"And with some justice," replied Thornhill, drily.
"Allow me to assist you, Sir James," said Hogarth.
"Many thanks, Sir," replied Thornhill, with freezing politeness; "but Id not require assistance."
"I tell you what, Jack," said Gay, "I've several urgent engagements this morning; but I'll return to-morrow, and hear the rest of your story. And, if I can render you any service, you may command me."
"To-morrow will be too late," said Sheppard, moodily.
The easel and palette having been packed up, and the canvass carefully removed by Austin, the party took leave of the prisoner, who was so much abstracted that he scarcely noticed their departure. Just as Hogarth got to the door, the turnkey stopped him.
"You have forgotten your knife, Mr. Hogarth," he observed, significantly.
"So I have," replied Hogarth, glancing at Sheppard.
"I can do without it," muttered Jack.
The door was then locked, and he was left alone.