_Two notorious Rogues robb’d a Church by the help of two Fryers habits
they had murther’d; afterwards they robb’d a Merchant of Silks, Plate,
&c. By a notable stratagem they laid for the purpose in an Inn next
adjacent, they ransack’d a Linnen-drapers Shop in the night by
conveying a boy into it being enclos’d within a supposed Bayl of
Goods, who proved the Key to let them in to perfect their design; by
counterfeiting a Gentlemans key, they stole from him six hundred
Crowns, and murdering him flead his face that he might not be known,
but were notwithstanding by a miraculous providence discovered and
executed, who being penitent at their death, confest many notorious
villanies. A notable trick a Gentleman puts upon a Pick pocket._
Thus (continued Mistress _Mary_) did this Gentleman finish his two
stories of the Cloak, and the piece of Plate. I told him I wondered at
the boldness of those _French men_, and that they exceeded our Countrey
men in confidence; yes, (said he) if you knew so much as I, you would
have reason to say so, for it is a usual thing for them to seize
Gentlemen if they can light upon them in any convenient place: and carry
them some miles out of the Town, and make them pay money for a ransom,
neither dare they contradict it lest worse befal them, and they are
bloodily minded, for if they cannot get money, they will do any murder.
Not far from _Paris_, continued he, two of these Rogues had been hunting
for Prey, and because they could not meet with any purchase, they were
resolved rather than fail to commit some murder; the next that met them
were two Fryers, these having no money to redeem their lives they
dispatched into the other world, and having so done, they stript them;
and put on their Fryers weeds; being thus habited they march’d further
into the Country, and coming late to a Countrey-town, went to the
Parsons house, who entertained them; as they came in late, so they went
out early, pretending necessary occasions, and the Parson not being up
nor willing to rise so soon, they desired the Key of the Church (which
was adjoyning to the house) that they might go it to do their devotions
before they went? the Key was accordingly delivered, and they went in,
but instead of saying their prayers, they made a prey of what they met
with, the silver Chalices, and all the Ornaments of the Church they took
with them, and so went on their wayes to do more mischief, but not
having the conveniency to execute their designs in the habit they were
in, they therefore went to the place where they had hid their own, and
there putting them on, they march’d to _Paris_, where they walked about
the City to espy what mischief might be done; being now both weary,
hungry, and thirsty, they went into a drinking house, which being full
of Guests below, they were conducted up one pair of stairs, and there
they had both victuals and drink such as they desired, when their
bellies were full, their eyes did wander about the Room, to see if they
might espy any thing to make a purchase of; but although they could see
nothing in that room, yet they could discern that in the house opposite
to them, there was much rich Goods, fine Silks, and Sattins; their
fingers itch’d to be handling of them, but at present they knew not how,
however resolving that they would attempt it, but not finding any means
how at present to do it, they therefore were resolved to try if they
could take up their Quarters at the house they were drinking in, and
then they did not question but they should in short time find out some
means to execute their Design, having taken this resolution, they
therefore call’d for more drink, and their Landlords company, and being
frolick, and expensive, that they might be accounted good Guests, they
asked of the Landlord whether they might not have a Lodging there? he
believing it would be to his profit, told them they might, but they must
lodge one pair of Stairs higher; they were well enough content with
that, and therefore drank on till it was night, and then to bed they
went; and laid their plot how to rob this Merchants house, which they
did in few days after: In order to which Design of theirs, they went out
and purchased Ropes, and a Pully, and seeing a large Chest to be sold at
the second hand, they likewise bought that, and putting in their Ropes
and Pully, and a great quantity of Raggs and stones, and such like
Trash, that it might seem heavy, they caused it to be carried to their
Lodging: Their Host seeing so large a Chest, and so heavy, did believe
that his Guests were rich, and that a considerable quantity of Treasure
was therein enclosed, and therefore gave them a greater respect than
formerly. They every day when they went out, carried out part of the
Rubbish which they had bestowed in the Chest, so that in short time it
was empty, or at least, nothing but the Ropes and Pully was in it: They
only now waited for a convenient opportunity to execute their design,
which they considered must be done when both the houses, as well that
where they lodged, as the Merchants house they intended to rob, were
empty; and no day was so likely to leave them so, as a Sunday; wherefore
that they might have the better pretence for staying at home, they both
