Page:Life of Richard Turpin (1).pdf/15

15 conflict with cutlashes three at last were secured, but not till one Bob Berry, a cork-cuter, had his arm dangerously cut across a little below the elbow. During this scuffle Turpin made his cscapeescape [sic] out of a window, and getting a horse run away immediately. Wheeler turned evidence, and two of thcthe [sic] others were hanged in chains.

This affair broke up the gang. Turpin being now left to himself, had more prudence than to follow houserobbing immediately after, particularly as he was so well know; and having some money in his pocket, he took a resolation to be concerned with no other gang but to act entirely on his own bottom. With this view he set off to Cambridge which he judged to be the best place, as he was no known in that part of the country.

Near Alton he met with an odd encounter, got him the best companion he ever had, as he often declared. King, the highwayman, as he was returning from this place for London, being well dressed and mounted, Turpin seeing him have the appearance of a substantial gentleman, rode up to him and thinking him a fair mark, bade him stand, deliver, and thereupon producing his pistols,  fell a-laughing, and said,  “What, dog rob dog Come, Come Brother Turpin, If you don’t  me, I know you, and would be very glad of  company.”  After a mutual communication of circumstances, they agreed to keep company, and divide good or ill fortune, as the trumps might turn up. In fact, King was true to him to the last, this was for more than three years, when King  his fate by a ball on the road.

They met with various fortunes; but being too well known to remain long in one place, and  no house that knew them would receive them in it they formed the resolution of making themselves  cave, covered with bavins and earth, and for