Page:The London Guide and Stranger's Safeguard.djvu/233

Rh not blush to make purchases at such prices and amounts as can not leave a doubt for what end the goods were obtained. We know of one house in the linen trade, with whom this culpable practice is so palpable, that their conduct has undergone investigation in a court of law. In the same street (one of the newest built in London) is a hosier of the same stamp; with whom, if a manufacturer at Nottingham or Derby is known to do business, the poor wretch loses his credit for wool and for cotton and every needful et cetera.

When one of those is upon the go, that is to say, must shortly decamp, his acceptances become at any body's command; and it not unfrequently happens, that a shabby fellow has more of these moon-shine bills proved under the commission against him, than he could possibly have the address to put forth in five years "for value received." Twenty per cent is sometimes paid for such pseudo acceptances, which are often given before the bill is drawn (upon blank stamps)—but ten per cent, or less contents them; and it happens frequently that the poor devil only gets laughed at for his pains before the ink is dry. An honest man's acceptances, who having stood for years, yet, who is "upon the go," are sought after with avidity, at twenty per cent. paid down. He is to