The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1829-08-27
MISCELLANY
ELOQUENT THIEF.


ed nj once to the mayors house, but on his
way thlthei he was overtakcn by crowd
of persons who were moving tumutuousiy
nong. His curiosity was excited, and he
inquired what had happened. He was in.
formed they had thief in custody, 9nd
were conveying him 10 be examined before
his worship. Peverel worked his why IN
70 the middle Of the crowd, and bebeld a
tall, athletic, gipsy looking youth. IN the
grippe Of two constables; while, 10 his great
surprise, he saw mine hos, following close
behind, with loaf of bread under his arm.
which, il seemed, the culpri, had stolen.
The appearance OF the delinquent was such
as attracted Peverell's attention. His make
was muscular, his stepfrm, and his stature
erect. His countenance wrs s1arthy, and
ovethung with raven locks, which desceD-
dcd in natural curls down the sides of his
face. His eye wns large, dark and pierc
ing, full Of gloomy purpose and srllen des'
peration. On his upper lip he wore large
mustachious There was pleasing ex
preston of bcnigpity about bis mouths and
his teeth were regular, and Of exquisite
whiteness. His dress was shattered and
bespoke poverty; but his mieD and gesture
were such as commanded respect Even
the rude rnbble who were gathered round
him and who are always ready TO insult
and deride him whom the fangs Of Justice
have caught, even they looked on with 81.
lcnce.
As the crowd moved slowly forward, va.
rious were the conjeetures which were
hazarded. Some thought he was the mur.
derer of the man whose body could not be
found; some wondered whether he was q
wandering knight in disguise ;while others
graycly limited he might be n magician
aud now they had caught him, perhaps
there would be no more coil in the abbey.
They had now arrived at the house Of
his worship, and Pcvcrell took the opportu
nifty of speaking with him before he was
engaged in examining the prisoner. He
then informed him oF the persons who were
waiting without to bring a culprit before
his worship, and mentioned whit appeared
10 be the remarkable quality Of the accused
youth ~
IN find his quality out, warrant" enid
bis worship, 'as you shall see, an you have
time to wait the examination
Peverell readily consented, and accom-
panied his worship into the room where he
usually gave audience on occasions Of this
kind. Being seated in his chair Of state,
with his clerk beside him, he Immediately
proceeded TO business, by ihqniring what
was The nature Of the charge against the
prisoner, tt .r.,
AN j, shall please your worship's rever-
encc,' said one of the constables, this va
grom is q thief
"A thiefp rejoincd his worship. 'What
has he stolen. and who is the accuser?'
Mine host now stepped forth, and briefly
stated that tho culprit after walking seye
raj times TO and fro opposite his door which
as his worship knew, was the sign of the
Rose .....
Yes, Master Wintour,' interrupted the
mayor, i do know; and moreover | know
that mug Of as good ale may be had nn-
der The Rose as con be drunk in all St. Al
bans; but proceed
Mine host thanked his worship for bis
good word and went on
'He walked several times up and down,
es snid, when anon, though he saw me
ON bench near, he snatched up this loaf
from a.tablc, and ran of with il. | ran af
ter him, raised q hue and cry, and soon
brought him back; bu. while was asking
him few questions he watched his oppor
tnnity and darted off again with the Loaf
like a greyhound. We followed, and a
devil Of a chase Saving yonr worship's pre-
sencc) he led us--over hedges and ditches,
up hill and down dale, befnre we could
catch him. At last he run into lane that
had no thoroughtare, and then we secured
him: and now here he 10 TO answer for
bimself'
Aye, Aye said his worship, I see how
il ~: he wanted his dinner, and was too Ia
zy to WORK for il; but wen give hrm din
ncr md q supper too, I warrant Then
turning 10 the prisoner. Thou ncughty
vorlet he continued, what have you 10
sayp
The culprit who had remained unmoscd
during the whole of mine hosts deposition,
looking with a steady glance, first at the
.accnser and then NJ the mayor, now came
forward with deliberate stcp, ond, in an.
.swer 10 bis wo,ship's que s,ion, simply pro.
nounced the worl Nothing in hollow
but manly voice.
You have nothing TO say, eyi' said his
worship,
Nothing" said the prisoner, in the same
tone.
And do you know that goo will Be whip.
ped. set in the stocks, and ssnt to prison"
.Yes'
'What is your pome:' inquired the clcrk,
o u have no name; lost il when forfeit.
cd my honesty
What arc youf said his worship.
"A mani
What craft:'
None
How do you live?'
Like tho rest of the world--as we'll us
can.
Where do you live?'
Here, now--to.morrow, any wherc!"
Really" exclaimed his worship, waxing