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"Your servant, Sir Rowland," said the stranger, ducking his head, as he advanced. "Your business, Sir?" returned the other, stiffly. The new-comer looked at Charcam. Sir Rowland waved his hand, and the attendant withdrew. "You don't recollect me, I presume?" premised the stranger, taking a seat. The knight, who could ill brook this familiarity, instantly arose.
"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 thought it better not to send him away till I'd mentioned the circumstance to you." "You did right," returned Trenchard. "Where is he?" asked Jonathan. "In the hall," replied Charcam. "Alone?" "Not exactly, Sir. There's another lad at the gate waiting for him the same who was here just now, that Sir Rowland was speaking of, who fastened up the jewel-case for her ladyship."
"Here's a cross-bite." "But that's not all, your honour," continued Charcam; "Mrs. Norris says she's dying." "Dying!" echoed the knight. "Dying, Sir Rowland. She was taken dreadfully ill on the road, with spasms and short breath, and swoonings, worse than ever she was before. And Mrs. Norris was so frightened that she ordered the postboys to drive back as fast as they could.
A loud buzz of curiosity circulated among the domestics; some of whom especially the females leaned forward to obtain a peep at the culprit. "Si lence!" vociferated Charcam, laying great emphasis on the last syllable. "Were you present at the time of the robbery?" pursued Jonathan. "I was," answered Sheppard. "And will swear to it?" "I will." "Liar!" ejaculated Thames.
"Her ladyship will not travel beyond Saint Alban's to-night, Sir Rowland, so Mrs. Norris informed me," returned Charcam, respectfully; "and there's a person without, anxious for an audience, whom, with submission, I think your honour would desire to see."
"Ay, ay, I'll go, fast enough!" returned Jonathan, putting his hands into his pockets, "but not alone, Sir Rowland." At this juncture, the door was flung open, and Charcam entered, dragging in Thames, whom he held by the collar, and who struggled in vain to free himself from the grasp imposed upon him. "Here's one of the thieves, Sir Rowland!" cried the attendant. "I was only just in time.
"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."
She never expected to get her ladyship home alive." "My God!" cried Trenchard, stunned by the intelligence, "I have killed her." "No doubt," rejoined Wild, with a sneer; "but don't let all the world know it." "They're lifting her out of the carriage," interposed Charcam; "will it please your honour to send for some advice and the chaplain?"
That boy was the carpenter's apprentice, Jack Sheppard. I've just left your nephew." At this moment Charcam entered the room. "Beg pardon, Sir Rowland," said the attendant, "but there's a boy from Mr. Wood, with a message for Lady Trafford." "From whom?" vociferated Trenchard. "From Mr. Wood the carpenter." "The same who was here just now?" "No, Sir Rowland, a much finer boy."
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