pretended some indisposition in their bodyes, for which they said they
thought it convenient to take Physick, they had been so good Guests to
the house, that the Host was willing to accommodate them in anything;
however, when he and his Family went to Church, they lock’d the
Street-door: No sooner was that house clear, but they were resolved to
attempt the other, and knowing that the Master and Mistress, and most,
if not all the Family, was likewise gone out, they were resolved to kill
the rest, if they found any single person that should oppose them: They
intended to make their way into the house by going down the chimny, and
therefore they had provided Ropes and a Pully, and there was no great
difficulty to get to the house top, for they ascended to the Garret of
their Landlords house, got out of the window to the top of that, and the
other house joyning to that, to the street side, they soon got to the
Chimny they intended to descend. The house where they lodged, and this
Merchants house were joyned together in the Front, but backwards there
was an Ally of about six foot wide that seperated them, and a cross this
Ally it was that they first saw the Room wherein the Silks were placed;
they being gotten to the Chimny’s top, laid a piece of Timber across,
and fastening their Pully to that, and putting their Rope in the Pully,
the one who was to descend the Chimny, took hold of one end of the Rope;
and his companion holding another part of the Rope, by degrees he was
let down into the Room he desired: It was two pair of stairs below the
Garret, and in regard the Silk might be soild and spoil’d if they were
drawn up the chimny, they did not take that course but a more easie one,
for he that was on the house top, went into their lodging the same way
he came up, and going down into the Chamber that was even with, and
opposite to that where his Companion was, he opened a Casement, and his
Companion doing the like, they could without much difficulty reach to
one another, and so in short time the richest, and best of the Merchants
Silk was conveyed into their Quarters. Our Thieves seeing they had
gained this prize with so little danger and difficulty, were resolved to
get more if they could; and therefore he that was in the house ransack’d
it all over, and finding a considerable quantity of Plate and money, he
likewise conveyed it to his Companion; and now having done all this, he
went into the Shop, intending to leave the street door open, that the
Merchant when he came home might suppose that the thieves who had robb’d
him did come in that ways, but the street door was double lock’d, and
therefore it could not be opened, wherefore he undid the bolts of one of
the Shop windows, and leaving it loosely open, he went up agen, and
telling his Companion what he had done, and that there was no more to be
done, he ordered him to go to the house top, and as he had assisted in
letting him down the Chimny, so to help to draw him up, which the other
did accordingly. There was one scruple came into their minds, that
although the Shop-window was opened, and the Merchant might reasonably
enough imagine that the Thieves who had robb’d him, had come in that
way, yet they were very sensible, that with descending and ascending the
Chimny they had thrown down much soot, which might cause a jealousie,
that they who robb’d the house might come in that way, and so they might
be discover’d; wherefore to prevent all such suspition as much as they
could, they tumbled down two or three Brick-batts that lay on the top of
the Chimny, which might be supposed to be blown down by the wind; and
having thus done they retired to their Quarters, disposing all their
Silks, Money, and Plate unto their Chest, and that there might be the
less suspition of them, the Landlord soon returning, one of them
pretending to be very ill, and the other very dilligent in attending his
Companion; their Landlord furnished them with strong waters, and such
other cordials as were at hand; and the Merchant coming home found his
Shop-window open, and his house robb’d, it being so apparent as he
thought that the Robbers came in, or went out at the Shop-windows; he
had no suspition of any other contrivance, all that he could do, was, to
have all suspitious places search’d, his neighbours house escaped, being
too near home to be suspected: the host only thinking he had escap’d a
danger being so near, and telling them that it was not good to leave a
house empty, and although all his folks went with him to Church, yet he
had left two honest Guests in his house, and besides they were locked in
fast enough. Thus, continued the Gentleman, was this Robbery committed,
and they who were guilty went away unsuspected. The next day they
conveyed part of their purchase away to a place where they hid all their
prizes, and by degrees getting the most part away, they continued not
long in those Quarters, but made another Remove. These fellows were
notable cunning Rascals, and had so many ways to bring in Purchases,
that they gathered much goods together, but covetous of more still
attempted further Projects, till in the end they were caught and
deservedly punished.
