Now for it, Thames! Make as great a row as you can to divert his attention." With this, he drew the spike from his pocket; and, drowning the sound of the operation by whistling, singing, shuffling, and other noises, contrived, in a few minutes, to liberate his companion from the handcuffs.
"Now, Jack," cried Thames, warmly grasping Sheppard's hand, "you are my friend again.

I freely forgive you." Sheppard cordially returned the pressure; and, cautioning Thames, "not to let the ruffles drop, or they might tell a tale," began to warble the following fragment of a robber melody:-- "Oh! give me a chisel, a knife, or a file, And the dubsmen shall find that I'll do it in style! _Tol-de-rol!_" "Vot the devil are you about, noisy ?" inquired Abraham.
"Practising singing, Aaron," replied Jack.

"Vot are you ?" "Practising patience," growled Abraham.
"Not before it's needed," returned Jack, aloud; adding in a whisper, "get upon my shoulders, Thames.

Now you're up, take this spike.

Feel for the lock, and prize it open,--you don't need to be told _how_.