"Perhaps not," replied Jack, to whom an idea had suddenly occurred. "Now, Sir, I'll trouble you for your coat. I've left mine on the spikes of the New Prison, and must borrow yours."
"Why, surely you can't be in earnest, Captain. You wouldn't rob Mr. Wild's chief janizary?"
"I'd rob Mr. Wild himself if I met him," retorted Jack. "Come, off with it, sirrah, or I'll blow out your brains, in the first place, and strip you afterwards."
"Well, rather than you should commit so great a crime, Captain, here it is," replied Quilt, handing him the garment in question. "Anything else?"
"Your waistcoat."
"'Zounds! Captain, I shall get my death of cold. I was in hopes you'd be content with my hat and wig."
"I shall require them as well," rejoined Sheppard; "and your boots."
"My boots! Fire and fury! They won't fit you; they are too large. Besides, how am I to ride home without them?"
"Don't distress yourself," returned Jack, "you shall walk. Now," he added, as his commands were reluctantly obeyed, "help me on with them."
Quilt knelt down, as if he meant to comply; but, watching his opportunity, he made a sudden grasp at Sheppard's leg, with the intention of overthrowing him.