enough to allow him to pass through. Emerging from this aperture, he was about to descend, when he was alarmed by hearing the tramp of horses' feet swiftly approaching, and had only time to hide himself behind one of the largest sign-boards before alluded to, when two horsemen rode up. Instead of passing on, as Jack expected, these persons stopped opposite the cage, where one of them, as he judged from the sound, for he did not dare to look out of his hiding-place, dismounted. A noise was next heard, as if some instrument were applied to the door with the intent to force it open, and Jack's fears were at once dispelled. At first, he had imagined they were officers of justice, come to convey him to a stronger prison; but the voice of one of the parties, which he recognized, convinced him they were friends. 66 Look quick, Blueskin, and be cursed to you!" was growled in the deep tones of Jonathan Wild. "We shall have the whole village upon us while you're striking the jigger. Use the gilt, man!" "There's no need of picklock or crow-bar, here, Mr. Wild," cried Jack, placing his hat on the right arm of the guide-post, and leaning over the board, "I've done the trick myself." "Why, what the devil's this?" vociferated Jonathan, looking up. "Have you broken out of the cage, Jack?" "Something like it," replied the lad, carelessly. "Bravo!" cried the thieftaker, approvingly. "Well, that beats all I ever heard of!" roared Blueskin. "But are you really there?" "No, I'm here," answered Jack, leaping down. "I tell you what, Mr. Wild," he added, laughing, "it must be a stronger prison than Willesden cage that can hold me." "Ay, ay," observed Jonathan, "you'll give the keepers of his Majesty's jails some trouble before you're many years older, I'll warrant you. But get up behind Blueskin. Some one may observe us." "Come, jump up," cried Blueskin, mounting his steed," and I'll soon whisk you to town. Edgeworth Bess and Poll Maggot are dying to see you. I thought Bess would have cried her pretty eyes out when she heard you was nabbed. You need give yourself no more concern about Kneebone. Mr. Wild has done his business." "Ay-ay," laughed Jonathan. "The pocket book you prigged contained the letters I wanted. He's now in spring-ankle warehouse with Sir Rowland Trenchard. So get up, and let's be off." "I must see my mother." "Before I leave this place," said Jack, "Nonsense," returned Jonathan, gruffly. "Would you expose your. self to fresh risk? If it hadn't been for her you wouldn't have been placed in your late jeopardy." "I don't care for that," replied Jack. "See her I will. behind I'm not afraid. the day." VOL. III. Leave me I'll be at the Cross Shovels in the course of 39 "Nay, if you're bent upon this folly," observed Wild, who appeared to have his own reasons for humouring the lad, "I shan't hinder you. Blueskin will take care of the horses, and I'll go with you." So saying, he dismounted; and flinging his bridle to his companion, and ordering him to ride off to a little distance, he followed Jack, who had quitted the main road, and struck into a narrow path opposite the cage, This path, bordered on each side by high privet hedges of the most beautiful green, soon brought them to a stile. "There's the house," said Jack, pointing to a pretty cottage, the small wooden porch of which was covered with roses and creepers, with a little trim garden in front of it. "I'll be back in a minute." "Don't hurry yourself," said Jonathan, "I'll wait for you here." CHAPTER XIX. GOOD AND EVIL. As Jack opened the gate, and crossed the little garden, which exhibited in every part the neatness and attention of its owner, he almost trembled at the idea of further disturbing her peace of mind. Pausing with the intention of turning back, he glanced in the direction of the village church, the tower of which could just be seen through the trees. The rooks were cawing amid the boughs, and all nature appeared awaking to happiness. From this peaceful scene Jack's eye fell upon Jonathan, who, seated upon the stile, under the shade of an elder tree, was evidently watching him. A sarcastic smile seemed to play upon the thieftaker's lips; and, abashed at his own irresolution, the lad went on. After knocking for some time at the door without effect, he tried the latch, and to his surprise found it open. He stepped in with a heavy foreboding of calamity. A cat came and rubbed herself against him as he entered the house, and seemed by her mewing to ask him for food. That was the only sound he heard. Jack was almost afraid of speaking; but at length he summoned courage to call out "Mother!" "Who's there ?" asked a faint voice from the bed. "Your son," answered the boy. "Jack," exclaimed the widow, starting up and drawing back the curtain. "Is it indeed you, or am I dreaming?" "You're not dreaming, mother," he answered. "I'm come to say good b'ye to you, and to assure you of my safety before I leave this place." "Where are you going?" asked his mother. "I hardly know," returned Jack; "but it's not safe for me to remain much longer here." "True," replied the widow, upon whom all the terrible recollections |