about three o'clock
From other obscure hints dropped by the speakers , Mrs. Sheppard ascertained that Thames Darrell had been carried off -- where she could not make out -- by Jonathan Wild and Quilt Arnold ; and that Jack had been induced to accompany Blueskin to the Mint . This intelligence , which she instantly communicated to the carpenter , drove him almost frantic . He renewed his supplications to Sharples , but with no better success than heretofore ; and the greater part of the night was passed by him and the poor widow , whose anxiety , if possible , exceeded his own , in the most miserable state imaginable . At length , about three o'clock , as the first glimmer of dawn became visible through the barred casements of the round-house , the rattling of bolts and chains at the outer door told that some one was admitted . Whoever this might be , the visit seemed to have some reference to the carpenter , for , shortly afterwards , Sharples made his appearance , and informed the captives they were free . Without waiting to have the information repeated , Wood rushed forth , determined as soon as he could procure assistance , to proceed to Jonathan Wild 's house in the Old Bailey ; while Mrs. Sheppard , whose maternal fears drew her in another direction , hurried off to the Mint . The Flash Ken .