“Decidedly so,” replied Edgeworth Bess; “and I'll take this opportunity, while Jack's back is turned,--for he's grown so strangely particular,--of easing him of his snuff-box. Perhaps,” she added, in a whisper, as she appropriated the before-named article, “he has a pocket-book.” “Hush!” replied Mrs. Maggot; “Jack will hear you. We'll come back for that by and by, and the dressing-gown.” At this moment, Rachel and Blueskin returned. Their momentary absence seemed to have worked wonders; for now the most perfect understanding appeared to subsist between them. “Have you sent off the note?” inquired Jack. “We have, Captain,” replied Blueskin. “I say _we_, because Miss Rachel and I have struck up a match. Shall I bring off anything?” he added, looking eagerly round. “No,” replied Jack, peremptorily. Having now sealed his letter, Sheppard took a handkerchief, and tying it over Shotbolt's face, so as completely to conceal the features, clapped his hat upon his head, and pushed it over his brows. He, next, seized the unlucky jailer, and forced him along, while Blueskin expedited his movements by administering a few kicks behind. When they got to the door, Jack opened it, and, mimicking the voice of the jailer, shouted, “Now, my lads, all's ready?” “Here we are,” cried the chairmen, hurrying out of the court with their swinging vehicle, “where is he?” “Here,” replied Sheppard, dragging out Shotbolt by the collar, while Blueskin pushed him behind, and Mrs. Maggot held up a lantern, which she found in the shop. “In with him!” [Illustration: 104] “Ay--ay, yer hon'r,” cried the foremost chairman, lending a helping hand. “Get in wid ye, ye villin!” And, despite his resistance, Shotbolt was thrust into the chair, which was instantly fastened upon him. “There, he's as safe as Jack Sheppard in the Condemned Hould,” laughed the man. “Off with you to Newgate!” cried Jack, “and don't let him out till you get inside the Lodge. There's a letter for the head turnkey, Mr. Irreton. D'ye hear.” “Yes, yer hon'r,” replied the chairman, taking the note. “What are you waiting for?” asked Jack, impatiently. “The gen'l'man as hired us,” replied the chairman. “Oh! he'll be after you directly. He's settling an account in the house. Lose no time. The letter will explain all.” The chair was then rapidly put in motion, and speedily disappeared. “What's to be done next?” cried Blueskin, returning to Rachel, who was standing with Edgeworth Bess near the door. “I shall go back and finish my supper,” said Mrs. Maggot. “And so shall I,” replied Edgeworth Bess. “Stop a minute,” cried Jack, detaining his mistresses. “Here we part,--perhaps for ever. I've already told you I'm about to take a long journey, and it's more than probable I shall never return.” “Don't say so,” cried Mrs. Maggot. “I should be perfectly miserable if _I_ thought you in earnest.” “The very idea is dreadful,” whimpered Edgeworth Bess.