It is our purpose in this work to throw a light on the actions and deeds of its lawless hero; not for the purpose of holding him up as an example, but rather as a warning.
His career furnishes us with a proof that a life of crime is always a life of care.
Disgrace, obloquy, and punishment are the sure attendants on the footsteps of a criminal.
Some few days after his last unsuccessful escapade, Peace was standing outside the principal post-office in Sheffield.
He had been to inquire if there were any letters for him.
He expected to receive one from Bessie Dalton, who, in accordance with his instructions, directed her epistles to the post-office to be kept till called for.
Peace had received several, but for some little time past none had arrived.
He was debating with himself as to the cause, when, much to his surprise, he descried Tom Gatliffe hastening on in the direction of the spot where he was stationed.
It was not possible for him to avoid being recognised, and, to say the truth, he had no desire to do so.
He waited till Gatliffe came up to him.