Page:History of Jack of Newbury.pdf/21

21 and did her duty, and her father and mother wept for joy, and so departed.

Now there was one Randal Pert, a draper, dwelling in Watling-street, who owed to Jack of Newbury five hundred pounds: and it happened that Jack came to London, and as he was going to his customers, he met in the street this poor Randel Pert in a frock, carrying a porters basket, with scarce a coat, waistcoat, breeches or hat on; a rope round his middle, and was just then come out of prison.

His wife, who before for daintiness would not foul her fingers, nor turn her head aside for fear of rumpling her neckinger; yet she was now glad to wash cloaths at the Thames side, and to be a chairwoman.

Her soft hand was hardned with scowring, and, instead of gold rings on her white fingers, her hands and fingers were now filled with chaps.

But when her husband espied Jack of Newbury, his creditor he ran away as fast as he could, for fear of being arrested. But Jack sent his man after him and he seeing one pursue him, ran the