Page:Brief relation of the adventures of Bamfylde Moore Carew (1).pdf/9

 woollen cap, he forgot both friends and family, and became nothing more or less than an unfortunate ship wrecked seaman-—In this his first excursion, he gained much credit, artfully imitating passes and certificates that were necessary for him to travel unmolested. After a month’s travel he happened to meet with his old school-fellow Coleman who had once left the gypsies’ society, but for the same reason as himself, returned to them again. Great was their joy at meeting and they agreed to travel sometime together; so entering Exeter, they in one day raised a contribution of several pounds.

Having obtained all he could from this stratagem, he then became a plain honest farmer, whose grounds had been overflowed and cattle drowned; his dejected countenance and mournful tale, together with a wife and seven helpless infants being partakers of his misfortunes, gained him both pity and profit.

Having obtained a considerable booty by these two stratagems, he returned to his companions, where he was received with great applause; and as a mark of their respect, seated him next the king. He soon became a great man in the