William Harrison Ainsworth

Jack Sheppard William Harrison Ainsworth

"You will continue as you are," said Jonathan Wild, standing over the heavy bag of money. "My slave!"

"Slave?" echoed Jack, starting to his feet. "It's time you knew whom you have to deal with. Henceforth I throw off the yoke. I will neither stir hand nor foot for you more. Attempt to molest me, and you will learn Jack Sheppard is a match for Jonathan Wild, any day!"

Jonathan smiled contemptuously. "I will make no terms with you," he said. "Neglect my orders, and I will hang you!"

William Harrison Ainsworth (1805-1882) wrote nearly forty novels, chiefly with historical basis. Jack Shepard, A Romance, a chronicle set during three decades of the early 1700s, was first published in 1839, and is ranked among the finest of Ainsworth's creations.