having at one bett won a hundred guineas of the D—— of ——, as I was let into the secret by the riding jocky, who went halves with me for his information. Having equipt myself with every thing necessary for _collecting_, or raising contributions on the road, I met with none who dared oppose me; I robbed three captains of ships, one admiral, two lieutenants of marines, beside what I robbed in common; when I found that all men were naturally cowards, and consequently to be robbed, without resistance, I grew more bold; but what gave me courage but their cowardice, for had they, as they said, strenuously opposed, ’tis ten to one, as I opposed numbers, I should have grown timid, and submitted; but I found it otherwise, and from the discovery, met with success; I then ventured upon the continental gentlemen; but them I found worse in the article of courage, than the maritime; a lieutenant crossed me, and I thought verily, he had the same intent on me, that I had on him; I put my hand to the holsters, and stood bravely for him, but he with as much intrepidity delivered me his purse, before I had actually demanded it: Actuated by this hero’s valour, I persuaded myself that all men were cowards, and, I consequently determined to _frighten_ them all, since I found, they were to be _frightened_. Here the narrative was interrupted by a loud report of six or seven female Voices, that Mrs. _Clotilda Skinflint_, together with her _Bravo_, the old husband had entered the goal, to demand the body of Tom, to be re-delivered to them, upon which re-delivery, she was willing to pay all costs and damages, which by this time amounted to no less than three shillings, exclusive of garnish. And so ends this chapter, when the affairs of _Tom the Cat_, shall seem more desirable by the reader, than those of _Tom the Traveller_. CHAP. VIII. _The reception Mrs._ Clotilda Skinflint _met with in the prison, together with that of her adventurous loving spouse_.