The next Project they had (said the Gentleman) was this, they had a boy
who oftentimes served and assisted them in their undertaking, and he was
now very useful; for one day intending to steal, they pretended to buy
some Linnen cloath; and a conceit coming into their heads, they did buy
some considerable quantity; they left it at the Drapers where they
bought it, paying a small matter of money in part at present, promising
to come the next day and fetch it away, and pay the rest of the money:
the next day they came and brought a Porter with them loaden with a Bayl
made up, as they said, of Woollen-cloath which they said they had
bought, and intending to send that, and what they had bought of him into
the Countrey, the Carrier was gone before they came, and therefore they
could not send away either till the next day; when, they said, another
Carrier was to go to the place they intended to send to; and therefore
they desired the Shop-keeper to let them leave that Bayl of Cloth in his
Shop till the next day, when they intended to fetch them both. They
having been Customers to the Shop, he did not refuse them so small a
courtesie, but permitted them to set it in a convenient place in the
Shop; but his entertaining of that Bayl of Cloth, was almost as fatal to
him as the _Trojans_ entertainment of the wooden-horse; for at midnight
when the Draper was asleep, these Rogues were wakeful, and having
conveyed this Roguish Boy I told you of, into this Bayl, which they
pretended was Cloth, he taking out his Knife cut his way through, so
that he came out the Bayl, and not finding the Key of the Shop-door, he
opened the Shop-windows and did let in his two Masters, who waited there
for that purpose; they being within the Shop were not idle, but having
seen by day-light where the finest Cloth was plac’d they now removed it,
and breaking open a Desk wherein they had observed the Draper did put
his money, there they found four hundred _French_ Crowns, so taking that
money, and as much of the finest Cloth as they could carry, they march’d
off; neither did the boy stay behinde, but leaving an empty Bayl covered
with Canvas, and stuff’d round about with Cotton, he also loading
himself, went with his masters, the same way he had let them in, and so
they carried this purchase to the rest. The next morning the Draper, and
his Servants were soon sensible of the Robbery, and seeing the hole cut
in the Bayl, they quickly discovered the manner how, but it was such a
Novelty as had not been heard of; and he was forced to rest himself
contented with his loss, for notwithstanding all his endeavours, he
could not for the present hear of his Customers, who indeed were safe
enough in their Quarters. These Rogues who now had money enough put
themselves in a gentle habit, and kept company with the best, but still
they waited to do all the mischief they could, and to that end they
ingratiated themselves into the company of Countrey Gentlemen, such as
were best acquainted with the Customs and Humors of the Town; many they
met with, and few escaped them, but that they either got them into play,
cheated them, or pick’d their pockets or made some other prize of them:
Among others they met with a young Country-Gentleman, who had been
unfortunate enough already, for he having had a quarrel about a
mistress, and fighting with his Rival, had the Fortune, or Misfortune
rather, to kill him; Divine vengeance seldom misses to pursue, and
overtake those who are guilty of murther; & although these kind of
murthers, which are the most excusable, being as they term them, fairly
done, pass rather for pieces of gallantry than otherwise; yet some great
misfortune always attends them, as I have observ’d by several
Precedents, but more especially by this Gentlemans misfortunes; for no
sooner had he made his Enemy to fall in the place where they had fought,
but he was forc’d to fly away for his own safety, doubting else he might
fall in to the hands of Justice; he therefore with all speed retired to
a place, six miles from thence, where he had fought, to a friends house,
and not thinking himself safe, being there provided with money enough
for a long journey, he travelled on towards _Paris_, being a place whose
large Circuit, and number of inhabitants might hide him from all
pursuers; in his way thither he was met by Thieves, who attempted to rob
him, but they being but two and he valliant enough, as he thought to
oppose them, drew and defended himself, he here likewise had the fortune
to cause one of them to drop down by him, which the other seeing, fled,
but not so far but that he soon returned with three more in his company;
The Gentleman seeing this, and doubting that now he should not onely be
robb’d of what he had, but also believing that they would kill him to
