On reaching London some four or five months after the murder, he was not very well off for money, and he took up his residence in Lambeth.
The police in charge of this district then became aware that night after night the most audacious depredations were committed in the district.
There was scarcely a night passed but a burglary was announced, and in as even a succession the statement followed that the thieves had not been caught.
The value of the booty thus secured was exceedingly great, and the thieves—for they were then believed to be a gang—were said to be well rewarded for their audacity.
But the place appears to have become too hot for him, and he then removed to Greenwich, where he occupied a beautiful house, and commenced to furnish it in a most expensive manner.
Whatever Peace failed in, it was not in the want of self-assurance and the belief that he could pass through society as a gentleman.
Though he had repulsive features he appears to have had winning ways in the eyes of some, for he now appears to have decided on engaging a lady to share his improving fortunes.
This “lady” may perhaps figure elsewhere shortly, and her name will then be found in the police record. But the establishment could not be kept up without “means,” and again came the last resort.
Peace had described himself to the new sphere of respectable neighbours—among whom he now moved—as a “gentleman of independent means,” and he was looked up to as one who had done well in the world.
We have endeavoured, throughout this strange eventful history, to place before the reader the leading and most noticeable circumstances connected with the career of this sinful man. After his arrest for the burglary and attempted murder of Police-constable Robinson, there was but little chance of his escaping conviction for the Bannercross murder, but there are many who have attributed his identification and subsequent conviction upon the grave charge to the jealousy of a woman, as will be seen by the following extract from a journal of the time.