The Wind favoured my design as much as I could desire, for it blew East-North-East, by which no Shipping could come out of _Ireland_. One day I came to my Landlord, and telling him that by reason of the non-arrival of my Cattel, I was disappointed of Moneys, and therefore I desired him to lend me ten pounds, and he should satisfie himself in the first choice of the best of my beasts when they came, and swore to him I would perform my promise to him upon the word of a Gentleman. So that without any scruple he lent me the money. Being Market-day, I bought an excellent Gelding with Furniture thereunto belonging, with Sword and Pistols, and in this Equipage mounted; I taking my leave of my credulous Landlord without speaking a word to him: I had not rid far, before three well mounted rid by me, (I found them afterwards to be the Van-guard) having as many more in the Rear. At the bottome of an Hill they before faced about, and bidding me stand, those in the Rear reinforc’d the Van. One of them clapping a Pistol at my breast, commanded me forthwith to deliver, Swearing three or four full-mouth’d Oaths. I saw it was now to little purpose to resist, although I was so well arm’d, and therefore endeavoured a conquest some other way, _viz._ by smooth expressions. Gentlemen (said I) ye are all mistaken; neither do I greatly wonder thereat, since I verily believe ye are fresh-men, men of a days standing in the study of this noble Science, otherwise you might have distinguisht me from an honest man; for I think in this Garb and posture, I look as suspitiously as any of ye; onely I think I take a better course then ye to avoid apprehension, and reap to my self greater satisfaction. For ye rob in companies, and if any one be taken, his just fears frequently betray himself, but oftner the rest to destruction: whereas I robbing singly, I rob securely. Now Sirs freely examine my Pockets, where finding store of Coyn, they demanded how I came by it? I invented a lye to their general satisfaction; which was, I had met with a Booty a little before I met with them, which was the occasion of my being so well furnisht; but that which confirm’d them most, was my being so well provided with Pistols in my Holsters, Pockets and Boots. Instead of doing what they intended, they were then of another opinion, and all of them carest me in a very high manner; resolving to be merry at the next Inn, and there to admit me as a Brother.