Page:History of James Allan.pdf/22

 extravagance, he had recourse to all the thievish tricks of his youth. About this time he stole the iron gear from a number of ploughs; and having loaded a stout ass, he despatched Moll to sell the plunder to an old acquaintance in Gateshead. The dealer, however, gave her only a trifle for the whole lot, which so exasperated Allan, that he vowed to be revenged. Borrowing three galloways, and accompanied by his honest partner, he reached Pipewellgate betwixt 12 and 1 o’clock at night, and entered the dealer’s warehouse by means of false keys. Striking a light, he and Moll soon filled the empty panniers with old iron. He then slipped off, and she knocked at the house-door. When admitted, she told the dealer that she had good luck, and would sell the whole by lump, if he would be generous. The bargain was soon made, and Allan returned exulting in having justly recompensed this honest man. At length Allan grew weary of Moll, and having secured his pipes and some clean linen, he took up with a gipsy girl, named Nell Clark, thoroughly skilled in the art of deception. Having a plot laid to dupe a ship-captain’s wife, whose vessel was lying at the Quay, Allan imparted his scheme to Nell, who became interestedly active in its execution. Discovering the captain on shore, Allan paid his wife a visit on board—Being previously acquainted, Allan soon persuaded her to elope with him. She was true to her appointment, carrying two large bundles of clothes and other valuables. Nell acting as a servant, took the bundles, and Allan, after walking a little way up the Quay, bid the captain’s wife wait till he entered a public-house for his pipes; and going in at one door, and out at the other which led into the entry, where Nell was waiting, they proceeded to their lodgings, and spent the night in drinking. Having sold the clothes, they fled to Sunderland, where they spent their ill-gotten gains. One night Nell came home greatly hurried, and raising Allan out of bed insisted on moving off. When on the road to Newcastle, Allan enquired the reason for such haste. Nell answered, “A purse of gold and a watch are worth preserving.” On reaching Newcastle, Nell bought him a suit of new clothes, and then determined to enjoy herself. One evening Nell entered their lodgings, and said, “Now, my man, Jemmy, I’m ready to go.” He suspected all was not right, and packing up his pipes and clothes, they proceeded to Morpeth.