_The Drugster now breaking in earnest, endeavours to cheat his
Creditors, and convey himself and Estate into_ Holland; _but is
discovered, and his Estate seized, and himself stopt; but by
assistance of the Relator, he gets off, and having a good sum of
Money, and the Scrivener and his Wench, all get away, and travel to
the_ East-Indies.
Thus did the Drugster finish his story. I received satisfaction equal to
whatever I had either in the Scrivener, Bookseller, or any other
Relation; for I found that his Actions had been different from theirs;
for what they did under the cloak of honesty, he did under that of
Religion, which I found was too often the covering of _Knavery_. This
Discourse being ended, and our Wine out, we parted; proffering to each
other all kinde of service: and indeed it was through his occasion, and
to do him service, that I am come to this place, so far from my Country;
I shall therefore give you an account of his last Actions in _England_,
which are as remarkable as any I have hitherto related to you; as also
somewhat further of the Scrivener, who is our other Companion; and so
finish this large Narrative, which I doubt hath almost wearied you.
I being unwilling to hinder the Traveller in prosecuting his Story, had
with much pleasure attended and hearkned to what he had said; and though
his Discourse was long, and had taken up much time, yet I found so much
pleasing variety, that made me ample satisfaction and amends; and being
desirous to know the rest of their Adventures, and what fortune or
misfortune had brought them hither, I desired him to proceed, which he
did in this manner:
I was now acquainted with three persons, (_viz._ the Scrivener,
Bookseller, and Drugster, an account of whose actions I have given you)
that gave me full satisfaction, and put me into an absolute opinion,
that there was not onely _Knavery_ used in all Trades and Professions,
but that most Trades were composed of, and most Estates gotten by
over-reaching and _Knavery_: I therefore resolved to look about me, and
see what I could do in the world; and having an intimate and familiar
acquaintance with the Scrivener, I was by him supplyed with what money I
desired, laying it out in Clothes, which I bought at the second hand,
and sold again to my profit, and so repaying the Scrivener, who took no
other interest then a Pint or a Quart of Wine. I did light upon so many
good Bargains, that I had gained a stock of about fifty pound of my own,
and my Master did not contradict or deny me in my dealing, because I
assisted him in his profit, by bringing him Customers of our Club and
acquaintance; I brought the Scrivener and Drugster to be acquainted
together, and they liked one another so well, that they contracted a
friendship, which had hitherto lasted; and the Scrivener was likewise
assistant to the Drugster in procuring him moneys at a pinch, which he
honestly repaid him; and the Captain (which I told you the Scrivener
first adventured to Sea withal, so much to their own profit, and the
loss of the Insurers) was now a person admitted into our Society, and
being now got up again in the world, became Master of a good Ship, and
was often imployed by the Drugster, and others of his acquaintance, on
several short Voyages to _Holland_, when at his return he was assisted
in securing and conveying much prohibited and uncustomed Goods by the
Drugster, which was to the very great gain of them both; and in general
we all thrived very well, till fortune, who is always changeable, in
short time turn’d tail upon the Drugster, and had like to have crush’d
him to nothing. He being at the height of his Trade, and studying now
onely how to be an Alderman, did drive a great Trade, buying and selling
much Commodities, both Drugs and Grocery Ware, and indeed any other
Merchandize whatever, nothing came amiss to him, till at length he not
onely had a great loss at Sea, but buying a great quantity of Pot-ashes,
intending to make a great profit by keeping them up, he lost 1000_l._ at
a clap; for much of that Commodity coming in unexpectedly, he was forced
to sell his at great loss: these two unlucky hits, both falling on the
neck of one another, shrewdly squeezed him; but he being of a great
courage, took little notice of it to the World, but still run on all
that he could, adventuring a great part of the remainder of his Estate
to Sea, which likewise failing, he was quite undone; but remembring that
he had been in as bad condition formerly, and still made a shift to come
off clear, and creep up again, his credit being still high, he bought
great quantities of Goods upon credit, to pay at three months; but not
knowing how to bestir himself, being now got very highly in Debt, and
knowing very well that he could not make profit enough by those Goods to
set himself to rights, he thereupon bethought himself of conveying away
what he had, and giving all his Creditors the slip: he had two other
inducements that moved him thereto, the one was his Wives death, which
was lately happened, and the other was his Wenches consent and earnest
desire for him to do so, promising him to assist him in all she could,
and also to accompany him in his Voyage.
