When Jack was brought in, he cast a rapid glance around him, and perceiving Thames in the custody of Jonathan, instantly divined how matters stood. As he looked in this direction, Wild gave him a significant wink, the meaning of which he was not slow to comprehend. "Get it over quickly," said Trenchard, in a whisper to the thief-taker. Jonathan nodded assent. "What's your name?" he said, addressing the audacious lad, who was looking about him as coolly as if nothing material was going on. "Jack Sheppard," returned the boy, fixing his eyes upon a portrait of the Earl of Mar. "Who's that queer cove in the full-bottomed wig?" "Attend to me, sirrah," rejoined Wild, sternly. "Do you know this picture?" he added, with another significant look, and pointing to the miniature. "I do," replied Jack, carelessly. "That's well. Can you inform us whence it came?" "I should think so." "State the facts, then." "It came from Lady Trafford's jewel-box." Here a murmur of amazement arose from the assemblage outside. "Close the door!" commanded Trenchard, impatiently. "In my opinion, Sir Rowland," suggested Jonathan; "you'd better allow the court to remain open." "Be it so," replied the knight, who saw the force of this reasoning. "Continue the proceedings." "You say that the miniature was abstracted from Lady Trafford's jewel-box," said Jonathan, in a loud voice. "Who took it thence?" "Thames Darrell; the boy at your side." "Jack!" cried Thames, in indignant surprise. But Sheppard took no notice of the exclamation. A loud buzz of curiosity circulated among the domestics; some of whom--especially the females--leaned forward to obtain a peep at the culprit. "Si--lence!" vociferated Charcam, laying great emphasis on the last syllable. "Were you present at the time of the robbery?" pursued Jonathan. "I was," answered Sheppard. "And will swear to it?" "I will." "Liar!" ejaculated Thames. "Enough!" exclaimed Wild, triumphantly. "Close the court, Mr. Charcoal. They've heard quite enough for my purpose," he muttered, as his orders were obeyed, and the domestics excluded. "It's too late to carry 'em before a magistrate now, Sir Rowland; so, with your permission, I'll give 'em a night's lodging in Saint Giles's round-house. You, Jack Sheppard, have nothing to fear, as you've become evidence against your accomplice. To-morrow, I shall carry you before Justice Walters, who'll take your information; and I've no doubt but Thames Darrell will be fully committed. Now, for the cage, my pretty canary-bird. Before we start, I'll accommodate you with a pair of ruffles." And he proceeded to handcuff his captive. "Hear me!" cried Thames, bursting into tears. "I am innocent. I could not have committed this robbery. I have only just left Wych Street. Send for Mr. Wood, and you'll find that I've spoken the truth." "You'd better hold your peace, my lad," observed Jonathan, in a menacing tone. "Lady Trafford would not have thus condemned me!" cried Thames.