On his return to the room, Jonathan purposely left the door of the Well Hole ajar. Unlocking a cupboard, he then took out some cold meat and other viands, with a flask of wine, and a bottle of brandy, and began to eat and drink voraciously. He had very nearly cleared the board, when a knock was heard below, and descending at the summons, he found his two janizaries. They had both been unsuccessful. As Jonathan scarcely expected a more satisfactory result, he made no comment; but, ordering Quilt to continue his search, and not to return until he had found the fugitive, called Abraham Mendez into the house, and shut the door.
I want you for the job I spoke of a short time ago, Nab, he said. I mean to have no one but yourself in it. Come up stairs, and take a glass of brandy.
Abraham grinned, and silently followed his master, who, as soon as they reached the audience-chamber, poured out a bumper of spirits, and presented it to him. The Jew swallowed it at a draught.
By my shoul! he exclaimed, smacking his lips, dat ish gootvery goot.
You shall finish the bottle when the jobs done, replied Jonathan.
Vat ish it, Mishter Vild? inquired Mendez. Shir Rowland Trenchards affaireh?
Thats it, rejoined Jonathan; I expect him here every minute. When youve admitted him, steal into the room, hide yourself, and dont move till I utter the words, Youve a long journey before you. Thats your signal.
And a famoush goot shignal it ish, laughed Abraham. He hash a long journey before himha! ha!
Peace! cried Jonathan. Theres his knock. Go, and let him in. And mind you dont arouse his suspicions.
Never fearnever fear, rejoined Abraham, as he took up the link, and left the room.
Jonathan cast a hasty glance around, to see that all was properly arranged for his purpose; placed a chair with its back to the door; disposed the lights on the table so as to throw the entrance of the room more into shadow; and then flung himself into a seat to await Sir Rowlands arrival.
He had not to wait long. Enveloped in a large cloak, Sir Rowland stalked into the room, and took the seat assigned him; while the Jew, who received a private signal from Jonathan, set down the link near the entrance of the Well Hole, and, having made fast the door, crept behind one of the cases.
Fancying they were alone, Sir Rowland threw aside his cloak, and produced a heavy bag of money, which he flung upon the table; and, when Wild had feasted his greedy eyes sufficiently upon its golden contents, he handed him a pocket-book filled with notes.
You have behaved like a man of honour, Sir Rowland, said Wild, after he had twice told over the money. Right to a farthing.
Give me an acquittance, said Trenchard.
Its scarcely necessary, replied Wild; however, if you require it, certainly. There it is. Received from Sir Rowland Trenchard, 15,000£. Jonathan Wild: August 31st, 1724. Will that do?
It will, replied Trenchard. This is our last transaction together.
I hope not, replied Wild.
It is the last, continued the knight, sternly; and I trust we may never meet again, I have paid you this large sumnot because you are entitled to it, for you have failed in what you undertook to do, but because I desire to be troubled with you no further. I have now settled my affairs, and made every preparation for my departure to France, where I shall spend the remainder of my days. And I have made such arrangements that at my decease tardy justice will be done my injured nephew.
You have made no such arrangements as will compromise me, I hope, Sir Rowland? said Wild, hastily.
While I live you are safe, rejoined Trenchard; after my death I can answer for nothing.
Sblood! exclaimed Wild, uneasily. This alters the case materially. When were you last confessed, Sir Rowland? he added abruptly.
Why do you ask? rejoined the other haughtily.
Becausebecause Im always distrustful of a priest, rejoined Jonathan.
I have just parted from one, said Trenchard.
So much the worse, replied Jonathan, rising and taking a turn, as if uncertain what to do.
So much the better, rejoined Sir Rowland. He who stands on the verge of the grave, as I do, should never be unprepared.
Youre strangely superstitious, Sir Rowland, said Jonathan, halting, and looking steadfastly at him.
If I were so, I should not be here, returned Trenchard.
How so? asked Wild, curiously.
I had a terrible dream last night. I thought my sister and her murdered husband dragged me hither, to this very room, and commanded you to slay me.
A terrible dream, indeed, said Jonathan thoughtfully. But you mustnt indulge these gloomy thoughts. Let me recommend a glass of wine.
My penance forbids it, said Trenchard, waving his hand. I cannot remain here long.
You will remain longer than you anticipate, muttered Wild.