This being agreed, the place intended for his Voyage being _Holland_, he
sold as much Goods in _London_ at an under-rate for ready money, as he
received 600_l._ for; and the rest of his goods amounting to 1500_l._
worth, was put on board a Ship, which was immediately to set sail for
_Amsterdam_; his Lady being on board the Ship, but in a Disguise,
_Virago_-like, habited in mans apparel: he carried not his designe so
closely, but some of his Creditors got knowledge of it, and
understanding the business to be desperate, took out a Statute of
Bankrupt, and going on board the Ship seized on all; he being then at
_London_, taking leave of me, the Scrivener, and some other friends.
This being done, the news came quickly to his knowledge; for before we
parted, two of his Creditors, accompanied with Officers, not onely
acquainted him with what they had done, but also secured his person. We
were all surprized at this action, especially the Drugster, who now
appeared more dead then alive; and though he was asked many Questions,
yet he knew not readily how to answer one; and therefore they soon left
us, carrying him away to one of their own houses, where they
tyrannically kept him for some days, not permitting any person to come
at him; for though I attempted it, 'twas in vain. The Scrivener and I
being together, wondred at the action, and could not tell what should be
the occasion of this sudden business; for the Drugster had not
acquainted us with the bottom of his designe, onely telling us, that he
was to go a two Months Voyage to _Holland_, and so return. I then parted
from the Scrivener, and attempted to see and to speak with my friend the
Drugster, but it could not be at present; but by often importuning and
pretending business of consequence, in ten days time I was permitted to
see and speak with him; when having secured and examined the Chamber
where he was, that none might over-hear our Discourse, he soon
acquainted me with every particular of his business and designe; nor did
he relate to me that his Wench was on board in mans apparel, and how he
had given 100_l._ in silver into her Custody. But, said I, where is the
other 500_l._ for in all I heard you say, you had 600_l._ in ready
money? That said he, I hope is safe, if my Clothes are so; and
therefore, I pray, said he, assist me a little in this affair, and
enquire what is become of the Wench and my Clothes, and I doubt not but
in few days to put all things right enough again. I not onely promised
him to do my utmost, but went about it very faithfully; and going on
board the Ship, found that all was gone; but upon enquiry, heard that
the young man that was to accompany the Drugster in the Voyage, was on
shore at a house not far off: thither I went, and upon enquiry found out
the party: I desired private speech with him, for she went for a man:
this was granted, and I discovering my self so plainly to her in every
particular, she made no great difficulty to be as free with me, and told
me, that all was gone, Clothes, and every thing else, except her own
Box, where she had secured the 100_l._ that was given to her; and,
continued she, My friend could not have employed any person to me, to
whom I would have been so free as I shall be to you: for though you do
not know me in this Habit, yet I suppose, had I my woman’s dress, you
would soon remember me: I then protested to her, that I could not call
her Phisnomy to minde. Well, said she, we have been more inward, and ere
now lain together; and thereupon told me, that she was one of those
three that I lay with in one night, and had redeemed from pawn, as I
have formerly told you, at my last coming to _London_. Upon this, though
she was in breeches; I made bold to kiss her and embrace her: Well, said
she, proceed no further, there may be time enough for the rest; let us
now consult what is necessary to be done for our distressed friend; for,
said she, if you and he desire it, I shall be willing to part from all
the hundred pounds, which I am yet Mistress of. Well, replyed I, you are
the most generous and deserving Woman of all your Sex, especially of
your Quality, not onely for what you now offer, but what I formerly by
experience, and lately by his Relations have understood of you. Truely,
replyed she, where I promise fidelity, I perform it; and where I finde
worth, I will endeavour to deserve and requite it: and though I have
lived wantonly, yet since I was entertained by this Gentleman as his
friend, I have been wholly constant, and will persevere therein so long
as he is able, or I can otherwise handsomely contrive a way to subsist.
In this you are very obliging, said I, but I hope you will not deny any
old friend a courtesie. Well, said she, more of that hereafter. From
this discourse we fell to the matter in hand, consulting and contriving
what was most necessary to be done for our friends present
accommodation: for the present, we agreed all the money should lye in
her hands, onely she should remove her quarters to the place appointed.
