After many similar adventures, Tom was apprehended for robbing a farmer’s wife. He was so habituated to vice, that nothing but the gallows could arrest his course, and in the forty-second year of his age he met with that fate, on the 25th April 1702.
Arthur Chambers. [P. 151].
ARTHUR CHAMBERS.
Arthur Chambers was of low extraction, and destitute of every amiable quality. From his very infancy he was addicted to pilfering; and the low circumstances of his parents being unable to support his extravagances, he had recourse to dishonest practices. It is even reported, that before he was dressed in boy’s clothes, he committed several acts of theft.
The first thing which he attempted, was to learn from an experienced master, all those cant words and phrases current among pickpockets, by which they distinguish one another. Chambers was soon an adept in this new language; and being well dressed, he was introduced to the better sort of company, and took occasion, when such opportunities offered, to rob his companions.
In a short time he was confined in Bridewell, to answer with hard labor for some small offence. Having obtained his liberty, he left the town, where he again begun to be suspected, and went to Cornwall. His social turn gained him a reception in genteel companies, and he became a memorable character in the place. Before he left London, he provided himself with a large quantity of base crowns and half-crowns, which he uttered wherever he went. After many had been deceived, strict search was made, and Chambers detected. For this offence he was committed to gaol, where he remained a year and a half.
As he could no longer abide in Cornwall, he returned to London. Upon his arrival he went to an alehouse, and called for a pot of beer and a slice of bread and cheese. Having refreshed himself, he entered into conversation with some persons in a neighboring box. The conversation turned upon the superior advantages of a country life, but was insensibly directed to that of robbery. Chambers, improving the hint, regretted that no better provision was made for suppressing such villanies; for, added he, death is too scarce a punishment for a man even if he robbed the whole world. “But why do I talk thus?” he continued; “if great offenders are suffered, well may the poor and necessitous say, we must live, and where is the harm of taking a few guineas from those who can spare them, or who, perhaps, have robbed others of them? For my own part, I look upon a dexterous pickpocket as a very useful person, as he draws his resources from the purses of those who would spend their money in gaming, or worse. Look ye, gentlemen, I can pick a pocket as well as any man in Britain, and yet, though I say it, I am as honest as the best Englishman breathing. Observe that country gentleman passing by the window there; I will engage to rob him of his watch, though it is scarcely five o’clock.”
A wager of ten shillings was instantly taken, and Chambers hastened after the gentleman. He accosted him at the extremity of Long lane, and pulling off his hat, asked him if he could inform him the nearest way to Knave’s acre. The stranger replied that he himself wished to know the way to Moorfields, which Chambers pointed out: and while the other kept his eyes fixed upon the places to which he directed him, he embraced an opportunity to rob him of his watch, and hastening back to the alehouse, threw down his plunder, and claimed the wager.
He next exerted his ingenuity upon a plain countryman, newly come to town. The rustic had got into the company of sharpers, and stood gazing at a gaming table. Our adventurer stepping up, tapped him on the shoulder, and inquired what part of the country he came from, and if he was desirous to find a place as a gentleman’s servant. Robin answered, that it was his very errand to town, to find such a place. Chambers then said that he could fit him to a hair. “I believe I can afford you myself four pounds a year, standing wages, and six shillings a week board wages, and all cast clothes, which are none of the worst.” This was sufficient to make Robin almost leap out of his skin, for never before had such an offer been made to him. Having arranged every thing to his wish, Robin entered upon his new service. He received Chambers’ cloak, threw it over his arm, and followed his master. Chambers ordered a coach, and Robin being placed behind, they drove off to an inn. Dinner being ordered, Robin sat down with his master, and made a hearty meal, the former in the mean while instructing him in all the tricks of the town and inculcating the necessity of his being always upon his guard. He informed him also, that the servants of the inn would be requesting him to join in play at cards, and that he was in danger of being imposed upon; therefore, if he had any money upon him, it would be proper to give it to him, and he would receive it back when necessary. Robin, accordingly, pulled out his purse, and delivered all that he had, with which Chambers paid his dinner, and went off, leaving Robin to shift for himself, and to lament the loss of his money and his new master.