, on
reaching a place where the road made a short turn, I dashed
from them into the bushes, where I hid myself. After they had
passed me unnoticed, I cut a large club, and travelled my own
way a short distance, when I met a man who eyed me in a
scrutinizing manner. I immediately asked him, whether he had
seen a fellow running that way from the constables who were
taking him to jail? He answered that he had, and that he
believed I was the very fellow! 'Well,' said I, 'if you think
so, you are welcome to take me.' But fearing my large club, he
left me to pursue my journey. Travelling a little distance, I
came to a tavern, and looking through the window, saw the
constable and his assistant eating their supper. Their horses
resting under a shed, I was about to take one; but seeing a
barn at a short distance from me, I abandoned my intention. I
went into it, and retired to rest for the night. I arose next
morning after a refreshing sleep, and pursued my journey to my
father's, and arrived at Strasburgh about breakfast time. On
entering the tavern, I saw an elderly lady who had lived with
Mr. Pusey. She asked me how I was, and where I was going? I
told her to visit my parents. She answered, that she really
believed I was running away! Apprehensive of danger, I resumed
my journey towards my father's, and on the road I met him. From
my relation of the affair, he gave it as his opinion that it
would be imprudent in me to return again; for he had not the
least doubt that I should be arrested, and dealt with according
to my offence; so, after remaining at his house a short time, I
bent my course to Reading. I confidently believe, to this very
day, that if I had not escaped punishment for this crime, I
never should have committed another in my whole life."

Another of his escapes we shall here insert, premising that he had been
apprehended for stealing a horse.

"He brought with him a blacksmith, who had a load of chains
upon his shoulder. The smith put a collar round my neck, and
shackles on my ankles. Between these was a small chain for the
purpose of making me fast to any thing by a padlock. Mounted on
horseback, this chain was passed to the one attached to my
collar, and there locked; besides this I was hand-cuffed. Thus
equipped, we repaired towar