"I'll not go," answered the other. "I love you like a son, and will follow you like a dog. You'd not know what to do without me, and shan't drive me off."
"Well!" remarked Jonathan, who had paid little attention to the latter part of the conversation: "this is an awkward business certainly: but we must do the best we can in it. You must keep out of the way till it's blown over. I can accommodate you below."
"I don't require it," returned Sheppard. "I'm tired of the life I'm leading. I shall quit it and go abroad."
"I'll go with you," said Blueskin.
"Before either of you go, you will ask my permission," said Jonathan, coolly.
"How!" exclaimed Sheppard. "Do you mean to say you will interfere—"
"I mean to say this," interrupted Wild, with contemptuous calmness, "that I'll neither allow you to leave England nor the profession you've engaged in. I wouldn't allow you to be honest even if you could be so,—which I doubt. You are my slave—and such you shall continue.'"
"Slave?" echoed Jack.
"Dare to disobey," continued Jonathan: "neglect my orders, and I will hang you."
Sheppard started to his feet.