustomed liveliness, the old man turned to Bess and addressed
a few words of common-place gallantry to her. While this was going on,
Jack suddenly made a movement which attracted the turnkey's attention;
and during that interval the old man slipped some articles wrapped in a
handkerchief into Bess's hands, who instantly secreted them in her
bosom. The turnkey looked round the next moment, but the manoeuvre
escaped his observation. After a little further discourse the old man
took his departure.

Left alone with Edgeworth Bess, Jack burst into a loud laugh of
exultation.

"Blueskin's a friend in need," he said. "His disguise was capital; but I
detected it in a moment. Has he given you the tools?"

"He has," replied Bess, producing the handkerchief.

"Bravo," cried Sheppard, examining its contents, which proved to be a
file, a chisel, two or three gimblets, and a piercer. "Jonathan Wild
shall find it's not easy to detain me. As sure as he is now living, I'll
pay him a visit in the Old Bailey before morning. And then I'll pay off
old scores. It's almost worth while being sent to prison to have the
pleasure of escaping. I shall now be able to test my skill." And running
on in this way, he carefully concealed the tools.

Whether the turnkey entertained any suspicion of the old man, Jack could
not tell, but that night he was more than usually rigorous in his
search; and having car