By this it will seem that there was no “honor among thieves” in this case. Neither would trust the other. “Here he is now,” said Roger as a step was heard upon the stairs. A few moments after, there was a rap at the door. Black Bill opened it and admitted Everage. “You have got the child?” he eagerly demanded. But before any one could reply, his eyes fell upon little Lenny sleeping on the girl Meg’s lap. “Yes, as your honor sees, we’ve got him fast enough,” answered Roger. Everage approached the sleeping child and gazed in his tranquil face. “Did he cry much?” he inquired, in a subdued tone. “Cry?” laughed Black Bill. “‘Cry?’—Lord love you, sir, no! He thought it was a frolic, and he whooped ‘stop thief’ with the lustiest on ’em till the clooryfum quieted of him.” “But when he was brought here?” “Oh, he was asleep then.” “Good Heaven!” exclaimed Everage, fairly jumping off his feet with fright, “has he been in that state ever since?” “Lord bless your honor, no, sir! He woke up bright as a skylark the minute we flung water in his face.” “And _then_ was he frightened? Did he cry for his mother?” “Lord love you, no, sir! Never see such a plucky little cove. He scolded us men, and he petted Meg, and he put his precious little cap on the old woman’s head. Such a figure it made of her—ha! ha! ha!—ho! ho! ho!” laughed both brothers. “Then he was not terrified or distressed?” “_He_ terrified or distressed! You ought to have heard how he ordered us all around until he got sleepy, and then he insisted on Meg’s rocking him to sleep. And she did it.” “Has he had his supper?” “No, your honor. He didn’t ask for no supper. Why, sir, his hands were full of buns when I snatched him up and run off with him,” said Black Bill. “But if he wakes up hungry, what have you got to give him?” “Well, unless the poor woman has a bit of bread and a lump of cheese, I don’t know as there’s anything else.” “I thought so. I must go out and buy him some milk. Where can I find any hereabouts?” “Well, sir, there’s a shop at the corner of the next street where they sells it. But, master, how about the pay?” “Oh, you shall have it,” said Everage, taking out his old portmonnaie and drawing from its interior three ten pound notes, the price of his valuable jeweled gold watch and chain, his own seal ring, a costly microscope that had once been his delight, and other sacred treasures spared from sacrifice till now. “I promised you ten pounds each, I think. Here they are.” And he handed a note to each of his confederates. “And now,” he said, “I must go and get some milk for the child.” “I will go, your worship,” said Roger. “Very well. I shall thank you. Here is a sixpence,” said Everage. “If your honor pleases, I must buy a mug or summit to fetch it in.” “Here is another sixpence. And now make haste. I want to see the child comfortable before I leave him to-night.” “All right, your honor; I’ll be back in no time,” said Roger, starting out of the room.