to throw the entrance of the room
more into shadow; and then flung himself into a seat to await Sir
Rowland's arrival.

He had not to wait long. Enveloped in a large cloak, Sir Rowland stalked
into the room, and took the seat assigned him; while the Jew, who
received a private signal from Jonathan, set down the link near the
entrance of the Well Hole, and, having made fast the door, crept behind
one of the cases.

Fancying they were alone, Sir Rowland threw aside his cloak, and
produced a heavy bag of money, which he flung upon the table; and, when
Wild had feasted his greedy eyes sufficiently upon its golden contents,
he handed him a pocket-book filled with notes.

"You have behaved like a man of honour, Sir Rowland," said Wild, after
he had twice told over the money. "Right to a farthing."

"Give me an acquittance," said Trenchard.

"It's scarcely necessary," replied Wild; "however, if you require it,
certainly. There it is. 'Received from Sir Rowland Trenchard, 15,000
L.--Jonathan Wild: August 31st, 1724.' Will that do?"

"It will," replied Trenchard. "This is our last transaction together."

"I hope not," replied Wild.

"It is the last," continued the knight, sternly; "and I trust we may
never meet again, I have paid you this large sum--not because you are
entitled to it, for you have failed in what you undertook to do, but
because I desire to be troubled with you no further. I have now settled
my affairs, and made every preparation for my departure to France, where
I shall spend the remainder of my days. And I have made such
arrangements that at my decease tardy justice will be done my injured
nephew."

"You have made no such arrangements as will compromise me, I hope, Sir
Rowland?" said Wild, hastily.

"While I live you are safe," rejoined Trenchard; "after my death I can
answer for nothing."

"'Sblood!" exclaimed Wild, uneasily. "This alters the case materially.
When were you last confessed, Sir Rowland?" he added abruptly.

"Why do you ask?" rejoined the other haughtily.

"Because--because I'm always distrustful of a priest," rejoined
Jonathan.

"I have just parted from one," said Trenchard.

"So much the worse," replied Jonathan, rising and taking a turn, as if
uncertain what to do.

"So much the better," rejoined Sir Rowland. "He who stands on the verge
of the grave, as I do, should never be unprepared."

"You're strangely superstitious, Sir Rowland," said Jonathan, halting,
and looking