“Take hence this boy, then,” rejoined Trenchard; “his looks unman me.”

“Of what am I accused?” asked Thames, who though a good deal alarmed at first, had now regained his courage.

“Of robbery!” replied Jonathan in a thundering voice, and suddenly confronting him.  “You’ve charged with assisting your comrade, Jack Sheppard, to purloin certain articles of value from a jewel-case belonging to Lady Trafford.  Aha!” he continued, producing a short silver staff, which he carried constantly about with him, and uttering a terrible imprecation, “I see you’re confounded.  Down on your marrow-bones, sirrah!  Confess your guilt, and Sir Rowland may yet save you from the gallows.”

“I’ve nothing to confess,” replied Thames, boldly; “I’ve done no wrong.  Are you my accuser?”

“I am,” replied Wild; “have you anything to allege to the contrary?”

“Only this,” returned Thames:  “that the charge is false, and malicious, and that you know it to be so.”

“Is that all!” retorted Jonathan.  “Come, I must search you my youngster!”

“You shan’t touch me,” rejoined Thames; and, suddenly bursting from Charcam, he threw himself at the feet of Trenchard.  “Hear me, Sir Rowland!” he cried.  “I am innocent, f have stolen nothing.  This person—­this Jonathan Wild, whom I beheld for the first time, scarcely an hour ago, in Wych Street, is—­I know not why—­my enemy.  He has sworn that he’ll take away my life!”

“Bah!” interrupted Jonathan.  “You won’t listen to this nonsense, Sir Rowland!”

“If you are innocent, boy,” said the knight, controlling his emotion; “you have nothing to apprehend.  But, what brought you here?”

“Excuse me, Sir Rowland.  I cannot answer that question.  My business is with Lady Trafford.”

“Are you aware that I am her ladyship’s brother?” returned the knight.  “She has no secrets from me.”

“Possibly not,” replied Thames, in some confusion; “but I am not at liberty to speak.”

“Your hesitation is not in your favour,” observed Trenchard, sternly.

“Will he consent, to be searched?” inquired Jonathan.

“No,” rejoined Thames, “I won’t be treated like a common felon, if I can help it.”

“You shall be treated according to your deserts, then,” said Jonathan, maliciously.  And, in spite of the boy’s resistance, he plunged his hands into his pockets, and drew forth the miniature.

“Where did you get this from?” asked Wild, greatly surprised at the result of his investigation.

Thames returned no answer.

“I thought as much,” continued Jonathan.  “But we’ll find a way to make you open your lips presently.  Bring in his comrade,” he added, in a whisper to Charcam; “I’ll take care of him.  And don’t neglect my instructions this time.”  Upon which, with an assurance that he would not do so, the attendant departed.

“You can, of course, identify this picture as Lady Trafford’s property?” pursued Jonathan, with a meaning glance, as he handed it to the knight.