Page:The London Guide and Stranger's Safeguard.djvu/180

164 is such that the very thinnest would try it on with the most bulky article.

The skirt or upper petticoat is made with a very large pocket hole, or slit half way down; into this the bulky woman thrusts the end of the muslin (or other cloth, when that is not come-at-able) then slides her round about pocket over it, like a case; and after pushing her sides alternately against the counter, or against her accomplice, so as to bend it under the projecting belly, off she marches, under the pretence of going to some other tradesman in order to save time. "Vell, I declares! how long you are a choosing, Mrs. Vatkins! I can't stop no longer here, but vill go to Mr. Proones's over the vay for my tea and my sugar. You come." Outside is another "to take it away," lest there should be an outcry. This is done in a court or narrow passage, but more frequently at the gin-shop; the keepers of which are sometimes made the holders of stolen goods, without knowing it, thinking, to be sure, that they thereby oblige a customer who is to call again. What can amend this facility to the escape of the guilty, but compelling the publican to place the article where it might be open to the view of every one coming in?

Although we have given this insight of