Page:Life of Richard Turpin (1).pdf/21

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he took a considerable sum. The gentleman observed to him, when he attacked him first, that he had reigned long enough, and ought to leave of thieving; to which he replied, “Pray, Sir, don’t you seem to mind it: my time is not now; nor you the man to take me: but tip me the cole or i ll —." He then rode off, and passed two gentlemen’s servants, with led horses, showing his pistols. Turpin had been frequently known to levy contributions at the back of Islington, and in a few hours to rob in a distant county.

It was remarkable, that, for such a course of time as from the date of the king’s reward of two hundred pounds for his apprehension, he should still go on with his depredations with the most audacious impunity, insomuch that it affected the national character in the eyes of foreigners, who could not help remarking, that the native bravery of the English was supine in bringing such a daring of fender to justice. In fact, his feats of equestrain agility were so suprising, and his indentity so uncertain, that to these circumstances alone may be ascribed his long evasion from the iron hand of the law.

He had been at Suson, and drank deep at the Cock there. Early in the morning he set off, and robbed a gentleman of fifty guineas and a valuable watch, in the environs of London. Apprehensive of being known and pursued, he spurred his horse on and took the northren, road and, astonishing to relate, reached York the same evening, and was noticed playing at the bowls in the bowling-green with several gentlemen there, which circumstance saved him from the hands of justice for that time. The gentleman he robbed knew him to be Turpin and caused him to be pursued and taken at York:- he afterwards swore to him, and the horse he rode on, which was the identical one he arrived upon