THE MONEY COINERS. 123 



was a right of way, alongside a large, thick-set 

 hedge. I pointed out the men to Smith, and 

 bade him follow me quietly ; then I turned 

 down the other side of the hedge. They had 

 not seen us so far, so, running noiselessly down 

 till we got about opposite to them, we then 

 crept along our side of the hedge, until we 

 came to a gate which led through the hedge to 

 the footpath. I jumped over this gate right in 

 front of them, whereupon they immediately 

 made off, I after them. 



It had been agreed between Smith and my- 

 self that I should not lose another chance by 

 spotting a particular man, but should collar the 

 first one I got near. With me was a black- 

 smith, who had joined us, and Smith was close 

 behind with the darbies. I collared the first 

 man, and Smith handcuffed him, after which I 

 gave chase to the others. By this time, how- 

 ever, they had poached a good start, but I had 

 not run many hundred yards before I reached 

 the pilot-coated man. He begged, he cried, 

 he fell on his knees, and entreated me to let 

 him go. Up came Smith with his prisoner, 



