Sheppard left Mr. Wood's house at Dollis Hill on Tuesday_'--that's two
days ago,--'_hasn't been heard of since_.'"

"Let me see," cried Jack, snatching the paper, and eagerly perusing the
advertisement. "Ah!" he exclaimed, in a tone of anguish. "She has fallen
into the villain's hands."

"What villain?" cried Hogarth.

"Jonathan Wild, I'll be sworn," said Gay.

"Right!--right!" cried Jack, striking his fettered hands against his
breast. "She is in his power, and I am here, chained hand and foot,
unable to assist her."

"I could make a fine sketch of him now," whispered Hogarth to Gay.

"I told you how it was, Sir James," said Austin, addressing the knight,
who was preparing for his departure, "he attributes every misfortune
that befals him to Mr. Wild."

"And with some justice," replied Thornhill, drily.

"Allow me to assist you, Sir James," said Hogarth.

"Many thanks, Sir," replied Thornhill, with freezing politeness; "but Id
not require assistance."

"I tell you what, Jack," said Gay, "I've several urgent engagements this
morning; but I'll return to-morrow, and hear the rest of your story.
And, if I can render you any service, you may command me."

"To-morrow will be too late," said Sheppard, moodily.

The easel and palette having been packed up, and the canvass carefully
removed by Austin, the party took leave of the prisoner, who was so much
abstracted that he scarcely noticed their departure. Just as Hogarth got
to the door, the turnkey stopped him.

"You have forgotten your knife, Mr. Hogarth," he observed,
significantly.

"So I have," replied Hogarth, glancing at Sheppard.

"I can do without it," muttered Jack.

The door was then locked, and he was left alone.

At three o'clock, on the same day, Austin brought up Jack's provisions,
and, after carefully examining his fetters, and finding all secure, told
him if he wanted anything further he must mention it, as he should not
be able to return in the evening, his presence being required elsewhere.
Jack replied in the negative, and it required all his mastery over
himself to prevent the satisfaction which this announcement afforded
him from being noticed by the jailer.

With the usual precautions, Austin then departed.

"And now," cried Jack, leaping up, "for an achievement, compared with
which all I have yet done shall be as nothing!"

CHAPTER XVII.

The Iron Bar.

Jack Sheppard's first object was to free himself from his handc