ACT THE FIFTH.
SCENE I.
A Road.
Enter three Ruffians, dressed as Sailors.
1st Ruff. Well, now, what's to be done?
2d Ruff. Why, we've been long upon our shifts, and after all our tricks, twists, and turns, as London was then too hot for us, our tramp to Portsmouth was a hit.
3d Ruff. Ay; but since the cash we touched, upon pretending to be able bodied seamen, is now come to the last shilling, as we have deserted, means of a fresh supply to take us back to London, must be thought on.
2d Ruff. Ay, how to recruit the pocket without hazarding the neck.
1st Ruff. By an advertisement posted on the stocks yonder, there are collectors upon this road; thirty guineas are offered by the quaker lady, owner of the estate round here; I wish we could snap any straggler to bring before her. A quaker will only require a yea for an oath—we might sack these thirty guineas.
2d Ruff. Yes; but we must take care, if we fall into the hands of this gentleman that's in pursuit of us——'Sdeath, isn't that his man, the old boatswain?
1st Ruff. Don't run, I think we three are a match for him.