"Look to the horses, Obadiah.

This way, Sir Rowland." As familiar as Quilt Arnold himself with every part of Wild's mysterious abode, as well as with the ways of its inmates, Jack, without a moment's hesitation, took up a lamp which was burning in the hall, and led his companion up the great stone stairs.

Arrived at the audience-chamber, he set down the light upon a stand, threw open the door, and announced in a loud voice, but with the perfect intonation of the person he represented,--"Sir Rowland Trenchard." Jonathan, who was engaged in conversation with Blueskin, instantly arose, and bowed with cringing ceremoniousness to the knight.

The latter haughtily returned his salutation, and flung himself, as if exhausted, into a chair.
"You've arrived sooner than I expected, Sir Rowland," observed the thief-taker.

"Lost no time on the road--eh!--I didn't expect you till to-morrow at the earliest.