The Merry Past 



him. By constant practice he became an adept at 

 this somewhat unpleasant sport, the most ingenious 

 bailiffs being baffled in their efforts to entrap him. 

 One day, however, these men, who had come to regard 

 the capture of the Colonel as a veritable trial of 

 skill, obtained information that a son of the Colonel 

 was expected home from the East Indies, and they 

 determined to utilise this circumstance and capture 

 their quarry by stratagem. 



In accordance with a preconcerted plan four 

 of the catchpoles, whose faces were not much known, 

 disguised themselves in the dress of sailors, and 

 taking a couple of trunks to the Colonel's house, 

 requested admission. An old corporal, who mounted 

 guard regularly in the area, demanded their business ; 



they answered, that " Captain , who had just 



arrived from the East Indies, had sent them forward 

 with his trunks, and a letter, which they were to 

 deliver into no other hands but his father's." This 

 deception succeeded to the utmost of their expecta- 

 tions, for abating for a moment some of his usual 

 caution, the Colonel ordered them to be admitted. 



No sooner, however, did he perceive that the 

 direction on the letter was in a strange handwriting, 

 than the trick stared him in the face, and he resolved, 

 if possible, to turn the tables once more in his favour. 

 Bursting therefore into a fit of laughter, he said : 



" Well, gentlemen, at length the chance is yours. 

 There is an end of your trouble and my anxiety. 

 But as I am going to a place whence I may not very 

 soon return, you will drink a glass of wine with me, 



174 