revenge their fellow; he therefore takes one Purse of money and threw it
into a Hedge near him, hopeing that if he did escape, he might have that
for a reserve. By this time the thieves were come up to him, and all
drew upon him, he (knowing that odds did overcome _Hercules_ and might
do him) therefore told them, that if it were his mony they wanted, he
would deliver it to them; although they were very angry for the loss of
their Companion, yet it being money that they came for, they accepted of
that; he giving them another Purse of money which he had about him; but
in regard they had suffered so great a loss as the death of one of their
Companions, they stripp’d, and ty’d our young Gentleman, and taking away
their Companion with them, they departed. He lay not long there but was
unty’d, and reliev’d by some Passengers, who furnished him with an old
Coat, and he taking up his Purse of money, where he had laid it, went
along with them to the next Town; there he furnished himself with
Cloaths, and so travelled on towards _Paris_; but before he came
thither, he was again met with by Thieves, who then robb’d him of all
his money; so that when he came into the City he was in a sad condition,
being a Stranger, moneyless, and friendless: however these last Thieves
being so civil as to leave him his Cloaths, he took a lodging in a
convenient place of the Town, and presently sent away to his friends,
acquainting them with his misfortunes, and desiring them to send him
more money: Although it was a great way he had to send, yet in a little
time he received an answer according to his expectations, and although
till then he was forc’d to run on the Score, and keep house, yet now he
honestly paid his Host, and putting himself in a very good Garb, he now
went abroad, & light into the company of our two thievish Rogues who
dealt Roguishly with him; for perceiving him to be a stranger, they took
him up, and became his companions; and that they might be able to do him
the more mischief, they so far ingratiated themselves into his company,
as to take a lodging where he lay, and then finding that he was pretty
well furnished with moneys, they tryed several ways to get it from him,
they tempted him to gameing, but he was not guilty of that hazardous
vanity, and would not play; he carried but little money in his pocket,
but he left the rest in his Trunk which was also lock’d up in his
Chamber; and the Landlord of the house being an honest man, was very
careful of it; however they were resolved to be Masters of it by one
means or other: but they delayed it a while longer by an occasion that
fell out; he had written for more moneys, intending to pass from
_France_ into the Low-countreys; and thereupon a Letter came one day to
his hands, which acquainted him, that within fourteen days he might
receive six hundred Crowns of a Merchant in _Paris_, to whom a Bill of
Exchange was directed; this Letter he dropt by accident, and one of
these Rogues met with and read it, but knowing that it would advantage
him nothing to keep it, he soon gave it to the owner. He acquainted his
Companion with the News, and how he did believe that the Gentleman
would, when he received that money, bring it home to his Lodging,
wherefore they would stay until that time & then they would rob him of
it all; this resolution they both continued in, and that he might not
distrust them in any particular, they kept him company very much, seldom
permitting him to be in any other company; they also carried him abroad
with them to several of their friends, who treated him very well for
their sakes: In the mean time, they being often with him in his Chamber,
one of them took the Key out of his Chamber-door, and making an
impression of it upon Wax, put it in there again; his Companion keeping
our Gentleman company in the mean time: The fourteen days being come, he
went and received his money, and bringing it home lock’d it up in his
Trunk; And now being furnished with money, he was resolv’d to fit
himself with Clothes, and proceed on his intended Journey; but he was
prevented; as I shall presently tell you, for these two Rogues having
now got the key of the Chamber-door made, and having tryed it, were
resolv’d to delay no longer, but catch the Birds before they were flown,
as they would be in few days, if they did not prevent it; for this cause
they invited him one evening to go out with them to supper, he
distrusting nothing went with them, where was better cheer than Company,
for all the Entertainers were as very Rogues as these two, however they
treated him very civilly, and after supper fell to drinking, he being
desirous to return to his lodging, requested his companions to be going;
but they knowing it was yet too early to execute their Design; desired
him to stay longer, and so long as he had their companies, they told him
