“Figg's an old friend of mine,” rejoined Jack; “he was my instructor in the small sword and back sword exercise. I'm glad he's come to see me.”
“You don't inquire what brings Sir James Thornhill here?” said Austin.
“Curiosity, I suppose,” returned Jack, carelessly.
“No such thing,” rejoined the jailer; “he's coming on business.”
“On what business, in the name of wonder?” asked Sheppard.
“To paint your portrait,” answered the jailer.
“My portrait!” echoed Jack.
“By desire of his Majesty,” said the jailer, consequentially. “He has heard of your wonderful escapes, and wishes to see what you're like. There's a feather in your cap! No house-breaker was ever so highly honoured before.”
“And have my escapes really made so much noise as to reach the ear of royalty?” mused Jack. “I have done nothing—nothing to what I could do—to what I will do!”
“You've done quite enough,” rejoined Austin; “more than you'll ever do again.”