The English Rogue: Continued in the Life of Meriton Latroon, and Other Extravagants, Comprehending the most Eminent Cheats of Both Sexes: The Third PartHead, Richard
General
The English Rogue: Continued in the Life of Meriton Latroon, and Other Extravagants, Comprehending the most Eminent Cheats of Both Sexes: The Third Part
Head, Richard
Rogues and vagabonds -- England -- Fiction
But the Company falling into discourse, in short time called for more
wine, and then the Tapster being returned, he officiated in the boyes
place, and turning him into the stable; more wine they had, and staying
longer than ordinary, and falling again to drinking, they quaffed off
the other half dozen bottles of wine, and then calling to pay, the
Tapster, thinking to put his old trick of mis-reckoning in practice,
told them, there were seven bottles to pay; but one of the company who
was more cautious than the rest, had made his observation, and every
bottle that was brought in, he unbuttoned a button, and so was able to
aver and justify that there was but six; and withal, the rest of the
company believing him, they all fell a ranting, vowing that they would
pay for no more, and farther alledging that they were mis-reckoned one
or two bottles in the last reckoning; the Tapster, although he was
guilty as to himself, yet he did not believe them as to the other
reckoning, because he could not imagine, that the boy would be so bold
as to attempt to cheat them, and therefore he huff’d as high as they in
justification of the boy and himself; and such a noise they made, that
the Hostess went in to know the cause of that clamour: they at first
were so hot on both sides, that they would not hear her speak, neither
did they speak reasonably themselves; but in the end she understood the
matter, that they were wronged of one or two bottles by the Boy, and one
by the Tapster; she hearing the matter, did not so much stand to
justifie and vindicate the Tapster, whom she did imagine was guilty, but
as for the boy, she was very confident, that he had not wronged them,
and when the heat of their anger was somewhat over, she examined
particulars enquiring how many bottles they paid for, they said eight:
she who had not so soon forgotten what she had received, averred that
she had but six _shillings_ for wine, and therefore it was a mistake;
they still aledged _eight_, and she _six_, till now nobody could end the
controversie but the boy, who was sought after, and in short time found
in the hayloft asleep, or meditating how he should bestow his purchased
Treasure; but being found, he was without any questions there
immediately led away before the Gentlemen and his Mistress, who were to
be judges of this matter of fact. The question was soon stated to him,
and he too well understood the matter, which he stoutly deny’d, but
there was quickly such clear evidence appeared against him, that he was
found guilty; for he not dreaming or mistrusting any such matter, had
not conveyed the money away, so but that the pockets being searched,
there the two _shillings_ were found, to the great shame and confusion
of the small delinquent: this was to the great amazement of the Guests,
his Mistress, and the Tapster; but the money being laid down, and two
bottles wine being brought in for it, the Gentlemen were well enough
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