The word of the leader was law. The stew was again poured up; and when it was devoured, Sam having his share as before, the chief burglar, and the other three thieves, with the woman, departed; and Sam Simkins also set out on the errand for which Jinks had lately bestowed instruction upon him.
At eight the following morning, Mr. Jonas Straitlace appeared in the twitchel, as before, and summoned the attention of Jinks by a bold rap. Jinks was speedily at the door, and Straitlace was again admitted into the thievish head-quarters.
"Now for the chink!" said the broken-down lawyer.
"But where's the lad?" asked Straitlace.
"The moment you down with the dust, that moment I tell you where he is, safe and sound, and nearer home than you think of; so that you'll have very little trouble to seek him," answered Jinks.
"When I find the lad I'll pay you," said the saddler; "you may be deceiving me."
"Why, d—n it!" said Jinks, "what d'ye take me for?—let that sneaking fellow, who stands squeezed up in the corner there below, be witness between us."
Straitlace turned pale; but Jinks was at the bottom of the stair in a moment, and again ascended, bringing up a man dressed in a thick top coat that covered his under dress.
"Now, let this constable be witness between us," said Jinks: "he's a respectable man, and you could not have brought a better man with you."