Page:History of James Allan.pdf/11

 tinkers and coopers, among whom he spent all but two shillings, and left Darlington condemning his folly in squandering away his money so foolishly On arriving, at Durham he entered a public-house to refresh himself. The first person he met was a recruiting sergeant, and encouraged by his successful escapes he again resolved to enlist. The sergeant, seeing him a likely man, plied him with liquor until he gained his consent; having first made the bargain that his bounty money should be immediately paid him. The sergeant did so, but not being quite satisfied with his reasons for such conduct, ordered a corporal to keep strict watch over him. Then wily Allan soon observed that his guard was partial to drink, with which he so liberally supplied him, that he had to be carried to bed, on which Jemmy pocketed one of the corporal’s shirts, and deliberately left the house. He made the best of his way to the house of an old associate, living at Felton Ferry Here he met a hearty welcome; and after three day’s jovial carousal, he proceeded towards Newcastle; but whilst walking down the Bottle Bank, in Gateshead, he was taken prisoner by two stout grenadiers Considering resistance vain, Allan assumed a cheerful appearance, and accompanied them to the guard house in Newcastle: here he was informed that a party had been from Durham in search of a deserter, and that they suspected him to be the man. Allan protested his innocence, declaring he had not been there, and offered to accompany them thither, expecting escape on the road: but the officers determined to send for some of the recruiting party to come over and identify their man During the day Allan appeared cheerful and unconcerned; but night approaching, and the soldiers from Durham being expected, he determined on attempting his escape. Requesting to be shown backwards, one of the privates was ordered to accompany him; after waiting outside of the door until his patience was exhausted, he called to Allan, but receiving no answer, he opened the door, and was filled with astonishment on finding the prisoner had vanished: he never having been one moment from the door Trembling with fear he returned to the guard-house, saying, “the prisoner surely was the devil, and no man” The officer suspecting he had connived at the prisoner’s escape, ordered him instantly to be confined A sergeant, however, snatched up a candle, and having examine the