“I’d rather lie here for ever, than be indebted to you for my freedom,” returned Thames.

“I’ve done nothing to offend you,” persisted Jack.  “Nothing!” echoed the other, scornfully.  “You’ve perjured yourself.”

“That’s my own concern,” rejoined Sheppard.  “An oath weighs little with me, compared with your safety.”

“No more of this,” interrupted Thames, “you make the matter worse by these excuses.”

“Quarrel with me as much as you please, Thames, but hear me,” returned Sheppard.  “I took the course I pursued to serve you.”

“Tush!” cried Thames; “you accused me to skreen yourself.”

“On my soul, Thames, you wrong me!” replied Jack, passionately.  “I’d lay down my life for yours.”

“And you expect me to believe you after what has passed?”

“I do; and, more than that, I expect you to thank me.”

“For procuring my imprisonment?”

“For saving your life.”

“How?”

“Listen to me, Thames.  You’re in a more serious scrape than you imagine.  I overheard Jonathan Wild’s instructions to Quilt Arnold, and though he spoke in slang, and in an under tone, my quick ears, and acquaintance with the thieves’ lingo, enabled me to make out every word he uttered.  Jonathan is in league with Sir Rowland to make away with you.  You are brought here that their designs may be carried into effect with greater security.  Before morning, unless, we can effect an escape, you’ll be kidnapped, or murdered, and your disappearance attributed to the negligence of the constable.”

“Are you sure of this?” asked Thames, who, though as brave a lad as need be, could not repress a shudder at the intelligence.

“Certain.  The moment I entered the room, and found you a prisoner in the hands of Jonathan Wild, I guessed how matters stood, and acted accordingly.  Things haven’t gone quite as smoothly as I anticipated; but they might have been worse.  I can save you, and will.  But, say we’re friends.”

“You’re not deceiving me!” said Thames, doubtfully.

“I am not, by Heaven!” replied Sheppard, firmly.

“Don’t swear, Jack, or I shall distrust you.  I can’t give you my hand; but you may take it.”

“Thank you! thank you!” faltered Jack, in a voice full of emotion.  “I’ll soon free you from these bracelets.”

“You needn’t trouble yourself,” replied Thames.  “Mr. Wood will be here presently.”

“Mr. Wood!” exclaimed Jack, in surprise.  “How have you managed to communicate with him?”

Abraham, who had listened attentively to the foregoing conversation,—­not a word of which escaped him,—­now drew in his breath, and brought his ear closer to the boards.

“By means of the watchman who had the charge of me,” replied Thames.

“Curse him!” muttered Abraham.

“Hist!” exclaimed Jack.  “I thought I heard a noise.  Speak lower.  Somebody may be on the watch—­perhaps, that old ginger-hackled Jew.”