ed constantly about with him, and uttering a
terrible imprecation, "I see you're confounded. Down on your
marrow-bones, sirrah! Confess your guilt, and Sir Rowland may yet save
you from the gallows."

"I've nothing to confess," replied Thames, boldly; "I've done no wrong.
Are _you_ my accuser?"

"I am," replied Wild; "have you anything to allege to the contrary?"

"Only this," returned Thames: "that the charge is false, and malicious,
and that _you_ know it to be so."

"Is that all!" retorted Jonathan. "Come, I must search you my
youngster!"

"You shan't touch me," rejoined Thames; and, suddenly bursting from
Charcam, he threw himself at the feet of Trenchard. "Hear me, Sir
Rowland!" he cried. "I am innocent, f have stolen nothing. This
person--this Jonathan Wild, whom I beheld for the first time, scarcely
an hour ago, in Wych Street, is--I know not why--my enemy. He has sworn
that he'll take away my life!"

"Bah!" interrupted Jonathan. "You won't listen to this nonsense, Sir
Rowland!"

"If you _are_ innocent, boy," said the knight, controlling his emotion;
"you have nothing to apprehend. But, what brought you here?"

"Excuse me, Sir Rowland. I cannot answer that question. My business is
with Lady Trafford."

"Are you aware that I am her ladyship's brother?" returned the knight.
"She has no secrets from me."

"Possibly not," replied Thames, in some confusion; "but I am not at
liberty to speak."

"Your hesitation is not in your favour," observed Trenchard, sternly.

"Will he consent, to be searched?" inquired Jonathan.

"No," rejoined Thames, "I won't be treated like a common felon, if I can
help it."

"You shall be treated according to your deserts, then," said Jonathan,
maliciously. And, in spite of the boy's resistance, he plunged his hands
into his pockets, and drew forth the miniature.

"Where did you get this from?" asked Wild, greatly surprised at the
result of his investigation.

Thames returned no answer.

"I thought as much," continued Jonathan. "But we'll find a way to make
you open your lips presently. Bring in his comrade," he added, in a
whisper to Charcam; "I'll take care of him. And don't neglect my
instructions this time." Upon which, with an assurance that he would not
do so, the attendant departed.

"You can, of course, identify this picture as Lady Trafford's property?"
pursued Jonathan, with a meaning glance, as he handed it to the knight.

"I can," replied Trenchard. "Ha!"