Before I go, continued Sir Rowland, I must beg of you to disclose to me all you know relative to the parentage of Thames Darrell.
Willingly, replied Wild. Thinking it likely you might desire to have this information, I prepared accordingly. First, look at this glove. It belonged to his father, and was worn by him on the night he was murdered. You will observe that a coronet is embroidered on it.
Ha! exclaimed Trenchard, starting, is he so highly born?
This letter will inform you, replied Wild, placing a document in his hand.
What is this! cried Sir Rowland. I know the handha! my friend! and I have murdered him! And my sister was thus nobly, thus illustriously wedded. O God! O God!
And he appeared convulsed with agony.
Oh! if I had known this, he exclaimed, what guilt, what remorse might have been spared me!
Repentance comes too late when the deeds done, returned Wild, bitterly.
It is not too late to repair the wrong I have done my nephew, cried Trenchard. I will set about it instantly. He shall have the estates. I will return to Manchester at once.
You had better take some refreshment before you start, rejoined Wild. Youve a long journey before you.
As the signal was given, the Jew, who had been some time in expectation of it, darted swiftly and silently behind Sir Rowland, and flung a cloth over his head, while Jonathan, rushing upon him in front, struck him several quick and violent blows in the face with the bludgeon. The white cloth was instantly dyed with crimson; but, regardless of this, Jonathan continued his murderous assault. The struggles of the wounded man were desperateso desperate, that in his agony he overset the table, and, in the confusion, tore off the cloth, and disclosed a face horribly mutilated, and streaming with blood. So appalling was the sight, that even the murderersfamiliar as they were with scenes of slaughter,looked aghast at it.
During this dreadful pause the wretched man felt for his sword. It had been removed from the scabbard by the Jew. He uttered a deep groan, but said nothing.
Despatch him! roared Jonathan.
Having no means of defence, Sir Rowland cleared the blood from his vision; and, turning to see whether there was any means of escape, he descried the open door behind him leading to the Well Hole, and instantly darted through it.
As I could wish! cried Jonathan. Bring the light, Nab.
The Jew snatched up the link, and followed him.
During this dreadful pause the wretched man felt for his sword. It had been removed from the scabbard by the Jew. He uttered a deep groan, but said nothing.
Despatch him! roared Jonathan.
Having no means of defence, Sir Rowland cleared the blood from his vision; and, turning to see whether there was any means of escape, he descried the open door behind him leading to the Well Hole, and instantly darted through it.
As I could wish! cried Jonathan. Bring the light, Nab.
The Jew snatched up the link, and followed him.
A struggle of the most terrific kind now ensued. The wounded man had descended the bridge, and dashed himself against the door beyond it; but, finding it impossible to force his way further, he turned to confront his assailants. Jonathan aimed a blow at him, which, if it had taken place, must have instantly terminated the strife; but, avoiding this, he sprang at the thief-taker, and grappled with him. Firmly built, as it was, the bridge creaked in such a manner with their contending efforts, that Abraham durst not venture beyond the door, where he stood, holding the light, a horrified spectator of the scene. The contest, however, though desperate, was brief. Disengaging his right arm, Jonathan struck his victim a tremendous blow on the head with the bludgeon, that fractured his skull; and, exerting all his strength, threw him over the rails, to which he clung with the tenacity of despair.
Spare me! he groaned, looking upwards. Spare me!
Jonathan, however, instead of answering him, searched for his knife, with the intention of severing his wrist. But not finding it, he had again recourse to the bludgeon, and began beating the hand fixed on the upper rail, until, by smashing the fingers, he forced it to relinquish its hold. He then stamped upon the hand on the lower bannister, until that also relaxed its gripe.
Sir Rowland then fell.
A hollow plunge, echoed and re-echoed by the walls, marked his descent into the water.
Give me the link, cried Jonathan.
Holding down the light, he perceived that the wounded man had risen to the surface, and was trying to clamber up the slippery sides of the well.
Shoot him! shoot him! Put him out of hish mishery, cried the Jew.
Whats the use of wasting a shot? rejoined Jonathan, savagely. He cant get out.
After making several ineffectual attempts to keep himself above water, Sir Rowland sunk, and his groans, which had become gradually fainter and fainter, were heard no more.
Alls over, muttered Jonathan.
Shall ve go back to de other room? asked the Jew. I shall breathe more freely dere. Oh! Christ! de doors shut! It musht have schwung to during de schuffle!
