Page:A Sketch of the Life of George Wilson, the Blackheath Pedestrian.djvu/86

 contained several sharp small-pebbles about the size of peas. I put on other socks which Mr. Mase gave me, but on changing them also at the next round, I found them well lined with gravel. Another pair were then handed me—and on turning them inside out, more pebbles fell from them. To guard against a trick so palpable, I used no socks afterwards, without first examining them myself.

Having eluded this trick, another more base and dangerous, to which I have already alluded, was attempted, towards the conclusion of my task on the ensuing Sunday. Preparatory to that days' task, which was performed in front of Lord Gwydir’s park, plenty of wine and other refreshments were conveyed to the place, through the kindness of my friends, Mr. Dyer, Mr. Whittle, and Mr. Beksley, and were placed in the lodge, where the gate-keeper had the kindness to dress a fowl for my dinner; but, while I was on the foot, these two worthy attendants, divided the wine amongst themselves and their acquaintance, and got quite drunk; and when I had finished my task, about half-past five next morning, after many interruptions and insults from those persons, and a party of their accomplices from Woolwich, I stepped into the lodge for some refreshment; but all was consumed. Mr. Stephenson and Mr. Mase expressed much seeming concern; and as I was so much exhausted, one of them pressed me to take some gin and water, which the other handed to him. Weary and faint, I drank about the quantity of a gill; but I soon perceived that this was a drench designedly compounded to put an end to my exertions, if not to my life: it instantly turned me sick, and much alarmed me. They pressed me much to stay and