smal
Reflections, a Servant knock'd at the Chamber Door, so the Gentleman
step'd to know his Business, and after about half a Quarter of an Hour
return'd again. I have been, says he, this Fortnight engaged in a very
troublesome Affair, which is like to have an ill Consequence to the
Party concern'd. Here is, says he in Town an _Englishman_, who has, as
he informs me, been studying at a College of that Nation of _Rome_, but
for want of Health is oblig'd to break off his Studies, to have the
Benefit of his own Country Air, which the Physicians prescribe to him as
the only Remedy to patch up his decaying Constitution: But the poor
Gentleman, about Three Leagues out of Town, as he was steering his
Course towards _Paris_, and so Homeward, met with a very unfortunate
Accident. Walking on the Road about half an Hour before Sun setting, he
was overtaken by a Gentleman who kept pace with him, and ask'd him among
other Things how far he design'd to Travel that Night, the _Englishman_
told him he was a Stranger to the Stages upon the Road, but he believ'd
he should take the Opportunity of the next Inn, for that it began to
grow late. The _French_ Man appear'd very obliging in his Conversation,
and told him he should have been glad of his Company, but that he was
oblig'd to turn off on the Right Hand to a Friends House, whither he was
going to divert himself a Day or Two. They had not gone a Hundred Rood
farther, but he stop'd and desired the _Englishman_ if he wou'd take a
pinch of Snuff, and then look'd backward and forward with an ominous
Countenance, he Collar'd the _Englishman_, and drawing a small Pistol
out of his Pocket, without any farther Ceremony, he cry'd _Ou la vie, ou
la Bourse_. The Business was quickly over, and the _Englishman_ robb'd
of all his Stock, which was to the value of Nine Pounds _English_,
besides a little Box of _Roman_ Coin, which were small Pieces of Money
he kept for Counters. The Foot-pad, after he had got his Booty, alters
his Course, and turns back towards _Lyons_, charging the _Englishman_
not to pursue him, nor yet go forward till he saw him out of Sight; for
if he did, he wou'd certainly return upon him and deprive him of his
Life as well as his Money. There was no arguing the Case, and the
Surprize was so great, that had there been any way of escaping this
Accident, 'tis probable it wou'd not have occurr'd at that time.

As soon as the Villain was out of sight, the _Englishman_ loitered his
Ti