Page:Prophecies of Thomas Rymer (3).pdf/14

 but little from him, said, "I have but three shillings, which are not worth a scuffle; so much good may they do you; but, as a friend, let me tell you, you are going on in a very bad way." The robber took them, and without asking him for more, walked away, with an air of dejection and terror.

The fellow was no sooner gone, than Thomas ordered his page to follow the robber to observe where he went, and to bring him an account of all he should discover. The boy obeyed, pursued him through several obscure streets, and at length, saw him enter a baker's shop, where he observed him change one of the shillings, and buy a large brown loaf. With this solitary purchase the robber went a few doors further, and, entering an alley, ascended several pair of stairs. The boy crept up after him to the topmost story, where he saw him go into a room, which was no otherwise illuminated than by the friendy light of the moon; and peeping through a crevice, he perceived the wretched man cast the loaf on the floor, and, burling into tears, cried out, "There, eat your fill; this is the dearest loaf I ever bought: I have robbed a gentleman of three shillings; let us husband them vell, and let me have no more teazings; for soon or late these doings must bring me to ruin. The expostulations were answered by those of the whole family: and his wife, having at length calmed the agony of his mind, took up the loaf,