_How he cheated a young Citizen newly set up, and an
Upholster._
A young Citizen about to set up, and wanting some money, was directed to
me, to procure so much as his present occasion required. I treated him
very civilly, promising him very fairly; and in order thereunto,
appointed him a day; which being come, contrary to my expectation or
desire, he brought a crew with him, to see the receipt of the money.
Judging this time inconvenient for my designes, I told him I expected
the money this very day; but if he pleased to seal the Bond, and have it
witnessed, he might keep it himself; and bringing the Bond with him the
next day, he should not fail to have his money. The next day he came to
the place appointed, where I was ready to wait him. As good fortune
would have it, he came alone. I discours’d with him a while: at last I
desired him to let me see the Bond; which he delivered into my hand,
being sign’d and seal’d before. I took this as a good and lawful livery,
and put it up into my pocket. He asked me what I meant. I told him he
should know when the Bond became due. Why Sir, said he, you will not
serve me so? Dost thou think I am such a fool, said I, to lend thee so
much money upon a piece of paper, which next Showre of rain will wash
away with thy self into the common Shore? Shall I trust thee, when thou
canst not trust thy self? At this the young man began to be clamorous;
but one of my accomplices soon still’d the Clapper of his mouth, by a
sound knock on the pate, which laid him asleep: and in the mean time we
marcht off. Just as the money came due upon the Bond, my flock-pated Cit
was gone to tell his friends in the Country the danger of Counters and
Prisons in the Citie. At another time I wanted money to supply my
present occasions, but could not instantly think of any other means of
assistance in this necessity, but to sell my Featherbed, together with
its appurtenances. Whereupon I packt them up, and desired a friend to go
with the Porter, and sell them to an Upholster. My friend did so, and
brought me half their worth; but withal, that which was more then their
worth, the mans name. A week after, I wanted my bed, and resolved to
have it again. To that end, I went to him that bought it, and asked him
before a couple that I took with me, whether at such a time he had not
such commodities sold him. He acknowledged that he had. I desired to see
them: and he as readily granted it. Sir, said I, these are my Goods: I
was lately robb’d, and now I know you are the Receiver: I must have you
before a Justice, to know how you came by them. The naming of a Justice
so terrified this silly fellow, that he bid me take them if I would
swear they were mine, and put him to no further trouble. I swore they
were mine, (and therein I was not perjur’d) but told him I could not
receive stollen Goods safely, though they were mine own. In short, I
recovered my Bed and furniture, with money to boot.