This being done, I again repaired to him, and acquainted him with my
proceedings; he was glad I had found her and the hundred pound: but when
I told him that the Chest with his Clothes were gone and secured from
him, he was almost out of his wits, cryed out that now he was miserable,
and never till now. Well, said I, come, be contented, there may be a way
found to remedy this evil. No, said he, never till I am again Master of
that Chest with my Clothes. Upon this he was silent, and soon after two
of his chief Creditors entred the Chamber, and told him that if he would
be ingenious with them, that they would not onely release him, but put
Money in his Pocket, that he might trade again: For, said one of them,
we have been at great cost already for the taking out the Commission of
Banckrupt, and the Commissioners Fees for sitting hath already cost two
hundred pound, and it every day runs up to more and more; So that in
fine, it will consume the Estate, unless you will assist us in making up
your accounts; for there are several that we supposed had owed you
money, do put in for to have a share with us: and thereupon, they named
two or three parties who had demanded monies of them. To this the
Drugster replyed, that he owed no such sums as were pretended, and that
one of them owed him two hundred pound; he alledging this, and offering
to prove it, they desired him to provide against the next day to appear
before the Commissioners; and if he did justifie this, they would
immediately discharge him. This being agreed on, they left him, and he
was now in somewhat better taking than he had been, and I encouraged him
to bear up, and hope for the best. Well, said he, if I can but get my
Chest of Clothes again I care not; and I pray fail not to be with me to
morrow, and get my Mistress to send me ten pound, that I may have
occasion to use. We discoursed not much further for the present, but
parted; and I returning home to my Masters, asked leave to be absent for
that night; to which he consented; and indeed, I had so much liberty,
that I might stay out so long as I pleased, my Master using me rather
like a Companion then a Servant.
I now went to the Drugsters Lady, and my _quondam_-acquaintance, and
informing her of my business, she freely delivered me ten pound: But,
said I, this is not all, I must have somewhat else before I go; and
thereupon called for Wine, and we drank so briskly, that we were both
pretty merry: And it being now late, she asked me where I intended to
lodge: I said, with her; That must not be, replyed she: and indeed I had
somewhat to do to perswade her to it; but at length I did, and we lay
together without any suspition, she going for a man. We often
interchanged many amorous imbraces, and performed all those dalliances
that two longing Lovers could expect, and made many protestations of a
farther friendship: I telling her, that I believed her friend the
Drugster would not be offended, if he knew of our enjoyments, and would
as well impart her to me, as he had done his chiefest secrets: Well,
said she, if you gain his consent, you command mine, and I therefore
leave it to your management; and I suppose if you tell him of our former
acquaintance, the greatest difficulty will be overcome. This I thought
would be a ready way, as indeed it was: and since then we have had an
equal enjoyment of her; she having lain with one of us every night
since, and during our Voyage hither, and is one of those two are in mens
apparel, and is called _George_.
But, said I, to return to my matter in hand, I the next morning parted
from her, and with ten pound in my pocket, went to my friend, who was
going before the Commissioners, whither I attended him; and there he
carried himself with so much freedom and ingenuity, that he was set at
liberty, and promised more favours: he then made it his request, that he
might have the Chest with his Clothes: to this some consented, but
others replied, all must be apprised, and till then nothing could be
disposed of, and therefore they demanded the key of him: this he
refused; but they told him, that then they would break it open: he
seeing there was no other remedy, promised to bring it the next morning,
and then desired they might be apprised, and delivered to him: and thus
they parted; and after he and I had drunk a Pint of Wine, we also
parted.
As I was going home I met with the Scrivener, who being desirous to know
how matters went with the Drugster, would enforce a glass of Wine on me;
when I told him all the matter, and omitting nothing, we judged that his
five hundred pound was in that Chest with his Clothes, and that now he
would be stripp’d of it. But, said the Scrivener, I wish he were Master
of that Money, and then I should propound a way to him to leave them, by
making him partner in a design which I have lately projected, and is now
neer execution.
