f wearing
apparel which he had exposed outside for sale. Amongst other things, he
had just brought down an old laced bavaroy, a species of surtout much
worn at the period.

"What do you want fot that coat, friend?" asked Jack, as he came up.

"More than you'll pay for it, friend," snuffled the Jew.

"How do you know that?" rejoined Jack. "Will you take a guinea for it?"

"Double that sum might tempt me," replied the Jew; "it's a nobleman's
coat, upon my shoul!"

"Here's the money," replied Jack, taking the coat.

"Shall I help you on with it, Sir?" replied the Jew, becoming suddenly
respectful.

"No," replied Jack.

"I half suspect this is a highwayman," thought the Jew; "he's so ready
with his cash. I've some other things inside, Sir, which you might wish
to buy,--some pistols."

Jack was about to comply; but not liking the man's manner, he walked on.

Further on, there was a small chandler's shop, where Jack observed an
old woman seated at the counter, attended by a little girl. Seeing
provisions in the window, Jack ventured in and bought a loaf. Having
secured this,--for he was almost famished,--he said that he had lost a
hammer and wished to purchase one. The old woman told him she had no
such article to dispose of, but recommended him to a neighbouring
blacksmith.

Guided by the glare of the forge, which threw a stream of ruddy light
across the road, Jack soon found the place of which he was in search.
Entering the workshop, he found the blacksmith occupied in heating the
tire of a cart wheel. Suspending his labour on Jack's appearance, the
man demanded his business. Making up a similar story to that which he
had told the old woman, he said he wanted to purchase a hammer and a
file.

The man looked hard at him.

"Answer me one question first?" he said; "I half suspect you're Jack
Sheppard."

"I am," replied Jack, without hesitation; for he felt assured from the
man's manner that he might confide in him.

"You're a bold fellow, Jack," rejoined the blacksmith. "But you've done
well to trust me. I'll take off your irons--for I guess that's the
reason why you want the hammer and file--on one condition."

"What is it?"

"That you give 'em to me."

"Readily."

Taking Jack into a shed behind the workshop the smith in a short time
freed him from his fetters. He not only did this, but supplied him with
an ointment which allayed the swelling of his limbs, and crowned all by
furnishing him with a ju