“Here,” replied Sheppard, dragging out Shotbolt by the collar, while Blueskin pushed him behind, and Mrs. Maggot held up a lantern, which she found in the shop.  “In with him!”

“Ay—­ay, yer hon’r,” cried the foremost chairman, lending a helping hand.  “Get in wid ye, ye villin!”

And, despite his resistance, Shotbolt was thrust into the chair, which was instantly fastened upon him.

“There, he’s as safe as Jack Sheppard in the Condemned Hould,” laughed the man.

“Off with you to Newgate!” cried Jack, “and don’t let him out till you get inside the Lodge.  There’s a letter for the head turnkey, Mr. Irreton.  D’ye hear.”

“Yes, yer hon’r,” replied the chairman, taking the note.

“What are you waiting for?” asked Jack, impatiently.

“The gen’l’man as hired us,” replied the chairman.

“Oh! he’ll be after you directly.  He’s settling an account in the house.  Lose no time.  The letter will explain all.”

The chair was then rapidly put in motion, and speedily disappeared.

“What’s to be done next?” cried Blueskin, returning to Rachel, who was standing with Edgeworth Bess near the door.

“I shall go back and finish my supper,” said Mrs. Maggot.

“And so shall I,” replied Edgeworth Bess.

“Stop a minute,” cried Jack, detaining his mistresses.  “Here we part,—­perhaps for ever.  I’ve already told you I’m about to take a long journey, and it’s more than probable I shall never return.”

“Don’t say so,” cried Mrs. Maggot.  “I should be perfectly miserable if I thought you in earnest.”

“The very idea is dreadful,” whimpered Edgeworth Bess.

“Farewell!” cried Jack, embracing them.  “Take this key to Baptist Kettleby.  On seeing it, he’ll deliver you a box, which it will unlock, and in which you’ll find a matter of fifty guineas and a few trinkets.  Divide the money between you, and wear the ornaments for my sake.  But, if you’ve a spark of love for me, don’t meddle with anything in that house.”

“Not for worlds!” exclaimed both ladies together.

“Farewell!” cried Jack, breaking from them, and rushing down the street.

“What shall we do, Poll?” hesitated Edgeworth Bess.

“Go in, to be sure, simpleton,” replied Mrs. Maggot, “and bring off all we can.  I know where everything valuable is kept.  Since Jack has left us, what does it matter whether he’s pleased or not?”

At this moment, a whistle was heard.

“Coming!” cried Blueskin, who was still lingering with Rachel.  “The Captain’s in such a desperate hurry, that there’s no time for love-making.  Adieu! my charmer.  You’ll find those young ladies extremely agreeable acquaintances.  Adieu!”

And, snatching a hasty kiss, he darted after Jack.