CAUGHT 153 



ascended after some little persuasion from the gentleman 

 behind, and reseated himself, as did the others. One of 

 them, it appeared, was a most desperate character ; and, 

 as we proceeded, my box companion stood up with his 

 back to me, and, looking at him in particular, with his 

 pistol in his hand, called out, in a determined manner, — 



" I'll have you all in Newgate this night, either dead or 

 alive ! " 



This seemed to quiet them for a time, although they 

 would break out in threats and abuse, of which I came in 

 for the greatest share ; for, at the first change after we 

 had left Barkway, I had suggested to my friend the 

 propriety as well as the efficacy of attaching one of the 

 bracelets with which the wrists of such persons are 

 usually adorned, to the iron of the dickey, to prevent a 

 repetition of the attempt at escape, and this was imme- 

 diately adopted. The suggestion called down on me a 

 threat of sending some of their acquaintances to crach my 

 crib on the first favourable opportunity. 



At Ware we were offered further assistance, but the 

 officer in charge not thinking it necessary, we proceeded 

 without, and in due time the constables safely deposited 

 their charge in Newgate. 



It was my custom frequently to amuse my home circle 

 with the adventures of the day, and the little ones 

 would as often listen with the gravest attention ; but this 

 had a far more serious effect upon them than I expected 

 or desired ; for they Avould not go to bed for weeks after- 

 wards Avithout one of them asking, with a most serious 

 countenance, when the man was coming to " crack our 

 crib," or " did I think he would come to-night?" After 



