But I'll be more lenient, and content myself with merely chastising you, on condition--" "You may do as you please, master," interrupted Jack, thrusting his hand into his pocket, as if in search of the knife; "but I wouldn't advise you to lay hands on me again." Mr.Wood glanced at the hardy offender, and not liking the expression of his countenance, thought it advisable to postpone the execution of his threats to a more favourable opportunity.

So, by way of gaining time, he resolved to question him further.
"Where did you learn the song I heard just now ?" he demanded, in an authoritative tone.
"At the Black Lion in our street," replied Jack, without hesitation.
"The worst house in the neighbourhood--the constant haunt of reprobates and thieves," groaned Wood.

"And who taught it you--the landlord, Joe Hind ?" "No; one Blueskin, a fellow who frequents the Lion," answered Jack, with a degree of candour that astonished his master nearly as much as his confidence.

"It was that song that put it into my head to cut my name on the beam." "A white wall is a fool's paper, Jack,--remember that," rejoined Wood.
"Pretty company for an apprentice to keep!--pretty houses for an apprentice to frequent! Why, the rascal you mention is a notorious house-breaker.

He was tried at the last Old Bailey sessions; and only escaped the gallows by impeaching his accomplices.