he would be safe enough; he seeing them resolv’d to stay, was content,
and so they drank on till about eleven of the clock at night; and then,
he not being willing to stay longer, they agreed to go with him; and to
the end they might not be stopp’d by any Watch, they agreed to go a
back-way, which was somewhat about; this they pretended was the reason
of their going that way, but it was indeed, that those who were his
entertainers, and who were to assist them in their Enterprize might by
going the nearest way, meet them; which accordingly they did, for at the
place appointed by all, but our Gentleman, they met, and pretending
themselves drunk, jostell’d one another so, that their swords were soon
drawn, and they assaulted one another, our Gentleman seeing that those
who met them were but four, and he and his Company were three, did not
question but he might have the better on it, or at least defend himself,
and therefore being perfectly valiant, he so prosecuted one of the two
who assaulted him that he laid him at his feet; the rest thinking that
those two who assaulted him would have performed their Enterprize well
enough had hitherto only plaid with one another, in clashing of their
swords, but now seeing one of their Companions fall, and doubting more
mischief, they all four, as well those whom he thought were his friends
as those whom he knew to be his Assaylants, left their jest and fell all
upon him in earnest, and he being thus over-match’d, was soon kill’d.
The Rogues who were left alive, seeing him, and one of the Companions
dead, knew not what resolution to take, but after a short consultation,
they resolved to carry off their dead Companion, and leave the other
there; but the two who were his Companions, fearing he might be known
before they had finished their Project, and they might be prevented;
they therefore drew their Knives, and like bloody Butchers fley’d all
the skin from the poor Gentlemans face, and so taking the Key of his
Trunk out of his pocket, and all his Letters, that they might leave
nothing about him to cause him to be known; they and their Companions
parted: the two Rogues went home to their Lodging; where when they were
let in, they were asked where the Gentleman their Companion was? they
reply’d, they left him presently after they went out; and this answer
serv’d for the present: they then went into their own Chamber, but soon
after with their false Key they got into his, and opening his Trunk they
took out all his money, and lock’d it up in a Trunk in their own
Chamber; and this being done, they went to Bed: The next morning they
went out, and carried the money with them to the place where all their
other Treasure lay; returning again, intended to get away all their
other things that were of any value, in the Trunk; purposing to be gone,
and leave that behind them, for they knew it would cause suspition if
they remov’d Trunk and all, so suddenly; in their removal of their
money, they had carelessly left their counterfeit-key of the Gentlemans
Chamber-door in their Chamber-window, wherefore the Landlord coming in
there, and seeing a Key, which although it was new yet he believed he
had seen it, or one like it; he therefore comparing some other Keys with
that, found that it was like the Key of the Gentlemans Chamber-door; he
therefore try’d it, and found that it would open it as well as the
other: he was in some kind of amaze to think of this, and the Gentleman
not coming home, he began to suspect that all was not well: About noon
he went in again into the Gentlemans Chamber, and knowing that he had
lately received a considerable Sum of money, which he believ’d he had
put in his Trunk, he therefore lifted up the Trunk in his hand to poize
it, and feel if it were heavy; but it was light enough; they having
already taken out all the money; he having set it down again saw lying
by it a pocket-handkerchief, which, he being now grown curious,
dilligently looked for the Marks of it, which he found not to be marked
with the two Letters of the Gentlemans name, but two others, which were
the name of one of the others: These things raised further scruples in
his minde, wherfore he was resolv’d to observe his two Guests with a
more curious eye; and one of them soon after returning, he watch’d him,
and saw that he went to his Trunk, and made up a Bundle which he carried
out; no sooner was he gone out, but he heard the report which had gone
about the Town all that day; that a Gentleman in such a place was
barbarously murthered, and was so much a Stranger that no body knew him;
the Landlord hearing this, his heart leap’d and he was in a very great
perplexity, so that he could hardly stand on his leggs; so soon as he
was come to himself he took a Neighbour with him, and went to the place
