Page:History of the blind beggar of Bethnal-Green.pdf/7

 bed of ſtraw was changed into down, and his earthen platters, and other utenſils, into a better ſort of decent furniture.

How Monford happened to meet with Snap,an old experienced Beggar, who gave him an inſight into the Myſtery of the Canting Trade and how he invited him to their general Rendezvous.

ONFORD reſolving in this kind of way to ſpend the remainder of his days, being very well contented with his Trade, having plyed it with great ſucceſs in the place where he lived, one day he was encountered by an old proficient in the art of begging, who feeing him very diligent, did greatly covet his acquaintance, and to know what gang he did belong to. He therefore accoſts him in their canting method, which is a ſort of ſpeech, or rather a gibberiſh peculiar to themſelves. Monford being ignorant, could make him no direct anſwer; which the other, whoſe name was Snap, perceiving, and thereby knowing him to be a young beginner, invited him to their feaſts, or