“Hear the letter,” said Ireton, breaking the seal. “'_This is the way in which I will serve all who attempt to apprehend me_.' It is signed JACK SHEPPARD.” “And, so Jack Sheppard has sent back Shotbolt in this pickle,” said Langley. “So it appears,” replied Marvel. “Untie his arms, and take off that handkerchief. The poor fellow's half smothered.” “I guess what share you've had in this,” whispered Austin to Mrs. Spurling. “Never mind,” replied the tapstress. “You've won your wager.” Half an hour after this occurrence, when it had been sufficiently laughed at and discussed; when the wager had been settled, and the chairman dismissed with the remaining three guineas, which Shotbolt was compelled to pay; Ireton arose, and signified his intention of stepping across the street to inform Mr. Wild of the circumstance. “As it's getting late, and the porter may be gone to bed,” he observed; “I'll take the pass-key, and let myself in. Mr. Wild is sure to be up. He never retires to rest till daybreak--if at all. Come with me, Langley, and bring the lantern.” CHAPTER XIV. HOW JACK SHEPPARD WAS AGAIN CAPTURED. Jack Sheppard, after whistling to Blueskin, hurried down a short thoroughfare leading from Wych Street to the back of Saint Clement's Church, where he found Thames Darrell, who advanced to meet him. “I was just going,” said Thames. “When I parted from you at Mr. Kneebone's door, you begged me to await your return here, assuring me you would not detain me five minutes. Instead of which, more than half an hour has elapsed.” “You won't complain of the delay when I tell you what I've done,” answered Jack. “I've obtained two packets, containing letters from Sir Rowland Trenchard, which I've no doubt will establish your title to the estates. Take them, and may they prove as serviceable to you as I desire.” “Jack,” replied Thames, greatly moved, “I wish I could devise any means of brightening your own dark prospects.” “That's impossible,” replied Jack. “I am utterly lost.” “Not utterly,” rejoined the other. “Utterly,” reiterated Jack, gloomily,--“as regards all I hold dear. Listen to me, Thames. I'm about to leave this country for ever. Having ascertained that a vessel sails for France from the river at daybreak to-morrow morning, I have secured a passage in her, and have already had the few effects I possess, conveyed on board. Blueskin goes with me. The faithful fellow will never leave me.” “Never, while I've breath in my body, Captain,” rejoined Blueskin, who had joined them. “England or France, London or Paris, it's all one to me, so I've you to command me.” “Stand out of earshot,” rejoined his leader. “I'll call you when you're wanted.” And Blueskin withdrew. “I cannot but approve the course you are about to take, Jack,” said Thames, “though on some accounts I regret it. In after years you can return to your own country--to your friends.”