Page:Life and adventures of that notorious robber and murderer, Richard Turpin.pdf/18

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horse, and take him away; on which he was immediately seized, and eondueted into the house. Being asked what right he had to the horse, he said he had bought it; but the landlord examining a whip which he had in his hand, found a button at the end of the handle half broken off, and the same of Major on the remaining half; whereupon he was given into the custody of a constable. As it was supposed, however, that he was not the actual robber, he was told he should have his liberty, if he would discover his employer; on which he said, a stout man, in a white duffil coat, was waiting for the horse in Red Lion Street; and the company going thither saw King, who drew a pistol and attempted to fire it, but it flashed in the pan: he then endeavoured to draw out another pistol; but he could not, as it got entangled in his pocket. Turpin was watching at a small distance; and riding towards the spots King cried out, “Shoot him, or we are taken;” when Turpin fired, and shot his companion, who called out, “Dick, you have killed me!” on which the other rode off at full speed. King lived a week after this affair, and gave information that Turpin might be found at a house near Hackney Marsh; and, on inquiry, it was discovered that Turpin had been there on the night that he rode off, lamenting he had killed King, who was his most faithful associate.

For a considerable time Turpin skulked about the forest, having been deprived of his retreat in the cave since he shot the servant of Mr. Thomson. Examining this cave, it