“Blood and thunder!” exclaimed Quilt, opening his eyes with astonishment. “It can't be Captain Sheppard!” “It _is_,” replied Jack; “and you had better have met the devil on your road than me. Do you remember what I said when you took me at the Mint four days ago? I told you my turn would come. It _has_ come,--and sooner than you expected.” “So I find, Captain,” rejoined Quilt, submissively; “but you're too noble-hearted to take advantage of my situation. Besides, I acted for others, and not for myself.” “I know it,” replied Sheppard, “and therefore I spare your life.” “I was sure you wouldn't injure me, Captain,” remarked Quilt, in a wheedling tone, while he felt about for his sword; “you're far too brave to strike a fallen man.” “Ah! traitor!” cried Jack, who had noticed the movement; “make such another attempt, and it shall cost you your life.” So saying, he unbuckled the belt to which the janizary's hanger was attached, and fastened it to his own girdle. “And now,” he continued, sternly, “was it your master who has just ridden by?” “No,” answered Quilt, sullenly. “Who, then?” demanded Jack. “Speak, or I fire!” “Well, if you _will_ have it, it's Sir Rowland Trenchard.” “Sir Rowland Trenchard!” echoed Jack, in amazement. “What are you doing with him?” “It's a long story, Captain, and I've no breath to tell it,--unless you choose to release me,” rejoined Quilt. “Get up, then,” said Jack, freeing his foot from the stirrup. “Now--begin.” Quilt, however, seemed unwilling to speak. “I should be sorry to proceed to extremities,” continued Sheppard, again raising the pistol. “Well, since you force me to betray my master's secrets,” replied Quilt, sullenly, “I've ridden express to Manchester to deliver a message to Sir Rowland.” “Respecting Thames Darrell?” observed Jack. “Why, how the devil did you happen to guess that?” cried the janizary. “No matter,” replied Sheppard. “I'm glad to find I'm right. You informed Sir Rowland that Thames Darrell was returned?” “Exactly so,” replied Quilt, “and he instantly decided upon returning to London with me. We've ridden post all the way, and I'm horribly tired, or you wouldn't have mastered me so easily.” “Perhaps not,” replied Jack, to whom an idea had suddenly occurred. “Now, Sir, I'll trouble you for your coat. I've left mine on the spikes of the New Prison, and must borrow yours.” “Why, surely you can't be in earnest, Captain. You wouldn't rob Mr. Wild's chief janizary?” “I'd rob Mr. Wild himself if I met him,” retorted Jack. “Come, off with it, sirrah, or I'll blow out your brains, in the first place, and strip you afterwards.” “Well, rather than you should commit so great a crime, Captain, here it is,” replied Quilt, handing him the garment in question. “Anything else?” “Your waistcoat.” “'Zounds! Captain, I shall get my death of cold. I was in hopes you'd be content with my hat and wig.” “I shall require them as well,” rejoined Sheppard; “and your boots.”