"Give me an acquittance," said Trenchard.
"It's scarcely necessary," replied Wild; "however, if you require it, certainly. There it is. 'Received from Sir Rowland Trenchard, 15,000 £.—Jonathan Wild: August 31st, 1724.' Will that do?"
"It will," replied Trenchard. "This is our last transaction together."
"I hope not," replied Wild.
"It is the last," continued the knight, sternly; "and I trust we may never meet again, I have paid you this large sum—not because you are entitled to it, for you have failed in what you undertook to do, but because I desire to be troubled with you no further. I have now settled my affairs, and made every preparation for my departure to France, where I shall spend the remainder of my days. And I have made such arrangements that at my decease tardy justice will be done my injured nephew."
"You have made no such arrangements as will compromise me, I hope, Sir Rowland?" said Wild, hastily.
"While I live you are safe," rejoined Trenchard; "after my death I can answer for nothing."
"'Sblood!" exclaimed Wild, uneasily. "This alters the case materially. When were you last confessed, Sir Rowland?" he added abruptly.
"Why do you ask?" rejoined the other haughtily.
"Because—because I'm always distrustful of a priest," rejoined Jonathan.