Pity he's ta'en to bad ways so airly." "You may spare me your compassion, friend," observed Thames; "I am falsely detained." "Of course," rejoined Quilt, maliciously; "every thief is so.

If we were to wait till a prig was rightfully nabbed, we might tarry till doomsday.
We never supposed you helped yourself to a picture set with diamonds--not we!" "Is the guv'ner consarned in this job ?" asked Terence, in a whisper.
"He is," returned Quilt, significantly.

"Zounds! what's that!" he cried, as the noise of a scuffle was heard behind them.

"The other kid's given my partner the slip.

Here, take this youngster, Terry; my legs are lighter than old Nab's." And, committing Thames to the care of the watchman, he darted after the fugitive.
"Do you wish to earn a rich reward, my good friend ?" said Thames to the watchman, as soon as they were left alone.
"Is it by lettin' you go, my darlin', that I'm to airn it ?" inquired Terence.