I I - American Memory

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It happen'dat an Inn in the City of Exeter, that a-
mixed Company, in which IVIr. Gordon made one, was
got into an ordinaiy Strain of Country Converfation,
•viz.. Robberies, Setts on the Road,,and,fuch like, many
Stories were related by the feveral Parties prefent, and
among the reft a jolly Farmer obferv'd, that it was ra-
ther Cowardice in tliofe who were attacked than any
Courage in Highwaymen, that made fuch IMultitudcs
lofe their Money. 1 was never (fays he) attack'd but
once in my Life, and then I got the better of the High-
wayman, and forc'd him to iheer oiF without his Booty,
and could do fo again if a Chance Ihould happen; I
warrant my Money fafe enough vi-ith only this Oaken
Cudgel in my Hand, in fpitc of the brifkeft Highway-
man in England. The Company were diverted, but
however Mr. Gordon was piqn'd, and therefore could
not help putting in a Word, Sir, (quoth he to the Far-
mer) notxijithfianding all you ha've been faying, many
brave Men ha've been robbii. Not one, (reply'd the Far-
mer) I defy the fiouteji of them, and luould be glxd to
meet the b eft of them in a proper Place. Would you fo,
fays Mr. Gordon, Well I.proteft you re a Man of MettJtt
yet Iivifhyou get fafe Home ^without meeting a CoUeSlor,
By t