“I don’t object to the likeness, if any such exists, young Sir,” returned Jackson, darting an angry glance at Thames; “indeed I’m rather flattered by being thought to resemble a gentleman of Mr. Wild’s figure.  But I can’t submit to hear the well-earned reputation of my friend termed an ‘infamous notoriety.’”

“No, we can’t stand that,” hiccupped Smith, scarcely able to keep his legs.

“Well, gentlemen,” rejoined Wood, mildly; “since Mr. Wild is a friend of yours, I’m sorry for what I said.  I’ve no doubt he’s as honest as either of you.”

“Enough,” returned Jackson, extending his hand; “and if I’ve expressed myself warmly, I’m sorry for it likewise.  But you must allow me to observe, my good Sir, that you’re wholly in the wrong respecting my friend.  Mr. Wild never was the associate of thieves.”

“Never,” echoed Smith, emphatically, “upon my honour.”

“I’m satisfied with your assurance,” replied the carpenter, drily.

“It’s more than I am,” muttered Thames.

“I was not aware that Jonathan Wild was an acquaintance of yours, Mr. Jackson,” said Kneebone, whose assiduity to Mrs. Wood had prevented him from paying much attention to the previous scene.

“I’ve known him all my life,” replied the other.

“The devil you have!  Then, perhaps, you can tell me when he intends to put his threat into execution?”

“What threat?” asked Jackson.

“Why, of hanging the fellow who acts as his jackal; one Blake, or Blueskin, I think he’s called.”

“You’ve been misinformed, Sir,” interposed Smith.  “Mr. Wild is incapable of such baseness.”

“Bah!” returned the woollen-draper.  “I see you don’t know him as well as you pretend.  Jonathan is capable of anything.  He has hanged twelve of his associates already.  The moment they cease to be serviceable, or become dangerous he lodges an information, and the matter’s settled.  He has always plenty of evidence in reserve.  Blueskin is booked.  As sure as you’re sitting there, Mr. Smith, he’ll swing after next Old Bailey sessions.  I wouldn’t be in his skin for a trifle!”

“But he may peach,” said Smith casting an oblique glance at Jackson.

“It would avail him little if he did,” replied Kneebone.  “Jonathan does what he pleases in the courts.”

“Very true,” chuckled Jackson; “very true.”

“Blueskin’s only chance would be to carry his threat into effect,” pursued the woollen-draper.

“Aha!” exclaimed Jackson. “He threatens, does he?”

“More than that,” replied Kneebone; “I understand he drew a knife upon Jonathan, in a quarrel between them lately.  And since then, he has openly avowed his determination of cutting his master’s throat on the slightest inkling of treachery.  But, perhaps Mr. Smith will tell you I’m misinformed, also, on that point.”

“On the contrary,” rejoined Smith, looking askance at his companion, “I happen to know you’re in the right.”