“Jack hereupon seemed in as much confusion as the lady, and said he hoped she was not in earnest, but, if she were, requested her not to disturb herself, for she should not lose one farthing.
“Upon this Jack desired her to sit still, while he stepped over to his own house, and issued, as may be supposed, necessary directions, for, in less than half an hour a little boy that Jack kept bolted into the room, and told them the woman was taken, and on the point of going to prison.
“‘You shall see, madam,’ said Jack to the lady, ‘what exemplary punishment I will make of this infamous woman.’
“Then, turning himself to the boy, he said,
“‘Was the purse of money taken about her?’
“‘Yes, sir,’ replied the lad.
“‘Oh,’ said the lady, ‘I will take the purse.’
“The lady begged of Jack to have no hand in apprehending or punishing the poor wretch,
“‘For,’ said she, ‘I would rather lose all I have than the poor creature should suffer.’
“‘Oh, I beg ten thousand pardons, madam,’ said Jack, with a very profound bow; ‘I have served your ends, so far, and now this culprit must serve mine; in less than two weeks you will hear that this pickpocket has suffered the full penalty of the law.’