None saw him depart, but, as if to atone, He has never gone anywhere since an unknown; All over the kingdom, in less than a week, He has swaggered about with most marvellous cheek, Appearing--no worse for his terrible crime-- In Hampstead and Hull at the very same time. He’s been traced to Penzance with a tramp for his pal; At Thurso, when seen, he was treating a gal; At Epsom he passed a flash note in the ring, Backed Ayrshire, and then was again on the wing. Flying north, flying south, if we rumours believe, Reaching Brighton and Glasgow the very same eve. He’s been seen on the switchback, all over the town; At Epping he knocked many cocoanuts down; He has mixed with the parsons at Exeter Hall, And he’ll doubtless be seen at her Majesty’s ball. And he came up to London on purpose to see The Princess’s drama, the Something-my-Chree. So Jackson the murderer roams o’er the land-- One day in the Highlands, the next in the Strand; Men, women, and children can see at a glance He’s the chap who has led the police such a dance. But they scorn to betray him by gesture or look, And are “mum” till the murderer’s taken his hook. O please, dear detectives, who’re still on the track, We know that no skill, no devotion you lack; We know that you’re bound the first moment you can To collar this wicked and wonderful man. But it’s better to let him go free for six “monce” Than to take him in twenty-five places at once. Another Danger. My house was in flames, and the smoke and the heat By the staircase, I found, would prevent my retreat; So I rushed to the window and opened it wide, And I shouted for help that I might not be fried. The window was many a foot from the ground. The people came running and gathered around; They asked me to jump, but I smiled and I said, “The pavement is rather too hard for my head.” My plans soon assuming a definite shape, I said I would wait while they fetched the escape. They went off to find it, but came back to shout That it wasn’t the time for escapes to be out. “I am burning,” I cried; “I am stifled with smoke; If you don’t get me out I shall certainly choke. Go tell the brave fellows who guard us from fire To bring the escape, or I’m bound to expire.” They went off again, and each man did his best-- They scoured the east and they scoured the west; But wherever they went the result was the same-- I was left to the mercy of smoke and of flame. They borrowed long ladders and a blanket and sheet, Then they asked me to jump about fifty-two feet; But, objecting to dash out my brains on the stone, I could only reply with a shriek and a groan.