Why, there's another party on the stair-head inquiring arter scullers; and, by the mass! they appear in a greater hurry than any on us." His attention being thus drawn to the bank, the carpenter beheld three figures, one of whom bore a torch, leap into a wherry of a larger size than the others, which immediately put off from shore.

Manned by a couple of watermen, who rowed with great swiftness, this wherry dashed through the current in the track of the fugitive, of whom it was evidently in pursuit, and upon whom it perceptibly gained.

Mr.Wood strained his eyes to catch a glimpse of the flying skiff.

But he could only discern a black and shapeless mass, floating upon the water at a little distance, which, to his bewildered fancy, appeared absolutely standing still.

To the practised eye of the waterman matters wore a very different air.