JACK SHEPPARD Volume II. (of III.) A Romance By W. Harrison Ainsworth 1839 _“Upon my word, friend,” said I, “you have almost made me long to try what a robber I should make.” “There is a great art in it, if you did,” quoth he. “Ah! but,” said I, “there's a great deal in being hanged.”_ _Life and Actions of Guzman d'Alfarache._ [Illustration: 007] [Illustration: titlepage] ILLUSTRATIONS: Jack Shepard committing the Robbery in Willesden Church Jack Sheppard gets drunk, and orders his Mother off Jack Sheppard's escape from Willesden Cage Mrs. Sheppard expostulating with her Son Jack Sheppard and Blueskin in Mr.Wood's Bedroom Jack Sheppard and Edgeworth Bess escaping from Clerkenwell Prison Audacity of Jack Sheppard Jack Sheppard visits his Mother in Bedlam Jack Sheppard escaping from the Condemned Hold in Newgate CHAPTER XIII. THE MAGDALENE. The household of the worthy carpenter, it may be conceived, was thrown into the utmost confusion and distress by the unaccountable disappearance of the two boys. As time wore on, and they did not return, Mr. Wood's anxiety grew so insupportable, that he seized his hat with the intention of sallying forth in search of them, though he did not know whither to bend his steps, when his departure was arrested by a gentle knock at the door. “There he is!” cried Winifred, starting up, joyfully, and proving by the exclamation that her thoughts were dwelling upon one subject only. “There he is!” “I fear not,” said her father, with a doubtful shake of the head. “Thames would let himself in; and Jack generally finds an entrance through the backdoor or the shop-window, when he has been out at untimely hours. But, go and see who it is, love. Stay! I'll go myself.” His daughter, however, anticipated him. She flew to the door, but returned the next minute, looking deeply disappointed, and bringing the intelligence that it was “only Mrs. Sheppard.” “Who?” almost screamed Mrs. Wood. “Jack Sheppard's mother,” answered the little girl, dejectedly; “she has brought a basket of eggs from Willesden, and some flowers for you.” “For me!” vociferated Mrs. Wood, in indignant surprise. “Eggs for me! You mistake, child. They must be for your father.” “No; I'm quite sure she said they're for you,” replied Winifred; “but she _does_ want to see father.” “I thought as much,” sneered Mrs. Wood. “I'll go to her directly,” said Wood, bustling towards the door. “I dare say she has called to inquire about Jack.” “I dare say no such thing,” interposed his better half, authoritatively; “remain where you are, Sir.” “At all events, let me send her away, my dear,” supplicated the carpenter, anxious to avert the impending storm. “Do you hear me?” cried the lady, with increasing vehemence. “Stir a foot, at your peril.” “But, my love,” still remonstrated Wood, “you know I'm going to look after the boys----”