not abate a farthing, stepping to the Threshold (as if I intended to settle my feet in them) I started, though not fairly, running with all my speed, the Shooe-maker thought it was to no boot for him to stand still, whilst I was in action; wherefore leaving his shop, he betook himself to his heels, crying out as he ran, _stop him, stop him; Stop me not,_ quoth I, _we run for a Wager, and I give him the advantage of running in Shooes against my self in these heavy Boots_; hearing me say so, they gave way which I repeated to every one as I came near them; they encouraging me, crying out, _O brave Boots, O brave Boots_; Others animating the other with _O brave Shooes, O brave Shooes_; getting to my Horse, I mounted him, and without Spurs, for he needed none, I rode clear through _Ratcliff-gate_, and was soon out of sight, and never since heard of my Shooe-maker. I was resolved to cross the Countrey for my better securing my self from my Horse-merchant, and so directed my Course to _Exeter_, where I was resolved to continue till I had increased my store. I was fearful of venturing on Robbing, and therefore my design was solely bent on cheating, having not been yet arrived to the height of understanding the ruinating Mystery of Gaming; my Land-lord was a very jolly associate, and delighted much in my company, in that I fitted his humour so well: we often walkt together, and by our converse broad grew intimately familiar, insomuch that if I were in the house, he was hardly out of my company. Frequently we diverted our selves with _Tom Fools Games_, as they call them, _Dubblets_, _Size Ace_, _Back Sir Hugh_, _Catch Dolt_, &c. For neither of us could play at any thing else with the Dice, unless _Old Sim_. * * * * *