The only persons in the Lodge were Mrs. Spurling and Marvel. Hearing the noise of the scuffle, the tapstress, fancying it was Jack making an effort to escape, in spite of the remonstrances of the executioner, threw open the wicket. Blueskin therefore had nothing to stop him. Dashing through the open door, he crossed the Old Bailey, plunged into a narrow court on the opposite side of the way, and was out of sight in a minute, baffling all pursuit. On their return, the jailers raised up Jonathan, who was weltering in his blood, and who appeared to be dying. Efforts were made to staunch his wounds and surgical assistance sent for. “Has he escaped?” asked the thief-taker, faintly. “Blueskin,” said Ireton. “No--Sheppard?” rejoined Wild. “No, no, Sir,” replied Ireton. “He's here.” “That's right,” replied Wild, with a ghastly smile. “Remove him to the Middle Stone Hold,--watch over him night and day, do you mind?” “I do, Sir.” “Irons--heavy irons--night and day.” “Depend upon it, Sir.” “Go with him to Tyburn,--never lose sight of him till the noose is tied. Where's Marvel?” “Here, Sir,” replied the executioner. “A hundred guineas if you hang Jack Sheppard. I have it about me. Take it, if I die.” “Never fear, Sir,” replied Marvel. “Oh! that I could live to see it,” gasped Jonathan. And with a hideous expression of pain, he fainted. “He's dead,” exclaimed Austin. “I am content,” said Jack. “My mother is avenged. Take me to the Stone Room. Blueskin, you are a true friend.” The body of Jonathan was then conveyed to his own habitation, while Jack was taken to the Middle Stone Room, and ironed in the manner Wild had directed. CHAPTER XXVIII. WHAT HAPPENED AT DOLLIS HILL. “At length this tragedy is at an end,” said Mr. Wood, as, having seen the earth thrown over the remains of the unfortunate Mrs. Sheppard, he turned to quit the churchyard. “Let us hope that, like her who 'loved much,' her sins are forgiven her.” Without another word, and accompanied by Thames, he then took his way to Dollis Hill in a state of the deepest depression. Thames did not attempt to offer him any consolation, for he was almost as much dejected. The weather harmonized with their feelings. It rained slightly, and a thick mist gathered in the air, and obscured the beautiful prospect. On his arrival at Dollis Hill, Mr. Wood was so much exhausted that he was obliged to retire to his own room, where he continued for some hours overpowered by grief. The two lovers sat together, and their sole discourse turned upon Jack and his ill-fated mother. As the night advanced, Mr. Wood again made his appearance in a more composed frame of mind, and, at his daughter's earnest solicitation, was induced to partake of some refreshment. An hour was then passed in conversation as to the possibility of rendering any assistance to Jack; in deploring his unhappy destiny; and in the consideration of the course to be pursued in reference to Jonathan Wild.