passed by me, for I looked only like one who
stood up while the crowd was gone.

Once or twice I asked what was the matter, but the people neglected
answering me, and I was not very importunate; but after the crowd was
wholly past, I took my opportunity to turn about and take up what was
behind me and walk away. This, indeed, I did with less disturbance
than I had done formerly, for these things I did not steal, but they
were stolen to my hand. I got safe to my lodgings with this cargo,
which was a piece of fine black lustring silk, and a piece of velvet;
the latter was but part of a piece of about eleven yards; the former
was a whole piece of near fifty yards. It seems it was a mercer's shop
that they had rifled. I say rifled, because the goods were so
considerable that they had lost; for the goods that they recovered were
pretty many, and I believe came to about six or seven several pieces of
silk. How they came to get so many I could not tell; but as I had only
robbed the thief, I made no scruple at taking these goods, and being
very glad of them too.

I had pretty good luck thus far, and I made several adventures more,
though with but small purchase, yet with good success, but I went in
daily dread that some mischief would befall me, and that I should
certainly come to be hanged at last. The impression this made on me
was too strong to be slighted, and it kept me from making attempts
that, for ought I knew, might have been very safely performed; but one
thing I cannot omit, which was a bait to me many a day. I walked
frequently out into the villages round the town, to see if nothing
would fall in my way there; and going by a house near Stepney, I saw on
the window-board two rings, one a small diamond ring, and the other a
gold ring, to be sure laid there by some thoughtless lady, that had
more money then forecast, perhaps only till she washed her hands.

I walked several times by the window to observe if I could see whether
there was anybody in the room or no, and I could see nobody, but still
I was not sure. It came presently into my thoughts to rap at the
glass, as if I wanted to speak with somebody, and if anybody was there
they would be sure to come to the window, and then I would tell them to
remove those rings, for that I had seen two suspicious fellows take
notice of them. This was a ready thought. I rapped once or twice and
nobody came, when, seeing the coast clear, I thrust hard against the
squ