With no small difficulty he arrived in Flanders, and enlisted into a regiment of English volunteers, under the command of the duke of York. In that station he behaved with considerable reputation, and even acquired some money; but his restless temper and disposition to acquire riches, by whatever means, did not permit him to remain in a situation of industry or sobriety. He deserted, went over to England, with his money purchased a horse, together with all other necessaries, and commenced his depredations in a systematic form. His success was uncommon, and he every day found means to replenish his coffers, and to nourish his extravagance. Nor would he unite his fortune with any one, who, from selfish motives, might feel disposed to participate in his lucrative employment. One day Nevison, who went otherwise by the name of Johnson, travelling on the road, and scouring about in search of a prize, met two countrymen, who, coming up towards him, informed him that it was very dangerous travelling forward, for that the way was set, and they had been robbed by three highwaymen, about half a mile off; and if he had any charge of money about him, it was his safest course to turn back. Nevison asking them what they had lost, they told him forty pounds: upon which he replied, “Turn back with me and show me the way they took, and my life to a farthing, I’ll make them return you your money again.” They rode along with him till they came in sight of the highwaymen, when Nevison, ordering the countrymen to stay behind him at some distance, rode up, and spoke to the foremost of them, saying, “Sir, by your garb and the color of your horse, you should be one of those I looked after; and if so, my business is to tell you, that you borrowed of two friends of mine forty pounds, which they desire me to demand of you, and which, before we part, you must restore.” “How!” cried the highwayman, “forty pounds! What! is the fellow mad?” “So mad,” replied Nevison, “that your life shall answer me, if you do not give me better satisfaction.” Upon which he drew his pistol and suddenly clapped it to the other’s breast, who finding that Nevison had also his rein, and that he could not get his sword or pistols, yielded, telling him his life was at his mercy. “No,” said Nevison, “it is not that I seek, but the money you robbed these two men of who are riding up to me, which you must refund.”