Page:London spy, or, The frauds of London described (3).pdf/21



These gentry generally ply at the most public places in town, and also at fairs and country markets, consisting of three or more in company. The dropping of money is the lure to inveigle country-men into company, and is accomplished in the following manner: The Dropper, when conveniency suits lays down a guinea, or other piece of money, close to any country man; then in a voice of exultation exclaims, I have found a guinea! Upon which a second comes up, and says. Where is it? or, I'll not believe it Here it is, cries the former, and appeals to the country-man for the truth of his picking it up; who answering in the affirmative, the second claims a share, as they were in company together: upon which the first retorts. If any body has a right to a share, it must be this honest countryman, who saw it on the ground as well as myself.—By this time they are arrived at a house, of resort, and the DroperDropper [sic] proposes giving them a treat out of it if they will walk in; intimating at the same time, that he intends to consider the country-man as a party con-