Dashing through the open door, he crossed the Old Bailey, plunged into a
narrow court on the opposite side of the way, and was out of sight in a
minute, baffling all pursuit.

On their return, the jailers raised up Jonathan, who was weltering in
his blood, and who appeared to be dying. Efforts were made to staunch
his wounds and surgical assistance sent for.

"Has he escaped?" asked the thief-taker, faintly.

"Blueskin," said Ireton.

"No--Sheppard?" rejoined Wild.

"No, no, Sir," replied Ireton. "He's here."

"That's right," replied Wild, with a ghastly smile. "Remove him to the
Middle Stone Hold,--watch over him night and day, do you mind?"

"I do, Sir."

"Irons--heavy irons--night and day."

"Depend upon it, Sir."

"Go with him to Tyburn,--never lose sight of him till the noose is tied.
Where's Marvel?"

"Here, Sir," replied the executioner.

"A hundred guineas if you hang Jack Sheppard. I have it about me. Take
it, if I die."

"Never fear, Sir," replied Marvel.

"Oh! that I could live to see it," gasped Jonathan. And with a hideous
expression of pain, he fainted.

"He's dead," exclaimed Austin.

"I am content," said Jack. "My mother is avenged. Take me to the Stone
Room. Blueskin, you are a true friend."

The body of Jonathan was then conveyed to his own habitation, while Jack
was taken to the Middle Stone Room, and ironed in the manner Wild had
directed.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

What happened at Dollis Hill.

"At length this tragedy is at an end," said Mr. Wood, as, having seen
the earth thrown over the remains of the unfortunate Mrs. Sheppard, he
turned to quit the churchyard. "Let us hope that, like her who 'loved
much,' her sins are forgiven her."

Without another word, and accompanied by Thames, he then took his way to
Dollis Hill in a state of the deepest depression. Thames did not attempt
to offer him any consolation, for he was almost as much dejected. The
weather harmonized with their feelings. It rained slightly, and a thick
mist gathered in the air, and obscured the beautiful prospect.

On his arrival at Dollis Hill, Mr. Wood was so much exhausted that he
was obliged to retire to his own room, where he continued for some hours
overpowered by grief. The two lovers sat together, and their sole
discourse turned upon Jack and his ill-fated mother.

As the night advanced, Mr. Wood again made his appearance in a more
composed frame of mind, and, at his daughter's earnest solicita