Commercial morality is an unaccountable kind of thing. In the report of
a recent trial for the robbery of a watch, it is stated that
"Mr. Beauchamp identified the watch. He was sure that it was not sold;
he knew that circumstance from his books; and also because he had the
watch for four years, not being able to recommend it; _he would not
have shown it to a lady, but he would have been glad to have sold it to
a gentleman_. There was a private mark put on it which meant nine
guineas."
There is honour, it is said, among thieves. Is there gallantry in
imposition?
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