I needed not use many words to perwsade him to acquaint me with his
design, wherefore after few words, he opened to me the matter thus:
I have, said he, lived in so full an enjoyment of every thing here, that
I am weary of it, being tied to one place; and my spirit being of a
soaring rambling temper, am desirous of novelty and change; and to that
end I have some time since purposed, and lately contrived a way to leave
_England_ for some other place, and consulting with the Captain whom you
know, have resolved for the _East-Indies_, whither he is now bound: and
that I might not go away beggerly, (for I never intend to return, unless
very rich) I have contrived a way how to carry good store of money with
me, which I am now plentifully provided with. Yes, said I, I know it is
no difficulty for you to procure what money you will, having the keeping
of so much Cash. You are mistaken, said he, I intend not to wrong my
Master of a penny, but have done it otherwise, the manner thus:
My Master hath lately taken a Journey into the Country, and left the
sole management of his affairs to me; and resolving now to make use of
my time, I have put my Project in Execution. I have been with one of our
Money-Masters, and told him, that such a man, whom he knew to be a good
man, that is, a rich man, wanted so much Money; this he readily
consented to, and I had the Money delivered to me, only giving him a
Bond, whereto I have counterfeited the name of him whom I told him was
the Borrower, and my self, with one more was a witness: this have I done
with two or three, who I was confident would trust me; and with two I
have pretended they would borrow of one another two hundred pound
apiece, and given each of them a Counterfeit bond; and I cannot chuse
but smile, to think in what a case they will both be when the time of
payment comes, and instead of receiving, they will demand two hundred
pounds of each other: it may be, they will be so frolick as to go to
law; if they do, it will make good sport for the Lawyers. By this means,
as I tell you, I have raised fifteen hundred pounds, which I have all
ready by me in good Jocobusses, and am ready in ten days to march off
with my Captain for the _East-Indies_; now if the Drugster had his Money
in readiness, I should be glad of so good Company. I heard him with much
delight, and from that very minute resolved to make one of the Company,
and then offered him my service, which he kindly accepted of, and
promised me that I should share all fortunes with him.
I went back to my Mistress, and provided my self for my Voyage: and the
next day the Drugster bringing his Keys, the Chest where his Clothes
were was opened, and all in it was examined, but no Money found: I
remember at every parcel of Clothes they took, his eye was so fixed,
that I thought he would never remove it; but at length all was pass’d
over, and the Clothes prized at twenty pounds: he earnestly entreated
that he might have them; but they replied, they could not do it without
the consent of all, unless they gave so much out of their own pockets,
and they had already lost too much by him. He finding that there was no
way but one, took me with him to a Tavern, and conjured me to do him one
kindness, which was, by all means to purchase these Clothes at any rate;
giving me the ten pound I had brought him, and five pound more, he knew
not at present what to do for five or ten pounds more, which he advised
me to give for the Clothes rather than fail. It was too far to go to his
Ladies Quarters, wherefore I out of my own stock supplied that want; and
then going to the Creditors, with much ado perswaded one of them, who
had the Keys, to sell me the Clothes: he would not consent to do this,
unless I would give him thirty pound, which was ten pound more then they
were apprized at: though the demand was unreasonable, yet I was forced
to consent; and putting ten pound of the money into his own pockets,
willingly delivered the Clothes to me, charging me not to discover what
I gave. I did not much heed what he said, but gladly received the Chest
and key, and carried it to the Drugster, who with much impatience
expected me; it being carried up into a private Chamber, and the door
fast locked, he unlocked the Chest, and took out the Clothes, and
drawing his Knife, unript the Collar of a Doublet, where were several
pieces of Gold: Nay then, said he, we are still safe, and I defie
Fortune and all her malice: in less then half an hour, with my
assistance, we found out 500 _l._ in Gold, which was sewed up in several
places about the Clothes. This being done, I soon acquainted him with
the Scriveners Project, and my resolution: to this he likewise
consented, only, said he, I must not leave my honest Girl behind me. For
that, said I, I question not but I shall have some influence to perswade
her; and thereupon I acquainted him with my former knowledge of her:
Well, said he, since it is so, we will continue her a friend to us both,
and not entertain any jealousie. In fine, we agreed not only in that
particular, but in every thing else; and the Scrivener being acquainted
with all our designs, we so ordered the matter, that I, the Drugster,
and our Mistress, and the Scrivener and a Wench of his, whom he had
likewise put into mans Apparel, did all come on board with all our
Treasure into our Captains Ship which was in the _Downs_, and bound for
this place; and so having good Winds, good Company, and every thing to
our content, are all safely arrived in this place.
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