Page:Life of Richard Turpin (1).pdf/21

21 he took a considerable sum. The gentleman observed to him, when he attacked him first, that he had reigned long enough, and ought to leave of thieving; to which he replied, “Pray, Sir, don’t you seem to mind it: my time is not now; nor you the man to take me: but tip me the cole or i ll —." He then rode off, and passed two gentlemen’s servants, with led horses, showing his pistols.  Turpin had been frequently known to levy contributions at the back  Islington, and in a few hours to rob in a  county.

It was remarkable, that, for such a course time as from the date of the king’s reward of two hundred pounds for his apprehension, he should  go on with his depredations with the most  impunity, insomuch that it affected the  character in the eyes of foreigners, who could  help remarking, that the native bravery of  English was supine in bringing such a daring of fender to justice. In fact, his feats of agility were so suprising, and his indentity  uncertain, that to these circumstances alone  be ascribed his long evasion from the iron hand  the law.

He had been at Suson, and drank deep at Cock there. Early in the morning he set off, robbed a gentleman of fifty guineas and a  watch, in the environs of London. of being known and pursued, he spurred his on and took the northren, road and, astonishing  relate, reached York the same evening, and  noticed playing at the bowls in the  with several gentlemen there, which  saved him from the hands of justice for that time. The gentleman he robbed knew him to be Turpin and caused him to be pursued and taken at York:- he afterwards swore to him, and the horse he on, which was the identical one he arrived