“Jack in this capacity appeared no otherwise than as a person on whose honour the injured person could rely.
“After he had gone on with this trade for several years with success he began to lay aside much of his former caution, taking a larger house in Lambeth than that in which he formerly lived, giving the woman, whom he called his wife, abundance of fine things, and keeping an open office for the recovery of stolen goods.
“Captain Jack’s fame at last came to that height that persons of the highest quality would condescend to make use of his abilities when they had the misfortune to lose their watches or other articles of value.
“But as his method of treating those who applied to him for assistance might be misrepresented, what is given here may be relied on.
“In the first place, when a person was introduced to Jack’s office it was hinted to him that a guinea at least must be deposited by way of fee for his advice.
When this was complied with a large book was brought out.
“Then the loser was examined with much formality as to the time, place, and manner wherein the goods were missing, with a promise of careful investigation being made, and of hearing more concerning them in a few days.
“Jack had not the least occasion for questions, but to amuse the persons he asked.
“For he knew beforehand all the circumstances connected with the robbery much better than they did, and perhaps had the very goods in his house at the time.
“When the enquirers came a second time, Captain Jack or Bates took care to amuse them again.