Page:Life and adventures of that notorious robber and murderer, Richard Turpin.pdf/8

Rh Mr. Mason, keeper of Epping Forest; and the time was fixed for carrying the plan into execution; but Turpin having gone to London to spend his share of the former booty, intoxicated himself to such degree, that he totally neglected the appointment. Nevertheless, three of the gang (Fielder, Rose, and Rust) resolved that the absence of their companion should not frustrate the proposed design; and having taken a solemn oath to break every article of furniture in Mason’s house, they set out on their expedition. Having gained admission, they beat and kicked the unhappy man with great severity, finding an old man sitting by the fire-side, they permitted him to remain uninjured; the daughter of Mr. Mason escaped their fury, by running out of the house, and taking shelter in a pig-sty. After ransacking the lower part of the house, and doing much mischief, they went upstairs, where they broke everything that came in their way— among the rest a china punch-bowl, from which dropped 120 guineas, with which they immediately decamped. They set out for London, in search of Turpin, with whom they shared the booty, though he had not taken an active part in the execution of the villany.

On the 11th of January, 1735, Turpin and five of his companions went to the house of Mr. Saunders, a wealthy farmer of Charlton, in Kent. Arriving between seven and eight o’clock in the evening, they knocked at the door, and inquired if Mr. Saunders was at home. Being answered in the affirmative,