rapid glance I saw there could not be less than fifteen or sixteen sovereigns, besides a little silver. She then took from her bag a Bank-note for twenty pounds, which she also gave me. "I secured the money about my person, and she asked me whether I was satisfied? I said, 'Perfectly.'——'Then stand aside for a few moments, and I will show you how to act.'——I stepped behind the curtain, while she rose and put on a dressing-gown; having done which, she took the rush-light in her hand and desired me to follow her as noiseless as possible. We went down into the kitchen, where she told me to take all the cold victuals there were in the larder; and she gave me a napkin to wrap them up in. There happened to be a silver spoon in one of the dishes—left there most probably by accident. This she also desired me to take; and you may be sure I did not refuse. These arrangements being made, she led me to the front door, and having reminded me of my promise not to talk about a certain affair, let me out of the house. I have no doubt that there was a great deal said next morning in Old Burlington Street, about the ungrateful lad who was taken in as an object of charity, and who decamped in the middle of the night with the contents of the larder and a silver spoon into the bargain." "But you have not mentioned the name of this lady, Jacob?" interrupted Tom Rain. "I did not think it was worth while, sir—as she used me very well——" "Still I have a very particular reason for wishing to be informed on that head," said the highwayman. "Oh! if that's the case, I shall not hesitate," replied Jacob. "The name of that lady was Mrs. Slingsby." "I thought so from the very first moment you began to speak of her!" cried Tom. "And the name of the gentleman—did you learn _that_?" "Yes, sir," answered the lad: "I heard the servants talking about him, when I was in the kitchen. His name was—let me see?—Oh! yes—I remember—Sir Henry Courtenay." "Thank you, Jacob," exclaimed Tom: then, in a low, musing tone, he said, "Poor Clarence! you are woefully deceived in your saint of an aunt!" "Shall I continue my story, Mr. Rainford?" asked Jacob. "It will not last much longer now." "By all means go on, my boy. I would sit here till day-light, sooner than miss the end." Thus encouraged, Jacob continued in the following manner. ----- Footnote 17: