I was sitting up, lamenting your departure, dear Thames, when, hearing an odd noise, I went to the landing, and, by the light of a dark lantern, saw Jack Sheppard, stealing up stairs, followed by two men with crape on their faces.

I'm ashamed to say that I was too much terrified to scream out--but ran and hid myself." "Hold your tongue!" cried Mrs.Wood.

"I declare you throw me into an ague.

Do you think _I_ forget it?
Didn't they help themselves to all the plate and the money--to several of my best dresses, and amongst others, to my favourite kincob gown; and I've never been able to get another like it! Marry, come up! I'd hang 'em all, if I could.

Were such a thing to happen again, I'd never let Mr.Wood rest till he brought the villains to justice." "I hope such a thing never _will_ happen again, my dear," observed Wood, mildly, "but, when it does, it will be time to consider what course we ought to pursue." "Let them attempt it, if they dare!" cried Mrs.Wood, who had worked herself into a passion; "and, I'll warrant 'em, the boldest robber among 'em shall repent it, if he comes across me." "No doubt, my dear," acquiesced the carpenter, "no doubt." Thames, who had been more than once on the point of mentioning his accidental rencounter with Jack Sheppard, not being altogether without apprehension, from the fact of his being in the neighbourhood,--now judged it more prudent to say nothing on the subject, from a fear of increasing Mrs.Wood's displeasure; and he was the more readily induced to do this, as the conversation began to turn upon his own affairs.