I I - American Memory

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man ! on which I clapp'd Spurs to my Horfe, and
ftruck up a Lane, where I was oblig'd to ride near five
hundred Yards in a ftifF Slough ; when I came up to the
further End of the Lane there was a very high Gate,
which put me to a Nonplus, but knowing if I return'd
I fliould be inevitably taken, broke thro' the Hedge,
and rode thro' fome Fields, the lall: of which, juft as
i vws going to enter into it, I faw my Purfuers waiting
my coming, when turning Ihort, I found there was no
Way of faving myfelf but by going down a very great
Precipice, which with fome Difficulty I pailed, and got
dear to Town, and at the End of Old-ftreet in Gofwel-
ftreet, was fo unfortunate as to overtake the fame Chaife
again, and with a great deal of Difficulty got clear of
it again, they calling out High=wayman ! al! down OIJ-
Jlreet, but could not overtake me, when I turn'd into
the Dog-bar, and fo got into Town, and after having
quitted my Horfe, met the Perfon on Foot that I had
juft before robb'd, but believe he did not fee ine ; I
flay'd at Home about ten Days, being a little indifpo-
fed.
My next Ride was the Endfield Road, part on Ac-
count of my Health, tho' not without fome View of
Bufinefs. I faunt'red about feveral Hours, and nothing
came in my Way till dark, when I met the Endfield
Stage Coach from London out of the Road to Buryfireet,
I pafled it, but perceiving the Coach to ftop in croffing
a little Brook to let the Horfes drink, when I turn'd
back with my Mask on, and went into the watering
Place to give my Horfe a little Water, and at the
fame Time let the Paflengers know my Errand ; there
was a Publick-houfe clofe to the Brook, where feveral
People were at Nine-Pins for a Silver Cup, they foon
perceiv'd what I was at, and immediately they all fur-
rounded the Brook, thinking therafelves fuie of me ;
but on firing a Piftol over their Heads, and at the fame
Time pufhing my Horfe pretty briskly, eafily got clear
of them.
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