himself into a chair, for his iron frame seldom
required the indulgence of a bed, and sought an hour's repose before he
began the villanies of another day.

He was aroused from his slumber, about six o'clock, by the return of
Abraham Mendez, who not choosing to confess that Jack had eluded his
vigilance, contended himself with stating that he had kept watch till
daybreak, when he had carefully searched the field, and, finding no
trace of him, had thought it better to return.

This information was received by Jonathan with a lowering brow. He
comforted himself, however, with the certainty which he felt of
capturing his prey on the Sunday. His breakfast despatched, which he ate
with a wolfish appetite, he walked over to Newgate, chuckling as he went
at the consternation which his appearance would create amongst the
turnkeys.

Entering the Lodge, the first person he beheld was Austin, who was only
just up, and whose toilette appeared scarcely completed. A glance
satisfied Jonathan that the turnkey was not aware of the prisoner's
escape; and he resolved not to destroy what he considered a good jest,
by a premature disclosure of it.

"You are out betimes this morning, Mr. Wild," observed Austin, as he put
on his coat, and adjusted his minor bob. "Something fresh on hand, I
suppose?"

"I'm come to inquire after Jack Sheppard," returned Jonathan.

"Don't alarm yourself about him, Sir," replied Austin. "He's safe
enough, I assure you."

"I should like to satisfy myself on that score," rejoined Wild, drily.

"So you shall, Sir," replied Austin, who at this moment recollected,
with some uneasiness, the applications at the lodge-door during the
night. "I hope you don't imagine anything has gone wrong, Sir."

"It matters not what I think," replied Wild. "Come with me to the
Castle."

"Instantly, Sir," replied Austin; "instantly. Here, Caliban, attend to
the door, and keep the wicket locked till I return. D'ye hear. Now,
Sir."

Taking the keys, he led the way, followed by Jonathan, who chuckled
internally at the shock that awaited the poor fellow.

The door was opened, and Austin entered the cell, when he absolutely
recoiled before the spectacle he beheld, and could scarcely have looked
more alarmed if the prison had tumbled about his ears. Petrified and
speechless, he turned an imploring look at Wild, who was himself filled
with astonishment at the pile of rubbish lying before him.

"'Sdeath!" cried Jonathan, stari