Having thus fortunately succeeded, and been able to fulfil his promise of giving one of the above-mentioned ladies a silk dress, he hastened to their dwelling, where they divided the spoil. For some days he remained there, indulging in all manner of riot and excess, until, satiated, he returned to his labor of seeking new adventures. Determined, however, that no other person but himself should reap the fruits of his ingenuity, he wrote a letter to the mercer, informing him where he would find his silks. Accordingly, having obtained a warrant, the house of the two damsels was searched, the pieces found, and both the ladies were sentenced to Bridewell to undergo whipping, and to submit to hard labor. When Whitney was confirmed in his business, he met a gentleman on Bagshot heath, whom he commanded to stand and deliver: on which the other remarked, “It is well you spoke first, sir, for I was just going to make a similar demand.” “Why, then, you are a gentleman-thief?” Whitney cried. “Yes,” said the stranger, “but I have had very bad success to-day, for I have been riding up and down all this morning without meeting with any prize.” Whitney upon this wished him better luck, and took his leave. At night Whitney and the above gentleman put up at the same inn, when the latter related to some other travellers by what stratagem he had evaded being robbed on the road. Whitney having changed his dress, the gentleman did not recognise him. Whitney also heard him whisper to one of the company, that by this contrivance he had saved a hundred pounds. That person informed him, that he had a considerable sum upon him, and that, if agreeable, he would travel next day with him. Our adventurer overheard the conversation, and resolved, without being solicited, to make one of the party. In the morning they commenced their journey, and Whitney followed about a quarter of an hour after. Their conversation turned upon the best means to deceive the highwaymen; and our adventurer’s meditations were, how he should be revenged upon his quondam friend for the cheat he had received the day before.