[Jack Sheppard by William Harrison Ainsworth]@TWC D-Link bookJack Sheppard CHAPTER IX 11/13
"Who's that queer cove in the full-bottomed wig ?" "Attend to me, sirrah," rejoined Wild, sternly.
"Do you know this picture ?" he added, with another significant look, and pointing to the miniature. "I do," replied Jack, carelessly. "That's well.
Can you inform us whence it came ?" "I should think so." "State the facts, then." "It came from Lady Trafford's jewel-box." Here a murmur of amazement arose from the assemblage outside. "Close the door!" commanded Trenchard, impatiently. "In my opinion, Sir Rowland," suggested Jonathan; "you'd better allow the court to remain open." "Be it so," replied the knight, who saw the force of this reasoning. "Continue the proceedings." "You say that the miniature was abstracted from Lady Trafford's jewel-box," said Jonathan, in a loud voice.
"Who took it thence ?" "Thames Darrell; the boy at your side." "Jack!" cried Thames, in indignant surprise. But Sheppard took no notice of the exclamation. A loud buzz of curiosity circulated among the domestics; some of whom--especially the females--leaned forward to obtain a peep at the culprit. "Si--lence!" vociferated Charcam, laying great emphasis on the last syllable. "Were you present at the time of the robbery ?" pursued Jonathan. "I was," answered Sheppard. "And will swear to it ?" "I will." "Liar!" ejaculated Thames. "Enough!" exclaimed Wild, triumphantly. "Close the court, Mr.Charcoal.
They've heard quite enough for my purpose," he muttered, as his orders were obeyed, and the domestics excluded.
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