"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." "Well, Sir, I'm obliged to you," said Jackson; "I shall take care to put Mr.Wild on his guard against an assassin." "And I shall put Blueskin on the alert against the designs of a traitor," rejoined Smith, in a tone that sounded like a menace.
"In my opinion," remarked Kneebone, "it doesn't matter how soon society is rid of two such scoundrels; and if Blueskin dies by the rope, and Jonathan by the hand of violence, they'll meet the fate they merit.

Wild was formerly an agent to the Jacobite party, but, on the offer of a bribe from the opposite faction, he unhesitatingly deserted and betrayed his old employers.