“I am calm—perfectly calm,” replied Winifred. “Pray, make no further mystery; but tell me all without reserve.”
“Since you require it, I must obey,” replied Kneebone; “but prepare yourself for a terrible shock.”
“For mercy's sake, go on!” cried Winifred.
“At all hazards then then you shall know the truth,” replied the woollen-draper, in a tone of affected solicitude,—“but are you really prepared?”
“Quite—quite!” replied Winifred. “This suspense is worse than torture.”
“I am almost afraid to utter it,” said Kneebone; “but Thames Darrell is murdered.”
“Murdered!” ejaculated Winifred.
“Basely and inhumanly murdered, by Jack Sheppard and Blueskin,” continued Kneebone.
“Oh! no—no—no,” cried Winifred, “I cannot believe it. You must be misinformed, Mr. Kneebone. Jack may be capable of much that is wicked, but he would never lift his hand against his friend,—of that I am assured.”
“Generous girl!” cried Jack from behind the skreen.