Page:Life and adventures of that notorious robber and murderer, Richard Turpin.pdf/15

Rh receive 14l. for corn, on which Turpin resolved to rob them of the money. King objected, saying it was a pity to rob such pretty girls; but Turpin was obstinate, and obtained the booty.

Upon their return home or the following day, they stopped a gentleman named Bradele, of London, who was riding in his clariot with his children; and who, seeing only one robber, was preparing to make resistance when King called to Turpin to hold the horses. They took from him his watch, money, and an old mouring ring; but returned the latter, as behe [sic] declared that, though its intrinsic value was trifling, he was very unwilling to part with it. Finding that they readily parted with the ring, he asked them what he must give for the watch: on which King said to Turpin, “What say ye, Jack? Here seems to be a good honest fellow; shall we let him have the watch?” Turpin replied, “Do as you please;” You must pay six guineas for it: we never sell for more, though the watch should be worth six and thirty.” The gentleman promised that the money should be left at the Dial, in Birchin Lane.

At length, on the 4th of May, 1737, Turpin was guilty of murder. A reward of 100l. having been offered for apprehending him, Thomas Morris, a servant of Mr. Thompson, one of the keepers of Epping Forest, accompanied by a higgler, set out in order to apprehend him. Turpin seeing them approach near his dwelling, Mr. Thompson’s man having a gun, he mistook them for poachers; on which he said, there were no hares near