find those young ladies extremely
agreeable acquaintances. Adieu!"

And, snatching a hasty kiss, he darted after Jack.

The chair, meanwhile, with its unhappy load, was transported at a brisk
pace to Newgate. Arrived there, the porter thundered at the massive door
of the Lodge, which was instantly opened--Shotbolt's note having been
received just before. All the turnkeys were assembled. Ireton and
Langley had returned from a second unsuccessful search; Marvel had come
thither to bid good-night to Mrs. Spurling; Austin had never quitted his
post. The tapstress was full of curiosity; but she appeared more easy
than the others. Behind her stood Caliban, chuckling to himself, and
grinning from ear to ear.

"Well, who'd have thought of Shotbolt beating us all in this way!" said
Ireton. "I'm sorry for old Newgate that another jail should have it.
It's infernally provoking."

"Infernally provoking!" echoed Langley.

"Nobody has so much cause for complaint as me," growled Austin. "I've
lost my wager."

"Twenty pounds," rejoined Mrs. Spurling. "I witnessed the bet."

"Here he is!" cried Ireton, as the knocking was heard without. "Get
ready the irons, Caliban."

"Wait a bit, massa," replied the grinning negro,--"lilly bit--see all
right fust."

By this time, the chair had been brought into the Lodge.

"You've got him?" demanded Ireton.

"Safe inside," replied the chairman, wiping the heat from his brow;
"we've run all the way."

"Where's Mr. Shotbolt?" asked Austin.

"The gen'l'man'll be here directly. He was detained. T' other gen'l'man
said the letter 'ud explain all."

"Detained!" echoed Marvel. "That's odd. But, let's see the prisoner."

The chair was then opened.

"Shotbolt! by--" cried Austin, as the captive was dragged forth. "I've
won, after all."

Exclamations of wonder burst from all. Mrs. Spurling bit her lips to
conceal her mirth. Caliban absolutely crowed with delight.

"Hear the letter," said Ireton, breaking the seal. "'_This is the way in
which I will serve all who attempt to apprehend me_.' It is signed JACK
SHEPPARD."

"And, so Jack Sheppard has sent back Shotbolt in this pickle," said
Langley.

"So it appears," replied Marvel. "Untie his arms, and take off that
handkerchief. The poor fellow's half smothered."

"I guess what share you've had in this," whispered Austin to Mrs.
Spurling.

"Never mind," replied the tapstress. "You've won your wager."

Half an hour after this occurre