Page:The London Guide and Stranger's Safeguard.djvu/110

94 through bashfulness, but is ordered to stay by the confederate, perhaps asked to partake of drink; for all which kindness he seems much obliged, and expresses his thanks clumsily. At length more emboldened, he introduces a word or two in favour of the goods, magnifies their value, recommends a purchase, and all at once recollects having bought some article or other he now wears of such another man. The two knaves join in the description of the man, both agree in the particulars, and in his character for honesty, shake hands and drink together.

Not less frequently, real tradesmen, living in the neighbourhood, who frequent the same house, gooil natuiedly (or with a worse motive) join in the recommendation of the article to be sold, and the delusion is then complete—the stranger is thus taken in with the aid of those who ought to be his protectors. Should you ultimately refuse to purchase, you must put up with a great deal of abuse, provocations to lay wagers, and to fight, or go through with the quarrel by contending against fearful odds. Whatever money you produce never returns to your pockets again; the landlord is sure to take part against you, "for the credit of his house;" and all present will declare themselves ready to swear that you have