Sir James Thornhill
commenced operations; and, while he rapidly transferred his lineaments
to the canvass, engaged him in conversation, in the course of which he
artfully contrived to draw him into a recital of his adventures. The
_ruse_ succeeded almost beyond his expectation. During the narration
Jack's features lighted up, and an expression, which would have been in
vain looked for in repose, was instantly caught and depicted by the
skilful artist. All the party were greatly interested by Sheppard's
history--especially Figg, who laughed loud and long at the escape from
the Condemned Hold. When Jack came to speak of Jonathan Wild, his
countenance fell.

"We must change the subject," remarked Thornhill, pausing in his task;
"this will never do."

"Quite right, Sir James," said Austin. "We never suffer him to mention
Mr. Wild's name. He never appears to so little advantage as when
speaking of him."

"I don't wonder at it," rejoined Gay.

Here Hogarth received a private signal from Thornhill to attract
Sheppard's attention.

"And so you've given up all hope of escaping, eh, Jack?" remarked
Hogarth.

"That's scarcely a fair question, Mr. Hogarth, before the jailer,"
replied Jack. "But I tell you frankly, and Mr. Austin, may repeat it if
he pleases to his master, Jonathan Wild,--I have _not_."

"Well said, Jack," cried Figg. "Never give in."

"Well," observed Hogarth, "if, fettered as you are, you contrive to
break out of this dungeon, you'll do what no man ever did before."

A peculiar smile illuminated Jack's features.

"There it is!" cried Sir James, eagerly. "There's the exact expression I
want. For the love of Heaven, Jack, don't move!--Don't alter a muscle,
if you can help it."

And, with a few magical touches, he stamped the fleeting expression on
the canvass.

"I have it too!" exclaimed Hogarth, busily plying his pencil. "Gad! it's
a devilish fine face when lit up."

"As like as life, Sir," observed Austin, peeping over Thornhill's
shoulder at the portrait. "As like as life."

"The very face," exclaimed Gay, advancing to look at it;--"with all the
escapes written in it."

"You flatter me," smiled Sir James. "But, I own, I think it _is_ like."

"What do you think of _my_ sketch, Jack?" said Hogarth, handing him the
drawing.

"It's like enough, I dare say," rejoined Sheppard. "But it wants
something _here_." And he pointed significantly to the hand.

"I see," rejoined Hogarth, rapidly sketch