the collar, while
Blueskin pushed him behind, and Mrs. Maggot held up a lantern, which she
found in the shop. "In with him!"

"Ay--ay, yer hon'r," cried the foremost chairman, lending a helping
hand. "Get in wid ye, ye villin!"

And, despite his resistance, Shotbolt was thrust into the chair, which
was instantly fastened upon him.

"There, he's as safe as Jack Sheppard in the Condemned Hould," laughed
the man.

"Off with you to Newgate!" cried Jack, "and don't let him out till you
get inside the Lodge. There's a letter for the head turnkey, Mr.
Irreton. D'ye hear."

"Yes, yer hon'r," replied the chairman, taking the note.

"What are you waiting for?" asked Jack, impatiently.

"The gen'l'man as hired us," replied the chairman.

"Oh! he'll be after you directly. He's settling an account in the house.
Lose no time. The letter will explain all."

The chair was then rapidly put in motion, and speedily disappeared.

"What's to be done next?" cried Blueskin, returning to Rachel, who was
standing with Edgeworth Bess near the door.

"I shall go back and finish my supper," said Mrs. Maggot.

"And so shall I," replied Edgeworth Bess.

"Stop a minute," cried Jack, detaining his mistresses. "Here we
part,--perhaps for ever. I've already told you I'm about to take a long
journey, and it's more than probable I shall never return."

"Don't say so," cried Mrs. Maggot. "I should be perfectly miserable if
_I_ thought you in earnest."

"The very idea is dreadful," whimpered Edgeworth Bess.

"Farewell!" cried Jack, embracing them. "Take this key to Baptist
Kettleby. On seeing it, he'll deliver you a box, which it will unlock,
and in which you'll find a matter of fifty guineas and a few trinkets.
Divide the money between you, and wear the ornaments for my sake. But,
if you've a spark of love for me, don't meddle with anything in that
house."

"Not for worlds!" exclaimed both ladies together.

"Farewell!" cried Jack, breaking from them, and rushing down the street.

"What shall we do, Poll?" hesitated Edgeworth Bess.

"Go in, to be sure, simpleton," replied Mrs. Maggot, "and bring off all
we can. I know where everything valuable is kept. Since Jack has left
us, what does it matter whether he's pleased or not?"

At this moment, a whistle was heard.

"Coming!" cried Blueskin, who was still lingering with Rachel. "The
Captain's in such a desperate hurry, that there's no time for
love-making. Adieu! my charmer. You'll