No sooner did Jerry perceive that he was recognized, than, after kissing his hand, with the air of a _petit-maître_, to the highwayman, he strove to edge his way through the crowd. All his efforts were fruitless; and, tired of a situation in the rear rank, so inconsistent, he conceived, with his own importance, he had recourse to an expedient often practised with success in harlequinades, and not unfrequently in real life, where a flying leap is occasionally taken over our heads. He ran back a few yards to give himself an impetus, returned, and, placing his hands upon the shoulders of a stalwart vagabond near to him, threw a summerset upon the broad cap of a palliard, who was so jammed in the midst that he could not have stirred to avoid the shock; thence, without pausing, he vaulted forwards, and dropped lightly upon the ground in front of Zoroaster, and immediately before the highwayman. Dick laughed immoderately at Jerry's manœuvre. He shook his old chum cordially by the hand, saying, in a whisper, "What the devil brings you here, Jerry?" "I might retort, and ask you that question, Captain Turpin," replied Jerry, _sotto voce_. "It is odd to see me here, certainly--quite out of my element--lost amongst this _canaille_--this Canting Crew--all the fault of a pair of gipsy eyes, bright as a diamond, dark as a sloe. You comprehend--a little affair, ha! Liable to these things. Bring your ear closer, my boy; be upon your guard--keep a sharp look out--there's a devil of a reward upon your head--I won't answer for all those rascals." "Thank you for the hint, Jerry," replied Dick, in the same tone. "I calculated my chances pretty nicely when I came here. But if I should perceive any symptoms of foul play--any attempt to snitch or nose, amongst this pack of peddlers--I have a friend or two at hand, who won't be silent upon the occasion. Rest assured I shall have my eye upon the gnarling scoundrels. I won't be sold for nothing." "Trust you for that," returned Juniper, with a wink. "Stay," added he; "a thought strikes me. I have a scheme _in petto_ which may, perhaps, afford you some fun, and will, at all events, insure your safety during your stay." "What is it?" asked Dick. "Just amuse yourself with a flirtation for a moment or two with that pretty damsel, who has been casting her ogles at you for the last five minutes without success, while I effect a master-stroke."