Page:Life of Richard Turpin, a most notorious highwayman.pdf/12

12 the premises, one of them perceiving somebody in the cowhouse, they went in, and finding a man there, they seized and bound him, swearing they would shoot him if he made any attempt to loose himself, or cry out. They then proceeded to the stable, where was another of the farmer’s servants, whom they served in the same manner. Scarce had they performed this, before Mr Francis, who had been abroad, was met at the gate as he was going up to his door. Three of the gang laying their hands upon his shoulder, prevented him from going any farther; and the farmer not at first apprehending them to be thieves, but frolicsome fellows, only said to them, “Methinks you are mighty funny, gemmen.” On which, showing their pistols, they told him no harm should come to him, if he would give one of them an order to his daughter for one hundred pounds in cash, which Mr Francis refused to do, alleging his incapability, not having half so much money by him; they forced him by the arm into the stable to his man, where they bound him also, and left them under the care of Rust and Bush, who stood over them with loaded pistols, whilst the rest went to the house. Upon knocking at the door, Miss Francis opened it, supposing it to be some of the men, when Wheeler and four others rushing in, they secured her also. Turpin coming in with the last, prevented them from being too violent with the young lady; only threatening, if she made any resistance, she would be worse used. The maid-servant hearing this, cried out, Lord, Mrs Sarah, what have you done? On which one of them struck the maid, and another Miss Francis, and swore they would murder them if they did not hold their peace. Mrs Francis hearing the disturbance, and being apprehensive of some danger, cried out, Lord, what’s the matter? On which Fielder stepped up to her, and cried, “ D—n