Dismissing the post-chaise at the Old Bailey, he walked to Newgate to ascertain what had occurred since the escape.

It was just upon the stroke of nine as he entered the Lodge, and Mr.Austin was dismissing a host of inquirers who had been attracted thither by the news,--for it had already been extensively noised abroad.

Some of these persons were examining the spot where the spike had been cut off; others the spike itself, now considered a remarkable object; and all were marvelling how Jack could have possibly squeezed himself through such a narrow aperture, until it was explained to them by Mr.Austin that the renowned housebreaker was of slender bodily conformation, and therefore able to achieve a feat, which he, Mr.Austin, or any man of similar dimensions, would have found wholly impossible.

Affixed to the wall, in a conspicuous situation, was a large placard, which, after minutely describing Sheppard's appearance and attire, concluded thus:--"_Whoever will discover or apprehend the above_ JOHN SHEPPARD, _so that he be brought to justice, shall receive_ ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS REWARD, _to be paid by_ MR.

PITT, _the keeper of Newgate_." This placard attracted universal attention.