Rumbold thus supported himself by exercising his ingenuity at the expense of others, and by this means amassed a considerable sum of money. He was not so addicted to these bad habits but that he felt an inclination to retire from scenes so fraught with danger and infamy. For this purpose he placed his money in the hands of a private banker, with a design of living frugally and comfortably upon the interest. This banker unfortunately failed, and made off with all Rumbold’s property; so that he was once more reduced to the necessity of having recourse to his old employment.
The first exploit recorded of Rumbold after his reappearance in public, is the following:—He stopped at a tavern, where he called for a flagon of beer, which was handed him in a silver cup, as was customary at that time. Being in a private room and alone, he called to the landlord to partake of his noggin, and they continued together for some time, until the landlord had occasion to leave him. Soon after, he went to the bar and paid for his beer, while the waiter at the same time went for the cup: missing which, he called Rumbold back and asked him for the cup. “Cup!” said Rumbold, “I left it in the room.” A careful search was made, but to no effect; the cup could not be found, and the landlord openly accused Rumbold of the theft. He willingly permitted his person to be searched, which proved equally unsuccessful; but the landlord still persisted in maintaining that Rumbold must have it, or, at all events, that he was chargeable with the loss, and would have the matter investigated by a justice, before whom they immediately went. The landlord stated the case, while Rumbold complained loudly of the injury done him by the suspicion; and from his never endeavoring to run off when he was called back, and submitting so readily to be searched, the justice dismissed him, and fined the landlord for his rashness.
During their visit to the justice, some of Rumbold’s associates entered the same inn, where, according to arrangement, they found the cup fixed under the table with soft wax, and made off with it without the least suspicion.
The last recorded adventure of Rumbold was one which is now very common in the metropolis. Having observed a countryman pretty flush of money, he and his accomplices followed him; but, from Hodge’s attention to his pocket, they failed in several attempts to pick it. Our practitioners, however, taking a convenient opportunity and place, one of them went before and dropped a letter, while another kept close by the countryman, and upon seeing it cried out, “See, what is here?” But, although the countryman stooped to take it up, our adventurer was too nimble for him; and having it in his hand, observed, “Here is somewhat else besides a letter.” “I cry halves,” said the countryman. “Well,” said Rumbold, “you stooped, indeed, as well as I; but I have it. However, I will be fair with you; let us see what it is, and whether it is worth dividing;” and thereupon broke open the letter, in which was enclosed a chain or necklace of gold. “Good fortune,” said Rumbold, “if this be real gold.” “How shall we know that?” replied the countryman; “let us see what the letter says;” which ran as follows:—
“Brother John,
“I have here sent you back this necklace of gold you have sent me, not from any dislike I have to it, but my wife is covetous, and would have a bigger. This comes not to above seven pounds, and she would have one of ten pounds; therefore, pray get it changed for one of that price, and send it by the bearer to your loving brother,
Jacob Thornton.”
“Nay, then we have good luck,” observed the cheat. “But I hope,” said he to the countryman, “you will not expect a full share, for, you know, I found it; and, besides, if one should divide it, I know not how to break it in pieces without injuring it; therefore, I had rather have my share in money.” “Well,” said the countryman, “I will give you your share in money, provided we divide equally.” “That you shall,” said Rumbold, “and therefore I must have three pounds ten shillings, the price in all being, as you see, seven pounds.” “Ay,” said the countryman, thinking to be cunning with our adventurer, “it may be worth seven pounds in money, fashion and all: we must, however, not value that, but only the gold; therefore I think three pounds in money are better than half the chain, and so much I’ll give, if you’ll let me have it.” “Well, I’m contented,” said Rumbold: “but then you shall give me a pint of wine, over and above.” To this the other agreed, and to a tavern they went, where the bargain was ratified. There Rumbold and the countryman quickly disposed of two bottles of wine. In the mean time one of Rumbold’s companions entered the inn, inquiring for a certain person who was not there. Rumbold informed the stranger (as he pretended to be) that he would be there presently, as he had seen him in the street, and requested him to come in and wait for him. Upon this the stranger sat down to wait the arrival of his friend. In a little time Rumbold proposed to remove into a larger apartment, where they commenced playing at cards, to amuse themselves until the gentleman expected should arrive.
Rumbold and his associate began their amusement, the countryman being a stranger to the game. After he had continued a spectator of the good fortune of our adventurer, who in general vanquished the stranger, the countryman was at length prevailed upon to run halves with the fortunate gamester. For a while the same good fortune smiled upon them, and the stranger, in a rage at his great losses, refused to proceed. But after a few bottles more were emptied, the long-expected gentleman never appearing, they renewed their amusement; and fortune deserting Rumbold and the countryman who seconded him, in a short time the latter found himself without a shilling.
The landlord was then called to assist in drinking the money gained, and, being informed how they had cheated the countryman, was resolved to exert his ingenuity at their expense. Meanwhile, several associates of Rumbold, who had been respectively employed in similar adventures, entered the room, joined in their conversation, and participated in their wine. The landlord was at last requested to bring supper, which was done with great alacrity. The bottle continuing to move with considerable rapidity, the company were in general intoxicated before they sat down to supper. When it was brought in, however, they commenced with great avidity, and soon despatched a shoulder of mutton and two capons; and, under the influence of wine, all fell asleep with the dishes before them.