"No—you're not a fool, Toby," interrupted Bones; "but you want looking after. Ah! it was a blessed day for you when I recommended you to marry that virtuous—well-conducted—pattern-woman, as one may say, who is now your wife. I had no interest but your good—and hers——" "I'm well aware of that, Mr. Bones," cried Toby: "and you've been an excellent friend to us. I'm sure Betsy respects you as if you was her——" Toby was about to say "father," but he remembered that Old Death did not like to be reminded of his age, and so he substituted "brother." "Well—well," said Bones: "I've no doubt of what you tell me; and so long as you're happy together, that's every thing." Toby smothered a sigh with a deep draught of gin-and-water;—Old Death poked the fire; and Jacob availed himself of the opportunity to stoop down and pick up the paper, which he dexterously conveyed to his pocket, unperceived by either of his companions. But a sudden disappointment seized upon him—for he could feel that it was too stiff for a bank-note, and was moreover folded like a letter. The time passed away; and at length Old Death, after consulting his watch, declared it to be close upon eleven o'clock. There were no lights visible in the house opposite; and it was therefore determined to commence operations without farther delay. "Before we leave here," said Old Death, "remember what you are to do. Jacob and you, Toby, will put on your masks, rush in, shut the door, and make the old widow secure. Then you, Jacob, will come out and fetch me. It won't do for the woman to see me at all, because I'm so tall that if she described me to Tom Rain when he comes back, he would know who it was directly; but as there's nothing particular about either of you, he can't make you out from description." "We'll take care, Mr. Bunce, how the thing is managed," said Toby. The trio then quitted the public-house; and, while Toby and Jacob crossed to the other side of the street, Old Death walked a little way on. The coast was quite clear, and a profound silence reigned throughout the neighbourhood. Toby Bunce and the lad stopped at the door of the widow's house, slipped on their black masks, and knocked. In a few moments the door was opened by the widow herself. Quick as lightning, the candle was knocked from her hand, and the scream that half-burst from her lips was arrested by a large plaster which Toby instantaneously clapped upon her mouth. The poor woman fainted through excess of terror, and was borne into the nearest room, where Jacob hastened to strike a light. Having succeeded thus far, Toby remained in charge of the landlady, while Jacob hastened to fetch Old Death. In a few moments the lad returned with that individual; and the front-door was again carefully closed. The widow continued in a swoon; and Toby did not give himself any trouble to recover her.