where the Gentleman lay murthered: It was to no purpose to think to know
him by his face, for that was quite disfigured; his skin being fley’d
off; but although his Cloathes were bloody, yet he could by them know
that it was his Guest, who lay there murthered; he then told his
Neighbour what were his thoughts, and withal, that he believ’d he knew
the Murderers, and thereupon having acquainted him with all his Doubts
and Jealousies of his two other Guests; he and his Neighbour both were
of the oppinion that they had hand in this Murther, and therefore they
hasted home to see what might be further discovered; Just as they came
in, one of the two went out with a bundle under his arm, which the
Landlord seeing, he caused one to follow him, and dilligently to observe
all he did. He that was sent was so careful, that he soon after
returned, and told him, that certainly there was some matter of great
consequence between his two Guests, and three others, who were dividing
and telling of moneys, and he heard one of the two say; that now all was
well, for he had brought off every thing, and intended to go no more;
where are they? said the Landlord; they are at such a house, naming it,
said the Messenger: but I followed your Guest to another place first,
where he left the parcel he carried out, and waiting some time, he came
out of that house, which was a private house; and went to the other,
which was a Victualing-house; I, said he, following him thither, was
permitted to go in there, as he did, to drink; he went to his
Companions, and I took a Room next adjoyning; where I heard, said he,
what I have told you, and several other discourses, which makes me
think, that these persons have lately been upon some Design; but what, I
cannot at present imagine. But I can, reply’d the Landlord, I doubt,
what I have imagined is true; wherefore Neighbours, said he, what is
best to be done? I pray advise me; they told him the best advice they
could give him was to go to the Magistrate, and acquaint him with what
had happened; he did so, and they at his request went with him; being
come before the Magistrate, the Landlord told him, that not long since a
Gentleman came to his house to lodge, and soon after him, two more who
being well acquainted together, went out (said he) to supper; the two
returned home; but it was somewhat late, and the third not coming home,
raised in me some suspition, which hath fallen out too true; for, said
he, the poor Gentleman is barbarously murdered, and lies in such a
place, I have been to see him, but, although I cannot know him by his
face; for they have fley’d off the skin, yet I believe it is he by his
Cloathes; and, continued he, I very much suspect my other two Guests are
guilty of the murther, for I have found a false Key of the Gentlemans
Chamber-door in their Chamber: and so he proceeded in telling the
Justice all the particular observations he, and the person he had Sent,
had made: the Justice was of their oppinion, that these two men had
murthered the third; and therefore sending for Officers, and a Guard,
sent immediatly to the place where they were all together, and securing
them, they were brought before him, he examined them severally, and so
finding them in Several Tales, he gathered so much from their
Examinations and Confessions, that he found them guilty; and then being
inform’d that one of them had left a parcel at a private house; he
caused that place to be search’d, and there was found a great deal of
wealth and goods; there was the Merchants Silks; the Drapers Cloth; the
Challices, and other Church utensils, and the two Fryars weeds, and much
other goods, Commodities, and Disguises; all which was seized on, and
the report of this murder, and the other particulars, running about the
City, it came to the ears of the Merchant and Draper, and many others
who had been lately robb’d; and they coming, knew and owned their Goods.
Our Rogues who were now fast enough for commiting any more Roguries, and
seeing that they were discovered, for they were told of all things that
had hapned; now saw it was to no purpose to deny those several facts
that would be too plainly proved against them; wherefore they confess’d
all this that I have told you of, and several murders they have
committed, among others that of the two poor Fryars; and robbing the
Church, wherefore the Parson, and the Church-wardens of that Parish
hearing of this confession, came to _Paris_, and the Felons executed,
they and the Merchant, and Draper, and all others whom they had robb’d
of any thing, had their goods returned them; and thus said the
Gentleman, was the end of these wretches; and I came to be thus
particularly acquainted with this story, because when I was at _Paris_,
I lodg’d at the same house where they had done, and my Landlord
acquainted me with all these particulars.
