"It is false," cried Mrs. Sheppard. "Think not to deceive me, monster. I know my son's voice too well. He is in Newgate. Hence!"
"Mother! dear mother!" cried Jack, in a voice, the tones of which were altered by his very anxiety to make them distinct, "listen to me. I have broken from prison, and am come to save you."
"It is not Jack's voice," rejoined Mrs. Sheppard. "I am not to be deceived. The knife is at my breast. Stir a foot, and I strike."
"Oh Heavens!" cried Jack, driven to his wits' end. "Mother—dear mother! Once again, I beseech you to listen to me. I am come to rescue you from Wild's violence. I must break open the door. Hold your hand for a moment."
"You have heard my fixed determination, villain," cried Mrs. Sheppard. "I know my life is valuable to you, or you would not spare it. But I will disappoint you. Get you gone. Your purposes are defeated."
"Footsteps are approaching," cried Thames. "Heed her not. It is but a wild threat."
"I know not how to act," exclaimed Jack, almost driven to desperation.
"I hear you plotting with your wicked associates," cried Mrs. Sheppard. "I have baffled you."
"Force the door," said Thames, "or you will be too late."
"Better she die by her own hand, than by that monster's," cried Jack, brandishing the bar. "Mother, I come to you."