And he had good reason before long to congratulate himself on his forbearance.
"What proof have you of the truth of this story ?" inquired Trenchard.
"This," replied Jonathan, taking a paper from a portfolio, and handing it to the knight, "this written evidence, signed by Martha Cooper, the gipsy, by whom the girl was stolen, and who was afterwards executed for a similar crime.

It is attested, you will observe, by the Reverend Mr.
Purney, the present ordinary of Newgate." "I am acquainted with Mr.Purney's hand-writing," said Jack, advancing, "and can at once decide whether this is a forgery or not." "Look at it, then," said Wild, giving him the portfolio.
"It's the ordinary's signature, undoubtedly," replied Jack.
And as he gave back the portfolio to Sir Rowland he contrived, unobserved, to slip the precious document into his sleeve, and from thence into his pocket.
"And, does any of our bright blood flow in the veins of a ruffianly housebreaker ?" cried Trenchard, with a look of bewilderment.

"I'll not believe it." "Others may, if you won't," muttered Jack, retiring.

"Thank Heaven! I'm not basely born." "Now, mark me," said Jonathan, "and you'll find I don't do things by halves.

By your father, Sir Montacute Trenchard's will, you are aware,--and, therefore, I need not repeat it, except for the special purpose I have in view,--you are aware, I say, that, by this will, in case your sister Aliva, died without issue, or, on the death of such issue, the property reverts to Constance and _her_ issue." "I hear," said Sir Rowland, moodily.
"And I," muttered Jack.
"Thames Darrell once destroyed," pursued Jonathan.