The Gentleman having finish’d his discourse, said Mistress _Mary_, I
told him that these two were cruel, and bloody minded Thieves, and that
I did not care for hearing any such stories, for that I was much
troubled, and methought sensibly concerned in his relation; he replyed,
that indeed this was bloody and horrible, but that it was usual to have
such murthers committed in _Paris_; and that very frequently, and
continued he, both the Thieves and Pick-pockets, are far more cruel and
bold than in _England_; and although I have given you examples of both,
yet I could tell you many more, and enlarge very much upon this Subject,
for it is usual for Pick-pockets there, to perform their work in an
extraordinary manner, for they are furnished with Arms, and Hands made
with Wax or Wood; and by vertue of these, they will frequently and
without suspition, pick pockets in the Church; for they will hold two
hands with a true Arm, and a false one, that is an Arm of Wax or Wood
up, and in their hands they will hold a book and seem to be busily
employ’d in turning over leaves, at their Devotions, when as the third
Arm and hand is picking of pockets; and People standing by, nay, the
Parson himself whose pocket is pick’d, will have very little cause to
suspect him that does it: also if they get a man out of the way, and are
minded to rob him, they will put a piece of Iron or Brass into his
mouth, like unto a Pear, which they call a _Choak-pear_; and that
properly enough; for the party who hath it in his mouth, endeavouring to
get it out cannot, for there being a Spring within it which forceth it
open, it is impossible to get it out without a Key to it, which they
have; therefore they who put this Choak-pear into the mouths of any,
after they are first robb’d of what they have about them, they are told,
if they intend to be rid of that Pear, they must go and fetch more mony,
which they must bring to a place they appoint, or else they are like to
chew upon the Pear, without any other Victuals, which is like to be hard
Dyet to them. But continued he, I shall tell you one of these wax or
wooden-handed-fellows, and so conclude.
A Gentleman having had his pocket several times pick’d of moneys and
Watches, was much troubled and resolv’d if possible to find out, and
catch one Pick-pocket that should pay for all; wherefore he advises with
a Smith, an ingenious fellow of that quality, to make him a band of Iron
or Steel, with some prickles about the side of his pocket, and a spring
towards the bottom, which when it should be touch’d, would cause the
band of Iron or Steel, at the top to close together, so that if a
Pick-pocket should come there, it would catch and hold him fast by the
hand: this he had made to his desire, and then he went to the next
Assembly, which was at a tryal of causes, and it was not long e’re his
project took; he heard his Engine discharge, and the fowl was caught; he
knew which Pocket it was, and therefore lookt on that side one stood
with hat off, and both his hands were upon his Hat, which were held up
as high as his face; he therefore wondring whose hand he had caught, and
seeing the man in that posture, doubted that his Engine had deceived
him, and had given false fire, but putting his hand towards his pocket
he found a hand there, which was in vain strugling to get out; wherefore
that he might know who this hand belonged to, he got out of the press of
people, and the man who held his Hat in that posture went with him; when
they were gone a little to the one side, the poor fellow cryed out; I
pray Sir, let me have my hand; how! replyed the Gentleman, I see you
have two already, and therefore if you have a third, you may well spare
me that to guard my pocket for the future: the fellow saw that he was
caught, and therefore replyed to the Gentleman; truly Sir, it is but a
tryal of skil, a new invention, and I hope you will not be angry with a
piece of ingenuity; but if you are, rather than fail, if you please to
let me go, and not discover me, ile give you any satisfaction; what
security shall I have for that said the Gentleman? all that I can give,
said the Diver; and thereupon he drew out a purse of money from his own
pocket, which it is like had an another owner but lately, but now it
helped to make his composition, for the Gentle-man and Pick-pocket going
to the Tavern they clapt up an agreement; he not only receiving
satisfaction for what he had formerly lost, but also discovered to him
the Nature, Use, and quality of a Wooden hand.
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