The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-07-14

William Harrison Ainsworth-Har- S1son Ainsworth as he generally sign ed htmself-wrote historical novels that just escaped making his name great. But they did escape. and the present generation finds little in them to warrant the enthusiasm with which . former generation hailed them. Aims worth's most widely read novel is. perhaps. Jack Sheppard; which is hardly aI historical novel at all, 50 thickly has the author overlaid the real Jack with the wealth of his im- sgfnation and sentiment. Jack always will remain one of the traditional ! heroes of the under world: but he was rait as tainted by Ainsworth, and he was finally captured. not at his mothers grave,but drunk in a low drinking place. Yet Jack was so popu- lar in his day that Sir James Thorn hill painted his portrait in Newgate and Hogarth sketched him and made him the model for his Idle Appren- tice."
 The great popularity which Aims worth's novel obtained on its publica- tion and the questionable morality of d d 50 enraged Thackery that he immedi- ately wrote his story of Catherine" painting a criminal as he really Is. in all his sordid viciousness and ignor- ancG with those realistic touches in which the author of Vanity Fair.v ex- celled.
 When gallant Tom Sheppard to Ty-
 burn was led,
 'stop the car at the Crown-stop a
 moment" he said;
 He was offered the bowl, but he left
 1t ana smiled.
 Saving: Keep 1t till called for by
 Jonathan Wild"
 So sang Owen Woods idle appren- tice. as. standing on the joint stool placed on the work bench, he carved his name on Q rafter overhead.
 "Ah, Jack! Jack Sheppard" said the worthy carpenter. coming from behind . pile of deals, whence he had been watching. will nothing warn you to make you industrious? Where Is that packing case ordered for Lady Traf- ford? It must be done tonight, as her ladyshfp goes away in the morning. Thames Darrell has done his allotted work long ago."
 Thames was always your favorite," replied Jack sulkily, but I don't care l get all the hard work, but I would do anything for Thames Darrell"
 And so Thames would for you," said . a cherry voice, and a lad of about the same age as Jack-who could not have been more than thirteen-entered the shop. Come. let me help you" con- tinued Thames; but Jack refused the offer and said to Wood. Master, the case shall be ready and taken to Lady Trafford in two hours"
 The two apprentices afforded a strong contrast to each other. On the high-bred face of Darrell frankness and honor were impressed. He was half a head taller than Jack and more robust In appearance Jack had a high forehead. and his face, while display ing quick intelligence. had faithlees eyes and course mouth. In short, his physiognomy resembled one of those vagabond heads which Murillo loved to paint-faces that almost make one in love with roguery, they seem so full of vivacity and enjoyment.
 Jack" said MT. Wood solemnly when Darrell had gone, q hear that you frequent the public house in the next street-a place of the worst re- pute-and are frequently seen in com pany with a man nicknamed Blueskin Do you know that he Is the agent of the notorious Jonathan Wild, who brought your father, once my honest workman to the gallows?"
 Master. "<said Jack after a moments meditation. 'T will try to do better. Indeed I will"
 MT. Wood went from his shop to his house only to fall into family row with his spouse. Been helping that odious Mrs. Sheppard again, have you: Needs must set her up in a cottage at Willesden, besides taking her son on as apprentice. Doubtless there Is good reason for it. And Thames Darrell, too. Picked him from the river, did you. on the night of the great storm, and so named him Thames! We'll, well! Nice story. Humph" Poor innocent Wood was used to this sort of talk
 When Jack came back from carving the case to Lady Trafford's he found Thames and pretty gentle Winifred. the carpenters daughter. making childish love to each other in all the innocence of their young hearts. An" said Jack with a savage expression coming into his eyes. billing and COO ing as usual" and added some rema -ks which resulted in a fight between the two apprentices then and there-a fight in which Jack got the worst of 1t. Then, boylike. the two shook hands and were friends again, and winifred dried her tears.
 Just then Hacks eyes chanced to light upon a pencil sketch of Thames which Winifred had drawn. How like 1t is," said he thoughtfully. Not strange" replied Thames. that 1t should resemble the person 1t was Arawn for"
 But 1t also resembles miniature which I have in my pocket" returned Jack. "Of whom?" asked Darrell q half suspect of your father" said Jack, and handed Thames a miniature set with diamonds. It was the picture of man evidently of the highest rank, whose proud and patrician features certainly did bear a remarkable like ness to Darrell
 Where did you get this?" cried Thames. But I need not ask Come. you must take this immediately back to Lady Trafford's. I will go with yod " Jack hung his head but followed
 In a stately chamber of a house in Southampton Fields Sir Rowland Trenchard was speaking with a stranger who had just obtained a pri- vate audience with him. "Oh, we have met before, Sir Rowland. Let me see. The time was November 26 1703 the night of the great storm you know. The place was Mint. tht section of Southwark which still retains some of It's privileges as sanctuary for debtors"
 You are mistaken. sir" replied the knight.
 me to tell you few facts regarding
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