hed a rather ponderous volume,
entitled "The Eastern Story Teller:" but it is somewhat remarkable that
the real events of his own life surpassed in interest those which were
the offspring of his imagination.

His propensity for literary composition never interfered with his
responsible duties as an officer. Accustomed to command, and possessing,
from long experience, a thorough knowledge of character, he had the
force under his control in a state of admirable order and discipline.
Nor were there wanting several occasions for the display of that natural
intrepidity which was so striking a concomitant of his character. Though
he had command of a civil force, a military disposition was not
unfrequently required.

It was his duty to "set the watch" at a particular hour each
evening--the time, of course, varying according to the season. After
this it was his habit to take his round in the night, at some hour
casually selected, in order to keep the men alert and vigilant. He
resided in a district of the town called Toxteth Park, which was at that
period infested by gangs of ruffians known by the designation of Park
Bangers. Prior to the passing of the Municipal Act, Liverpool was not
protected by the efficient day and night police that has since been
established; and gangs of lawless individuals were in the habit of
attacking pedestrians, male and female, sometimes for wanton mischief,
and not unfrequently with the view of obtaining plunder. One winter's
morning, Mr. Shipp, having performed a portion of his round, was
returning home with the intention of taking a few hours' sleep, and then
resuming his duty: as he was passing along one of the streets of the
Park, his attention was attracted by a violent whirling of rattles, amid
which he heard the shrieks of a female. He rushed forward in the
direction of the sounds, and, on turning into a retired and respectable
suburban street, saw two of his men fleeing with all the speed that
their heavy habiliments would permit, before four fellows who brandished
heavy bludgeons. A little further on lay a watchman, apparently
insensible, while a couple of ruffians were kneeling over a prostrate
figure on the footwalk. Leaning against the rails for support was a
lady, whose shrieks had now subsided into heart-breaking sobs. Shipp saw
in one instant how matters stood, and he hesitated not for a moment what
course to take. Passing the fugitives and their pursuers, he rushed up
to the fell