Our young adventurer now abandoned the business of buying and slaying animals, and took the George inn at Cheshunt. In order to make the most of it, he entertained all sorts of people, whether good or bad. Disappointment attended him in this as well as his former employment, and he was constrained to shut up his doors. He now went up to London, the common haunt of all profligates, where he lived in the most irregular manner, giving himself wholly up to villany. After practising the tricks of sharpers for a time, he at length commenced business upon the highway. He was one day standing at the door of a mercer’s shop, when two young ladies, apparently of fashion, passed by, elegantly dressed, one of whom inquired if he had any silks of the newest patterns. Whitney replied, that he had none at present, but should soon have some home from the weaver. He then requested their address, that the goods, when they came to hand, might be sent to them. They were rather at a loss; one of them, however, answered, that they were only lately come to town, and did not remember the name of their street. They added, that, as it was not far off, if he would accompany them, they would show him their habitation. This was just what he wanted; therefore, going into the shop, as if to leave orders, he hastened along with the ladies--they supposing he was the silk-mercer, and he that they were actually ladies of fortune, whom he might have an opportunity of robbing, either presently or at some future period. Upon their arrival he was introduced into an elegant parlor, and a collation placed upon the table, with some excellent wine, of which he was requested to partake. He was soon left alone with one of the ladies, and discovering his mistake, was resolved to have some more sport at the expense of a silk-mercer, since he had been taken for one. Whitney went to a mercer, and mentioning the name of a lady of quality in the neighborhood, said he had been sent by her to request that the mercer would send one of his men with several pieces of his best silks, as the lady was to purchase a gown and petticoat. The shopkeeper readily consented, and one of the apprentices was despatched along with him. To deceive the young man, and render it impossible for him to discover the place where he should stop, he conducted him through various streets and lanes, until he at last halted at a house which had an entry into another street; here he took the parcel, and desired the lad to stand at the door while he went in to show the ladies the silks. Taking the parcel, he went in, and inquired for some person who he was certain was not there. He then requested liberty to pass through to the next street, which would shorten his way. This being granted, he left the mercer’s man to wait for his return.