rushing to the door, against which he placed his back.

"I'll soon settle this business. Jonathan Wild!" he added, in a loud
voice, "I command you to release your prisoner."

"So I will," replied Jonathan, who, with Blueskin's aid, had succeeded
in slipping a pair of handcuffs over the woollen-draper's wrists, "when
I've Mr. Walpole's order to that effect--but not before."

"You'll take the consequences, then?"

"Willingly."

"In that case I arrest you, and your confederate, Joseph Blake, alias
Blueskin, on a charge of felony," returned Wood, brandishing his staff;
"resist my authority, if you dare."

"A clever device," replied Jonathan; "but it won't serve your turn. Let
us pass, Sir. Strike the gag, Blueskin."

"You shall not stir a footstep. Open the window, Thames, and call for
assistance."

"Stop!" cried Jonathan, who did not care to push matters too far, "let
me have a word with you, Mr. Wood."

"I'll have no explanations whatever," replied the carpenter,
disdainfully, "except before a magistrate."

"At least state your charge. It is a serious accusation."