Page:Life and adventures of that notorious robber and murderer, Richard Turpin.pdf/9

Rh they rushed into the house, and found Mr. Saunders, his wife, and a few friends, playing at cards in the parlour. They told the company that they should remain uninjured, if they made no disturbance. Having made prize of a silver snuff-box which lay on the table, a part of the gang stood guard over the company, while the others compelled Mr. Saunders to accompany them through the house, whence they stole above 100l., exclusive of plate and other articles, which amounted to a considerable value. During these transactions, the servant-maid ran up stairs, and, barring the door of her room, called out, “Thieves!” with a view of alarming the neighbourhood; but the robbers broke open the door of her room, secured her, and then robbed the house of all the valuable property they had not before taken. Finding some minced pies, and some bottles of wine, they sat down to regale themselves; and meeting with a bottle of brandy, they compelled each of the company to drink a glass of it; when, on Mrs. Saunders fainting through terror, they administered some drops in water to her, and recovered her to the use of her senses. Having stayed in the house a considerable time, they packed up their booty and departed; having first declared, that if any of the family gave the least alarm within two hours, or advertised the marks of the stolen plate, they would ere long return and murder them.

On the 18th of the same month, they went to the house of Mr. Sheldon, at Croydon, in Surrey, where they arrived about seven in