e."

"Oh! goodness!" ejaculated the tapstress, in alarm. "You won't betray
him."

"Say the word, and I'm mum," returned the executioner.

"Will you be mine!"

"It's a very unfair advantage to take--very," replied Mrs. Spurling;
"however I consent."

"Then I'll lend a helping hand. I shall lose my fees and the laced coat.
But it's better to have the bride without the weddin' dress, than the
weddin' dress without the bride."

At this moment, Saint Sepulchre's clock struck six.

"Close the wicket, Austin," vociferated Ireton, in an authoritative
tone.

"Good bye!" cried Jack, as if taking leave of his mistresses,
"to-morrow, at the same time."

"We'll be punctual," replied Mrs. Maggot. "Good bye, Jack! Keep up your
spirits."

"Now for it!--life or death!" exclaimed Jack, assuming the gait of a
female, and stepping towards the door.

As Austin rose to execute his principal's commands, and usher the women
to the gate, Mrs. Spurling and Marvel rose too. The latter walked
carelessly towards the hatch, and leaning his back against the place
whence the spike had been removed, so as completely to hide it,
continued smoking his pipe as coolly as if nothing had happened.

Just as Jack gained the entrance, he heard a man's footstep behind him,
and aware that the slightest indiscretion would betray him, he halted,
uncertain what to do.

"Stop a minute, my dear," cried Austin. "You forget that you promised me
a kiss the last time you were here."

"Won't one from me do as well?" interposed Mrs. Maggot.

"Much better," said Mrs. Spurling, hastening to the rescue. "I want to
speak to Edgeworth Bess myself."

So saying, she planted herself between Jack and the turnkey. It was a
moment of breathless interest to all engaged in the attempt.

"Come--the kiss!" cried Austin, endeavouring to pass his arm familiarly
round the Amazon's waist.

"Hands off!" she exclaimed, "or you'll repent it."

"Why, what'll you do?" demanded the turnkey.

"Teach you to keep your distance!" retorted Mrs. Maggot, dealing him a
buffet that sent him reeling several yards backwards.

"There! off with you!" whispered Mrs. Spurling, squeezing Jack's arm,
and pushing him towards the door, "and, don't come here again."

Before Austin could recover himself, Jack and Mrs. Maggot had
disappeared.

"Bolt the wicket!" shouted Ireton, who, with the others, had been not a
little entertained by the gallant turnkey's discomfiture.

This was done,