"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. Jonathan Wild brought
him off."

"Do you happen to know Jonathan Wild, master?" inquired Jack, altering
his tone, and assuming a more respectful demeanour.

"I've seen him some years ago, I believe," answered Wood; "and, though
he must be much changed by this time, I dare say I should know him
again."

"A short man, isn't he, about your height, Sir,--with a yellow beard,
and a face as sly as a fox's?"

"Hem!" replied Wood, coughing slightly to conceal a smile; "the
description's not amiss. But why do you ask?"

"Because--" stammered the boy.