Page:Life and adventures of that notorious robber and murderer, Richard Turpin.pdf/11

Rh some workmen. Having quitted their horses at the outer gate, one of the robbers going forward found a boy who had just returned from folding his sheep; the rest of the gang following, a pistol was presented, and instant destruction threatened if he made any noise. They then took off his garters, and tied his hands; bidding him to direct them in the door, and when they knocked, to answer, and bid the servants open it, in which case they would not hurt him: but when the boy came to the door, he was so terrified that he could not speak; on which one of the gang knocked, and a man-servant, imagining it was one of the neighbours, opened the door, whereupon, they all rushed in, with their pistols in their hands; when one of them exclaimed to the servant, “D— your blood! how long have you lived here?” Having seized Mr Lawrence and the servant, they threw cloths over their faces; and taking the boy into another room, they demanded what fire-arms were in the house; to which he replied; only an old gun, which they broke in pieces. They then bound Mr. Lawrence and his man, and made them sit by the boy; when Turpin commenced searching the master by cutting down his breeches, from the pockets of which they obtained a guinea, a Portugal piece of 36s. value, and about 15s. in silver; not being satisfied with this booty, they forced him to conduct them up stairs, where they broke open a closet, whence they stole some money and plate; but this not being yet sufficient to satisfy them, they threatened to murder Mr. Lawrence, each of them destining him