Page:The London Guide and Stranger's Safeguard.djvu/39

Rh Does not know any more than yourself; and for a better reason—that thieves frequently go well-dressed, especially pickpockets; good toggery, being considered a necessary qualification for his calling, without which the Diver could not possibly mix in genteel company, nor approach such in the streets. But the close observer may always discover in the dress of the genteel pickpocket, some want of unity, or shabby article, as a rusty hat, or the boot-tops in bad order, or a dirty shirt and cravat: He may come at the same conclusion, by noticing an article of dress which has been made at the top of the mode, some long while before the other parts of his dress, together with similar attempts to appear the would-be gentleman of ton. Mr. Pullen was, however, an exception to this general rule: the neatness and uniformity of his rigging, from top to toe, his cleanliness, the mild smirk of his red face, and at length his age, contributed to render him as truly tespectable looking a pickpocket, as we shall ever find again. A curious proof how far this feeling regarding Mr. Pullen may be carried, will be learnt from the following anecdote. Mr. Pullen found occasion to go into a public house at some part of town distant from the usual haunts. He was here in close