He searcht a pretty while again before he could find any more, at last he found in a blind corner a Book, and bringing it to light, what should it be, but Mr. _Smiths Great Assize_; _Look you here_ (said he) _what I have found at last? before which at last you must appear, and there answer for all the Villanies you have committed, and then will these very Books (thou hast stoll’n) come in as evidences against thee; but hoping thou wilt escape there, they shall convict thee here_, and so presently sent his Man for a Constable, who coming, we straight way marcht to the Mayors. As ill luck would have it, we were to pass by both the Hosiers Shop, and the Shooe-makers, who enquiring of the rabble what was the matter, were informed that they were carrying a young Thief to the Mayor, for stealing Books; the Shooe-maker was the first I past by, who seeing me, knew me presently, crying out, _this is the young Rogue that stole my shooes_; and not long after the Hosier was in the same tone; _this is one of the Rascals that stole my Stockins_, so joyning with the multitude, we soon arrived at the Mayors house; entring which, the Mayor being acquainted with the matter, came down into a large Hall, where my Accusers each in his order declared my guilt, not omitting any circumstance that might aggravate my crimes. The Mayor much wondred that I should be so notoriously Roguish at those years, and askt, what I had to say for my self. _May it please your Worship_ (quoth I, bowing so low that my nose e’ne toucht the Ground) _I am fatherless, and Money-less, Friendless, and Helpless, and being ready to starve, I begged up and down the Town, but to very little purpose; for I beg’d so long without relief, that I knew not how to prolong my Life, without falling into these indirect courses. Had not the People been thus hard hearted, I had not been so sharp witted._ What did you do with the Shooes and Stockins you stole? _I sold them_ (said I) _for Bread and Beer._ Where, said he? _May it please your Worship, I am a stranger in this place and if you hang me I know not where the house stands now._ But what did you intend to do with these Books? _And if it please you, Sir, I intended with all diligence to enquire whether any Ship was going for_ Barbadoes, _or any_ English _Plantation abroad and I would go in her; being able to read a little, (and knowing my self to be a wicked Boy) I thought to carry them along with me, to the intent I might both mend my reading; and by my reading those good Books, endeavour to mend my life._ All the standers by amazed to hear me speak after this manner; but more especially the Mayor, who protested, although he was near four-score, he had not in his whole life time observed the like President; and withal publickly confest he knew not what to do in this business: at length (after he had pawsed a while) said he; _young man, you shall have your desire, you shall go to_ Barbadoes; _here is a ship in the Harbour now ready, only