After a brief conversation, which Sheppard sustained with his accustomed liveliness, the old man turned to Bess and addressed a few words of common-place gallantry to her.

While this was going on, Jack suddenly made a movement which attracted the turnkey's attention; and during that interval the old man slipped some articles wrapped in a handkerchief into Bess's hands, who instantly secreted them in her bosom.

The turnkey looked round the next moment, but the manoeuvre escaped his observation.

After a little further discourse the old man took his departure.
Left alone with Edgeworth Bess, Jack burst into a loud laugh of exultation.
"Blueskin's a friend in need," he said.

"His disguise was capital; but I detected it in a moment.