“I am perhaps exceeding my authority in demanding so slight a sum,” continued Jonathan, modestly, “and the Master of the Mint may not be disposed to let you off so lightly. He will be here in a moment or so, and you will then learn his determination. In the mean time, let me advise you as a friend not to irritate him by a refusal, which would be as useless as vexatious. He has a very summary mode of dealing with refractory persons, I assure you. My best endeavours shall be used to bring you off, on the easy terms I have mentioned.” “Do you call ten guineas easy terms?” cried Wood, with a look of dismay. “Why, I should expect to purchase the entire freehold of the Mint for less money.” “Many a man has been glad to pay double the amount to get his head from under the Mint pump,” observed Blueskin, gruffly. “Let the gentleman take his own course,” said Jonathan, mildly. “I should be sorry to persuade him to do anything his calmer judgment might disapprove.” “Exactly my sentiments,” rejoined Blueskin. “I wouldn't force him for the world: but if he don't tip the stivers, may I be cursed if he don't get a taste of the _aqua pompaginis_. Let's have a look at the kinchen that _ought_ to have been throttled,” added he, snatching the child from Wood. “My stars! here's a pretty lullaby-cheat to make a fuss about--ho! ho!” “Deal with me as you think proper, gentlemen,” exclaimed Wood; “but, for mercy's sake don't harm the child! Let it be taken to its mother.” “And who is its mother?” asked Jonathan, in an eager whisper. “Tell me frankly, and speak under your breath. Your own safety--the child's safety--depends upon your candour.” While Mr. Wood underwent this examination, Blueskin felt a small and trembling hand placed upon his own, and, turning at the summons, beheld a young female, whose features were partially concealed by a loo, or half mask, standing beside him. Coarse as were the ruffian's notions of feminine beauty, he could not be insensible to the surpassing loveliness of the fair creature, who had thus solicited his attention. Her figure was, in some measure, hidden by a large scarf, and a deep hood drawn over the head contributed to her disguise; still it was evident, from her lofty bearing, that she had nothing in common, except an interest in their proceedings, with the crew by whom she was surrounded. Whence she came,--who she was,--and what she wanted,--were questions which naturally suggested themselves to Blueskin, and he was about to seek for some explanation, when his curiosity was checked by a gesture of silence from the lady. “Hush!” said she, in a low, but agitated voice; “would you earn this purse?” “I've no objection,” replied Blueskin, in a tone intended to be gentle, but which sounded like the murmuring whine of a playful bear. “How much is there in it!” “It contains gold,” replied the lady; “but I will add this ring.”