Page:The London Guide and Stranger's Safeguard.djvu/60

44 of the gentleman (though he already knelt upon him)—and ran away. They could not be overtaken, nor was the occurrence known beyond the circle of his own friends. It was an operation of about half a minute.

Here it will be noted that the end of a street was chosen; and hence it may be concluded that such would be always preferred, even though I did not know that tactic before hand. Indeed, it will scarcely be expected that I should adduce instances, or proofs, of any proposition I lay down, seeing that every word comes from actual experience, either personally, or fey immediate information from the real actors in the scenes I describe. Well, then, I have to inform you, Reader, that the corner, or opposite the corner of a lane, or other avenue is always fixed upon; and the moment is that in which they come to take a glance down it, to see that it is clear of interruption. Sometnues an accomplice runs on before, to find the turning that will suit the purpose; he then goes into it a yard or two, and turns about just in time to contribute his assistance to the plundering; perhaps to receive into his arms, the victim who has been knocked towards him, and to complete the flooring of the unfortunate person.