on his Left belonging to the _Common-Side_ Felons, who have since
Curs'd him heartily for his not giving them an opportunity to kiss his
Hand, and lending them a favourable lift when his Hand was in; but that
was not a Work proper for Mr. _Sheppard_ to do in his then
Circumstances.

His Fetters are not to be found any where about the Jayl, from whence
'tis concluded he has either thrown them down some Chimney, or carried
them off on his Legs, the latter seems to be Impracticable, and would
still render his Escaping in such Manner the more astonishing; and the
only Answer that is given to the whole, at _Newgate_ is, _That the_
Devil _came in Person and assisted him_.

He undoubtedly perform'd most of these Wonders in the darkest part of
the Night, and without the least Glimpse of a Candle; a word, he has
actually done with his own Hands in a few Hours, what several of the
most skilful Artists allow, could not have been acted by a number of
Persons furnish'd with proper Implements, and all other Advantages in a
full Day.

Never was there anything better Tim'd, the Keepers and all their
Assistants being obliged to a strict Attendance on the Sessions at the
_Old Bailey_, which held for about a Week; and _Blewskin_ having
confin'd _Jonathan Wild_ to his Chamber, a more favourable opportunity
could not have presented for Mr. _Sheppard's_ Purposes.

The Jaylors suffer'd much by the Opinion the ignorant Part of the People
entertain'd of the Matter, and nothing would satisfie some, but that
they not only Conniv'd at, but even assisted him in breaking their own
Walls and Fences, and that for this Reason too, _viz._ That he should be
at Liberty to instruct and train up others in his Method of
House-Breaking; and replenish the Town with a new set of Rogues, to
supply the Places of those Transported beyond Sea.

This is indeed a fine way of Judging, the well-known Characters of Mr.
_Pitt_, and his Deputies, are sufficient to wipe of such ridiculous
Imputations; and 'tis a most lamentable Truth, that they have
often-times had in their Charge Villains of the deepest Die; Persons of
Quality and great Worth, for whom no Entreaties, no Sums how large
soever have been able to interfere between the doleful Prison, and the
fatal Tree.

The Officers have done their Duty, they are but Men, and have had to
deal with a Creature something more than Man, a _Protoeus_,
Supernatural, Words cannot describe him, his Actions and Workmanship
wh