JACK SHEPPARD.

Shannon News, 12 September 1924, Page 4

JACK SHEPPARD.

THE TRICK ARTIST’S ESCAPE ’ Sheppard never bore malice his gaolers. One of them, finding that lie had been tampering with his irons, screwed them up again, and by way of courteous explanation,- said to his prisoner: “Young man, I see what you have been doing, but the affair betwixt us stands thus: It is your business to make your escape if possible and mine to take care you shall not.” Sheppard answered coolly: “Then let’s both mind our own business.” What a -wealth of philosophy lies in his answer, the more to be admired in that it was backed by practical action and good example: Jack knew his business and minded it. That is where he was superior to his masters. On Thursday October 15, the opportunity came for Jack’s great • adventure. Austin, his gaoler,, visited him with some official guests who came for a sight of the hero, and m their presence his irons and handcuffs were carefully examined. It was about 2in the afternoon, and Austin explained that he could not visit him again until next morning, as the sessions would be siting until late that night, and he had tg be in attendance at the Old Bailey, Jack had found and secreted an old nail. It was his only weapon. He had already learned to use it as a key I to his handcuffs. His hands free, he now, by mere force broke the chains between his feet-locks and twisted a small iron link into a further, useful tool. HO then released his fetters from the staples in the floor. That done he drew up his chains and fastened them to his body with his garters to prevent them shackling. His first task was to make a hole in the chimney of the castle, about 3ft wide and 6ft high from the floor, and here he finds his way barred by an iron bar cemented in the chimney walls. With the broken links of his chain he digs this out and makes a clear way for himself and gains another useful implement for his- work. —‘The Drama of the Law,’ by His Honour i Judge Edward Abbott Parry.