Whitney soon overtook them, and riding before, turned suddenly about, presented his pistols, and commanded them to stand and deliver. “We were going to say the same to you, sir!” “Were you so?” replied our hero, “and are you then of my profession?” “Yes,” said they both. “If you are, I suppose you remember the old proverb, that two of a profession cannot agree together, so that you must not expect any favor on that score. But to be plain with you, gentlemen, I know you very well, and must have your hundred pounds, sir,--and your considerable sum, sir,”--turning first to the one, and then to the other,--“otherwise I shall be bold to send a brace of bullets through each of your heads. You, Messieurs Highwaymen, should have kept your secret a little longer, and not have boasted so soon of having outwitted a thief. There is now nothing for you but to deliver or die!” These words put them in a sad consternation: they were very unwilling to lose their money, but more unwilling to lose their lives; of two evils, therefore, they preferred choosing the least. The one produced his hundred pounds first, and the other gentleman his considerable sum, which was a good deal more. At another time, our adventurer met with an old miser named Hull, on Hounslow Heath. The word of command being given, he trembled in every joint, and using the most piteous tones and humiliating complaints, said that he was a very poor man and had a large family, and he would be hard-hearted indeed who would take his money. He added, besides, a great deal more concerning the illegality of such an action, and how dangerous it was to engage in evil courses. Whitney, who knew him well, cried out in a violent passion, “Sirrah, you pretend to preach morality to an honester man than yourself. Is it not more generous to take a man’s money from him bravely, than to grind him to death by exacting eight or ten per cent. under cover of serving him? You make a prey of all mankind, and necessity in an honest man is often the means of his falling into your hands, who are sure to be the means of undoing him. I am a man of more honor than to show any compassion to one whom I esteem an enemy to the whole species. For once, at least, I shall oblige you to lend me what you have, without interest or bond, so make no words!” Old Hull, upon this, reluctantly pulled out eighteen pounds, telling him at the same time that he would see him some time ride up Holborn hill backwards. Whitney was retiring until he heard these words, when, returning, he drew Hull off his horse, and putting him on again with his face towards the tail, and tying his legs, “Now,” said he, “you old rogue, let me see what a figure a man makes when he rides backwards, and let me have the pleasure at least of seeing you first in that posture:” so giving the horse a whip, the animal proceeded at a desperate pace until it came to Hounslow Town, where the people untied him, after they had enjoyed themselves at his expense.