Shut! exclaimed Wild. Then were imprisoned. The spring cant be opened on this side.
Deres de other door! cried Mendez, in alarm.
It only leads to the fencing crib, replied Wild. Theres no outlet that way.
Cant ve call for asshistanche?
And wholl find us, if we do? rejoined Wild, fiercely. But they will find the evidences of slaughter in the other room,the table upset,the bloody cloth,the dead mans sword,the money,and my memorandum, which I forgot to remove. Hells curses! that after all my precautions I should be thus entrapped. Its all your fault, you shaking coward! and, but that I feel sure youll swing for your carelessness, Id throw you into the well, too.
CHAPTER XIII. THE SUPPER AT MR. KNEEBONES
Persuaded that Jack Sheppard would keep his appointment with Mr. Kneebone, and feeling certain of capturing him if he did so, Shotbolt, on quitting Newgate, hurried to the New Prison to prepare for the enterprise. After debating with himself for some time whether he should employ an assistant, or make the attempt alone, his love of gain overcame his fears, and he decided upon the latter plan. Accordingly, having armed himself with various weapons, including a stout oaken staff then ordinarily borne by the watch, and put a coil of rope and a gag in his pocket, to be ready in case of need, he set out, about ten oclock, on the expedition.
Before proceeding to Wych Street, he called at the Lodge to see how matters were going on, and found Mrs. Spurling and Austin at their evening meal, with Caliban in attendance.
Well, Mr. Shotbolt, cried the turnkey, Ive good news for you. Mr. Wild has doubled his offer, and the governor has likewise proclaimed a reward of one hundred guineas for Jacks apprehension.
You dont say so! exclaimed Shotbolt.
Read that, rejoined Austin, pointing to the placard. I ought to tell you that Mr. Wilds reward is conditional upon Jacks being taken before to-morrow morning. So I fear theres little chance of any one getting it.
You think so, eh? chuckled Shotbolt, who was eagerly perusing the reward, and congratulating himself upon his caution; you think soha! ha! Well, dont go to bed, thats all.
What for? demanded the turnkey.
Because the prisoners arrival might disturb youha! ha!
Ill lay you twenty guineas you dont take him to-night, rejoined Austin.
Done! cried Shotbolt. Mrs. Spurling, youre a witness to the bet. Twenty guineas, mind. I shant let you off a farthing. Egad! I shall make a good thing of it.
Never count your chickens till theyre hatched, observed Mrs. Spurling, drily.
My chickens are hatched, or, at least, nearly so, replied Shotbolt, with increased merriment. Get ready your heaviest irons, Austin. Ill send you word when I catch him.
Youd better send him, jeered the turnkey.
So I will, rejoined Shotbolt; so I will. If I dont, you shall clap me in the Condemned Hold in his stead. Good-bye, for the presentha! ha! And, laughing loudly at his own facetiousness, he quitted the Lodge.
Ill lay my life hes gone on a fox-and-goose-chase to Mr. Kneebones, remarked Austin, rising to fasten the door.
I shouldnt wonder, replied Mrs. Spurling, as if struck by a sudden idea. And, while the turnkey was busy with the keys, she whispered to the black, Follow him, Caliban. Take care he dont see you,and bring me word where he goes, and what he does.
Iss, missis, grinned the black.
Be so good as to let Caliban out, Mr. Austin, continued the tapstress; hes only going on an errand.
Austin readily complied with her request. As he returned to the table, he put his finger to his nose; and, though he said nothing, he thought he had a much better chance of winning his wager.
Unconscious that his movements were watched, Shotbolt, meanwhile, hastened towards Wych Street. On the way, he hired a chair with a couple of stout porters, and ordered them to follow him. Arrived within a short distance of his destination, he came to a halt, and pointing out a dark court nearly opposite the woollen-drapers abode, told the chairmen to wait there till they were summoned.
Im a peace-officer, he added, about to arrest a notorious criminal. Hell be brought out at this door, and may probably make some resistance. But you must get him into the chair as fast as you can, and hurry off to Newgate.
And whatll we get for the job, yer honr? asked the foremost chairman, who, like most of his tribe at the time, was an Irishman.
Five guineas. Heres a couple in hand.
Faix, then well do it in style, cried the fellow. Once in this chair, yer honr, and Ill warrant hell not get out so aisily as Jack Sheppard did from the New Prisn.