_Prisons marr and not mend, giving growth to the seeds of Roguery. He is releast out of Gaol, and sent aboard a_ Virginia _man, in order to his transportation; he makes his escape on shore in the Cock-boat from_ King road, _and travails on foot to_ Barnstaple; _he is entertained by an Hostler, what a notorious trick he serves his Master; and how again his Master was notably revenged of him._
In that short time of my confinement I had made a considerable addition to my stock of Boldness and Roguery, and was competently furnished with subtility and craft to manage my Roguish design: Nothing troubled me more, than that I had not my liberty to put in practice what I thought I very well understood. Thus you see a Prison most commonly mars, but seldom mends any. Whilst I was wishing for, and studying how I might procure my enlargement, a Merchant came into the Prison, and enquired for the Lad which was sentenced to be Transported; I (being overjoyed with the hopes of getting loose) prevented his further enquiry by telling him, I was the person. Hereupon he fixed his eyes upon me, which seem’d well pleased at the spackness of my youth, and pleasantly askt me; whether if I were not forc’d, I had any desire to travail: I told him I fancied it above any thing, and were I left to my liberty, would make it my choice above all things. _Since that you are so willing_ (said he) _you shall go for_ Virginia; _and that I may be sure of you, stay here till I am ready to go, in the mean time I shall provide you necessaries, and when the time comes, pay your Fees._ I presently framed a sad countenance, and begged of him for the sake of all that was Sacred, to take me with him, and I would serve him in any condition he pleased; and that if he did mistrust me, if he pleased, I would go instantly aboard. Being half perswaded I would perform what I promised, and taking compassion of my pitiful moan, called the Keeper to him, and paying my Fees, instantly sees me out before him; he would not absolutely trust me yet, and therefore bad me go straight forward till he countermanded me, which was but once in all the way, he drove me to his own house. This Gentleman was one of the most considerable Merchants in _Bristol_, who trading much to _Virginia_, questioned not but to make a considerable Return of me, being a lusty young comly Lad. By reason our ship lay by the Key side, a lusty Vessel of three hundred Tuns, carrying twenty four Guns, he would not trust me on Board, fearing lest the nearness of the Vessels lying ashore, I should have the better opportunity of making my escape: Wherefore he kept me at home with eyes enough over me; and that I might not be altogether idle, he displaced two or three old Servants of his out of their wearisom imployments, _Dog-turn-spits_ I mean (a usual custom through the whole City) that I might take their turn. Now that my Master might not think I needed to be forced upon business, mornings, and afternoons, (wherein I had some cooling hours) I voluntarily imployed in learning to write, the sight whereof gave my Master a wonderful Satisfaction; insomuch, that he bought me a new Canvas Suit, with Shoes, Stockins, Hat, and two new Shirts, but yet would not suffer me to stir aboard.