hey
gave any alarm, one of the four remained in the kitchen to watch the
girl, while the other three compelled the footman to show them over the
house. Proceeding up stairs, they encountered Mr. J. B. Yates, who was
on a visit to Mr. J. A. Yates. On seeing the men approach, he inquired
their business, when one of them aimed a blow at him, which, however,
fortunately missed its mark, and only inflicted a slight wound on Mr.
Yates's mouth. They then ordered Mr. Yates to give up his money, which
he did, fearing further violence. Driving him before them, they next
entered a room, in which Mrs. J. B. Yates was sitting. They compelled
her also to give up her money, watch, and the jewellery she wore. While
this was going on, Mr. J. A. Yates arrived from Liverpool, and was seized
by the two rascals stationed outside. They demanded his money, putting
pistols to his head. Mr. Yates, however, with a good deal of nerve,
rushed past the fellows, threw his watch away, and seized hold of the
handle of the door bell, which he rung with considerable force. The men,
however, again seized him, and told him his ringing would be of no use,
as there were fellows inside who could overmaster any effort of his. But
the ringing of the door-bell had seriously alarmed the party within, who
were then robbing Mrs. Yates, as just mentioned. Snatching up whatever
they could, which was portable and seemed of value, the fellows rushed
down stairs, ordering the footman to open the hall-door. This he did,
and availed himself of the opportunity of making his escape. He ran
across the fields and speedily gave an alarm, but too late to be of any
service; for, when assistance arrived, the thieves had decamped, taking
with them about 14 pounds in money, and a quantity of valuable plate and
jewellery. The man left in the kitchen had contrived to secure the stock
of plate. Four of the robbers were captured in September following, and
committed to take their trial at Lancaster, where they were found guilty
and sentenced to death. They were hung in October following, and it is a
rather curious circumstance that the very week these men suffered the
extreme penalty of the law for their misdeeds, a daring burglary was
committed one night at the mill near Mr. Yates' house, when five sacks of
flour were stolen, put into a boat in waiting by the mill dam, and
successfully carried off.

The Waterloo Hotel was originally Mr. Gore's house. It was afterwards