Page:Adventures of Jack Okham & Tom Splicewell (2).pdf/3

(3) made ready for the attack. When the gentleman came up to them, they both brandished their weapons: and he who was commodore, saluted him as follows: Damn my blood, my boy, but we must have some money with you! or else by God, you must have a broadside!—The gentleman, finding by their arms, manner, and language, that they were but young in their business, answered them thus: Well, gentlemen, as you seem to be sailors, and good hearty cocks, do not use me ill, and you shall be welcome to what money I have about me, with all my heart, was it ten times as much. With that he presented them with about three shillings and sixpence. Here, gentlemen, said he, is all the money l have at present, and I wish it were more for your sakes The sailors seeing the gentleman so good natured. seemed quite satisfied; took the money, told him it was enough, and wished him a good voyage. But they had not gone far with their booty, before they were pursued; for the gentleman telling the adventure just after, to some people that he met, the posse was soon raised; and in less than half an hour, one of them was taken; the other by some means or other, made his escape.

The next sessions, at the Old Bailey, my young commodore was convicted of fellony, and sentenced to be hanged; tho’ the simplicity of his proceeding made many people be sorry for him.

After this misfortune, his fellow adventurer was in great perplexity, tho’ he had escaped himself; for no body had yet enquired or sought after him about it. But Jack resolved to spare no pains; and if possible, to spare his poor messmate’s life. And being one day at the rendezvous, talking about it, with another of their old shipmates,