Page:Life and exploits of Jack Sheppard.pdf/10

 evidence being deficient, he was again acquitted.

3d, For breaking into the house of William Kneebone, and stealing 108 yards of woollen cloth.

This latter fact being clearly proven, he was found guilty, and sentence of death was accordingly pronounced.

Sheppard was now sent to the condemned cell, where he found nine other unhappy wretches, in as dreadful circumstances as himself. The King being at Windsor, the malefactors had a longer respite than usual, and during that time, James, Hearman, Lumey, Davies, and Sheppard agreed upon an escape, concerted measures, and provided instruments to make it effectual. On the day before that appointed for the execution, Davies gave Shepperd the files, saws, &c. with which he contrived to remove his own fetters, and in the course of the night he effected his escape, leaving the rest to the fate that awaited them. He then went down to Northamptonshire, with one of his accomplices, but feeling restless there, returned within a few days