When Thames Darrell and Jack Sheppard sprang through the window, they were instantly assailed by Wild, Trenchard, and their attendants. Jack attacked Jonathan with such fury, that he drove him into a shrubbery, and might perhaps have come off the victor, if his foot had not slipped as he made a desperate lunge. In this state it would have been all over with him, as, being stunned by the fall, it was some moments before he could recover himself, if another party had not unexpectedly come to his rescue. This was Blueskin, who burst through the trees, and sword in hand assaulted the thief-taker. As soon as Jack gained his legs, he perceived Blueskin lying, as he thought, dead in the plantation, with a severe cut across his temples, and while he was stooping to assist him, he heard groans at a little distance. Hastening in the direction of the sound, he discovered Thames Darrell, stretched upon the ground. “Are you hurt, Thames?” asked Jack, anxiously. “Not dangerously, I hope,” returned Thames; “but fly--save yourself.” “Where are the assassins?” cried Sheppard. “Gone,” replied the wounded man. “They imagine their work is done. But I may yet live to thwart them.” “I will carry you to the house, or fetch Mr. Wood,” urged Jack. “No, no,” rejoined Thames; “fly--or I will not answer for your safety. If you desire to please me, you will go.” “And leave you thus?” rejoined Jack. “I cannot do it.” “Go, I insist,” cried Thames, “or take the consequences upon yourself. I cannot protect you.” Thus urged, Jack reluctantly departed. Hastening to the spot where he had tied his horse to a tree, he vaulted into the saddle, and rode off across the fields,--for he was fearful of encountering the hostile party,--till he reached the Edgeware Road. Arrived at Paddington, he struck across Marylebone Fields,--for as yet the New Road was undreamed of,--and never moderated his speed until he reached the city. His destination was the New Mint. At this place of refuge, situated in the heart of Wapping, near the river-side, he arrived in less than an hour, in a complete state of exhaustion.