"Whatever your intelligence may be I will strive to bear it.

But do not awaken my apprehension, unless you have good cause for so doing .-- What do you know of Thames ?--Where is he ?" "Don't agitate yourself, dearest girl," rejoined the woollen-draper; "or I shall never be able to commence my relation." "I am calm--perfectly calm," replied Winifred.

"Pray, make no further mystery; but tell me all without reserve." "Since you require it, I must obey," replied Kneebone; "but prepare yourself for a terrible shock." "For mercy's sake, go on!" cried Winifred.
"At all hazards then then you shall know the truth," replied the woollen-draper, in a tone of affected solicitude,--"but are you really prepared ?" "Quite--quite!" replied Winifred.

"This suspense is worse than torture." "I am almost afraid to utter it," said Kneebone; "but Thames Darrell is murdered." "Murdered!" ejaculated Winifred.
"Basely and inhumanly murdered, by Jack Sheppard and Blueskin," continued Kneebone.
"Oh! no--no--no," cried Winifred, "I cannot believe it.

You must be misinformed, Mr.Kneebone.Jack may be capable of much that is wicked, but he would never lift his hand against his friend,--of that I am assured." "Generous girl!" cried Jack from behind the skreen.
"I have proofs to the contrary," replied Kneebone.