Page:Life of Richard Turpin, a most notorious highwayman.pdf/4

4 succeeding to their expectations, they determined to commence house-breakers, and in this they were much encouraged by joining with Gregory’s gang, as it was then called: a company of desperadoes that made the Essex and adjacent roads very dangerous to travel. They formed themselves into a body by Turpin’s directions, and went round the country at night, and whatever house they knew had any value in it they marked. Their method was, one to knock at the door, when, as soon as it was opened, the rest rushed in and plundered; and such was their imprudence and rapacity, that they were not satisfied with the money they found, plate, watches, or rings, but even took away the household goods, if any suited them.

Somehow or other Turpin became acquainted with the circumstances of an old woman who lived at Loughton, who always kept a great quantity of ready cash by her: whereupon he and his gang agreed to rob her; and when they came to the door, Wheeler knocked at it, and Turpin and the rest forcing their way into the house, blindfolded the old woman and her maid, tied the legs of her son, a well-grown lad, to the bedstead, and proceeded to rob the house; but not at first finding the wished for booty, they all set about a consultation what to do to get at it; for they were certain she must have a considerable sum concealed in the house. Turpin began to examine her, where her money and effects were hid; telling her, at the same time, that he knew she had money, and it was in vain to deny it, for have it he would. The old gentlewoman being very loath to part with her money, persisted in it that she had none, and would not declare any thing more of the matter; upon which some of the gang were inclined to believe her, and and were sorry for their disappointment; but Turpin as strenuously insisting she had money, as she